BRUSSELS, May 2 (KUNA) -- A new 5 euro banknote, the first known as the Europa series, started to circulate Thursday in the 17 euro area countries.
According to Belgian media reports, the safety characteristics of the new 5 euro bill were developed by the printers at Belgium's central bank, the National Bank of Belgium. The new five euro bill incorporates the latest technology developed by the printers at the Belgian National Bank.
To mark the occasion, a short event, was held in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where the European Central Bank Governing Council met Thursday.
Speaking at the event, ECB President Mario Draghi said the new banknote will join the 15 billion Euro notes already in circulation. "With Europa series, we are giving a face to our currency; a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology has been incorporated onto some of the security features of the new series," he noted.
The older 5 euro banknotes introduced in 2002 will continue to circulate alongside the new banknotes, but they will gradually be withdrawn. (end) nk.mt KUNA 022140 May 13NNNN