‘Europe in your Pocket’: narratives of identity in euro iconography
Monica Sassatelli
European institutions have long been concerned with how citizens perceive them and this is connected to shifting notions of Europe collective identities. This article contributes the analysis EU narratives as revealed by design euro banknotes, their intended institutional meaning debate they raised. The seven denominations’ main images are bridges doors, inspired architectural styles, but representing abstract symbols not actual landmarks. In public debate, has attracted more criticism than praise; scholars, too, generally dismissive. article, I aim provide an interpretation currency iconography becomes medium both accepted occasionally contested identity. First consider was designed officially promoted; then advance a critique interpretations, indicator (or unacceptable) representations Europe. Available will finally be rethought through significance bridge door cultural symbols, following Georg Simmel’s essay on subject. emerge in relation wider relevance metaphors tropes
Journal of Contemporary European Studies|Goldsmiths Research Online (Goldsmiths University of London)