91997E1517

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1517/97 by Klaus Lukas (NI) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: EU buys unprotesting 'Euro' promoters

According to reports in the media, the EU is trying to make the introduction of the Euro palatable to the European people with a massive propaganda campaign. While I in no way question the need for comprehensive objective and transparent information on the introduction of the Euro, there must be doubts about the ability of muzzled academics to provide comprehensive and objective information. It is understood that these academics have had to sign a declaration committing themselves to speak on their own behalf, but not to express any views or positions that contradict the EU Commission's views.

1. How true are these reports in the media?

2. Why is the Commission attempting to give the people one-sided information on the Euro?

3. How many talks have meanwhile been given on the basis the declarations referred to above, and by which academics?

4. What financial resources have meanwhile been spent or pledged for EU information on the Euro on the basis of this declaration?

5. Does the Commission intend to amend the pertinent rules? If so, when? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (20 June 1997)

The Commission decided in 1996 to set up Groupeuro, which is a group of external experts, acting on a voluntary basis, who are kept informed of developments in the field of economic and monetary union (EMU) and who are bound to the Commission by a very clear mandate to take part in forums in its place where no official representative is available. The main purpose of creating Groupeuro was to stimulate debate on EMU by presenting the Commission's position whenever it is sought.

In this context, it is reasonable that the members of Groupeuro should be bound to the Commission by a code of practice. They are of course free to accept it for as long as they like or reject it. This is the first purpose of the agreement, which also regulates the refund of expenses. Groupeuro members do not receive any specific remuneration. They merely receive payment of their travelling and accommodation expenses and a flat-rate amount to compensate for the disruption to their professional obligations caused by their involvement. The agreement explicity requires them to refuse any payments offered by third parties.

When they do not speak in the context of the agreement, the Groupeuro members are completely released from their obligations. Moreover, signing the agreement is voluntary, and members may resign at any time. It has never been the Commission's intention to restrict freedom of expression.

In the light of experience during the initial period of operation, and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, it has been decided that the text of the code of practice should be amended to make it more transparent and to avoid any false interpretation in the future. The code of practice is forwarded to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament.

As for the Commission's policy of information on the euro in general, pluralism is ensured in at least two ways.

Many symposia and conferences have been organised and financed in the last 18 months as part of the Prince information campaign at which speakers with a reserved or indeed sceptical view of EMU took part. Secondly, members of Groupeuro have participated at many conferences alongside opponents of EMU.

The members of Groupeuro are asked by organisers to present the Commission's point of view in open and pluralist debates. After all, the position of the institution which serves as guardian of the treaties has as much right as any other to be brought to the public's attention. Consequently, when Groupeuro members speak in this capacity, it is up to them to provide their audience with all necessary information on the Commission's position. Other speakers may present different opinions.

In addition, the Commission always proposes to organisers that a member of the Parliament should take part in their event.

Between September 1996 and 12. May 1997 the total number of talks given by Groupeuro members was 165. The list is forwarded direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament. A provisional budget of ECU 400 000 for 1997 for Groupeuro speaking engagements in the 15 Member States is foreseen.