92001E1505

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1505/01

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(11 May 2001)

Subject: Quebec agreement and EU Mercosur relations

Several days ago an agreement was signed in Quebec with a view to the creation of a free trade area covering all of the countries of America.

Will the Commission say what the implications of this agreement will be for political and trade relations between the European Union and Mercosur?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 2001)

The Quebec Summit did not lead to speeding up the integration process of the Americas, as had been expected beforehand. Rather it limited itself to confirming the scenario established at the Santiago de Chile Summit (free trade by 1 January 2006). At the Summit the challenges of this process became clear obtaining fast track authority; the opening of the American agricultural market; harmonisation of the differing interests of 34 countries; environmental and labour questions, etc.

The Community is the main investor, main commercial partner and the most important donor for the Southern common market (Mercosur) countries. The negotiations between the Community and Mercosur go far beyond mere trade issues. Negotiations are proceeding at their own speed without any interference from the American integration process.