WRITTEN QUESTION P-0119/02 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission. Association agreements with non-EU countries.
Date: 2002-01-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU Member State, association agreement (EU), cooperation policy, democratisation, foreign policy, human rights, third country

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/21

(2002/C 277 E/020)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0119/02

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(22 January 2002)

Subject: Association agreements with non-EU countries

Would the Commission comment as to whether the human rights clauses of
the EU Association
agreements with non-EU countries have ever been invoked? If they have, could the Commission provide
full details of each case? If they have not, could the Commission justify their non-application?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2002)

There have been several Commission communications on the question raised by the Honourable Member,
particularly the one about the human rights clause in the agreements (1). The most recent of these
communications was ‘The European Union’s role in promoting human rights and democratisation in third
countries’ (2).

The human rights clause has been included systematically in all cooperation and association agreements
third countries. As emphasised in the
concluded since 1995 between the Union and various
communications mentioned, the primary purpose of the clause is to promote cooperation and dialogue
with our partners on the question of respecting and promoting human rights.

In this respect the clause has been duly implemented in the appropriate form in bilateral relations between
the Union acting through the Commission and the countries concerned. Whether through political
dialogue or in relations with applicant countries, the human rights issue has always been, and will
continue to be, an essential factor.

The Union has association agreements with a large number of European and Mediterranean countries. As
there are many facets to these relations it would be difficult if not impossible to provide the details of each
case as the Honourable Member requests. However, the Union’s report on human rights, published
annually by the Council in close cooperation with the Commission, includes many references to occasions
when the clause has been taken into account in external relations.

Recently (13 December 2001) the Council adopted guidelines 5 including advice on this issue 5 on
conducting dialogue with third countries. The positive approach to implementing the clause does not
preclude the possibility of
imposing negative measures and, particularly in the event of serious or
persistent violation of human rights, going so far as to suspend an agreement. So far this step has not been
taken in connection with any association agreement.

(1) COM(95) 216 final.
(2) COM(2001) 252 final.

(2002/C 277 E/021)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0127/02

by Rolf Berend (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 January 2002)

Subject: CREAM, a firm with its registered office in Luxembourg

CREAM (Community Research European Aid Management), which has its registered office in Luxembourg,
is apparently offering to arrange EU funding for other firms for a fee of € 100 000, plus 1,5 % commission
if successful. Its contract forms are signed ‘CREAM EuropeAid’. However,
inquiries with Creditreform
revealed its business object to be ‘sales and technical advice in the field of waste gas technology using
infrared measuring devices’.

Is the Commission aware of this firm’s activities, and is this type of business legal?