WRITTEN QUESTION E-2776/02 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Seizure of the fishing vessel Viduido.
Date: 2002-10-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Morocco, Spain, bilateral relations, fishing vessel, freedom of navigation, law of the sea

14.8.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 192 E/75

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(2003/C 192 E/074)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2776/02

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

Subject: Seizure of the fishing vessel ‘Viduido’

(3 October 2002)

On 1 September last the Community fishing vessel ‘Viduido’ was seized by Moroccan patrol boats when it
was returning, in accordance with its right of innocent passage under the Law of the Sea, from the port of
Las Palmas through waters administered by the Kingdom of Morocco. The ‘Viduido’ had been fishing in
Mauritanian fishing grounds under the terms of the fisheries agreement between the EU and Mauritania.
This is the sixth time a Community vessel has been seized by Moroccan patrol boats in less than a year.

Does the Commission not consider that these seizures are unlawful, in that they contravene the current
provisions of the International Law of the Sea?

What steps has the Commission taken or does it intend to take, in particular via its delegation in Morocco,
to support the crew and bring about the release of the ‘Viduido’?

What steps has the Commission taken or does it intend to take, in particular vis-à-vis the Kingdom of
Morocco, to ensure that there are no more seizures of this kind?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2002)

The seizure of Spanish vessels by a State with which the Community has not concluded a fishery
agreement is an issue which falls outside the competencies of the Communities and which must find its
solution in a bilateral
framework. The Commission supports a solution based on dialogue. The
Commission has enquired with the Moroccan authorities who have assured that they will continue to
remain in close contact which their Spanish counterparts to handle individual cases as quickly and
smoothly as possible.

The Commission is pleased to know that the issue has been solved in the meantime and that the vessel is
released.

(2003/C 192 E/075)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2781/02

by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 October 2002)

Subject: Kaliningrad and the protection of the Union’s financial interests

The European Commission is negotiating with the Russian authorities on relations with the Russian
enclave of Kaliningrad. The enclave lies between two applicant countries for accession to the European
Union. As a result of its unique position, it represents a risk to the financial interests of the Union.

Does the Commission recognise that Kaliningrad represents a potential risk to the financial interests

1.
of the Union as a result of its geographical situation?

2.

Has the Commission examined these risks? If so, what risks has the Commission identified?