European Parliament
Juozas Imbrasas  (EFD ),
in writing.
(LT)
I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution with recommendations to the Commission on Access to Basic Banking Services because the smooth functioning of the internal market and development of a modern, social market economy depends, inter alia, on the universal provision of affordable and easily accessible basic payment services and of a socially responsible banking sector. Self-regulation instruments have had positive or mixed results and have, for the time being, not guaranteed access to basic payment services in all Member States. I believe that Member States should prevent any potential charges for basic payment services from becoming a barrier preventing financially excluded consumers from having access to basic payment services. The Commission is therefore asked to put forward a detailed assessment of the state of play in all Member States by September 2012, and to submit to Parliament, no later than January 2013, a proposal for a directive ensuring access to basic payment services for all consumers legally residing in the EU, unless that detailed assessment demonstrates that there is no need for such a proposal.

