EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/334

(2004/C 88 E/0341)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0937/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(26 March 2003)

Subject: Support for EU citizens living in Venezuela

In recent months the social, economic and political crisis in Venezuela has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, effectively triggering the collapse of all economic activities, with the consequent closure of companies and an exponential growth in unemployment, and throwing the country into something akin to civil war. Moreover, many Venezuelans, including high-ranking military officials, who have stated their opposition to the current president, Hugo Chavez, have been forced into exile.

Responsibility for the situation appears to lie primarily with President Chavez who, despite having been democratically elected, would seem to have quickly established an authoritarian regime and concentrated all the powers of state into his own hands.

Furthermore, according to those forced into exile, there is constant violation of even the most basic democratic principles, such as freedom of opinion and respect for human rights, which are enshrined in numerous international conventions and in the Charter on Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Venezuela is home to European citizens from Spain and Portugal, and to one of the largest communities of Italians resident abroad who, in the fifty years and more they have lived in that country have made a noteworthy contribution to its development. However, it would appear that they have not to date received any support from the European Union and that international organisations have failed to show any real interest in them either.

Four and a half million signatures have so far been collected on a petition to the Venezuelan Parliament to organise new elections as swiftly as possible.

In the light of the above, could the Commission indicate:

1. whether there are any specific aid agreements with Venezuela;

2. whether there are any action programmes for EU citizens living in Venezuela;

3. whether there is a consensus on this issue within the EU;

4. what political action the EU will take with regard to this matter?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0867/03 and E-0937/03

given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2003)

The political, economic and social crisis remains unresolved in Venezuela and the high grade of polarisation creates serious difficulties in finding a rapid solution. The Venezuelan Government has been ambivalent towards the international community (notably the Organisation of American States (OAS)) in supporting the current negotiations with the opposition, and the latter is afraid that the President will use dilatory tactics to postpone a possible revocatory referendum to 2004. The economic situation will not improve significantly in the short run. A contraction of 20 % of gross domestic product in 2003 is forecast, which will cause higher unemployment, a decline of the standard of living and an increase in poverty. Government income will probably not reach pre-general strike levels during this year, which will make it difficult to satisfy social demands.

The Commission and the Member States are following the situation in Venezuela with great attention. Preoccupied by the evident split of society into supporters and opponents of President Chávez, the Union has emphasised, as has the OAS, the need for a peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral solution to the crisis. Two Member States (Spain and Portugal) are members of the ‘Group of Friends’, which has been created to support the OAS in its efforts.

There is no specific aid agreement between the Community and Venezuela, co-operation is based on the ‘Framework Agreement on Co-operation between the Community and the Andean Community’, which entered into force in 1998. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Community and Venezuela, signed on 15 October 2001, allocates an amount of EUR 38,5 million to bilateral co-operation for 2000-2006. It foresees support to Venezuela in the areas of reconstruction and prevention of disasters and economic diversification. An additional amount of EUR 25 million was made available to support the rehabilitation process.

Beyond this, in response to the current crisis, the Commission is financially supporting the OAS in facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the parties and the implementation of possible agreements on three main points: free and fair elections, investigation of the events of April 2002 and disarming the civilian population. The Commission is also prepared to send an electoral observation mission, if the referendum takes place.

Under the Community contribution towards operations in developing countries carried out by nongovernmental organisations (Budget line Β7-6000), the Commission is considering giving priority to proposals related to the social sector in Latin American countries, including Venezuela.

The Commission has not taken any specific action to protect Union citizens in Venezuela. Their protection and support is normally ensured by their countries of origin.