WRITTEN QUESTION E-3652/01 by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission. Multifunctionality of European agriculture.
Date: 2002-01-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European agricultural model, agricultural policy, agricultural trade, tariff policy, tariff reduction

18.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 172 E/103

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2002)

(FP6), the strategic
As also discussed in Parliament on the 6th Framework Programme (2002-2006)
objectives of theme 1.1.1 ‘Advance genomics and its application for health’ are to better focus, better
exploit genomes knowledge and in some areas (cancer) to develop improved strategies for prevention and
management of human diseases. Laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery are, as the
Honourable Member points out, established procedures but not widely available.

From a research and development point of view, the Commission has supported research in this field over
the last three Framework Programmes. This has resulted in the development of Minimum Standard
Terminology for Endoscopy, which at present is approved all over the world.

The minimally invasive surgery and computer-assisted surgery represent both a significant change to the
habits of the surgeon, a tremendous improvement to the quality of life of the patient, and an enormous
worldwide market. The information technologies necessary for these applications are the core of the
business, and additional research in this area will be supported during the FP6 as a part of the Information
Society programme. In addition, it is the Commission’s intention to encourage coordination of research
activities across Member States (the 3rd axis of Commission’s proposal (1): reinforcing the basis of the
European Research Area).

(1) OJ C 180 E, 26.6.2001.

(2002/C 172 E/106)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3652/01

by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission

(15 January 2002)

Subject: Multifunctionality of European agriculture

Given that various non-Community countries have criticised the system of Community subsidies for
agricultural exports and in view of the current discussions on recognising the multifunctionality of
European agriculture and reducing import tariffs, would the Commission state:

9 what its position is on the issue of multifunctionality?

9 whether it considers that it would be appropriate to cut tariffs and, at the same time, to review the
tariff system so as to strike a fairer balance between European products, which are currently over-
protected, and Mediterranean products (for example, customs duty on tomatoes currently stands at
8 %, on butter at 68 % and on sugar at 68 %)?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 2002)

A multifunctional role for agriculture is an essential element of the Community’s general negotiating
position. Agriculture is not and cannot be treated as an industrial sector. It has a production function
(agricultural goods)
in both developed and developing countries but also contributes to sustainable
development, the vitality of rural areas, protection of the environment and the fight against poverty.

A number of members of the World Trade Organisation (South Korea, Japan, Mauritius, Norway etc.) have
joined the Community in defending a tempered view of agricultural policies and trade. As it did at Doha,
the Commission will continue in the WTO negotiating fora to defend resolutely its vision of the European
agricultural model.

C 172 E/104

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2002

On the question of tariff rebalancing between ‘European’ and ‘Mediterranean’ products, the Commission
will take its stand on the Community’s general negotiating position of supporting a formula for reducing
bound tariffs of the same type as was used in the Uruguay Round. It also points out that in addition to
tariff protection a specific entry price provision, applies to tomatoes.

(2002/C 172 E/107)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3658/01

by Elisa Damião (PSE) to the Commission

(15 January 2002)

Subject: State support for ship-building

The specialised press has reported that the German Government is willing to subsidise sea transport and
the ship-building industry, and has submitted a proposal to this effect to Parliament.

In view of the distortion of competition this may cause and the fact that it is an example of a Member
State directly or
sectors, can the
indirectly protecting the ship-building and maritime transport
Commission supply information about the context of these practices and assess the consequences for the
industries of other Member States?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2002)

The Commission is not aware of the proposal by the German Government to grant aid to sea transport
and the shipbuilding industry to which the Honourable Member refers.

In any case, Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty obliges Member States to inform the Commission, in sufficient
time to enable it to submit its comments, of any plans to grant or alter aid.

If, in accordance with this obligation, Germany notifies the Commission of a plan to grant aid to these
sectors, this will be examined in the light of the Guidelines on State aid to maritime transport (1) and
Council Regulation (EC) No 1540/98 of 29 June 1998 on aid to shipbuilding (2).

(1) OJ C 205, 5.7.1997.
(2) OJ L 202, 18.7.1998.

(2002/C 172 E/108)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3659/01

by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission

(9 January 2002)

Subject: Directives on public supply and service contracts

Under:

9 Council Directive 93/36/EEC (1) of 14 June 1993 (as subsequently amended) coordinating procedures

for the award of public supply contracts, and

9 Council Directive 92/50/EEC (2) of 18 June 1992 (as

subsequently amended)

relating to the

coordination of procedures for the award of public service contracts,

Member States are required to forward annual reports to the Commission on the service contracts and
public supply contracts which they have concluded.