Hi, everybody!
I'd like to throw in some thoughts:
* I agree that a logo must be minimalistic enough to look well in small sizes.
* I also agree that a gnu (the animal) is almost a must.
* The "philosophical gnu" (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/) was made in Europe (by my brother:-) and might give us some inspiration.
* I like the idea with goddess Europa very much, but I am afraid that "Europa riding a gnu" is too detailed for a logo. Anyway we "must" produce that piece of art. :-)
Just my personal opinion,
Peter