WRITTEN QUESTION E-3408/03 by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission. Illegal immigration — German Consular Services.
Date: 2003-11-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Eastern Bloc countries, Germany, Portugal, admission of aliens, exchange of information, illegal migration, migratory movement

C 78 E/810

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 2003)

The Commission is fully informed concerning the problems facing the European copper-processing
industry with regard to supplies of secondary raw materials (i.e. scrap metal). The industry has been doubly
hit by (i) the increasing scarcity of the products on the international markets, due primarily to the export
restrictions imposed by Russia and certain other newly independent states and (ii) the considerable
pressure on prices for those products as a result of strong demand from a number of Asian countries,
particularly China.

To promote the development of its copper industry, China introduced in 2000 a scheme whereby part of
the VAT paid on imports of scrap copper is refunded. The scheme was extended, with some alterations, in
2003. The European industry feels that this advantage enables Chinese operators to finance an aggressive
policy of buying up a large share of the scrap for sale on international markets.

The Commission has taken account of the Community industry’s concerns and has in recent months raised
the issue with the Chinese authorities on a number of occasions in both bilateral and multilateral talks.
It has asked for detailed information on VAT refunds through the World Trade Organisation’s ‘Transitional
Review Mechanism’ on China’s trade policy. The Commission will use this information to assess whether
the system is compatible with China’s international obligations.

However, the Commission has not, as yet, noted a significant increase in imports of corresponding
processed goods from China. Furthermore, the European industry has not submitted any anti-dumping or
anti-subsidy complaint to the Commission, which cannot initiate the corresponding procedures itself,
except in very exceptional cases.

The Commission, remaining in close contact with the Community industry, is monitoring this matter
closely with a view to restoring normal competitive conditions.

(2004/C 78 E/0859)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3408/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(17 November 2003)

Subject: Illegal immigration (cid:1) German Consular Services

The media have reported that German consular services in countries like Ukraine, Moldavia and Russia
have been accused of being the principal culprits for the increase of pockets of illegal immigrants from
Eastern Europe in Portugal, by the Portuguese Foreigners and Frontiers Service, General Labour
Inspectorate and the High Commissariat for Immigration and Ethnic Minorities.

According to the report drawn up by these Portuguese institutions, entitled ‘Immigration from the East (cid:1) a
new fact, opportunities and challenges’, the negligence of the German consular services has enabled Eastern
European citizens to enter the Schengen area, as tourists, and then stay on as illegal immigrants.

That this is the truth of the matter is confirmed by the survey carried out by Coimbra University’s Social
Studies Centre, using 735 Eastern European immigrants, which has highlighted the fact that six out of ten
entered Portugal with visas issued by the German authorities.

What information does the Commission have as to the allegedly negligent actions of the German consular
services in the countries of Eastern Europe?

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/811

What measures has it taken or does it intend to take to alert the German authorities, and make them
aware of the need to exercise care and rigour?

What information does it have as to recent illegal immigration flows, and the means used to enter the
Schengen area?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2004)

The Commission has no information on the presence in Portugal of illegal
immigrants from Eastern
European countries who allegedly travelled on Schengen visas issued by Germany. It intends to seek
information on this matter from the two Member States concerned and will
inform the Honourable
Member of the outcome of those enquiries.

An exchange of available information on illegal immigration takes place on a monthly basis within the
Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (Cirefi)
working group of the Council. Furthermore, Europol regularly provides a bulletin on illegal immigration
with a focus on criminal networks involved in human trafficking.

In addition, the Commission tabled on 25 November 2003 a proposal for a Council Decision establishing
a secure web-based Information and Co-ordination Network for Member States’ Migration Management
Services (1). The Network is designed primarily to facilitate the exchange of strategic and tactical
information on irregular or illegal migratory flows and trends.

Moreover, cooperation between immigration liaison officers posted to third countries is also relevant for
the exchange of information on such developments. The Justice and Home Affairs Council reached
political agreement on the Greek initiative for a Council Regulation on the creation of an immigration
liaison officers’ network on 2/3 October 2003. Its objective is to formalise the existence and functioning of
such a network, drawing on experience gained with ongoing projects.

(1) COM(2003) 727 final.

(2004/C 78 E/0860)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3410/03

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(18 November 2003)

Subject: The NHP subsidies and environmental impact

On 1 November 2003, the Spanish Official Journal published the resolution setting out the environmental
impact statement for the National Hydrological Plan’s water transfers scheme authorised by Spanish Law
10/3001.

It is a fact that the transfer of water from the River Ebro to other catchment areas will alter the river’s own
ecological conditions, and also those of the Ebro delta. The Law in question provided for the drawing up
of an Ebro Delta Integral Protection Plan.

The Ebro delta contains a nature reserve classed as a Natura 2000 Network special bird protection area, in
accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC (1) and Directive 79/409/EEC (2).

the same Law provides for the possibility of

Furthermore,
incorporating transfers other than those
envisaged in the scheme. The Catalan Autonomous Government carried out a study of an alternative
transfer of water from the River Ródano to Catalunya’s interior catchment areas, and forwarded this to the
Spanish Government.