WRITTEN QUESTION E-2781/02 by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission. Kaliningrad and the protection of the Union's financial interests.
Date: 2002-10-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, accession to the European Union, common foreign and security policy, external border of the EU, territorial enclave

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?

C 192 E/76

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

14.8.2003

3. What measures is the Commission taking to protect the financial interests of the Union as effectively
as possible in relation to Kaliningrad?

4.
Can the Commission guarantee that in its negotiations with the Russian authorities on Kaliningrad
the protection of the financial interests of the Union will not be undermined and that it is proceeding on
the basis of the principle that the level of protection of financial interests should be at least as high as in
the current EU15?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2002)

to be in the general

the Union (cid:1) financial, economic,
The Commission considers it
environmental, and security (cid:1) to ensure that the problems of Kaliningrad do not threaten the stability,
prosperity or security of an enlarged Union. For this reason, the Commission is actively providing, in
cooperation with the Russian authorities, assistance to promote the economic and social development of
including assistance targeted at areas including improved border management, combatting
Kaliningrad,
environmental pollution and tackling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/aquired immunodeficiency
syndrom(AIDs).

interests of

The Commission also considers that enhanced Union/Russia cooperation in the field of Justice and Home
Affairs, particularly joint work to prevent trans-border crime, smuggling and illegal migration, will be
important to ensure that the management of the future common border will pose no threat to the Union’s
interests.

In recent discussions on the subject of Kaliningrad, the Russian Federation has focussed on the issue of
visas. The Commission submitted a Communication on 18 September 2002 stating that any solution to
the issue of transit of persons and goods to and from Kaliningrad must fully respect the acquis and the
sovereignty of the new Member States.

(2003/C 192 E/076)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2796/02

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(30 September 2002)

Subject: East Timor (cid:1) assessing aid

The EU has for some years been granting East Timor aid, with a view to help consolidate self-
determination and democracy and assist the new country in its reconstruction process.

The international community, and especially the EU, can only salute the progress East Timor has achieved
since the Timorese, with international help, took full charge of their own destiny. The role of the EU has
been and still is of capital importance.

What are the total EU aid figures for East Timor for 1999, 2000 and 2001? How does the Commission
rate the impact of this aid? Does it deem policy with regard to the young country at European level a
success?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 2002)

A table giving the total amounts of the aid to East Timor mobilised through the available Community
instruments in 1999, 2000 and 2001 (both in terms of commitments and payments) is sent direct to the
Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat. In total, more than EUR 110 million were committed
and more than EUR 90 million disbursed over the period.