Strasbourg, 04/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission made its choice: it proposed that the EU modify its import system for bananas by introducing (with modifications) the "first come first served" system, in the framework of the quota mechanism which already exists. This while awaiting to pass, in 2006, to a purely tariff based system. When presenting to the press this decision, Commissioner Franz Fischler recalled that the Council had entrusted the Commission, last July, to study the feasibility of this regime, and it indicated that the Commission had reached the conclusion that it is compatible with WTO rules, transparent, supply, able to function and that is disadvantaged nobody. All the attempts by the Commission to get the assent of the United States and the exporting countries on the quota systems based on historical references (previous European imports) have failed, and the Commission had no other choice.
The "first come first served" system will be adapted to the specific needs of the banana market: distance of the places of production from the European market, perishable nature of the fruit, need to organise regular supplies for the market on a weekly basis, evaluation of usable ports, etc. the Commission has foreseen numerous measure to make changes, explained Mr Fischler, including a mechanism of checks on the quantities of bananas loaded onto ships, so as to avoid the declaring of fictitious quantities, and certain provisions to take into account the length of the journeys, so as not to disadvantage the countries that are furthest away. The Commission is also proposing to increase the preferential tariff in favour of ACP countries, increasing to EUR 300 per ton the customs duty applicable to other suppliers of the 850,000 tonne quota (the Commission had initially proposed EUR 275 per tonne, the Parliament had requested it be increased to EUR 300). However the new duty will be able to be reduced during the year, if it proves to be excessive.
Questioned on the initial negative reactions of the exporting countries (Panama, see other article page 11), Mr Fischler answered that he did not expect enthusiastic reaction from anybody, as a system that pleases everyone does not exist". The aim is to maintain a certain balance between advantages and disadvantages for all, because the EU must fulfil its international undertakings.
The Council will have a first exchange of views on this project in its "General Affairs" session on 9 October in Luxembourg.