WRITTEN QUESTION P-2160/00 by Carmen Fraga Estévez (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Proposed allocation of shrimp catch possibilities in Svalbard waters.
Date: 2000-06-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Arctic Ocean, Denmark, Norway, crustacean, fishery management, fishing area

C 81 E/162

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.3.2001

(2001/C 81 E/206)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2160/00

by Carmen Fraga EstØvez (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 June 2000)

Subject: Proposed allocation of shrimp catch possibilities in Svalbard waters

The Commission(cid:146)s proposal for the management of the shrimp fishery in Svalbard waters changes the
reference period for allocation of catch possibilities from 1990-1995 to 1995-1999. It so happens that
1999 was a completely untypical year for this fishery, characterised by quite particular circumstances.

Can the Commission, accordingly, specify the grounds which led it to change the reference period, and
explain why it included 1999 when it was aware that in that year the historically active fleet fished less
than normal, as the vessels abandoned the fishery on a request from the Commission itself, which did not
wish to disturb relations with Norway?

Can the Commission also explain on what possible grounds, if the reference period is to be changed to
1995-1999, substantial catch possibilities can be allocated to Denmark, a country whose relevant fisheries
activity relates only to 1990 and 1991, and even then at extremely low levels?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2000)

The Commission has not yet made such a proposal.

(2001/C 81 E/207)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2162/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: Downgrading of foreign language teaching at Greek upper secondary schools (lycØes)

The future of a citizens(cid:146) Europe depends to a great extent on giving as many citizens as possible (cid:129)
and particularly young people (cid:129) the chance to communicate and to overcome the language barrier.
The European Union has therefore set itself the target that every European citizen should be able to
communicate in two Community languages apart from his or her mother tongue. Compulsory foreign
language teaching in the educational system of the Member States is a basic measure adopted by the
Member States to attain the above objective. It is equally important if foreign language teaching is to
become firmly established and progress that foreign languages be put on a par with other school subjects.

In Greece foreign languages are taught throughout the school year at lycØes, but at the end of the year
they do not feature in the general examinations for the lycØe school leaving certificate, and the grades
obtained in foreign languages do not affect the overall grade of the student in this certificate, their ticket
for entering higher education.

Given the importance of learning foreign languages for the future of Europe, does the Commission
consider that the serious downgrading of foreign language teaching in Greece is in line with the general
trend towards promoting foreign language teaching in the European Union? Does it agree that, with due
respect for the principle of subsidiarity, foreign language teaching should be included in the general
examinations and in the overall school leaving certificate grade by leaving out other less important subjects
or reducing the syllabus of school subjects, so as not to further increase the heavy exam workload already
facing students?