(2004/C 78 E/0464)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2916/03

by Marianne Thyssen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 September 2003)

Subject:   Community financial assistance for transnational producer organisations

Regulation (EC) 2200/96 (1) provides for Community financial assistance for producer organisations on condition that they have established an operational programme and set up an operational fund.

Operational funds are financed from producer contributions and Community assistance representing a maximum 4,1 % of the producer organisation's sales. The funding ratio is 50 %: 50 % in the case of national measures. That means that in such cases the operational fund represents a maximum 8,2 % of sales.

In the case of transnational measures the funding ratio is 60 %: 40 %. However, a problem arises here in so far as the percentage of assistance remains fixed at a maximum 4,1 %. That means in effect that the operational fund is restricted in the case of transnational cooperation, although it is precisely such cooperation that the regulation seeks to promote.

Does the Commission recognise this problem? If so, will it very shortly be taking measures to rectify this contradiction in the legislation by permitting a derogation from the maximum percentage of assistance of 4,1 % in the case of transnational producer organisations?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2003)

In line with the commitments it has made to Parliament in particular the Commission has already devoted a great deal of attention to simplifying and clarifying the implementing rules for common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables.

It has, in close consultation with Member States and interested parties, identified a number of problems to be tackled, including that raised by the Honourable Member, who correctly states that the present 4,1 % aid ceiling often makes it difficult in practice to apply a Community part-financing rate of 60 %.

The Commission is reflecting on possible solutions. The budgetary implications of various options will be examined and the budget neutrality requirement reflected in the proposal for amendment of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 (2) that the Commission will be making to the Council in furtherance of the ongoing process of simplifying this particular market organisation.

Simplification will be carried out as quickly as the work programme of the Institutions involved permits.

(1)  OJ L 297, 21.11.1996, p. 1.

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the markets in fruit and vegetables.