WRITTEN QUESTION P-2332/02 by William Abitbol (EDD) to the Commission. Self-determination.
Date: 2002-07-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: civil law, human rights, international convention, political rights, self-determination

6.2.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 28 E/223

Article 23 of the proposal makes it clear that Member States have the responsibility of control and
enforcement of the rules of the CFP.

The Commission is only responsible for monitoring control and enforcement by Member States and for
facilitating co-ordination and co-operation between Member States, as laid down in Article 26 of the
Proposal.

Thus, the Proposal does not modify the respective roles of the Commission and the Member States.

Within this framework, the Commission proposes that the Council adopts new tools to be used by
Member States to ensure a more effective enforcement of CFP rules and equivalent levels of sanctions in
every Member State.

The proposal also foresees that Member States which fail to comply with their obligations may be required
by the Commission to compensate the Community with for any damage or loss. The adoption of such
measures by the Commission falls within its powers under Article 211 of the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999.
(2) COM(2002) 185 final.

(2003/C 28 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2332/02

by William Abitbol (EDD) to the Commission

(22 July 2002)

Subject: Self-determination

Does the Commission recognise the principle of self-determination as expressed by the UNHCHR (cid:1) The
right to self-determination of peoples (Article 1): 13/03/84 CCPR General comment 12.

1.
In accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Article 1 of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights recognises that all peoples have the right of
self-determination. The right of self-determination is of particular importance because its realisation is
an essential condition for the effective guarantee and observance of individual human rights and for
the promotion and strengthening of those rights.

and the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted and opened for signature, ratification and
accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966,

entry into force 23 March 1976,

All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine

1.
their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(26 August 2002)

The Union respects the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and its complementary International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.
The Union’s activities are also based on the main international and regional instruments for the protection
of human rights,
including the European Convention on Human Rights. These instruments enshrine
common values regarding fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, which are universal, indivisible
and interdependent. Respect for these values is a condition for efficient development in any society.