This highlights that, despite our diversity, we share a culture that is largely rooted in a common heritage and that has never been contained by national boundaries. Our shared heritage is also referenced in the security features that protect our banknotes. The hologram and the watermark bear a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology which serves as the face of the euro.
So it is clear that, when I sign my name in a few minutes, I will not simply be undertaking a procedural task. These banknotes are part of our economy, our identity and our culture – and we at the ECB have an immense responsibility to ensure that people maintain their trust in them. So far, we have done a fine job.