--- title: Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro description: After years of watching Europe's single currency appreciate against the U.S. dollar, European companies are rubbing their hands at the sales boost they should get... canonical: https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/ author: Bruce Crumley article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2010-03-05T05:00:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T10:44:12.270Z article:section: Business og:title: Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro og:description: After years of watching Europe's single currency appreciate against the U.S. dollar, European companies are rubbing their hands at the sales boost they should get... og:url: https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1487ca0c802ba7d4/698a4a5eb21a9c5cc9508bb3/360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg?branch=production&width=360&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 360 og:image:height: 203 og:image:alt: 360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro twitter:description: After years of watching Europe's single currency appreciate against the U.S. dollar, European companies are rubbing their hands at the sales boost they should get... twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1487ca0c802ba7d4/698a4a5eb21a9c5cc9508bb3/360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg?branch=production&width=360&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Business](/section/business/) * [Tech](/tag/time-section-tech/) # Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=36a6bcf7-8d68-4b11-a65c-fc1a297f8758&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Bruce Crumley](https://time.com/author/bruce-crumley/) Mar 5, 2010 5:00 AM UTC  Chris Ratcliffe / Bloomberg / Getty Images by [Bruce Crumley](https://time.com/author/bruce-crumley/) Mar 5, 2010 5:00 AM UTC After years of watching Europe’s single currency appreciate against the U.S. dollar, European companies are rubbing their hands at the sales boost they should get from the euro’s 10% decline against the greenback in recent weeks — a slide that may not yet be over. “After so much protest about the strong euro, I know there are big French exporters out there who aren’t unhappy seeing it where it is now,” French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde told Europe 1 radio in late February, just days before the euro’s exchange rate to the dollar dropped another cent, to a nine-month low of $1.34. New statistics released Thursday, March 4, show that growth in the euro zone in the last quarter of 2009 was an anemic 0.1%. But it would have been far worse had euro-zone exports not surged 1.7%. Domestic consumer spending — which has been the main growth motor in Europe over the past year — was virtually flat, while business investment dropped 0.8%. That export activity occurred prior to the recent drop in the euro’s value against the dollar. Given that fall, many European exporters hope their increasingly affordable products will start flying off shelves. The reason: beyond its recent drop, some analysts expect the euro to weaken further as markets — assuming that Greece’s apparently successful bond issue this week signaled that the worst of that crisis is over — turn their sights to the troubled finances of Italy, Portugal and Spain. [(See 25 people to blame for the financial crisis.)](https://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1877351%5F1877350,00.html) That would be good for European exporters — and economies. The lion’s share of euro-zone exports are sold by small and medium-size companies that constitute the largest generators of employment across Europe. Germany — far and away the euro zone’s largest exporter, and the second biggest worldwide — in particular is likely to benefit. “This is a very positive development for all companies in the euro zone who, like us, really feel the effects when the rates rise above the $1.25-to-$1.30 range,” says Philippe Lafaure, president of LCL Technology, a Toulouse-based producer of wireless embedded electronic systems that does about 90% of its sales in exports. “In the end, a lower euro translates into lower prices, which is good for our business and all exporting companies in the euro zone.” But the debt-provoked currency plunge won’t be a miracle cure for the economic ills of all euro-zone exporters. Lafaure, for example, notes that while his euro costs in research and development greatly affect sales price, his company is partly protected by having production sites in dollar-zone countries in Asia — providing a pricing hedge when the euro is too high. Multinationals with affiliates in the dollar zone have benefited from the weaker dollar over the past few years. German electronics giant Siemens, for example, generated nearly 45% of its revenue in 2009 in the dollar region. “The bigger the company is, the less traditional export activity it tends to do and the less exposed it is to currency fluctuations,” says Siemens spokesman Wolfram Trost. “But when applied to an entire export-driven country like Germany, a drop in the value of the euro becomes a very significant and positive development.” [(See the top 10 crooked CEOs.)](https://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1903155%5F1903156,00.html) It’s been a long time coming. For much of the past five years, the euro has floated between $1.45 and $1.55, in large part due to U.S. policies aimed at keeping the dollar undervalued so dollar-priced American exports would be more affordable abroad. Debt-spooked markets are now reversing that — something that could over time take the currency closer to the $1.15-to-$1.20 range that experts say is its true value. “The return to a euro-dollar balance of under $1.30 by the end of the year now seems possible,” French bank BNP Paribas recently reported. Of course, those bargain American vacations Europeans have become used to taking just got a lot more expensive. [See TIME’s Pictures of the Week.](https://www.time.com/time/picturesoftheweek) [See the Cartoons of the Week.](https://www.time.com/time/cartoonsoftheweek) ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/"},"headline":"Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro","datePublished":"2010-03-05T05:00:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T10:44:12.270Z","description":"After years of watching Europe's single currency appreciate against the U.S. dollar, European companies are rubbing their hands at the sales boost they should get...","url":"https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/","keywords":["Tech"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1487ca0c802ba7d4/698a4a5eb21a9c5cc9508bb3/360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Bruce Crumley","url":"https://time.com/author/bruce-crumley/"}],"articleSection":"Business","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1487ca0c802ba7d4/698a4a5eb21a9c5cc9508bb3/360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"360_euro_dollar_0305.jpg","caption":"","creditText":"Chris Ratcliffe / Bloomberg / Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/business/","name":"Business"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-tech/","name":"Tech"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/archive/6906960/europe-looks-to-export-boost-from-weak-euro/","name":"Europe Looks to Export Boost from Weak Euro"}}]}] ```