WRITTEN QUESTION P-2061/01 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission. Lack of competition in Portugal.
Date: 2001-07-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Portugal, bank charges, electronic money, intra-EU payment, restriction on competition

C 40 E/176

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.2.2002

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

The Food and Veterinary Office of the Commission carried out an inspection in Germany from 28 May to
1 June 2001.
In one of the L(cid:228)nder visited, the inspectors were informed that some farmers might
deliberately have delayed the notification of dead-on-farm cattle with a view to prevent possible bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases from being detected. The authorities had already informed various
producers(cid:146) organisations in writing that any undue delay in reporting a dead-on-farm animal was against
legislation.
the German legislation and that sanctions would be used against any breaches to that
Furthermore, delays in the notification of a dead-on-farm animal would not necessarily result in a possible
BSE case remaining undetected, as rapid tests can detect BSE in autolysed brain material.

The correct implementation of the BSE monitoring programme is audited by the Food and Veterinary
Office through regular inspections. Where deficiencies are found, the Member State concerned is asked to
take corrective action. It is the Commission intention to focus on surveillance measures, including testing
of dead-on-farm cattle, in future inspections. This is especially relevant in the light of the requirement to
test all such cases aged over 24 months, with effect from 1 July 2001.

(2002/C 40 E/189)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2061/01

by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission

(3 July 2001)

Subject: Lack of competition in Portugal

In Portugal, credit card payments made outwith the country are surcharged at 1,7 %.

How does the Commission intend to solve the problem of the lack of competition in the banking system
and of properly transparent information?

How is it possible to charge a percentage on payments in euro zone countries, when there is now a single
currency?

This situation has obtained since 1999. How is the Commission going to resolve it by 1 January 2002?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2001)

The problem raised by this question could be resolved when the proposal for a Parliament and Council
Regulation on cross-border payments in euros, which the Commission tabled on 25 July 2001, is adopted
and comes into effect.

The Regulation would establish the principle of equal charges for domestic and cross-border payments in
euros: each bank would set a single charge for the euro payments area. This principle would apply from
1 January 2002 for both card payments and withdrawals at cash dispensers. If that target date is to be met,
Parliament and the Council must swiftly reach agreement so that the text can be adopted before the end of
this year.

On the lack of competition alleged by the Honourable Member, it should be pointed out that charging
commission on transactions does not in itself constitute a restriction of competition. The Commission is
not aware of the existence of any anti-competitive agreements between Portuguese banks on the fees
charged to consumers for the cross-border use of cards.