WRITTEN QUESTION E-3661/03 by Konrad Schwaiger (PPE-DE)and Karl von Wogau (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Imports of preserved mushrooms from China.
Date: 2003-12-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: China, GATT, World Trade Organisation, accession to the European Union, enlargement of the Union, import, mushroom-growing, preserved product, tariff quota

C 84 E/250

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

the commitment to include in the national monitoring programme for 2004 milk samples as well as
samples of other foodstuffs produced in these regions. In the case where levels above the EU maximum
levels are found, appropriate measures will be taken to avoid unacceptably contaminated foodstuffs
entering the food chain.

(1) OJ L 67, 9.3.2002.
(2) OJ L 209, 6.8.2002.

(2004/C 84 E/0296)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3661/03

by Konrad Schwaiger (PPE-DE)
and Karl von Wogau (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 December 2003)

Subject: Imports of preserved mushrooms from China

Under Regulation (EC) No 2125/95 (1), the customs quota for imports of preserved mushrooms from
China was fixed as 22 750 tonnes annually. The quota had been at that level for a number of years
previously, and it was not raised on the accession of the new German länder, despite the addition of nearly
16 million new consumers to the single market. Nor was it raised in response to the accessions by Sweden,
Finland and Austria. This means that the quantity of imported product available for marketing to a larger
number of consumers has remained unchanged. Business opportunities for importers from the hitherto
existing Community countries have thereby been reduced.

Does the Commission agree that,

in response to the forthcoming inclusion of ten new Member
1.
countries that have hitherto covered a significant part of their needs by importing primarily from China,
it will be necessary for the quota to be raised accordingly?

2.
Does the Commission agree that when the quota is raised, an adjustment should also be granted to
make good the failure to raise the quota in response to German reunification and the accessions by
Sweden, Finland and Austria?

(1) OJ L 212, 7.9.1995, p. 16.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 February 2004)

In the context of the upcoming accession to the Community of 10 new Member States, the Community
will respect its General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and World Trade Organisation (WTO)
obligations as has been the case for previous Community enlargements. In particular, the Community has
notified the WTO that it is ready to enter into negotiations with WTO Members according to Article XXIV:
6 of the GATT. Article XXIV.6 negotiations are likely to take place for certain products, which may include
canned mushrooms.

The existing tariff quota for canned mushrooms has been established and is maintained in accordance with
WTO rules and there is no obligation whatsoever to increase this tariff quota in connection with past
events relating to territorial modifications of the Community.

(2004/C 84 E/0297)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3812/03

by Gabriele Stauner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 December 2003)

Subject: Tempus programme in Romania

On 12 November 2003, the online edition of the German magazine ‘Stern’ reported a possible case of
embezzlement of Commission funds intended for the Tempus programme in Romania. According to the