from
Markus Zydra, Frankfurt
New series: 20 years of the euro
Twenty years ago, the euro replaced national currencies such as the German mark, the lira and the franc as cash. In a new series, the SZ explains why the euro was controversial among economists and which crises the common currency had to survive. You can find all articles on this overview page.
New Year’s Eve 2001/2002. In Frankfurt there are many firecrackers in front of the headquarters of the European Central Bank. The blue and yellow euro symbol shines brightly in the damp, smoke-soaked air. The monetary union, it should be completed with the introduction of euro cash that night. There is a lot of champagne flowing in these hours, the people on the streets are singing and cheering, they seem to be looking forward to a lot in the new year, including the new currency.