16/12/2019 (Agence Europe) – From Monday 16 December, a cross-border transfer in euros will cost no more than an equivalent national transfer in a local currency anywhere in the European Union, thanks to the entry into force of new rules adopted by the European Parliament and the EU Council a year ago (see EUROPE 12159/16). Until now, the cost of a cross-border transaction for an amount of €10 between Finland and Bulgaria - which does not belong to the euro area - was between €15 and €24. With this amendment, the Commission considers that the cost of such a transaction should only amount to about €1 (see EUROPE 11991/12). However, it will not be until April 2020 that the provisions on currency conversion come into force. These will allow EU consumers to compare currency conversion fees when they pay with their card in another EU currency. (MF)