WRITTEN QUESTION E-1478/01 by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Racism in the Netherlands.
Date: 2001-05-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Austria, Netherlands, intra-EU relations, racism, xenophobia

C 40 E/48

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.2.2002

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(10 September 2001)

The Commissioner responsible for External Relations did not say,
E-0655/01, that he regarded the questions raised by the Honourable Member as lacking in importance.

in his answer to written question

However, the Commission does not believe that a request for information to the German Defence Ministry
or a German university can properly be dealt with by means of a proposal under Article 22 of the Treaty
on European Union (TEU) envisaging the adoption by the Council, acting unanimously, of a common
position, joint action or other act.

It would refer the Honourable Member once again, therefore, to its earlier reply and would point out that
implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 of 22 June 2000 setting up a Community regime for
the control of exports of dual-use items and technology does not come under the common foreign and
security policy (CFSP) and hence cannot be the subject of a proposal to the Council under Article 22 of the
TEU.

(2002/C 40 E/044)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1478/01

by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 May 2001)

Subject: Racism in the Netherlands

Is the Commission aware that (cid:145)De Buddy(cid:146)s(cid:146) a Dutch church choir which is as well known in the
1.
Netherlands as the Vienna(cid:146)s Boys(cid:146) Choir in German-speaking countries, have recently produced a CD
entitled (cid:145)Do not buy from Austrians(cid:146)?

Is the Commission aware of the historic significance of this title in the light of the last hundred years

2.
of German history?

Does the Commission know whether the Dutch Government is taking any action against this and

3.
other xenophobic manifestations?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 2001)

The Commission condemns all forms of racism and xenophobia, including incitement to racial hatred. It
underlines that as part of the fight against racism and xenophobia, it is important to remember the lessons
of the past.

the Council adopted, on 29 June 2000 (1) on a proposal

from the
The Commission recalls that
Commission, directive 2000/43/EC on the promotion of equality between persons irrespective of racial
or ethnic origin. This directive prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination in employment, education, social
protection, social advantages and access to and the supply of goods and services. The Member States have
until 19 July 2003 in which to take the necessary measures to transpose the directive into national law.

The Commission also recalls the Joint Action adopted by the Council on 15 July 1996 concerning action
to combat racism and xenophobia (2). Member States were asked to ensure that a number of racist and
xenophobic behaviours listed in the Joint Action be punishable as criminal offences or, failing that, to
derogate from the principle of double criminality for such behaviours. The Commission considers that it is
time to achieve further progress regarding criminal law measures against racist and xenophobic offences
and it is currently preparing a legislative proposal in this field.

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/49

The Commission is aware of the existence of the Dutch boys singing group (cid:145)De Buddy(cid:146)s(cid:146) and the
controversy which surrounded the inclusion on a recent CD of the song (cid:145)Kauf nicht bei (cid:214)sterreichern(cid:146),
intended as a protest against the formation of the current Austrian Federal Government. The Commission
is not aware of any action having been taken by the Dutch authorities as a result of the release of this
song.

(1) OJ L 180, 19.7.2000.
(2) OJ L 185, 24.7.1996.

(2002/C 40 E/045)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1483/01

by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission

(18 May 2001)

Subject: Research and experiments on primates

Under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research the EU funds a great deal of research into the
treatment of diseases, some of which involves tests on animals. In particular, hundreds of non-human
primates are kept captive for the purpose of testing. One of the principles of scientific research on animals
is (cid:145)the Three R(cid:146)s(cid:146) rule (cid:129) replace, reduce and refine.

In what ways does the European Commission ensure that experiments funded by EU money respect such
principles, are in fact necessary and do not subject the animals involved to undue cruelty? Are recipients of
such funds obliged to ensure that no alternative methods of testing exist? What ethical and moral
conditions, if any, are built into the contracts for funding of research?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2001)

The Honourable Member will be aware that all research in Europe involving the use of animals is subject
to the Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 (1) on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes. The Member States have responsibility to enforce this.

The Commission has been most vigilant as
implementing the Fifth Framework Programme on Research and Technological Development.

regards animal experiments and animal welfare in

The annex of the Decision of the the Council (2), concerning the Quality of Life Programme specifies that
funding of research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal
experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or other
alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants for proposals to describe the procedures
adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the
welfare of animals.

In addition, research on the development of alternatives to animal experiments and animal welfare is
supported under this programme.

An independent ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life Programme
for proposals dealing with sensitive issues such as the use of non-human primates. The ethical review
panel includes, among others, representatives of animal welfare groups. The ethical review ensures that all
research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Directive 86/609/CEE. It takes account of the
overall benefit of the research proposed in relation to the possible costs in terms of animal suffering.