WRITTEN QUESTION E-2218/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Frost damage to grapevines in the Nemea region of Corinthia.
Date: 2000-07-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, aid to agriculture, bad weather, control of State aid, intra-EU trade, vineyard

C 89 E/164

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.3.2001

(2001/C 89 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2215/00

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 June 2000)

Subject: Ban on Russian klonddykers

Is the Commission aware of the fact that 24 Russian klonddykers are currently operating near Rockall west
of the 15 degree line? Those vessels, all over 200 feet long, are fishing for haddock and seriously
endangering stocks for years to come.

Can the Commission take immediate action to protect fish stocks in the waters around Rockall by asking
the North Eastern Atlantic Fisheries Commission to introduce emergency conservation measures which will
effectively ban Russian klonddykers from the area before they cause an ecological disaster? In view of the
wide range of conservation measures put in place by the Commission, it is vital that the NEAFC intervene
to protect haddock stocks.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

The Commission is fully aware that Russian fishing vessels are operating in international waters adjacent to
Rockall Bank and is concerned about possible effects of this fishery on the stock of haddock which
inhabits this area.

The Commission has already raised this issue within the North Eastern Atlantic Fisheries Commission and
will continue to pursue it with the utmost vigour with the intention of ensuring rational exploitation of
this fish stock.

(2001/C 89 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2218/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Subject: Frost damage to grapevines in the Nemea region of Corinthia

On 4 May 2000, an unseasonable frost caused severe damage to vineyards in the Nemea region of
Corinthia. The damage will affect not only this year(cid:146)s production but also subsequent crops as the vines
themselves have been attacked. The damage will also have serious repercussions for the wine industry in
the region, which produces wine of exceptional quality, the name Nemea having gained recognition as a
registered designation of origin. Can the region(cid:146)s producers receive aid to compensate for the damage to
their crops and means of production, pursuant to the Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture
sector applicable for the period 2000-2006 (1)? When should aid be applied for and what procedures
should be followed?

(1) OJ C 28, 1.2.2000.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

In line with point 11.3. of the Community guidelines for state aid in the agriculture sector (1), the
Commission does not consider that adverse weather such as frosts (even if unusually severe) can be classed
as natural disasters within the meaning of Article 87(2)(b) of the EC Treaty (formerly Article 92). However,
such occurrences can be treated as on a par with natural disasters if the degree of damage reaches a
stipulated threshold (20 % in the less-favoured areas and 30 % in other regions).

20.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 89 E/165

If the Greek Government wishes to grant such aid at national level, it must notify the relevant statutory
provisions at the draft stage in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 88(3) of the Treaty
(formerly Article 93). The Community rules set no deadline for notification but, without a specific
justification, the Commission does not approve applications for aid schemes submitted more than three
years after the causal event.

(1) OJ C 28, 1.2.2000.

(2001/C 89 E/186)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2220/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Subject: Pelagic trawls

Will the Commission list the Member States which authorise the use of pelagic trawls in EU waters?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

All Member States except Spain allow pelagic trawling in Community waters. However, Greece has no
vessels equipped with mid-water otter trawls or pair trawls. Luxembourg and Austria have no fishing fleets.

(2001/C 89 E/187)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2231/00

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 July 2000)

Subject: The Colombian government(cid:146)s request for support for the (cid:145)Colombia Plan(cid:146)

Can the Commission confirm that the Colombian government has asked the EU for help in implementing
the (cid:145)Colombia Plan(cid:146)?

Is the Commission aware that the CGTD trade union in Colombia is of the opinion that the plan will not
contribute to peace, social justice or sustainable development in Colombia?

Is the Commission aware that NGOs and the civil society are not
implementing the plan?

involved in drawing up and

What is the Commission(cid:146)s opinion of the (cid:145)Colombia Plan(cid:146) and does the Commission intend to support it,
despite the criticism?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

The Colombian government has asked the international community to support (cid:145)Plan Colombia(cid:146) in its
various components, as well as its peace efforts. While expressing wide support for the peace efforts of
President Pastrana, the Commission has put emphasis on the need to tackle the root causes of the current
conflict, namely social inequalities, and the lack of respect for the rule of law. The Commission is aware of
the negative stance taken by several non governmental organisations (NGOs) both in Colombia and in the
Union on (cid:145)Plan Colombia(cid:146), particularly on its military component.