WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/00 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Supply of tuna loins to the European tuna canning industry.
C 81 E/14 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 13. 3. 2001 Reply (28 September 2000) The Council is aware of the problems associated with the restitution of property in certain applicant countries of central and eastern Europe. As the Honourable Member undoubtedly knows, the accession negotiations are conducted on the basis of the acquis communautaire, which the applicant countries have to take over and implement before accession. The relevant chapter of the acquis for the purposes of the acquisition of immovable property is the chapter on the free movement of capital. However, there is as yet no specific acquis relating to the question raised by the Honourable Member. Whatever the case, the applicant countriesí compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, enshrined in the Treaties, will be monitored closely. (2001/C 81 E/015) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/00 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission Subject: Supply of tuna loins to the European tuna canning industry (31 March 2000) In the framework of the new COM, on 17 December 1999 the Fisheries Council agreed to open a new quota of 4 000 tonnes for tuna from third countries, at a tariff of 6 %, for the period 2001 to 2003. In the draft agreement between the European Union and Mexico, the Commission has also agreed to consider during the third quarter of 2001 the possibility of opening a quota for tuna loins originating from Mexico. Does the quota of 4 000 tonnes from third countries at a 6 % tariff for the period 2001-2003 include the possible quota of Mexican tuna loins, or, if agreed, would the latter be in addition to the original quota? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 June 2000) The autonomous tariff quotas opened by the Community to supply the processing industry must be applied universally and so be accessible to all non-member countries if they are to comply with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). By contrast, tariff concessions under a free trade agreement, such as the concluded by the Community with Mexico, are restricted to the preferential partner concerned, pursuant to Article XXIV: 8(b) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This means that, while Mexico may benefit from the Communityís autonomous tariff quotas, other non-member countries may not benefit from tariff concessions granted by the Community to Mexico under the free trade agreement. The autonomous tariff quota of 4 000 tonnes of tuna loins at 6 % recently approved by the Council could therefore also assist Mexico. In addition, the Community will have to honour its commitment under the trade agreement between the Community and Mexico and so begin discussions before 1 September 2001 on the possibility of opening a tariff quota for this type of product under preferential arrangements. The Commission would also remind the Honourable Member that the trade concessions already agreed with Mexico in the fisheries sector and any future concessions form part of a trade agreement which will result in a significant increase in bilateral trade in all sectors, which will benefit both Mexico and the Community, including firms in Spain