WRITTEN QUESTION E-2781/02

by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 October 2002)

Subject: Kaliningrad and the protection of the Union's financial interests

The European Commission is negotiating with the Russian authorities on relations with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The enclave lies between two applicant countries for accession to the European Union. As a result of its unique position, it represents a risk to the financial interests of the Union.

1. Does the Commission recognise that Kaliningrad represents a potential risk to the financial interests of the Union as a result of its geographical situation?

2. Has the Commission examined these risks? If so, what risks has the Commission identified?

3. What measures is the Commission taking to protect the financial interests of the Union as effectively as possible in relation to Kaliningrad?

4. Can the Commission guarantee that in its negotiations with the Russian authorities on Kaliningrad the protection of the financial interests of the Union will not be undermined and that it is proceeding on the basis of the principle that the level of protection of financial interests should be at least as high as in the current EU15?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2002)

The Commission considers it to be in the general interests of the Union financial, economic, environmental, and security to ensure that the problems of Kaliningrad do not threaten the stability, prosperity or security of an enlarged Union. For this reason, the Commission is actively providing, in cooperation with the Russian authorities, assistance to promote the economic and social development of Kaliningrad, including assistance targeted at areas including improved border management, combatting environmental pollution and tackling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/aquired immunodeficiency syndrom(AIDs).

The Commission also considers that enhanced Union/Russia cooperation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs, particularly joint work to prevent trans-border crime, smuggling and illegal migration, will be important to ensure that the management of the future common border will pose no threat to the Union's interests.

In recent discussions on the subject of Kaliningrad, the Russian Federation has focussed on the issue of visas. The Commission submitted a Communication on 18 September 2002 stating that any solution to the issue of transit of persons and goods to and from Kaliningrad must fully respect the acquis and the sovereignty of the new Member States.