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The 2 euro coin was minted by France in 2008 to mark the French presidency of the Council of the EU, which lasted from 1 July to 31 December 2008. During the presidency, France promoted the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and the resolution of crisis situations.
Obverse
The French obverse features the allegory of Marianne, the inscription "RF" and the mark of the Paris Mint. The year of minting is 2008.
Obverse
The reverse features the EU stars in a circle and the inscription "PRÉSIDENCE FRANÇAISE" / "CONSEIL DE L'UE" with the dates "2008". The outer ring features 12 EU stars. The design symbolizes the unity and leading role of France in the European institutions.
Historical context
The French presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2008 came at a difficult time: the global financial crisis, the conflict in Georgia and the negotiations on the Lisbon Treaty. President Sarkozy personally led the important diplomatic efforts. This was the fourth French presidency since the beginning of the EU.