91998E0745

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0745/98 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (18 March 1998)

Subject: Cheque book eugenics

Will the Commission investigate the policy pursued by the 'Front National' in Vitrolles, whereby white French families are paid FRF 5000 to have a child, in order to ensure that there is no discrimination against citizens of the European Union, in particular black European citizens who have the misfortune to live in Vitrolles?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 April 1998)

The Commission has not received specific complaints concerning racial policies by the authorities of Vitrolles against black European nationals.

Nevertheless, the Commission wishes to highlight that Article 48 of the EC Treaty and Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community ((OJ L 257, 19.10.1968. )) provide for the principle of equal treatment as regards social advantages between nationals and other European workers and the members of their families. Thus, if the authorities of Vitrolles were to refuse child allowances to non-French European workers or to the members of their families while granting them to French nationals, such discrimination would be contrary to Community law. However, the implementation of national legislation, if any, prohibiting racial discrimination is a matter of national competence.

Furthermore, as announced in its recent Action plan against racism, subject to ratification of the Amsterdam Treaty, the Commission intends to make a legislative proposal in this area before the end of 1999.