WRITTEN QUESTION No. 400/99 by Robin TEVERSON EU food aid
C 341/108 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 11. 1999 problems calls for restructuring and support for the citrus fruit processing industry in order to modernise and diversify, e. g. into the production and standardisation of natural juices. Can the Commission answer the following: 1. Could measures to restructure citrus fruit growing and its processing industry be incorporated into the operational programmes financed by the Structural funds? 2. What steps will the Commission take to include such measures in the 3rd Community Support Framework? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (31 March 1999) 1. This is in theory possible, but, given the advanced state of the current Structural Funds programming period, there is not sufficient margin available in the 1994-99 Community Support Framework (CSF), in terms of either funds or time, to initiate new structural measures in support of the citrus fruit sector. 2. It is up to the authorities in the Member State in question to determine their priorities and include them in their draft regional development plans and operational programmes. The Commission will examine them in line with the provisions to be adopted for the third period, 2000-06. (1999/C 341/152) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0400/99 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (1 March 1999) Subject: EU food aid Would the Commission please list the total value of EU food aid to non-EU countries as it has evolved over the last five years? In addition, would it provide a list of the value of this food aid by recipient country and, if possible, by the donor EU Member State over the same period? Is it also possible to have a list of the nature of EU food aid (i. e. grain, milk, processed goods) and an explanation of how this aid system works (i. e. eligibility, decision process)? Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (20 April 1999) The total value of EU food aid over the last five years, broken down according to the nature of the aid, is shown in tables which have been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament. Decisions on food aid and food security are currently adopted on the basis of Council Regulation (EC) 1292/96 of 27 June 1996 on food aid policy and food aid management and special operations in support of food security (1). The countries eligible for operations of this type are listed in the Annex to the Regulation. Allocations worth more than EUR 2 million must first be approved by a management committee (composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission’s representative) before any decision is taken by the Commission. (1) OJ L 166, 5. 7. 1996