WRITTEN QUESTION No. 319/98 by Magda AELVOET to the Commission. Security in Great Lakes Region of Africa
C 310/48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 9. 10. 98 (98/C 310/59) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0308/98 by Daniel Fe·ret (NI) to the Commission (5 February 1998) Subject: Principality of Monaco and the euro The advantages accorded to the Principality of Monaco since the beginning of this century have been a constant source of surprise. The latest reported financial privilege relates to the future single currency. Although it lies within European Community customs territory, Monaco does not belong to the European Union. Once the euro has been established as the single currency, however, Monaco will be entitled to use it on account of a skilful legal subterfuge providing for special terms in monetary relations between Monaco and France under the Maastricht Treaty. Whereas all the Member States that will be adopting the single currency now have to undertake gigantic exertions in order to satisfy the criteria laid down in the Treaty on European Union and gain their ticket to the euro, Monaco needs only to wait calmly for the change-over date to make a smooth, painless switch. Does the Commission think it legally and morally right to grant such an immense favour to the Prince? Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (2 March 1998) According to Declaration No 6 appended to the EC Treaty, the Community has undertaken to facilitate such renegotiations of existing arrangements as might become necessary as a result of the introduction of the single currency. The purpose of the Declaration is to allow the existing situation to continue as regards monetary relations between Monaco and France. It is quite usual for states or territories with small populations to adopt the currency of a neighbouring country as their national currency. As its title indicates, the Declaration also covers monetary relations between the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican City on the one hand, and Italy on the other. The convergence criteria are not directly applicable to the Principality of Monaco, since it is not part of the Community and is therefore not a co-signatory to the EC Treaty. Accordingly, the Principality has not been involved in the decision-making process leading up to the introduction of the single currency, and will be unable to play an active role in future in the development of monetary policy by the Central European Bank (CEB) and the coordination of economic policy by the Member States within the Council. (98/C 310/60) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0319/98 by Magda Aelvoet (V) to the Commission (17 February 1998) Subject: Security in Great Lakes Region of Africa Does the Commission intend to support international efforts for the reactivation of the United Nations International Commission (Rwanda) and the extension of its mandate to investigate arms flows to the Great Lakes region, as called for by the European Parliament? Does the Commission support international calls for the deployment of United Nations or Organization of African Unity military observers to key airstrips and crossing points in the Great Lakes region?