15/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Commission consults on future of 1 and 2 eurocent coins. On Tuesday 14 May, the European Commission published a report on the future of the one and two eurocent coins based on four different scenarios - no change; putting coins into circulation based on reduced production costs; rapid withdrawal of the coins; and gradual withdrawal. Although if there is no change, people will not have to adjust their spending habits, the Commission says that the cost (compared with the value) of the coins will have to be taken into account. Production cost arguments have to be weighed, however, against public opinion's fear of prices rising by being rounded up if the coins are phased out. The Commission says “This discussion will be taken forward with stakeholders and member states to see if a clear preference emerges on which to base a legislative proposal.” (EL/transl.fl)