WRITTEN QUESTION E-1405/01 by Robert Sturdy (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Geographical classification of Armenia.
Date: 2001-05-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Armenia, European Union, Treaty on European Union, cooperation agreement, enlargement of the Union

C 93 E/10

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.4.2002

(2002/C 93 E/010)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1405/01

by Robert Sturdy (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 May 2001)

Subject: Geographical classification of Armenia

Would the Commission please inform me as to what geographical region Armenia, a Member of the
Council of Europe, is associated with for the purposes of the work of the European Union? It has been my
understanding that Armenia was considered to be part of Europe, but conflicting sources have suggested
that it is part of south-western Asia.

The source that I refer to is The World Factbook, the US Government’s Complete Geographical Handbook.
Is the Commission aware that certain European insurance underwriters have been using this source to
determine the categorisation of various countries and that
this can have adverse effects for those
Europeans seeking travel insurance and who make the logical assumption that Armenia is included in
Europe?

Should not EU businesses be referring to EU classifications when determining their policies?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2001)

The relations between the Union and the Republic of Armenia are defined by the Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement, signed on 22 April 1996 and entered into force on 1 July 1999 (1).

The Union and Community Treaties do not contain any provision with regard to the geographical
determination of limits of Europe.

In its report on ‘Europe and the challenge of enlargement’ presented to the European Council in Lisbon on
26-27 June 1992, the Commission stated that:

The term ‘European’ has not been officially defined. It combines geographical, historical and cultural
elements which all contribute to the European identity. The shared experience of proximity, ideas,
values and historical interaction cannot be condensed into a simple formula, and it is subject to review
by each succeeding generation. The Commission believes that it is neither possible or opportune to
establish new frontiers of the European Union, whose contours will be shaped over many years to
come.

For the purposes of the activities within the Council, issues related to the Republic of Armenia are dealt
with by the Group on Eastern Europe and central Asia.

(1) OJ L 239, 9.9.1999, p. 3.

(2002/C 93 E/011)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1427/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Safeguarding Europe’s cultural heritage

(17 May 2001)

On 16 April part of the Aurelian Walls in Rome collapsed. This in itself would be enough to suggest a
degree of responsibility on the part of the authorities in charge of maintaining the ancient structure, since
restoration work, carried out as recently as 1999, did not produce the expected results. Was this the result
of negligence or incompetence on the part of those organising the work? These questions highlight the
problem of insensitivity regarding the upkeep of Italy’s archaeological heritage, which also belongs to
Europe and the whole world and should be protected by means of a policy aimed at taking more effective
measures to safeguard a treasure which is only remembered when disastrous events of this kind take place.