WRITTEN QUESTION E-2860/01 by Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE-DE) to the Council. Measures aimed at tackling the crisis in tourism following the terrorist attacks in the United States.
Date: 2001-10-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: United States, economic consequence, economic policy, financial loss, reflation, terrorism, tourism

20.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 147 E/59

Moreover, it has been decided to organise a workshop mid December under the Belgian Presidency; the
latter will be entrusted with setting up a short, medium and long term working programme.

With regard to specific measures in the vicinity of the European Parliament’s premises, the Honourable
Member is advised to refer to the Administration of that institution.

(1) Parliament and Council Decision No 2119/98/EC, OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, Commission Decision 2000/57/EC, OJ L 21,

26.1.2000 and Commission Decision 2000/96/EC, OJ L 28, 3.2.2000.

(2002/C 147 E/058)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2860/01

by Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE-DE) to the Council

(19 October 2001)

Subject: Measures aimed at tackling the crisis in tourism following the terrorist attacks in the United States

A worldwide crisis is affecting international and European tourism following the terrorist attacks on New
York and Washington, not least because ordinary travellers understandably feel insecure.

is seriously jeopardising firms in the European tourist industry (losses are
This reluctance to travel
estimated at Lit 25 billion per day in Italy, for example), which are only to a small extent absorbed by the
inadequate social provisions and flexible in the sector (particularly in the hotel sector).

Requests for urgent measures are being submitted by operators in the sector. These would include tax
concessions for employees and firms,
temporarily extending to travel agencies and tour operators
instruments for compensation in the form of social and transport arrangements and the introduction and/
or extension of organisational flexibility in the use of staff.

In view of Article 202 et seq. of the Treaty establishing the European Community, what rules does the
Council intend to introduce to revive tourism and the related market?

Reply

(1 March 2002)

The Honourable Member’s attention is drawn to the declaration by the Heads of State or Government of
the European Union and the President of the European Commission (Ghent, 19 October 2001) on the
review of the economic situation in the aftermath of the September 11 events.

As regards the specific problems of the tourism sector in this context, at its meeting on 27 September
2001 the Council asked the Commission to submit an information note on the repercussions of the events
of 11 September in the United States on the tourist industry in the Community and returned to the subject
at its meeting on 26 November 2001, when the Commission submitted an information note on the effects
of the terrorist atrocities of 11 September 2001 on the tourism sector in the European Union. The Council
agreed to return to the subject at a future meeting.

(2002/C 147 E/059)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2868/01

by Florence Kuntz (EDD) to the Council

(19 October 2001)

Subject: Imposition of VAT on service charges

On 1 October 2001 the imposition of VAT on service charges levied on behalf of staff in eat-in catering
establishments and hairdressing salons became compulsory in France.