91998E2248

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2248/98

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) and Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) to the Commission

(22 July 1998)

Subject: Aid adjustments and the COM in olive oil

Does the most recent reform of the COM in olive oil approved by the Council of Ministers for Agriculture at its meeting in Luxembourg from 22 to 25 June 1998, or any other provision in force, prevent national governments from making adjustments to the aid earmarked for olive oil producers on socioeconomic, employment, environmental or other grounds?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(24 September 1998)

The compromise on olive oil reached by the Council on 25 June 1998 and implemented by Council Regulation (EC) 1638/98 of 20 July 1998 amending Regulation No 136/66/EEC on the common organisation of the markets in oils and fats(1) introduces the most pressing measures to avert the greatest difficulties likely to face farmers and other operators.

More basic measures are planned as from 1 November 2001.

In this context, and in view of the difficulties involved in monitoring different levels of aid for produce in free circulation, no provision has been made for differentiating aid on the basis of different relevant criteria.

Generally speaking, the Commission has proposed to introduce differentiation for all direct aid to producers as part of the Agenda 2000 reforms.

(1) OJ L 210, 28.7.1998.