91998E1777

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777/98 by Reimer Böge (PPE) to the Commission (5 June 1998)

Subject: Agenda 2000 and the WTO agreements

1. Could the Commission explain the criteria on the basis of which agricultural aid is classified as 'blue box' or 'green box' under the WTO agreements?

2. Could the Commission state the category under which the direct aid for beef and milk envisaged in Agenda 2000 can be classified?

3. Should the aid provided under the American FAIR (Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform) act be regarded, in principle, as eligible for inclusion in the 'green box' category?

4. Can the Commission confirm that the objective of establishing environmental standards for agriculture and including them in future world trade rules is enshrined in the GATT agreements?

5. What reports or recommendationshave been submitted to date pursuant to paragraph 1 of the Decision on trade in services and the environment (OJ L 336 p. 265, 23.12.1994)?

6. What initiatives will the Commission take to ensure these agreements are effectively implemented at international level, or to propose and effect changes to Article XIV of the Agreement?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (7 July 1998)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.