WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2368/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Reform of the FIFG and assistance for joint ventures
C 135/46 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 14. 5. 1999 decision in the light of these considerations and of the evolution of the democratic process in Togo on whether to pursue these consultations. Since 1993, EU development cooperation with Togo has been partially suspended. In the meantime the Council will continue to follow closely the political situation and do everything in its power to encourage the development of democracy in Togo. (1999/C 135/053) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2367/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (27 July 1998) Subject: Foreign prisoners held in French jails under Article 752 In France, convicted drug-traffickers must pay the street value of the drugs in their possession or, if the fine is over FF 500 000, must serve up to another two years in addition to their basic sentence. During that time, foreign nationals are eligible neither for transfer to their home country nor for parole. Would the Commission support proposals to allow prisoners from the EU to serve these last two years of their sentence in the Member State of origin? Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1998) Arrangements for the transfer of sentenced persons between the Member States are primarily governed by the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons of 21 March 1983. The transfer of a person under this convention is subject to a number of conditions including the consent of the person concerned and the agreement of the sentencing state and the state to which the person is to be transferred. In accordance with the Convention the person concerned must be informed about the Convention by the sentencing state and may make known to either stated his interest in being transferred. It is possible for either state to apply for the transfer to take place. Within the Union judicial co-operation is a matter of common interest in accordance with Title VI of the Treaty on the European Union. According to these provisions as they currently stand, the Commission is not in a position to take action in this field, but such an initiative must come from the Member States. (1999/C 135/054) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2368/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (27 July 1998) Subject: Reform of the FIFG and assistance for joint ventures The restructuring of the fisheries sector through the setting-up of joint ventures under the current FIFG has proved highly effective in terms of job- and wealth-creation in the European Union