WRITTEN QUESTION E-3951/03 by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Genetically modified GloFish.
Date: 2003-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Treaty of Amsterdam, animal welfare, domestic animal, fish, import (EU), marketing, transgenic animal

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/677

This law directly discriminates against Arab citizens of Israel, as a majority of Israelis married to residents
of the Occupied Territories belongs to the Palestinian minority of Israel. Thus it contravenes many
international human rights instruments ratified by Israel with regard, in particular, to Article 5 of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination ratified by Israel in 1979.

Is not the Commission of the opinion that this law violates Article 2 of the Association Agreement
between the EU and Israel? What steps does the Commission intend to take in order to convince the
competent Israeli authorities to abolish this law or not to implement it?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2004)

The Commission has taken note that the Knesset approved in July 2003 the Nationality and Entry into
Israel Law (Temporary Order). In the Commission’s view, this order raises issues of concern in relation to
family rights. The Commission has already
potential discrimination in the highly sensitive area of
expressed these concerns in Israel, and is following carefully the developments relating to the practical
modalities of this law. The Commission is also following carefully the observations of the United Nations
Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the matter.
Under the Union-Israel Association Agreement, Israeli respect for human rights constitutes an essential
its relationship with the Union. Matters relating to human rights are discussed in the
element of
framework of the political dialogue held between the Union and Israel under the Association Agreement.

(2004/C 78 E/0721)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3951/03

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(22 December 2003)

Subject: Genetically modified GloFish

On Monday, 5 January 2004 the US firm Yorktown Technologies plans to start marketing the first
genetically modified pets. The GloFish is a genetically modified zebra fish. A green fluorescent gene from a
jellyfish and a red fluorescent gene from a sea anemone make the zebra fish glow green or red in the dark
under ultraviolet light. The GloFish was originally developed in Singapore as an indicator for toxic
substances in water, as the fish lights up red when it comes into contact with poisonous substances. This
transgenic zebra fish is now in danger of becoming a sought-after pet, at a price of USD 5.

Does the European Commission not agree that the genetic modification of these fish is in breach of the
Protocol on protection and welfare of animals included in the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam?

What steps does the European Commission intend to take to prevent the import and sale of such fish in
the European Union, in line with the current moratorium on GM products?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2004)

In relation to the animal welfare aspects of this question, the Commission currently has no information as
to whether the genetic modification of this particular species would compromise its general welfare when
kept as a pet in a domestic aquarium.

No animal welfare rules exist at Community level for fish kept as pets, and therefore this aspect is entirely
within the competence of the Member States.

C 78 E/678

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

With regard to the import and commercial exploitation of genetically modified fish within the European
Community, the Commission would like to point out that, under Directive 2001/18/EC of the Parliament
and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically
modified organisms (1), a GMO cannot be marketed in the European Union without first obtaining
authorisation for placing on the market in accordance with part C of the Directive, based on a case-by-case
scientific evaluation of the potential risks that the GMO in question could pose to human health and the
environment. To date no request has been made to release the organism in question into the environment
for experimental or commercial purposes.

(1) OJ L 106, 17.4.2001.

(2004/C 78 E/0722)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3953/03

by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission

(22 December 2003)

Subject: Wheelchair design specifications

Can the Commission inform me whether there is a European standard for wheelchair design specifications?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2004)

Wheelchairs are medical devices and, as such, fall under the scope of Council Directive 93/42/EEC of
14 June 1993 concerning medical devices (1).

The following European Standards exist for wheelchairs.

When complied with, they give presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements.

(cid:1) EN 12183: 1999 rev, on manually propelled wheelchairs (cid:1) requirements and test methods;

(cid:1) EN 12184: 1999 rev, on electrically powered wheelchairs, scooters and their charges (cid:1) requirements

and test methods;

(cid:1) EN 12182, on technical aids for disabled persons (cid:1) general requirements and test methods.

In meeting the requirements of the Directive, technical files must be available which include design
information.

(1) OJ L 323, 26.11.1997.

(2004/C 78 E/0723)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3960/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(5 January 2004)

Subject: Angola (cid:1) reintegration of ex-combatants and disarmament of civilians

According to a communiqué issued by the Unita Standing Committee at the meeting which it held from
31 October to 2 November 2003 for the purpose of analysing the party’s internal situation and Angola’s
social, economic and political situation, there has been an increase in the number of acts of intimidation
and violence committed in the country against former FALA combatants and against Unita supporters. The