WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2991/98 by Angela SIERRA GONZÁLEZ to the Commission. Future of the specific supply regime for the Canary Islands
21. 7. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 207/21 Pluimveeslachterijen Midden-Nederland and Van Miert [1984] ECR 1721, paragraph 22). It follows that, in a situation characterised by the absence of implementing measures provided in Article 8(3) of Council Directive 71/118/EEC, this provision does not preclude a Member State from adopting national rules or from taking pre- existing national rules into account. Nevertheless, the Court laid down the general rule that, although they are empowered to apply their national law in a case like that, Member States are not exempt from observing the principles and general rules governing the Community action in the sector. (1) OJ L 62, 15. 3. 1993. (2) OJ L 55, 8. 3. 1971. (1999/C 207/026) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2991/98 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Future of the specific supply regime for the Canary Islands (8 October 1998) As the Commission will be aware, the existing specific supply regime for the Canary Islands, applying pursuant to Regulation 191/91 (1) and to Poseican (the programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary Islands), has undergone a degree of evolution since its introduction, in line with its function of compensating for the higher prices arising from geographical remoteness from the supplier markets. However, numerous shortcomings have been detected in the administration of this crucial mechanism, which will have to be corrected in the future. These include: = unfair competition existing in the case of certain products subsidised for import purposes, as opposed to their local equivalents, which suffer because, despite their higher production costs, they do not receive price compensation, although this would put them on an equal footing with the competing products (this applies to dairy products, livestock products, wine, etc); = the reduction in aid levels for certain products, resulting in additional costs to the consumer and the processing industry; = the lack of controls over the compensation mechanism for operators, which has led to numerous cases of fraud. What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to deal with these problems in the coming years, and to reform the regulatory arrangements? Does the Commission not agree that it is essential, as a matter of urgency, to reform those aspects of the specific supply regime which penalise local production by obstructing its development? (1) OJ L 20, 26. 1. 1991, p. 32. Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1998) The Commission recently commissioned an independent consultant to write an evaluation report on the agricultural component of the Poseican programme. It will be finalised in the next few months. In addition, the Commission, in partnership with the Spanish authorities, is currently drawing up an analysis of the measures carried out under that agricultural component. In the light of its conclusions, the Commission will present to the Council and Parliament a report accompanied, if necessary, by any adjustment measures needed better to achieve the objectives of Poseican. I would draw the Honourable Member¢s attention to the answer given by the Commission to Written Question P-327/98 from Mr Souchet (1). (1) OJ C 304, 20. 10. 1998