92000E0405

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0405/00

by Pasqualina Napoletano (PSE) to the Commission

(9 February 2000)

Subject: Commission-funded mission for the reform of the Albanian customs system

A few days ago Mrs Natalina Cea, head of the mission sent, with Commission funding, to Albania to reform that country's customs system, said that she would be leaving her job, which she has performed in a highly professional, committed and courageous manner over the past three years.

The mission, which has overhauled the Albanian customs system, has been a success: it has brought about an extremely substantial increase in customs revenue and played a decisive role in the redrafting of Albanian customs law.

However, Mrs Cea has drawn attention to a general climate of intimidation and obstruction during her work in Albania.

The Italian Customs Service, from which Mrs Cea was seconded, has actively supported and praised Mrs Cea's work as head of mission. In response to her request, it has forwarded a proposal for her replacement to the Commission, thus confirming its commitment to continuing with the difficult task of combating illegal activities and stepping up the fight against crime.

Given the above, would the Commission:

1. state its views on what is happening in Albania in this extremely delicate area of cooperation;

2. not agree that the mission should be strengthened and actively supported, not least in view of the problems experienced to date;

3. not agree that, given the commitment which the Italian Customs Service has shown and the experience which it has gained in this area, it should continue to maintain close links with that service and should therefore give priority to its nominee for Mrs Cea's replacement, with a view to ensuring that the mission can continue to operate in an effective manner?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2000)

1. Following the 1997 crisis, the Customs Assistance Mission to Albania was set up in June of that year to support extensive reforms in the Albanian customs service, near to total collapse at the time, and guarantee improvements in the revenue collected for the state budget (two-thirds of budget revenue being obtained from customs duties). This objective was achieved rapidly and the collection of customs revenue has since continued satisfactorily. Far-reaching reforms have been introduced, notably a new customs code in 1999 and an action plan for the customs service. The person mentioned by the Honourable Member filled the post of head of the customs assistance mission.

The Director-General of the Customs and Indirect Taxation department of Italy's Ministry of Finance has notified the Commission that it wishes to reinstate the person concerned in the department.

2. The Commission believes that this work needs to be continued and adapted to the future needs expressed by the Albanian Government. The establishment of a stable administrative structure for customs is a prerequisite for Albania's participation in the stabilisation process and for association with the Union.

3. One factor critical to the effectiveness of any assistance mission is that it is staffed with a competent team. The selection of the new head of mission will be done by means of a procedure based on the professional qualifications of candidates suited to the special circumstances now prevailing in Albania.