91997E4017

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4017/97 by Niels Sindal (PSE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Stowaways

What action is the Commission proposing to take as regards the problems concerning the treatment of stowaways on vessels in European waters?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (27 February 1998)

The Commission is aware of the problem of stowaways, both in the framework of maritime transport policy and of questions which are currently dealt with under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union.

As the proposal on a convention on the monitoring of persons crossing the external frontiers of the Member States ((OJ C 128, 9.5.1994. )) was not adopted by the Council, there are no binding legal provisions on this matter.

When the Treaty of Amsterdam comes into force, questions relating to the crossing of external borders will come under the first pillar, specifically Article 73(2)(a) on the rules and procedures to be applied by Member States when carrying out checks on persons crossing external borders, with the proviso that, during a transitional period of five years following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Council shall act unanimously on a proposal from the Commission or on the initiative of a Member State and after consulting the European Parliament.

Compatibility and consistency with international maritime law must be sought. Specific international rules on stowaways on ships have been established. In this framework, a draft legal instrument aimed at combating illegal immigration by sea routes has been submitted by Italy to the International Maritime Organisation. The Commission is cooperating with the IMO on this matter.