WRITTEN QUESTION E-1811/99 by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission. Conversion of national currencies.
Date: 1999-10-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU law, euro, exchange transaction, foreign currency, paper money

C 170 E/106

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.6.2000

The Honourable Member(cid:146)s description of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and its
procedures dates back to the time (prior to the Community(cid:146)s introduction of a regulatory framework to
liberalise the telecommunications sector) when the ITU effectively represented a group of national
administrations which were in charge of telecommunications within the context of public monopolies. In
the meantime, there have been changes in the ITU(cid:146)s structures to reflect the increasing, and ever more
widespread, distinction between telecommunications operators and the regulatory authorities in this field.

This distinction has gradually been imposed in Europe, particularly through the policy of liberalisation,
eliminating the exclusive and special rights enjoyed by traditional operators, and this has led to the
regulatory framework adopted by the Community enshrining the principle of separating the national
regulator from the traditional operator. Nowadays, both the national administrations and the economic
operators in the ITU Member States are involved in this work, but Community regulations now oblige the
Member States(cid:146) administrations to act completely independently of the interests of all the categories of
operators who may contribute to the work of the ITU.

It should also be noted that, as their name suggests, the recommendations issued by the ITU do not have
any directly binding legal force, and may only therefore be followed by the Member States insofar as they
do not conflict with the Community legislation in force.

Finally, the Commission has no information at this stage to suggest that the ITU(cid:146)s recommendations either
counteract or facilitate the effective application, by the relevant authorities in the Member States, of the
aforementioned provisions in Directive 98/0010/EC.

(1) OJ L 101, 1.4.1998.

(2000/C 170 E/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1811/99

by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission

(12 October 1999)

Subject: Conversion of national currencies

On 1 January 2002 the euro will replace the national currency in eleven EU Member States. Although
arrangements have been made for the conversion of bank notes, this does not seem to be the case as
regards the conversion of coinage.

Does the Commission not think that specific arrangements to enable the eleven Member States(cid:146) coinage to
be converted must be considered and adopted in order to ensure that all people living in the countries
which have adopted the euro are able to convert the coins in their possession into euros?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 1999)

Between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2002 the Member States participating in economic and monetary
union (EMU) will have to withdraw bank notes and coins in national currency. The Honourable Member
raises two points: first, the conversion into euros of national coins in the Member State of issue and,
second, the conversion into euros of coins from one Member State in another Member State.

With regard to the first point, Community legislation on the conversion of coins in national currency into
euro coins when the transitional period ends on 31 December 2001 stipulates that the bodies issuing these
coins will continue to accept national coins presented to them, after they are no longer legal tender, in
accordance with the laws and arrangements in force in the Member State in question. The situation is
therefore the same as that for bank notes.

20.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 170 E/107

The Commission takes the view that additional measures should be taken to ensure a smooth transition to
euro notes and coins. In its recommendation 98/0286/EC (1) of 23 April 1998, it therefore called on banks
to convert (cid:145)household amounts(cid:146) free of charge for their customers. This applies to notes and coins alike.

With regard to the second point, it should be noted that, as matters stand, it is not generally possible to
exchange coins from another Member State in another Member State in the euro area. The question is
therefore whether an additional service should be put in place when euro notes and coins are introduced,
what the price and conditions of such a service would be and who would bear the costs of it. In the light
of the particular logistical problems associated with handling coins, significant resources would probably
be necessary if conversion were possible throughout the euro area. In general, however, the value of
national coins is limited and therefore the bodies offering this service would not stand to benefit greatly.
Nevertheless, the Commission is aware of the problem and is currently discussing arrangements for talks
with the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Member States with a view to finding a
solution which is both economically reasonable and satisfactory for individuals in the Union.

(1) COM(98) 961 final.

(2000/C 170 E/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99

by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy

In accordance with the undertakings given by the European Union, several vertical directives in the
foodstuffs sector are to be simplified with a view to taking account of only those essential requirements
which such products must meet in order to move freely within the single market.

Is the Commission sure that the quality and health standards laid down in those directives are not likely to
hamper the development and protection of traditional foodstuffs produced by small undertakings, which
are high-quality products that form part of the cultural heritage and, at the same time, are important both
from an economic and employment point of view and as regards consumer protection?

How does it intend to prevent Italian small undertakings producing a wide range of foodstuffs (Fabriano
salami, Fossa cheese, Colonnata bacon, honey, pasta, bread, chocolate, etc.) from being severely disadvan-
taged vis-(cid:224)-vis multinational firms which produce foodstuffs on an industrial scale but to lower standards
of quality?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 1999)

Among the other things Community food law is intended to protect public health by laying down rules
covering hygiene and inspection. Those rules must be obeyed by all producers, whether small or industrial
in scale.

The Commission has not had any feedback confirming that such arrangements, which have been in
existence for years, hamper the development and protection of small-scale production or lowers its quality.
Moreover, Council Regulation (EEC 2081/2 of 14 July 1992) on the protection of geographical indications
location and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1) and Council Regulation (EEC)
2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (2)
enable traditional products to be promoted and protected if they meet the requisite conditions. A large
number of agrifoods that are often produced on a small scale thus benefit from that designation at
Community level.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.
(2) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.