Choose the design of the new euro coin!!!

All euro-area countries will issue a commemorative 2-euro coin with a common design at the beginning of 2009 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of EMU and of the creation of the euro.

The design is chosen by EU citizens and residents by voting on the specific web site set up for this purpose. Voting is open between 31 January and 22 February 2008.

On 1 January 1999 the euro became the currency of the eleven original participating countries and a single monetary policy was introduced under the authority of the European Central Bank (ECB). National banknotes and coins continued to exist as sub-divisions of the euro until they were physically replaced by euro banknotes and coins in 2002. Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is the political and economic framework that supports the euro and complements the EU's single market. EMU has provided low inflation and interest rates to the benefit of consumers and companies and encouraged sound and sustainable public finances. The single currency has abolished exchange costs and facilitated trade and price comparisons within the 15 countries that currently make up the euro area.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of EMU and of the creation of the euro, all euro-area countries will issue a commemorative 2-euro coin with a common design at the beginning of 2009. On the basis of a design competition between the Mints of the euro area followed by a pre-selection of designs by the Mint Directors, the winning design is chosen exclusively by EU citizens and residents by voting on the specific web site set up for this purpose. The design that receives the highest number of votes will be selected as the winner. One winner will be chosen among those having voted for the winning design. The prize will be a set of high-value euro collector coins.

The winning design will be announced on 25 February 2008.

In order to vote, visit http://www.eurodesigncontest.eu/index.cfm?lang=en (the Greek coin is second on the left side). Good luck to HELLAS!!!!