WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1867/97 by Carlos ROBLES PIQUER to the Commission. Vested interests in cocoa campaign
Date: 1997-05-30
Institutions: European Parliament, ROBLES PIQUER
Subjects: ACP countries, European Commission, cocoa, confectionery product, consultation procedure, economic consequence, press, proposal (EU), quality standard

C 21/106

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

22. 1. 98

›  Clearly conflict with the multi-fund management of Community resources since they deny the legitimate use

of the funds intended in particular for Objective 1 regions?

›  Call into question the entire diversification measure since they concern the economic part of the plan and
actually hinder diversification into other fishing activities which can be financed from Community funds?

Does the Council not also consider that it should reconsult Parliament on the additions or, if necessary, agree to
apply the conciliation procedure?

(1)  OJ C 59, 26.2.1997, p. 21.

Answer

(6 August 1997)

On the basis of a proposal from the Commission, and having received and studied the Opinion delivered by the
European Parliament, on 29 April 1997 the Council effectively adopted a specific measure to encourage Italian
fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities.

The Council considers that the changes made, further to its proceedings, to the text of the Commission proposal
do not depart significantly and substantially from that proposal.

The  Council  therefore  considered  that  reconsultation  of  Parliament  was  not  necessary.    Furthermore,  the
Commission did not go along with the amendments suggested by Parliament.

(98/C 21/214)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1867/97

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission

(30 May 1997)

Subject: Vested interests in cocoa campaign

The Kangaroo Group Newsletter published in Brussels (March 1997 ed., No 12, pp. 18 and 19) contains an article
signed by Ju¤rgen Boltz, of European Public Policy Advisers, London, on the single market in chocolate products.

Mr Boltz argues that this market should be standardized and endorses the Commission(cid:146)s proposal for a directive,
which  he  claims  is  accepted  by  European  chocolate  manufacturers  who  are  members  of  CAOBISCO  on  the
ground that it represents clear progress towards improving the single market in this product.

Mr Boltz also claims that the proposal does not enjoy the support it needs among consumer organizations and
politicians because of a campaign conducted against it (cid:145)which is largely financed by powerful cocoa interests(cid:146).

Given  the  importance  of  this  matter  for  many  ACP  countries,  can  the  Commission  say  whether  this  grave
accusation is true or whether what is occurring is simply a legitimate conflict of interests and opinions?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 1997)

The  Commission  would  prefer  not  to  comment  on  the  statements  made  in  the  article  referred  to  by  the
Honourable Member.

It would stress that the proposal for a directive on cocoa products and chocolate (1) currently being examined by
the Council and Parliament was subjected to a long process of consultation of the circles concerned during its
preparation.

It feels that its proposal is based on an equitable balance of those interests.

(1)  OJ C 231, 9.8.1996.