WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4057/98 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. EU-Asia relations
Date: 1999-01-13
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: ASEAN countries, EU relations, South Asia, cooperation policy, economic recession, economic relations, purchasing power

21.7.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 207/163

(1999/C 207/225)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4057/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: EU-Asia relations

In its communication on EU-Asia strategy of 1994, the Commission oriented its approach towards the ASEAN
countries largely on the basis of the purchasing power of those countries. In view of the Asian economic crisis,
does the Commission agree that it should take a new look at this approach, given that South Asia has not been
hit so badly by the economic crisis and in population terms is of growing importance to the EU?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 1999)

‘Towards a New Asia Strategy’ (1), the Commission’s strategy paper published in July 1994, indicated the
changes faced by relations between the Community and the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN)
and called for the building of a partnership of equals with ASEAN.

On this basis the Commission produced, in July 1996, a communication ‘for a New Dynamic’ in relations (2)
between the Community and ASEAN. This communication can be described as an attempt to give a new boost
to relations in the absence of any progress towards a new Community-ASEAN agreement. The Commission
insisted on the growing political and economic importance of South East Asia and the need to embark on a
new process which would create a more active partnership.

On 24 April 1997, the Council adopted a ‘package for future action’ with ASEAN which the Commission was
charged to negotiate with the ASEAN side. On the basis of this package the Commission has prepared a work
programme. This work programme has been updated since the unfolding of the economic crisis in Asia, in
order to take into account the new economic situation in the ASEAN countries. Special emphasis has been put
on actions responding to the crisis.

The work programme will be discussed and adopted at the next Community-ASEAN joint co-operation
committee.

As regards South Asia, the Commission has tried to reinforce relations in this part of the world. It adopted a
communication on ‘EU-India Enhanced Partnership’ in June 1996, and is in the process of concluding new
agreements with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Despite certain setbacks following developments in the security
field, economic relations continue to grow, with both a broadening and deepening of the partnership. The
Commission is firmly of the opinion that South Asia has an important and increasing role in the world both
economically and politically.

(1) COM(94) 314 final.
(2) COM(96) 314 final.

(1999/C 207/226)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4068/98

by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué (PPE) to the Commission

(14 January 1999)

Subject: Trade

In October 1998 the Czech Republic announced that it was taking unilateral measures against EU pigmeat
exports and raising customs duties from the then current rate of 12 % to some 40,9 %. Hungary and Poland
apparently intend to follow suit.

Could the Commission say what steps it will take against the above countries, which, through their unilateral
action, have violated or are about to violate the Europe Agreements and may harm a sector of immense socio-
economic importance for the EU in general and Spain in particular?