WRITTEN QUESTION E-0792/03 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Use of euro and emblems of the Union.
Date: 2003-03-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European symbol, euro, linguistics

C 11 E/120

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

15.1.2004

(2004/C 11 E/119)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0792/03

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 March 2003)

Subject: Use of ‘euro’ and emblems of the Union

’Euro’ is used as a prefix in the names of a large number of companies, products and services in many
European States (both within and outside the EU), and the same applies to the emblems and other symbols
of the Union (stars, flags, etc.). The use of all the above undoubtedly adds to the prestige of the companies
concerned, but raises questions about whether official authorisation should be required so as to prevent
the symbols of the Union being devalued.

Is authorisation required for the use of the ‘euro’ prefix and emblems of the Union by enterprises or
private individuals? If so, what is the procedure, when has authorisation been granted and by which body
of the Union? Is any provision made for sanctions, and in which cases, for the unauthorised use of the
‘euro’ prefix and symbols of the Union?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

According to the information available to the Commission, there is no copyright protection afforded for
the term ‘euro’ or ‘euro cent’ under the various legal systems of the Member States.

The euro (‘EUR’) has been designed by the Commission departments. The copyright, therefore, belongs to
the European Community, which is represented for this purpose by the Commission. The Commission
does not, however, object to the use of the euro symbol and wishes instead to encourage its use, but it
does not tolerate any kind of exclusive use by any party whatsoever (1).

In this regard, the Commission would also point out that it is not empowered to authorise just any use of
the euro symbol. The use it wishes to encourage is its use as a currency denominator. Any other kind of
use would have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, in particular, account would have to be taken
of the possible infringement of a third-party right, e.g. a trade mark right in an identical or confusingly
similar sign.

In accordance with the criteria agreed between the Council of Europe and the Commission, use of the euro
symbol by third parties may be authorised provided that:

(cid:1) it is not such as to create confusion between the user and the Union or the Council of Europe;

(cid:1) it is not linked to objectives or activities that are incompatible with the principles and purposes of the

Union or the Council of Europe.

Authorisation to use the euro symbol does not confer any right of exclusivity;
it does not permit
appropriation of that symbol or of any similar mark or logo, whether by registration or by any other
means.

The Secretariat-General is willing to examine with interested parties any practical plans in order to ensure
that they are compatible with the above criteria.

There are no restrictions on the use of the term ‘European’. Any combination of the terms ‘European
Community’ and ‘European Economic Community’ as well as the abbreviations ‘EC’,
in the
different languages are protected by Article 6 ter of the Paris Convention.

‘EEC’, etc.

(1) Commission communication of 23 July 1997 on the use of the euro symbol (COM(97) 418).