MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
15 March 2001
by Amalia Sartori, Alejandro Agag Longo, Mary Elizabeth Banotti, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, Patrick Cox, Willy C.E.H. De Clercq, José María Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado, Marie-Thérèse Hermange, Othmar Karas, Eija-Riitta Anneli Korhola, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Maria Martens, Hans-Gert Poettering, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl, José Ribeiro e Castro, Jacques Santer, Miet Smet, Ursula Stenzel and W.G. van Velzen
on the adoption of an initiative as a gesture of solidarity on the occasion of the entry into circulation of the single European currency, the euro
B5‑0029/2001
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the adoption of an initiative as a gesture of solidarity on the occasion of the entry into circulation of the single European currency, the euro
The European Parliament,
A. whereas the introduction of the euro is a unique and historic event, which will involve almost all the Union's citizens;
B. whereas, if the European Union wishes to reinforce its reputation for commitment to solidarity in the world, the transition to a new currency should be interpreted as reinstating the values of solidarity in a globalised economy;
1. Calls on the European Parliament, the Commission and the Member States to support the implementation of a EURO-SOLIDARITY project, with the slogan 'the first euro is a euro for solidarity', to enable every Union citizen who wishes to do so to donate his or her first euro to the world's children;
2. Calls on undertakings and banking institutions to support the initiative by helping the project to be carried out without additional costs;
3. Considers that the project in question will provide a good opportunity for anyone who would like to help and support disadvantaged children by making a donation in euros;
4. Considers that an international organisation such as UNICEF could be the body responsible for managing this project to help the world's children and symbolise all Union citizens' solidarity with them;
5. Is convinced that an initiative of this kind will enhance the public's favourable perception of the euro while generating greater awareness of the new currency in the world at large.