I'm not sure what your friends told you about end times.
But i'm sure they did not do a good job since you're still not
convinced.
I have to admit that i'm not strong in Eschatology (issues
regarding end times etc.)
But i have to point out that God did not want everyone to unite as
one. In this context on end times.
One Currency and One government does not belong to God's
will.
However, it is to come to pass for the fulfilment of prophecy of
the word. To prove that God indeed have written the word and He is
alive.
Prophecy of One Global Currency suppose to be one of the first
signs of end times.
That i do not wish to speculate too much.
Yes Europeans are using Euros now. Maybe tribulations have
started?
Your christian friends are right when they told you about the
things that are going to happen.
But if your friends said 'God wanted to
do this and that. Then i disagree.
The presentation of End Times and God and Christianity have to be
carefully crafted and spoken.
Any misquote or errors in presenting it, will led to many further
confusions.
That is what i mean but accurate presentation.
Unless you have scriptures to discuss on. Otherwise i can't expound
on this issue.
Sorry, can't speak too much on this issue. 
