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Document 92003E001739
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists.
OB C 78E, 27.3.2004, p. 384–385
(ES, DA, DE, EL, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT, FI, SV)
|
27.3.2004 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
CE 78/384 |
(2004/C 78 E/0406)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/03
by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(26 May 2003)
Subject: European Union unit to work for the release of kidnapped European tourists
The frequent cases of European tourists being kidnapped in third countries which they are visiting for their historical, cultural and other attractions have highlighted the need for the European Union to have a permanent team of negotiators and mediators to intercede with the relevant national authorities to secure the release of Community nationals who have fallen victim to these inhuman practices at the hands of local terrorists.
In this way, Community negotiators could keep the families of victims better informed than is currently the case with local authorities, which are seeking to cover up the failure of their own efforts.
Will the Commission propose to Member States that permanent Community negotiating teams be set up to secure the release of European tourists who have been kidnapped in third countries for internal political reasons which have nothing to do with them?
Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission
(24 June 2003)
Protection of Union citizens is enshrined in article 20 of the EC Treaty, and includes the protection of any Union citizen by diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he is a national is not represented. Under article 20 of the EC Treaty this responsibility relates also to Commission missions.
Within the limits of these provisions, the Commission has in the past cooperated closely with the Member State authorities to resolve situations of crisis or kidnapping of Union citizens. This cooperation has been carried out both in Brussels as well as through the Commission's External Service. However, given that under Article 20 of the EC Treaty consular protection first and foremost remains a responsibility of the Member States, it is currently not planned to set up any specialised Community facility.