WRITTEN QUESTION P-3954/03 by Gian Gobbo (NI) to the Commission. Issue of one-euro banknotes.
Date: 2003-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: euro area, issuing of currency, paper money, price index

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/887

The Commission, which is well aware of the challenges posed by the railway sector in the transport
industry, has undertaken, with the first and second railway packages, with which Parliament is very
familiar, and a third package which it plans to adopt shortly, to put in place a full European regulatory
framework to revitalise the industry by enabling it to offer a high standard of safe services at the European
level, which is the prerequisite for its future success given the other modes of transport which are
constantly improving.

(1) Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 of the Council of 26 June 1969 on action by Member States concerning the
obligations inherent in the concept of a public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway, OJ L 156,
28.6.1969, as amended by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1893/91 of 20 June 1991, OJ L 169, 29.6.1991.

(2) Directive 2001/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Council
Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community’s railways, OJ L 75, 15.3.2001. Directive 2001/13/EC
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Directive 95/18/EC on the licensing
of railway undertakings, OJ L 75, 15.3.2001. Directive 2001/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 26 February 2001 on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of
railway infrastructure and safety certification, OJ L 75, 15.3.2001.

(2004/C 78 E/0938)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3954/03

by Gian Gobbo (NI) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Issue of one-euro banknotes

In many countries, and especially in Italy, the introduction of the euro and the accompanying replacement
of national currencies has led to a significant rise in inflation, particularly in consumer and retail prices.

The rise in inflation is depressing consumption and significantly reducing the purchasing power of the
most vulnerable sectors of Europe’s population, especially pensioners.

Consumers often still find themselves unprepared for using the new European currency.

Had the Commission anticipated these consequences?

Does the Commission not consider that it would be desirable to allow the issue of one-euro banknotes,
thus giving consumers the instant psychological
impression that the notes are in fact worth more,
particularly in Italy?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 2004)

The Commission’s analysis of the evolution of the harmonised consumer price index shows that the
introduction of the euro impinged on the inflation rate, although the effect has been very limited. In the
euro area as a whole, only up to 0,3 % rate points at most of the euro area inflation rate of 2,3 % in 2002
(2,6 % for Italy) can be attributed to the introduction of the euro. Price increases in certain sectors were
somewhat higher (e.g. restaurants, hotels, services, etc.), although their impact on the overall harmonised
consumer price index is rather small since such items only represent a small share of the overall consumer
basket.

The latest Eurobarometer survey (published on 15 December 2003) indicates that consumers appreciate
the euro. In particular the results concerning the euro banknotes and coins show that in general citizens
handle the single currency very well. 92 % (92 % in Italy) do not have any problems in handling the euro
banknotes, while 71 % (75 % in Italy) find it easy to distinguish and use the coins.

C 78 E/888

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

The same survey also points out that only 31 % of the euro area citizens are in favour of a one-euro
banknote. Support for such a banknote only originates from two countries, where a majority (76 % in
Italy, 70 % in Greece) would welcome the introduction of a one-euro banknote. However, in the ten other
euro-area countries, there is a clear majority (exceeding 60 % in all cases and even reaching almost 90 % in
a number of countries) against the introduction of such an additional banknote.

In accordance with the EC Treaty, any decision on banknote denominations would have to be taken by the
European Central Bank (ECB) which has the exclusive right to authorise the issue of euro banknotes.
The ECB has decided to look into the matter.

(2004/C 78 E/0939)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3982/03

by Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Political rights of the Macedonian minority in Greece

(6 January 2004)

The Macedonian minority in Greece is represented within the European Free Alliance by the Rainbow
Party (Ouranio Toxo).

Following repeated unlawful acts and threats,
conference in preparation for the European elections by Greek fascist-inspired organisations.

this party was physically prevented from holding a

Despite numerous appeals to the Greek authorities at both local and national level, the authorities have
taken no action against these organisations. The party conference, originally scheduled for 30 November
and subsequently put back to 7 December, has been postponed indefinitely because of the risks involved.

Is the Commission aware of this attack on the political rights of minorities?

Does the Commission know the reasons for the Greek authorities’ inaction on the matter?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2004)

The Commission will approach the Greek authorities for information about the facts to which the
Honourable Member refers.

It will let him have the results of its examination of the case as soon as possible.

(2004/C 78 E/0940)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3997/03

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 January 2004)

Subject: Prince/Euro programme

In May 2003 the Commission issued a call for proposals under the Prince/Euro programme. The objective
was the realisation of communication and information initiatives on the euro aimed at particular sections
of the public, in order to respond to requests for specific information on the introduction of the euro. The
total budget was approximately EUR 5 million. The Commission further expressed the intention of
granting subsidies, preferably within the EUR 50 000 to 300 000 range.

Can the Commission supply a complete list of both successful and unsuccessful candidates in respect of
these projects? Can it also provide information on the proofs supplied individually by the successful
candidates, as required by the call for proposals itself, to confirm that the EU subsidy has had the expected
publicity impact?