EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/876

(2004/C 78 E/0929)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3917/03

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(17 December 2003)

Subject: European approval of government support for the livestock market in Leeuwarden

As a result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Friesland in 2001, the livestock market in Leeuwarden had to be closed down. In order to reopen it had to meet extremely strict conditions, requiring major investment. With the help of funds from the province of Friesland, the municipality of Leeuwarden and the private sector, the necessary investments were made and the market reopened.

The Friesland provincial council decided to set up a foot and mouth disease emergency fund amounting to EUR 6 353 000 and at the same time approved the granting of compensation under that fund.

In spring 2002 the foot and mouth disease compensation arrangements were forwarded to Brussels for approval. That approval is still awaited and until it is received the support earmarked for the livestock market cannot be paid. As a result of this delay, the FEC (Frisian Expocentre), the largest investor, is facing major cash flow problems and possible bankruptcy, with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs.

1. What is the problem with the granting of government aid to the Frisian Expocentre (public/private ownership) for investment in the livestock market as a result of the foot and mouth epidemic in Friesland in 2001?

2. Why is the procedure for granting European approval for the support referred to in paragraph 1 taking so long?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 February 2004)

The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member that it is fully aware of the precarious situation of the sectors affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis in 2001.

The Frisian authorities notified the Commission of several measures related to the foot-and-mouth crisis in 2001.

As to the measures notified in spring 2002, the Commission assumes that the Honourable Member refers to State Aid N 315/02 (Foot-and-mouth disease compensation fund Friesland). This measure with a budget of EUR 6 353 000 was approved by Commission Decision C(2003)128 of 13 February 2003.

Furthermore, the Frisian authorities notified two additional measures (N 665/02 and N 667/02) in particular related to the Leeuwarden cattle market in October 2002. These measures involve ‘inter alia’ investment aid for FEC (Frisian Expocentre).

As to the first question asked by the Honourable Member, the Commission is not yet in a position to establish whether the above-mentioned measures are compatible with the common market.

As to the duration of the procedure, these measures were notified to the Commission by letters of 11 October 2002 from the Dutch Permanent Representation to the Union.

Due to the fact that the original notification did not contain all necessary information, the Commission asked the Dutch authorities for additional information. On the request of the Dutch authorities, a meeting was held after which the Dutch authorities decided to adapt the measures. From the examination of the modified measures, it appeared that the information was not complete. By letter of 22 October 2003, the Commission has asked for additional information. So far, this letter has remained unanswered.