WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/00 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Mr Fischler's visit to Morocco on 17 January.
Date: 2000-01-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: FIFG, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, common fisheries policy, cooperation agreement (EU), economic consequence, fishing agreement, fishing fleet

24.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 303 E/153

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(9 February 2000)

One of the main objectives set in Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1) is the creation of a network of natural protected sites of
Community importance called Natura 2000. Mar(cid:237)ne sites may be part of this network. The Habitats
Directive contributes to the general aim of sustainable development. Its objective is to encourage the
preservation of biodiversity while taking account of scientific, economic, social, cultural and regional
requirements. The purpose of the Natura 2000 network is therefore not to create nature sanctuaries where
all human activity will be systematically excluded. The preservation of biodiversity in the designated sites
may require human activities to be maintained or encouraged. However, human activities must remain
compatible with the conservation aims of the designated sites.

It is the competence of Member States to establish which activities are compatible, e.g. through specific site
management plans.

Any activity financed by the Community in the field of tourism or fisheries must obviously comply with
the provisions of the directive.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2000/C 303 E/167)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/00

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 January 2000)

Subject: Mr Fischler(cid:146)s visit to Morocco on 17 January

The fisheries agreement with Morocco expired on 30 November 1999. As a result, the fleet operating in
Moroccan waters has been laid up, leading to all the inevitable socio-economic consequences. The fleet
includes about 30 Portuguese vessels, which employ some 700 fishermen and provide 3 000 spin-off jobs,
primarily in two communities dependent on the fisheries sector, Sesimbra and Olhªo/Fuzeta.
is
specialised to enable it to operate in the Moroccan fishing grounds and would therefore be quite difficult
to convert to other uses.

It

According to an Agence Europe report dated 18 January 2000, it emerged from the meeting between the
Member of the Commission concerned, Franz Fischler, and the Moroccan State Secretary Taieb Fassifihiri
that the agreement will not be renewed. To quote the bulletin, (cid:145)The EU notes the fact that cooperation
based on extraction activities (cid:133) is now over and plans to explore other solutions(cid:146).

How much credence should be attached to the above report? Has the Commission now ruled out the

1.
possibility of renewing the fisheries agreement?

2. What steps has it already taken in view of the fact that the fleet has been laid up because the
agreement has expired?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2000)

The Commission confirms that it is liaising with the Moroccan authorities in exploring all possible forms
of new partnership that could be established with Morocco in the fisheries sector which would be mutually
advantageous to both sides.

The Commission position remains unchanged from that set out over recent months, which is based
essentially on the negotiating brief approved by the Council on 15 October 1999.

C 303 E/154

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

24.10.2000

Financial support measures for shipowners and crews affected by the non-renewal of the agreement with
Morocco have been authorised by the Commission already. As from 1 January 2000 these will be financed
as part of programmes under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) 2000-2006 for Spain
and Portugal, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the new FIFG Regulation.

(2000/C 303 E/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0164/00

by Rosa D(cid:237)ez GonzÆlez (PSE), Fernando PØrez Royo (PSE)
and Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Competition transition costs (CTC) in Spain

Without prejudice to the outcome of the assessment of the Spanish electricity sector entrusted to an
independent expert by the Commission, will the Commission say how it determined which costs not able
to be covered during the transition to competition derive directly from the regulatory framework adopted
by Spain in the past? Has the Commission checked whether compensation has been paid to cover these
costs in the past? Does it not find it unacceptable that consumers (whether eligible or not) should have to
meet costs for CTC which in no way correspond to the definition of such costs?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2000)

The Commission has not yet completed its examination of Spanish stranded costs and cannot therefore
give an immediate answer to the first question put by the Honourable Members. It is clear in any event
that costs already compensated for in the past will not be regarded as stranded costs. Electricity consumers
will have to meet only costs which the Commission regards as stranded.

(2000/C 303 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0169/00

by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Piecework

The German firm Volkswagen has reintroduced piecework to the European car industry. Its 5 000 x 5 000
plan includes a condition unprecedented in this industry whereby working time is to be made a variable
element of employment for which employees themselves are responsible.

Does the Commission have any views on this new working arrangement involving a fixed salary for
variable working hours? Could it be put forward as one way of helping to fight unemployment and create
jobs in Europe?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 2000)

The Commission considers that new forms of work organisation are likely to be most successful when they
are introduced in agreement between the social partners. It is also important to ensure a suitable balance
of flexibility and security. Innovative forms of work organisation can lead to an increase in employment,
but this will depend very much on the particular circumstances.