Jean-Claude Trichet: Euro Star Event to raise public awareness and
facilitate changeover to the euro in Estonia
Speech by Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, at the Euro
Star Event at the Bank of Estonia, Tallinn, 19 September 2010.
* * *
Dear Governor Lipstok,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The introduction of the euro is a historic moment for any EU Member State, and the euro
itself is also a historic achievement for Europe. Indeed, the euro is one of the most tangible
signs of the cohesion and mutual trust, among Europe's citizens. Since its introduction back
in 1999, the depth of feeling generated by the euro has been remarkable. A lot of the
attention gained by the euro has been directed not only at the currency itself, but rather at
the underlying strategic vision, of which it has become the symbol. The forthcoming
enlargement of the euro area to include Estonia demonstrates that the euro area is not a
"closed shop". Its doors are open to the EU Member State that fulfils the necessary
preconditions in a sustainable manner.
1 January 2011 will become a landmark in the history of Estonia, reflecting the long and
challenging process of economic and monetary integration that has enabled Estonia to join
the euro area.
The euro banknotes and coins are now an important and natural part of our daily lives. And
this will soon be the case for the people of Estonia.
In preparing for the changeover, we have enjoyed excellent cooperation with Eesti Pank and
the Estonian Government, working very closely also with the European Commission. And
this, I am sure, will make the introduction of the euro in Estonia a success.
Today, Eesti Pank and the European Central Bank are launching the Euro Campaign Estonia
2011, an extensive media campaign to help the people of Estonia to become acquainted with
the euro banknotes and coins, the security features of the banknotes and the changeover
modalities. The campaign comprises TV advertisements, print publications, public relations
activities, interactive applications for the internet and special support for the media.
In total, we have four TV spots that will be aired from November 2010 to mid-January 2011,
and these form the backbone of our communications activities for the general public.
The first TV spot sets the mood of the campaign and familiarises viewers with the
appearance of the euro banknotes and shows the gates and bridges featured on the
banknotes. The gates symbolise the spirit of openness and cooperation in Europe. The
bridges represent the very close relationship and cooperation between the people of Europe
and between Europe and the rest of the world.
The other three spots are shorter and focus on the security features of the euro banknotes, in
particular, the "feel-look-tilt" technique that people can easily use to check the authenticity of
our banknotes.
And I am pleased to be able to show you the four TV spots for the first time. Action!
Dear Governor Lipstok,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour for me to be here tonight to present you with the Euro Star. Since the
inception of the Euro notes and coins, this unique memento has been a gift signifying a warm
welcome to the "Eurosystem family". In a way, the very idea of the Euro Star reminds me of
your Kõpu Lighthouse, the world's oldest functioning lighthouse built in 1531. Like a bright
star, this lighthouse has safely guided the merchant fleets bringing prosperity to Estonia.
I believe that, in its own way, the euro will serve as a similar beacon. It, therefore, gives me
great pleasure to present the Euro Star to Governor Lipstok as a symbol of Eesti Pank
joining the Eurosystem on 1 January 2011.
We all very much look forward to welcoming Estonia to the euro area. Tere tulemast, Eesti!
[Welcome Estonia!]