Brussels, 06/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - In addition to its decisions relating to the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, Greece's accession to single currency and assistance to Montenegro (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.9), the Ecofin Council which met on Monday in Luxembourg under the chairmanship of Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Pina Moura came to the following conclusions (for tax aspects and financial services, see previous articles):
- Release of euro coin samples to relevant industries. As the timely adjustment of coin operated machines to euro coins is important for the successful introduction of euro coins in 2002, the Council agreed that Member States of the euro zone should be able to lend euro coins/tokens to companies which manufacture coin validators or other coin handling equipment, for testing and adaptation of their production on their premises. It also acknowledged that confidential information may be provided to such companies but the companies will be asked to sign with the Member State concerned an agreement for non-disclosure of such information. The loan of the euro coins/tokens will be made on the basis of specific agreements between the respective Member State and the company. These agreements will include financial guarantees and strong security requirements.
- EMU statistical requirements. The Council endorsed the second progress report on statistical information requirements in EMU drawn up by the Economic and Financial Committee, and called on the latter to produce a further progress report by January 2001. Considering that the smooth functioning of the EMU and of the Single Market requires a complete and effective information system, it invited Member States of the euro zone to step up their efforts with a view to providing up-to-date and reliable statistical data. The ministers decided to continue reviewing the situation of Member States and ensure that production of statistics of particular relevance for the EU and the euro area is given the necessary priority. They will also examine the relevance of derogations currently in force. Finally, the Council invited Eurostat, the Union's Statistical Office, to establish, in close collaboration with the ECB, a plan of action identifying, for each Member State and each statistical sector, areas where urgent progress should be made, as well as the possible modifications to existing statistical regulations. The Ecofin Council should report on this action plan in September this year.
- Monday laundering. The Council noted the Presidency's report on the state of progress pertaining to the adoption of the revised directive, as well as the various observations from the Member States. It agreed to continue its work with a view to adopting the draft Directive at the earliest possible opportunity, another working meeting being foreseen mid-June to this end. The upcoming French Presidency, for its part, pointed out that it would grant the same priority to this issue in order to finalise work on the Directive in the second half of the year.
- State aid for environmental protection. The Council has noted the state of Commission preparation on the new guidelines in this connection, as well as comments and concerns of certain delegations on this subject (see EUROPE of 3 June, p.8).
