WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/01 by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Belgian State aid to Sabena.
Date: 2001-10-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belgium, State aid, United States, air transport, economic recession, restriction on competition, terrorism

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/191

the
than Community law. Despite this, Mr Rodríguez Loredo sent a further letter complaining at
irregularities perpetrated by the Galician regional government with regard to road building in the
countryside, having received information to the effect that problems relating to defective construction had
led the Commission to review the use of a large sum paid in aid for construction work in the area
concerned. Can the DG for Agriculture provide information on these anomalous circumstances? Were the
Community funds intended for this scheme withdrawn following checks made by the DG?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2001)

In 1995 the Commission conducted an inspection of the programmes for improving the conditions of
agricultural production and for environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources in the
Spanish Region of Galicia.

In the absence of certain persons in charge of the project referred to by the Honourable Member, the
Commission decided not to proceed with the inspection. The task was therefore passed on to the national
inspectors. The Commission sent a letter to the Spanish authorities requesting them to look into the matter
and accordingly to inspect the project.

In June 1997 the Galicia financial control department conducted an inspection of the project and drew up
a report. The Spanish authorities have been asked to provide a copy of that report.

The Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact the State financial control department, the
national body responsible for coordinating inspections in Spain, for further information on this matter.

(2002/C 115 E/201)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/01

by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 October 2001)

Subject: Belgian State aid to Sabena

The terrorist attacks in the USA have plunged European airlines into financial difficulties. The Council has
discussed measures to deal with the problems of insurance, but has ruled out direct State financial aid to
crisis-hit undertakings. The Commission has for a long time been seeking to eliminate subsidies of this
nature, which distort competition.

is providing cash and
It is therefore remarkable that Belgium, which currently holds the Presidency,
guarantees for Sabena,
in which airline the Belgian State has a majority holding. Sabena’s financial
problems are certainly not new, and cannot be blamed on the crisis now affecting the industry as a whole.
The Belgian Government’s actions will exclusively benefit narrow national
interests and eliminate
competition, which will further reduce other European airlines’ ability to survive.

What action does the Commission intend to take to prevent the Belgian State from giving Sabena financial
aid?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2001)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-2878/01 by Sir Atkins (1)

(1) See page 184.