Postal stationery dedicated to the European Central Bank issued in Estonia

On 1 June, the European Central Bank celebrated its 10th anniversary. Dedicated to this, postal stationeries designed by LEMBIT LÕHMUS are launched for sale today in the post offices of Estonian Post. The postcard depicts the Frankfurt-based ECB building, the Eurotower, and the 10th-anniversary logo of the ECB. Those who wish can obtain the first-day marking on the stationery in the Estonian Post post office located at Narva mnt 1.

The European Central Bank celebrated its birthday by the Cultural Days of the European Central Bank, which lasted from 14 may to 2 June and were dedicated to the cultural richness and diversity of the 27 EU Member States. In addition to many music, literature, dance and other events, the ECB compiled an exhibition Insights - Works from the Art Collections of the NCBs, presenting works of art themed "the world and the landscape" and "people and (his)tories". Four works were picked from Eesti Pank's art collection: Vano Allsalu's painting "Järelõitseng I" and three graphic works by Leo Lapin called "Informatsioon", "Produktsioon" and "Multiplikatsioon". The official anniversary ceremony and concert are held on June 2. This event is also attended by Governor of Eesti Pank Andres Lipstok and Deputy Governor Rein Minka.

The ECB has been organising cultural days since the beginning of 2003. Each year, the cultural days are dedicated to the culture of a certain Member State. So far, the culture of Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Greece has been introduced. The main purpose of the cultural days is to bring the cultural diversity and richness of the EU Member States to as many people as possible and to promote cooperation between members of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) also in other fields besides monetary policy.

The European system of Central Banks, which is composed of the European Central Bank and the national central banks of all 27 European Union Member States, was established simultaneously with the ECB - on 1 June 1998. Estonia has been member of the ESCB since 1 May 2004, when the country joined the European Union.

The photo of the postal stationery issued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ECB can be viewed at www.post.ee/failid/2008_42ta.jpg.
More specific information regarding the ECB's anniversary and anniversary events is available on www.ecb.int/home/html/index.en.html.