WRITTEN QUESTION E-3982/03 by Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Political rights of the Macedonian minority in Greece.
Date: 2004-01-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Macedonia, party congress, political parties, political rights, rights of minorities

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?