WRITTEN QUESTION E-2265/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 July 2002)

Subject: Harmonisation measures and gamekeepers

In most of the Member States of the European Union, gamekeepers are employed to protect the environment, the countryside, the interests of hunters and hunting. They frequently work without any remuneration.

Accredited gamekeepers care for and protect flora and fauna. They are experts in their field. By taking well-judged care and protection measures, they contribute to the maintenance of a balance between the various animal species. They lecture in schools and in public establishments and, in so doing, introduce their audiences to the delights of nature. Sometimes, however, they are obliged to intervene in the natural order when, for example, they have to put a beast in the forest or, more likely, on the roads out of its misery. Sometimes, they have to take action when the numbers of a particular species become excessive and the animals begin to cause damage.

In some Member States, e.g. Belgium, Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, national and regional associations of gamekeepers have been established to look after the interests, protection and training of accredited gamekeepers.

Can the Commission indicate whether any measures to achieve harmonisation in the sphere of gamekeeping exist, have been taken or are to be taken?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-2264/02 and E-2265/02given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 2002)

The Commission is not collecting any data about the status and number of gamekeepers and accredited gamekeepers, as these are elements of regional or national forest and countryside policies, which are under the competence of the Member States.

The question of the possible introduction of harmonisation measures for gamekeepers by the Commission is related to the mutual recognition of diplomas, which concerns essentially two directives.

Council Directive 89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988, on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration(1). This Directive has been complemented by Council Directive 92/51/EEC of 18 June 1992 for diplomas of a shorter duration than three years(2). The same principles apply for both of the Directives. A person who is fully qualified to exercise a profession in one Member State should in principle be allowed to exercise the profession in another Member State.

The two directives refer to regulated professions; that is to say where there is a legal prerequisite in the national legislation to possess a diploma in order to have access to the profession. The profession of gamekeeper seems generally not to be a regulated profession in the Member States. Also, it should be noted that the Directives only apply to professional activities that are remunerated in some way.

The Commission is not aware of any problems concerning the recognition of the professional qualifications of gamekeeper having arisen. It therefore has for the time being no intention to harmonise the rules in this area. Every Member State is free to regulate professions in its own territory.

(1) OJ L 19, 24.1.1989.

(2) Council Directive 92/51/EEC of 18 June 1992 on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EEC, OJ L 209, 24.7.1992.