Paneuropa reaffirms “Yes to cash”, No to upper limits

Planned cash restriction is ineffective and makes the EU unpopular

The leadership of the Paneuropa Movement Austria reacts with disbelief to the European Commission’s latest push to introduce cash limits. “Does anyone truly believe these manoeuvres will achieve the desired effects in fighting crime?”, questions President Karl von Habsburg, pointing to alternative sources of terrorist financing such as smuggling and product piracy. Added to this are bartering, rapidly changing alternative currencies, and petty crime.

Two of the three “Charlie Hebdo” attackers were known to the police as smugglers and dealers in pirated goods. The IRA and ETA already financed themselves this way. Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS have learned from them. “No one from these groups cares about a regulation on cash limits,” says Habsburg, doubting the purpose of this action.

Paneuropa Youth Chairman Philipp Jauernik points to a further problem: “In Central Europe, cash is very popular. This restriction is worthless in terms of criminal investigation, but it produces more EU opponents.” Such senseless restrictions are simply impossible to convey to the people.

In conclusion, Habsburg and Jauernik once again reaffirm the necessity of freedom of choice. “Cash is a printed piece of freedom; wanting to abolish this freedom is the next step towards a total state!” Karl von Habsburg renews his credo. “Restricting civil liberties in the name of fighting terrorism is wrong, counterproductive, and a questionable development,” Jauernik reaffirms.

The Paneuropa Union is the oldest European unification movement, founded in 1922 by Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi. Paneuropa advocates for a united Europe, freedom, family, and subsidiarity. The Paneuropa Union is active for these goals with Paneuropa organisations in 27 European countries.