The Euro is the official currency of the European Union and was introduced in 1999. It is used for trading among the EU countries and for international transactions. The Euro is a major global currency and is widely used as an investment and financial market instrument. Investors and financial institutions use the Euro as a safe haven currency, to hedge risk, and to take advantage of the Euro's stability and liquidity. The Euro is also used for international trade and for international payments, making it an attractive alternative to the US dollar. The Euro is one of the most actively traded currencies in the world, providing investors with a range of opportunities in the global financial markets.