92001E0598

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0598/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(2 March 2001)

Subject: Referendum on independence for the Faeroe Isles

The Danish Government is threatening to suspend the subsidy it pays to the Faeroe Isles with immediate effect if the Faeroese people support their government's plan for independence. The Danish Government is uttering this threat in order to thwart the Faeroese Government's plan to achieve independence in 2012 or thereabouts.

On Saturday, 26 May 2001, the Kallsberg Government will be submitting its plan to the Faeroese people in a referendum. The proposal seeks a gradual transition towards independence, together with a systematic reduction in the Danish subsidy. A final decision would be taken in 2012 on whether or not the Faeroe Isles should become independent after 600 years of Danish rule.

1. What is the Council's view of the Danish Government's threat to suspend the subsidy it pays to the Faeroe Isles with immediate effect if the Faeroese people support their government's plan for independence?

2. Does the Council feel that this threat is consistent with the principles of good governance? If so, what arguments can the Council advance in order to reconcile this threat with the principles of good governance?

Reply

(30 May 2001)

The Council would inform the Honourable Member that it has no competence to reply to questions concerning the domestic policy of a Member State of the European Union.