THE leaders concluded their morning session by welcoming in the president of the European Monetary Institute (EMI), Mr Alexandre Lamfalussy, with the new designs for the euro banknotes.
Mr Lamfalussy said they had decided to ask those entering the design competition to confine themselves to two themes: the ages of Europe or abstract designs. Some 44 entries had been received which had been considered by a jury of 14 experts. They had also taken advice from such organisations as the European Blind Union. The final decision had been arrived at quite quickly.
The EMI liked the winning design by Austria because the bridges were symbolic of links between Europe and to the world. Final refinements would be done by mid-1977.
Mr Kohl's initial reaction was not very positive - the colours needed to be more differentiated and there was a danger of counterfeiting, a fear shared by Mr Chirac who also asked why the map omitted Turkey.
Mr Aznar pointed to the omission of the Balearics and Canaries, Mr Major to the absence of Cyprus, and Mr Guteress, to missing Madeira and the Azores.
Mr Major was also concerned that the reverse side should have greater space devoted to national symbols and was reassured by Mr Lamfalussy that no final decision had been taken on the issue. About 20 per cent of one side would be available for national symbols.