WRITTEN QUESTION E-0331/03

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(10 February 2003)

Subject: European agency for islands

Written question E-2303/01(1) raised with the Commission the issue of the problems suffered by island regions that are not among the most remote regions in the Community but are nonetheless separate from mainland Europe and whose competitiveness is seriously compromised by the fact that they incur much higher transport costs than firms situated on mainland Europe and by their lack of access to railways, motorways and other overland transport systems, with this representing a serious handicap in the free-trade area that is the EU's single market.

The question proposed that one of the functions of European agencies was to facilitate the operation of the European single market by acting as regulators, offering various services to industrial sectors, etc., and that the setting-up of a European agency for islands was a necessary and appropriate step to compensate for non-remote island regions' lack of access to the free-trade area. It was pointed out that such an agency would also be able to provide assistance on technical matters in connection with the very specific problems experienced by island regions, and that more than 14 million people in Europe live in island regions.

The Commission was asked for its views on the fact that it was difficult for certain European regions to benefit on equal terms from one of the EU's key principles that of the free market and free competition and whether it agreed that a European agency for islands should be set up. The Commission replied that it had initiated a study of the situation of islands in the Union, and that as part of this study a database on island regions would be set up and their situation analysed objectively, which would involve a comparative analysis and evaluation of the problems arising from the geographical position of islands and of their special needs. This scientific study would not, however, attempt to assess the merits of setting up a European agency for islands since that would be premature. The study was to last for one year.

Has the Commission now completed its study and if so have discussions on this issue been entered into? Will it now support the setting-up of a European agency for islands? Would the Commission entertain the possibility of siting that agency in the Balearic Islands?

(1) OJ C 81 E, 4.4.2002, p. 148.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(10 March 2003)

As the Honourable Member notes, the Commission has initiated a study on the situation of the Union's islands.

The Commission is currently considering the consolidated final reports of the study, which the contractor provided on 31 January 2003.

The study, which was a scientific one, did not consider the question of a European agency for the islands.

When it has considered the reports, the Commission will make public the results of the study, which it hopes will be followed by a debate. Such a debate could include the points raised by the Honourable Member.

The Commission has taken note of the Honourable Member's suggestions but does not at this stage intend to establish a European agency for the islands.