Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-06-13-Speech-4-230"
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"en.20020613.11.4-230"2
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". – Mr President, the Commission wants to thank the European Parliament for this timely reminder of the risks of foot-and-mouth disease. The outbreak in the Republic of Korea coincides with the World Cup when many thousands of Europeans are present to support their football teams. Clearly, we need to be alert to any potential risks that they may come in contact with the disease and return with it to the European Union.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the European Parliament for raising public awareness of the risk from foot-and-mouth disease. I am sure that the issue can be addressed in greater detail following the report of the Committee on foot-and-mouth disease and in the light of the Commission's forthcoming proposals on foot-and-mouth disease.
I shall pass on the record of this debate to my colleague David Byrne.
We should not, however, focus our attention only on Korea. The fact is that foot-and-mouth disease is widespread throughout the world. All foot-and-mouth-affected countries represent a potential risk to Member States and therefore the problem must be addressed in a general way.
Although it would appear that the outbreaks in the Republic of Korea are at least 40 km away from the nearest football venues, the potential threat to Member States cannot be ignored. Therefore, this issue was discussed with Member States at the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain on 8 May 2002.
I also understand that Mrs Redondo, chairperson of Parliament's Committee on foot-and-mouth, raised the issue directly with my colleague David Byrne. This is no doubt in the context of the ongoing work of Parliament's Temporary Committee on foot-and-mouth disease. I understand the issue of controls, including on passengers at points of entry to the EU, is the primary focus of the committee's work.
The Commission has subsequently reminded all Member States that, in accordance with EU law they are not authorised to import from the Republic of Korea foot-and-mouth disease susceptible animals and their products (fresh meat, meat products, meat preparations, milk, milk products, etc.). They have also been advised that imports of foodstuffs from Korea by passengers are not allowed under EU legislation.
The Commission has requested that all Member States ensure that public awareness of travellers visiting Korea is specifically addressed at airports and that controls at points of entry into the Community on goods coming from the Republic of Korea are reinforced.
Following the 2001 foot-and-mouth epidemic, the Commission has been preparing a number of proposals addressing the issues related to foot-and-mouth, including measures to raise public awareness. The Commission intends to present a proposal shortly to raise public awareness and reinforce controls on passengers at points of entry.
However, the technical and logistical problems, and consequently the financial implications associated with such procedures, should not be underestimated. It must be borne in mind, that unlike Australia or New Zealand, the EU has a long land border. There is passenger traffic of millions each year between our Member States and third countries where foot-and-mouth disease is endemic.
In addition, there are air-traffic links with 90 countries that are not internationally recognised to be free of foot-and-mouth disease and infection. The extent of the challenge is also highlighted by the existing difficulties in combating drug smuggling in international transport."@en1
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