WRITTEN QUESTION E-1561/02 by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission. Relationship between the High Representative and the Commission.
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, division of powers, operation of the Institutions, revision of the Treaty (EU)

12.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 137 E/11

Can the Commission state what cooperation activities exist with (cid:1) to name only a few of the African
countries most affected by AIDS (cid:1) South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi,
aimed at fighting the spread of the virus?

Can it state what forms of Community aid exist for those countries and explain the situation as regards
their actual utilisation?

Does the Commission not consider that, taking into account the high levels of migration from the
countries named to Europe, the EU must take all necessary steps to control the spread of the virus in our
own continent, in which it is already a serious problem?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2002)

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention and care has, since the beginning of the
epidemic, been a major priority in Community development policies and programmes. In February 2002,
the Commission adopted the accelerated action targeted on human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS,
malaria and tuberculosis (TB) in the context of poverty reduction which aims to tackle the very complex
AIDS-related issues for the populations most affected.

The Commission’s support for AIDS prevention and care is provided by many instruments including
geographical and thematic budget
the non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and international initiatives such as the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and
the
malaria. The Commission is currently implementing AIDS prevention and care projects in all
mentioned countries, adding up to a total allocation of EUR 232,5 million (a table is sent direct to the
Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat).

lines, as well as through co-financing of

The Programme of Community action on the ‘prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable
diseases’ has the global objective to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity
due to communicable diseases by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting
cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-
governmental organisations, including organisations for people affected by HIV.

One of the specific objectives of this programme is to combat discrimination. There is no evidence that
immigrants from the mentioned countries pose a special threat for the spread of the virus in Europe.
On the other hand, migrants, ethnic minorities and other mobile groups have specific needs with respect
to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. The needs of these populations, taking into account their cultural,
linguistic and socio-economic background, are addressed in the programme. For example, as care, support
and access to treatment are usually less available to migrants, due to both legal factors and communication
problems. The Commission funds projects such as the European project ‘AIDS and mobility’ to avoid
stigmatisation and address the specific prevention and care needs of migrants in Europe.

(2003/C 137 E/012)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1561/02

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Relationship between the High Representative and the Commission

Does the Commission agree that the High Representative for CFSP should, at the next revision of the
Treaty, be integrated into the European Commission?

Will it consider, as a first step, inviting the High Representative to meetings of the Commission and to
working groups of Commissioners when external relations are being discussed?

C 137 E/12

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

12.6.2003

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2002)

In its Communication ‘A project for the European Union’ (1) the Commission proposes that the posts of the
High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Commissioner for External
Relations should be merged in a manner and in accordance with a timetable to be laid down, and that the
conditions under which the High Representative can be integrated into the Commission should be spelt
out.

At this stage, the Commission does not plan to invite the High Representative to its meetings, as it does
not wish to prejudge the European Convention’s deliberations on the matter. The High Representative has
occasionally been invited to working meetings of the group of Commissioners responsible for external
relations.
improvements in working
methods which can be put into practice without waiting for the Treaties to be revised and which aim to
strengthen cooperation between the High Representative and itself. It hopes that these improvements will
be introduced as soon as possible.

In its Communication, the Commission proposes a number of

The Commission would also stress that, thanks to fruitful daily contacts, cooperation with the High
Representative works very well, despite the complexity of the institutional structure.

(1) COM(2002) 247 final.

(2003/C 137 E/013)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1579/02

by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: The EU and the risk of war between India and Pakistan

(4 June 2002)

The extremely serious developments of recent days would appear to point towards the possibility of an all-
out war between India and Pakistan, which would have a disastrous effect on the entire region given that
both countries have nuclear weapons. Would the Commission not agree that it should take urgent
diplomatic action, using all the means at its disposal including a mission by High Representative Javier
Solana, to avert such a tragedy?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2002)

The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member’s concern about
tensions between India and
Pakistan, which have reached a dangerous level. A military conflict, with the inherent risk of spilling into a
nuclear war, would indeed have unimaginable consequences for Pakistan, India, the region and beyond.

The international community has taken an active interest in trying to help defuse tensions and to convince
both sides to de-escalate and resume dialogue.

This was the aim of the Commissioner in charge of External relations when he visited Islamabad and Delhi
on 22-24 May 2002, where he met, inter alia, Pakistan President Musharraf and Indian Foreign Minister
Singh.

These intensive international efforts have, at the time of drafting (mid-June 2002), led to first confidence-
building steps, which could initiate a reciprocal process of de-escalation. Reports that India has sent
warships back to port, re-opened its airspace to Pakistan and envisages re-appointing a High Commissioner
to Islamabad are encouraging and should be built upon.

It remains however important that the international community continues to actively monitor the situation
and keeps pressing to ensure that President Musharraf effectively delivers to stop cross-border infiltration
in a visible, effective and verifiable way. Furthermore, India and Pakistan need to enter into a genuine
dialogue on the underlying Kashmir issue.