WRITTEN QUESTION E-1638/99 by Efstratios Korakas (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. The disastrous impact of the CAP and the need to review it.
C 203 E/12 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 18. 7. 2000 connections in Tunisia remains low (less than the world average) in spite of the authoritiesí efforts to promote its use in education and business. Nevertheless, Tunisia has recognised the importance of the Internet to its business sector and for the competitiveness of its economy. User charges have recently fallen considerably. The Association Agreement between the Community and Tunisia does not contain any specific provision on free access to the media; however, Article 2 states in general that human rights, which include the right to inform and be informed, are an essential part of the Agreement. The Commission follows the Tunisian human rights issue closely, including the citizenís right of access to the media and the Internet, notably through the regular reports on the human rights situation drawn up by the Member State and Commission heads of mission in Tunisia and through the ongoing political dialogue with the Tunisian authorities. Tunisia is also invited to participate in regional programmes in the MEDA framework in order to promote a new regional approach to telecommunications and the information society. (2000/C 203 E/014) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1638/99 by Efstratios Korakas (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (22 September 1999) Subject: The disastrous impact of the CAP and the need to review it The reviews of the CAP carried out under the Treaty of Maastricht, and under Agenda 2000 to be implemented by the year 2006, are drastically reducing growth rates in agriculture in order to adapt it to market conditions, as shaped by the WTO (World Trade Organisation) and the EMU. This reduction in growth rates in agriculture has reduced agricultural employment, wiped out small and medium-scale farming, especially in countries like Greece, where the agricultural population was large. It has also produced economic stagnation and rural depopulation, as well as deterioration of the environ- ment. Will the Commission be persisting with the same policies which will accelerate this disastrous course of events for rural areas, or does it intend to propose, as called for by farmers and in particular those with small or medium-sized holdings, to halt them, and take appropriate action to change their direction? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1999) One of the objectives of reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) under Agenda 2000 is indeed to ensure a better adaptation to market requirements. In addition, the reform aims to achieve several other objectives, such as maintaining a fair standard of living for the farming community, integrating environ- mental goals and establishing rural development policy as a second pillar of the CAP. It is true that the number of people employed in agriculture, forestry and fishery declined in Greece by 21 % during the period 1987-1997. However, for the 12 Member States the number decreased by 31 % during this period. It is also true that the most important reduction in farm numbers in Greece was observed for small farms operating an agricultural area of less than 10 hectares. On the other hand, the remaining small and medium-scale farms were able to improve their economic base by increasing their production capacities. Possible problems of depopulation and environmental issues are specifically addressed by rural development measures, in particular in objective 1 regions. Despite any diversity at the local level, population statistics indicate an increase of population during the last 10 years for the majority of Greek rural areas (nomenclature of territorial statistical units (NUTS) 3 level). 18. 7. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 203 E/13 Following the decisions of the Council and the Parliament, the Commission will continue the implementa- tion of Agenda 2000. Furthermore, the Commissionís position on the future development of the CAP will be determined by a wide range of aims, such as a reinforcement of rural development, the overall requirement to integrate consumer concerns such as food safety, environment or animal welfare, the defence of the European model of agriculture on the international stage, the challenges of enlargement, and the need to further simplify Community legislation. Within Agenda 2000, several reports or mid-term reviews are foreseen to analyse the impact of the reform. The regulations foresee a mid-term review for arable crops (2002), a report on direct payments for oilseeds (by 2002), a report on the budget situation (by 2002), and a review of the milk quota regime (2003). Furthermore, following the decisions on olive oil in June 1998, a reform should be prepared to come into force for the marketing year 2001/2002. Reform proposals are foreseen for the rice sector and for the flax and hemp sector. In the sugar sector, the quota regime will expire in 2000/2001 and proposals will have to be made for a reform of the common market organisation (CMO). In addition, a report on the operation of the CMO for fruit and vegetables is due to be submitted by the end of the year 2000. (2000/C 203 E/015) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1641/99 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Council (22 September 1999) Subject: Directive 95/29/EC and registered equidae Directive 95/29/EC (1) (Chapter VII, point 4(c)) explicitly states that registered equidae within the meaning of Directive 90/426 (2) are not covered by the provisions on protection of animals during transport, which specify that all other equidae may be transported for a maximum period of twenty-four hours and must be given liquid and, if necessary, fed every eight hours. 1. Does this mean that registered equidae are afforded less protection during transport? 2. Are the structural requirements regarding means of transport for registered equidae in respect of more than eight hoursí travel to be taken as the same as those for other animal species referred to in the directive? 3. Does point 5 of chapter VII, which stipulates that animals must be rested for 24 hours after each journey, imply that registered equidae, which normally return to their stables after each race, are also covered by this provision? (1) OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995, p. 52. (2) OJ L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 42. (2000/C 203 E/016) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1642/99 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Council (22 September 1999) Subject: Implementation of Directive 95/29/EC and Regulation (EC) 411/98 in Italy Directive 95/29/EC (1) and Regulation (EC) 411/98 (2) lay down rules governing the issuing of authorisation for the transport of animals and specific requirements regarding the means to be used. Article 37 of the Italian law on veterinary standards (D. P. R. 320/54) provides for annual renewal of this authorisation