WRITTEN QUESTION E-1546/03 by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission. Closure of Internet cafes in Inner Mongolia.
Date: 2003-05-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: China, Internet, beverage industry, freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, human rights, the EU's international role

C 280 E/166

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

21.11.2003

Commission compatible with the US WTO. obligations? Finally, has the Commission asked the British
government for clarification of the details surrounding this particular sale and, if so, is the Commission
satisfied that the British Government and the Inland Revenue have acted in conformity with EU law?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(10 June 2003)

There are no World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules governing property transactions with companies
based in tax havens. WTO agreements generally apply to trade in goods and services and not to property
transactions.

Community law on taxation does not contain any provisions specifically applicable to property
transactions carried out between the public authorities of a Member State and a company based in a
jurisdiction described as a ‘tax haven’. However, and more generally, the Commission considers that more
transparent tax systems would minimise the opportunity for fraud and tax evasion.
It reiterates its
commitment to eliminating, on as broad a geographical basis as possible, harmful tax practices which
distort free and fair competition and hamper the cross-border activities of businesses.

(2003/C 280 E/183)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1546/03

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject: Closure of Internet cafes in Inner Mongolia

According to the Chinese press agency Xin-Hua News more than 700 Internet cafes in Inner Mongolia
have been the subject of intimidation and intrusion by the Chinese authorities since 1 April, and as a result
a number of them have been closed down. According to the official press agency the ‘Inner Mongolian
Daily’, the local police authorities have mobilised 400 officers and 150 vehicles to inspect more than 500
Internet cafes since 10 April. As a result of these checks 80 % of the premises inspected in the region of
Huhhot City have been closed down.

A meeting between representatives of the public security authorities, the Bureau of Culture and the
telecommunications department of the Autonomous Region was held on 10 April under the supervision
of the Inner Mongolian authorities. The final declaration issued at the end of the meeting states ‘using
online games, allowing young people access to the Internet, keeping cybercafes open until
late and
allowing people access to the Internet without ascertaining their identity constitute unlawful activities’.

Is the Commission aware of this initiative on the part of the Inner Mongolian authorities? How does it
intend to prevent this initiative being used to suppress freedom of speech and expression in China further?

What pressure does it intend to exert in order to ensure that the citizens of Inner Mongolia may exercise
fully freedom of speech and expression which, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, covers freedom of opinion and expression, including freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2003)

The Commission is aware of the restrictions placed by the Chinese government on the use of the Internet
including the requirement for users of Internet cafes to declare their identity and for servers and owners of
Internet cafes to remove any ‘subversive’ content and to keep a record of users and their connections.
Following a number of
tragedies resulting from non-compliance with safety standards the Chinese
authorities introduced a campaign against non-registered Internet cafes in 2001 and this has led to the
closure of many establishments.

21.11.2003

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 280 E/167

Although it does not contest the legitimate concern of the Chinese authorities to protect Internet users,
the European Union considers that in many respects China’s policy on the Internet does not allow Chinese
citizens to make full use of the freedom of expression and opinion guaranteed by the pact on civil and
political rights signed by China in 1998. This matter is systematically raised by the European Union with
the Chinese authorities at the six-monthly meetings held under the Euro-Chinese dialogue on human
rights. The European Union regularly calls for a number of ‘cyber dissidents’ to be released.

The Union also regularly calls for the release of prisoners who in its view have been detained because they
wished to exert their right to freedom of opinion and expression, including over the Internet.

The Commission is not aware that this general policy of the Chinese authorities is applied more severely in
Inner Mongolia but will closely monitor the situation in the province.

(2003/C 280 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1558/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject: Soccer and racism

Can the Commission please give its response to the rise in racism and the organised racist behaviour of
soccer supporters of particular soccer clubs within EU countries and to the fines recently levied by UEFA
on particular soccer clubs?

Does the Commission have a view on the disturbing evidence of organised racism at soccer matches in
particular accession countries, again identified by UEFA (for example in Slovakia)?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2003)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s concern at the recent manifestations of racist violence
at football matches in certain Member States and Applicant Countries.

The Commission is providing financial support for practical
football, including FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe).

initiatives designed to tackle racism in

The Commission has also adopted on 28 November 2001 a proposal (1) for a framework decision to
approximate the laws and regulations of the Member States regarding racist and xenophobic offences. The
purpose of this framework decision is twofold. First, to ensure that racism and xenophobia are punishable
in all Member States by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties, which can give rise to
extradition or surrender, and second, to improve and encourage judicial cooperation by removing potential
obstacles.

Finally, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Council has adopted on
25 April 2002 a decision concerning security in connection with football matches with an international
dimension (2). For exchange of information in relation to a football event and with a view to the necessary
international police cooperation in connection with football matches with an international dimension, this
Decision establishes national football information points.

(1) OJ C 75 E, 26.3.2002.
(2) OJ L 121, 8.5.2002.