WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists.
Date: 2003-05-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU national, cooperation policy, illegal restraint, third country, traveller

C 78 E/384

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2003)

The Commission’s draft strategy for forest development co-operation sets out broad parameters for aid
interventions in the forest sector. The wide scope of this document makes it an unsuitable platform for
detailed policy on many pressing issues in the forest sector. That said, the latest draft of the strategy does
note bushmeat as a matter of concern in the forest sector in a number of our partner countries.

The Commission does not intend to augment the draft forest sector strategy with a specific strategy to
address the bushmeat problem. That does not mean bushmeat will not continue to be treated as a matter
of great importance. Addressing the bushmeat problem is a matter to which considerable resources are
already devoted (cid:1) both through field-level technical co-operation, and in high-level political fora.

Bushmeat issues will be integrated in the manual for ‘Integrating environment concerns into development
and economic cooperation’, which is to be reviewed at the end of 2003 (cid:1) beginning of 2004. In particular,
the revised manual will ensure that proper attention is given to bushmeat issues in Strategic Environmental
Assessments.

At a political level, Commission support to the African Ministerial Process for Forest Law Enforcement and
Governance (AFLEG) is helping to address problems of law enforcement and governance in the forest
sector,
including issues concerning bushmeat. In the field, technical support to address the bushmeat
problem is being provided through a number of Commission-funded initiatives. These initiatives have been
supported with funds disbursed through the Tropical Forest Budget Line and regional and national
programmes of assistance.

Efforts are also being directed at limiting the trade in illegal bush meat to the Union. For example,
a Commission Decision has recently introduced new rules that prevent the personal import of all meat and
milk from third countries into the Union. This removes previous derogations that allowed the importation
of small consignments of meat and milk for personal use. The introduction of the new rules on personal
imports is being supported by a poster campaign in a wide range of languages. The posters are on display
at points of entry into the Union to ensure that travellers are made aware of the new rules.

(2004/C 78 E/0406)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 May 2003)

Subject: European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists

The frequent cases of European tourists being kidnapped in third countries which they are visiting for their
historical, cultural and other attractions have highlighted the need for the European Union to have a
permanent team of negotiators and mediators to intercede with the relevant national authorities to secure
the release of Community nationals who have fallen victim to these inhuman practices at the hands of
local terrorists.

In this way, Community negotiators could keep the families of victims better informed than is currently
the case with local authorities, which are seeking to cover up the failure of their own efforts.

Will the Commission propose to Member States that permanent Community negotiating teams be set up
to secure the release of European tourists who have been kidnapped in third countries for internal political
reasons which have nothing to do with them?

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/385

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 2003)

Protection of Union citizens is enshrined in article 20 of the EC Treaty, and includes the protection of any
Union citizen by diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State in the territory of a third country
in which the Member State of which he is a national is not represented. Under article 20 of the EC Treaty
this responsibility relates also to Commission missions.

Within the limits of these provisions, the Commission has in the past cooperated closely with the Member
State authorities to resolve situations of crisis or kidnapping of Union citizens. This cooperation has been
carried out both in Brussels as well as through the Commission’s External Service. However, given that
under Article 20 of the EC Treaty consular protection first and foremost remains a responsibility of the
Member States, it is currently not planned to set up any specialised Community facility.

(2004/C 78 E/0407)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1763/03

by Torben Lund (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Legislation in the EU, the Member States and the applicant countries concerning horse-keeping

In recent years, there have been many examples of cruelty to animals. In some cases, there are no laws to
safeguard animal welfare and, in other cases, the laws are not observed. The outcome in all too many cases
is gross maltreatment. Unfortunately, the same applies to horses and ponies which are maltreated and
often subjected to gross cruelty during rearing, selling and transport.

Will the Commission therefore say what welfare rules apply to horse-keeping in the EU, the Member States
and the applicant countries? Does the Commission know of any studies on the welfare of horses and
ponies in the EU,
the Member States and the applicant countries? What new initiatives does the
Commission intend to take to secure the welfare of horses and ponies?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(4 August 2003)

Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 (1)
lays down minimum standards for the protection of
animals, including equidae, bred or kept for farming purposes. However, Article 1 of the Directive excludes
animals intended for use in competitions, shows, cultural or sporting events or activities from its scope. In
addition, Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 (2) details the animal health conditions governing
the movement and import from third countries of equidae. Commercial transport of equidae for distances
of over 50 kilometres is governed by Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991 concerning the
protection of animals during transport (3) as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995
amending Directive 90/628/EEC (4).

Member States may also apply additional national legislative measures concerning animal welfare. The
Community ‘acquis’ regarding welfare of equidae will apply from date of accession to the acceding States
as agreed in the Accession Treaty. The Commission is intensively monitoring the transposition of the
Community legislation and its implementation in the Acceding Countries.

In relation to scientific research the European Commission has supported various animal welfare projects
under current and previous Framework Research Programmes. Scientific advice has also been provided by
the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare. The Committee’s recent report on the
Welfare of Animals during Transport considered in detail the transport of equidae and included a detailed
bibliography.