92001E3671

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3671/01

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

(14 January 2002)

Subject: Activities impairing lorry traffic in the border region between Finland and Russia

Finland has some 1 300 km of border with the Russian Federation. There are many crossing places, and international trade across this border which is at present the only border between the EU and Russia is gratifyingly brisk.

Unfortunately, Finnish lorry drivers are increasingly becoming the victims of excessive charging, blackmail and robbery in Russia. In addition, this year has seen a more refined form of charging: Russian customs have founded their own companies which offer escort services to drivers. In all cases the use of these services has been compulsory if the drivers wanted to continue their journey, in other words to do their own job.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to curb this illegal activity at the EU's external border and to enable Finnish haulage firms to do their work in peace and unhindered by criminal activities?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2002)

The Commission is aware of many customs related problems occurring on the Finish-Russian border including the problem the Honourable Member has raised concerning the escorting of lorries. It is worrying to note the problems relating to the extortion of money from drivers of lorries. As to the alleged involvement of the customs services of the Russian Federation, it should be noted that it is not per se problematic for the Customs services to offer escort services when this is appropriate. However, charges should not be excessive and the use of such services should be limited as much as possible, which according to your information may not be the case here.

The problems at the Finnish-Russian border will be discussed with the Russian authorities under the regular meetings in the framework of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The Customs and Cross-border cooperation (CBC) Sub-Committee took place in Moscow on 28/2/2002, and the issue you have raised was discussed. The Commission is currently considering whether any further action is necessary, but the Commission will continue to rely on the Member States and the Honourable Member to keep it informed of any developments.