The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee adopted the report by Ms. Irene
SOLTWENDEL-SCHÄFER (Greens, D) on the Commission proposal for denominations
and technical specifications of euro coins. The Commission proposal suggests
that there should be eight euro coins of 2 and 1 euro, as well as, 50, 20,
10, 5, 2, and 1 cents. One side of these coins, the Commission proposes,
should be common for all Member States whereas the other should have a
design specific for each Member State.The Committee, however, felt that six
standard coins would be sufficient and thus called for the 20 and 2 cents
coins to be dropped. The Committee also rejected the Commission's proposal
regarding the size of the coins, where the coins are grouped into three
series which vary by shape, weight, colour and thickness. Instead, the
Committee called for a simplified system where all coins form a single
series in which the diameter of the coins increases with value. The smallest
coin, 1 cent, would have a diameter of 15 mm. and the biggest, 2 euro, would
have a diameter of 26,5 mm. The Committee also proposed that a special gold
coin of 100 euros for collectors should be minted alongside the standard
coins.To avoid confusion with existing national coins, the Committee
rejected the idea of having a national design on one side of each coin, and
called for each coin to be produced in a single European-harmonised design
applicable to both sides of the coin.
On the composition of the coins, the Commission has proposed that the 1 and
2 euro coins would use nickel in the alloys of the surface of the coins.
However, following concerns raised by among others the Swedish authorities,
the Commission asked the Scientific Committee for Toxicity and Ecotoxicity
of Chemical Compounds (CSTE) to study whether the use of nickel in coins
would cause allergies and dermatitis. The CSTE concluded last month that
there was a "low risk" in using nickel in euro coins, but admitted that the
data available on the subject was scarce. Taking the view that such
inconclusive evidence will create confusion and uncertainty and hence
generate public resistance, the Economic Affairs Committee therefore amended
the Commission proposal to make sure that no coin has any nickel in the
surface, ie. in any parts which get in direct contact with the skin of the
user.