DOCSLIB.ORG

LATVIJAS INTERESES EIROPAS SAVIENĪBĀ 2013/1 Izdevumu Finansē No Eiropas Komisijas Un Latvijas Valdības Noslēgtās Vadības Partnerības Līdzekļiem

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
LATVIJAS INTERESES EIROPAS SAVIENĪBĀ 2013/1 Izdevumu Finansē No Eiropas Komisijas Un Latvijas Valdības Noslēgtās Vadības Partnerības Līdzekļiem 2013 / 1 LATVIJAS INTERESES EIROPAS SAVIENĪBĀ 2013/1 Izdevumu finansē no Eiropas Komisijas un Latvijas valdības noslēgtās Vadības partnerības līdzekļiem. Tās mērķis ir sabiedrības informēšana par Eiropas Savienību. Izdevuma autors uzņemas pilnu atbildību par izdevuma saturu, un Eiropas Komisija neatbild par to, kā var tikt izmantota izdevumā iekļautā informācija. Redakcijas kolēģija: Daunis Auers (Latvijas Universitāte), Andris Gobiņš (Eiropas Kustība Latvijā), Māris Graudiņš (Eiropas Parlamenta Informācijas birojs Latvijā), Guna Japiņa (Latvijas Ārlietu ministrija), Mindaugs Jurkinas (Viļņas Universitāte), Anna Marija Legloaneka (Starptautisko studiju un pētījumu centrs, Sciences Po), Imants Lieģis, Žaneta Ozoliņa (Latvijas Universitāte), Fabricio Tasinari (Dānijas Starptautisko pētījumu institūts), Bens Tonra (Dublinas Universitāte). Zinātniskā redaktore Žaneta Ozoliņa Projekta vadības grupa Iveta Reinholde, Nora Vanaga Literārā redaktore Inga Kanasta-Zabarovska Angļu valodas redaktore Zinta Uskale Maketētāja Inese Siliniece Māksliniece Kristīne Plūksna Redakcijas kolēģijas adrese: Latvijas Politologu biedrība Lomonosova iela 1A, Rīga, LV-1019 Tālrunis: 67140533 e-pasts: [email protected] www.politologubiedriba.lv Iespiests SIA Dardedze hologrāfija ISSN 2243-6049 Ķengaraga iela 10a, Rīga Saturs Redaktora sleja 5 Valdis Dombrovskis. Ceļš uz eiro: mūsu iespējas un izaicinājumi 7 I. Eiropas Savienības institūCijas 11 Inese Vaidere. Eirozonas pilnveidošana kā tās pastāvēšanas nosacījums 11 Vija Mičūne. Eiropas Stabilizācijas mehānisma darbības pamatprincipi 27 Inese Grumolte. Parlamentārā uzraudzība ES lietās Latvijā: Eiropadome un ES Ministru Padome 40 II. Eiropas Savienības politikas 49 Deniss Titarenko. Eiropa ceļā uz stabilāku un patiesu Ekonomikas un monetāro savienību 49 Igors Kasjanovs. Eiropas Savienības valstis bez eiro — vairākas. Iemesli un situācijas — atšķirīgas 61 Natalja Viilmann. The Changeover to the Euro in Estonia 74 Gints Trupovnieks. Māstrihtas kritēriju izpilde Latvijā 81 Konference “Pieredze un gatavošanās eiro”: diskusija un secinājumi 94 Ilze Rūse. Latvijas nevalstisko organizāciju aktivitāte interešu pārstāvībā nacionālajā un Eiropas Savienības līmenī 99 III. Intervija 95 Slovakian “Mr. Euro”: Latvia will enjoy the benefits of the Euro. Interview with Igor Barat, Special Representative of the Government of Slovakia of Euro issues 115 IV. PREZIDENTūRAS Aktualitātes 123 Agnija Tumkevič. Preparation for the Presidency of the EU Council: Lithuania’s experience of the priority setting process 123 Redaktora sleja 5 Redaktora sleja Pie lasītājiem nonāk žurnāla “Latvijas intereses Eiropas Savienībā” 2013. gada pirmais numurs, kurš iezīmē izdevuma trešo gadskārtu — Lat- vijas apstākļos tas jau līdzinās ilgdzīvotāja mūžam analītisko izdevumu klāstā. Iemesls tam ir ne tikai Latvijas sabiedrības interese par Eiropas integ- rācijas procesiem un valsts vietu tajā, bet visnotaļ sparīgā, pretrunīgā un interešu sadursmēm bagātā ES politika. Pēdējo mēnešu notikumi uz Eiropas politiskās skatuves ir rosinājuši daudzveidīgas diskusijas — tikko ir noslēdzies ES daudzgadu budžeta saga- tavošanas un dalībvalstu vienošanās process, kurā politiskās kaislības sita augstu vilni, taču noslēdzās ar jau tradicionālu rezultātu — labākais no iespē- jamajiem variantiem, kurā neviens nav zaudētājs, bet neviens nav arī uzvarē- tājs. Taču diskusijas vēl turpināsies Eiropas Parlamentā, no kura būs jāsaņem apstiprinājums. Viedokļu apmaiņa EP ir gaidāma visnotaļ asa, jo šis ir pir- mais ES budžeta piedāvājums, kurš būs mazāks, salīdzinot ar iepriekšējo, un raisa bažas, vai tas spēs nodrošināt krīzes skartās ES izaugsmi. Nelielu adrenalīna devu Eiropas diskusijām pievienojis Lielbritānijas premjerministrs Deivids Kamerons (David Cameron), savā runā par Eiro- pas nākotni akcentējot pastāvošās problēmas (birokratizāciju, neefektivitāti, demokrātijas deficītu, nacionālo interešu nerespektēšanu u.c.) un apņemša- nos konsultēties ar sabiedrību referenduma formātā par Apvienotās Kara- listes iespējamo izstāšanos no ES, ja netiks meklēti risinājumi. Iecerētais politiskais triumfs no šīs uzstāšanās tomēr nav izdevies, jo idejisku un poli- tisku novitāšu šajā runā nav. Minētās problēmas ES ir bijušas aktuālas visu tās pastāvēšanas laiku un to risināšana ir atkarīga nevis no vienas vai otras valsts izstāšanās, bet gan aktīvas līdzdalības valstu apvienībā. Runā skaidri iezīmējas viena no lielākajām Apvienotās Karalistes bažām, ka līdz ar eirozo- nas nostiprināšanos un ciešāku tās integrāciju valstij draud palikšana tā sau- camajā otrā ātruma Eiropā, jo tai būs ievērojami mazāka iespēja piedalīties lemšanā par svarīgiem finanšu un ekonomiskās attīstības jautājumiem, un tas mazinās tās politisko nozīmību ES. 6 Redaktora sleja Latvija 2013. gadu pavadīs eiro zīmē. Notiks gatavošanās dalībai eiro- zonā un pārejai uz Eiropas valūtu. Pēdējo mēnešu laikā ir sākusies diskusija starp pārejas uz eiro atbalstītājiem un kritiķiem. Tāpēc ir tikai likumsaka- rīgi, ka arī žurnāls “Latvijas intereses Eiropas Savienībā” kļūst par vienu no diskusijas dalībniekiem, apkopojot dažādu finanšu un ekonomikas nozaru ekspertu zināšanas par eiro tematiku. Lasītājiem ir dota iespēja gan vienko- pus rast informāciju par tādiem svarīgiem jautājumiem kā Eiropas Stabili- zācijas mehānisma darbība un tā principi, Latvijas atbilstība noteiktajiem Māstrihtas kritērijiem, Ekonomikas un monetārās savienības darbība, gan arī iepazīties ar Igaunijas un Slovēnijas pieredzi pārejā uz eiro. Žurnāla eiro tematiku papildina pētījums par parlamenta lomu ES politikas uzraudzībā, nevalstisko organizāciju lomu Latvijas interešu pārstāvniecībā ES un Lietu- vas pieredzi, gatavojoties veikt prezidentūras funkcijas ES Padomē. Izdevuma tapšanu atbalstījusi Latvijas Banka un Finanšu ministrija. Žaneta Ozoliņa, LU profesore, žurnāla “Latvijas intereses Eiropas Savienībā” zinātniskā redaktore Dace Kalsone, Latvijas Republikas Finanšu ministrijas eiro projekta vadītāja, izdevuma līdzredaktore Ceļš uz eiro: mūsu iespējas un izaicinājumi Valdis Dombrovskis, Ministru prezidents Lai arī pievienošanās Eiropas vienotajai valūtai ir bijusi teju visu valdību prioritāšu sarakstā jau kopš 2004. gada, kad Latvija iestājās Eiropas Savie- nībā, tikai pašlaik — gandrīz 10 gadus pēc šī notikuma — Latvijai ir pirmā reālā iespēja to paveikt, kļūstot par 18. eirozonas valsti. Šī gada 31. janvārī Saeima pieņēma Eiro ieviešanas kārtības likumu, tā pabeidzot juridisko sagatavošanos eiro ieviešanai. Nākamais solis — marta sākumā nosūtītais ārkārtas konverģences ziņojuma pieprasījums Eiropas Komisijai — pēc būtības ir Latvijas iesniegums dalībai eirozonā un pēdējais lēmums, ko Latvija pieņem, lai pievienotos Eiropas vienotajai valūtai. Ziņo- jums varētu būt gatavs maijā un tad, pēc vairākiem ziņojuma izskatīšanas raundiem ES valstu finanšu ministru padomē un Eiropadomē, Latvija vasa- ras vidū varētu saņemt uzaicinājumu iestāties eirozonā. Tā ir formālā procedūra, taču patiesībā ceļš uz eiro bijis ievērojami garāks. Sākotnēji tika plānots eiro ieviest 2008. gadā, tad 2011. gadā. Ja pir- majā gadījumā divciparu izaugsmes eiforijā pietrūka apņēmības cīnīties ar inflāciju, tad 2011. gadā eiro ieviešana nebija iespējama, jo arī 2008. un 2009. gadā piedzīvotais smagais ekonomikas kritums neļāva izpildīt Māstrih- tas kritērijus attiecībā uz budžeta deficītu un ilgtermiņa procentu likmēm. Tomēr pašā krīzes karstumā visskaidrāk iezīmējās nepieciešamība ieviest eiro pēc iespējas drīzāk. Tam ir vairāki iemesli. Parādoties pirmajām baumām par ekonomikas satricinājumiem, latu procentu likmes daudzkār- šojās, valsts zaudēja piekļuvi finanšu tirgiem un iedzīvotāji steidza mainīt savus uzkrājumus latos pret eiro, baidīdamies par iespējamo lata devalvā- ciju. Strauji pieaugot kredītprocentu likmēm, uzņēmumi bankrotēja vai bija spiesti maksāt ievērojamas summas par kredītu apkalpošanu. Valstij nācās 8 Valdis Dombrovskis lūgt ārvalstu finansiālo palīdzību, jo starptautiskajā finanšu tirgū tai neviens aizdot nevēlējās. Iedzīvotāji, savukārt, par valūtas maiņām no latiem uz eiro un otrādi komisijas maksās iztērēja desmitiem miljonus latu. Ja eiro būtu ticis ieviests jau 2008. gadā, tas viss mums būtu gājis secen un arī ekono- miskā krīze visdrīzāk nebūtu bijusi tik smaga. Turklāt Latvijai būtu bijis pieejams Eiropas Centrālās bankas finansējums Parex bankas stabilizēšanai un tam būtu bijis nepieciešams krietni mazāks valsts budžeta līdzekļu apjoms. Eiro ir līdzeklis straujākai attīstībai un labklājības pieaugumam. Papil- dus lielākai iedzīvotāju uzkrājumu un ienākumu stabilitātei eiro veicinās arī investīciju ieplūdi valstī. Kā rāda Igaunijas pieredze, eiro ieviešanas gadā ārvalstu investīcijas nefinanšu sektorā dubultojās. Investīciju ieplūde nozīmē jaunas darba vietas un ilgtermiņā straujāku ekonomikas izaugsmi. Ciešāka ekonomiskā integrācija ES veicinās arī eksporta pieaugumu, kā arī lētāku un ērtāku tirdzniecību ar mūsu svarīgākajiem partneriem, jo 70% Latvijas ārējās tirdzniecības notiek ar ES valstīm. Pēc Latvijas Bankas aplēsēm, ja tiek ieviests eiro, līdz 2020. gadam eksports būs par 5% lielāks, nekā tas būtu, saglabājot latu. Papildus ekonomiskajiem ieguvumiem eiro ieviešana sola arī tūlītējus finansiālus ieguvumus — galvenokārt tie būs zemākas procentu likmes un izzūdošas konvertācijas izmaksas. Valūtas devalvācijas riskam pazūdot no valsts kredītriska aprēķina, samazināsies valsts aizņemšanās izmaksas. Valsts kases aprēķini liecina, ka aizņemšanās izmaksu samazinājums par 1% vidēji gadā valsts budžetam ietaupītu ap 30 miljoniem
Load more

Recommended publications
  • M O N T H L Y B U L L E T
    MONTHLY BULLETIN September 2001 EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK EN ECB EZB EKT BCE EKP BULLETIN MONTHLY September 2001 MONTHLY BULLETIN September 2001 © European Central Bank, 2001 Address Kaiserstrasse 29 D-60311 Frankfurt am Main Germany Postal address Postfach 16 03 19 D-60066 Frankfurt am Main Germany Telephone +49 69 1344 0 Internet http://www.ecb.int Fax +49 69 1344 6000 Telex 411 144 ecb d This Bulletin was produced under the responsibility of the Executive Board of the ECB. Translations are prepared and published by the national central banks. All rights reserved. Reproduction for educational and non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged. The cut-off date for the statistics included in this issue was 13 September 2001. ISSN 1561-0136 Contents Editorial 5 Economic developments in the euro area 7 Monetary and financial developments 7 Price developments 29 Output, demand and labour market developments 36 Fiscal developments 47 The global macroeconomic environment, exchange rates and the balance of payments 49 Boxes: 1 Implications of the cash changeover for currency in circulation and monetary aggregates in the euro area 10 2 Financing and investment of the non-financial sectors of the euro area in 2000 14 3 Monetary policy operations and liquidity conditions in the reserve maintenance period ending on 23 August 2001 18 4 Recent declines in commodity prices easing upward pressures on producer prices 32 5 The August 2001 Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) 35 6 The sensitivity of euro area growth to the
    [Show full text]
  • Monthly Bulletin, September 2001
    MONTHLY BULLETIN September 2001 EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK EN ECB EZB EKT BCE EKP BULLETIN MONTHLY September 2001 MONTHLY BULLETIN September 2001 © European Central Bank, 2001 Address Kaiserstrasse 29 D-60311 Frankfurt am Main Germany Postal address Postfach 16 03 19 D-60066 Frankfurt am Main Germany Telephone +49 69 1344 0 Internet http://www.ecb.int Fax +49 69 1344 6000 Telex 411 144 ecb d This Bulletin was produced under the responsibility of the Executive Board of the ECB. Translations are prepared and published by the national central banks. All rights reserved. Reproduction for educational and non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged. The cut-off date for the statistics included in this issue was 13 September 2001. ISSN 1561-0136 Contents Editorial 5 Economic developments in the euro area 7 Monetary and financial developments 7 Price developments 29 Output, demand and labour market developments 36 Fiscal developments 47 The global macroeconomic environment, exchange rates and the balance of payments 49 Boxes: 1 Implications of the cash changeover for currency in circulation and monetary aggregates in the euro area 10 2 Financing and investment of the non-financial sectors of the euro area in 2000 14 3 Monetary policy operations and liquidity conditions in the reserve maintenance period ending on 23 August 2001 18 4 Recent declines in commodity prices easing upward pressures on producer prices 32 5 The August 2001 Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) 35 6 The sensitivity of euro area growth to the
    [Show full text]
  • European Commission
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE Brussels, 3 January 2014 A successful start for the euro changeover in Latvia On 1 January 2014, Latvia adopted the euro as its official currency and the changeover is running smoothly and according to plan. The previous national currency – the lat – is now being phased out during a transitional two-week dual circulation period when both currencies have legal tender status. By the end of Thursday 2 January, 30 % of payments in shops were being made in euro only and 94 % of customers were getting their change in euro. No major problems were observed in banks or in the retail sector. According to a recent Commission survey1, a large proportion of Latvians already had euro cash two days before the changeover: 52 % had euro banknotes and 64 % had euro coins – typically from trips abroad, but many also from an exchange in a bank or post office in Latvia or coins from euro starter kits. The widespread holdings of euro cash in advance of €-day contribute to a smoother cash changeover. The conversion of ATMs (cash dispensers) went smoothly and virtually all ATMs have been distributing euro banknotes as from the first hour of 1 January. Furthermore, several branches of the three largest banks were open for cash services on Wednesday 1 January. Point-of-sale terminals for card payments in shops were likewise successfully converted to euro in time for the opening of shops on 2 January. Due to the New Year holidays, commercial activity during the first two days of the changeover was lower than normal.
    [Show full text]
  • Jean-Claude Trichet: the Euro - a Major Structural Reform of the European Economy
    Jean-Claude Trichet: The Euro - a major structural reform of the European economy Speech by Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, Governor of the Banque de France, at the NIKKEI Euro Symposium, London, 5 November 2001. * * * Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure and an honour for me to be speaking here today, at the Nikkei Euro Symposium, in front of such a distinguished audience. I am particularly pleased to express my views on the euro and its prospects following the launch of the notes and coins, which will be a reality within 8 weeks The economic and financial ties between Europe and Japan have been strengthened significantly over the recent period : European investors and companies have stepped up their market presence in Japan these last two years ; likewise, Japanese foreign direct investments in the Euro area and Japanese portfolio investments in euro since January 1999 have highlighted the confidence in the European single currency. I would like to explain why the euro and Monetary Union have been successful from the outset, and the conditions and prospects for building on this achievement. I will then discuss the historical event of the introduction of banknotes and coins at the end of this year. I. The euro and Monetary union are based on a credible monetary policy, and contribute to an APPROPRIATE economic and monetary equilibrium in Europe 1. The euro is based on a credible, stability-oriented monetary policy a) I would like to point out that, from a technical point of view, the launch of the euro on financial markets, on 1 January 1999, has been an indisputable success, and that the Eurosystem, made up of the ECB and the National Central Banks of the euro area, has fully achieved the objectives assigned to it in the following areas: – operational efficiency, highlighted by the precise adjustment of banking liquidity and effective steering of short-term interest rates; – the security provided by the procedures and systems implemented, both for the execution of interbank transactions, and vis-à-vis large-value payments.
    [Show full text]
  • Coin Capsules
    Register 2015 For the love of collecting Accessories for numismatists We are pleased to present our new catalog, Accessories for Numismatists 2015, containing our extensive range of accessories for coin and currency enthusiasts. Our raison d’être is to provide all collectors with attractive, high quality accessories at the best possible value, whether they are complete beginners or experienced and ambitious numismatists. The global popularity of our products proves to us every day that our passion and over 95 years of experience is worthwhile. More than 6,000 products bear the LIGHTHOUSE brand name, which has become a symbol of quality and usefulness. We are constantly expanding our range of products whichs allows you to enhance your collection while enjoying your hobby. Your feedback is very important to us. Please support us with your comments or suggestions and do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] In addition to many well respected numismatic bestsellers, the catalog features several exciting new products, such as our INTERCEPT TECHNOLOGYTM line of boxes and snaplocks, and a revised section on magnifiers, and analog and digital microscopes. Have fun browsing; we are confident there is something for everyone! Best regards, Axel Stürken Kurt Stürken Max Stürken Lighthouse Publications, Inc. · 10 Washington Avenue, Unit B · Fairfield, NJ 07004 Toll free (888) 269-1513 · Tel. (201) 342-1513 (M-F 9:00-4:30 EST) · Fax (201) 342-7142 Email: [email protected] · www.lighthouse.us USA EH • Effective October 1, 2014 • Ref. No. 333 531 Prices and products are subject to change without notice.
    [Show full text]
  • Preparing the Introduction of the Euro a Short Handbook European Commission
    European Commision Preparing the introduction of the euro a short handbook European Commission Preparing the introduction of the euro ..................................1 Introduction ..............................................................................5 Chapter 1:.................................................................................6 The six building blocks of a successful cash changeover.........................................6 1. A large frontloading of the banking sector ................................... 7 2. A significant sub-frontloading ............................................................ 9 3. A supply of euro coins mini kits to the citizens............................. 10 4. An immediate adaptation of the ATMs ........................................ 11 5. An easy access to the banks for the exchanges and withdrawals over the counter.......................................................... 12 6. A change given exclusively in euro by the retail sector .......... 13 Chapter 2:...............................................................................15 Preparing citizens for the euro changeover .......................15 Challenges for future euro-area Member States' communication on the euro.................................................15 1. Introduction ........................................................................................... 16 2. Objectives of the national communication strategy on the euro ...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Eesti Maksebilansi Aastaraamat 2008
    Eesti Pank EEsti Pank annual RepoRt 2010 2011 the inserts of Eesti Pank’s annual report 2010 for the year preceding the changeover depict the Estonian kroon banknotes that were in circulation in the years 1992–2010. as well as the circulating banknotes, the insert also includes the only Estonian kroon collector banknote, which was issued in 2008. the explanatory texts by each banknote briefly describe the people and motifs depicted on the banknote. the 1- and 2-kroon banknotes were designed by Rihet-urmas Ploomipuu and printed by the unites states Banknote Company (the later 2-kroon series were printed at the Giesecke Devrient GmbH print house). the 5-, 10-, 25-, 100- and 500-kroon banknotes were designed by Vladimir taiger. the first series of these notes were printed by thomas De la Rue and Company ltd; the later series were printed at the print houses of De la Rue Currency, Giesecke Devrient GmbH and Bundesdruckerei GmbH. the designers of the 10-kroon collector banknote were Günther Reindorff and Vladimir taiger. the front of the banknote is an exact copy of the 10-kroon banknote designed by Günther Reindorff before World War II, while the reverse is from the 10-kroon banknote of the re-established Republic of Estonia and was designed by Vladimir taiger. the collector banknotes were printed by the De la Rue Currency print house. 2 CONTENTS MAIN FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF EESTI PANK................................................................. 9 Foreword by ThE GOvernor of Eesti Pank.................................................................. 12 Central bank accountabIlity ......................................................................................... 17 ThE strategic Objectives of Eesti Pank in 2010 ......................................................... 21 ChANGEOvER TO ThE EURO ..................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 5. Issuing Activity and Currency in Circulation
    C H A P T E R 5 ISSUING ACTIVITY AND CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION 5 C H A P T E R 5 5 ISSUING ACTIVITY AND CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION 5.1 SLOVAK CURRENCY ISSUANCE which came out on 1 December 2008. All the coins were produced by the state mint, Mincovňa In 2008, with the Slovak Republic due to join the Kremnica, š. p., which was also charged with the euro area on 1 January 2009, Národná banka Slo- sale of annual collector sets. venska ensured that the amount and denomina- tion structure of Slovak koruna banknotes and In preparation for the changeover from the Slo- coins were sufficient to meet the needs of cur- vak currency to the euro and for the fact that rency circulation until the end of 2008. banks needed to be frontloaded with sufficient euro banknotes and euro coins, Národná banka There was no printing of Slovak banknotes or Slovenska ensured the production of 499 million minting of Slovak circulation coins in 2008, ex- euro coins in all denominations and deliveries cept for the 32 800 coins of each valid denomina- of 188 million euro banknotes in all denomina- tion that were issued for annual collector sets. tions. During the year, Národná banka Slovenska issued Euro banknotes lent to NBS out of the Eurosys- four commemorative collector coins that were tem’s stocks were delivered from the Oesterreich- minted from precious metals and marked cer- ische Nationalbank in the fourth quarter of 2008. tain significant events and anniversaries. These Euro coins were minted by Mincovňa Kremnica, included a 200 koruna silver coin commemorat- š.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction of the Euro Survey January 1-8, 2002
    Minotaur Media: introduction of the euro The BBC and “Europe” Introduction of the euro Survey January 1-8, 2002 An examination of the treatment of the issue of the introduction of euro notes and coins in Europe on the main BBC national news and current affairs programmes, based on the full transcripts of the relevant broadcasts. Conducted by Minotaur Media for Global Britain Contact: David Keighley, Minotaur Media, 01273 734852, email [email protected] Minotaur Media: 1 Minotaur Media: introduction of the euro Summary During the period of January 1st – 8th the BBC broadcast over 80 separate reports on the introduction of Euro notes and coins in the following programmes alone – Radio 4’s Today and PM programmes, BBC 1’s Ten o’ Clock News and BBC2’s Newsnight. These were recorded, transcribed and analysed for this survey. An opinion poll, conducted at the end of January by MORI for Shroder Saloman Smith Barney, showed that the balance of opposition in the UK against entry into the Euro had fallen to 18%. This was the lowest recorded level since January 1999, down from the 31% recorded in October 2001. The BBC’s positive coverage of the introduction of the euro could well have contributed to this significant change in public attitude. Although the BBC reports purported to give an objective overview of eurozone citizens’ reactions to their new currency, in reality reports were biased, casting the currency and reaction to it in an unduly positive light, for which there was little (no) objective justification. BBC correspondents on location, rather than their newsdesk anchors, were most at fault.
    [Show full text]
  • European Commission
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE Brussels, 3 January 2014 A successful start for the euro changeover in Latvia On 1 January 2014, Latvia adopted the euro as its official currency and the changeover is running smoothly and according to plan. The previous national currency – the lat – is now being phased out during a transitional two-week dual circulation period when both currencies have legal tender status. By the end of Thursday 2 January, 30 % of payments in shops were being made in euro only and 94 % of customers were getting their change in euro. No major problems were observed in banks or in the retail sector. According to a recent Commission survey1, a large proportion of Latvians already had euro cash two days before the changeover: 52 % had euro banknotes and 64 % had euro coins – typically from trips abroad, but many also from an exchange in a bank or post office in Latvia or coins from euro starter kits. The widespread holdings of euro cash in advance of €-day contribute to a smoother cash changeover. The conversion of ATMs (cash dispensers) went smoothly and virtually all ATMs have been distributing euro banknotes as from the first hour of 1 January. Furthermore, several branches of the three largest banks were open for cash services on Wednesday 1 January. Point-of-sale terminals for card payments in shops were likewise successfully converted to euro in time for the opening of shops on 2 January. Due to the New Year holidays, commercial activity during the first two days of the changeover was lower than normal.
    [Show full text]
  • Euro Banknotes and Coins in Ireland 8
    XXXTable of contents Foreword 3 Introduction 4 Preparing for the cash changeover in 2002 5 Cash changeovers by country 6 Euro banknotes and coins in Ireland 8 Banknote production, circulation, counterfeits; looking ahead 9 Design and features of the banknotes and coins 10 Euro cash as a symbol 12 Tenth anniversary of the euro banknotes and coins 13 2 XXXForeword Ten years ago, on 1 January 2002, euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 Member States of the European Union. The introduction of the euro cash was an unprecedented challenge, but it went smoothly, and billions of banknotes and coins started to circulate in a matter of days. Five more Member States have adopted the euro in recent years, so a total of 17 Member States – and 332 million people – now use the currency. It has become a symbol of Europe, and the banknotes and coins have become a part of our daily lives. The people of the euro area countries can be assured that the Eurosystem is fully committed to preserving price stability in the medium term, in line with its definition: below, but close to, 2%. Since the launch of the currency in 1999, thirteen years ago, the annual inflation rate of the euro area has been maintained on average close to 2%. The Eurosystem will do all that is necessary to continue to be a solid and reliable anchor of price stability in the present challenging times. Mario Draghi Patrick Honohan President Governor European Central Bank Central Bank of Ireland © IMAGO ECONOMICA 3 XXX Introduction This press kit, produced by the as footage on the production of euro Should you require further information, European Central Bank and Central banknotes.
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Statements for the Year 2001
    ≈◊ Oesterreichische Nationalbank Eurosystem Financial Statements for the year 2001 http://bilanz.oenb.at/ Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2001 Assets December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000 euro euro 1. Gold and gold receivables 3,519,118,265.13 3,556,162,714.08 2. Claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency 13,979,832,639.04 15,062,227,984.50 2.1 Receivables from the IMF 1,262,683,249.24 888,393,041.77 2.2 Balances with banks, security investments, external loans and other external assets 12,717,149,389.80 14,173,834,942.73 3. Claims on euro area residents denominated in foreign currency 1,108,565,345.82 1,543,590,501.40 4. Claims on non-euro area residents denominated in euro 1,569,219,994.13 1,860,162,390.22 4.1 Balances with banks, security investments and loans 1,569,219,994.13 1,860,162,390.22 4.2 Claims arising from the credit facility under ERM II Ñ Ñ 5. Lending to euro area credit institutions related . to monetary policy operations denominated in euro 1,290,549,780 Ñ 6,970,764,744 Ñ . 5.1 Main refinancing operations 379,071,760 Ñ 4,843,970,690 Ñ . 5.2 Longer-term refinancing operations 911,478,020 Ñ 2,126,794,054 Ñ 5.3 Fine-tuning reverse operations Ñ Ñ 5.4 Structural reverse operations Ñ Ñ 5.5 Marginal lending facility Ñ Ñ 5.6 Credits related to margin calls Ñ Ñ 6.
    [Show full text]