92001E0345

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0345/01

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 February 2001)

Subject: Interference by food distribution companies in political processes

The extraordinary interference by the Swiss food chain Migros in the social developments taking place in the fruit and vegetable-producing region of Almeria, Spain, has provoked a strong negative reaction on the part of local businesses, which have received letters from the well-known Swiss firm threatening to break off business relations unless conditions for immigrants are improved.

Such an unexpected response from a commercial firm to a debate which has already been resolved in the farming region of Almeria, after a number of incidents linked to the assimilation of a particular group of immigrants, risks setting a highly dangerous precedent for interference by commercial companies in certain social and political conflicts which may arise in any of the Community's farming regions.

Does the Commission believe that it should take up a position with a view to preventing interference such as that seen in the case of Migros, which has been acting under the influence of the European Civic Forum, an organisation which seeks to favour the farming interests of the countries of eastern Europe?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2001)

It is clearly not for the Commission to interfere in the commercial decisions of private firms.

Such firms are of course free to apply social, environmental or other ethical considerations to their commercial decisions, including purchasing policy. Indeed, best business practice in this domain is explicitly encouraged by the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, which were reviewed last year, and endorsed by all OECD Members at Ministerial level. The Commission fully supports the promotion of these Guidelines as a means of promoting corporate citizenship.

The Honourable Member will also recall that the institutions are committed to ensuring the fair treatment - economically, socially and culturally - of all third country nationals who reside legally on the territory of Member States, as stated in the Conclusions of the Tampere European Council (October 1999).