Dutch emblems too 'corny'

The Dutch Government has decided that windmills, tulips and wooden shoes may be among the most beloved emblems of the Netherlands, but they are symbols it hopes to avoid after it takes up the EU presidency.

It decided such symbols were too "corny" and would detract from the image that PM Jan Peter Balkenende wants to portray when the Dutch assume the rotating presidency of the 25-nation bloc today.

The Dutch emblem for the presidency will incorporate the letters "NL" and the national colours red, white, blue and orange in a design that spells out "EU".