51996IP1128

B4-1128/96

Resolution on the grain shortage in Bulgaria

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Europe Association Agreement between the European Union and Bulgaria,

A. whereas Bulgaria is facing a severe economic crisis, characterized by a continuing high level of inflation, a growing rate of unemployment, a steep increase in the cost of living, and a serious crisis in the banking system,

B. whereas, also, owing to an unprecedentedly low grain harvest which was a result, in particular, of the adverse 1995/96 weather conditions, Bulgaria is facing a critical temporary grain shortage, so that large quantities of grain will have to be imported this winter in order to feed the population,

C. emphasizing that the prices of basic food products have sharply increased in Bulgaria and that in particular the socially weak sector of the Bulgarian population, including pensioners and unemployed persons, will face serious nutritional problems this winter,

D. stressing that urgent and direct support from the European Union will help to overcome the most serious problems and will also help to bring about further progress in the process of economic reform and recovery,

1. Stresses that the Europe Association Agreement imposes a moral obligation on the European Union to support the Bulgarian population during the current economic crisis;

2. Urges the Commission and the Council to take the steps needed to launch an emergency support programme to deliver the necessary basic food products to Bulgaria with the aim of overcoming the serious food crisis facing the poorest sections of the Bulgarian population;

3. Invites the Member States to consider the scope for extending bilateral financing and credit facilities or other national schemes for grain deliveries to Bulgaria;

4. Urges the Commission, furthermore, to take the necessary steps to support the Bulgarian Government in overcoming the serious economic crisis facing the country and to back all further moves towards a social market economy;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Bulgarian Government.