WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3065/98 by Werner LANGEN to the Commission. Plans to make lotteries subject to European competition law
C 135/162 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 14. 5. 1999 (1999/C 135/200) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3056/98 by John Cushnahan (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Breakaway super soccer league Is the Commission aware of the proposed establishment of a breakaway super league involving Europe’s leading football teams? Will the Commission monitor this situation, particularly to ensure that the broadcasting of any games arising out of such a development are not exclusively in the hands of ‘pay-to- view’ television companies? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (29 October 1998) The Commission is aware of the proposed establishment of a new European football league involving a significant number of European football clubs. The Commission has not received so far any request for clearance, application for an exemption, nor complaint in relation to this project. If one or the other were received, or if it is considered appropriate to act ex officio, the Commission would in the course of its assessment of the case consider what consumer benefits will accrue from the new league. This assessment would include an examination of the league’s policy towards the broadcasting of matches, whether on free-to air-television, pay television or pay-per- view television. (1999/C 135/201) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3065/98 by Werner Langen (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Plans to make lotteries subject to European competition law The opening of infringment proceedings against Ireland pursuant to Article 169 of the EC Treaty, the request by a Finnish court for a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice and proposals to make lotteries subject to European competition law rather than national legislation have given rise to some debate in the Federal Republic of Germany. As far as I am aware, the German Länder do not intend to open up the German lottery market to foreign organisers. A range of different issues play a crucial role here, in particular tax considerations. Can the Commission say: 1. What led the Commission to abandon its original declaration at the EU summit in Edinburgh of 12 December 1992 that it would not seek to regulate lotteries? 2. What stage has been reached in the infringment proceedings against Ireland pursuant to Article 169 of the EC Treaty? 3. What opinion has the Commission expressed in relation to the request by a Finnish court for a preliminary ruling by the Court of Justice in the Läärä case C-124/97? 4. Has the subject been discussed in the Ecofin Council and, if not, when are such discussions scheduled to take place?