91996E2791

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2791/96 by Jörn Svensson (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (14 October 1996)

Subject: Derogation from EU rules concerning alcoholic beverages

In the membership negotiations between Sweden and the EU in 1994, Sweden secured a derogation from the EU's rules concerning alcohol imports. For Sweden, the derogation means that any person arriving in Sweden may import only 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of fortified wine, 5 litres of ordinary wine and 15 litres of beer. Recent reports in the Swedish media have suggested that the Commission has adopted an unreasonable attitude towards extending this agreement and that the derogation will not be allowed to become a permanent arrangement.

Is it the Commission's view that a derogation in this area can also have legal validity as far as Sweden is concerned after 1 January 1999?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-479/96 by Mr Gahrton ((OJ C 217, 26.7.1996. )).