WRITTEN QUESTION P-2591/02 by Gian Gobbo (NI) to the Commission. Priority to be given to Argentineans of European origin as far as immigration from outside the Community is concerned.
Date: 2002-09-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Argentina, EU aid, EU migration policy, Italy, Spain, competence of the Member States, integration of migrants, migration policy, residence permit

21.11.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 280 E/7

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2002)

The Commission is well aware of the trial for defamation concerning Bruce Harris, Casa Alianza’s Regional
Director for Latin American Programs, a case that, for some years has drawn the attention of the
international community, claiming the full respect of justice and freedom of expression in Guatemala.

At the same time, the Commission has been collaborating with Casa Alianza and is conscious of Mr Harris’
commitment to the defense of young people and children’s rights in Guatemala.

As the Honourable Member may know, the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and the good and
transparent management of public affairs are at
the relations between the Union and
Guatemala.

the core of

The Commission is actively supporting the public authorities, as well as civil society, in order to promote a
more accessible and impartial judiciary system for all Guatemalans by means of concrete co-operation
actions and programmes.

Moreover, through political dialogue, the Commission and the Member States are constantly urging the
local public institutions to discourage and investigate any attack against human rights defenders and non-
governmental organisations (NGOs).

Within this framework, and in accordance with the principle of respect for an independent judicial system,
the Commission will consult Member States on whether to call on the Guatemalan authorities and
judiciary institutions to handle cases, such as that of Bruce Harris’, fairly and impartially.

(2003/C 280 E/008)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2591/02

by Gian Gobbo (NI) to the Commission

(11 September 2002)

Subject: Priority to be given to Argentineans of European origin as far as immigration from outside the

Community is concerned

The serious economic crisis which recently hit Argentina is inducing many Argentinean citizens of
European origin to emigrate to the European Union, in particular Italy and Spain.

They are usually well-educated people who speak at least one Community language perfectly and whose
integration into the Member States should pose no problems.

Does the Commission not consider it would be useful to create an aid programme to give priority and
preference to the entry of these people into the countries where they have their roots?

Does it not consider that the supervised arrival of these new immigrants of European origin is preferable
to the entry into our countries of immigrants from outside Europe who (cid:1) for cultural, religious and socio-
economic reasons (cid:1) are often difficult to assimilate in our communities?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2002)

At the present stage of development of Community policy on migration, the criteria for the selection of
third country nationals seeking admission to its territory as legal immigrants is a matter for each Member
State to decide taking into account the relevant national legislation and bi-lateral or other agreements
which it may have entered into with particular third countries. Knowledge of the language of the receiving
country and historical and cultural links with third countries may influence these arrangements and the
admission decision.

C 280 E/8

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

21.11.2003

With its proposal for a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for
the purpose of employmen (1) the Commission is pursuing the aim of laying down common criteria for
admitting third country nationals to employed activities and self-employed economic activities based on
preference for the domestic labour market and offering a number of different options for demonstrating
compliance with this criteria. The draft Directive proposes a single national application procedure leading
to one combined title, encompassing both residence and work permit within one administrative act, in
order to simplify and harmonise the diverging rules currently applicable in Member States.

Given the rapidly changing nature of the demand for labour in the Union, the Commission has not
immigrants.
proposed the establishment of European quotas or programmes for the recruitment of
However, the Commission believes that the gradual development of a common policy will reinforce
cooperation between the Member States and encourage further coordination of admissions arrangements
in the longer term.

(1) Proposal for a Council Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose

of paid employment and self-employed economic activities (cid:1) OJ C 332 E, 27.11.2001.

(2003/C 280 E/009)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2596/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 September 2002)

Subject: Destruction of ancient Greek and Roman monuments in Turkey

The Turkish press reports that extensive cracks have appeared in the ancient theatre of Ephesus in Asia
Minor after a number of rock concerts were held there by permission of
the Turkish authorities.
Furthermore, camel fights (!!) have been held in the ancient stadium of Ephesus which has damaged the
monuments and, needless to say, is an affront to its history.

This is not the first time that monuments have been damaged in Turkey, while something similar is
happening to the ancient Greek and Christian monuments in northern Cyprus, which is occupied by the
Turkish army.

Is the Commission aware of the damage to the monuments at Ephesus? What is its view of the events held
there? On how many occasions (and which specifically) has the Commission officially taken up the subject
of the destruction of monuments in Turkey with Turkish officials (monuments which were created by
other peoples and only happen to be situated on the territory of present-day Turkey) and how many times
(and on which specific occasions) did the Turkish officials give adequate and satisfactory explanations?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2002)

The Commission is not aware of the specific facts mentioned by the Honourable Member. It is well known
that the Ephesus theatre hosts events connected to theatre and music festivals during the summer. Some of
these events have great political significance. On 30 August 2002, for the first time, the antique theatre in
Ephesus hosted a concert of songs in Armenian, Kurdish and Greek.

The Commission attaches great
importance to the protection of archaeological heritage. There are,
however, no specific provisions in the Community acquis related to the protection of ancient monuments.
The Culture 2000 Community programme, established for the period 2000-2004, contributes to the
promotion of good practices concerning the conservation and safeguarding of the common cultural
heritage of European significance and it supports projects of co-operation in the field. Seventy-five heritage
projects were funded for the year 2000 through this programme.

Although Turkey does not currently participate in the programme, the Commission is willing to facilitate
its involvement in the future.