The French currency is known as the euro, which has been in use since 2002. It replaced the previous currency, the franc, as part of a broader effort to unify the economies of European Union member countries. The euro is symbolized by € and is used by 19 of the 27 EU countries, forming the Eurozone. The euro is managed by the European Central Bank (ECB), which sets monetary policy to maintain price stability and support economic growth. The currency is available in both coins and banknotes, with various denominations that feature designs representing European culture and history.