91998E1085

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1085/98 by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE) to the Council (31 March 1998)

Subject: Implementation of the Association Agreement with Tunisia

Although it has been ratified by the national parliaments and the European Parliament, and entered into force on 1 March 1998, the agreement between Tunisia and the European Union has not yet been implemented in the case of the commitments made by the EU in the agricultural sector, notably with regard to olive oil, because the Council has not adopted the required implementing regulation. Is this situation not likely to harm a partnership that we have been steadfastly trying to encourage?

Answer (8 June 1998)

The proposal for a regulation on olive oil referred to by the Honorable Member was presented by the Commission on 20 February 1998 and adopted by the Council on 27 April 1998.

The Council also wishes to inform the Honorable Member that, following the entry into force of the Association Agreement, the first meeting of the EC/Tunisia Association Council is foreseen to take place during the second semester of 1998.