BETA


2005/2078(INI) Implementation of an information and communication strategy on the euro and Economic and Monetary Union

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead ECON MAATEN Jules (icon: ALDE ALDE)
Committee Opinion CULT
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2005/11/03
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2005/07/14
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2005/07/05
   EP - Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
Details

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on the implementation of an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union. (Please see the summary of 15/06/2005.) Parliament added that it supported tighter economic policy co-ordination between Member States and fiscal prudence within the bounds of a reformed Stability and Growth Pact. The revised Stability and Growth Pact, and the relevant Community regulations on specific matters should contribute to the long-term economic stability of the Member States and their adjustment to the Lisbon Strategy objectives. Parliament stressed that low economic growth after the introduction of the euro was not caused by the currency changeover but by a lack of proper implementation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and by the fact that the Lisbon agreement has not been fulfilled and structural reforms have not been implemented.

Parliament went on to deplore the still high cost of cross-border retail payments in euro, although Regulation 2560/2001/EC on cross-border payments in euro has brought about real reductions in the charges for standardised cross-border transfers of euro. Parliament asked the Commission to come up with proposals for comprehensive legislation in this field and to take this opportunity to harmonise electronic payment systems in the EU in order to reduce the costs which are usually borne by consumers and SMEs.

2005/07/05
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2005/07/05
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on the implementation of an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union. (Please see the summary of 15/06/2005.) Parliament added that it supported tighter economic policy co-ordination between Member States and fiscal prudence within the bounds of a reformed Stability and Growth Pact. The revised Stability and Growth Pact, and the relevant Community regulations on specific matters should contribute to the long-term economic stability of the Member States and their adjustment to the Lisbon Strategy objectives. Parliament stressed that low economic growth after the introduction of the euro was not caused by the currency changeover but by a lack of proper implementation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and by the fact that the Lisbon agreement has not been fulfilled and structural reforms have not been implemented.

Parliament went on to deplore the still high cost of cross-border retail payments in euro, although Regulation 2560/2001/EC on cross-border payments in euro has brought about real reductions in the charges for standardised cross-border transfers of euro. Parliament asked the Commission to come up with proposals for comprehensive legislation in this field and to take this opportunity to harmonise electronic payment systems in the EU in order to reduce the costs which are usually borne by consumers and SMEs.

Documents
2005/07/05
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2005/06/24
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
Documents
2005/06/24
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Documents
2005/06/20
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
2005/06/15
   EP - Vote in committee
Details

The committee adopted the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union.

The report listed a large number of benefits of economic and monetary union - price stability, reduced transaction costs, greater price transparency within the euro zone, reduced price volatility on the international currency markets and protection against external shocks, historically low interest rates, low mortgage rates and easier travel. In the view of the committee, "the euro is possibly the most successful European project ever launched", but MEPs were also aware that a certain section of the European public "purports to have a negative perception of the euro... and this tendency is on the rise". The committee therefore said the single currency must remain a communication priority for the EU, the benefits of which must "continue to be sold and explained to the public at length", using modern marketing techniques to get the message accross. A particular effort needed to be made in small towns and remote areas. The European Central Bank should provide an annual quantitative analysis of the benefits of the euro for ordinary citizens.

MEPs said that it was important to consider the concerns from the three non-euro countries of the old EU15, and called on the Commission to help the governments of the UK , Sweden and Denmark "in their quest to win over a sceptical public, if these governments so wish."

On the other hand, the report said that the Commission should concentrate its efforts on helping the new Member States to prepare their citizens for adoption of the euro by undertaking an intensive information campaign, and to supervise its implementation where such a campaign had already started. The committee said that a requirement of dual pricing 3 months before introducing the euro and up to 12 months afterwards could help reduce people's fears of euro-induced price rises and put pressure on businesses not to use the conversion as a pretext for price rises. Experience from malpractices of this sort in the current euro area should be used in the future euro area entrants in such a way as to prevent such behaviour. More generally, the EU should support 'twinning' arrangements between ministries of finance and central banks of present and future euro members to help spread good practice.

The committee also asked the Commission to analyse the excess of EUR 500 notes in circulation, warning of the risks associated with such a high value note with regard to money laundering and crime. It queried the relevance of keeping such notes, given the rise in electronic trading in transactions.

2005/06/09
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2005/05/04
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2004/09/21
   EP - MAATEN Jules (ALDE) appointed as rapporteur in ECON
2004/08/11
   EC - Non-legislative basic document
Details

PURPOSE : to present a new phase of the European Commission’s information and communication on the euro and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

CONTENT : Information and communication on the euro and EMU clearly remains a priority for the EU:

- the enlargement of the EU on May 1, 2004 will lead to the expansion of the euro area in the future, when Treaty conditions are met.

- the introduction of the euro, a historic step in the construction of the EU, needs to be consolidated by increasing public support for the single currency.

- the introduction of euro notes and coins has had a huge positive influence on how third countries view the EU and its economic role. This trend should be encouraged.

The document focuses on strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and developing structured partnerships with the Member States, while continuing to ensure overall consistency. The aim is to increase public knowledge within and outside the EU on the working of EMU and to contribute to a smooth changeover in those Member States which adopt the euro. The Communication explains why the euro remains a communication priority, describes the general principles of the strategy and the key players’ roles, identifies the targets and sets out the operational aspects.

The following points should be noted:

- the communication strategy is based on decentralised activities while consistency will be ensured by partnership agreements. Priorities must be defined;

- the key players are the Member States and the Commission, with emphasis also given to institutional cooperation between Parliament and Commission. Implementation is to be based on shared objectives, agreed on by the three Community institutions, notably via the Interinstitutional Group on Information (IGI). Cooperation and well defined roles between Member States, the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament is an important key for a successful information and communication campaign. The Commission will report to the Member States and to the European Parliament on the ongoing evaluation of its communication activities;

- the Member States are best placed to create information tools and products and to encourage the regional and local authorities, public interest services and networks of civil society organisations to act as information relays. Activities will follow the form, content and timetable set out in the Member States’ programmes;

- the Communication discusses the specific target groups of the euro area, countries with derogations, the new Member States and third countries. Within these country categories, information and communication must focus both on specific target groups (e.g. political representatives, civil society, youth, the media and business world) and on the general public;

- the tools of the communication strategy include paper publications, Internet and CD-ROM, a range of PR products, public information services (freephone information service), and info-bus, travelling exhibitions, information evenings, etc. Regular surveys on a country-by-country basis are essential to define the scope, messages and values of the communication, and to measure the impact of the campaign and the efficiency of the tools used;

- the Commission, Member States and European Central Bank will coordinate their communication activities. To this end, the Commission will continue to work closely with the directors of communication of Member States’ Ministries of Finance and Central Banks and with the European Central Bank, within the “Directors of communication network”, which will have a central role in defining and implementing the strategy and linking it with other activities in Member States.

The main areas of communication will be: partnership with the Member States, the twinning programme, partnership with business and civil society, networking with information relays and other natural partners, measurement and feedback, external information activities and publications and other information products. In this context, twinning agreements between old and new Member States will be concluded, so the old Member States can share their experience and best practices acquired in the activities during the changeover to the euro in 1999 and 2002.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

- Budget lines and headings: 01 02 04 PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the euro.

- Overall figures:

- Total allocation for action: EUR 6.000.000 for commitment in 2004.

- Period for application: 2004-2006.

- Overall total estimate of expenditure: Commitments EUR 16000,000; Payments EUR 12000,000.

- Total financial impact for the operational part: PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the Euro: Total over 3 years EUR 16000,000.

- Calculation of costs by measure envisaged for 2004: Total EUR 6000000, comprised of: Partnership with Member States: EUR 3000 000; Networking, information relays and other natural partners: EUR 1130 000; Measurement, feedback : EUR 600 000; External information activities: EUR 890 000; Publications and other information products: EUR 380 000.

Total staff: 12.

2004/08/10
   EC - Non-legislative basic document published
Details

PURPOSE : to present a new phase of the European Commission’s information and communication on the euro and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

CONTENT : Information and communication on the euro and EMU clearly remains a priority for the EU:

- the enlargement of the EU on May 1, 2004 will lead to the expansion of the euro area in the future, when Treaty conditions are met.

- the introduction of the euro, a historic step in the construction of the EU, needs to be consolidated by increasing public support for the single currency.

- the introduction of euro notes and coins has had a huge positive influence on how third countries view the EU and its economic role. This trend should be encouraged.

The document focuses on strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and developing structured partnerships with the Member States, while continuing to ensure overall consistency. The aim is to increase public knowledge within and outside the EU on the working of EMU and to contribute to a smooth changeover in those Member States which adopt the euro. The Communication explains why the euro remains a communication priority, describes the general principles of the strategy and the key players’ roles, identifies the targets and sets out the operational aspects.

The following points should be noted:

- the communication strategy is based on decentralised activities while consistency will be ensured by partnership agreements. Priorities must be defined;

- the key players are the Member States and the Commission, with emphasis also given to institutional cooperation between Parliament and Commission. Implementation is to be based on shared objectives, agreed on by the three Community institutions, notably via the Interinstitutional Group on Information (IGI). Cooperation and well defined roles between Member States, the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament is an important key for a successful information and communication campaign. The Commission will report to the Member States and to the European Parliament on the ongoing evaluation of its communication activities;

- the Member States are best placed to create information tools and products and to encourage the regional and local authorities, public interest services and networks of civil society organisations to act as information relays. Activities will follow the form, content and timetable set out in the Member States’ programmes;

- the Communication discusses the specific target groups of the euro area, countries with derogations, the new Member States and third countries. Within these country categories, information and communication must focus both on specific target groups (e.g. political representatives, civil society, youth, the media and business world) and on the general public;

- the tools of the communication strategy include paper publications, Internet and CD-ROM, a range of PR products, public information services (freephone information service), and info-bus, travelling exhibitions, information evenings, etc. Regular surveys on a country-by-country basis are essential to define the scope, messages and values of the communication, and to measure the impact of the campaign and the efficiency of the tools used;

- the Commission, Member States and European Central Bank will coordinate their communication activities. To this end, the Commission will continue to work closely with the directors of communication of Member States’ Ministries of Finance and Central Banks and with the European Central Bank, within the “Directors of communication network”, which will have a central role in defining and implementing the strategy and linking it with other activities in Member States.

The main areas of communication will be: partnership with the Member States, the twinning programme, partnership with business and civil society, networking with information relays and other natural partners, measurement and feedback, external information activities and publications and other information products. In this context, twinning agreements between old and new Member States will be concluded, so the old Member States can share their experience and best practices acquired in the activities during the changeover to the euro in 1999 and 2002.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

- Budget lines and headings: 01 02 04 PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the euro.

- Overall figures:

- Total allocation for action: EUR 6.000.000 for commitment in 2004.

- Period for application: 2004-2006.

- Overall total estimate of expenditure: Commitments EUR 16000,000; Payments EUR 12000,000.

- Total financial impact for the operational part: PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the Euro: Total over 3 years EUR 16000,000.

- Calculation of costs by measure envisaged for 2004: Total EUR 6000000, comprised of: Partnership with Member States: EUR 3000 000; Networking, information relays and other natural partners: EUR 1130 000; Measurement, feedback : EUR 600 000; External information activities: EUR 890 000; Publications and other information products: EUR 380 000.

Total staff: 12.

Documents

Votes

Rapport Maaten A6-0197/2005 - am. 8 #

2005/07/05 Outcome: -: 488, +: 119, 0: 11
GB CZ CY MT LU EE IE SI SE DK LV FI SK LT BE EL AT PT PL NL HU IT ES FR DE
Total
70
21
6
4
3
5
10
6
15
11
9
13
14
12
19
22
17
19
49
25
20
52
47
68
81
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
32

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Greece GUE/NGL

2

Portugal GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

France GUE/NGL

3
icon: IND/DEM IND/DEM
26

Czechia IND/DEM

1

Ireland IND/DEM

For (1)

1

Denmark IND/DEM

1

Greece IND/DEM

1

Netherlands IND/DEM

2

Italy IND/DEM

Against (1)

3

France IND/DEM

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
25

United Kingdom NI

3

Czechia NI

Against (1)

1

Slovakia NI

3

Austria NI

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2
icon: UEN UEN
21

Ireland UEN

3

Denmark UEN

For (1)

1

Lithuania UEN

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
35

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

Sweden Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Italy Verts/ALE

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
75

Cyprus ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

Against (2)

2

Ireland ALDE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

2

Sweden ALDE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Hungary ALDE

Against (1)

1
2
icon: PPE-DE PPE-DE
230

Malta PPE-DE

Against (2)

2

Luxembourg PPE-DE

2

Ireland PPE-DE

4

Slovenia PPE-DE

4

Denmark PPE-DE

Against (1)

1

Latvia PPE-DE

3

Lithuania PPE-DE

2
icon: PSE PSE
174

Czechia PSE

Against (1)

1

Malta PSE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Luxembourg PSE

Against (1)

1

Ireland PSE

1

Finland PSE

3

Slovakia PSE

3

Lithuania PSE

2

Rapport Maaten A6-0197/2005 - am. 9 #

2005/07/05 Outcome: -: 487, +: 128, 0: 9
CZ GB SE CY MT LU SI EE DK IE LV LT FI SK BE PT AT NL EL PL HU IT ES FR DE
Total
22
68
15
6
4
4
7
5
11
9
9
12
14
13
19
18
17
25
22
49
21
55
49
68
82
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
32

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

2

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Greece GUE/NGL

2

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

France GUE/NGL

3
icon: IND/DEM IND/DEM
26

Czechia IND/DEM

1

Denmark IND/DEM

1

Ireland IND/DEM

For (1)

1

Netherlands IND/DEM

2

Greece IND/DEM

1

France IND/DEM

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
24

Czechia NI

Abstain (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

3

Slovakia NI

Abstain (2)

2

Austria NI

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2
icon: UEN UEN
22

Denmark UEN

For (1)

1

Ireland UEN

3

Lithuania UEN

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
37

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

For (1)

4

Sweden Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Italy Verts/ALE

2

Spain Verts/ALE

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
78

Sweden ALDE

Abstain (1)

2

Cyprus ALDE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

2

Estonia ALDE

Against (2)

2

Ireland ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Hungary ALDE

2
2
icon: PPE-DE PPE-DE
226

Malta PPE-DE

Against (2)

2

Luxembourg PPE-DE

2

Slovenia PPE-DE

4

Denmark PPE-DE

Against (1)

1

Ireland PPE-DE

3

Latvia PPE-DE

3

Lithuania PPE-DE

2
icon: PSE PSE
179

Czechia PSE

2

Malta PSE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Luxembourg PSE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia PSE

For (1)

1

Ireland PSE

Against (1)

1

Lithuania PSE

2

Finland PSE

3

Slovakia PSE

3

Rapport Maaten A6-0197/2005 - résolution #

2005/07/05 Outcome: +: 493, -: 117, 0: 14
DE FR ES IT PL HU EL NL PT BE AT LT FI SK LV IE DK SI EE MT SE CY LU CZ GB
Total
82
67
48
53
48
21
22
24
18
19
17
12
14
14
9
10
11
7
5
4
15
6
4
22
72
icon: PSE PSE
179

Lithuania PSE

2

Ireland PSE

1

Slovenia PSE

For (1)

1

Malta PSE

2

Luxembourg PSE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PSE

2
icon: PPE-DE PPE-DE
227
2
4

Denmark PPE-DE

For (1)

1

Malta PPE-DE

2

Luxembourg PPE-DE

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
78
2

Latvia ALDE

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

2

Estonia ALDE

2

Sweden ALDE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Cyprus ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
36

Italy Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

Against (1)

4
icon: UEN UEN
22

Lithuania UEN

2

Denmark UEN

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
25

Belgium NI

3

Austria NI

2

Slovakia NI

3

Czechia NI

1

United Kingdom NI

3
icon: IND/DEM IND/DEM
26

France IND/DEM

Against (1)

1

Italy IND/DEM

2

Greece IND/DEM

Against (1)

1

Netherlands IND/DEM

2

Ireland IND/DEM

Against (1)

1

Denmark IND/DEM

Against (1)

1

Czechia IND/DEM

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

France GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Greece GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Portugal GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

2

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/0
date
2004-08-11T00:00:00
docs
summary
type
Non-legislative basic document
body
EC
docs/0
date
2005-04-12T00:00:00
docs
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docs/3/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0270_EN.html
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events/0/docs/0/url
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events/1/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3/type
Old
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
New
Committee report tabled for plenary
events/4
date
2005-06-24T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0197_EN.html title: A6-0197/2005
events/4
date
2005-06-24T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0197_EN.html title: A6-0197/2005
events/6
date
2005-07-05T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0270_EN.html title: T6-0270/2005
summary
events/6
date
2005-07-05T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0270_EN.html title: T6-0270/2005
summary
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 54
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 052
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Economic and Monetary Affairs
committee
ECON
rapporteur
name: MAATEN Jules date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Economic and Monetary Affairs
committee
ECON
date
2004-09-21T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: MAATEN Jules group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
docs/2/docs/0/url
Old
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New
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docs/3/docs/0/url
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New
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docs/4/body
EC
docs/5/body
EC
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New
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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0270_EN.html
activities
  • date: 2004-08-11T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2004/0552/COM_COM(2004)0552_EN.pdf title: COM(2004)0552 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52004DC0552:EN body: EC commission: type: Non-legislative basic document published
  • date: 2005-06-09T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Culture and Education committee: CULT body: EP responsible: True committee: ECON date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MAATEN Jules
  • date: 2005-06-15T00:00:00 body: EP committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Culture and Education committee: CULT body: EP responsible: True committee: ECON date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MAATEN Jules type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • date: 2005-06-20T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2005-06-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-197&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A6-0197/2005 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4115&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-270 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T6-0270/2005 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
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docs
  • date: 2005-04-12T00:00:00 docs: title: PE357.610 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2005-05-04T00:00:00 docs: title: PE357.777 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2005-06-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-197&language=EN title: A6-0197/2005 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-270 title: T6-0270/2005 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:C:2006:157E:SOM:EN:HTML title: OJ C 157 06.07.2006, p. 0020-0073 E summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on the implementation of an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union. (Please see the summary of 15/06/2005.) Parliament added that it supported tighter economic policy co-ordination between Member States and fiscal prudence within the bounds of a reformed Stability and Growth Pact. The revised Stability and Growth Pact, and the relevant Community regulations on specific matters should contribute to the long-term economic stability of the Member States and their adjustment to the Lisbon Strategy objectives. Parliament stressed that low economic growth after the introduction of the euro was not caused by the currency changeover but by a lack of proper implementation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and by the fact that the Lisbon agreement has not been fulfilled and structural reforms have not been implemented. Parliament went on to deplore the still high cost of cross-border retail payments in euro, although Regulation 2560/2001/EC on cross-border payments in euro has brought about real reductions in the charges for standardised cross-border transfers of euro. Parliament asked the Commission to come up with proposals for comprehensive legislation in this field and to take this opportunity to harmonise electronic payment systems in the EU in order to reduce the costs which are usually borne by consumers and SMEs. type: Text adopted by Parliament, single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-07-14T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=4115&j=0&l=en title: SP(2005)2923 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
  • date: 2005-11-03T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=4115&j=1&l=en title: SP(2005)3776/2 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
events
  • date: 2004-08-11T00:00:00 type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2004/0552/COM_COM(2004)0552_EN.pdf title: COM(2004)0552 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2004&nu_doc=552 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE : to present a new phase of the European Commission’s information and communication on the euro and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). CONTENT : Information and communication on the euro and EMU clearly remains a priority for the EU: - the enlargement of the EU on May 1, 2004 will lead to the expansion of the euro area in the future, when Treaty conditions are met. - the introduction of the euro, a historic step in the construction of the EU, needs to be consolidated by increasing public support for the single currency. - the introduction of euro notes and coins has had a huge positive influence on how third countries view the EU and its economic role. This trend should be encouraged. The document focuses on strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and developing structured partnerships with the Member States, while continuing to ensure overall consistency. The aim is to increase public knowledge within and outside the EU on the working of EMU and to contribute to a smooth changeover in those Member States which adopt the euro. The Communication explains why the euro remains a communication priority, describes the general principles of the strategy and the key players’ roles, identifies the targets and sets out the operational aspects. The following points should be noted: - the communication strategy is based on decentralised activities while consistency will be ensured by partnership agreements. Priorities must be defined; - the key players are the Member States and the Commission, with emphasis also given to institutional cooperation between Parliament and Commission. Implementation is to be based on shared objectives, agreed on by the three Community institutions, notably via the Interinstitutional Group on Information (IGI). Cooperation and well defined roles between Member States, the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament is an important key for a successful information and communication campaign. The Commission will report to the Member States and to the European Parliament on the ongoing evaluation of its communication activities; - the Member States are best placed to create information tools and products and to encourage the regional and local authorities, public interest services and networks of civil society organisations to act as information relays. Activities will follow the form, content and timetable set out in the Member States’ programmes; - the Communication discusses the specific target groups of the euro area, countries with derogations, the new Member States and third countries. Within these country categories, information and communication must focus both on specific target groups (e.g. political representatives, civil society, youth, the media and business world) and on the general public; - the tools of the communication strategy include paper publications, Internet and CD-ROM, a range of PR products, public information services (freephone information service), and info-bus, travelling exhibitions, information evenings, etc. Regular surveys on a country-by-country basis are essential to define the scope, messages and values of the communication, and to measure the impact of the campaign and the efficiency of the tools used; - the Commission, Member States and European Central Bank will coordinate their communication activities. To this end, the Commission will continue to work closely with the directors of communication of Member States’ Ministries of Finance and Central Banks and with the European Central Bank, within the “Directors of communication network”, which will have a central role in defining and implementing the strategy and linking it with other activities in Member States. The main areas of communication will be: partnership with the Member States, the twinning programme, partnership with business and civil society, networking with information relays and other natural partners, measurement and feedback, external information activities and publications and other information products. In this context, twinning agreements between old and new Member States will be concluded, so the old Member States can share their experience and best practices acquired in the activities during the changeover to the euro in 1999 and 2002. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: - Budget lines and headings: 01 02 04 PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the euro. - Overall figures: - Total allocation for action: EUR 6.000.000 for commitment in 2004. - Period for application: 2004-2006. - Overall total estimate of expenditure: Commitments EUR 16000,000; Payments EUR 12000,000. - Total financial impact for the operational part: PRINCE – Communication on Economic and Monetary Union, including the Euro: Total over 3 years EUR 16000,000. - Calculation of costs by measure envisaged for 2004: Total EUR 6000000, comprised of: Partnership with Member States: EUR 3000 000; Networking, information relays and other natural partners: EUR 1130 000; Measurement, feedback : EUR 600 000; External information activities: EUR 890 000; Publications and other information products: EUR 380 000. Total staff: 12.
  • date: 2005-06-09T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-06-15T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP summary: The committee adopted the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union. The report listed a large number of benefits of economic and monetary union - price stability, reduced transaction costs, greater price transparency within the euro zone, reduced price volatility on the international currency markets and protection against external shocks, historically low interest rates, low mortgage rates and easier travel. In the view of the committee, "the euro is possibly the most successful European project ever launched", but MEPs were also aware that a certain section of the European public "purports to have a negative perception of the euro... and this tendency is on the rise". The committee therefore said the single currency must remain a communication priority for the EU, the benefits of which must "continue to be sold and explained to the public at length", using modern marketing techniques to get the message accross. A particular effort needed to be made in small towns and remote areas. The European Central Bank should provide an annual quantitative analysis of the benefits of the euro for ordinary citizens. MEPs said that it was important to consider the concerns from the three non-euro countries of the old EU15, and called on the Commission to help the governments of the UK , Sweden and Denmark "in their quest to win over a sceptical public, if these governments so wish." On the other hand, the report said that the Commission should concentrate its efforts on helping the new Member States to prepare their citizens for adoption of the euro by undertaking an intensive information campaign, and to supervise its implementation where such a campaign had already started. The committee said that a requirement of dual pricing 3 months before introducing the euro and up to 12 months afterwards could help reduce people's fears of euro-induced price rises and put pressure on businesses not to use the conversion as a pretext for price rises. Experience from malpractices of this sort in the current euro area should be used in the future euro area entrants in such a way as to prevent such behaviour. More generally, the EU should support 'twinning' arrangements between ministries of finance and central banks of present and future euro members to help spread good practice. The committee also asked the Commission to analyse the excess of EUR 500 notes in circulation, warning of the risks associated with such a high value note with regard to money laundering and crime. It queried the relevance of keeping such notes, given the rise in electronic trading in transactions.
  • date: 2005-06-20T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-06-24T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-197&language=EN title: A6-0197/2005
  • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4115&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-270 title: T6-0270/2005 summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Jules MAATEN (ALDE, NL) on the implementation of an information and communication strategy on the euro and economic and monetary union. (Please see the summary of 15/06/2005.) Parliament added that it supported tighter economic policy co-ordination between Member States and fiscal prudence within the bounds of a reformed Stability and Growth Pact. The revised Stability and Growth Pact, and the relevant Community regulations on specific matters should contribute to the long-term economic stability of the Member States and their adjustment to the Lisbon Strategy objectives. Parliament stressed that low economic growth after the introduction of the euro was not caused by the currency changeover but by a lack of proper implementation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and by the fact that the Lisbon agreement has not been fulfilled and structural reforms have not been implemented. Parliament went on to deplore the still high cost of cross-border retail payments in euro, although Regulation 2560/2001/EC on cross-border payments in euro has brought about real reductions in the charges for standardised cross-border transfers of euro. Parliament asked the Commission to come up with proposals for comprehensive legislation in this field and to take this opportunity to harmonise electronic payment systems in the EU in order to reduce the costs which are usually borne by consumers and SMEs.
  • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
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    activities
    • date: 2004-08-11T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2004/0552/COM_COM(2004)0552_EN.pdf title: COM(2004)0552 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52004DC0552:EN body: EC commission: type: Non-legislative basic document published
    • date: 2005-06-09T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Culture and Education committee: CULT body: EP responsible: True committee: ECON date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MAATEN Jules
    • date: 2005-06-15T00:00:00 body: EP committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Culture and Education committee: CULT body: EP responsible: True committee: ECON date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MAATEN Jules type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
    • date: 2005-06-20T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
    • date: 2005-06-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-197&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A6-0197/2005 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
    • date: 2005-07-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4115&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-270 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T6-0270/2005 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
    committees
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    • body: EP responsible: True committee: ECON date: 2004-09-21T00:00:00 committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MAATEN Jules
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