Doc. 8651

15 February 2000

Transfer of the European Monitoring Centre
on Racism and Xenophobia to another European city

Written Question No. 382

presented by Mr Cherribi and others

      Most of the European Union countries have levelled strong criticism at the present Austrian Government. It now seems that a majority of organisations of people from immigrant backgrounds and organisations against racism and anti-Semitism are in favour of moving the headquarters of the Monitoring Centre. The CIDI (Centrum Informatie Documentatie Israel), for example, has already publicly demanded this move. The opening of the Monitoring Centre in Vienna in the current context now seems to be perceived as a negative signal for the building of Europe.

      The undersigned ask the Committee of Ministers

      whether the time has not come to consider moving the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, which is due to open in Vienna on 7 April, to another European city.

Signed : ¹

Cherribi, Netherlands, LDR

Blaauw, Netherlands, LDR

Timmermans, Netherlands, SOC

Duivesteijn, Netherlands, SOC

Valk, Netherlands, SOC

van 't Riet, Netherlands, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group