Brussels, 31/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - Counterfeiting of notes, fraud, security and computers problems, long queues in front of banks and businesses. This is the apocalyptic picture of the first days of the introduction of the Euro painted by the MEP Jules Maaten (Liberal, Netherlands) in his report on the preparations for the transition to the Euro, if the European Central Bank does not change its mind over its refusal to advance supply the public with notes before 1 January 2002. The European Parliament does not understand the stubbornness of the ECB in rejecting this request. Most of their arguments are doubtful. We are sure that the benefits of advance supply will exceed by far the possible inconveniences", stated Mr Maaten, who called on the governments and the ECB to react promptly to minimise the potential damage. The report, discussed within the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, recognises that information campaigns on the launch of the Euro have been fruitful with consumers and major companies. Though Mr Maaten states his concern with the lack of preparation by small and medium-sized enterprises and local authorities. He fears that they begin their preparation far too late, after the second half of 2001, at a time when IT technicians are over worked and will not be able to answer all requests. Moreover, he proposes a series of measures for retailers, which risk more than others bearing the brunt of the changeover, and consumers, to shelter them from a price increase.
Three MEPs propose to boycott Euro
Three MEPs from the Europe of Democracies and Diversities (EDD) group, William Abitbol, Florence Kunta and Paul-Marie Couteaux, from the microcosm of French sovereignty supporters, have decided to denounce the transition to the Euro. On Monday they launched a website inviting surfers to boycott the single currency. The Euro is obligatory, it is on 17 February 2001 (date of the disappearance of the Franc: Ed.). The Euro and the Franc used at the same time, it is from 1 January to 17 February 2002. In 2001, the Franc remains the French currency (…) We do not want that, by the end of the year, we make the French pay, as other Europeans, the cost of a currency that only banks, governments and large distribution feel as necessary. This is why we are opening the site jeboycotteleuro.org, they explain in a press release.