WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3762/98 by Jan ANDERSSON Maintaining biodiversity and agriculture in the applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe
Date: 1998-12-11
Institutions: ANDERSSON JAN, European Parliament
Subjects: Central and Eastern European countries, accession to the European Union, agricultural production, agricultural production policy, common agricultural policy, conservation of resources, environmental protection, product diversification













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91998E3762

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3762/98 by Jan ANDERSSON Maintaining biodiversity and agriculture in the applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe  


Official Journal C 320 , 06/11/1999 P. 0076 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3762/98by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission(11 December 1998)Subject: Maintaining biodiversity and agriculture in the applicant countries of Central and Eastern EuropeThere is a diversity of fauna and flora in most of the Eastern and Central European countries applying for membership which differs in several respects from that in the Member States of the Union. There are fears that vigorous rationalisation of agriculture in the applicant countries might threaten that biodiversity with a view to their future participation in the common agricultural policy.What are the Commission's views on the need to preserve biodiversity in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in relation to their future participation in the CAP?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission(11 February 1999)The Commission is aware of the biological diversity situation in the applicant countries and the risks issuing from the rationalisation and restructuring of their agriculture with a view to their future participation in the common agricultural policy. The Commission believes it is important to promote the understanding of sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods and the protection of biological diversity, and is discussing with these countries with a view to transferring Community experience to them in these fields. Assistance has also been given through PHARE projects and bilateral projects funded by Member States to agri-environmental measures and preservation.From the year 2000 the agricultural pre-accession instrument, Sapard, will be available to help the applicant countries to prepare for the implementation of the agricultural acquis, including agri-environmental policies and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and rural development. In this context funding will be available to assist the applicant countries in implementing measures to develop agricultural production methods designed to protect the environment, including biodiversity, and to maintain the countryside.Furthermore, during the year 2000 the Commission will present an action plan on agriculture and biodiversity as announced in the communication to the Council and to the Parliament on a Community biodiversity strategy(1). This action plan will be a practical tool to achieve the integration of biodiversity into the common agricultural policy and will include a specific focus on enlargement issues.(1) COM(98) 42 final.