WRITTEN QUESTION E-2109/97 by Johanna Boogerd-Quaak (ELDR) to the Commission (23 June 1997)

Subject: Promoting the euro in connection with European sport policy

1. Can the Commission explain why 'La Course de Voile', a sailing competition not recognized by the official sports world in Europe, has been given an ECU 1 million subsidy, under the Actions Prioritaires de l'Information which are aimed at European citizens, the euro and the internal market, for promoting the euro?

2. What criteria were used for this, and what guarantees have been obtained that this subsidy will produce commensurate publicity as a means of promoting the euro amongst the public at large?

3. Can the Commission explain why, given the sports policy it has pursued hitherto and in the light of the budget of ECU 3 million available for the 'Eurathlon' and 'Sport for the Handicapped' programmes which benefit numerous European organizations, such a large subsidy has been given to a single event with a limited public?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1997)

1. The Commission selected the European Yacht Race for its priority information campaign on the euro and accordingly granted a financial contribution of ECU 700 000 - not ECU 1 million as stated by the Honourable Member. This amount represents 44.6% of the overall budget for the event.

The principle of this participation was approved by Parliament's sports intergroup, which was kept fully informed throughout of preparatory stages. The Commission would point out that the race has symbolic significance for building the Community. Since it began, this race has constantly received encouragement from the Community institutions, in particular Parliament and the Commission.

The European Yacht Race is on the official FICO (International Federation for Open Offshore Racing) list of races and carries points in the FICO world championship for competitors and makes. FICO works in collaboration with the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU), national sporting federations and leading clubs.

The list of FICO races planned between 1997 and 2000 is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. Winning the European Yacht Race is worth 60 points, whereas the most that can be won in a single race is 120 points (for the Vendée Globe for example).

2. The criteria on which the Commission based its decision to make this project eligible for partnership under the euro information programme were the media coverage of the event (constant presence of the word 'euro' and the symbol), the calibre of the participants (boats and crews), the interest of the general public in this type of stage event (6 countries involved) and the assistance and involvement of local, regional and national authorities.

The many spectators who turned out in each stopover town and their requests for information on monetary union are evidence of the need for a grassroots information policy. It is essential to bring information to the public.

This project is currently being evaluated. However, it can already be said that there was extensive television coverage and the press articles indicate, by their sheer volume, the interest that was generated. If the Honourable Member so wishes, the Commission will send her direct the 'Image' file showing the media impact.

3. The financial contribution is charged to Item B3-3060 of the 1997 budget, which covers expenses relating to the information programme for European citizens (Prince). Information about the euro is one of the three main themes. The 'Eurathlon' and 'Sport for the disabled' programmes are funded from Item B3-3000.

This is the seventh European Yacht Race. The event itself and the way it is organised capture the attention of a very wide public, including the target group mentioned by the Honourable Member.