WRITTEN QUESTION E-1767/99 by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission. The Commission's efforts to bring its staff policy into line with Article 13 of the Treaty and prevent discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
Date: 1999-10-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, personnel administration, recruitment

C 203 E/42

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2000

(2000/C 203 E/051)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1764/99

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: Crisis in the fish market and unfair competition on the part of Greece

The crisis which has been affecting the market in certain species of fish (sea bass and gilthead sea bream)
since the beginning of 1999 has worsened during the summer. Italian fish-breeders are finding it difficult
to sell their fish, which has remained in the fish farms for months. On the other hand, products from
Greece, which are undoubtedly less fresh than Italian products, have been driving market prices down to
below actual production costs, LIT 8 000 per kilo for gilthead sea bream and LIT 9 000 per kilo for sea
bass.

Since the costs of feed, fry and transport are higher than in Italy, one can only suppose that the Greeks are
practising dumping. The reason for this might be that the largest Greek fish producers are quoted on the
stock exchange and are therefore more interested in the volume of turnover, in order to show an apparent
profit to the stock market, than in a genuine operating profit.

Can the Commission say:

1. whether it does not consider the above constitutes a threat of dumping;

2. whether it does not consider an inquiry should be launched to ascertain a possible infringement of the

principles of free competition;

3. whether it does not consider it appropriate to ascertain that there has not been an infringement of
Community regulations (and exploitation of Community funds) with adverse consequences for
employment)?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 1999)

The Commission is aware of the current market difficulties for sea bass and sea bream linked to the rapid
these species which has overtaken growth in market demand. Total
growth in the cultivation of
Community production in 1988 was 2 801 tonnes, the figure for 1998 is an estimated 60 188 tonnes.

Given the experience of the salmon sector which has experienced a series of marketing crises over the past
decade, due to supply outstripping the growth in the market, the Commission is concerned that the same
difficulties do not befall the sea bass and sea bream sector. The lesson has to be learned that effective
marketing is a prerequisite if this important part of the Mediterranean aquaculture is to consolidate and
grow. This is primarily an industry responsibility, but assistance from the Financial instrument for fisheries
guidance (FIFG) is available and has been used for this purpose already in some Member States.

The question of dumping does not arise between Member States but predatory pricing or abuse of a
dominant market position, if proven, may be addressed under competition rules. The Commission will
intensify its monitoring of the current market situation and consider whether any further action may be
required to prevent production running ahead of market growth.

(2000/C 203 E/052)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1767/99

by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: The Commission(cid:146)s efforts to bring its staff policy into line with Article 13 of the Treaty and

prevent discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation

Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam may, if properly translated into practical measures, provide an
effective means of preventing discrimination at work. Some time ago, attention was drawn to a case of

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Official Journal of the European Communities

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its employees, who was living in a homosexual
discrimination in the Commission, when one of
partnership, was denied the rights that are granted to employees living in heterosexual partnerships. This
may be regarded as a case of discrimination by the Commission against an employee on grounds of sexual
orientation.

What steps has the Commission taken to ensure that its own staff policy complies with Article 13 of the
Treaty and thus to prevent discrimination against its employees, and those applying for posts, on account
of their sexual orientation?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 1999)

The Commission draws the Honourable Member(cid:146)s attention to its systematic opposition to all forms of
discrimination, including that based on sexual orientation.

Article 1a of the Staff Regulations of officials of the Communities, which applies to all of the Institutions,
guarantees equality of treatment without direct or indirect reference to sexual orientation.

The status of homosexual or heterosexual couples who are not married is not currently covered by the
Regulations, which relate only to relationships based on a contract of marriage.

In 1997 the Commission adopted various measures which gave a degree of recognition to (cid:145)stable
relationships(cid:146), so as to be able to grant heterosexual and homosexual non-married couples (officials or
other servants) a number of administrative facilities that are not covered by the Staff Regulations and are
also neutral in financial terms.

Since then, the Williamson Group report on modernising the Staff Regulations has suggested that the
Commission should give consideration to the issue of (cid:145)registered partnerships(cid:146) with a view to providing
possible recognition.

In the light of the contents of that document, and in the context of the current deliberations on reforming
aspects of the Staff Regulations, the Commission could envisage the possibility of tabling a proposal along
the lines indicated by the Honourable Member that would also take account of the varying relevant law in
the Member States.

(2000/C 203 E/053)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1778/99

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: The trend towards concentration in the food industry

1.
Is the Commission aware of the article (cid:145)Supermarkets go shopping for a merger(cid:146) in the Financial
Times of 4 September 1999 which describes the increasing degree of concentration in the food industry,
and has it taken note of the following quotes:

(a)

(cid:145)In the last 12 months [retailers in the food sector] have seen more consolidation in absolute scale
than (cid:133) in the last 12 years(cid:146);

(b)

(cid:145)top 25 [food retail chains] will control 40 % cent of global retail spending(cid:146) (by 2009);

(c)

(cid:145)a mere five to six will be the real world leaders, with annual sales in excess of $ 140 billion(cid:146)?

2.

Is the Commission also aware that the facts presented in question 1:

(a) are an obstacle to honest competition benefiting the consumer;

(b)

threaten the position of small independent firms which provide a valuable service to everyone unable
to visit a (cid:145)megastore(cid:146) because of high transport costs, age or infirmity, for example;