WRITTEN QUESTION E-2415/99 by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The EU and the opening of the Mediterranean Office in Málaga.
1. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 219 E/157 (2000/C 219 E/199) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2415/99 by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission (16 December 1999) Subject: The EU and the opening of the Mediterranean Office in MÆlaga The Malaga-based Mediterranean Office of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is scheduled to open on 1 January 2000. Siting the regional headquarters of the IUCN in MÆlaga is a bold gesture deserving of all support, in order to ensure the success of an initiative which will greatly benefit both the MÆlaga area and the EU in general. What is the current position of the EU as such with regard to the forthcoming opening of this office, and what commitment has the Union made to ensuring its success? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (14 January 2000) According to the Commissionís information, the international union for the conservation of nature (IUCN) regional office for the Mediterranean will be set up in Seville, Spain, and not in Malaga. The Commission welcomes this initiative. The opening of this regional office for the Mediterranean can contribute to the promotion of the sustainable development and environmental protection of the region. This is also an important policy objective for the Commission. (2000/C 219 E/200) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2416/99 by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission (16 December 1999) Subject: EU-Morocco summit The accession of Mohammed VI to the Moroccan throne unleashed a wave of national euphoria and raised high hopes as far reaching reforms were implemented. The Eu should seize this historic opportunity to radically revise its approach to Morocco with a view to encouraging further progressive developments with a view to reducing inequalities and strengthening the Unionís southern borders. Does the Commission not believe that it should use its powers of initiative to propose a summit meeting of the appropriate EU and Moroccan authorities to examine the opportunities which the current situation offers? Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (5 January 2000) The Commission shares the Honourable Memberís analysis of recent political changes in Morocco and of future relations between Morocco and the Community