WRITTEN QUESTION E-3840/00 by Raina Echerer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Directive 91/628/EEC.
Date: 2000-12-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Italy, animal welfare, application of EU law, transport of animals

19.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 174 E/161

(2001/C 174 E/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4143/00

by Niall Andrews (UEN) to the Council

(10 January 2001)

Subject: Deteriorating situation in Sierra Leone

Despite the peace agreement in Sierra Leone, there are reports of continued killing, mutilation, rape,
abduction and child abuse.

1. Will the Council
implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement?

indicate what actions are being undertaken at EU level to help to secure the

2. Will the Council use whatever means are open to it to put pressure on the armed opposition
Revolutionary Front and its leadership to end all human rights abuses against civilians and to find a just
and fair solution to the current problems?

3. Will the Council
women committed either by rebel forces or police forces?

issue a statement condemning the rapes and sexual violence against girls and

4. Will the Council address the issue of impunity of human rights abusers as a matter of priority?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3839/00 and P-4143/00

(12 March 2001)

The Council, which is following developments in Sierra Leone very closely, approved at its meeting of
18 September 2000 the elements of the European Union strategy for that country. This strategy document
sets out the AEU(cid:146)s general approach to the situation in the country, including the issues and concerns
raised by the Honourable Member of Parliament.

(2001/C 174 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3840/00

by Raina Echerer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Directive 91/628/EEC

The Commission has received a massive amount of information during the last ten years about the failure
by several Member States to implement Directive 91/628/EEC (1) on the transport of animals. This
information has been produced by, among others, the European Parliament, national Member States(cid:146)
administrations, NGOs and the Commission itself (Directorate for Health and Consumer Protection).

Can the Commission explain why the Commission considers it unnecessary in this respect to apply
1.
its supervisory function by avoiding the opening of any infringement proceedings against the Member
States which are not fulfilling the provisions of Directive 91/628/EEC?

Regarding Italy, the Commission, answering to two written questions submitted by MEP Gianni
2.
Tamino and MEP Caroline Lucas, stressed the existence of a situation requiring the opening of infringe-
ment proceedings against this Member State. Can the Commission explain why up to now no letter of
formal notice has been sent to Italy?

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.

C 174 E/162

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

19.6.2001

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2001)

1.
The Commission can confirm that it receives a considerable amount of correspondence from animal
welfare societies and individual citizens alleging that Member States are not complying with their
obligations under Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991 on the protection of animals
during transport and amending Directives 90/425/EEC and 91/496/EEC (1) as amended by Council
Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 (2).

Some Member States also communicate information to the Commission concerning alleged infringements
occurring in other Member States. Member States are obliged to communicate this information in some
circumstances (Article 18.3 of the Directive). In cases where it appears clear that there is some justification
for the complaint the Commission normally intervenes with the Member State concerned.

Furthermore, where it appears that the complaint indicates serious shortcomings in relation to enforce-
ment of the requirements of the Directive by a Member State, the Commission(cid:146)s Food and Veterinary
Office (FVO) may examine the situation in the Member State during one of its periodic inspection missions
to that Member State.

Where following Commission intervention it appears that a Member State is not prepared to take the
necessary action to rectify the deficiencies concerned or that the action taken has been inadequate or
ineffective the Commission is prepared to consider the opening of the infringement procedure under
Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC Treaty.

Several such procedures have been opened in relation to Directive 91/628/EEC.

The Commission has kept the situation in Italy under close observation and has intervened frequently
2.
with the authorities of that Member State on animal transportation issues. Several FVO missions have been
organised including multiple visits to the sites where particular animal welfare deficiencies have been
recorded.

The situation has been complicated because many of the particular problems have arisen in connection
with animals arriving in Italy, from third countries or in transit through Italy bound for third country
destinations.

A further inspection has recently taken place and a report will issue shortly on its findings. In the light of
this report the Commission will, in the near future, take a decision as to whether to open the Article 226
(ex Article 169) procedure of the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.
(2) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.

(2001/C 174 E/170)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3842/00

by Jacqueline Foster (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Long-line fishing

Long-line fishing is a very serious problem for seabirds.
I believe that the Commission is currently
assessing the need for a Community action plan on long-line fishing. Could the Commission confirm the
action that it is undertaking on this issue?

Could the Commission note that a number of measures may be introduced to promote a more seabird-
friendly method of long-line fishing including:

(cid:129) the use of bird scaring lines with plastic streamers on them;

(cid:129) weighing the lines so they sink faster, thus reducing the risk of catching seabirds;