WRITTEN QUESTION E-1050/00 by Ole Krarup (EDD) to the Commission. Cost of changeover to euro.
Date: 2000-04-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU Member State, euro, public expenditure

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/111

(2001/C 46 E/118)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1046/00

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: EPAC restructuring plans

The answer of 15 March 2000 given by Commissioner Franz Fischler on behalf of the Commission to my
Written Question E-0221/00 (1) on the EPAC Agro-Foods and Cereals Company states that Portugal
forwarded the final version of the restructuring plans to the Commission at the end of 1999 and that
the Commission would take a final position on the matter as soon as possible.

The Commission:

(cid:129) can it say when it will take its decision?

(cid:129) can it forward its position on the Portuguese Government(cid:146)s proposal, once it has been adopted?

(1) OJ C 26 E 26.1.2001, p. 21.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 2000)

It is not yet possible for the Commission to give a precise date for its final decision, given the possible
implications for it of proceedings in hand in the Court of Justice over Portugal(cid:146)s failure to apply the
Commission Decision of 9 July 1997 (1) on a State guarantee to EPAC.

The Commission(cid:146)s final decision will be immediately notified to the Portuguese Government.

(1) OJ L 311, 14.11.1997.

(2001/C 46 E/119)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1050/00

by Ole Krarup (EDD) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Cost of changeover to euro

In the general debate concerning the abolition of national currencies and the introduction of the common
currency, some Member States have focused on the cost of the changeover. According to the English firm
of chartered accountants, Chantrey Vellacott DFK, it will cost the UK 4,2 % of one year(cid:146)s national product
to convert pounds to euro.

In the light of the above, will the Commission say whether it has likewise made analyses of the costs
involved for each Member State in converting to the euro and, if so, will it disclose that information?

Is the Commission informed of any comparable studies carried out by independent analysts which shed
light on the possible costs of conversion? If so, will the Commission likewise disclose such information?

C 46 E/112

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2000)

The Commission has not produced any studies on the costs for individual Member States for the transition
to the euro, neither does the Commission plan to produce a study on the subject. The Commission does
not believe that studies focusing on the costs for the transition to the euro could be complete or relevant.
Although it is true that the change over to the euro results in costs, it should be noted that the transition
to euro also has a revenue side. Reports focusing on costs only would therefore not be able to provide a
complete picture of the question.

As for the question of independent studies, there are a number of studies made by banks, accounting firms
and law firms. However, the Commission cannot and should not recommend one or other of these studies.

(2001/C 46 E/120)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1053/00

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Draft proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the

protection of pedestrians and other road users in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle

I understand that this subject was discussed at a meeting of the Working Group on Motor Vehicles.

What was the conclusion of these discussions, and when will the proposal for a Directive be forwarded to
Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2000)

The matter of pedestrian protection was tackled at the meeting of the working party on motor vehicles
held in March 2000. A certain number of factors was examined at that time. Since no conclusion was
reached the discussions will have to continue on 5-6 June 2000. The comments and suggestions
concerning pedestrian protection made on that occasion will be taken into consideration when a text is
finalised.

The Commission shall not fail to inform all involved of the long-term progress made, and thus of the
timetable adopted for this matter.

(2001/C 46 E/121)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1055/00

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Cyprus

Could the Commission confirm or deny reports that Cypriot citizens will be denied their right to freedom
of movement when Cyprus joins the EU unless Turkey joins simultaneously?

In the House of Commons on 15 February 2000 (Hansard Column 781), the Rt Hon Robin Cook MP, Her
Majesty(cid:146)s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, made the following announcement in
relation to the accession of Cyprus to the EU:

Freedom of movement between the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied northern sector would apply
only if Turkey simultaneously joined the EU.