WRITTEN QUESTION E-1767/99 by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission. The Commission's efforts to bring its staff policy into line with Article 13 of the Treaty and prevent discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
C 203 E/42 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 18. 7. 2000 (2000/C 203 E/051) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1764/99 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (11 October 1999) Subject: Crisis in the fish market and unfair competition on the part of Greece The crisis which has been affecting the market in certain species of fish (sea bass and gilthead sea bream) since the beginning of 1999 has worsened during the summer. Italian fish-breeders are finding it difficult to sell their fish, which has remained in the fish farms for months. On the other hand, products from Greece, which are undoubtedly less fresh than Italian products, have been driving market prices down to below actual production costs, LIT 8 000 per kilo for gilthead sea bream and LIT 9 000 per kilo for sea bass. Since the costs of feed, fry and transport are higher than in Italy, one can only suppose that the Greeks are practising dumping. The reason for this might be that the largest Greek fish producers are quoted on the stock exchange and are therefore more interested in the volume of turnover, in order to show an apparent profit to the stock market, than in a genuine operating profit. Can the Commission say: 1. whether it does not consider the above constitutes a threat of dumping; 2. whether it does not consider an inquiry should be launched to ascertain a possible infringement of the principles of free competition; 3. whether it does not consider it appropriate to ascertain that there has not been an infringement of Community regulations (and exploitation of Community funds) with adverse consequences for employment)? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1999) The Commission is aware of the current market difficulties for sea bass and sea bream linked to the rapid these species which has overtaken growth in market demand. Total growth in the cultivation of Community production in 1988 was 2 801 tonnes, the figure for 1998 is an estimated 60 188 tonnes. Given the experience of the salmon sector which has experienced a series of marketing crises over the past decade, due to supply outstripping the growth in the market, the Commission is concerned that the same difficulties do not befall the sea bass and sea bream sector. The lesson has to be learned that effective marketing is a prerequisite if this important part of the Mediterranean aquaculture is to consolidate and grow. This is primarily an industry responsibility, but assistance from the Financial instrument for fisheries guidance (FIFG) is available and has been used for this purpose already in some Member States. The question of dumping does not arise between Member States but predatory pricing or abuse of a dominant market position, if proven, may be addressed under competition rules. The Commission will intensify its monitoring of the current market situation and consider whether any further action may be required to prevent production running ahead of market growth. (2000/C 203 E/052) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1767/99 by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission (11 October 1999) Subject: The Commissionís efforts to bring its staff policy into line with Article 13 of the Treaty and prevent discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam may, if properly translated into practical measures, provide an effective means of preventing discrimination at work. Some time ago, attention was drawn to a case of 18. 7. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 203 E/43 its employees, who was living in a homosexual discrimination in the Commission, when one of partnership, was denied the rights that are granted to employees living in heterosexual partnerships. This may be regarded as a case of discrimination by the Commission against an employee on grounds of sexual orientation. What steps has the Commission taken to ensure that its own staff policy complies with Article 13 of the Treaty and thus to prevent discrimination against its employees, and those applying for posts, on account of their sexual orientation? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (30 November 1999) The Commission draws the Honourable Memberís attention to its systematic opposition to all forms of discrimination, including that based on sexual orientation. Article 1a of the Staff Regulations of officials of the Communities, which applies to all of the Institutions, guarantees equality of treatment without direct or indirect reference to sexual orientation. The status of homosexual or heterosexual couples who are not married is not currently covered by the Regulations, which relate only to relationships based on a contract of marriage. In 1997 the Commission adopted various measures which gave a degree of recognition to ástable relationshipsí, so as to be able to grant heterosexual and homosexual non-married couples (officials or other servants) a number of administrative facilities that are not covered by the Staff Regulations and are also neutral in financial terms. Since then, the Williamson Group report on modernising the Staff Regulations has suggested that the Commission should give consideration to the issue of áregistered partnershipsí with a view to providing possible recognition. In the light of the contents of that document, and in the context of the current deliberations on reforming aspects of the Staff Regulations, the Commission could envisage the possibility of tabling a proposal along the lines indicated by the Honourable Member that would also take account of the varying relevant law in the Member States. (2000/C 203 E/053) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1778/99 by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (11 October 1999) Subject: The trend towards concentration in the food industry 1. Is the Commission aware of the article Supermarkets go shopping for a mergerí in the Financial Times of 4 September 1999 which describes the increasing degree of concentration in the food industry, and has it taken note of the following quotes: (a) In the last 12 months [retailers in the food sector] have seen more consolidation in absolute scale than in the last 12 yearsí; (b) átop 25 [food retail chains] will control 40 % cent of global retail spendingí (by 2009); (c) áa mere five to six will be the real world leaders, with annual sales in excess of $ 140 billioní? 2. Is the Commission also aware that the facts presented in question 1: (a) are an obstacle to honest competition benefiting the consumer; (b) threaten the position of small independent firms which provide a valuable service to everyone unable to visit a ámegastoreí because of high transport costs, age or infirmity, for example;