” “On the occasion of the anniversary of the decision to create the single currency, as provided under the earlier Treaty of Maastricht, the EU Commission presented today in Brussels, a survey called "Uem@10: a balance of the economic and monetary union ten years after its creation". The report tells of the changes and main economic and financial events that have occurred since 1998, followed by some considerations on the problems that are still to be tackled to give more stability to productive and trade processes, increase the competitiveness of the European economic system and create employment. According to the experts of the EU Commission, "the euro has given lasting stability to prices, to an extent that most of its member states had never known before"; "interest rates have dropped on average to 5%, versus 9% in the Nineties". In addition, the disappearance of costs and risks relating to the exchange rate has boosted trade within the euro-zone, which "currently account for one third of the European GDP, versus the previous 25%". In addition, positive signs come from major investments and "higher employment rates, with the creation of 16 million jobs". ” “
