WRITTEN QUESTION E-3644/03 by Salvador Jové Peres (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Reform of the COM in olive oil.
Date: 2003-12-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: aid to agriculture, impact study, olive, olive oil, olive-growing, product quality, quality control of agricultural products

C 78 E/842

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

The recently tabled Greek forest law will not modify the classification of the habitat types included in the
Habitats Directive and the list of Sites of Community Importance proposed by Greece. Since the Greek
proposal of Sites of Community Importance was based on the selection criteria of Annexe III and not on
land use criteria, this list is not expected to change. The list of selected sites of Community Importance for
the Mediterranean region is expected to be adopted by the Commission by the end of 2004.

As regards the identification of proposed Sites of Community Importance, it should be borne in mind that
Member States have a general obligation to act in such a way as to ensure that the aims of the Directive
are not jeopardised. Even in the absence of a Community list, Member States authorities must at least
abstain from all activities that may seriously compromise the integrity of a site on the national list, that
may cause the deterioration of a natural habitat or significantly disturb species. Furthermore, it should be
stressed that the provisions of Articles 12, 13 and 14, which cover certain plant and animal species, are
applicable from the date of implementation of the Directive, i.e. 10 June 1994.

Regarding management of the sites, within six years of the adoption of the list of sites of Community
Importance for the Mediterranean region, each Member State concerned should designate them as Special
Areas of Conservation and establish relevant priorities.

Following the adoption and the implementation of the Greek law, the Commission will assess the impact
that the possible changes in land use classification may have on the proposed Sites of Community
Importance and will take all appropriate measures to ensure the application of Community environmental
legislation.

(1) OJ L 324, 11.12.2003.

(2004/C 78 E/0895)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3644/03

by Salvador Jové Peres (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(9 December 2003)

Subject: Reform of the COM in olive oil

Following the introduction of production aids for table olives, EU 15 production increased by around
70 %. Given that there are no surpluses and that it is unlikely that consumption would have increased on
this scale, the most plausible explanation is that the introduction of production aids has substantially
improved transparency in the table olives market.

In the light of the possible abolition of the link with production, to what extent does the Commission feel
that there is a danger that transparency will be lost in the table olives and olive oil market? Against this
background, how does it assess the risks as regards loss of quality in the olive oil market and the
appearance of oils of doubtful origin?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 January 2004)

The Commission takes the view that an aid scheme cannot be justified on the sole ground that checks on
granting it make it easier to tell production volumes and verify product quality.

We intend to continue fighting lack of market transparency and oil quality fraud using the arrangements
already in place, namely the provisions drawn up by the Community on quality standards and testing for
authenticity and quality that fall to be applied by the Member States (using their anti-fraud organisations
where appropriate) through national programmes to be notified to the Commission. This approach allows
oils to be tested from the production stage up to retail sale.

We are also proposing more intensive action programmes for the sector’s professional organisations,
which should be encouraged to set up traceability, guarantee and inspection schemes for both olive oils
and table olives.