(2000/C 27 E/073) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1421/99
by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Recognition of Antonio Zottis parental rights
For a number of years Antonio Zotti, an Italian citizen, has been engaged in a fierce legal battle to secure
recognition of his parental rights over his own daughter Sabrina, who has not yet reached the age ofmajority and who is currently living with her Romanian mother Alina Bodea.
Despite the fact that the Italian authorities have awarded custody to the father and although the visas
allowing his daughter to leave the country have expired, the mother has taken the child to Romania and isrefusing to allow Antonio Zotti any contact with her.
In view of the above, could the Commission say:
1. whether or not it thinks that representations should be made to the Romanian authorities in order to
secure recognition of Antonio Zottis parental rights?
2. which directives regulate such issues at European level?3. whether it is to express a general view on the matter as a whole?
Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission
(15 October 1999)
According to the Honourable Members description of the case, an Italian national has been awarded
custody of his child by the Italian authorities. The mother, a Romanian national, has taken the child toRomania in breach of the custody order and has even deprived the father of his visiting rights since sherefuses to allow him any contact with his daughter.
1. There is as yet no Union legislation for resolving such cases where a child has been abducted across
international frontiers. Neither the Commission nor any other Union institution would therefore becompetent to approach the Romanian authorities concerning this unfortunate case.
2. On 25 October 1980 a Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction was
concluded in The Hague. According to Article 1 of this Convention, its aims are (a) to secure the promptreturn of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State; and (b) to ensure that rightsof custody and of access under the law of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the otherContracting States.
The Hague Conference on Private International Law has supplied information to the effect that the
Convention has been signed and ratified by Italy and that Romania has acceded to the Convention butRomanian accession has not yet been accepted by Italy. Once this formality has been completed, the casecould be referred to the central authorities whom Italy and Romania have designated under Article 6 todischarge the duties imposed by the Convention.
Particulars of the Italian and Romanian central authorities are being sent direct to the Honourable Member
and to Parliaments Secretariat.
(2000/C 27 E/074) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1422/99
by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Council
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade
The mistake which led to the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade is a serious event on account
of the diplomatic and strategic implications it may have, but it also highlights once again the role (and theassociated responsibilities) of the EU Member States governments within the Atlantic Council and of theNATO military bodies which are an offshoot thereof.29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/61 Official Journal of the European Communities