WRITTEN QUESTION P-1580/00 by Baroness Sarah Ludford (ELDR) to the Commission. Ritual slaughter of live animals.
Date: 2000-05-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: France, competence of the Member States, customs and traditions, infringement of EU law, slaughter of animals

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/81

(b)

If not, what concept does the Council deem appropriate to reconcile the (cid:145)European Museum(cid:146) with
the treaty provision that the Community (cid:145)shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the
Member States, (cid:133) and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore(cid:146)?

2. Does the Council

feel that the promoters should apply the language legislation of the Belgian
Federation fully and correctly in the (cid:145)European Museum(cid:146) in order to act in accordance with the treaty
provision referred to above?

(a)

(b)

If so, will the Council, in due course, ask the promoters to apply the language legislation of the
Belgian Federation fully and correctly in the (cid:145)European Museum(cid:146) in order to act in accordance
with the treaty provision which states that the Community (cid:145)shall contribute to the flowering of
the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity(cid:133)(cid:146)?

If not, why not, since non-application of the language legislation will breach the treaty provision
that the Community (cid:145)shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while
respecting their national and regional diversity(cid:146)?

Reply

(26 September 2000)

The Museum Project referred to by the Honourable Member is not the result of a Community initiative.

The Council did not therefore receive a Commission proposal for the setting up of such a museum. At its
meeting on 23 November 1999 the Council was briefed by the Greek delegation and took note of that
delegation(cid:146)s concerns regarding the objectives and priorities of the project as conceived by the Belgian
private law association which is the promoter.

The Council will adopt an appropriate position, within the framework of its powers, if a proposal is put to
it directly.

(2001/C 72 E/096)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1580/00

by Baroness Sarah Ludford (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 May 2000)

Subject: Ritual slaughter of live animals

For many years now, the celebration of the (cid:145)Eid-el-Kabir(cid:146) festival in France has resulted in live animals
being slaughtered without stunning and outside slaughter houses. While the inability of French slaughter
houses in urban areas to deal adequately with the demand from local Muslim communities is a factor in
this situation, it cannot be a justification for allowing the inhumane slaughter of animals to continue. Due
regard must be given to cultural and religious practices, but this must not occur at the expense of animal
welfare and hygiene considerations.

Can the Commission confirm that France is in breach of its legal obligations under Council Directive 93/
119/EC (1) concerning the slaughter of live animals? What steps is the Commission taking to see that the
Directive is correctly implemented? When will the Commission commence legal proceedings under Article
226, if France is indeed in breach of Directive 93/119/EC?

(1) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 21.

C 72 E/82

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

6.3.2001

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2000)

The Commission is informed about the treatment of the animals during this event. The inadequate
slaughterhouse capacity in certain urban areas of France appears to be one of the reasons for the
observations made by animal protection organisations with regard to treatment of animals during the
festival.

Treatment of animals which causes suffering during restraint and slaughter is not acceptable. The
Commission considers that
find a practical solution for the problem
concerning slaughterhouse capacity.

the French authorities must

Member States are responsible for the enforcement of Community legislation concerning the slaughter and
killing of animals in accordance with the provisions of Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December
1993, on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing.

The Commission has been in contact with the French authorities concerning the need to improve the
arrangements. On that occasion reassurances had been received prior to the festival that the French
authorities were taking a wide range of measures including close contacts with the different Islamic
cultural groups to involve them more widely in discussions on this issue in order to improve the situation
and achieve better animal welfare and hygiene conditions.

Now that the festivity has passed a formal report, which has already been requested, is awaited from the
French authorities before taking further initiatives,
including if necessary opening proceedings under
Article 226 (ex Article 169) EC treaty.

(2001/C 72 E/097)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1585/00

by Ky(cid:246)sti Virrankoski (ELDR) to the Commission

Subject: Finland(cid:146)s horizontal rural development programme

(12 May 2000)

The Finnish Government submitted its proposed horizontal rural development plan to the Commission
last October. The programme comprises environmental aid to farmers and LFA support programmes.

Consideration of Finland(cid:146)s proposal still has not been concluded.

As of 26 May, farmers are required to commit themselves to new environmental and LFA programmes for
five years, although their content has not even been decided yet. This situation renders farmers(cid:146) legal
position extremely uncertain, as aid under these programmes is expected to amount to nearly half of total
aid to farmers.

How many other Member States(cid:146) corresponding programmes have not yet been processed?

What is the reason for the delays?

Which persons and departments are responsible for the delays?

What will the Commission do to remedy this maladministration?

How will the Commission shoulder its responsibility and restore legal certainty for farmers?