The euro is the common currency of several countries in Europe. The following 15 nations have formed a monetary union: Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Cyprus. The euro is also used as legal tender in Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Montenegro and Kosovo. The name "euro” was decided upon at a meeting of the European Council in Madrid in 1995. A year later, the state and government leaders of EU countries chose the pictures that can be seen on euro bank notes. They were created by the Austrian graphic designer Robert Kalina. In 1997, the appearance of the coins was decided upon, based on designs by the Belgium designer Luc Luycx. At the start of 2002, the European Central Bank gave the go-ahead for banks in the countries belonging to the monetary union to exchange the national currencies for the euro. On the front of euro bank notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros) there are pictures of windows, doors and portals. These are meant as symbols of openness. The backs of the bank notes show bridges in different historical styles ranging from Classicism, Romanesque, Gothic and others to the modern architecture of the 20th century. This is intended to show that the people of Europe have always been connected with one another and have always forged links to one another. The bank notes are the same in all countries. The coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent, 1 and 2 euros) have the same design only on the front. The back displays national motifs. For example, the euro coins issued in Germany show the Federal Eagle, the Brandenburg Gate or oak leaves.