THE semiotic importance of the new euro bank notes emerged clearly late on Saturday; at his briefing for journalists, the French President, Mr Jacques Chirac, only truly came to life when the subject turned to the design unveiled the previous day in Dublin.
Mr Chirac revealed that over the past few weeks, the heads of state and government had taken considerable time off from their wrangles on the Stability and Growth Pact and control of drugs to examine and discuss the bank notes that over 300 million Europeans are to use.
"Chancellor Kohl made the excellent suggestion . . . that the colours should be brighter, so that people can distinguish them more easily," he explained, his eyes sparkling.
The bills, which have already been criticised by Irish artist Robert Ballagh as "competent but dull", were specifically designed to have wide appeal across the 15 EU states.
The Austrian artist, Robert Kaliena, said he was inspired by the theme "Ages and styles of Europe". Each note depicts the prevailing architectural style during a different age of Europe's cultural history: Classical, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo, Iron and Glass and modern era.
Within this theme is further symbolism; Mr Kaliena focused not on identifiable buildings but on windows, gateways and bridges.
"The design has been selected because it blends the historical development of the technical, artistic and communication fields in Europe in one harmonious composition," the European Monetary Institute (EMI) said.
"It epitomises the dawn of the new common Europe with its common cultural heritage, and the vision of a common future in the next century, indeed the new millennium."
The front of each bank note shows a window or gateway, representing the spirit of openness and co-operation in the European Union, the EMI said. The reverse of each note bears a bridge, symbolising communication among the people of Europe, and between Europe and the rest of the world.
Part of the artist's job over the next six months is to put the final touches to the sketches.
At the latest, the notes should be in circulation by January 1st, 2002.