WRITTEN QUESTION P-2928/02

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(10 October 2002)

Subject: Temporary support for Dutch shipbuilding

It was reported in Dagblad van het Noorden on 5 October 2002 that Between 60 and 80 jobs are to be lost at Centraalstaal in Groningen. This amply demonstrates the plight of northern shipbuilding. Since the beginning of this year, at least 400 jobs have already been lost in this sector, where 7 000 people are employed. The latest restructuring is taking place at Centraalstaal, which produces prefabricated steel and aluminium plating for ships.

The Netherlands Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr Heinsbroek, has so far refused to adopt any temporary support measures, although the industry in question is suffering badly and European and national protection are badly needed. Will the Commission as a matter of urgency draw the Minister's attention to the fact that it was agreed within the EU earlier this year with the full support of the European Parliament that Member States could adopt temporary support measures against unfair competition from Korea (among other countries).

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2002)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1177/2002 of 27 June 2002 concerning a temporary defensive mechanism to shipbuilding(1) (the TDM) is one part of the Commission's twin-track strategy against unfair Korean practices in the shipbuilding sector.

Under the terms of Article 2 of the TDM, aid may only be authorised for final contracts signed after notice is given in the Official Journal that dispute settlement proceedings against Korea have been initiated.

The Notice indicating that the Commission had launched the WTO action against Korea was published in the Official Journal on 24 October 2002(2). Accordingly, aid may now be authorised in line with the provisions of the TDM.

The Dutch Government participated fully in the negotiation of the TDM and is fully aware of its content. The Commission would emphasise that the question of whether or not aid is to be granted under the TDM is a matter for the appropriate authorities of the Member States. It is not the Commission's role to encourage Member States to grant aid, but to ensure that any aid granted is in line with the TDM's provisions.

(1) OJ L 172, 2.7.2002.

(2) OJ C 257, 24.10.2002