92002E0420

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0420/02

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 February 2002)

Subject: Package of measures to reduce live animal exports

EU livestock export refunds have been repeatedly criticised for encouraging the transport of live animals to non-Community countries under horrific conditions.

What measures is the Commission prepared to adopt to reduce, and in the longer term abolish, the export of live animals to non-Community countries?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0418/02 and E-0420/02given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2002)

The total amount of export refunds paid in 2001 for livestock exports was 44,4 million(1). In recent years subsidies paid for cattle traded for slaughtering were reduced significantly from 60,50/100 kilogram (kg) (in 1999) to 41,00/100 kg (32 %). The export refund for breeding cattle was reduced from 63,00/100kg to 53,00/100 kg (16 %).

Concerning the measures to reduce live animal exports, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-0480/02 by Mr de Rossa(2). (It should be noted that the report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on the welfare of animals during transport was adopted on 11 March 2002.)

(1) Based upon licences requested for Gatt year 2000/2001.

(2) OJ C 160 E, 4.7.2002, p. 220.