92000E2269

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2269/00

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 July 2000)

Subject: Insurance in Russia

According to information obtained from the Finnish authorities, the Russian authorities are requiring Finnish nationals travelling in their country to take out special insurance with Russian insurance firms and do not recognise travel insurance taken out with firms operating in the European Union. This principle is directly contrary international insurance conventions and causes unjustifiable harm to Finnish nationals travelling in Russia.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to place pressure on the Russian government to halt its arbitrary action with regard to the validity of insurance?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2000)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member about the new Russian requirement on travel insurance under Regulation No 1488 of the Russian Federation.

The Commission raised this issue at the Union-Russia subcommittee on trade and industry, when it last met in Moscow on 9-10 March 2000. The Russian response was that it had been introduced on the basis of reciprocity in view of analogous requirements in force in the Schengen countries vis-à-vis Russian travellers.

The Commission is continuing to examine this matter, including the implications for international insurance conventions, and is also checking Member States' practice with regard to travel insurance. The Commission may raise the question again at forthcoming meetings with Russia.