The Euro as an International Currency in the Official Sector

International currency is a currency that is used outside the country as unit of account, medium of exchange, and means of accumulation. International currency performs the functions of money in an international dimension. The international role of the euro refers to the use of the euro in global markets and by residents of countries outside the euro area. Non-euro area residents may use the euro, for instance, in payment transactions or financial market transactions with euro area residents or with other non-residents. In particular, the euro is used by the official sector of several non-euro area countries as a reserve currency, as an anchor currency or as an intervention. This article reviews official use refers mainly to the euro's role in third countries' monetary and exchange rate policies, in the form of an anchor or reference currency, a reserve currency or an intervention currency(original abstract)