Eurozone Definition, History, Member Countries
Key takeaways – The eurozone (euro area) is the group of European Union (EU) countries that have adopted the euro (EUR) as their sole…
European Union (EU): What It Is, Countries, History, Purpose
A political and economic union of 27 European countries, the European Union (EU) combines institutions, laws, a common market, and—for 19 members—a single currency…
European Option: Definition, Types, Versus American Options
A European option is an options contract that can be exercised only on its expiration date. That means the holder’s right to buy (call)…
European Central Bank (ECB): Definition, Structure, and Functions
• The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for the euro area (the EU countries that use the euro). It was created…
European Sovereign Debt Crisis: Eurozone Crisis Causes, Impacts
Key takeaways – The European sovereign debt crisis (peaking 2010–2012) began after the 2007–2008 global financial crisis and exposed vulnerabilities in several European economies,…
European Currency Unit (ECU): What it Means, How it Works
Key takeaways – The European Currency Unit (ECU) was an accounting unit used by the European Monetary System (EMS) from 1979 until it was…
European Community (EC)? Definition and History
Key takeaways – The European Community (EC) was an economic and political grouping of European countries created to deepen economic integration and reduce the…
European Banking Authority (EBA): What it is, How it Works
The European Banking Authority (EBA) is an independent EU regulatory agency created to promote a single, stable, and transparent banking market across the European…
Euromarket: Meaning, Overview and History
Key takeaways – “Euromarket” has two distinct meanings: (1) the international eurocurrency market (currencies held or traded outside their country of issue) and (2)…
Eurodollar: Definition, Why It’s Important, and Example
A eurodollar is a U.S. dollar–denominated deposit held at a bank or branch located outside the United States. Because these deposits sit offshore, they…