92000E2599

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2599/00

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(1 August 2000)

Subject: Internal market for trotting horses

An internal market for race horses should mean that a Danish horse with a Danish owner should, without hindrance, be able to take part in races in France or Italy and be sold without hin drance by a Danish owner to a French or Italian buyer.

It seems however, that for protectionist reasons France and Italy are placing obstacles in the path of a free internal market by imposing quite extraordinary requirements regarding the horses. They have also both erected obstacles to the free movement of workers by, for example, denying Danish trotting-horse trainers the opportunity to establish themselves on a self-employed basis in those countries.

Does the Commission not agree that Italy and France's actions are in contravention of the EU's competition rules and the concept of free movement in the internal market?

Answer by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(11 October 2000)

The honourable Member has raised several questions concerning the operation of the internal market. On the basis of the information provided, however, the Commission cannot take a final position with regard to the difficulties mentioned nor determine whether they are infringements of the principles that govern the internal market.

The fact is that the difficulties encountered in connection with the cross-border movement of horses may primarily concern the application of veterinary regulations and animal welfare rules regarding their transport.

In addition, the difficulties encountered by Danish racehorse trainers in connection with freedom of establishment should be analysed on the basis of clarification of the reasons for the ban in France or Italy.

The Commission therefore asks the honourable Member to submit more detailed information on the national regulations referred to and the barriers encountered.