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Year
Department
Member
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Answering member
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Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
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Publisher
Type
Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
European Scrutiny Committee
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Audit; Common fisheries policy; Aviation; Computer networks; Cyprus; Enforcement; EU law; International assistance; EU enlargement; European Union; Financial services; Insolvency; Insurance; Internet; EU action; EU external trade; EU labour policy; Fruit; Personal records; Pollution; Passengers; Quality control; Nationality; Marketing; Telecommunications; Training; Taxation; Shipping; Vocational education; Serbia; European Commission; Bosnia and Herzegovina; EU external relations; White fish; Common customs tariffs; Lomé Convention; Cotonou Agreement; Economic partnership agreements; European Training Foundation
Commons Library location
CS 970
Date
14 May 2008
Reference
HC 16-xxi 2007-08
House
House of Commons
The human rights clause in the EU's external agreements. House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/33.
The human rights clause in the EU's external agreements. House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/33.
By
Vaughne Miller
Type
Commons Briefing papers
Subjects
Developing countries; Human rights; European Union; Trade; Trade agreements; Sanctions; European Commission; Zimbabwe; Council of Ministers; EU external relations; ACP countries; Lomé Convention; EU trade
Date
16 April 2004
Reference
RP04-33
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the EU Sugar Regime.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the EU Sugar Regime.
Lead member
Baroness Shephard of Northwold
Answering member
Baroness Quin
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
EU internal trade; EU external trade; Production; Sugar; Common agricultural policy; Quotas; Common sugar regime; Lomé Convention
Date
21 November 2000
Reference
357 c1-23WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of WTO rules on the workings of the Lome Convention. - (Holding answer 2 February 2000).
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of WTO rules on the workings of the Lome Convention. - (Holding answer 2 February 2000).
Asked by
Margaret Ewing
(Scottish National Party)
Answered by
Richard Caborn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 January 2000
For answer on
3 February 2000
Answered on
3 February 2000
Mrs. Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of the impact of WTO rules on
the workings of the Lome Convention. [107468]
Mr. Caborn: [holding answer 2 February 2000]: The Government are aware that the tariff preferences available under the Lome
Convention are incompatible with the rules of the WTO in so far as they discriminate between developing countries and thus require a
waiver from GATT Article I. The current waiver expires in February 2000 along with the Convention itself and will have to be renewed
by agreement with other WTO member governments for the preferences to continue. We strongly support the WTO, which is why we argued
for a new, WTO-compatible approach to EU trade relations with Lome countries after the current Convention expires.
Both the EU and our Lome partners have agreed in principle with this approach, which will enter into force after a transitional
period of eight years, during which time the current trade arrangements will be rolled over, and a new WTO waiver sought for this
rollover period. The Government believe that this approach will give Lome countries the best chance of integrating more fully into
the multilateral trading system, thereby promoting their sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication.
Subjects
World Trade Organization; Lomé Convention
Date
3 February 2000
Reference
107468; 343 c670W
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the European Union Development Fund.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the European Union Development Fund.
Lead member
Tony Worthington
Answering member
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
Department
Department for International Development
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Developing countries; Development aid; European Commission; EU aid; Mediterranean region; Lomé Convention
Date
2 February 2000
Reference
343 c204-27WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what is his policy in respect of ensuring that changes in the Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention do not create further competitive advantages for beet at the expense of cane.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what is his policy in respect of ensuring that changes in the Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention do not create further competitive advantages for beet at the expense of cane.
Asked by
Andrew Hunter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Quin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 January 2000
For answer on
25 January 2000
Answered on
25 January 2000
Mr. Hunter: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of ensuring that changes in the
Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention do not create further competitive advantages for beet at the expense of cane. [105492]
Ms Quin: EU/ACP trade talks are due to conclude next month. They are expected to roll forward the Sugar Protocol for a further eight
years, and to provide for its review by 2008. In any review a major UK policy consideration will be the need for an equitable
outcome for the cane refining sector to maintain its competitive position relative to the beet sugar sector.
Subjects
Trade agreements; Sugar; ACP countries; Cane sugar; Lomé Convention; Sugar beet
Date
25 January 2000
Reference
343 c190W;343 c191W; 105492
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if it is his policy that reforms of the Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention should include measures to provide support for traditional suppliers of cane; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if it is his policy that reforms of the Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention should include measures to provide support for traditional suppliers of cane; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Andrew Hunter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 January 2000
For answer on
20 January 2000
Answered on
20 January 2000
Mr. Hunter: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy that reforms of the Sugar Protocol and Lome
Convention should include measures to provide support for traditional suppliers of cane; and if he will make a statement. [105493]
Mr. Foulkes: I have been asked to reply.
Negotiations on a successor to the Lome Convention between the European Union and the 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
are due to conclude next month. We expect the present trade arrangements to be extended during a transition period from 2000 to
2008. After that date, new trade arrangements will enter into force. The Sugar Protocol will roll forward unchanged but will be
reviewed before the end of the transition period. We would assess the need for support measures at the time of, and within the
context of, the Review of the Sugar Protocol. We recognise the importance of the sugar trade to the economies of many ACP States,
and our Department has commissioned research work to consider the consequences of possible reforms of the Sugar Protocol. The work
is at an early stage, but it clearly indicates that some countries will face adjustment problems. In the time up to the Review it
remains vitally important that the ACP continue their own efforts to improve their competitiveness.
Subjects
Reform; Sugar; Reviews; Trade agreements; ACP countries; Lomé Convention
Date
20 January 2000
Reference
342 c577W;342 c575W; 105493
House
House of Commons
What was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 11 November. [HL 142].
What was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 11 November. [HL 142].
Asked by
Lord Gladwin of Clee
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Amos
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 December 1999
Answered on
13 December 1999
Subjects
Developing countries; Development aid; Environment protection; International assistance; Humanitarian aid; Forestry; Duty free allowances; Poverty; Trade; EU aid; East Timor; ACP countries; Lomé Convention; Burundi; EC Development Council
Date
13 December 1999
Reference
HL 142; 608 c1-3WA
House
House of Lords
Statement on what was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 11th November; and if he will make a statement.
Statement on what was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 11th November; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Clare Short
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 November 1999
For answer on
24 November 1999
Answered on
24 November 1999
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the outcome of the Development Council held in
Brussels on 11 November; and if he will make a statement. [98508]
Clare Short: Poul Nielson, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, addressed the Council for the first time. He set
out five priorities for future EC development co-operation: increased focus on the poorest countries; improved effectiveness of EC
assistance; greater complementarity with the work of other donors and greater coherence with other EC policies; better linkages
between emergency aid, rehabilitation and development; and building greater public support for EC assistance.
The Council then discussed forestry, climate change and the integration of environmental issues into EC development policies. The UK
stressed the need to focus on the International Development Target for the environment and to engage developing countries in the
environmental agenda. The UK stated that the poor, who were dependent on environmental resources, should be placed at the centre of
the discussion, and that this would help to build developing country support. The Commission said it would provide more
environmental training for its staff. The Council adopted a resolution on forestry, conclusions on climate change and a report on
environmental integration. The conclusions include a call on the Commission to prepare a strategy to integrate the environment into
development co-operation. The Helsinki European Council in December will make an overall assessment of progress in integrating the
environment into EC policies, as requested by the Vienna European Council last year.
Next, the Council discussed progress in the ACP-EU negotiations on a successor to the current Lome Convention, which expires on 29
February 2000. Most member states, including the UK, favoured a compromise suggested by the Commission on how to raise the profile
of good governance in the new Convention. All member states except Spain supported agreement based on a Presidency non-paper on
trade, which would ensure that ACP countries retained, at the very least, their current levels of access to EU markets. This is a
key UK concern. The UK stressed the importance of ensuring that the agreement on trade would be granted a WTO waiver. Following a
request from the UK, the Commission undertook to bring forward proposals to meet the commitment to improve duty free access for the
least developed countries by the end of the next Trade Round. There was a discussion of the ninth European Development Fund (EDF9),
which will fund the new Convention. The UK pointed out that evaluations had shown the poor quality of past EDFs, and called for
specific proposals for improvement to be brought forward next year. Discussions will continue at a meeting between ACP and EU
Ministers on 7-8 December.
The Council adopted conclusions on East Timor which invited the Commission to respond in an appropriate and timely manner to the
United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for the East Timor crisis; and to present, as soon as possible, a detailed programme
of assistance to support the reconstruction of East Timor.
The Council then discussed the evaluation of EC development programmes. The Commission said that it would soon produce a detailed
Action Plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the global evaluation of EC aid and the Council conclusions on
evaluation of May 1999. The Commission outlined its plan for improving the effectiveness of EC aid, which included improving and
simplifying procedures, and introducing a more rigorous monitoring system. An overall EC development policy statement would be
presented to the Council and European Parliament in February 2000. The UK emphasised the importance of this statement, and that it
must focus on the International Development Targets, have clear and measurable objectives, follow a wide process of consultation,
and address coherence issues and aid untying. The Commission agreed to report in detail on the Action Plan and statement at the next
Council in May 2000. Procedural conclusions committing the Council to follow up the evaluation of humanitarian aid were adopted
without discussion.
The Council discussed operational co-ordination, complementarity and coherence. Most member states had agreed that co-ordination
between their overseas offices and EC delegations had improved. Luxembourg called for the Commission to set up a system in
co-operation with member states to deter NGOs from illegally seeking double funding. The Commission replied that it was for national
authorities to deal with such cases of fraud; a further layer of bureaucracy was not the answer. The Development Council agreed that
its decisions on policy coherence were not being implemented by other Council's. The Commission agreed to produce a list of policies
which would benefit from greater coherence for other Council formations to consider.
Under Other Business, the Commission agreed to examine a French request to resume broader financial support for Burundi. The UK
presented a case for more aid to strengthen statistical capacity in developing countries, and urged member states to send strong
delegations to the OECD meeting in Paris on 18-19 November. At lunch Belgium called for support to improve the capacity of
developing countries to engage with the WTO. The UK, with support from several other member states, then spoke on the importance of
improving the poverty focus of EC development assistance, which was worse than that of all other significant donors. The UK urged
the Commission to produce a paper on how it would increase the proportion of spending on low income countries. The Commission said
that poverty focus was difficult to achieve, but that it would produce a paper by next Spring. Finally, the Commission called for
suggestions for discussion at the EU-Africa summit in April.
Subjects
Developing countries; Development aid; Environment protection; International assistance; Humanitarian aid; Forestry; Duty free allowances; Poverty; Trade; EU aid; East Timor; ACP countries; Lomé Convention; Burundi; EC Development Council
Date
24 November 1999
Reference
339 c129-31W; 98508
House
House of Commons
Type
Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
Committee on Standards and Privileges
Notes
Received 30.11.99
Subjects
Banks; Conflict of interests; Business interests; House of Commons; Members' interests; Select committees; Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; Bananas; Belize; International Development Committee; Lomé Convention; Wells, Bowen
Commons Library location
CS 616;PCC 172.2 Nov 1999,P
Date
24 November 1999
Reference
HC 39 1999/2000
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Carter
(Labour)
Asked by
Viscount Waverley
(Crossbench)
Type
Oral answers to questions
Whether the United States legal challenge to the European Unions preferential tariff regime for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) banana producers (Lome Convention) is compatible with United States subsidies to their agricultural exporters.
Subjects
Agriculture; Exports; Drugs; EU external trade; Farmers; Trade; Subsidies; USA; Bananas; ACP countries; Lomé Convention
Date
2 November 1999
Reference
606 c716-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Whether the United States legal challenge to the European Unions preferential tariff regime for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) banana producers (Lome Convention) is compatible with United States subsidies to their agricultural exporters.
Whether the United States legal challenge to the European Unions preferential tariff regime for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) banana producers (Lome Convention) is compatible with United States subsidies to their agricultural exporters.
Asked by
Viscount Waverley
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Carter
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
2 November 1999
Answered on
2 November 1999
Subjects
Agriculture; Exports; Drugs; EU external trade; Farmers; Trade; Subsidies; USA; Bananas; ACP countries; Lomé Convention
Date
2 November 1999
Reference
606 c716-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
How they would interpret the word 'review' in the context of the Sugar Protocol in 2004; and whether they will oppose any renegotiation of the Protocol at that time. [HL 4255].
How they would interpret the word 'review' in the context of the Sugar Protocol in 2004; and whether they will oppose any renegotiation of the Protocol at that time. [HL 4255].
Asked by
Lord Moynihan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Scotland of Asthal
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
1 November 1999
Answered on
1 November 1999
Subjects
Sugar; Reviews; Trade agreements; Lomé Convention
Date
1 November 1999
Reference
HL 4255; 606 c69WA
House
House of Lords
Whether they are committed to retaining current market access for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) sugar post 2005. [HL 4252].
Whether they are committed to retaining current market access for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) sugar post 2005. [HL 4252].
Asked by
Lord Moynihan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Scotland of Asthal
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
1 November 1999
Answered on
1 November 1999
Subjects
Trade; Sugar; ACP countries; Common sugar regime; Lomé Convention
Date
1 November 1999
Reference
HL 4252; 606 c69WA
House
House of Lords
Whether, in the context of the Lome Agreement and its anticipated successor, Regional Economic Partnership Agreements will be suitable for all African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries covered by the agreement. [HL 4253].
Whether, in the context of the Lome Agreement and its anticipated successor, Regional Economic Partnership Agreements will be suitable for all African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries covered by the agreement. [HL 4253].
Asked by
Lord Moynihan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Amos
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
26 October 1999
Answered on
26 October 1999
Subjects
Trade; ACP countries; Lomé Convention; Economic partnership agreements
Date
26 October 1999
Reference
HL 4253; 606 c15WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department has taken to promote the inclusion of Somalia within the ACP group of countries for development purposes; what steps her Department has taken to raise the issue of Somalia with the European Union and ACP group of...
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department has taken to promote the inclusion of Somalia within the ACP group of countries for development purposes; what steps her Department has taken to raise the issue of Somalia with the European Union and ACP group of...
Asked by
Alan Campbell
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 July 1999
For answer on
21 July 1999
Answered on
21 July 1999
Subjects
Developing countries; European Union; Treaties; Somalia; ACP countries; Lomé Convention
Date
21 July 1999
Reference
335 c521W;335 c523W; 91928;91927
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps are being taken to secure representation for Somalia in the negotiations on the successor to the Lome Convention.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps are being taken to secure representation for Somalia in the negotiations on the successor to the Lome Convention.
Asked by
Baroness Michie of Gallanach
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 July 1999
For answer on
14 July 1999
Answered on
14 July 1999
Mrs. Ray Michie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken to secure representation for
Somalia in the negotiations on the successor to the Lome Convention. [91090]
Mr. Foulkes: Somalia does not have a government and is not formally represented in the negotiations on a new convention. However, we
are concerned that the Somali people should be able to benefit from Lome. As part of the negotiations, we are therefore considering,
with our EU partners, how to take account of countries like Somalia, who are members of the Lome family but are not able to sign or
ratify any future agreement. We are pressing hard to ensure that an equitable solution is reached.
Subjects
European Union; Treaties; Somalia; Lomé Convention
Date
14 July 1999
Reference
91090; 335 c224W
House
House of Commons
Type
Treaties;
Command papers
Author
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Laid on
30 June 1999
Coming into force
1 June 1998
Notes
Received 30.06.99
Subjects
Developing countries; European Union; ACP countries; Lomé Convention; EU trade
Date
30 June 1999
Reference
Cm 4383;Treaty 37 (1999)
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will itemise and state the value of (i) aid and (ii) trade preferences provided, respectively by the United Kingdom and the European Union for (a) Trinidad and Tobago, (b) Jamaica and (c) each of the other Caribbean Commonwealth countries...
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will itemise and state the value of (i) aid and (ii) trade preferences provided, respectively by the United Kingdom and the European Union for (a) Trinidad and Tobago, (b) Jamaica and (c) each of the other Caribbean Commonwealth countries...
Asked by
Gerald Kaufman
(Labour)
Answered by
Clare Short
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
14 June 1999
Answered on
14 June 1999
Mr. Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will itemise and state the value of (i) aid and (ii)
trade preferences provided, respectively by the United Kingdom and the European Union, for (a) Trinidad and Tobago, (b) Jamaica and
(c) each of the other Caribbean Commonwealth countries which have the penalty of capital punishment. [86408]
Clare Short: Net figures for official development assistance (oda) provided in 1997 (the latest year for which full figures are
available) to those Commonwealth Caribbean Countries which retain statutory provision for capital punishment are as follows:
£ million
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
UK EC
Antigua and Barbuda 0.3 0.8
Barbados 0.3 3.5
Belize 1.0 2.7
Dominica 5.2 -0.4
Guyana 91.9 4.0
Jamaica -2.9 45.6
St. Kitts and Nevis 0.2 0.8
St. Lucia 1.4 6.9
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 0.2 0.1
Trinidad and Tobago 0.4 20.4
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Note: Negative figures are the result of repayments on past oda loans. The UK oda figure for Guyana is particularly high because of
a large debt relief payment made in 1997.
As with other non-EU members of the Lome Convention, the Caribbean benefits from Lome trade preferences including those relating to
commodities. It would not be possible to quantify the value of these preferences to the countries in question without
disproportionate cost.
Subjects
Commonwealth; Development aid; Capital punishment; Overseas trade; EU aid; Caribbean; Lomé Convention
Date
14 June 1999
Reference
86408; 333 c47-8W;333 c48W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 26th and 27th April; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.
Statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 26th and 27th April; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Quin
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 April 1999
For answer on
4 May 1999
Answered on
4 May 1999
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council
held in Luxembourg on 26 and 27 April; and if he will make a statement. [82684]
Ms Quin: I attended the General Affairs Council on 26 April and the Association Councils on 27 April, in Luxembourg. The Council
adopted the A points listed in document 7517/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament
in its sessions of 22-23 March, listed in document 6450/99, and 12-16 April. Copies of the documents listing the A points and
resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.
Western Balkans
The Council expressed its strong and continuing support for maximum pressure on Milosevic's regime to accept the international
community's five demands and stop the brutal campaign of torture, forced deportation and murder in Kosovo. It reaffirmed the EU's
commitment to contributed fully to the humanitarian effort to relieve the plight of the refugees displaced by Milosevic's policy.
Following the adoption of a Common Position for an EU oil embargo against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) on 23 April, the
Council agreed to extend the existing EU sanctions regime in the following ways: a travel ban on Milosevic, his government, senior
officials and their families, and on other persons close to the regime; extension of the scope of the freeze of funds; prohibition
on private sector provision of export finance in addition to the existing ban on government financed export credit support;
extension of the investment ban; widening the scope of the prohibition on the export of equipment for internal repression, and its
extension to include goods, services, technology and equipment for the purpose of restoring/repairing assets damaged in the air
strikes; discouragement of Member States and sporting organisations from organising sporting events with the FRY; and imposition of
a comprehensive flight ban between the EU and the FRY.
The Council also reiterated its strong support for Montenegro, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). It
welcomed the intention of the European Commission to examine urgently the upgrading of relations between the EU and Albania and the
EU and FYROM towards an Association Agreement.
The Council adopted a separate declaration in support of Romania and Bulgaria and agreed to continue work on a possible stability
pact for South Eastern Europe.
East Timor
The Portuguese Foreign Minister briefed the Council on the latest round of tripartite talks on East Timor in New York (22-23 April)
which concluded that the East Timorese would be consulted on their future status on 8 August. The Irish Foreign Minister also
briefed the Council on his recent visit to East Timor.
The Council reiterated its concern at the continuing violence in East Timor and reminded the Indonesian Government of its obligation
to maintain security in the territory. The Council asked its relevant bodies and the Commission to consider urgently possible
measures to support the consultation process, provide humanitarian assistance, and develop economic and social programmes for the
East Timorese.
Niger
The Council agreed that the assassination of President Bare of Niger on 9 April constituted a breach of the essential elements of
the Lome Convention, and that Article 366a procedure should be set in motion. This may lead to the full or partial suspension of
co-operation with Niger under the Lome Convention.
Statute for Members of the European Parliament
The Council reached agreement on a Statute for MEPs. The main elements of the package are: a monthly gross salary of 5,677.22 euro
for all MEPs paid by the Community and annually updated in line with inflation; salary to be subject to Community taxation, with an
option for Member States to impose an additional top-up national tax; reimbursement of expenses actually incurred in the performance
of Parliamentary duties, duly justified by the presentation of invoices; new Community pension scheme; social security provision;
and a publicly available Register of MEP's interests.
The text will now be transmitted to the European Parliament for approval. We hope the Statute can enter into force on 20 July, when
the new European Parliament meets.
Implementation of the Amsterdam Treaty
The Presidency presented a paper on work in progress to prepare for entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty. There was some
discussion on ECJ preparations for the new Treaty and Commission plans to implement the new data protection and transparency
provisions.
Implementation of the Schengen Protocol
The Council gave political agreement to the draft decisions defining and determining a legal base for the Schengen acquis, subject
to any technical amendments necessary as a result of the Schengen Executive Committee meeting on 28 April. The Council also approved
the draft Schengen/Norway and Iceland agreement, the draft rules of procedure of the Norway/ Iceland Mixed Committee and the draft
decision on arrangements for implementing the Norway/Iceland agreement.
Russia: Common Strategy
The Council considered preparation of the EU Common Strategy on Russia and welcomed the progress made. It agreed to take work
forward so that the Common Strategy could be adopted at the Cologne European Council on 3-4 June.
EU/US Relations
There was discussion of current EU/US trade disputes. Sir Leon Brittan reported on his discussions in Washington on the bananas,
hormones and hushkits disputes. On bananas, the Council welcomed the WTO's decision considerably to reduce US sanctions against the
EU, and underlined the importance of fully respecting the WTO's rulings without delay. The Council invited the Commission to submit
proposals for amending the banana regime by the end of May. On hormones, the Council urged the Commission to intensify its
negotiations with the US and Canada with a view to reaching agreement on a compensation package and future possible options for the
labelling of meat from hormone-treated cattle. On hushkits, the Council underlined the importance of quickly reaching a mutually
satisfactory solution with the US on this issue.
Burma
The Council renewed the Common Position on Burma for a further six months, expressing its deep concern at continuing human rights
violations and repression of the democratic opposition in Burma. It called again on the Burmese regime to take early and concrete
steps towards democracy, respect for human rights, and national reconciliation.
Co-operation Council with Ukraine
The Ukrainians described recent developments in the economic situation and noted the need for suitable arrangements for Ukraine's
free trade arrangements with Poland and Estonia post enlargement. There was also discussion about the closure of Chernobyl, Justice
and Home Affairs issues and Kosovo.
Association Councils
Following the GAC there were successful meetings of the Association Councils with Slovakia, Romania and Estonia on 27 April. They
took stock of the preparations for EU membership, and considered the operation of the Europe Agreements. Over lunch the participants
discussed Kosovo, Russia and relations with neighbouring countries, including regional co-operation--this included Black Sea
Economic Co-operation, Moldova and the Northern dimension.
South Africa
The Commission expects to have its proposal to allow signature of the EU/South Africa Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement
ready in May. The Commission noted that the majority of Member States want a mixed Agreement.
Twinning
The Commission announced that internal problems which have caused delays in paying pre-accession advisers funded under the EU
twinning programme with candidate countries in Central Europe have been solved. The Commission anticipate that 80 to 100 advisers
will be in place in the candidate countries by the end of the year.
Subjects
Compensation; Bulgaria; Armed conflict; Canada; European Parliament; Labelling; EU action; EU justice and home affairs; Oil; Meat; Refugees; Romania; South Africa; USA; Slovakia; Treaty of Amsterdam; Sanctions; Schengen Agreement; Town twinning; Balkans; Albania; Myanmar; Russia; Yugoslavia; Kosovo; Ukraine; World Trade Organization; EU external relations; East Timor; Bananas; Niger; North Macedonia; EU Foreign Affairs Council; Luxembourg; Montenegro; Moldova; Lomé Convention
Date
4 May 1999
Reference
330 c341-3W;330 c334-7W; 82684
House
House of Commons