WRITTEN QUESTION P-0160/00 by Francesco Turchi (UEN) to the Commission. Sea- and land-based nature reserves.
C 303 E/152 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 24. 10. 2000 (2000/C 303 E/165) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0158/00 by Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE) to the Commission (26 January 2000) Subject: Adulteration of edible oils: illicit mixing of olive-oil with hazel-nut oil Italian olive-oil producers are alarmed at the increase in illicit mixing of olive-oil with hazel-nut oil. Because of its chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics, which are similar to those of olive- oil, and its low price, about half the price of olive-oil, hazel-nut oil lends itself particularly well to adulteration of consumer products. Hazel-nut oil is not specifically identified in the Combined Nomenclature (CN), but falls under the ácatch- allí heading 15 15 9059. Importers are thus permitted to market the oil and designate it in customs papers by the wording ácrude seed oilí or ácrude vegetable oilí. To reduce olive-oil adulteration, could the Commission: 1. 2. allow hazel-nut oil to be identified as such by a specific CN code, as is the case for coconut oil, palm- kernel oil, and the like; and, in any event, impose a ban to prevent hazel-nut oil being marketed under generic names such as ácrude vegetable oilí or ácrude seed oilí which have been used to date? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 February 2000) The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for his written question on olive oil/hazelnut oil mixtures. This is a serious problem, difficult to resolve because the chemical characteristics of hazelnut oil make it difficult to detect with current methods. Such mixtures are not harmful to human health but have serious implications for the image of olive oil and its market. New analysis methods that would be better at detecting the presence of hazelnut oil in olive oils are at present being tested. In the meantime the Commission will examine the Honourable Memberís suggestion for a specific Combined Nomenclature heading for hazelnut oil. While not totally resolving the problem this might well help reduce the fraud risk. (2000/C 303 E/166) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0160/00 by Francesco Turchi (UEN) to the Commission (26 January 2000) Subject: Sea- and land-based nature reserves Does the Commission consider it a matter of priority to protect the environment and marine flora and fauna in particular, on the understanding that any action aimed at safeguarding our seas should be consistent with the concept of sustainable development, without, leading to pointless extremism or undermining potential resources of the local or national tourist trade? The idea is that any sea- (for instance the Ponza Islands) or land-based nature reserves should help to protect the environment without damaging the local economy, bearing in mind not least that the Union finances tourism and fisheries projects under specific aid plans. in other words, 24. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 303 E/153 Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (9 February 2000) One of the main objectives set in Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1) is the creation of a network of natural protected sites of Community importance called Natura 2000. Maríne sites may be part of this network. The Habitats Directive contributes to the general aim of sustainable development. Its objective is to encourage the preservation of biodiversity while taking account of scientific, economic, social, cultural and regional requirements. The purpose of the Natura 2000 network is therefore not to create nature sanctuaries where all human activity will be systematically excluded. The preservation of biodiversity in the designated sites may require human activities to be maintained or encouraged. However, human activities must remain compatible with the conservation aims of the designated sites. It is the competence of Member States to establish which activities are compatible, e. g. through specific site management plans. Any activity financed by the Community in the field of tourism or fisheries must obviously comply with the provisions of the directive. (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992. (2000/C 303 E/167) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/00 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 January 2000) Subject: Mr Fischlerís visit to Morocco on 17 January The fisheries agreement with Morocco expired on 30 November 1999. As a result, the fleet operating in Moroccan waters has been laid up, leading to all the inevitable socio-economic consequences. The fleet includes about 30 Portuguese vessels, which employ some 700 fishermen and provide 3 000 spin-off jobs, primarily in two communities dependent on the fisheries sector, Sesimbra and Olhªo/Fuzeta. is specialised to enable it to operate in the Moroccan fishing grounds and would therefore be quite difficult to convert to other uses. It According to an Agence Europe report dated 18 January 2000, it emerged from the meeting between the Member of the Commission concerned, Franz Fischler, and the Moroccan State Secretary Taieb Fassifihiri that the agreement will not be renewed. To quote the bulletin, The EU notes the fact that cooperation based on extraction activities is now over and plans to explore other solutionsí. How much credence should be attached to the above report? Has the Commission now ruled out the 1. possibility of renewing the fisheries agreement? 2. What steps has it already taken in view of the fact that the fleet has been laid up because the agreement has expired? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 February 2000) The Commission confirms that it is liaising with the Moroccan authorities in exploring all possible forms of new partnership that could be established with Morocco in the fisheries sector which would be mutually advantageous to both sides. The Commission position remains unchanged from that set out over recent months, which is based essentially on the negotiating brief approved by the Council on 15 October 1999