WRITTEN QUESTION E-0640/04 by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Surprising presence of names of Union bodies such as OLAF in confused news from Israeli institutions with regard to the use of EU funds by the Palestinian President.
Date: 2004-03-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Anti-fraud Office, Palestine, aid recipient, auditing, economic support, fraud, use of aid

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/197

(2004/C 88 E/0202)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0624/04

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Dumping of imported Norwegian and Faeroese rainbow trout

(1 March 2004)

The question whether the provisional anti-dumping duty laid down by the Commission last September
should continue to apply on a definitive basis (for five years) to imports of large rainbow trout from
Norway and the Faeroes is at this moment under consideration. The Commission has proposed a 19,9 %
anti-dumping duty on rainbow trout imported from Norway.

As far as EU fish-farmers are concerned, enforcement of the duty is vital for the continuation of their
livelihood. In 2003 Norway supplied almost 7 million kilos of rainbow trout to the Union Member States
at the extremely low price of EUR 2,46 per kilo. Production costs in Norway and, for example, Finland are
approximately EUR 3,50 per kilo.

The Norwegian dumping stems from overproduction. Last year Norway granted 50 new production
licences and offered 60 more for sale at the end of the year. Fish-farming losses in Norway totalled
EUR 190 million in 2002 and were even higher last year. About 20 % of production is accounted for by
rainbow trout.

In its role of overseeing the internal market, what steps will the Commission take, and within what time-
frame, to eradicate harmful dumping from the market?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2004)

After the imposition, in September 2003, of provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of large rainbow
trout from Norway and the Faeroe Islands, the Commission has examined all submissions from the
interested parties concerning the provisional findings. In January, a price undertaking had been accepted
from exporters from the Faeroe Islands.

The provisional findings have been, after in depth examination, confirmed by the Member States. Indeed,
by Council Regulation (EC) No 437/2004 (1) a definitive duty of 19,9 % on imports of large rainbow trout
originating in Norway and of duties ranging from 42,6 to 54,4 % on imports of the same product from the
Faeroe Islands, with the exception of the imports originating from the exporters having offered the price
undertaking accepted by the Commission, have been imposed. The imposition of these measures aims at
removing the injurious dumping found during the investigation conducted by the Commission. It is
therefore expected to restore a level playing field in the Community market protecting thus the
Community industry from unfair competition. The definitive anti-dumping measures will apply for a
period of five years, which is normally necessary to counteract the dumping which is causing injury.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 437/2004 of 8 March 2004 imposing definitive anti-dumping duty and collecting
definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of large rainbow trout originating in Norway and the Faeroe
Islands, OJ L 72, 11.3.2004.

(2004/C 88 E/0203)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0640/04

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 March 2004)

Subject: Surprising presence of names of Union bodies such as OLAF in confused news from Israeli

institutions with regard to the use of EU funds by the Palestinian President

In what appears to be the result of deliberate spreading of poisonous rumours by the Israeli administration
and civic institutions there, there have recently been reports in the Spanish press which mixed up
comments on the depositing of money in a Paris bank account held by the Palestinian President’s wife, and
the research apparently being carried out in Jerusalem by an OLAF delegation on a so-called ‘Arafat

C 88 E/198

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

dossier’, organised by the current Israeli Health Minister, involving documents obtained by the Israeli army
during the building of the illegal and shameful wall designed to reduce the extent of Palestinian territory
and isolate the inhabitants of the West Bank from Palestine. What is the significance of the alleged activity
of OLAF in this very confused situation? Have the Commission’s services already responded to these
reports, which appear to be designed to spread political poison precisely at the moment when there is talk
of the Government of Israel appearing before the Hague court with regard to the building of the wall, and
likewise talk of Prime Minister Sharon’s own problems with the Israeli courts?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2004)

The Honourable Member should refer to the Commission’s answer to Written Question E-0559/04 from
Mario Borghezio (1).

The Commission would also like to inform the Honourable Member that the European Anti-Fraud Office,
is investigating suspicions of possible misuse of Community funds allocated in the form of
OLAF,
budgetary support for the functioning of the Palestinian Authority and has also opened an investigation
into the financing of humanitarian and development projects mounted by Palestinian organisations and
associations.

(1) See page 193.

(2004/C 88 E/0204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0649/04

by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 March 2004)

Subject: Roma people in Slovakia

Has the Commission noted the measures adopted by the Slovakian Government to cut the social security
entitlements of local Roma people and the consequent unrest,
in Trhoviste, and does the
Commission consider the human rights policy of the Slovakian Government to be in accordance with the
policy required of an EU Member State?

‘inter alia’

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 2004)

The Commission has noted the introduction of a new social benefit system in Slovakia that has led to a
significant reduction of the social benefit payments since the beginning of March 2004. It has also been
concerned about the Roma unrest and looting in Eastern Slovakia.

In general, the Commission obviously rejects the use of any kind of violence as a way of making social or
any other claims. The Commission has been in contact with the Slovak authorities on this issue and has
expressed its hope that the Slovak Government will urgently use all the means at its disposal to reach a
reasonable and measured outcome to this sensitive issue. Particular attention should be given to ease the
hardship of the poorest sectors of the population which are likely to suffer most from the reduction of the
benefits. Job opportunities should be enhanced in the poorest parts of the country and in Eastern Slovakia
in particular. In this context, the Commission welcomes a 14-point paper presented recently by the Slovak
Government on ways to improve the situation of the most disadvantaged citizens, particularly Roma. The
Slovak authorities have also reassured the Commission that they will closely monitor police behaviour in
the east of the country.

The Commission is determined to support the Slovak authorities as far as it can to solve this issue as soon
as possible.