Dutch told EU 'quite important'

Dutch presidency logo: Quite nice

The Dutch government is trying to boost public interest in the EU by telling citizens it is "quite important".

This is the low-key slogan for "Europe Year" in the Netherlands, which begins in March, four months before the start of the Dutch EU presidency in July.

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told BBC News Online it would not be the motto of the Dutch presidency itself.

"This campaign will be for parts of Dutch society who are not well-briefed on Europe," she said.

The aim is to get Dutch people interested in what is is going on in Europe, and to make them think whether it is good for them Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

She added that the slogan, "Europe. Quite Important" ("Europa. Best Belangrijk"), and the rest of the campaign would have a "big kick-off" in a few weeks.

The understated approach stems from the government's decision not to ram pro-EU propaganda down the throats of a sometimes eurosceptical public.

"The aim is to get Dutch people interested in what is is going on in Europe, and to make them think whether it is good for them in their daily life. They should make up their own mind," the spokeswoman said.

Europe Minister Atzo Nicolai said the campaign was intended to raise awareness of the EU not only in the run-up to the Dutch presidency, but also in the light of EU enlargement on 1 May and European elections in June.

The typeface-based logo has a clear, straightforward, and a the same time calligraphic and elegant quality Studio Dumbar

He was speaking as the Dutch Government unveiled its logo for the presidency.

Studio Dumbar, which designed the logo, writes on the presidency website: "The typeface-based logo has a clear, straightforward, and at the same time calligraphic and elegant quality.

"The imaginary square gives it its strong appearance while the surroundings suggest neutrality."

It adds: "The year 2004 completes the imaginary square, but it can be omitted, leaving options open for the Netherlands to promote its various forms of commitment to Europe

The Foreign Ministry said no decision had yet been taken about the slogan of the Dutch EU presidency, or whether it would have one at all.