WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3078/97 by Jesús CABEZÓN ALONSO to the Commission. US extra-territorial laws
3. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 102/163 This has been the case with all questions concerning the introduction of the single currency, for example as regards the search for a common position on the part of consumers and retailers on delicate matters such as parallel listing of prices, the date for the switch-over to the physical currency and, in general, the preparation of sales outlets for the provision of assistance to consumers. In the same way, the legal framework of payment cards has been the subject of exchanges of views between the two committees. For that reason, the Commission does not consider it useful to set up a new committee. On the other hand, the Commission intends to continue the dialogue between consumers and businesses which started in December 1996. To this end, talks are under way between the Commission, the Union of Industrial and Employers’ Confederations of Europe (UNICE), the European Bureau of Consumers’ Unions (EBCU) and Eurocommerce, with a view to defining the framework for sharing information and improving awareness of the questions of common interest. (98/C 102/244) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3078/97 by Jesu· s Cabezo·n Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (2 October 1997) Subject: US extra-territorial laws What stage has been reached in cooperation between the European Union and the United States with a view to reaching a clear understanding on the need for the US to repeal or desist from implementing its extra-territorial laws? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (21 October 1997) An example of the Community’s efforts to convince the United States to cease to resort to legislation with extraterritorial effects is the understanding reached between the Community and the United States on 11 April 1997 on the dispute between the Community and the United States on the Helms-Burton and D’Amato Acts adopted by the United States. This legislation has extraterritorial effects in that it has the intention or effect of influencing the behaviour of companies in the Community because of their involvement in Cuba, Libya or Iran. Under this understanding, the Community agreed to suspend the World trade organization (WTO) panel procedure which it had initiated against the United States because of its Helms-Burton legislation. On the United States side, there is a presumption of the continuation of the waiver of Title III and a commitment to work with the Congress to permit a waiver under Title IV of the Helms-Burton Act. On D’Amato, the United States has agreed to work with the Community toward the objectives of meeting the terms for granting the Community a waiver. At the same time, the understanding calls for the Community and the United States to develop disciplines which should inhibit and deter the future acquisition of investments from any state which has expropriated or nationalised such investments in contravention of international law, and subsequent dealings in covered investments. In addition, and in parallel, the understanding also calls for the Community and the United States to work together to address and resolve through agreed principles the issue of conflicting jurisdictions and secondary investment boycotts with extraterritorial effects. (98/C 102/245) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3081/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (2 October 1997) Subject: Violation by Turkey of its international commitments Having signed the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 concerning special status for the islands of Imbroz and Tenedos giving them a degree of autonomy and local self-government, Turkey has consistently disregarded its