Euro coins with the effigy of former Spanish king Juan Carlos I
24.12.2020
Question for written answer E-007066/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Clara Ponsatí Obiols (NI), Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó (NI), Antoni Comín i Oliveres (NI)
In November, the Spanish Supreme Court prosecutor announced a third investigation into former Spanish king Juan Carlos I for possible money laundering activities. The former monarch is already the target of separate investigations for the potential use of illegal credit cards and alleged kickbacks paid to secure a contract for the construction of a train to Mecca[1].
Four months after fleeing to Abu Dhabi, the former king acknowledged the existence of undeclared income by paying EUR 678 000 to the Spanish tax agency[2].
There are two series of one and two euro coins in circulation stamped with the former Spanish king’s effigy[3].
According to Council Regulation (EU) No 729/2014, ‘inappropriate’ designs of the euro coins’ national sides should be avoided, and Member States can raise objections before designs are approved.
- 1.Does the Commission consider that the circulation of euro coins with the effigy of Juan Carlos I, a former head of state under investigation for alleged economic crimes, is consistent with EU values?
- 2.Will the Commission propose a reform of the regulation to allow Member States to raise objections to the design of the national sides of coins once these are already in circulation?
- 3.In the light of experience, would the Commission consider it appropriate to avoid issuing coins stamped with designs of living personalities?