Belgium’s first 2024 commemorative coin is dedicated to the presidency

Eurozone countries honour important events or individuals with a commemorative coin. For this reason, Belgium’s first 2024 commemorative coin is dedicated to the presidency. It depicts 27 swallows and symbolises the rotating presidency of the Council.

Commemorative coins

Each country that uses the euro as its official currency can issue a commemorative coin twice a year. The national side, i.e. the side on which each country can emboss its own image, is often designed to honour a significant person or event.

A coin in honour of the Belgian presidency is a vital addition. We have a stated ambition to use our historic commitment to European integration and cooperation for a stronger Europe
Vincent Van Peteghem
Belgian Minister of Finance

27 swallows

Belgian Minister Vincent Van Peteghem and European Central Bank Chairwoman Christine Lagarde presented the commemorative currency after the Eurogroup meeting on 15 January. The national side of the coin depicts 27 swallows. In a flock, swallows always fly together, with one bird each taking the lead and providing direction. This symbolises the rotating presidency, with one member state leading the Council of the European Union each time.

The chairman sets the agenda, keeping their own priorities in mind. Thus, like the swallow, giving direction to the group. Swallows are also known for their helpfulness, industriousness and loyalty, values that the Belgian presidency wants to champion for a stronger Europe.

A coin card was also issued with the coin. The front features swallows raising the stars of the European flag. On the back, a swallow is depicted within the European stars with a relay baton in the colours of the Belgian flag.