1CONSEUR

Conference “Conference “Consumers and the Consumers and the Euro”Euro”

Brussels, 14 March 2005Brussels, 14 March 2005

4th session “Lessons learnt : implications for 4th session “Lessons learnt : implications for the introduction of the Euro in the new the introduction of the Euro in the new

Members States”Members States”

Hugues Thibaut, E.U. Affairs adviserHugues Thibaut, E.U. Affairs adviserTest-AchatsTest-Achats

Belgian consumers’ associationBelgian consumers’ association

europe@test-achats.beeurope@test-achats.be

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Job for C.A.’s ?Job for C.A.’s ?

Key role to playKey role to play

But : But : - Early work (’98)- Early work (’98)

- Heavy work (many - Heavy work (many initiatives)initiatives)

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InformationInformation Articles in our magazines from ’98Articles in our magazines from ’98

FAQ (prices, rate,…)FAQ (prices, rate,…)

But also on : But also on : - consequences of contracts, - consequences of contracts, - payments outside the Euro zone, - payments outside the Euro zone, - double pricing in own magazines- double pricing in own magazines

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Collect informationCollect information Euro LineEuro Line

(all consumers - 6 months)(all consumers - 6 months)

Complaints & Questions Complaints & Questions

→ → HelpHelp→ → Inform public authoritiesInform public authorities

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Cooperation with public Cooperation with public authoritiesauthorities

Specific D.G. for the Euro ( ’96)Specific D.G. for the Euro ( ’96)

→ → Scenario for the changeover : 3 stages Scenario for the changeover : 3 stages

- preparatory phase - preparatory phase - double circulation phase- double circulation phase- exchange phase- exchange phase

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LobbyLobby Belgian Consumers CouncilBelgian Consumers Council

Opinions : ’96 – 12 opinionsOpinions : ’96 – 12 opinions

(billing, double pricing, contracts,(billing, double pricing, contracts,…)…)

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ConclusionsConclusions Changeover positiveChangeover positive

– early preparatory work;early preparatory work;

– good cooperation with public good cooperation with public authorities.authorities.