Brussels, 22/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - This week member countries of the eurozone will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome with the issue of a €2 coin. It is the first time that a €2 coin with a common design on both sides will circulate throughout the thirteen countries of the euro area. The coin represents an open book - the Treaty - on a background of the paving of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, where the Treaty was signed on 25 March 1957. The only difference involves the translation of the words, “Treaty of Rome” on it. Cyprus, Hungary and Romania will also issue a coin in their own currency, using the same basic design, to mark the occasion. On Thursday, the Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, Joaquin Almunia declared, “"The European Union has brought us closer together to live in peace, democracy and to share one of the world's highest living standards”. In a press release he stated, “The euro is a potent symbol of the EU's ever growing strength and progressive integration". (ab)