WRITTEN QUESTION E-1186/01 by Raimon Obiols i Germà (PSE) to the Commission. Developments in the negotiations between the EU and Algeria.
Date: 2001-04-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Algeria, area of freedom, security and justice, association agreement (EU), common foreign and security policy, negotiation of an agreement (EU)

C 318 E/220

Official Journal of the European Communities

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13.11.2001

slow to make progress. Studies show that the fall in the birth rate is not only due to women(cid:146)s difficulties in
reconciling family and working life but also to pathological causes relating to both partners. The little
statistical data available shows that one in ten couples are involuntarily childless.

Will the Commission carry out studies to identify all the social and pathological factors underlying the
birth deficit? Will it take initiatives to formulate a coherent and generous policy to tackle the birth deficit?

In an age in which medical science has developed techniques to assist reproduction, which in combination
with hi-tech drugs offer less fertile couples effective options, will the Commission encourage the Member
States to adopt such practices in their health care systems?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2001)

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member in relation to the low fertility
levels observed over recent decades in the Community. Although family and fertility issues remain the
responsibility of Member States, the Commission has always expressed its willingness to help Member
States in their efforts to define adequate policies. In this context, the Commission finances a European
Observatory on Demography and Family Matters whose tasks include the examination of family and
fertility issues, and Member States(cid:146) policiesin this field.

More information can be found in the following website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/
family/observatory/home.html.

With regard to the medical problems of infertile couples, the Commission stresses that Member States are
responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care.

(2001/C 318 E/241)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1186/01

by Raimon Obiols i Germ(cid:224) (PSE) to the Commission

(19 April 2001)

Subject: Developments in the negotiations between the EU and Algeria

In April 2000, negotiations resumed between the EU and the Algerian authorities with a view to
concluding an association agreement which would be satisfactory to both parties. In its Communication on
relaunching the Barcelona Process and in its answers to various oral questions put by the European
Parliament, the Commission has expressed the hope that the negotiations will be concluded by June 2001,
which will require considerable efforts by all concerned.

Can the Commission answer the following:

(cid:129) In view of the outcome of the most recent negotiating rounds and, in particular, the one held on 15
and 16 March in Brussels, during which it became apparent that there are still areas in which
intensive negotiations will have to continue, what are the Commission(cid:146)s current forecasts regarding
a successful conclusion of the negotiations on the agreement?

(cid:129) When and how are the various aspects of the topics relating to justice and home affairs to be

discussed in detail?

(cid:129) Has there been any progress in the establishment of a political dialogue with Algeria which goes

beyond the ad hoc meetings held between the EU Troika and the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry?

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Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2001)

During the Commission President(cid:146)s visit to Algiers on 12 and 13 January, political accord was reached
with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the signing of an association agreement before the end of the year.
Since then, negotiations have been progressing at a satisfactory pace with sessions taking place more
frequently.

Talks on justice and home affairs were held at the 9th session of negotiations in Algiers from 14 to
16 May and they will continue at the next meetings to be held in Brussels in June.

There has been regular political dialogue since January 1998 within the framework of European
Troika missions and the activities of the Heads of Mission in situ. The last ministerial Troika took place on
24 April. The conclusion of the association agreement will further strengthen the process since political
dialogue will be institutionalised within the bodies set up under the agreement, i.e. the association council
and the association committee.

(2001/C 318 E/242)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1192/01

by Robert Goebbels (PSE) to the Commission

(19 April 2001)

Subject: French tax law restricting Community insurers(cid:146) freedom to provide services

In its answer of 12 February 2001 to Question E-3819/00 (1), the Commission stated that, on 30 October
2000, it sent a letter to the French authorities (requesting a reply within two months) concerning French
tax law affecting financial businesses and insurers established outside France.

Five months after the letter was sent, has the Commission received a reply?

If so, could it say what observations have been submitted by the French authorities? What steps does the
Commission intend to take in this connection?

(1) See p. 11.

Reply given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(7 June 2001)

The French authorities have submitted their observations in reply to the letter sent by the Commission. In
their reply, the French authorities stated that they would be prepared to adapt the tax rules governing final
withholding tax on the income referred to in Articles 125 A and 125-0 A of the General Tax Code, but
they added that this issue must be studied in tandem with the appointment of tax representatives for life
insurance contract products.

The French authorities(cid:146) reply is presently being studied, and the results of this study will be submitted to
the Commission, so that we may decide how they should be followed up.