WRITTEN QUESTION E-0085/04 by Matti Wuori (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Missing NGO legal framework in Malta.
Date: 2004-01-20
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Malta, accession to the European Union, legal status, non-governmental organisation

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/679

The Commission is of the opinion that there are no loopholes in EU legislation but recognises
4. 5. & 6.
that there is a problem of control and enforcement of payment of duties and taxes on tobacco products
offered to final consumers via the internet and sent directly to them in postal consignments from third
countries or from another Member State. This problem is being actively investigated by the Commission’s
European Anti-Fraud Office and by the appropriate authorities in the Member States, with a view to
developing measures to combat this type of fraud.

(1) Council Regulation (EEC) No 918/83 of 28 March 1983 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs
duty, OJ L 105, 23.4.1983. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 355/94 of 14 February
1994, OJ L 46, 18.2.1994.

(2) Council Directive 78/1035/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the exemption from taxes of

imports of small
consignments of goods of a non-commercial character from third countries, OJ L 366, 28.12.1978. Directive as last
amended by Council Directive 85/576/EEC of 20 December 1985, OJ L 372, 31.12.1985.

(3) See page 146.

(2004/C 88 E/0697)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0085/04

by Matti Wuori (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(20 January 2004)

Subject: Missing NGO legal framework in Malta

Malta, which will become a member of the EU on 1 May next, has no legal framework for the regulation
of non-governmental organisations. This is hindering established NGOs,
including non-governmental
development organisations with an excellent track record, from developing their full capacities. Such a
framework would enable them to participate meaningfully in partnerships with other European NGOs.

Should not the Commission put pressure on the Maltese government to set up the necessary legal
framework without further delay? This would be a step in the right direction in recognising the expertise
and mandate of all established NGOs, including NGDOs working in the international development field,
and offering all the necessary support for NGOs and NGDOs to continue and further their global solidarity
work.

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2004)

Community legislation does not oblige Member States to set up a legal framework for Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs). This is left to the discretion of Member States. This is, therefore, not an issue where
the Commission is entitled to ‘put pressure on the Maltese Government’.

The Commission has, throughout the pre-accession period, and whenever relevant and possible insisted
that Community-funded projects include participation from non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In
the framework of its support for NGOs, the Commission is prepared to consider specific projects related to
the implementation of Community legislation and policies in Malta.

(2004/C 88 E/0698)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0096/04

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Israeli arms for Turkey in exchange for water

(21 January 2004)

According to reports published on Monday, 5 January 2003, the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and
the Turkish Energy Minister, Zeki Cakan, met in Jerusalem to finalise agreements between the two
countries whereby Turkey will be supplied with a large quantity of state-of-the-art Israeli tanks and ultra-