WRITTEN QUESTION E-2303/01

by Pere Esteve (ELDR) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: European agency for islands

The European Community's first pillar encompasses the creation of a single market in order to fulfil its objectives, which include a high degree of competitivity and convergence in economic performance, economic and social cohesion and solidarity between Member States.

The competitivity of firms in island regions which are not among the most remote in the Community but are nonetheless separate from mainland Europe is seriously compromised by the fact that they incur much higher transport costs than firms situated elsewhere on the continent and by their lack of access to railways, motorways and other overland transport systems. This represents a serious handicap in the free-trade area that is the EU's single market.

One of the functions of European agencies is to facilitate the operation of the European single market by acting as regulators, offering various services to sectors of industry, etc. The creation of a European agency for islands is a necessary and appropriate step to compensate for non-remote island regions' lack of access to the free-trade area. Such an agency could also provide assistance on technical matters in connection with the very specific problems experienced by island regions. It should be noted that more than 14 million people in Europe live in island regions.

With the creation and management of Imedoc, the Balearic Islands have an experience unique in Europe. Imedoc is an official institution that has been in existence for a number of years and which brings together the islands of the western Mediterranean, namely, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and the Balearic Islands. The Balearic Islands also participate in the Conference of European Island Regions and, through tourism, are known throughout the Community.

What is the Commission's view of the fact that it is difficult for certain European regions to benefit on equal terms from one of the EU's key principles, i.e. the free market and free competition? Does the Commission agree with the need to establish a European agency for islands? Will it support the creation of such a body? Would the Commission consider siting such an agency in the Balearic Islands?

How can the Balearic Islands become an official candidate for the seat of the European agency for islands?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(19 September 2001)

As the Honourable Member knows, the Commission has initiated a study of the situation of islands in the Union. As part of this study, a database on island regions is to be set up and their situation is to be analysed objectively: this will involve the measurement and assessment of the problems arising from the geographical position of islands and of their special needs. The study will include an examination of any problems which might prevent island-based businesses from taking full advantage of the single market. There will also be an analysis of the measures and policies developed by the Member States and the Union to counter any delays in development arising from the geographical position of islands. However, this scientific study, will not attempt to assess the merits of setting up a European agency for islands.

The initial results of the study are expected to be available in the first six months of 2002. The study has been extended to take a year. The Commission hopes that a discussion will ensue once the results are made public.

Pending these results, the Commission notes the Honourable Member's suggestions, on which, however, it cannot give its views for the moment. This is because questions on the setting up of a European agency for islands and the idea of siting such an agency on the Balearic Islands are premature at the present stage.