Moreover, the NBR Museum has on display valuable exhibits testifying to a “culture of money” dating back to ancient times in our region. The NBR Museum has made substantial efforts to raise awareness about the history of the national currency, the features of banknotes and coins, as well as the role of money in the economy. For instance, in 2005–2006, the National Bank of Romania conducted an extensive communication campaign on the leu’s redenomination, and in view of the prime function of a central bank, namely currency issue, keeps the public informed about the leu’s security features. At the same time, apart from these efforts, our central bank often includes among its strivings to increase financial education, themes related to the history of the  BIS central bankers’ speeches  1  European single currency. It is only natural that Romanians be well aware of the currency of the club that we aim to be part of. Keeping the public informed is an ongoing process, prepared and unfolded long before Romania’s euro adoption. This is why we appreciate and support the ECB’s effort to showcase this travelling exhibition to the EU Member States to the benefit of all European citizens. I therefore totally agree with Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet, the ECB’s President, who said precisely one year ago (on 10 March 2010, when this exhibition was inaugurated in Frankfurt) that “the euro should speak both of Europe’s diversity and its common culture, its history and its future”.
Starting with the history of money to the production of euro banknotes and on to the security features and the educational games in the Kids’ Corner, all visitors will definitely find useful information displayed in an attractive manner. For the NBR, the Euro Exhibition is yet another opportunity to strengthen our external communication activities, to get closer to the public at large and to open the doors of our institution in a special context: consolidating the steps towards full integration in Europe. Let me end by thanking all of you here today. I now give the floor to Mr. José Manuel González-Páramo to share with us his thoughts about the exhibition. 2  BIS central bankers’ speeches