WRITTEN QUESTION E-3814/00 by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Compliance with 1991 Pigs Directive.
Date: 2000-12-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC Directive, Poland, aid system, animal welfare, intensive livestock farming, livestock farming, national implementing measure, protection of animals, swine

C 187 E/56

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

Therefore,

(cid:129) does the Commission not consider that a provision of this type might constitute a more or less open
breach of Community regulations concerning the single market and the principle of free competition?

(cid:129) If so, does it not intend to take any initiatives designed to eliminate, or at least to restrict, possible
discrimination which could result for drinks suppliers from other Member States operating in the
German market?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3799/00 and E-3974/00
given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2001)

The Conference of German Environment Ministers, in October 2000, adopted a common communication
calling for an amendment of the existing German packaging ordinance. They asked the Federal Minister,
Mr J(cid:252)rgen Trittin, to draft a proposal of an amendment, which would introduce an obligatory deposit for
a number of beverage packagings.

The Federal Environment Ministry has not yet produced this draft. Therefore, the amendment of the
ordinance is, at this stage, merely a political objective of the Conference of German Environment Ministers,
which is likely to be subject to modifications following the completion of the formal consultation process,
which is not yet underway.

It would therefore be premature, at this point in time, to presume conflicts between a possible amendment
of the German packaging ordinance and existing Community law. However, the Commission is closely
following this issue and will examine the draft proposal once it is produced.

As far as the existing German packaging ordinance is concerned, which foresees inter alia a minimum refill
quota of 72 % for beverage packaging, the Commission issued in July 2000 a Reasoned Opinion to
Germany. The Commission believes that the German legislation infringes the Parliament and Council
Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste (1) in conjunction with
Article 28 (ex Article 30) of the EC Treaty as far as natural mineral waters are concerned, which are to be
filled at source, as the appropriate balance between free movement of these goods and environmental
protection has not been clearly struck.

(1) OJ L 365, 31.12.1994.

(2001/C 187 E/060)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3814/00

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Compliance with 1991 Pigs Directive

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that all Member States comply with the 1991 Pigs
Directive?

Will it confirm that, to date, only Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands
have implemented or have drafted legislation for implementing the Directive?

When will new proposals be brought forward by the Commission?

What support is being given to the Polish Government(cid:146)s resistance to the introduction of intensive farming
of pigs?

3.7.2001

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187 E/57

Does the Commission agree that too many sows spend nearly all their adult lives pregnant and in sow
stalls?

Does the Commission further agree that minimum humane pig farming standards should include adequate
space, the provision of straw, an alternative to tail docking, and an end to castration?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2001)

The Commission has adopted a report on the situation of intensive pig farming in the Community and the
proposal to amend Directive 91/630/EEC with a view to improving the welfare conditions of pigs (1). The
report and the proposal were transmitted to the Council and to the Parliament on 29 January 2001.

The Commission proposal addresses the following aspects: the rules for keeping sows in social groups
thereby providing them with more living-space, the rules for the proper enrichment of the environment
and improvements in the quality of flooring surfaces, and the prohibition for the worst types of routine
mutilations.

As mentioned by the Honourable Member information is available to the Commission confirming that in
recent years five Member States have adopted legislation for the protection of pigs providing for additional
measures beyond those required under Council Directive 91/630/EEC.

To ensure proper enforcement of the Community animal welfare legislation on pig farming, inspections by
the Food and Veterinary Office are carried out and infringement procedures against Member States which
fail to implement the rules are actively pursued.

The Sapard plan for Poland (2000-2006) provides a total Community contribution amount of
€ 205 170 000 for investments in agricultural holdings. This may be allocated to farmers who carry out
pig production based on 100-250 stands for fattening pigs, or 10-25 sows in cases of closed loop
production, if the farms fulfil Community hygiene and animal welfare standards.

(1) COM(2001) 20 final.

(2001/C 187 E/061)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3815/00

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Council

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Pigs Directive

Is the Council aware that the Pigs Directive was supposed to be implemented from 1991 but that, to date,
only the United Kingdom and Sweden have implemented its provisions for the welfare of pigs, while
Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands plan to do so?

When will non-complying Member States bring forward appropriate legislation?

Reply

(24 April 2001)

On 19 November 1991 the Council adopted Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for
the protection of pigs confined for the purposes of rearing and fattening.