CONSEUR 1 Conference “ Consumers and the Euro” Brussels, 14 March th session “Lessons learnt : implications for the introduction of the Euro in the new Members States” Hugues Thibaut, E.U. Affairs adviser Test-Achats Belgian consumers’ association

CONSEUR 2 Job for C.A.’s ? n Key role to play But : - Early work (’98) - Heavy work (many initiatives)

CONSEUR 3 Information n Articles in our magazines from ’98 FAQ (prices, rate,…) But also on : - consequences of contracts, - payments outside the Euro zone, - double pricing in own magazines

CONSEUR 4 Collect information n Euro Line (all consumers - 6 months) Complaints & Questions → Help → Inform public authorities

CONSEUR 5 Cooperation with public authorities Specific D.G. for the Euro ( ’96) → Scenario for the changeover : 3 stages - preparatory phase - double circulation phase - exchange phase

CONSEUR 6 Lobby n Belgian Consumers Council Opinions : ’96 – 12 opinions (billing, double pricing, contracts,…)

CONSEUR 7 Conclusions n Changeover positive –early preparatory work; –good cooperation with public authorities.