(2004/C 65 E/247)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2842/03

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 September 2003)

Subject:   Introduction of deposit system for beverage packagings in Germany

Is the Commission aware of the leaked report by the independent German institute Prognos concerning the impact of the introduction in Germany of a deposit system for non-returnable beverage packagings (cost: up to EUR 1,2 billion and nearly 10 000 jobs)?

Does the Commission conclude from this that even greater efforts are needed to improve or secure the abolition of the German deposit system?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2003)

The Commission's position on the German deposit system was explained in the replies given by the Commission on 3 July 2003 to Written Question E-1549/03 by Mr Manders (1) and on 29 August 2003 to Written Question E-2519/03 by the Honourable Member and Mrs Grossetête (2). Currently, measures are being prepared in Germany to introduce a return and collection system for one-way packaging affected by the German deposit system. The Commission is closely monitoring this process. The study mentioned by the Honourable Member will be taken into account in the assessment of the German system. Based on the results of this assessment, the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate action to ensure compliance with Community law.

(1)  OJ C 11 E, 15.1.2004, p. 192.

(2)  OJ C 33 E, 6.2.2004, p. 267.