WRITTEN QUESTION E-1525/02 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European Union information campaign on introducing the euro in the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Denmark, Sweden, United Kingdom, euro, public awareness campaign

6.3.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52 E/75

For its part, in its declaration of 11 July 2002, the European Union supported President Ravalomanana and
stated its willingness to support preparations for the Parliamentary elections he announced and the
reconciliation process. It will also contribute substantially towards Madagascar’s reconstruction.

On 26 July 2002 the World Bank and the UNDP invited donors to meet in Paris with a view to promoting
Madagascar’s reconstruction. The European Commission took part in that meeting.

(2003/C 52 E/084)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1518/02

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Bird protection area in the Umeälv delta

(29 May 2002)

A bird protection area in the Umeälv delta in northern Sweden is to be incorporated into the EU’s Natura
2000 network. There are differing views as to how big the protected area should be. At the same time,
there are plans to construct a new railway line (cid:1) ‘Botniabanan’ (cid:1) in the immediate vicinity of the new
area. The Commission is reportedly examining whether the proposed rail route is compatible with the
protected area.

Does the Commission consider that the proposed rail route is acceptable and falls outside the area which
should be protected? If the Commission has not yet taken a decision on this matter, can it give a date by
which a decision may be expected?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2002)

The Commission has received a request from the Swedish Government for an opinion pursuant of
Article 6.4 of the Habitats Directive (1) as to the presence of overriding reasons of public interest justifying
the construction of Botniabanan (Bothnia Railway) adjacent to Umeälvens Delta special protection area/site
of Community interest (SPA/SCI). During the subsequent discussions and meetings with the Swedish
Government the Commission has pointed out that there are several complaints about an insufficient
designation of Umeälvens Delta SPA/SCI and that, before giving an opinion, the Commission would need
the Swedish Government to explain the scientific basis for the boundaries of the area it has designated.
The Commission has also requested that the Swedish Government provides the comprehensive dossier
required to make its judgement of the case (cid:1) this includes detailed statements of environmental impact on
the site concerned, treatment of alternatives and the reasons on which the case of overriding public
interest is made. According to the information the Commission has received, the material is currently
under preparation. The opinion can be given only after the Commission has received the material and
assessed it.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,

OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2003/C 52 E/085)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1525/02

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: European Union information campaign on introducing the euro in the UK, Sweden and Denmark

The great majority of citizens in the three EU countries which do not belong to the euro zone (United
Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden) are convinced that the single currency will eventually be adopted in their
respective countries.

C 52 E/76

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2003

They therefore require as much information as possible on the experience of introducing the single
currency in the other European Union Member States, and comprehensive information which will help
them become fully aware of what action their countries need to take.

Can the Commission indicate what initiatives it has undertaken to make the above countries aware of the
consequences of introducing the euro in the other EU countries, and what campaign is it thinking of
conducting to make the populations of UK, Sweden and Denmark more receptive in order to facilitate
their entry into the euro zone?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2002)

The three Member States outside the euro zone showed great
interest in the euro throughout the
information campaigns. For instance, representatives from the relevant ministries in the three Member
States attended coordination meetings held regularly by the Commission. Moreover, Sweden has followed
the twelve Member States belonging to the euro zone in signing partnership agreements with the
Commission to inform particular groups about the euro.

Press reviews indicate that, in the period after the introduction of euro notes and coins, media interest in
the three Member States outside the euro zone was strong and that the citizens of the three countries
showed considerable interest.

In accordance with the wishes of the national authorities and the advice of its Representations, the
Commission has not organised any special campaigns in the Member States concerned.

At the appropriate time (cid:1) which will be decided together with the authorities of the Member States
concerned (cid:1) the Commission will provide the same support and partnership in information campaigns as
it did in the twelve euro zone Member States.

The Commission does, of course, respond with written documentation to all requests for information from
individuals or organisations in Denmark, Sweden or the United Kingdom.

It believes that the summer holidays will offer the citizens of these Member States an opportunity to
familiarise themselves with (cid:1) and actually use (cid:1) euro coins and notes in the euro zone countries.

The Commission therefore plans to hold a Eurobarometer survey in September 2002 in the three Member
States outside the euro zone, to gauge public opinion on the euro after the holidays, when many people
will have come into contact with the single currency.

(2003/C 52 E/086)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1534/02

by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Corporate taxation in Estonia

Estonia is a country which is protective of its corporate culture. A feature of this policy is that their rules
on corporate taxation do not provide for the taxation of money within companies, a system which differs
from other corporate taxation systems within the EU.

Does the Commission consider that it has the right to query Estonia’s rules despite the fact that corporate
taxation is not covered by Community legislation (the acquis)?