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A joint 2 euro commemorative coin of the Kingdom of Belgium, issued in 2009 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union. The coin was issued by all 16 eurozone countries with the same obverse design. The design was chosen based on an online vote by EU citizens. The designer is Georgios Stamatopoulos, sculptor of the Bank of Greece.
Obverse
The centre depicts a stylised human figure, combined with the euro symbol "€". The design is intended to convey the idea that the single currency and the Economic and Monetary Union are the latest stage in the long history of European trade and economic integration. Around the image is an inscription in the three official languages of Belgium, indicating the issuing country, as well as the inscription "EMU 1999–2009". The initials of the designer are visible above the year. On the left and right are the mintmarks and the mintmaster. On the outer ring are the 12 EU stars.
Reverse
Reverse is the updated common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. A map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left is the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 EU stars. On the band is a groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
Economic and Monetary Union is the process of harmonizing the economic and monetary policies of the countries of the European Union, which culminated in the introduction of a single currency. The third, decisive stage of EMU began on 1 January 1999, when the euro was introduced as a non-cash currency in 11 countries, and the exchange rates of national currencies (including the Belgian franc) were irrevocably fixed against the euro. On the same day, the European Central Bank took over the monetary policy of the euro area. Euro coins and banknotes entered into circulation on 1 January 2002. Belgium is one of the founding members of the euro area and an active participant in the process of European integration.