(2004/C 33 E/035)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0329/03

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(10 February 2003)

Subject:   Recognition by Unesco of ‘olive and olive oil routes’ as the fourth cultural heritage route

Unesco has already received proposals from many quarters that it should sponsor the ‘olive and olive oil routes’ by officially proclaiming them the fourth world cultural heritage route.

Events along the ‘olive and olive oil routes’ are organised every year by various bodies — such as chambers of trade, local councils and agricultural associations — following an itinerary which starts in Greece, passes along the Turkish coast and through the countries of the Middle East and North Africa and returns via Spain, Portugal, France and Italy to the Peloponnese. Along this route there are cultural activities and demonstrations focused around the theme of olives.

Olives and olive oil are not only prized by Mediterranean peoples for their gastronomic and therapeutic qualities but have also influenced their lives over thousands of years, in terms of their daily routines, customs, beliefs and religion; the olive-branch has prevailed as the global symbol of peace. In view of these facts, is the Commission intending to back the proposal for Unesco recognition of the ‘olive and olive oil routes’ in its meeting next May? If so, how is it intending to do so?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 2003)

The Commission, while acknowledging the historical, cultural and economic significance of olives and olive oil for Europe, would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that it has no competence to intervene in decisions of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).