WRITTEN QUESTION E-0909/02

by Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 April 2002)

Subject: Whale catches in the Faroe Islands

As reported by nature protection organisations, large numbers of pilot whales are killed every year between June and August in the coastal waters off the Faroe Islands. The greater part of the animals killed are thrown back into the sea.

In accordance with the International Whaling Commission (IWC) Moratorium, whale hunting with some narrowly restricted exceptions is banned. The European Union is not a member of the IWC, but holds observer status. Under Directive 92/43/EWG of 21 May 1992(1), all EU Member States are required to introduce a stringent protection scheme for all species of whales.

The Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but enjoy self-government and are not a Member of the EU.

Is the European Commission aware that large numbers of pilot whales are killed in the Faroe Islands every year?

Where does the Commission's stand on this matter?

Where does the Danish government stand on this matter?

What measures is the Commission minded to adopt to bring the annual killing of pilot whales on the Faroe Islands to an end?

To what extent can this matter be considered as integral to the EU Fisheries Agreement with the Faroe Islands?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 June 2002)

For a long time the Commission has supported a definitive ban on commercial whaling(1) and would take the opportunity to reiterate this position. It is however aware that this view is not fully shared by all concerned at international level.

The Community does not support any form of whaling, or trade in products obtained from that activity. It supported the moratorium recommended by the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

The Commission cannot comment on the position of the Danish Government. The question should be put to the Danish authorities.

The Commission is unable to take action on the matter, as the EC Treaty does not apply to the Faroe islands(2). Consequently, nature protection provisions based on the EC Treaty do not apply, notably the Habitats Directive(3) and the CITES Regulation(4).

The fisheries agreements between the EU and the Faroe islands do not concern whales.

(1) Communication from the Commission to the Council concerning the conservation of whales within the framework of the International Whaling Commission, COM(92) 316 final.

(2) Documents concerning the accession to the European Communities of the Kingdom of Denmark, Ireland, the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, act concerning the conditions of accession and the adjustments to the Treaties, part 2: adjustments to the Treaties, Title II, other adjustments, Article 26, OJ L 73, 27.3.1972 EC Treaty, Article 299(6)(a).

(3) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(4) Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 of 3 December 1982 on the implementation in the Community of the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 384, 31.12.1982.