WRITTEN QUESTION E-3104/02 by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Council. Ban on Batasuna.
Date: 2002-10-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Basque Country, EU law - national law, Spain, competence of the Member States, formation of a party, fundamental rights, political parties, public order, public safety, terrorism

3.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 155 E/91

Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 allows the Member States substantial scope as regards modulation of the
rates of contribution of the Funds. Determination of the real rate of aid may vary depending, for example,
on the multiplier effect required for a project to be carried out. The Commission would stress that an
increase in the rate of Community part-financing would, for a given level of finance, reduce the number of
projects which could receive Community aid. Such a measure would not solve the difficulties experienced
in implementing the Structural Funds, which do not lie in the rates of part-finance applied but rather in
the capacity of the Member States to implement the programmes in the time allowed by the rules. That is
why, at the meeting on 7 October referred to above, the Commission made specific proposals designed to
simplify, clarify, coordinate and make more flexible the management of the Structural Funds, all of which
represent ways of improving their implementation.

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

(2003/C 155 E/102)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3104/02

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(29 October 2002)

Subject: Ban on Batasuna

In early September the Basque political party Batasuna was outlawed. Many Basques,
irrespective of
whether or not they support Batasuna, see this as a political and strategic move to suppress the aspirations
of many democratic and peaceful Basques. Human rights are being restricted in an unacceptable way. So
far no evidence has been produced that would justify a ban.

Does the Council share the view that the only way of finding a solution is through democratic political
negotiations? If so, who does the Council see as the negotiating partner on the Basque side in this road to
a peaceful settlement? If not, does the Council support the chosen path of confrontation, conflict and
violence?

Reply

(3 March 2003)

The Council would remind the Honourable Member that, although, under Article 33 of the TEU, the
maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal security remain an area for which Member
States alone are responsible, combating terrorism is in the Union’s common interest. The Council would
draw attention here to the anti-terrorist legislation adopted by the Union.

The Council would point out that, under Article 6(1) of the TEU, the Union is founded on the principles of
liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles
which are common to the Member States.

(2003/C 155 E/103)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3110/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(29 October 2002)

Subject: Crimes committed by the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon

During the last few days the Israeli Army has killed dozens of people, including children, in the Occupied
Territories on the orders of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon. When will the Council unequivocally
politically condemn the Israeli
leader for these crimes against humanity and impose the necessary
sanctions?