WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3018/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Forestry
C 134/60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 4. 98 and given that the forestry sector is a source of employment and economic wealth in the European Union, the basic objective of the EUís forestry strategy should be to promote the commercial exploitation of forests. This would help to safeguard jobs particularly in structurally weak regions and also create new jobs, despite the fact that technological progress will inevitably mean that jobs will be lost as well. Forest management and use must also be economically, socially and ecologically sustainable. (1) OJ C 206, 7. 7. 1997, p. 128. (98/C 134/74) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3018/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997) Subject: Forestry With reference to The situation and problems of forestry in the European Union and potential for developing forestry policiesí (CES 476/97) (1), reforestation has a fundamental rolein agriculture, as it can cushion the impact of the set-aside measures introduced with the CAP reforms, help solve the problem of scarce timber in the EU and protect the health of the environment. Will the Commission direct the EUís forestry strategy chiefly to guaranteeing and improving the conditions needed for an ecologically sound, profitable forestry economy and industry and to developing rural structures and enhancing the economic status of the forestry sector? Will the EU also use its own funds to protect forests, support rural areas and provide research, training and information, as well as consultancy services? Closer coordination of the forestry sector is needed. (1) OJ C 206, 7. 7. 1997, p. 128. Joint answer to Written Questions E-3017/97 and E-3018/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1997) The Honourable Member refers to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (ESC) on the situation and problems of forestry in the European Union and potential for developing forestry policies. The Commission warmly welcomed this report and agrees with it in many respects, particularly on sustainable forest management, which covers not only the financial but also the environmental and social aspects, and on the role of forestry and related industries in providing jobs and income in rural areas. Before the end of the year the Commission will be submitting a report on the implementation of forestry measures in agriculture, showing the economic, environmental and social impact of these measures. In addition, the Communityís forestry measures are described in the Commissionís Report to Parliament on agriculture and rural development (A4-0414/96). At the beginning of 1999, in response to Parliamentís resolution of 30 January 1997 on the Communityís forestry strategy (Thomas report), the Commission will be presenting a proposal for a European forestry strategy, which will take account inter alia of the objectives of Agenda 2000 (1). (1) Doc. COM (97) final 2000