Subject: Euro coins with the effigy of former Spanish king Juan Carlos I
In November, the Spanish Supreme Court prosecutor announced a third investigation against former Spanish king Juan Carlos 1 for possible money laundering activities. The Monarch is already the target of separate investigations for the potential use of llegal credit cards and alleged kickbacks paid to secure a train construction contract to Mecca.
Four months after fleeing to Abu Dhabi, the former king acknowledged the existence of undeclared income by paying €678,000 to the Spanish tax agency.
There are two series of 1 and 2 euro coins in circulation with the former Spanish king’s efigies.
“According to the Council Regulation 729/2014, “inappropriate” designs of the euro coins’ national sides should be avoided and, thus, Member Slates can raise objections before their approval.
- 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 the EU values?
- Will the Commission propose a Regulation reform to allow Member States to raise objections to national sides’ coin designs once these are already in circulation?
- In thelight of experience, would the Commission consider appropriate to avoid coin’s issuance wíth designs of alive personalties?
