51996IP0173

B4-0173, 0257 and 0258/96

Resolution on the crisis in the EU salmon market

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the crisis in the salmon sector, in particular its resolution of 15 December 1995 ((Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 20.)),

- having regard to Chapter 4, Articles 112 - 114 of the EEA Agreement entitled 'Safeguard Measures', which was the legal basis used for the introduction of a minimum import price on 15 December 1995,

A. whereas the dumping of Norwegian salmon on the European market, which has been going on since 1989, has resulted in price instability in the EU salmon market with a knock-on effect on other fish products throughout the European Union,

B. whereas evidence called for by the Commission shows that the minimum import price introduced under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2907/95 of 15 December 1995 making the release for free circulation of salmon of EEA origin conditional upon observance of a floor price ((OJ L 304, 16.12.1995, p. 38.)) has failed to halt the continued decline in the price of salmon,

C. whereas imports of Norwegian salmon into the European Union remain high,

D. whereas the price of salmon on the market is now even lower than the minimum import price,

E. whereas Norwegian salmon production is set to increase further in 1996,

F. whereas salmon production, in particular in Scotland and Ireland, is a vital source of employment, particularly in many rural and peripheral maritime areas; whereas price stability is essential for the future of the industry,

G. whereas the crisis in the salmon aquaculture industry has been a recurring theme for many years which has never been adressed in a comprehensive way,

1. Calls on the Commission to acknowledge that the imposition of a minimum import price has failed in its aim of restabilising the EU salmon market;

2. Calls on the Commission to take urgent action to restore market stability by introducing quantitative restrictions on EU imports of Norwegian salmon, in accordance with the provisions of the EEA Agreement on 'Safeguard Measures';

3. Calls on the Commission to work with the industry in the European Union and the Norwegian authorities to seek longer term stability for salmon production;

4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Norwegian Government.