91997E1863

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1863/97 by Francesco Baldarelli (PSE) to the Council (27 May 1997)

Subject: Plan for Italian fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities

On 29 April 1997, the Council of the Union adopted, on the basis of the Commission proposal (COM(96) 682) ((OJ C 59, 26.2.1997, p. 21. )) and having regard to the opinion delivered by the European Parliament on 24 April 1997, a specific measure to encourage Italian fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities known as spadare (drift-net fishing). In approving the proposal with the amendments adopted, Parliament asked to be reconsulted if the Council made substantial changes to the Commission proposal. The text which was adopted and published in the interinstitutional edition No 96/0308 (CNS) of 28 February 1997 departs significantly and substantially from that proposed by the Commission on which Parliament delivered its opinion: it adds a tenth recital and a second part to Article 5, banning the accumulation and granting of aids deemed unjustified.

Does the Council not consider that these additions:

- are a flagrant breach of Article 43 of the Treaty since they ignore the authority of the Commission and Parliament?

- Undermine the legitimacy of Parliament which delivered its own opinion on a proposal substantially different from that adopted by the Council?

- Clearly conflict with the multi-fund management of Community resources since they deny the legitimate use of the funds intended in particular for Objective 1 regions?

- Call into question the entire diversification measure since they concern the economic part of the plan and actually hinder diversification into other fishing activities which can be financed from Community funds?

Does the Council not also consider that it should reconsult Parliament on the additions or, if necessary, agree to apply the conciliation procedure?

Answer (6 August 1997)

On the basis of a proposal from the Commission, and having received and studied the Opinion delivered by the European Parliament, on 29 April 1997 the Council effectively adopted a specific measure to encourage Italian fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities.

The Council considers that the changes made, further to its proceedings, to the text of the Commission proposal do not depart significantly and substantially from that proposal.

The Council therefore considered that reconsultation of Parliament was not necessary. Furthermore, the Commission did not go along with the amendments suggested by Parliament.