92002E2575

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2575/02

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(16 September 2002)

Subject: 'Head' side of euro coins

The head side of euro coins, as is well-known, is different for each country that has introduced the euro. That means that there are 96 different euro coins in circulation in the EU. Some people feel that this is too much of a good thing. Furthermore, there will be a significant increase in the number of different coins in 2004 following the enlargement of the European Community. There is now mention of the introduction of a common head side for all countries.

Is the Commission considering introducing a single head side for second generation euro coins for all countries?

If so, when?

If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2002)

At the informal Ecofin Council in Verona in spring 1996, the governments decided that the euro coins should have a common European side as well as a national side. This combines the advantage of a unified approach (common side, same technical specifications, ), while allowing for the expression of national diversity and tradition.

The Commission is not aware of a widespread discussion on the future of the national sides of the euro coins. The citizens of Europe became familiar with the euro coins very quickly and the different national sides did not appear to be a source of confusion, but rather a source of interest. The new European currency is a great success and at the current stage there is no need to discuss possible future changes, as this could indeed contribute to confusion among the public.

At the present stage, it is hard to predict the pace at which national sides will be added, as this will not result from the accession process as such (2004), but rather from the subsequent entry of these countries into the euro area.