WRITTEN QUESTION E-0031/03 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Financial assistance to Belarus and the Ukraine as part of an effort to limit illegal migration flows through those countries to the European Union.
Date: 2003-01-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belarus, EU migration policy, EU relations, Russia, Ukraine, cooperation policy, illegal migration

18.9.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 222 E/139

Measures to limit fishing effort in the waters off Azores are justified by the specific situation of this region.
Accordingly, the present proposal provisionally keeps the existing limitations, until their assessment by the
Commission during 2003. If necessary, the Commission will make a proposal to define new access rules.

(1) OJ L 389, 31.12.1992.
(2) OJ L 358, 31.12.2002.
(3) See judgements of the Court of 13 February 1979, Case 101/78, ECR 1979, p. 623, para 4; 22 October 1987, Case

314/85, ECR 1987, p. 4199, para 17-19; 9 November 1995, C-465/93, ECR 1995, p. 3761, para 21 ff;.

(4) COM(2002) 739 final.

(2003/C 222 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0031/03

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 January 2003)

Subject: Financial assistance to Belarus and the Ukraine as part of an effort to limit illegal migration flows

through those countries to the European Union

Large numbers of illegal migrants are currently detained on the territories of Belarus and the Ukraine,
having attempted to use those countries as a gateway to the European Union.

It is clearly in the interest of the European Union, political differences notwithstanding, to cooperate with
these countries in order to stabilise and subsequently reduce the flow of illegal immigrants passing through
their territories. What plans are there for the European Union to provide additional financial and technical
assistance designed to achieve this objective? In particular, there have been requests from the governments
for funds to improve surveillance and monitoring of
their Eastern border areas with the Russian
Federation, to pay for temporary housing of these migrants in detention camps and to pay for the cost of
eventual repatriation to their countries of origin. From 1 May 2004, these two neighbouring states are set
to share large common borders with the EU and the Schengen area.

Does the Commission accept that these migratory flows constitute a major burden to the national budgets
of these two states which, if not checked, could result in a major additional flow of illegal migrants to the
EU and that there is, therefore, a strong common interest in assisting these countries in their efforts to
solve their problems in this area?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2003)

The Commission is well aware of the problem caused by illegal migration flows through Ukraine and
Belarus. The Commission already supports Ukraine and Belarus in their efforts to cope with the problem.

The Union has developed a comprehensive Action Plan on Justice and Home Affairs with Ukraine. The
implementation of
through TACIS assistance with a budget of
approximately EUR 45 million in the period 2001-2003. Approximately one third of these funds are
used in the fight against illegal migration. This also includes support to improvements at Ukraine’s Eastern
border. Further assistance is envisaged for the period 2004-2006, including support for detention camps.

this Action Plan receives support

The Commission received a mandate from the Council to negotiate a Community readmission agreement
with Ukraine (June 2002). The first negotiating round took place in Kiev on 18 November 2002.

The Commission is of the opinion that Belarus could do more to strengthen its border management. Due
to lack of effort by Belarus on its border with Latvia and Lithuania, TACIS funds have been used for
demarcation. A Belarus and Russia have agreed not to establish border ports and proper supervision on
their common border, illegal immigrants easily enter Belarus and then continue into Union territory.

C 222 E/140

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

18.9.2003

Projects to strengthen asylum management valued at EUR 5 million for the period 2000-2003 are being
implemented and about EUR 20 million has been allocated for border infrastructure at the western borders.

Given the open border to Russia and the lack of normal relations with Belarus, the perspectives of
increasing funding are limited.
In any event this would only contribute to solving the problem of
migratory flows at Belarus western border.

Burden sharing will be taken into consideration in the co-operation agreement with Ukraine.

(2003/C 222 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0038/03

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Council

(21 January 2003)

Subject: Presence in the Italian Embassy in Moscow of an individual sought by Interpol

On 7 January 2002 the Italian newspaper ‘La Repubblica’ published an article according to which the
financier Mark Garber,
‘Director of Fleming Family and Partners’ and ‘holding a senior position in the
Russian bank UCB’ was present at a fashion show and reception held in the Italian Embassy in Moscow.
According to ‘La Repubblica’ the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office and the entire Interpol network had been
trying to find Mark Garber in November 2001 (entered in the computer system as early as 28 May 2001)
under an international arrest warrant on charges of criminal conspiracy for the purposes of arms
trafficking. The warrant was subsequently revoked.

In the context of its competence for judicial and penal cooperation between the EU countries and vis-à-vis
third countries, can the Council ascertain from the Italian Government and Europol whether the report in
‘La Repubblica’ is true and, if possible (cid:1) if it is true (cid:1) explain what prompted Italy not to enforce an
international arrest warrant?

Reply

(5 and 6 May 2003)

The Council never comment on Press articles and is not in a position to intervene in individual criminal
cases. The Council can thus not meet the request by the Honourable Member of the European Parliament.

(2003/C 222 E/163)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0041/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: European ‘In Town Without My Car’ Day

(21 January 2003)

On Sunday, 22 September 2002 many European towns and cities organised European ‘In Town Without
My Car’ Day.

Which towns and cities in Belgium ultimately received the ‘In Town Without My Car’ quality label?

From which Belgian towns and cities did the Commission receive an assessment report?

How does the Commission itself assess the results of ‘In Town Without My Car’ Day in towns and cities in
Belgium?

How does the Commission assess the results of ‘In Town Without My Car’ Day in Antwerp?

How much did the 2002 campaign cost?

What is the focal point of the 2003 campaign? What budget has the Commission set aside for the
organisation of the campaign in 2003?