WRITTEN QUESTION E-2010/00 by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Changing old coins into euros.
Date: 2000-06-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: exchange transaction, national currency, single monetary policy

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/169

In its decision on the aid scheme described above, the Commission took account of the specific problems
relating to the economic and employment situation in the Mezzogiorno.

As regards the aid deemed incompatible with the common market, Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (2) states
that, where negative decisions are taken in cases of unlawful aid, the Commission must decide that the
Member State concerned take all necessary measures to recover the aid from the beneficiary.

(1) OJ L 42, 15.2.2000.
(2) OJ L 83, 27.3.1999.

(2001/C 72 E/215)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2010/00

by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 June 2000)

Subject: Changing old coins into euros

No later than 1 January 2002, the old currencies in the euro zone will be changed directly into euros.
According to information from Regional Central Banks in Germany, no scheme has yet been devised for
changing foreign coins (cid:129) i.e. coins from other Member States in the euro zone (cid:129) into euros. It is quite
probable that European citizens are holding in their pockets and purses foreign coins worth billions.

The Commission:

1. What does it think should happen with such coins?

2.

Should not the various Central Banks be required by law to change into euros (banknotes and coins)
not only banknotes from other countries in the euro zone but also coins from other countries in the
euro zone?

3. What specific measures is the European Commission intending to take on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

It is worth recalling that it has so far generally not been possible in any Member State of the euro zone to
exchange coins of another Member State. The questions therefore are whether such a new service should
be established on the occasion of the introduction of euro coins, what its price and its modalities should
be and who should bear the costs.
the logistical problems of handling various coin
denominations, the conversion of the stocks which exist in the Community would probably require
substantial resources, regardless of whether the service would be provided by the private or the public
sector, including central banks. However, the Commission is aware of the problem and is examining how
to find a solution which is both economically sensible and satisfactory for the citizens.

In view of

(2001/C 72 E/216)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2016/00

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: EU shipbuilding industry

(21 June 2000)

In his reply to my question E-2795/99 (1), Commissioner Monti said that while under Council Regulation
1540/98 (2) establishing new rules on aid for shipbuilding operating aid is to be abolished at the end of
2000, the same Regulation also (cid:145)provides for a range of other aids that may be granted to shipbuilding