WRITTEN QUESTION E-0310/00 by Lutz Goepel (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Studies by the Institute for Economic and Consumer Law for the Commission.
24. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 303 E/173 Reply given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (15 March 2000) In view of recent political developments in Croatia the Commission has introduced a number of measures clearly indicative of its full support and encouragement for the democratisation process. This process marks the beginning of a new stage in relations between that country and the European Union. High-level representatives such as the new leaders of Croatia, the President of the Commission and the Member of the Commission responsible for external relations have exchanged visits. The first meeting of the Joint EU-Croatia Consultative Task Force set up by the General Affairs Council on 24 January 2000 was held on 15 February this year. The Council has also asked the Commission to draw up a report on the feasibility of starting negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement. A Commission fact-finding mission to Croatia at the beginning of March will make an initial assessment of the countryís needs and priorities as a preliminary to drawing up a programme of Community aid for Croatia for this year. On the particular question of Croatiaís eligibility for Phare aid, it should be remembered that this spring the Commission will be presenting a new programme for the Western Balkans as a whole. Thereafter the Phare programme will focus on the applicant countries whilst the new programme will replace the Phare and Obnova programmes for the Balkan States including Croatia. Croatia will receive aid under this programme as soon as it enters into force. (2000/C 303 E/195) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0310/00 by Lutz Goepel (PPE-DE) to the Commission (11 February 2000) Subject: Studies by the Institute for Economic and Consumer Law for the Commission Can the Commission provide a list of the studies it had carried out by the Institute for Economic and Consumer Law in Berlin from 1991 to 1999? Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (16 March 2000) Between 1991 and 1999 the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection commissioned three studies from the European Institute for Economic and Consumer Law (Vereinigtes Institut für Europäisches Wirtschafts- und Verbraucherrecht). The first study concerned the collection and analysis of German case law on unfair terms in consumer contracts. The contract, concluded in 1995, was for 81 000 Euro. The second study concerned doorstep selling, pyramid sales and multi-level marketing. The contract, concluded in 1998, was for € 67 900. The third study concerned the feasibility of a general legislative framework on fair trade. The contract, concluded in 1999, was for € 78 400