Survey finds majority in favour of abolishing 1 and 2 euro cent coins

A Flash Eurobarometer survey has found that the majority of Maltese respondents are in favour of abolishing 1 and 2 euro cent coins in the euro area.

Asked whether they are in favour of the abolition of those coins and applying mandatory up and down rounding of the final sum of purchase in shops and supermarkets, 63% of Maltese respondents said yes. 32% said no and 5% said they do not know.

The percentage of Maltese in favour is just slightly higher than the 61% Euro area average.

The survey also asked respondents about their thoughts about the Euro, and 81% of Maltese respondents said that having it is a good thing for Malta.

81% of Maltese say it has made it easier to compare prices and shop in different EU countries, and the same percentage said it has made it easier to do business in different EU countries.

64% of Maltese respondents said that having the Euro made travelling easier and less costly, and 75% said that it has reduced banking charged when travelling in different EU countries.

The survey also asked respondents to detail their thoughts as to whether the degree to which economic policy, including budgetary policies, should coordinated in the euro area is appropriate. Of the Maltese respondents, 54% said there should be more coordination. 31% said that it is currently appropriate. 13% said there should be less coordination and 2% did not know.