MEPS CRITICISE COMMISSION OVER POOR EURO COMMUNICATION

11.35.35am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Jul 2005

Today the European Parliament supported a report which recognised the successful introduction of the euro but criticised the European Commission's poor communication strategy on the euro and EMU.

Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat European Economic Spokesperson said "Negative perceptions of the euro are widespread. The Commission has failed to provide adequate information and get its messages to the everyday person. It is essential that the EU bucks up its ideas and makes a bigger effort to inform European citizens with clear political messages and choices. This will in turn give Member States a strong foundation on which to present the EMU and euro on a national and even local level which is easier for citizens to relate to."

The report also makes several proposals for improvement. One of these is to give a bigger voice to SMEs through regular opinion polls on the euro. "SMEs have yet to be properly consulted about how they believe the euro is going. Often dealing with customers in their daily lives they have been on the frontline of how the new euro coins and notes have been accepted. Their views are extremely important and will provide a valuable insight into the acceptance of the currency. It will also give vital information on where improvements could be made for future euro members" said Mrs Bowles.

The fear of higher prices in new member states is also tackled. It calls on the Commission to take these public worries seriously and to look into how to prevent possible excessive rounding-up of prices.

"The Commission must learn from the euro's three year experience and ensure that it makes real reforms to its communication strategy for future as well as current euro members."

It is important to get this right if the average European citizen is ever to feel well informed and part of 'Europe'"

Ends