WRITTEN QUESTION E-0989/01 by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Unacceptable attitude of US senators.
Date: 2001-03-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Internet, data protection, personal data, protection of privacy, regulation of telecommunications, web surfer

C 340 E/140

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.12.2001

From a broader viewpoint, the Commission is well aware that the protection of marine bio-diversity needs
an integrated strategy to cope with the degradation of marine habitats. The development of such strategy is
therefore considered a priority (6). Furthermore, taking into account the interest that the Community has in
promoting more sustainable fishing activities, the use of selectivity devices that reduce or eliminate by-
catches of non-target species is also to be considered (7). In both cases, there is scope for improving the
coordination with Member States as well as the dialogue with international organizations and other
interested countries.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and

(2)

flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992).
Implemented by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 of 3 December 1982 on the implementation in the
Community of the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 384,
31.12.1982).

(3) Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98, amending Regulation (EC) No 894/97 laying down certain technical measures

for the conservation of fishery resources (OJ L 171, 17.6.1998).

(4) Council Decision 1999/386/EC of 7 June 1999 (OJ L 147, 12.6.1999).
(5) Council Regulation (EC) No 850/98, of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical

measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms (OJ L 125, 27.4.1998).

(6) Communication from the Commission on the sixth environment action programme of the European Community,

COM(2001) 31 final.

(7) Communication from the Commission on a Biodiversity Action Plan for Fisheries, COM(2001) 162 final.

(2001/C 340 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0989/01

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 March 2001)

Subject: Unacceptable attitude of US senators

including Mr Rodot(cid:224), the Chairman of the Article 29
On Thursday, 8 March 2001 EU representatives,
Working Group, visited the US Congress. According to European press reports, they were violently
criticised by senators who see the Directive on the protection of personal data on the Internet as
excessively tough. In particular, Senator Buyer praised his forefathers for taking the right decision and
leaving Europe.

Will the Commission say whether it will yield to American pressure or continue the work it has begun to
ensure that users(cid:146) rights are more effectively protected on the Internet?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2001)

The Commission proposal for a Directive on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy
in the electronic communications sector of 12 July 2000 (1), to which the Honourable Member refers, is
currently being discussed in co-decision procedure. It is the Commission(cid:146)s view that the proposal contains
the most appropriate approach for the protection of personal data in the electronic communications sector
including the Internet and hopes that it will be adopted by the Parliament and the Council before the end
of this year.

(1) OJ C 365 E, 19.12.2000.