WRITTEN QUESTION E-2635/01 by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) and Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Protection of minorities — closure of the Sorbian school in Crostwitz.
Date: 2001-10-02
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Saxony, competence of the Member States, educational institution, linguistic group, rights of minorities, teaching

20.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 147 E/33

bringing in matters of reuse, the role of deposit systems and the associated internal market aspects should
be made the subject of a factual analysis, which has not been done sufficiently so far, and wider discussion.
The Commission is planning, however, to take just such an approach, possibly in the framework of the
Thematic Strategy on Recycling.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.
(2) The Commission reserves the right to examine at a later date the question of the compatibility of the German
Regulation on packaging of 1998, particularly in terms of its justification in the light of environment policy and
other Community requirements, with regard to beverages other than mineral water.

(2002/C 147 E/030)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2635/01

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) and Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Protection of minorities 1 closure of the Sorbian school in Crostwitz

(2 October 2001)

The regional government of Saxony (Germany) has announced the future closure of the Sorbian school in
Crostwitz. This school is one of the only two Sorbian schools where full education is given in the Sorbian
language (there are two other Sorbian-German bilingual schools in the region). The official argument
seems to be a lack of children to keep a class open, but it is difficult to understand why the authorities
have chosen to close a full Sorbian school rather than a bilingual one. There are special circumstances
where the minimum figures for classes do not apply (the classes for highly talented children in schools for
example) and such exceptions should be considered for the protection of minorities.

Does the Commission consider this attitude compatible with the European values of fundamental rights
and cultural and linguistic diversity? Has the Commission asked for any information from the German
authorities on this issue?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2001)

Concerning the case referred to by the Honourable Member,
the Commission does not have any
information to suggest incorrect application of Community law or a serious and persistent violation within
the meaning of Article 7 (ex-Article 4) of the EC Treaty. It refers the Honourable Member to Article 149
(ex-Article 126) of the EC Treaty, according to which each Member State is responsible for the organisation
of education and for its linguistic diversity. The Commission would also point to the efforts made to
promote linguistic diversity, especially in connection with the European Year of Languages, and the
Community’s contribution to the flourishing of the cultures of the Member States while respecting their
national and regional diversity, in accordance with Article 151 (ex-Article 128) of the EC Treaty.

For more details, the Honourable Member is referred to the Commission’s answer to written question
E-2538/01 from Mr Modrow (1) on the same subject.

(1) See page 27.

(2002/C 147 E/031)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2647/01

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Council

(3 October 2001)

Subject: The anomalous situation of non-EU nationals permitted to vote in UK elections

Is the Council aware that non-EU citizens from Commonwealth countries who have for historical reasons
been allowed to vote in all UK elections (including European elections) are sometimes subject to visa