FRANKFURT, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The share of the euro in the international currency use rose to around 20 percent last year, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Tuesday.

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows the Euro sign in Frankfurt, Germany.  (Photo: Xinhua)

The euro's share across a broad set of indicators of international use rose to around 20 percent in 2025, a sign of "gradual but steady upward trend" since the Ukraine conflict erupted and reinforcement of the euro's role as the second most important currency in the world, the ECB said.

The issuance of international debt in euro soared markedly in 2025, up by around 30 percent year-on-year and foreign portfolio inflows to the euro area were close to historical highs, the ECB noted.

"There is an opening for the euro to enhance its global appeal, provided that European policymakers create the necessary conditions and put words into action," said ECB President Christine Lagarde.

The ECB urged the euro area to develop deeper, more liquid capital markets so that the euro can "evolve into a truly global international currency."