WRITTEN QUESTION E-3671/01 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Activities impairing lorry traffic in the border region between Finland and Russia.
Date: 2002-01-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Finland, Russia, agreement (EU), cross-border cooperation, drivers, external border of the EU, road transport, violence

C 28 E/10

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2003

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2002)

In its answers to the Honourable Member’s written questions E-2043/01 (1) and P-2784/01 (2), the
1.
Commission did not state that the note of 19 November 1996 mentioned referral to the Belgian judicial
authorities, but, rather, that they had been informally consulted. The Commission would point out that
there are no longer any legal proceedings pending in the case referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission cannot explain why UCLAF did not refer to the matter raised by the Honourable

2.
Member in its report of 15 May 1997, which was drawn up and forwarded independently.

3.
As regards the Honourable Member’s third and fourth questions, the Commission would point out
that this document is in OLAF’s possession. It has contacted OLAF to inform it of the Honourable
Member’s request.

(1) OJ C 40 E, 14.2.2002, p. 170.
(2) OJ C 147 E, 20.6.2002, p. 54.

(2003/C 28 E/011)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3671/01

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 January 2002)

Subject: Activities impairing lorry traffic in the border region between Finland and Russia

Finland has some 1 300 km of border with the Russian Federation. There are many crossing places, and
international trade across this border (cid:1) which is at present the only border between the EU and Russia (cid:1)
is gratifyingly brisk.

Unfortunately, Finnish lorry drivers are increasingly becoming the victims of excessive charging, blackmail
and robbery in Russia. In addition, this year has seen a more refined form of charging: Russian customs
have founded their own companies which offer escort services to drivers. In all cases the use of these
services has been compulsory if the drivers wanted to continue their journey, in other words to do their
own job.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to curb this illegal activity at the EU’s external
border and to enable Finnish haulage firms to do their work in peace and unhindered by criminal
activities?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2002)

The Commission is aware of many customs related problems occurring on the Finish-Russian border
including the problem the Honourable Member has raised concerning the escorting of lorries.
It is
worrying to note the problems relating to the extortion of money from drivers of lorries. As to the alleged
involvement of the customs services of the Russian Federation, it should be noted that it is not per se
problematic for the Customs services to offer escort services when this is appropriate. However, charges
should not be excessive and the use of such services should be limited as much as possible, which
according to your information may not be the case here.

The problems at the Finnish-Russian border will be discussed with the Russian authorities under the
regular meetings in the framework of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the European
Union and the Russian Federation. The Customs and Cross-border cooperation (CBC) Sub-Committee took
place in Moscow on 28/2/2002, and the issue you have raised was discussed. The Commission is currently
considering whether any further action is necessary, but the Commission will continue to rely on the
Member States and the Honourable Member to keep it informed of any developments.