WRITTEN QUESTION E-0606/02 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Tuna steaks.
Date: 2002-03-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: World Trade Organisation, access to information, import, sea fish, tariff quota

6.2.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 28 E/39

The Association agreements also provide the framework to organise a comprehensive dialogue on
migration in which the socio-economic dimension, legal and illegal migration are considered. The dialogue
with Morocco has already started and a special joint working party on social affairs and migration has
started its work.

The three principal dimensions of migration are also reflected in the financial co-operation with Morocco
under the Meda programme. Roughly one third of the entire bilateral Meda assistance to Morocco has so
far been directly geared towards the development of the Northern provinces which are particularly hit by
widespread poverty and high migration flows.

Following the Union-Tunisia Association Council of 29 January 2002, it is to be expected that the bilateral
dialogue on migration between the Union and Tunisia would be started later this year.

The need for a comprehensive approach to migration is also reflected in the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership as it was established at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
held in Barcelona on 27 and 28 November 1995. Euro-Med partners agree that in order to be effective, a
political dialogue should address the respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights, economic
co-operation and social and cultural subjects in a comprehensive manner. In order to promote the policies
the Barcelona process, Euro-
in the area of
Mediterranean partners are working hard to establish a regional program which would also include
migration. In this program, expected to be adopted during the next meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean
Ministers of Foreign Affairs that will be held in Valencia on 22 and 23 April, the comprehensive approach
is emphasised, one of its main objectives being to achieve sustainable development leading to long-term
stability and prosperity.

Justice and Home Affairs in the wider framework of

(2003/C 28 E/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0606/02

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 March 2002)

Subject: Tuna steaks

On the basis of a study of the demand for tuna steak supplies which assessed the supply of tuna steaks to
the Community market in the short and medium term, the Commission decided to open an annual quota
of 4 000 tonnes at a 6 % preferential rate of duty for the period 2001 to 2003, within the COM in
fisheries and aquaculture products.

Can the Commission provide information on the country or countries of origin and the annual quantities
of tuna steak imported from those countries into the EU under this quota?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2002)

Within the framework of the management of tariff quotas, the Member States do not inform the
Commission of the countries of origin of tariff quotas open indistinctly to all third countries. Indeed, such
information is not necessary for the attribution of the quota.

As on 7 March 2002, the quantities imported with the benefit of the autonomous tariff quota for tuna
steaks in the periods in question were as follows:

(cid:1) 2001: 1 796 509 tonnes (last importation declared on 21 December 2001);

(cid:1) 2002: 442 347 tonnes (last importation declared on 26 February 2002).

Current information on the usage of tariff quotas is publicly available on the website and is updated every
day: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/es/home.htm.