91998E0232

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0232/98 by Antonios Trakatellis (PPE) and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos (PPE) to the Commission (13 February 1998)

Subject: Reduction in CAP expenditure and adoption of measures to modernize agriculture

In view of the comprehensive overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy and the future challenges facing it in the EU described by the Commission in Agenda 2000, will the Commission answer the following questions:

1. How much was made available by the regional funds to cover CAP expenditure and for structural interventions in the field of agriculture and stockbreeding in Objective 1 regions for the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

2. What is the percentage reduction of EAGGF, Guarantee Section, spending and how much is this in ecu compared with the overall budgets for the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

3. What was the trend in EAGGF, Guidance Section, spending (percentage and amounts) compared to total EAGGF spending and compared with the total budgets for the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

4. What measures as regards modernization, structural intervention and programmes did the Community take in respect of the CAP and what sums were made available for the implementation thereof from the budgets of the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

5. What measures and programmes were adopted for young farmers and the introduction of new technologies in farm holdings and in the stockbreeding sector and what sums were allocated during the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

6. Is there any correlation in absolute terms (ecu) between the reduction of agricultural spending of the EAGGF, Guarantee Section, and the development of modernization and intervention measures for agriculture for the 1992-1997 period, broken down by year and Member State?

7. What specific measures will be taken to check the steady decline in agricultural incomes and what steps can be taken to ensure the development of a modern, competitive and self -sufficient agricultural sector in the EU, faced with the challenges of international competition and the forthcoming enlargement of the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 March 1998)

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