92000E0352

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0352/00

by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Subject: Italian economic initiative in Serbia

The Saturday, 22 January 2000 edition of the Italian newspaper La Stampa carried the following report: Italian firms are breaking the NATO embargo on Serbia Italian-made goods on sale in Belgrade From February, a range of products will be available in the telecommunications, metallurgy, food and clothing sectors. The Consorzio Europeo Italia comprises not only Italian but also French firms: Paladini, Bigelli Marmi, Santo Galeazzi Pagassus, Bulbarelli, Atb, Elf Aquitaine, Cacciamali, Samco, Inside International, Il Ponte, Ato Findley and Fineca. The sectors covered range from food to metallurgy, telecommunications and furniture (mldr)

Does the Commission not consider that the economic initiative in question flies in the face of the decisions taken by the European Union and confirmed at the meeting of Monday, 24 January 2000, at which the EU Foreign ministers decided to maintain intact the economic sanctions imposed on the government in Belgrade? What action do the President of the Commission and the Commissioner responsible for competition policy intend to take in their respective fields to oppose any initiative that breaks the embargo on the Miloseviç regime, while also protecting the market and competition from triangular economic and commercial operations that infringe Community rules?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2000)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1294/1999 of 15 June 1999 concerning a freeze of funds and a ban on investment in relation to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1295/98 and (EC) No 1607/98(1) concerns a prohibition to make funds available to the governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and that of the Republic of Serbia.

The initiative of Consorzio Europeo Italia is said to be intended to promote the sale of Italian and other Community products, in a tax free zone near Belgrade, primarily to customers from Russia, Ukraine and Byelorussia, who would need visas for Italy but not for Yugoslavia.

The Commission and the Italian authorities are currently examining whether the above mentioned initiative, which is apparently not yet implemented to date, would result in investments in the Republic of Serbia or funds being made available to the governments mentioned above and will keep the matter under review.

(1) OJ L 153, 19.6.1999.