The long awaited tenth birthday of the euro is almost upon us, as January 2012 will mark 10 years since the introduction of euro banknotes and coins. For some it’s a dream come true, but for others, it certainly won’t be time to celebrate.
The euro, it seems, has matured rather earlier than expected. As at ten years old, it will have already left behind its heady years of youthful fun. Gone are the days when it leapt ahead, leading the world’s currencies. Gone are the days of dreamy idealism when political and media commentators whispered on, “you can be anything you want to be”. Indeed, for the euro, the noughties will always be remembered fondly.
Like all youngsters these days, the travails of the modern world have brought adolescence down on the euro’s head with a bump, and growing up has proven tough. Life in the ‘real world’ is not quite as simple as it initially seemed, and living up to certain people’s expectations appears virtually impossible. The euro has come to learn that its apparently ‘reckless’ behaviour will not be tolerated, neither by voters nor markets. Instead they now whisper, "the party's over, it's time to clean up". Strange really, considering that no-one seemed to mind the wild parties of the noughties...
Anyway, enough of that introspective nonsense. Despite some growing pains, there are those intent on carrying on the celebrations.
Cue the European Commission….
For those who wish to remember the day for years to come, what could be better than a special commemorative coin? Better still, a coin designed by its nearest and dearest – the eurozone citizenry.
Yes that’s right, in March, the European Economic and Financial Affairs Commission launched a competition to design the 2012 commemorative coin. Five designs have already been chosen and you can vote for your favourite here. (you won't be surprised to learn that none of the shortlisted contributions draw inspiration from the placards that have featured in various euro related anti-austerity protests lately). The winning coin will be issued in all eurozone countries.
So keep your eyes out for the coins in January next year. In years to come they could be a valuable collector’s item, or perhaps even a relic of the past.
8 comments:
In order to celebrate 10 years of the loss of their freedom, the inmates of the euro-prison have been given the choice of which colour they can paint their cells.
Who said the EU was undemocratic....
Who said the EU is undemocratic?
Are these people serious?the first attack is scheduled for August,the proper one in October(goodbye Greece,welcome to the New Drachma).And,dear old Spain,democracy and youth unemployment at 40 percent,completely insolvent cajas,thousands of worthless properties...
Typical fiddling while Rome burns springs to mind or more prosaically: all fur coat and no knickers as they might say in more down to earth company. All is show, there is no substance or value-adding in the workings of the Euro-Soviet state. The economic contradictions of the single currency project were plain to see from day 1. Why Greece or any of the PIGS wanted to sign up to it beats me. The hangover in these countries will be long and painful if they can avoid leaving this political folie de grandeur.
The coinage is the worst in my (78year)memory, with wear-and-tear on my pockets more than it's ever been.
What's to celebrate?
The last example in the row seems appropriate, a worker bee on a honey comb, apparently feeding the Euro symbol.
Do MEPs bother with coinage or is it large demonination notes they desire and get.
How about a picture of 5 litle PIIGS being blown away by the wicked wolf of the euro?
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