The logo of the Czech EU Presidency is bursting with colors

Prague - The logo of the Czech presidency of the European Union, which the government will present to the public today, is vibrant with colors. The CTK has seen a part of the previously strictly confidential design. Similar to several other countries that have held the presidency in the past, the basis of the logo will likely be a phrase indicating the internet domain prepared by the Czechs specifically for their presidency. This will be found at the page www.eu2009.cz.
The government has known the shape of the logo for some time but has kept it secret as per usual practices. EU Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra told CTK back in February that the logo is modern, playful, and imaginative. According to Vondra, it should show that "Czechs are not dry and have flair".
The domain name will likely not be the only graphic element. The logo will have several variations and will involve a "play with letters." At first glance, however, the color of the letters, which is very striking compared to other logos, will catch the eye. Red, green, blue, and yellow dominate, but other colors also appear. The color spectrum is evidently derived from the colors of the national flags of member countries and the EU flag.
It is expected that the logo and its variants will grace all informational materials related to the EU presidency, will decorate the building of the EU Council in Brussels, where ministers and prime ministers meet, and may also appear on vehicles of official delegations.
According to CTK information, the logo will also be displayed on Czech Airlines planes on selected European routes. However, due to financial costs, it will only be placed under the cockpit; originally, there were considerations even for the tail surfaces, but that option is significantly more expensive. "We will make the logo visible on the external surface of the planes. Not that we would repaint them. We are not getting into operations that would be excessively costly," said Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra to CTK.
The author of the winning design in the Czech Republic is a young Czech designer who received a reward of 50,000 korunas from the government. His work was selected by a committee from over four hundred submitted designs. The logo will be used in accordance with the rules established by a special graphic manual.
The Czech logo is at first glance "bolder" than the logos prepared by previous presidencies. It follows the motto of Czech governance in the EU "Europe without borders" and simultaneously represents the union's motto "Unity in diversity."
The French, who currently hold the presidency, chose a depiction of the national flag and the EU flag, which are interconnected. Their predecessors, the Slovenians, opted for a logo representing the five elements - fire, air, earth, water, and sky. It resembles a wave and symbolizes openness, movement, ambition, and natural harmony. It also utilizes the symbol of Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav.
Prague will assume the EU presidency in less than two months. The Czech Republic will coordinate the operations of the twenty-seven for six months. The reins will be taken over from France and handed over to Sweden in July.