91998E2347

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2347/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(27 July 1998)

Subject: Euro coins - Ecofin meeting of 6 July 1998

The press release issued following the meeting of the Ecofin Council referred to above states that: "Ministers were also informed by Commissioner de Silguy of problems raised by the European associations of the visually handicapped and of the industry of vending machines concerning the technical specifications of the 50 and 10 euro coins (difficulties distinguishing these coins from others). In the light of these concerns Ministers invited the Commission to present a proposal to modify the regulation of 2 May 1998 on the technical specifications of euro coins accordingly".

1. What is the total cost of manufacturing and melting down these coins?

2. What provision was made for consulting European associations of the visually handicapped and the vending machine industry prior to the decision on the technical specifications of these coins, and what was the outcome of that consultation?

3. Is the Commission satisfied with the arrangements and procedures for the launch of euro notes and coins, given this situation and bearing in mind previous disputes such as those related to the symbols to be displayed on the notes and coins?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 1998)

The adoption of Regulation (EC) 975/98(1) on technical specifications of euro coins had been preceded by an intensive consultation process which involved all user groups including the European vending association (EVA) and the European blind union (EBU). The problems recently raised by those two associations only appeared after development by the mint directors of the detailed technical specifications necessary for production and based on the Council Regulation, and after testing of the first samples issuing from the first production runs.

The implications of the changes envisaged will be relatively limited, given that no Member State has yet started producing or buying blanks for the 50 cent coins and only France has produced a limited quantity of 10 cent coins (0,1 % of the total number of coins to be produced). Moreover the modification of the specifications of 10 cent coins will not affect the specifications of the blanks needed for those coins, allowing therefore use of the blanks already purchased or produced for this purpose.

The Commission believes that the improvements of the system will contribute to ensure the acceptance of the new coinage system by the European citizens. The changes envisaged have been established in consultation with the EVA, EBU, consumers organisations and the mint directors and have their agreement.

(1) OJ L 139, 11.5.1998.