WRITTEN QUESTION E-0578/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 March 2002)

Subject: Checks on dual pricing

Since the introduction of the euro, there have been some regrettable developments in regard to the dual pricing of goods. In numerous Member States, for example, many traders mark the price only in euro or their national currency, or even not at all, causing difficulties for consumers and thereby increasing their mistrust of traders.

Has the Commission taken steps to prevent the development of a climate of mistrust which could, in the long term, result in economic crisis?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 2002)

Throughout the preparation phase for the transition to the euro, the question of dual pricing was much debated. It is a complex and double-edged issue.

On the one hand, dual pricing is a valuable aid for consumers as it serves as a triple guarantee: it guarantees that they will understand the prices displayed, that they will be able to check that prices have been converted correctly, and that the public authorities can check that conversions are correct and impose penalties in case of errors.

On the other hand, replacement of the old national currencies by the euro requires all consumers to learn to count and calculate in euros. All studies show that dual pricing is more likely to encourage consumers to continue to think in terms of their former currency, thus increasing their difficulties. As with learning a language, to learn values in euros we must practise this language only.

For this reason, while leaving Member States free to introduce legislation (which Austria and Greece, for example, have done), the Commission has recommended voluntary dual pricing(1). It facilitated the negotiation of a voluntary agreement (known as euro logo) between the representatives of consumer associations and associations representing the distributive trades(2). This agreement has been implemented in all euro zone countries except Austria.

On the whole, this agreement has been observed, particularly in the distributive trades and mail-order selling, slightly less so by small traders. In most cases, this agreement ended on 28 February 2002, but some countries have decided to extend it until June 2002.

In the public debate on the euro, at the Internal Market Council held on 1 March 2002, the Commission, for the reasons given above, felt that it was up to the Member States to decide, in accordance with their decision-making procedures, whether or not to extend dual pricing. However, given the difficulties many Europeans are still experiencing in thinking in euros, the Commission has suggested that Member States continue their campaigns to raise awareness of prices and values in euros.

Therefore, fears of abuse and mistrust are not justified. However, the Commission and the Member States will remain vigilant.

(1) Commission Recommendation of 23 April 1998 concerning dual display of prices and other monetary amounts (98/287/EC), OJ L 130, 1.5.1998.

(2) Agreement between consumer associations and professional associations from the distributive trades, tourism, craft and SME sectors in connection with the transition to the euro. Brussels, 30 June 1998.