WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3002/96 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Slump in the European shipbuilding sector
Date: 1996-11-11
Institutions: European Parliament, KAKLAMANIS
Subjects: Greece, OECD, State aid, United States, application of EU law, competition, ratification of an agreement, shipbuilding













EUR-Lex - 91996E3002 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91996E3002

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3002/96 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Slump in the European shipbuilding sector  


Official Journal C 083 , 14/03/1997 P. 0105 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3002/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (11 November 1996)Subject: Slump in the European shipbuilding sectorAccording to leading figures in the European shipbuilding sector, such as Jean-Noel d'Acremont, chairman of the largest French shipyard, the EU's policy of trade liberalization without monitoring competitive practices has caused serious harm to the European shipbuilding sector. This is evidenced by recent shipyard closures in Belgium, Denmark and Germany and the serious problems affecting Greek shipyards.The delay by the US Congress in ratifying the agreement within the framework of the OECD is yet another example of the disregard for Europe being shown by its competitors, which are continuing to subsidize their own shipyards, while Europe's are gradually closing.The problem is particularly acute in southern Europe, and particularly in Greece.In view of this:1. Will the Commission review its policy to date and inform its competitors that it intends to protect the interests of the Member States in every way possible?2. What specific measures will it take to assist the declining Greek shipbuilding sector?Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1996)The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member's concerns about the delay in entry into force of the Organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) agreement.The Community will continue to encourage the United States to ratify the agreement, which represents the best prospect of achieving a normalisation of the shipbuilding market. However, in the absence of American ratification to date the Council has recently decided that the rules of the shipbuilding aid directive 94/73/EC amending Directive 90/684/EEC ((OJ L 351, 31.12.1994. )) should be further prolonged ad interim and until 31 December 1997 at the latest. The Council and the Commission have also agreed that if the OECD agreement has still not entered into force by 1 June 1997 the Commission will put forward appropriate proposals in order that the Council can decide on future policy before 31 December 1997. In any event the Council will review developments at its April 1997 meeting. This will include a broad discussion of future policy options based on a working paper to be produced by the Commission.As regards the situation of Greek shipbuilding, it is the responsibility of the Greek authorities to adopt the measures they consider necessary to assist the sector within the Community legal framework. It is not the Commission's role to take or propose any specific measures concerning an industrial sector of any Member State but to ensure that any measures adopted are compatible with Community rules. In this respect the Commission is at present examining specific proposals from the Greek government.