WRITTEN QUESTION E-1811/99 by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission. Conversion of national currencies.
C 170 E/106 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 20. 6. 2000 The Honourable Memberís description of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and its procedures dates back to the time (prior to the Communityís introduction of a regulatory framework to liberalise the telecommunications sector) when the ITU effectively represented a group of national administrations which were in charge of telecommunications within the context of public monopolies. In the meantime, there have been changes in the ITUís structures to reflect the increasing, and ever more widespread, distinction between telecommunications operators and the regulatory authorities in this field. This distinction has gradually been imposed in Europe, particularly through the policy of liberalisation, eliminating the exclusive and special rights enjoyed by traditional operators, and this has led to the regulatory framework adopted by the Community enshrining the principle of separating the national regulator from the traditional operator. Nowadays, both the national administrations and the economic operators in the ITU Member States are involved in this work, but Community regulations now oblige the Member Statesí administrations to act completely independently of the interests of all the categories of operators who may contribute to the work of the ITU. It should also be noted that, as their name suggests, the recommendations issued by the ITU do not have any directly binding legal force, and may only therefore be followed by the Member States insofar as they do not conflict with the Community legislation in force. Finally, the Commission has no information at this stage to suggest that the ITUís recommendations either counteract or facilitate the effective application, by the relevant authorities in the Member States, of the aforementioned provisions in Directive 98/0010/EC. (1) OJ L 101, 1. 4. 1998. (2000/C 170 E/124) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1811/99 by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission (12 October 1999) Subject: Conversion of national currencies On 1 January 2002 the euro will replace the national currency in eleven EU Member States. Although arrangements have been made for the conversion of bank notes, this does not seem to be the case as regards the conversion of coinage. Does the Commission not think that specific arrangements to enable the eleven Member Statesí coinage to be converted must be considered and adopted in order to ensure that all people living in the countries which have adopted the euro are able to convert the coins in their possession into euros? Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1999) Between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2002 the Member States participating in economic and monetary union (EMU) will have to withdraw bank notes and coins in national currency. The Honourable Member raises two points: first, the conversion into euros of national coins in the Member State of issue and, second, the conversion into euros of coins from one Member State in another Member State. With regard to the first point, Community legislation on the conversion of coins in national currency into euro coins when the transitional period ends on 31 December 2001 stipulates that the bodies issuing these coins will continue to accept national coins presented to them, after they are no longer legal tender, in accordance with the laws and arrangements in force in the Member State in question. The situation is therefore the same as that for bank notes. 20. 6. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 170 E/107 The Commission takes the view that additional measures should be taken to ensure a smooth transition to euro notes and coins. In its recommendation 98/0286/EC (1) of 23 April 1998, it therefore called on banks to convert áhousehold amountsí free of charge for their customers. This applies to notes and coins alike. With regard to the second point, it should be noted that, as matters stand, it is not generally possible to exchange coins from another Member State in another Member State in the euro area. The question is therefore whether an additional service should be put in place when euro notes and coins are introduced, what the price and conditions of such a service would be and who would bear the costs of it. In the light of the particular logistical problems associated with handling coins, significant resources would probably be necessary if conversion were possible throughout the euro area. In general, however, the value of national coins is limited and therefore the bodies offering this service would not stand to benefit greatly. Nevertheless, the Commission is aware of the problem and is currently discussing arrangements for talks with the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Member States with a view to finding a solution which is both economically reasonable and satisfactory for individuals in the Union. (1) COM(98) 961 final. (2000/C 170 E/125) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99 by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission (11 October 1999) Subject: Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy In accordance with the undertakings given by the European Union, several vertical directives in the foodstuffs sector are to be simplified with a view to taking account of only those essential requirements which such products must meet in order to move freely within the single market. Is the Commission sure that the quality and health standards laid down in those directives are not likely to hamper the development and protection of traditional foodstuffs produced by small undertakings, which are high-quality products that form part of the cultural heritage and, at the same time, are important both from an economic and employment point of view and as regards consumer protection? How does it intend to prevent Italian small undertakings producing a wide range of foodstuffs (Fabriano salami, Fossa cheese, Colonnata bacon, honey, pasta, bread, chocolate, etc. ) from being severely disadvan- taged vis-à-vis multinational firms which produce foodstuffs on an industrial scale but to lower standards of quality? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1999) Among the other things Community food law is intended to protect public health by laying down rules covering hygiene and inspection. Those rules must be obeyed by all producers, whether small or industrial in scale. The Commission has not had any feedback confirming that such arrangements, which have been in existence for years, hamper the development and protection of small-scale production or lowers its quality. Moreover, Council Regulation (EEC 2081/2 of 14 July 1992) on the protection of geographical indications location and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1) and Council Regulation (EEC) 2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (2) enable traditional products to be promoted and protected if they meet the requisite conditions. A large number of agrifoods that are often produced on a small scale thus benefit from that designation at Community level. (1) OJ L 208, 24. 7. 1992. (2) OJ L 208, 24. 7. 1992