WRITTEN QUESTION E-3394/03 by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission. Cruelty to animals in applicant countries.
Date: 2003-11-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Bulgaria, Romania, accession negotiations, animal show, animal welfare, protection of animals, wild mammal

C 70 E/262

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

20.3.2004

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 2003)

The Commission is aware of the problems posed by the application of the new Chinese product type-
approval system for European imports.

Up until 2002, two product safety certification systems existed side by side in China.

In fulfilling its World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments, China unified the existing schemes in
2002 by introducing a single product safety certification system, the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC),
which is applicable as of 1 August 2003 to all products intended for the Chinese market.

The CCC system has, however, been widely criticised by foreign companies.

Aware of the confusion caused by the new system even before it was implemented, the Commission had
brought this matter to the attention of the Chinese authorities on a number of occasions. As a result of
these approaches, the Chinese authorities decided to put back the entry into force of the new compulsory
certification scheme, which was initially scheduled for 1 May 2003, to 1 August 2003.

One month after the introduction of the system, the Commission organised a seminar on the CCC
certification scheme in Beijing,
the European industry
federations concerned (automobiles, machines, electronics) and certifying bodies from the Member States.
This seminar presented an opportunity to draw the attention of the Chinese authorities to the difficulties
encountered by European enterprises in the market and sketched out a number of approaches to remedy
the situation.

in partnership with the Chinese authorities,

These approaches will be analysed by the ad hoc working group set up by the European and Chinese
authorities as part of the EU-China bilateral dialogue on the regulation of industrial products. Its task is to
make it easier to prove that products comply with the safety rules in force in China, and it should bring
together Chinese and European experts, including industry representatives, several times during the course
of this year.

Also, in a recent submission (1) of 7 November 2003 to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to
Trade relating to the annual mechanism to review the commitments agreed upon by China on joining the
WTO, the Community asked the Chinese authorities for more details regarding European concerns relating
to CCC certification.

The Commission would like to assure the Honourable Member that it will always keep a close eye on the
conditions governing access to the Chinese market in general, and the application of the CCC certification
system to European enterprises in particular.

(1) Document G/TBT/W/227 of 6 October 2003.

(2004/C 70 E/283)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3394/03

by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 November 2003)

Subject: Cruelty to animals in applicant countries

The history of dancing bears is an old and savage one. In Bulgaria, several dozens bears have been poached
or purchased on the black market and subjected to a harsh training regime. Dancing bears are still
commonplace in Romania as well. The standard method of training involves forcing a thick iron ring
through their nose, which causes considerable pain when yanked. The bears dance in an attempt to avoid
the pain. Alternatively, music is played whilst the bears stands on hot plates, where it will dance to stop
being burnt. It will then dance whenever it hears music. When not performing, the bears are chained up
with little shelter, no exercise and limited food and water. Misguided tourists perpetuate the tradition by
giving money.

20.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70 E/263

In the accession negotiations, has the Commission paid any attention to the fact that Romania and
Bulgaria allow this cruelty to animals and, in this way, breach what is current European Union legislation?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 2003)

The Commission deplores cruelty to animals in all its forms. However, the Commission is only able to act
in animal welfare matters where it has the legal power to do so.

Under the relevant Protocol to the EC Treaty animal welfare considerations must be taken into account in
relation to the Community agriculture, transport and internal market and research policies. The use of
animals
falls outside the scope of Community animal welfare law.
The prevention of cruelty to such animals is a competence of individual Member States.

for entertainment purposes

It has, therefore, not been possible to raise the issue mentioned by the Honourable Member during the
accession negotiations.

(2004/C 70 E/284)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3400/03

by Niels Busk (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 November 2003)

Subject: Interpretation of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002

Is it the Commission’s view that the wording of Article 5(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (1) allows
scope for the use of sanitisation methods other than heat treatment?

Is the Commission familiar with alternative sanitisation methods and when can authorisation of those
methods be expected?

(1) OJ L 273, 10.10.2002, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2003)

Article 5(2)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 3 October 2002
laying down health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption provides
that Category 2 animal by-products may be disposed of by other means or used in other ways in
accordance with rules laid down under Comitology procedure, after consultation of the appropriate
scientific committee. These means or ways may either supplement or replace those provided for in
subparagraphs (a) to (f) of the same Article 5(2).

Therefore, methods other than heat treatment may be allowed provided that they have undergone a
scientific risk assessment and are found to be safe as a result of such assessment vis-à-vis animal and public
health and the environment.

The Commission has received a number of applications for approval of such methods, which were sent to
the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) for opinion. The SSC has issued opinions, on the basis of which
the Commission is discussing with Member States and with interested parties, the conditions for the
approval of some of the methods. Authorisation is expected in the near future.