The European exchange rate mechanism (or ERM) was a system introduced by the European Community in March 1979, as part of the European Monetary System (EMS), to reduce exchange-rate variability and achieve monetary stability in Europe, in preparation for Economic and Monetary Union and the introduction of a single currency, the Euro, which took place in January 1999.

The ERM is based on the concept of fixed currency exchange rate margins, but with exchange rates variable with those margins. Before the introduction of the Euro, exchange rates were based on the ECU, the European unit of account, whose value was determined as a weighted average of the participating currencies.

A grid of bilateral rates was calculated on the basis of these central rates expressed in ECUs, and currency fluctuations had to be contained within a margin of 2.25% either side of the bilateral rates (with the exception of the Italian lira, which was allowed a margin of 6%). Determined intervention and loan arrangements protected the participating currencies from greater exchange rates fluctations.

Ireland's participation in ERM resulted in the Irish Pound breaking parity with the Pound Sterling in 1979, becoming an entirely separate currency, the Irish Punt.

In 1992, the United Kingdom participated but was forced to exit the program after the Pound Sterling came under major pressure from currency speculators led by George Soros. September 16, 1992, was subsequently dubbed "Black Wednesday".

In 1993, the margin had to be expanded to 15% to accommodate monetary problems with the Italian lira and the Pound Sterling.

On December 31, 1998, the ECU exchanges rates of the Eurozone countries were frozen and the value of the Euro, which then superseded the ECU on a 1:1 basis, was thus established.

In 1999, ERM II replaced the original ERM. The Greek and Danish currencies were part of the system, but as Greece joined the euro in 2001, the Danish krone was left as the only participant member. Currencies in ERM II are allowed to float within a range of +/- 15% against the euro. In the case of the krone, this means an exchange rate of 7.46038 DKK = 1 €.

As of 1 May 2004, the ten National Central Banks (NCBs) of the new member countries became party to the ERM II Central Bank Agreement. The national currencies themselves will become part of the ERM II at different dates, as mutually agreed.

The Estonian kroon, Lithuanian litas, and Slovenian tolar were included in the ERM II on June 28, 2004. More national currencies will follow.

EU countries that have not adopted the euro must participate for at least two years in the ERM II before joining the Eurozone.

External links

European Central Bank (http://www.ecb.int/) press releases:

• On inclusion of the 10 new NCBs (http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2004/html/pr040503.en.html)
• On inclusion of the Slovenian tolar (http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2004/html/pr040627.en.html)
• On inclusion of the Lithuanian litas (http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2004/html/pr040627_1.en.html)
• On inclusion of the Estonian kroon (http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2004/html/pr040627_2.en.html)

Articles

• Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Pound drops out of ERM - September 17, 1992 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/fromthearchive/story/0,12269,793335,00.html)