WRITTEN QUESTION E-3536/01 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Killing of migratory birds on Cyprus.
Date: 2002-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cyprus, accession to the European Union, application of EU law, bird, environmental protection, protection of animal life, wildlife

26.9.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 229 E/31

(2002/C 229 E/031)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3536/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: Killing of migratory birds on Cyprus

When did the Commission last raise with the Cypriot authorities the issue of the capture in nets and
subsequent killing of migratory birds, and what was the response? When will the Commission next be
raising this issue?

Was the matter discussed at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention of 26-
30 November? If so, what representations were made by the Commission, and what was the outcome of
the meeting?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 2002)

Under the terms of the chapter of the enlargement negotiations relating to the environment, Cyprus has
undertaken to implement the environmental acquis relating to nature protection and this includes the Birds
Directive, Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (1).

The issue of the capture in nets and subsequent killing of migratory birds has been raised with the Cypriot
authorities on a number of occasions over the last year, notably at the Standing Committee of the Bern
Convention in November 2001 as well as at an international congress on wildlife game management held
in Cyprus in September 2001. There has also been written communication with the Cyprus authorities on
the issue.

The Cyprus authorities have informed the Commission that they recognise the problem referred to by the
Honourable Member as an issue of major concern and agree the need for more stringent enforcement
measures. They have informed the Commission that they are also taking action regarding restaurants and
places where these protected species are illegally sold. The Commission has been informed that the
authorities will be making further efforts in 2002 in an attempt to fully eliminate this activity and
especially to influence the attitude of citizens. In the new legislation that will harmonise Cypriot law with
the environmental acquis there are provisions on hunter education. The Commission will continue to
monitor developments on this issue.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2002/C 229 E/032)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3550/01

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Council

Subject: Conflict between Israel and Palestine

(8 January 2002)

In view of the worsening conflict between Israel and Palestine, will the Council launch any political action,
together with the US, which could be a decisive factor in securing peace and safeguarding the future
existence of the two states?

Reply

(25 June 2002)

The European Council of Laeken (14 and 15 December 2001) issued a comprehensive declaration setting
out the principles underlying the course of action which the EU resolutely continues to pursue, with a
view to finding a political solution to the situation in the Middle East. In the light of the recent escalation
of violence, the validity of that declaration was reaffirmed on 28 January 2002 by the Council, which has
since been keeping a very close eye on developments in that region at all times.