WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2704/97 by Markus FERBER to the Commission. Protection of the Blackcock in Austria
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, FERBER
Subjects: Austria, Germany, hunting, national law, poultry, protected species, protection of animal life, wildlife

C 102/96

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

total budget of some Drs 200 billion › is no more than 33%. In view of the fact that Eastern Macedonia and
Thrace is one of the most isolated and least developed regions in Europe as well as in Greece (according to the
Commission(cid:146)s first report on cohesion, it is among the 25 poorest regions in Europe), will the Commission say
what stage has been reached exactly in the implementation of the ROP for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace? What
are the reasons for the long delays and what precise measures does it intend to take in cooperation with the Greek
authorities to step up the pace of implementation of the programme?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1997)

The  Commission  confirms  that  the  rate  of  absorption  for  the  1994-1999  operational  programme  for  Eastern
Macedonia and Thrace is presently 33%. However, the rate of absorption is only one of many indicators of the
progress  of  an  operational  programme,  and  does  not  reflect  its  implementation  quality.  In  the  case  of  the
programme  for  Eastern  Macedonia  and  Thrace  the  Commission  has  observed  that  both  the  quality  of
implementation and the rate of absorption are constantly improving.

In  order  to  improve  the  implementation  of  the  Community  support  framework  (CSF)  as  a  whole,  the  Greek
government  has  promoted  in  the  field  of  public  works  a  number  of  legislative  acts  and  organizational
adjustments modernizing relevant mechanisms and procedures and making them more effective. Furthermore,
the  Greek  authorities  and  the  Commission  intend  to  make  soon,  where  necessary,  in  the  framework  of  the
mid-term  review  of  the  CSF,  programme  adjustments  in  order  further  to  promote  their  prompt  and  effective
implementation.

(98/C 102/139)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2704/97

by Markus Ferber (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Protection of the Blackcock in Austria

Every two years in the Sulzberg region of Austria a blackcock can be shot for a fee of DM 1000. In Germany,
however, the Blackcock is on the red list and is therefore protected throughout the year. While in Germany Black
Grouse are protected, they may be shot in Austria.

Why do two neighbouring countries, which are both members of the EU, have such differing provisions with
regard to nature protection matters?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1997)

According to Article 7 of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds (1), the species listed in
Annex II can be hunted under national legislation, as long as Member States ensure that the hunting of these
species does not jeopardize conservation efforts in their distribution area. In the case of the black grouse (Tetrao
tetrix) mentioned by the Honourable Member, this species may only be hunted in those Member States for which
it is indicated in annex II.2. For Austria, hunting of both males and females is allowed whereas for Germany only
males may be hunted. Therefore, the different hunting practices are in full accordance with the legal provisions of
the Directive.

(1)  OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, as amended by accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden (OJ L 1, 1.1.1995).