WRITTEN QUESTION E-2721/02 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Views expressed by Commissioner Patten regarding Albania.
Date: 2002-09-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Albania, EU relations, Greece, common foreign and security policy, international convention, national minority, protection of minorities, rights of minorities

14.8.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 192 E/73

(2003/C 192 E/071)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2721/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 September 2002)

Subject: Views expressed by Commissioner Patten regarding Albania

On 9 September 2002 Commissioner Chris Patten replied to my question E-1937/02 (1) to the effect that
the Commission knew of no international commitments by Albania regarding autonomy for the south of
the country.

The Commissioner’s statement is both startling and totally inaccurate. In view of the internationally agreed
Corfu Protocol of 17 May 1914 which was signed by ‘International Control Committee’ (of which Chris
Patten’s compatriot the British plenipotentiary Lamb was a member) and Albania. The protocol recognises
the right of the area concerned to separate administration, and guarantees the protection of Greek schools
and Christian churches in Albania. In October 1921, Albania became a member of the League of Nations
and the Albanian Government representative Fan Nali issued an official statement concerning respect by
Albania for the human, religious and ethnic rights of the Greek community of Northern Epirus. Albania
gave its agreement to the opening of Greek schools only to close them down later.

Why did the Commissioner maintain that he knew of no international commitments concerning autonomy
for Southern Albania given that such arrangements were agreed to by his own country and by the
Albanian authorities. Now that he and his staff (who appear to be placing him in a compromising
position) have been informed of the existence of the international protocol signed by the plenipotentiaries
of the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Russia, Italy and Albania, what is his position? Why
does the EU not bring pressure to bear on Albania to implement the protocol so as to protect the human
rights of the Greek community in the south of the country?

(1) See page 34.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 2002)

The Commission is continuously monitoring the issue of minority protection, including the protection of
the Greek minority, in Albania. It is aware of the 1914 Corfu Protocol. As indicated on previous occasions,
the Commission considers that Albania’s attitude to this question is generally constructive. However, the
Commission is well aware that there is still room for improvement, and that Albania does not comply yet
with all international requirements in this field. This is why the Commission continues to encourage the
Albanian authorities to take concrete action rapidly to meet all international standards, and notably those
deriving from the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of National Minorities to which
Albania is a signatory. The next Consultative Task Force which will take place before the opening of the
SAA negotiations will provide the opportunity to raise this issue again.

(2003/C 192 E/072)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2740/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 September 2002)

Subject: Athens airport

The list of airports drawn up pursuant to Article 197 of Regulation 2454/93 (1), as announced by the
Commission, which meet the criteria to be designated and operate as ‘international Community airports’
includes ‘Athens airport’. To which Athens airport does the Commission refer?

(1) OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1.