92003E0728

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0728/03

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(11 March 2003)

Subject: Prestige: Community financial aid

On 19 December 2002 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on safety at sea and measures to alleviate the effects of the Prestige disaster. Paragraph 11 reads:

Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to consider using all the necessary financial instruments to tackle the economic, social and environmental consequences of the wreck of the Prestige and assist the economic sectors affected.

What measures has the Commission taken or does it intend to take?

What percentage does the total Community aid granted represent of the total estimated amount of damage and prejudice caused by the Prestige?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 April 2003)

From the outset of the break up of the tanker Prestige on 19 November 2002, the Commission has been actively engaged in the provision of assistance and in the adoption of measures to alleviate the damage caused by its sinking.

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission Communication Report to the European Council on action to deal with the effects of the Prestige disaster(1) adopted on 5 March 2003. This report gives a comprehensive account of the Commission's co-ordinated response to the Prestige accident.

(1) COM(2003) 105 final.