92001E1478

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1478/01

by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 May 2001)

Subject: Racism in the Netherlands

1. Is the Commission aware that De Buddy's a Dutch church choir which is as well known in the Netherlands as the Vienna's Boys' Choir in German-speaking countries, have recently produced a CD entitled Do not buy from Austrians?

2. Is the Commission aware of the historic significance of this title in the light of the last hundred years of German history?

3. Does the Commission know whether the Dutch Government is taking any action against this and other xenophobic manifestations?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 2001)

The Commission condemns all forms of racism and xenophobia, including incitement to racial hatred. It underlines that as part of the fight against racism and xenophobia, it is important to remember the lessons of the past.

The Commission recalls that the Council adopted, on 29 June 2000(1) on a proposal from the Commission, directive 2000/43/EC on the promotion of equality between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. This directive prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination in employment, education, social protection, social advantages and access to and the supply of goods and services. The Member States have until 19 July 2003 in which to take the necessary measures to transpose the directive into national law.

The Commission also recalls the Joint Action adopted by the Council on 15 July 1996 concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia(2). Member States were asked to ensure that a number of racist and xenophobic behaviours listed in the Joint Action be punishable as criminal offences or, failing that, to derogate from the principle of double criminality for such behaviours. The Commission considers that it is time to achieve further progress regarding criminal law measures against racist and xenophobic offences and it is currently preparing a legislative proposal in this field.

The Commission is aware of the existence of the Dutch boys singing group De Buddy's and the controversy which surrounded the inclusion on a recent CD of the song Kauf nicht bei Österreichern, intended as a protest against the formation of the current Austrian Federal Government. The Commission is not aware of any action having been taken by the Dutch authorities as a result of the release of this song.

(1) OJ L 180, 19.7.2000.

(2) OJ L 185, 24.7.1996.