ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 240 Volume 37 of the European Communities 29 August 1994
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
94/ C 240/01 E,- 133/93 by Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject : The legal basis of Commission proposals 1
94/C 240/02 E-329/93 by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez to the Commission Subject : Implementation in Spain of the Directive on the conservation of wild birds 1
94/C 240/03 E-2259/92 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Freedom of movement 2
94/C 240/04 E-664/93 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Third-country nationals and freedom of movement 2
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2259/92 and E-664/93 2
94/C 240/05 E- 11 00/93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission Subject : Policy document on the violation of human rights 3
94/C 240/06 E- 1155/93 by Paul Staes to the Commission Subject : Hydrométal and pollution of the Geul ( Belgium ) 4
94/C 240/07 E-1217/93 by Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject : Consistency between EC funds which finance infrastructure projects 4
94/C 240/08 E-l 278/93 by Klaus Hansch to the Commission Subject : Information on the amount of EC assistance given to North-Rhine/Westphalia from the beginning of 1989 to the end of 1992 6
94/C 240/09 E-1279/93 by Klaus Hansch to the Commission Subject : Information on the amount of EC assistance given to the Oberhausen and Duisburg employment area from the beginning of 1989 to the end of 1992 6
Price: ECU 18 ( Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 240/10 E-1430/93 by Roger Barton , Jean-Paul Benoit, Jan Bertens , Rosaria Bindi , Franco Borgo, Pedro Canavarro, Pierre Camiti , Maria Cassanmagnago Cerretti , Peter Crampton, Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza , Antonio Fantini , Gerardo Gaibisso , Lissy Gròner, Renzo Imbeni , Maria Izquierdo Rojo , Alexander Langer , Nereo Laroni , Giuseppe Mottola , Edward Newman , Dimitrios Nianias , Tove Nielsen, Gérard Onesta , Derek Prag, Tullio Regge , Claudia Roth , Maartje van Putten and Ian White to the Commission Subject : The EC's role in the Middle-East peace process 6
94/C 240/11 E-1460/93 by Henry Chabert to the Commission Subject : The Rhone-Alpes region in the European Community 7
94/C 240/12 E- 1500/93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission Subject : Noise pollution from aerodromes 7
94/C 240/13 E-1526/93 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Products used in ice-cream 8
94/C 240/14 E- 1534/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to implement Directives on dentistry 8
94/C 240/15 E-1723/93 by Honor Funk to the Commission Subject : EC aid for Baden-Württemberg 9
94/C 240/16 E-1762/93 by Ernest Glinne and Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Precautions in respect of the hormone 'sometribove' 9
94/C 240/17 E-1781/93 by Jose Lafuente Lopez to the Commission Subject : Continuation of the loan arrangements provided for in Article 54 , second paragraph , of the ECSC Treaty 9
94/C 240/18 E-l 807/93 by Annemarie Goedmakers and Rolf Linkohr to the Commission Subject : Practices of the London Gender Clinic 10
94/C 240/19 E-l 875/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Re-opening of the Merchant Seamen 's Hospital in Athens 11
94/C 240/20 E-1981/93 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : Plans by the Netherlands Minister of Transport and Public Works to introduce a regional Euro-toll system for road haulage firms 11
94/C 240/21 E-l 986/93 by James Ford , Johannes Peters , Luigi Colajanni , John Tomlinson , Imelda Read , Christos Papoutsis , Marijke Van Hemeldonck , Georgios Romeos, Willem van Velzen , Joan Colom i Naval , Michael Elliott, Christine Crawley, Raymonde Dury , Terence Wynn , Juan Ramirez Heredia , Lissy Gröner , Detlev Samland and Antonio La Pergola to the Commission Subject : Commission follow-up to EP resolution on education of migrant children 12
94/C 240/22 E-2121/93 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Drinking water 13
94/C 240/23 E-2144/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Marketing of currants 13
94/C 240/24 E-2154/93 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission Subject : Operation of the Phare and Tacis Programmes 13
94/C 240/25 E-2224/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Use by Greece of Community funds 14 Notice No Contents ( continued ) page
94/C 240/26 E-2230/93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Establishment of 'infrastructure project development companies' in Greece 15
94/C 240/27 E-2255/93 by Giuseppe Mottola , Mauro Chiabrando , Franco Borgo and Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission Subject : Problems affecting hazel-nut growing in Europe, in particular in Italy 15
94/C 240/28 E-2263/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Limited participation of Greek undertakings in the Phare and Tacis Programmes .... 16
94/C 240/29 E-2283/93 by Annemarie Goedmakers to the Commission Subject : Lease of premises at 57-59 rue Froissart by the Commission 17
94/C 240/30 E-2286/93 by Ana Miranda de Lage and Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission Subject : Unfair competition from non-Community producers of soda ash 17
94/C 240/31 E-2291 /93 by Catherine Trautmann to the Commission Subject : Obstacle to the free movement of persons 18
94/C 240/32 E-2301 /93 by Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission Subject : Projected opening of a quarry in Cavaglia — Piedmont 18
94/C 240/33 E-2304/93 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Infringement by Greece of the Directive on the conservation of wild birds 19
94/C 240/34 E-2309/93 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Transnational dismissal strategy 19
94/C 240/35 E-2355/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Use of liquid gas to power motor vehicles in Greece 20
94/C 240/36 E-2358/93 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Dumping of subsidized beef in west-African States 20
94/C 240/37 E-2360/93 by Mark Killilea to the Commission Subject : The European Social Fund and the disabled 20
94/C 240/38 E-23 85/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Unemployment among men 21
94/C 240/39 E-2402/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Planning and management of the Eapta ( Greek Special Local Government Development Programme ) 21
94/C 240/40 E-2403/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Development of the Fluropean Mediterranean coast 22
94/C 240/41 E-2450/93 by Barbara Duhrkop Dührkop to the Commission Subject : Alcohol monopoly in the Nordic countries 22
94/C 240/42 E-2455/93 by Claude Desama to the Commission Subject : Continuing obstructions at the Community's internal land frontiers 22
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94/C 240/43 E-2459/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Harmonization with the 1968 Brussels Convention of legislation on family law matters 23
94/C 240/44 E-2469/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Designation of Kalymnos as European centre for sponge fishing and trading 23
94/C 240/45 E-2489/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Civil liability of operators of nuclear installations 23
94/C 240/46 E-2508/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Transfer of refugee children in the EC 24
94/C 240/47 E-2545/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Protection of the Gulf of Yera , Lesbos 25
94/C 240/48 E-2553/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Treatment of goatmeat and sheepmeat 25
94/C 240/49 E-2559/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Dialogue between the Mediterranean regions and the Commission on the management of Mediterranean fishery resources 25
94/C 240/50 E-2600/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Effective coordination of measures for the promotion of economic and social cohesion 26
94/C 240/51 E-2610/93 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Participation of employees'organizations in the banking sector in the implementation of a Directive which concerns them 26
94/C 240/52 E-2633/93 by Ben Fayot to the Commission Subject : Discrimination against Luxembourgish frontier workers 27
94/C 240/53 E-2657/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : 'Relocation' of public contractors and trade to the detriment of the Community and the Member States 27
94/C 240/54 E-2533/93 by Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission Subject : Application of Directive 79/409/EEC to the Loire Estuary ( France ) 28
94/C 240/55 E-2714/93 by Bruno Boissiere to the Commission Subject : Destruction of an area of biological interest 29
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2533/93 and E-2714/93 29
94/C 240/56 E-2764/93 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject : Re-cycling domestic water 29
94/C 240/57 E-2781/93 by Vassilis Ephremidis to the Commission Subject : The Commission's objections concerning employers' contributions to the Lawyers' ( social security ) Fund 30
94/C 240/58 E-2793/93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : EC assistance to Angola 30
94/C 240/59 E-2808/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : European participation in the AIES 31 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 240/60 E-2809/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : MINT and its possible contractors in Spain 31
94/C 240/61 E-28 12/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : 'The breach of the port of Rotterdam ' 32
94/C 240/62 E-28 16/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Telephone rates charged by many hotels 33
94/C 240/63 E-2823/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : The spread of, and possible inocculation against, malaria 33
94/C 240/64 E-28 39/93 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Group of Experts meeting of 3 to 5 February 1992 in Cumbria 34
94/C 240/65 E-2842/93 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Environmental sustainability and industrial development in Europe 34
94/C 240/66 E-2848/93 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Lascar report on nuclear safeguards 35
94/C 240/67 E-2854/93 by Henry McCubbin to the Commission Subject : Goat farmers in the UK 35
94/C 240/68 E-2875/93 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Reasons given by Spain for non-compliance with Council Directive 85/397/EEC concerning agriculture 35
94/C 240/69 E-2888/93 by Enrico Falqui to the Commission Subject : Excessive length of bureaucratic procedures relating to financial contributions to European youth organizations 36
94/C 240/70 E-2895/93 by John McCartin to the Commission Subject : Cohesion Fund allocations in Ireland 36
94/C 240/71 E-2903/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Human rights in Chad 37
94/C 240/72 E-2905/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Hunting in Greece 37
94/C 240/73 E-29 12/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Dadia forest biotope ( Evros ) 37
94/C 240/74 E-29 18/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Funding of the Thessaloniki Centre for Children with Special Needs 38
94/C 240/75 E-2920/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Funding of the Moschato Graphic Arts Centre 38
94/C 240/76 E-2924/93 by Francois Guillaume to the Commission Subject : Aluminium imports from the CIS 39
94/C 240/77 E-2945/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Ecosystem of the River Nestos 39
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94/C 240/78 E-2946/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Greek wetland areas of international significance 39
94/C 240/79 E-2950/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Demarcation of Greek wetlands 40
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2945 , E-2946/93 and E-2950/93 40
94/C 240/80 E-2963/93 by Richard Simmonds to the Commission Subject : Cooperation between the European Communities and the Council of Europe 40
94/C 240/81 E-2968/93 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject : Transport of live animals to third countries 41
94/C 240/82 E-2973/93 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : Free movement of services in the transport sector 41
94/C 240/83 E-2983/93 by James Ford to the Commission Subject : EC redundancy practice guidelines 42
94/C 240/84 E-29 84/93 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Phebus 42
94/C 240/85 E-2998/93 by Maartje van Putten and Henri Saby to the Commission Subject : Africa - 42
94/C 240/86 E-3018/93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Milk fraud repayments by Italy 43
94/C 240/87 E-3029/93 by Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission Subject : The threat to the Great Bustard posed by the authorization of a private airfield in the nature reserve of Hoher Flaming/Belziger Landschaftswiesen 44
94/C 240/88 E-3031/93 by Nora Mebrak-Zaïdi to the Commission Subject : The Commission's opinion on the request for allocation of a Regional Development Grant to the urban area of Montbéliard — Belfort — Héricourt 45
94/C 240/89 E-3033/93 by Willi Rothley to the Commission Subject : Information on the level of EC assistance received by Rhineland Palatinate between 1985 and 1992 45
94/C 240/90 E-3051/93 by Pietro Mitolo to the Commission Subject : Infringement of the Schengen Agreement by the Autonomous Province of Alto Adige 46
94/C 240/91 E-3053/93 by Gerard Deprez to the Commission Subject : Cross border payments : results of the consultations with PSTDG and PSULG 46
94/C 240/92 E-3067/93 by David Morris to the Commission Subject : Implementation of EC public procurement Directive 47
94/C 240/93 E-3070/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Real or potential danger to human beings from exposure to electro-magnetic fields . . 47
94/C 240/94 E-3073/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Renewal of the Euret Programme 48 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 240/95 E-3074/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Setting up of a task force on the textile industry 48
94/C 240/96 E-3080/93 by Kenneth Stewart to the Commission Subject : Closure of Broadgreen Hospital Emergency and Casualty Unit 49
94/C 240/97 E-3083/93 by Maria Izquierdo Rojo to the Commission Subject : Cooperation with the Maghreb countries 49
94/C 240/98 E-3108/93 by Bartho Pronk to the Commission Subject : Opinions of the Economic and Social Committee 50
94/C 240/99 E-3 134/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market for pharmaceutical and aromatic plants 50
94/C 240/100 E-3143/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Cholera epidemic in Vietnam 51
94/C 240/101 E-3144/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Cholera epidemic in Kazakhstan 51
94/C 240/102 E-3 145/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Failure by Greece to implement Directive 89/48/EEC 51
94/C 240/103 E-3153/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Operations of the Euro-Arab University 52
94/C 240/104 E-31 59/93 by Joaquim Miranda da Silva , René-Emile Piquet and Vassilis Ephremidis to the Commission Subject : Discrimination in Hungary against democratic political and social organizations .... 52
94/C 240/105 E-3 15 8/93 by James Ford to the Commission Subject : Racism and xenophobia in the Community 53
94/C 240/106 E-3 161/93 by Claudia Roth to the Commission Subject : Racist attack in Solingen and the resurgence of racism and xenophobia in Europe ... 53
Joint answer to Written Questions E-3158/93 and E-3161 /93 53
94/C 240/107 E-3171 /93 by Alan Donnelly, Elmar Brok , Luis Planas Puchades , Lyndon Harrison, Ernest Glinne , Christos Papoutsis , Jean Penders , Barry Desmond , Terence Wynn , Hugh McMahon , Peter Price , Dieter Rogalla , Pedro Bofill Abeilhe , Ioannis Pesmazoglou , Arthur Newens , Gary Titley, Enrique Baron Crespo , David Martin , Brian Simpson , David Bowe, Pauline Green , Josep Pons Grau and Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Bilateral Treaty between the US and the EC 54
94/C 240/108 E-3 175/93 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : German packaging industry 54
94/C 240/109 E-31 80/93 by Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject : Nuclear safety hazards in the CIS 55
94/C 240/110 E-3203/93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Conference on drinking water 56
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94/C 240/111 E-3205/93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Overspending by the EBRD 56
94/C 240/112 E-3211/93 by Madron Seligman to the Commission Subject : EC package travel Directive 56
94/C 240/113 E-3220/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Human rights teaching in schools 57
94/C 240/114 E-3221 /93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : More effective measures to protect human rights in Europe 57
94/C 240/115 E-3222/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Human rights in third countries 58
94/C 240/116 E-3225/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Use of combined heat and electricity production systems to reduce consumption .... 58
94/C 240/ 1 17 E-3228/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Demarcation of the biotope on the island of Tinos 58
94/C 240/118 E-3229/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Construction of a private airport on Crete 59
94/C 240/ 1 19 E-3272/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Community funding allocated to the prefecture of Evvia 59
94/C 240/120 E-3281/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : The Lake Mustos wetland in Arkadia 59
94/C 240/121 E-3284/93 by Ingo Friedrich to the Commission Subject : Spending by EC aid programmes in Bavaria in 1990 , 1991 and 1992 60
94/C 240/122 E-3288/93 by Gerard Deprez to the Commission Subject : Document COM(93 ) 378 final on the second Commission three-year action plan on consumer policy 60
94/C 240/123 E-32 93/93 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission Subject : Community trade policy 61
94/C 240/124 E-3295/93 by Luigi Vertemati to the Commission Subject : Consumer protection services in the telecommunications sector 62
94/C 240/125 E-3303/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Use of LIFE funds 62
94/C 240/126 E-3322/93 by Enrique Baron Crespo to the Commission Subject : Discrimination with regard to employment in the public sector — Article 48(4 ) of the EEC Treaty 63
94/C 240/127 E-3253/93 by Anthony Wilson to the Commission Subject : Kibale forest 63
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94/C 240/128 E-3419/93 by Henry McCubbin to the Commission Subject : Eviction of Bakiga people from Kimbale Forest, Uganda 64
Joint answer to Written Questions E-3253/93 and E-3419/93 64
94/C 240/129 E-3469/93 by Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject : Cosmetic tests on animals : 65
94/C 240/130 E-3588/93 by Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject : Recreational craft — Accidents due to construction 65
94/C 240/131 E-3682/93 by Lord Plumb to the Commission Subject : Italian milk quota 65
94/C 240/132 E-3869/93 by Christa Randzio-Plath to the Commission Subject : EC money paid to Hamburg since 1988 66 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of rhc European Communities No C 240/ 1
I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1 33/93 WRITTEN QUEST ION E-329/93 by Gijs de Vrics ( LDR ) by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (15 February 1 993) (2 March 1993) ( 94/C 240/01 ) ( 94/C 240/02 )
Subject : Implementation in Spain of the Directive on the conservation of wild birds Subject: The legal basis of Commission proposals How many complaints have been received by the Commission concerning designated special bird protection areas ( under the Directive on the conservation of wild birds ) In what cases did the council amend the legal basis of a in Spain ? Commission proposal in 1990 , 1991 and 1992 ? Which Articles of the Treaty did the Commission propose , and What is the nature of the complaints , who has tabled them what amendments did the Council introduce ? and what stage has been reached by the proceedings ? What view does the Commission take on the degree of compliance with the Directive on the conservation of wild birds , in particular by Spain ? With regard to its protection policy , docs the Commission Answer given by Mr Delors not consider that Council Directive 92/43/EEC (') on the on behalf of the Commission conservation of natural habitats strengthens the need to (28 January 1994) protect areas of ecological value , including the special bird protection zones , even during this period preceding its entry into force in May 1994 ?
(') OJ No 1 . 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 , p . 7 . In 1990 , 1991 and 1 992 , the Council formally amended the legal basis for a Commission proposal for legislation on 104 occasions , 16 of them under the cooperation procedure . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission ( 14 January 1994) A computer print-out containing the details requested is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to Parliament's Secretariat . refer to the Tenth Report on the Monitoring of the Application of Community Eaw ('), in particular the passages relating to the application of environment law by Spain and the application of Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 ( 2 ) on the preservation of wild birds . No C 240/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
As can be gathered from the Report, the Commission does knows'. ( Mr Langdon, evidence to Home Affairs not make the complaints it receives public in order to t, Committee , 5 February 1 992 , paragraph 101 ). On the same guarantee the confidentiality of the identity of the authors . occasion the official stated that, from signing to bringing However, it can be said that the majority of the complaints into force , . . the best guess I could ( give is ) of a year or come either from individuals or non-governmental two'. organizations . In the light of the above , is the Commission preparing A large proportion of the complaints basically relate to the alternative proposals regarding free movement rights for all special protection zones designated under Article 4 of the third-country nationals legitimately registered in the EC and Directive . The content of the complaints varies greatly, if so , what are the contents of such proposals ( if any )? reflecting the variety of problems likely to affect the special protection zones . The points made concern the (!) OJ No C 55 , 2 . 3 . 1992 , p . 5 . deterioration of habitats and the problems raised by their management and to the disturbances and dangers affecting protected species of birds . WRITTEN QUESTION E-664/93 In conclusion , with respect to the impact of by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) Directive 92/43/EEC on the preservation of natural habitats to the Commission of the European Communities and wild flora and fauna on the special protection zones for birds designated under Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC , (6 April 1993) these zones will automatically become part of the ( 94/C 240/04 ) Natura 2000 network . Thus , it is clear that any strengthening of the measures to protect the zones in question would always be desirable , irrespective of the entry Subject: Third-country nationals and freedom of into force of Directive 92/43/EEC , which does not provide movement for additional measures to protect special protection zones but instead details those defined under Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC . Does the Commission agree that the requirement to obtain a visa for third-country nationals in the EC , even for a short stay in another Community country, is an intolerable (!) COM(93 ) 320 . situation by comparison with the right to free movement, ( 2 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . and what is going to be done about it ?
Joint answer to Written Questions E-225 9/92 and E-664/93 given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi WRITTEN QUESTION E-2259/92 on behalf of the Commission by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) (24 November 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1992) The Commission would first make the point that all the ( 94/C 240/03 ) Member States subscribe to the aim of abolishing the visa requirement for third-country nationals legally resident in a Member State when they travel within the Community . The Subject: Freedom of movement draft convention of the Member States of the European Communities on the crossing of external frontiers In answer to Written Question No 782/91 ( ), Mr is a binding text embodying this agreement . Unfortunately, Bangemann on behalf of the Commission stated , regarding however , its signing and ratification are still being held up by the draft convention of the Member States of the European a dispute as to its territorial scope . Communities on the crossing of external frontiers , ' Should this convention fail to be adopted , the Commission would The Commission greatly regrets that this convention has not come up with its own proposal on the matter'. The matter in been signed and ratified , as all the Member States recognize question was initiatives to grant non-Community nationals that it is of crucial importance in creating a frontier-free residing lawfully in a Member State the right of permanent area . residence and access to employment and self-employed activities throughout the Community . Since the beginning of 1993 the Commission has stepped up its efforts as regards free movement of persons . To begin Officials acting on behalf of the Government of the current with it is adopting a political and pragmatic approach, using presidency of the Community recently advised a political initiatives to exert constant pressure for the steps parliamentary committee , when asked when that forward promised by the Member States for 1993 to be convention is likely to be signed , 'The answer is that nobody actually taken . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/3
However, should progress prove insufficient to convince the privately , changing cooperation programmes or the Commission that a positive dynamic has been set in train , we channels used for the latter , with-holding signatures or will then be obliged , in a second phase , to look at what has postponing Decisions required for implementing been done and , without letting up on the political pressure , programmes , or , if need he , suspending aid to the countries decide on a course of action , either new legislation or in question . recourse to existing law . Clearly , any legislative initiative will not be able to overstep the bounds of Community competence .
The Commission would point out that the convention The measures adopted by the Community and its Member implementing the Schengen Agreement, due to come into States are guided by objective , fair criteria based on force on 1 February 1994 , will include the ' right of free compliance with the international agreements in force and movement'. any human rights commitments which may have been made at regional level . In order to provide a sound footing for specific action in this area , the Member States and the Commission cooperate closely on the ground , exchanging views on the human rights situation and democratic progress in the countries concerned . WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1100/93 by Maxime Vcrhagen ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 10 Mav 1993 ) With respect to the suspension of aid to Togo , in December 1 991 the Community and its Member States publicly voiced ( 94/C 240/05 ) their concern at the situation following violent clashes the month before , and deplored the loss of human life the fighting had caused . In view of the worsening situation in Subject: Policy document on the violation of human Togo , the Commission decided to put off further financing rights Decisions , except in the case of emergency humanitarian aid . Continuing violence and the postponement of free and The Community is increasingly taking punitive action fair elections led the Community and its Member States to against countries which violate human rights , although conclude , in their statement of 16 February 1993 , that both there is no policy document on this . For example , the bilateral and Community development cooperation had Commission has suspended development aid to Togo become increasingly difficult . The democratic process in without first seeking Parliament's opinion . Is the Togo was still blocked , the situation had not improved and Commission prepared to draw up a policy document on the they would continue to respond accordingly . attitude to be adopted by the EC towards the violation of human rights ?
Following the presidential elections of 25 August 1993 and Answer given by Mr Van den Broek the legitimate protests to which they gave rise , the on behalf of the Commission Commission considered that since the democratic process (19 January 1994) had not resumed it had no other option but to continue with-holding aid , except , of course , that intended for humanitarian purposes . The resolution of the Council and the Member States meeting within the Council of 28 November 1991 established a common approach and appropriate guidelines for promoting the values of democracy and human rights as part of the cooperation policy of the Community and its Parliament too plays an active role in the adoption of Member States . negative measures , in particular by refusing to give assent to the conclusion of an agreement or financial protocol , by adopting resolutions on the human rights situation in As a general rule , priority is given to a positive approach non-Community countries , by organizing public hearings or which encourages human rights and promotes democracy , by sending a delegation to the country concerned . As regards and it is only in the case of blatant , persistent violations of Togo , in its resolution of 1 1 February 1993 , Parliament human rights or a serious breakdown in the democratic called on 'the Council , the Member States and the process that the Community and its Member States look into measures suited to the circumstances . Commission to isolate President Eyadema 's regime politically , financially and diplomatically and on the international community to exert maximum pressure on The steps taken are commensurate with the gravity of the him to speed up the democratic process and to ensure that violation and may involve taking up the matter publicly or fair elections take place in Togo'. No C 240/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
More recently, Parliament adopted a new resolution WRITTEN QUESTION E-1217/93 concerning the political situation in Togo . It is clear from the by Leen van der Waal ( NI ) latter that the conclusions drawn by the Commission and Parliament are identical . to the Commission of the European Communities (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 240/07 )
Subject: Consistency between EC funds which finance WRITTEN QUESTION E-1155/93 infrastructure projects by Paul Staes ( V ) According to Special Report No 1 /93 by the Court of to the Commission of the European Communities Auditors on the financing of transport infrastructure ( J ), (12 May 1993) coordination between the departments of the Commission ( 94/C 240/06 ) responsible for implementing the ERDF and infrastructure fund is inadequate . It also states that the Commission has largely disregarded the relationships between modes of Subject: Hydrometal and pollution of the Geul ( Belgium ) transport . Conditions for financing, selection criteria and the percentages of assistance provided were also found to be inconsistent between the two funds . In its answer to my Written Question No 386/91 C ) the Commission says it has asked the Belgian authorities to inform it of the results of a Belgian investigation into the Two additional funds have now been set up from which discharge permit of Hydrométal . infrastructure projects can be financed : the Cohesion financial instrument/Cohesion Fund and the Investment Fund . 1 . What information has the Commission obtained since then ? 1 . What measures will the Commission be adopting to 2 . What conclusions does the Commission draw from the improve coordination among the various Commission information ? departments, especially with regard to the new funds ? 3 . What action , if any, has the Commission taken ? 2 . How does the Commission intend to guarantee a 4 . Can the Commission provide me with the results of the balance among the modes of transport ? investigation ? 3 . What exactly are the selection criteria for projects submitted for financing from the Cohesion financial f 1 ) OJ No C 242 , 21 . 9 . 1992 , p . 2 . instrument/Cohesion Fund and the Investment Fund ?
4 . To what extent does the Commission ensure that projects supported by the four funds ( infrastructure Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas fund , ERDF , Investment Fund and Cohesion financial on behalf of the Commission instrument/Cohesion Fund ) constitute a consistent (14 January 1994) whole with the proposals for trans-European networks ?
1 . The Belgian authorities have sent the Commission the (*) OJ No C 69 , 11 . 3 . 1993 , p . 1 . draft Hydrometal authorization .
The latter turned to the Belgian authorities in order to ask them whether the authorization had already been granted Answer given by Mr Matutes and what inspection action had been taken by the Belgian on behalf of the Commission authorities . (23 March 1994)
2 . and 3 . The Commission is awaiting information from the Belgian authorities . 1 . In its reply to the report of the Court of Auditors, the Commission recognised the need for tighter coordination 4 . The Honourable Member will be brought up to date as between the various Community instruments used in the soon as the Commission has received the information financing of transport infrastructure . Also in its referred to above . communication 'Transport Infrastructure' ( J ) it is stated that coordination between these instruments must be improved . The following actions are under way or under examination : 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/5
( a ) The new Treaty on European Union provides in Title Preparations for drafting these networks are already under XII that trans-European networks in the area of way . Finally , guidelines will be prepared for the transport infrastructure should contribute to the Community's intermodal system taken as a whole, establishment of the internal market and the promotion integrating the different networks . The objective will be to of economic and social cohesion . In order to achieve optimize the contribution that each can make , in this dual objective , the Commission is establishing a combination with the others , to an efficient and safe series of guidelines covering the objectives and broad transport system which meets at the same time the outlines of measures envisaged in the sphere of Community's environmental objectives . trans-European networks .
3 . The criteria for the approval of projects under the The trans-European transport network ( TEN ) Cohesion Fund are clearly stated in Article 8 of Council guidelines will define priorities in the framework of the Regulation ( EEC ) No 792/93 and they are applied by the TEN and other Community policies and will be used to Commission in project evaluation and selection . provide an overview of all planned projects . The network guidelines for the individual transport modes or sectors and an intermodal approach will form the The European Investment Fund ( EIF ) will not provide grant basis for an improved coordination between the aid to projects but guarantees on loans . At a later stage, existing financial instruments . it will also be able to take shares in companies etablished at the start-up of large infrastructure projects . The draft statute for the Fund states that its task is to help In the White Paper on the Future Development of the finance trans-European network projects in transport, Common Transport ( 2 ) it is also stated that the network telecommunications and energy infrastructures , as well as guidelines will provide a flexible tool for ensuring that the development of SMEs , on the basis of sound banking Community investment in transport infrastructure principles . More detailed eligibility guidelines may be drawn forms part of an overall transport strategy . up at a later stage by the organs of the EIF, in which each group of EIF shareholders ( Community, EIB and other financial institutions ) will be represented . ( b ) The Commission and the EIB are currently investigating the possibilities of improving the Article 21 consultation procedures established by the protocol 4 . Trans-European networks in the area of transport on the statute of the EIB by introducing upstream infrastructure should contribute to the establishment of the information exchanges in addition to the current internal market and the promotion of economic and social consultation procedures , i.e. to have different services cohesion . In order to achieve this dual objective, the involved at the early stages of project identification and Commission is establishing a series of guidelines covering evaluation as regards financing by various instruments the objectives , priorities and broad outlines of measures ( or combination of instruments ). envisaged in the sphere of trans-European networks . It is intended that transport infrastructure projects submitted to the Commission for funding under the financial instruments ( c ) The Commission is currently examining the possible directly or in reference to TEN ( Budget Line TEN, Cohesion establishment of a central data bank on TEN projects Financial Instrument, Edinburgh Facility and EIF ) will be receiving Community financial support from all eligible if they comply with these guidelines . Projects to be sources . co-financed by ERDF or other financial resources will be considered under the capillary transport systems that complement the TEN for transport infrastructures . ( d ) As for the Cohesion Fund , Article 6(2 ) of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 792/93 of 30 March 1993 ( 3 ) establishing a cohesion financial instrument, states that The new ERDF Regulation ( EEC ) No 2083/93 ( 6 ) foresees the Commission shall ensure the coordination and that investment co-financed by ERDF will contribute to the coherence between projects undertaken in pursuance of establishment and development of trans-European this Regulation and measures undertaken with networks in the area of transport taking into account the contributions from other financial instruments of the need to link peripheral regions with the central regions of Community . Appropriate consultation procedures in the Community . the matter have been established by the Commission . (') COM(92 ) 231 final . ( 2 ) COM(92 ) 494 final . ( 3 ) OJ No L 79 , 1 . 4 . 1993 . ( 4 ) Council resolution of 17 . 12 . 1990 . 2 . Trans-European network guidelines have been ( 5 ) COM(92 ) 230 final . prepared for high speed trains ( ), combined transport ( ), ( 6 ) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . road and inland waterways . The system will be completed with the development of network guidelines for the other modes : conventional railways , maritime and coastal shipping, ports , airports and air traffic control . No C 240/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 278/93 1 . The European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF); by Klaus Hänsch ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities 2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance section; ( 19 May 1993) ( 94/C 240/08 ) 3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee section ; Subject: Information on the amount of EC assistance given to North-Rhine/Westphalia from the beginning of 4 . the European Social Fund ( ESF); 1989 to the end of 1992 5 . the Community research programmes ; During the period from the beginning of 1 989 to the end of 1992 , how much Community assistance , and for what 6 . the Community programmes in the energy sector; purposes, was given to North-Rhine/Westphalia from the following sources : 7 . the Community programmes in the environment 1 . the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ); sector;
2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee 8 . other Community programmes ? Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance section ;
3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee section ; Answer given by Mr Delors 4 . the European Social Fund ( ESF ); on behalf of the Commission 5 . the Community research programmes ; (12 January 1994) 6 . the Community programmes in the energy sector; 7 . the Community programmes in the environment In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number of tables , the Commission is sending it direct to the sector; Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . 8 . other Community programmes ?
Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (12 January 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1430/93 by Roger Barton ( PSE), Jean-Paul Benoit ( PSE ), Jan Bertens In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number ( LDR ), Rosaria Bindi ( PPE ), Franco Borgo ( PPE ), Pedro of tables , the Commission is sending it direct to the Canavarro ( ARC ), Pierre Camiti ( PSE ), Maria Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . Cassanmagnago Cerretti ( PPE ), Peter Crampton ( PSE ), Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ), Antonio Fantini ( PPE ), Gerardo Gaibisso ( PPE ), Lissy Gròner ( PSE ), Renzo Imbeni ( PSE ), Maria Izquierdo Rojo ( PSE ), Alexander Langer ( V), Nereo Laroni ( PSE ), Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE ), Edward WRITTEN QUESTION E-1279/93 Newman ( PSE ), Dimitrios Nianias ( RDE ), Tove Nielsen by Klaus Hänsch ( PSE ) ( LDR ), Gérard Onesta ( V), Derek Prag ( PPE ), Tullio Regge ( PSE ), Claudia Roth ( V), Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) and Ian to the Commission of the European Communities White ( PSE ) (19 May 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 94/C 240/09 ) (9 June 1993) ( 94/C 240/10 ) Subject: Information on the amount of EC assistance given to the Oberhausen and Duisburg employment area from the beginning of 1989 to the end of 1992 Subject: The EC's role in the Middle-East peace process During the period from the beginning of 1989 to the end of 1992 , how much Community assistance , and for what In view of the desire expressed by both the Israeli purposes , was given to the Oberhausen and Duisburg Government and the representatives of the Palestinian employment area from the following sources : people for the European Community to become more 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/7 actively involved in supporting the Middle-East peace WRITTEN QUESTION E-1460/93 process , what steps has the Commission taken or does it by Henry Chabcrt ( PPE ) intend to take at a moment of such historical importance ? to the Commission of the European Communities (9 June 1993) ( 94/C 240/11
Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission Subject: The Rhone-Alpes region in the European Community (19 January 1994) Can the Commission say what are the percentages of aid, The Commission is very much aware of the historic grants , support and subsidies of any kind given to the opportunity offered to the Middle-East by the peace process Rhone-Alpes region ( particularly, but not exclusively, from initiated in Madrid and has welcomed the breakthrough the various Community funds ) each year since 1986 ? represented by the Israeli/Palestinian agreement . It hopes that the momentum created by this agreement and that reached between Israel and Jordan on an agenda for negotiations will be maintained and that further progress Answer given by Mr Delors will be made towards a comprehensive peace . on behalf of the Commission (31 January 1994) The Commission has proposed a substantial package of assistance for Palestinian autonomy and has presented to In view of the length of the answer, which includes a large the Council draft negotiating Directives for a new agreement number of tables , the Commission will send it direct to the with Israel . Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .
The Commission contributes to the active, constructive and balanced role which the Community and its Member States play in both the bilateral and multilateral parts of the peace process . WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 500/93 The Commission will continue to participate in missions to by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE ) Washington and to the region to maintain contact with the to the Commission of the European Communities co-sponsors and the regional parties with a view to promoting progress in the bilateral negotiations where ever (14 June 1993) possible . ( 94/C 240/12 )
In the multilateral , the Commission is active in promoting regional solutions to the common problems of the parties . It Subject: Noise pollution from aerodromes is undertaking work in fields covered by Community initiatives . These include agriculture , electricity When will the Commission take steps to harmonize inter-connection , roads and cooperative networks in the environmental standards concerning noise pollution ? Regional Economic Development Working Group of which the Commission is co-chairman , with the Presidencey . The Commission will draw on the 5 MECU for the Middle-East Peace process which the Parliament included in the 1993 Answer given by Mr Matutes budget to advance work on Community initiatives taken in on behalf of the Commission all five multilateral working groups . (11 January 1994)
The Commission takes every opportunity arising in its contacts with the parties of the region to advocate the As indicated in the Commission White Paper on the future comprehensive peace agreement which is essential for their development of the common transport policy C ), the security and economic development . Commission is aware of the need to ensure that areas surrounding airports are adequately protected against an increase in noise volume caused by a growth in air The Commission is examining the role the Community transport . could play in the international arrangements in support of a peace settlement in accordance with the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council . In this context, the introduction of a standard method of calculation of noise exposure levels and standard noise exposure indices is considered a priority for the common transport policy . Such action will need to take account of the No C 240/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 characteristics of individual airports as well as of the work WRITTEN QUESTION E-1534/93 of the relevant international organizations . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities ( ! ) A global approach to the construction of a Community framework for sustainable mobility ( COM(92 ) 494 final of 2 (16 June 1993) December 1992 ). ( 94/C 240/14 )
Subject: Failure by Spain to implement Directives on dentistry WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 526/93 by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) On 6 August 1992 the Commission delivered a reasoned to the Commission of the European Communities opinion to the Spanish Government on non-compliance (14 June 1993) with Article 5 of the EEC Treaty and Directives ( 94/C 240/13 ) 78/686/EEC ( ] ) and 78/687/EEC ( 2 ) on dental practitioners .
Subject: Products used in ice-cream In this opinion the Commission called on Spain to adopt the necessary measures within two months , a deadline which The Federal Republic of Germany bans the sale on its elapsed a long time ago . territory of semi-manufactured products for use in ice-cream , though harmless to health, because they are prepared using vegetable fats . In the meantime the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament requested information from the Community rules allow the trade in products which are Commission with regard to No 719/92 of the General harmless to health . Register of Petitions .
What does the Commission intend to do to enable Italian Can the Commission give as many details as possible producers of semi-manufactured products for makers of concerning the attitude adopted by the Spanish Government ice-cream prepared using vegetable fats to gain access to the and , in particular, say whether it is continuing to accept German market ? professional qualifications whose holders have not carried out the training required by Community law for qualified Given that there are over 5 000 Italian small ice-cream dental surgeons , in accordance with the Spanish law of businesses in Germany, what measures does the 1986 ? Commission intend to take to ensure that the above products can be freely exported to Germany ? (>) OJ No L 233 , 24 . 8 . 1978 , p . 1 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 233 , 24 . 8 . 1978 , p . 10 .
Answer by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission
(5 January 1994) Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission The Commission is not aware of any ban in Germany on the (9 November 1993) sale of semi-manufactured products containing vegetable fats for use in ice cream . It would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the amendments to food legislation brought in by Germany on 1 January 1993 ( at the initiative Recognition by the Spanish authorities of third-country — of the Commission ); they include a provision in Article 47a in particular Latin-American — diplomas which do not meet the minimum criteria laid down in LBMG expressly authorizing the importation and sale of food products lawfully produced and/or marketed in Directive 78/687/EEC ('coordination of training of dental another Member State , even in cases where such products practitioners') is the subject of infringement proceedings do not comply with German provisions . pursuant to Article 169 of the EC Treaty .
The Honourable Member's question does not provide Those proceedings are continuing . The Commission is sufficient information on the nature of the product, the currently awaiting the Spanish authorities' reply to its origin of the alleged obstacle or the identity of the reasoned opinion and will take suitable action in the light of authorities concerned for the Commission to be able to take that reply. effective action . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/9
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 723/93 spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE), would appear to by Honor Funk ( PPE ) increase the risk of cattle developing this disease , whose transmissibility to human beings has yet to be ruled out . The to the Commission of the European Communities disease's transmissibility to different animal species was (29 June 1993) dealt with , in particular , in a paper given by Mr Richard ( 94/C 240/15 ) Marsh , a veterinary science researcher at the University of Wisconsin , Mg, during the third international conference on Subject: EC aid for Baden-Wiirttemberg BSE held at Bethesda in December 1992 , on the transmissibility of the disease which , among other things , is Between 1985 and 1992 , how much was received by considered to have a long incubation period and to be Baden-Wiirttemberg from the following European difficult to detect . Community funds : Is the Commission concerned about this problem ( and , if so , 1 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee has it achieved any results ?) and has the matter yet been Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance Section , considered by the Community and its Member States ? 2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee In what manner, and what conclusions have been Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee Section , reached ? 3 . Community research programmes , 4 . the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ), Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission 5 . the European Social Fund , (9 December 1993) 6 . Community energy programmes, 7 . Community environment programmes , There is at present little data on the effect of products such as bovine somatotrophin ( BST). The problem is unlikely 8 . other Community programmes ? therefore to arise in the Community . The Commission has For what measures were these appropriations noted developments in the USA , in which the feeding of earmarked ? meat from so-called ' downer cows ' has been associated with the development of encephalopathy in ranched mink ( TME ). The evidence is anecdotal , but contacts have been Answer given by Mr Delors established with researchers in the USA, and the situation is on behalf of the Commission being closely watched . There is , however, at present no (13 January 1994) confirmation of the existence of BSE in the USA . The evidence from the UK suggests that the only significant In view of the length of its answer , the Commission is route of transmission to cattle is via infected , sending it direct to the Honourable Member and inadequately-processed meat and bone meal . While Parliament's Secretariat . transmission from cow to calf and from cattle to cattle cannot be ruled out, the incidence must be so low as to have no effect on the progress of the epizootic . Similarly, it is not possible to rule out a remote risk that BSE is transmissible to WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1762/93 humans . For that reason , the Commission , in 1990 , adopted by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) rules to exclude the tissues likely to carry infectivity from the and Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC ) food chain . to the Commission of the European Communities (2 July 1993) ( 94/C 240/16 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1781/93 Subject: Precautions in respect of the hormone by José Lafuente Lopez ( PPE ) 'sometribove' to the Commission of the European Communities (12 July 1993) The North American company Monsanto would like to place on the market a hormone currently known as ( 94/C 240/17 ) 'sometribove', said to considerably increase milk production in cows and increase the weight of beef Subject: Continuation of the loan arrangements provided cattle . for in Article 54 , second paragraph , of the ECSC Treaty A serious controversy has arisen between Mr Michael Hansen , a biologist working for the Consumers ' Union and Article 54 , second paragraph , of the ECSC Treaty has a majority of the members of the consultative committee of always allowed the Commission, subject to the assent of the the Food and Drug Administration 's veterinary medicine Council , to grant loans to finance works and installations department . The use of this hormone in conjunction with which contribute to increasing the production and fodder supplements derived from carcasses and the remains consumption of steel . This has been a way of boosting of diseased animals , which are a known source of bovine production and consumption in themselves as well as No C 240/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 carrying out industrial projects and major infrastructure having regard to Parliament's resolution on artificial projects of Community interest . insemination in vivo and in vitro ( 16 March 1989 ) ( 2 ),
Surprisingly , in recent months , and despite the grave crisis in the Community steel sector , the machinery for providing having regard to Recommendation R(90 ) 13 of the loans under this provision has ground to a halt and there has Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to been a clear lack of activity in this area . Behind these Member States on pre-natal genetic screening, pre-natal developments lies a conspiracy of silence involving both the genetic diagnosis and associated genetic counselling, Council and the Commission . having regard to Recommendation R 1046 ( 1986 ) adopted What are the reasons for the unexpected standstill which has by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on occurred in this area ? Has the Commission forced the embryos and foetuses for diagnostic , therapeutic , scientific, Council to abandon its inactive approach — which is industrial and commercial purposes , keeping the entire steel sector in a state of expectancy and perplexity ? Should the Commission not state , clearly and frankly, whether the facilities previously provided under having regard to the reports of the Working Group on Article 54, second paragraph , of the ECSC Treaty are no Human Embryos and Research ( HER ) ( March 1992 ) and longer available and , if they are not, give the reasons ? the Working Group on the Ethical , Social and Legal Aspects of Humane Genome Analysis ( WG-ESLA ) ( December 1991 ), Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission 1 . Is the Commission aware of the existence of a ' Gender choice clinic', enabling parents to choose the gender of (5 January 1994) their baby ?
The question of ECSC financing under the second 2 . Does it consider the choice of sex by human genetic paragraph of Article 54 of the ECSC Treaty is now part of a manipulation ethical ? larger question concerning the future of the Treaty . On 15 March 1991 the Commission submitted to the Council and 3 . Would it agree that a broad public debate on this issue to Parliament its first reflections on this matter . should be held in every Member State of the EC ? In its conclusions of 24 November 1 992 and 4 May 1 993 the Council indicated a number of general principles . Copies of 4 . Has the Commission investigated the existence , the procedures and the reliability of the methods used by the the press releases on this matter have been sent directly to London Gender Clinic ? the Honourable Member and to Parliament's General Secretariat . 5 . Does it know whether other clinics exist in the EC that Since the end of 1992 the Council , awaiting the outcome of offer gender choice ? this debate , has not given its assent on any matter under the second paragraph of Article 54 or under Article 56(2)(a ) of (») OJ No C 96 , 17 . 4 . 1986 , p . 165 . the ECSC Treaty, despite Commission requests that it ( 2 ) OJ No C 96 , 17 . 4 . 1986 , p . 171 . should do so . The Commission is pressing the Council for its assent .
Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 807/93 (11 February 1994) by Annemarie Goedmakers ( PSE ) and Rolf Linkohr ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission would refer to its reply of 10 March 1993 to Question No 88 by Mr Pompidou ( H-0143/93 ) on this (20 July 1993) subject . ( 94/C 240/18 )
It is for the Member State concerned to determine what Subject: Practices of the London Gender Clinic investigation should be undertaken with regard to the methods used at the Clinic mentioned by the Honourable Having regard to newspaper reports about the London Members . The Commission is not aware of any other clinic Gender Clinic in the United Kingdom , in the Community which offers a gender choice service to the general public for non-medical reasons . having regard to Parliament's resolution on the ethical and legal problems of genetic engineering ( 16 March 1989)0 , 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/11
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 875/93 temporary basis ( for five years ), and pending the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) introduction of an electronic road pricing system valid throughout the Community, a regional Euro-toll system for to the Commission of the European Communities the Benelux countries, Germany and Denmark based on the (15 July 1993) ( transit ) mileage driven by road hauliers in each of the ( 94/C 240/19 ) Member States ?
Subject: Re-opening of the Merchant Seamen's Hospital in Is it true that reimbursements to the Member States will be Athens in proportion to the transit traffic over their territory ? Does this not involve a charging system as originally proposed by the Commission ? A 300-bed hospital in Greece has been closed for 16 years . The hospital in question is the Merchant Seamen's Hospital in Melissia , Attica . The appointed management of the Does the Commission agree that this measure runs counter 'Seafarers' Home', which is also responsible for the hospital , to the Court of Justice's ruling in case 13/83 since cites lack of money as the reason for its failure to reopen either as a hospital for seamen or as a health centre for the inhabitants of the area . 1 . it is unilateral , not based on equal conditions and therefore discriminatory and it would impose a greater Is there any possibility of the Community helping, in burden on some Member States than on others ( Article conjunction with the Greek authorities , to re-open this 75(1 ), EEC Treaty ), hospital ? 2 . the Court is of the opinion that plans applicable only to part of the EC should not be adopted since the ultimate aim is full liberalization , together with any Answer given by Mr Millan accompanying measures that may be necessary ? on behalf of the Commission (25 January 1994)
The Commission is aware that the Merchant Navy Hospital Answer given by Mr Matutes at Melissia-Attica has not operated during the last 16 years on behalf of the Commission due to lack of funds and, should the competent Greek authorities so request, would be willing to examine the (19 January 1994) possibility of supporting the recommissioning of these facilities either as a seaman's hospital or a local health centre . Directive 93/89/EEC of 25 October 1993 on the application by Member States of taxes on certain vehicles used for the Such a project would of course have to conform to the carriage of goods by road and tolls and charges for the use of requirements of the Community regulations governing the certain infrastructures C1 ) allows two or more Structural Funds . In this regard , it should be noted that Member States to introduce a common system of user assistance to investments in health-care facilities is aimed as charges ( regional disc scheme ) for use of their main road a priority at basic health equipment in under-equipped areas network by heavy goods vehicles . Five Member States in Objective 1 regions . ( Belgium , Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands ) have expressed their joint intention to implement such a system .
The distribution among the Member States of the revenue WRITTEN QUESTION E- 198 1 /93 from these user charges will be calculated on the basis of the by Florus Wijsenbeek ( LDR ) vehicle kilometres driven by non-resident hauliers in the Member States concerned . The Commission's proposal ( 2 ) to the Commission of the European Communities made no reference to such a system of distribution, as there (19 July 1993) were no plans at the time to introduce regional discs . ( 94/C 240/20 )
In the Commission's view , the introduction of this scheme is Subject: Plans by the Netherlands Minister of Transport compatible with the common rules on transport and with and Public Works to introduce a regional Euro-toll the case-law of the Court of Justice , for the following system for road haulage firms reasons :
Is the Commission aware that the Netherlands Minister of — this is a genuinely common system , as provided for by Transport and Public Works wants to introduce on a the Council Directive ; No C 240/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
— the measure constitutes 'provisions referred to in What action does the Commission intend to take on these Article 75(1 )' within the meaning of Article 76 of the requests from Parliament ? EEC Treaty ;
— it does not entail any internal border controls ; f 1 ) OJ No C 42 , 15 . 2 . 1993 , p . 187 .
— it does not discriminate on the basis of the nationality of the haulier or his place of establishment;
— it imposes charges which correspond to the actual use of Answer given by Mr Ruberti the infrastructures pro rata temporis ( proportionality ); on behalf of the Commission daily, weekly, monthly and annual rates will be (11 February 1994) applied .
O OJ No L 279, 12 . 11 . 1993 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 311 , 27 . 11 . 1992 . In a working paper on guidelines for Community action in the field of education and training ( ! ), the Commission proposes the rationalization of the various action programmes so as to have two proposals for two programmes , one on higher education and schools , the other on vocational training and qualifications .
WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1986/93 by James Ford ( PSE), Johannes Peters ( PSE ), Luigi Colajanni The Commission feels that it would be desirable for ( PSE ), John Tomlinson ( PSE ), Imelda Read ( PSE ), Christos measures under the present Lingua programme relating to Papoutsis ( PSE), Marijke Van Hemeldonck ( PSE), Georgios schools and teacher training to be linked with other Romeos ( PSE ), Willem van Velzen ( PSE ), Joan Colom i measures , the aim being to promote a European dimension Naval ( PSE ), Michael Elliott ( PSE ), Christine Crawley in the education provided by the school systems . ( PSE ), Raymonde Dury ( PSE ), Terence Wynn ( PSE ), Juan Ramirez Heredia ( PSE), Lissy Gröner ( PSE), Detlev Samland ( PSE ) and Antonio La Pergola ( PSE ) The Commission also believes that Community measures to promote the learning of the languages of the Member States to the Commission of the European Communities should cover the teaching of the mother tongues of ( 19 July 1993) Community migrants ' children , as well as training for ( 94/C 240/21 ) teachers responsible for such teaching . Similar arrangements could also be implemented to ensure that the children of workers who have returned to their country of origin maintain the language knowledge they have acquired Subject: Commission follow-up to EP resolution on while abroad . education of migrant children
Parliament's resolution A3-0399/92 ( J ) of 21 January 1993 In agreement with the Member States , the Commission has ' On cultural plurality and the problem of school education established a plan of action setting out the priorities and for children of immigrants in the European Community' criteria for its measures in this field . This plan will serve as a calls on the Commission to act on a number of issues , in basis for proposals on the fostering of intercultural particular education which the Commission will produce in the near future as part of the new programme on education . — to make it easier for the EC Member States to assume responsibility for the teaching of immigrant children 's mother tongues , through appropriate reform of the Lastly , the Commission is preparing a Green Paper on the Structural Funds ( point 17 of the resolution ); cultural diversity and education of the children of migrants in the Community, which is intended to serve as a basis for widespread consultation of the interested parties . Such — to make support for such teaching and for appropriate consultation will make it possible to spread the word about teacher training available in the next phase of the Lingua Community action in the field of intercultural education programme ( point 18 ); and to establish more precise guidelines for such action .
— to propose an action programme on intercultural (!) COM(93 ) 183 final . education to the Council with a view to promoting the integration of immigrant children and to broadening the learning experience of all children in the Member States' schools ( point 19 ). 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/13
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2121/93 Answer given by Mr Steichen by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (14 January 1994) (26 July 1993) 94/C 240/22 According to the information at the Commission's disposal , there is no carry-over stock of currants in Greece or in any Subject: Drinking water other Member State , nor has there been for many years .
Can the Commission say in which Member States drinking water is privatized and does it have any figures for the number of households whose water supplies are cut off each year for non-payment of water bills ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert WRITTEN QUESTION E-2154/93 on behalf of the Commission by Robert Delorozoy ( LDR ) (20 January 1994) to the Commission of the European Communities (26 July 1993) In Member States other than the United Kingdom the ( 94/C 240/24 ) principal responsibility for providing a water supply lies with either central or local government . In the United Kingdom , responsibility for providing a water supply in England and Wales lies with the private sector, whereas in Subject: Operation of the Phare and Tacis Programmes Northern Ireland and Scotland responsibility lies with the central and municipal authorities respectively . Nevertheless , A large number of technical assistance contracts have been in all Member States there is a varying degree of private concluded with European Community companies as part of sector involvement in the provision of water , ranging from the Phare and Tacis Programmes to assist eastern and small-scale contracting out to wholesale franchising . central Europe and countries formerly part of the USSR . Certain ( short-term consultancy ) contracts are concluded It should be noted that under Article 222 EC Treaty, the directly by the Commission . The role of the Commission in Community is neutral as to the choice a Member State the selection of consultants is frequently a determining makes between public and private ownership . factor in the setting up of management units in these countries . The Commission also recommends contractors There is no requirement under Community legislation for for projects directly administered by the authorities of the Member States to provide the Commission with recipient countries . information about the number of households whose water supplies are cut off each year for the non-payment of bills . Consequently, the Commission does not have this Many complaints have been made regarding the lack of information . transparency of these procedures . In particular , it is alleged that, in short-listing experts , greater attention is given to fair distribution between the Member States than to efficiency . A number of examples have been quoted , in particular, where the Commission has recommended collaboration between short-listed companies , thereby distorting free WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 144/93 competition . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities 1 . Can the Commission given specific details concerning the way in which technical assistance contracts are (26 July 1993) concluded within the framework of Phare and Tacis in 94/C 240/23 which it is directly or indirectly involved ?
Subject: Marketing of currants 2 . Can the Commission say what criteria are used in short-listing consultants ? What redress is available for According to official data published by the Greek companies unfairly excluded ? Autonomous Currant Organization ( ASO ) stocks of currants are still very large . Given that they are being 3 . What steps will the Commission take to ensure displaced on the European market by substitute products , transparency of its own tendering procedures (a does the Commission intend to take the necessary measures requirement which it imposes on public contracting forthwith to ensure that they fetch satisfactory prices ? authorities in the Community )? No C 240/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan procedures . It also replies to individual requests for on behalf of the Commission information on a daily basis . (12 January 1994) The Commission therefore feels that the procedures governing Phare and Tacis contracts are sufficiently transparent : the success or failure of a given firm now depends less on a lack of transparency or information than 1 . Technical assistance contracts for the Phare and Tacis on its own ability to compete . programmes are awarded in accordance with the Communities ' Financial Regulation , Title IX ( External aid ), Articles 105 et seq . and 112 et seq . These are public works contracts for the beneficiary countries , and are generally awarded on the basis of restricted invitations to tender ( Article 118 ), in which a limited number ( short list ) of suitable firms is invited to bid . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2224/93 by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) 2 . The main criterion in the selection of the firms invited to the Commission of the European Communities to tender is their ability to carry out the tasks involved , on the basis of objective criteria such as technical (30 July 1993) qualifications , experience and availability . The Commission ( 94/C 240/25 ) is careful to invite as many firms as appears necessary to obtain an adequate range of proposals and to achieve a reasonable geographical balance . The purpose of Phare and Tacis is not to procure contracts for Community firms , but Subject: Use by Greece of Community funds to provide the beneficiary countries with the technical assistance they require to carry out their reforms It is reliably reported that funds earmarked for Greece from successfully . The Commission is therefore under no the ' Delors II package' are not being used productively or in obligation to deal with any particular consultancies , with accordance with the spirit, if not the letter, of the package the result that no firm can be said to have been ' unfairly ('From the Single Act to Maastricht and Beyond', (*). It excluded ' if it is not considered for a given invitation to appears that the funds are being used for large-scale civil tender, or if a given list is closed when there are enough service recruitment in order to win support for the present qualified tenderers . government with a view to the next elections .
Can the Commission carry out a close investigation into the Interested parties are entitled to form consortia with other use of Community resources ? firms or to participate as subcontractors in Phare and Tacis tenders or contracts . If 'anomalies' are revealed , what specific steps will the Commission take with regard to Greece ? In these matters the Commission is governed by the general judicial control procedures laid down by the EC Treaty . (M COM(92 ) 2000 . There is no specific form of redress available to individual companies seeking assured access to a given invitation to tender.
Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission 3 . The Commission has a track record of working to (22 December 1993) make these procedures as transparent as possible , and to that end has set up a special information service to meet companies' needs . Indicative and sectoral programmes are published as soon as they are adopted , detailing the projects , No decision has yet been made regarding the allocation of the beneficiary countries and the amounts involved , and the resources made available to Greece in the programming giving specific information about the contractual period 1994—1999 to specific programmes and possibilities offered by the programme concerned . A list of projects ( 1 ). the national authorities responsible for implementation and awarding contracts is also published . The Commission has a register of firms interested in taking part in Phare and Tacis (!) OJ No L 79 , 1 . 4 . 1993 . projects , broken down by specialization , and participates in numerous seminars and conferences throughout the Community to familiarize local firms with Phare and Tacis 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/ 1 5
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2230/93 accounts for 60 % of the Italian crop and hence for 39 % of by Alexandros Alavanos ( CG ) the total European crop , has had to contend for many years with a range of difficulties stemming first and foremost from to the Commission of the European Communities the distorted trading and cooperation relationship with (30 July 1993) Turkey, whose total crop this year is expected to be ( 94/C 240/26 ) approximately 400 000 tonnes , 60 % of world production . Subject: Establishment of 'infrastructure project development companies ' in Greece 1 . Will the Commission consider the option of drawing up a detailed programme to redress the balance in favour of In the bill on arrangements in respect of tourism and other Community producers and make good the discrepancy provisions , the Greek Government is seeking to set up between the production , health care , and social security 'infrastructure project development companies'. costs borne by European growers and their principal competitors ? Expressed in figures , the discrepancy According to the Technical Chamber of Greece which is the amounts to ECU 1 000 per hectare , this being the technical adviser to the Greek Government the difference between costs in Europe ( ECU 1 250 ) and establishment of these companies will mean that executive costs in Turkey ( ECU 250 ). power will become autonomous and be exempt from social or even legal control , public administration will be 2 . Will the Commission direct aid towards improving marginalized instead of upgraded and the principle of quality — as is essential in order to meet the challenge of transparency and fair competition will be called into the world market — and hence give preference to the question . highest-grade class I and 'extra ' class products ?
Since the activities of these companies will be funded under 3 . Beginning on 1 January 1994 , will the Commission the Delors II Package , this is a matter of Community abolish the 25 000 tonne duty-free quota , granted to interest . Turkey as a privilege , and use the resulting revenue to promote research and development and launch a Is the Commission aware of this government bill and the genuine marketing policy aimed at protecting and reactions of the Technical Chamber of Greece and , if so , enhancing the reputation of the product ? what are its views on this matter and what proposals does it intend to make ? 4 . Will it call on the Turkish Government to implement the association and economic cooperation agreements by making a financial contribution to the measures referred Answer given by Mr Millan to in point 3 and imposing an immediate freeze on the on behalf of the Commission unsold stocks it holds — currently estimated to stand at (21 December 1993) 120 000 tonnes — which must be earmarked solely for alternative uses and not marketed in Turkey so as to ensure that they do not find their way illegally on to the The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to Community market as a result of speculation ? the reply to the oral question H-755/93 by Mr Augerinos, which it gave during question time at Parliament's October 1993 part-session (*). 5 . In the light of the proposals put forward above , will the Commission review current Community rules , which to ( x ) Debates of the European Parliament No 3-437 ( October date have failed either to yield sound benefits or to draw 1993 ). to the full on the financial resources available ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2255/93 Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission by Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE ), Mauro Chiabrando ( PPE ), Franco Borgo ( PPE ) and Ferruccio Pisoni ( PPE ) (6 December 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/27 ) 1,2 and 5 . In 1989 the Council , aware of the problems in the nut and carob sector , which were caused in particular by the failure of European production to adapt to demand , Subject: Problems affecting hazel-nut growing in Europe , in adopted a series of measures to improve the technical particular in Italy conditions of production and to rationalize marketing . It is a well-known fact that hazel-nut growing in Europe and in particular in Italy, whose crop accounts for 65 % of the The Commission considers that in the long term these total European crop, and Campania region , whose crop measures, whose objective is to adapt European production No C 240/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 to market conditions , will have a greater impact on producer undertakings managed only to secure ECU 710 000 worth incomes than any direct assistance . of contracts , i.e. 0,32 % of the total . Furthermore, no Greek firms whatsoever have taken part in the Tacis 3 . and 4 . The difficulties experienced by European Programme . hazelnut producers are caused by a number of factors and not exclusively by the provisions of the cooperation Will the Commission say what methods it intends to employ agreement between the Community and Turkey . In fact, the to ensure that contracts are distributed among Member only respect in which this agreement diverges from general States on an equitable basis and what specific measures it arrangements is that it establishes a duty-free tariff quota of intends to take in an effort to offset existing inequalities ? 25 000 tonnes , whereas in general customs duties are consolidated under the GATT at 4 % for hazelnuts with or without their shells and 0 % for hazelnut preparations .
The Commission does not consider that the difficulties in Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan the Community hazelnut sector are due to the exemption of on behalf of the Commission 25 000 tonnes of hazelnuts from customs duties of 4% . (17 January 1994) Over the last few years the Commission has been in touch with the Turkish authorities to examine the market situation . In particular , in response to the problems created by the exceptional harvest of 1992 , a Community According to latest statistics , the total value of contracts concluded with Greek firms is ECU 4,535 million for the delegation went to Turkey in September 1993 to learn about the market situation, 1993 production forecasts , any plans Phare Programme ( out of a total of ECU 793,512 million ) by the Turkish authorities to market stocks from previous and ECU 2,857 million for the Tacis Programme ( out of a years , and Turkey's long-term policy regarding total of ECU 497,037 million ). The number of Greek production . companies involved in Phare and Tacis has therefore been relatively small , as is also the case for some other Member States . It learnt that the 1993 harvest will very probably be the lowest on record , i.e. not exceeding 290 000 tonnes . Prices paid to producers are already twice those of the previous Having said this , the purpose of the programmes is not to year, and export prices at the beginning of October had also procure contracts for Community firms , but to provide the reached double the previous year's level . The export of recipient countries with the assistance they require to carry stocks held by the Turkish authorities has been forbidden by out their reforms successfully . In order to guarantee the ministerial decree . These stocks will not be sold on the quality of this assistance , and in accordance with the internal market either . They will be distributed to principles governing the management of Community funds , institutions of a social nature ( the army, schools , hospitals most Phare and Tacis contracts are awarded on the basis of etc.) or processed for oil . The situation will therefore invitations to tender . stabilize this year . Supplies contracts are almost always awarded following Moreover, the Turkish authorities have already started on a international invitations to tender published in the Official policy reform designed to revive the sector by restricting Journal of the European Communities . production and , in the long term , taking certain plantations out of production in order to adapt supply to demand on the world market . Services contracts are generally awarded following restricted invitations to tender , in which a limited number of suitable firms is invited to bid . The main criterion in the selection of firms invited to tender is their ability to carry out the tasks involved , assessed on the basis of objective yardsticks such as technical qualifications , experience and availability . The Commission is careful to invite as many WRITTEN QUESTION E-2263/93 firms as appears necessary to obtain an adequate range of by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) proposals and to achieve a reasonable geographical to the Commission of the European Communities balance . (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/28 ) Systematic inclusion of companies from a particular Member State in restricted invitations does not, however, guarantee these firms contracts . Tenders for both Phare and Subject: Limited participation of Greek undertakings in the Tacis projects are evaluated primarily on the basis of Phare and Tacis Programmes qualitative factors .
According to Commission data , during the first three years With respect to Greek firms , the Commission would also of the Phare Programme ( 1990/92 ) contracts worth a total point out to the Honourable Member that it showed it was of ECU 218 million were concluded ; however , Greek aware of the need for more information by taking part in a 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/17 seminar organized in Athens on 5 April 1993 on the facilities of the Borschette Centre , more particularly for initiative of the Greek Government . The seminar was simultaneous interpreting exercises . Furthermore , under the intended to provide these firms with all necessary association or cooperation agreements between the information regarding the conditions and procedures for Community and third countries ( China , Turkey, inclusion in an invitation to tender . ex-Yugoslavia ) and under the aegis of the Tempus programme ( Hungary, Czech Republic , Poland , Albania , Baltic States ), it acts , as part of the 'Instructor Training' programme , as host to lecturers from universities in those countries .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2283/93 As an advisory committee , the Committee on Health and by Annemarie Goedmakers ( PSE ) Safety at Work has to deliver opinions on the main guidelines concerning premises to be used as workplaces to the Commission of the European Communities ( even if it does not have to be consulted before a building is (1 September 1993) actually occupied . ( 94/C 240/29 ) Serious consideration is always given to the observations made by the said committee with respect to all buildings, Subject: Lease of premises at 57-59 rue Froissart by the including the one referred to by the Honourable Commission Member .
1 . Is it true that the Commission has leased premises at 57-59 rue Froissart to be used as a training centre for the Joint Interpreting and Conference Service ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2286/93 2 . Is it true that the monthly rental is Bfrs 450 000 ? If by Ana Miranda de Lage ( PSE ) not, what is the true figure ? and Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities 3 . Why did the Commission decide on a training centre (1 September 1993) outside the Albert Borschette Conference Centre ( CAB ) which has all the necessary facilities ? ( 94/C 240/30 )
4 . Does the Commission think the facilities offered by the Subject: Unfair competition from non-Community CAB are inadequate ? Why ? producers of soda ash
5 . How can the decision to lease premises for a training Soda ash is a material of strategic importance to European centre for interpreters be reconciled with the blocking of industry . posts whereby no trainees can be taken on for the next 20 months ? The European soda market, like the market in steel and other products , is suffering from strains caused by imports 6 . Can the Commission confirm that the consultative from outside the Community . committee rejected the new building on rue Froissart for the Committee on Health and Safety at Work ? What are the What measures does the Commission plan to take to prevent implications of this decision ? unfair competition from non-Community producers so as to protect this sector, which provides jobs for several thousand Community citizens ?
Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan (28 January 1994) on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1993) The Joint Interpreting and Conference Service had had to contend with cramped working conditions at the Borschette In June the Commission received a complaint from the Centre for over three years . It is for this reason that, as the European Chemical Industry Council ( Cefic ) to the effect Honourable Member states , the Commission leased the that imports of soda ash originating in the United States premises located near to the Borschette Centre . The monthly were being dumped and were causing material injury to the rent for those premises is Bfrs 420 000 , which , per m 2 , is less Community industry . than half that of the Borschette Centre . The Commission gave notice on 6 August that it was The building meets the requirements of the Conference initiating an anti-dumping proceeding ( 1 ). Immediately Interpreting Training Unit, which also continues to use the upon publication of the notice , the Commission began an No C 240/ 1 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 investigation in accordance with Article 7 of Council In this case the Commission has taken the view that it is Regulation ( EEC ) No 2423/88 . contrary to Article 48 of the EC Treaty and Article 7(2 ) of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1612/68 to impose a higher level of f 1 ) OI No C 213 , 6 . 8 . 1993 . tax on a worker who carries on an activity in a Member State without transferring his residence and has the nationality of another Member State than on residents of that Member State if he derives the main part of his income there . Advantages linked to the family situation cannot be refused on the ground that the members of the family are resident in WRITTEN QUESTION E-2291/93 another Member State . by Catherine Trautmann ( PSE ) However, it should be pointed out that, if Germany were to the Commission of the European Communities obliged under Community law to apply tax bracket III to the (1 September 1993) taxpayers in question , it would be possible in the ( 94/C 240/31 ) Commission's view for the taxpayer's other income and the spouse's income to be taken into account in determining the rate of taxation . Subject: Obstacle to the free movement of persons The Commission would also point out that, quite apart In December 1992 , the BASF company informed 21 from the preliminary ruling mentioned above, it has employees of its La Wantzenau Technical Centre ( France ) initiated infringement proceedings against Germany in this and 30 employees of its Arnhem Technical Centre connection under Article 169 of the EC Treaty . ( Netherlands ) that these bodies would cease operations in July 1993 for financial reasons . As regards the Honourable Member's question on redress , the persons concerned may , by reliance on Community, The 51 employees were transferred to the BASF European introduce individual actions under the relevant procedures Centre in Ludwigshafen ( Germany ). provided by German law in order to preserve any of their rights .
For family reasons ( spouse's place of work and children's (') OJ No C 177, 29 . 6 . 1993 . schools ), the majority chose to go to Ludwigshafen alone, leaving their families in France and the Netherlands respectively .
These employees , who do not have ' border worker ' status , are taxed in Germany as single people ( Category 1 ), since the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2301/93 German tax authorities do not take account of their by Gianfranco Amendola ( V ) dependants in calculating their income tax . to the Commission of the European Communities 1 . What redress is available under Community law against (1 September 1993) this obstacle to the free movement of persons ? ( 94/C 240/32 )
2 . What steps are being envisaged by the Commission to eliminate distortion of this kind ? Subject: Projected opening of a quarry in Cavaglia — Piedmont
Italy has not yet properly transposed into national law the Answer given by Mrs Scrivener obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment on behalf of the Commission with regard to projects listed in Annex II of Directive (16 December 1993) 85/337/EEC (*), prompting the Commission to initiate infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the Treaty . German legislation on wages tax ( Lohnsteuer ) lays down that tax bracket III ( married couples ) applies only if both Paragraph 2(c ) of Annex II refers to the extraction of sand spouses are subject to unlimited tax liability , i.e. they are and gravel . resident for tax purposes in Germany . Since , in the cases referred to by the Honourable Member , both spouses are An operation of this type , involving the extraction of not resident in Germany for tax purposes , tax bracket I approximately 8 million cubic metres , is planned in ( single persons ) applies . Cavaglia , situated in the Piedmont region ( Province of Vercelli ), a sensitive area where other quarries and waste Reference has been made to the Court of Justice of the incineration plants are already situated . European Communities for a preliminary ruling in a very similar case ( Case C-279/93 Koln-Altstadt v Roland This project was approved by the Piedmont regional Schumackers ) ('). authorities without an environmental impact assessment 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/19 having been carried out but is opposed by the municipal Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas authorities and environmental associations such as the on behalf of the Commission 'Legambiente'. (7 December 1993)
1 . Does the Commission consider that this constitutes a The Commission has initiated the procedure provided for in further violation by Italy of its obligations under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty against Greece for failure to Council Directive 85/337/EEC ? meet the requirements concerning hunting which derive from Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds . 2 . Will the Commission consider this case together with others which have already been drawn to its attention and bring pressure to bear on the Italian Government with a view to halting the project until an environmental impact assessment has been carried out ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2309/93 (•) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . by Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG ) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/34 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1993) Subject: Transnational dismissal strategy Very recently Parliament discussed — and was quite right to do so — the transfer of a Hoover plant from one Member The Commission will be contacting the Italian authorities to State , France , to another Member State , the United ask for their comments . Kingdom , as part of a transnational entrepreneurial strategy reflecting — and aggravating — the subordinate role of the social dimension in the construction of Europe . However, it would be useful to know why the associations to which the Honourable Member refers are opposed to the project in order to get a clearer picture of the project's Now Renault is sacking 323 employees from its factory in environmental impact . the Setubal district in another Member State , Portugal , as a result of its transnational strategy, and is transferring its activities to another Member State , France , despite the positive results achieved by this plant in Portugal and without previously informing the Portuguese Government which contributed some of the capital .
It would be easy to find other examples of this phenomenon WRITTEN QUESTION E-2304/93 and it is to be feared that there will be many more cases — by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) with very serious social consequences — if nothing is done to prevent the relocation process and to change policies and to the Commission of the European Communities strategies . (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/33 ) Will the Commission say what it intends to do to prevent the spread of this phenomenon which is seriously aggravating a social situation which is already very tense and does nothing to overcome the economic crisis ? Subject: Infringement by Greece of the Directive on the conservation of wild birds
Answer given by Mr Flynn The Greek ornithological society has pointed out that Greek on behalf of the Commission regulations on hunting permit the hunting of various species (17 December 1993) covered by Directive 79/409/EEC ( 1 ).
What urgent measures will the Commission take in response The Commission considers that the right to freedom of to this serious breach of the Directive on the conservation of establishment, free movement of capital and goods , and wild birds ? freedom to provide services within the territory of the Community , constituting a central objective of the EC Treaty, entitles companies to locate their business where 0 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . they choose . No C 240/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
The Commission is nevertheless aware of the potential disruption of the local markets in beef to the detriment of social problems in the event of companies relocating from producers in these States ? one Member State to another or to a non-member country .
A number of proposals arising from the Commission's Answer given by Mr Steichen action programme for implementing the Community on behalf of the Commission Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers address this issue; the main aim in this context is to establish , (13 December 1993) within Community-scale companies and groups of companies , an information and consultation system designed to ensure that employees are more fully informed The Commission is aware of the impact that increasing beef of decisions of this nature . exports to west Africa may have on local production and trade in the region . On this basis , the Commission decided to reduce by 15 % from 12 June 1993 the export refund for certain beef exports to west Africa . Furthermore , the general level of the export refunds for beef was reduced by 5 % from 31 July 1993 and again by 5% from 27 November 1993 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2355/93 The Commission is currently studying the evolution of by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Community exports and of the market situation in West to the Commission of the European Communities Africa , and will come up with new proposals , where (1 September 1993) appropriate , at a later stage . ( 94/C 240/35 )
Subject: Use of liquid gas to power motor vehicles in Greece
In Greece only taxis may be run on liquid gas . Given that an WRITTEN QUESTION E-2360/93 increasing number of motor vehicles are run on liquid gas in by Mark Killilea ( RDE ) Europe and that any vehicle , whether private or public , to the Commission of the European Communities passenger or goods , may be powered in this way, can the Commission say why this distinction exists in Greece and (1 September 1993) whether the Greek authorities intend to allow all categories ( 94/C 240/37 ) of vehicles to use liquid gas ?
Subject: The European Social Fund and the disabled Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission inform me , for the year 1992 , in (23 February 1994) relation to Ireland ,
( a ) how many disabled people were assisted through the The use of fuels in Greece is governed by internal European Social Fund , as part of specifically designed regulations . The Commission suggests that the Honourable programmes , and as part of general vocational training Member contact the competent authorities . projects ,
( b ) what was the total amount of ESF funding spent on training and other projects specifically for the disabled in Ireland , and those of a general vocational training WRITTEN QUESTION E-2358/93 nature of which disabled persons availed themselves ? by David Bowe ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) Answer given by Mr Flynn ( 94/C 240/36 ) on behalf of the Commission (2 December 1993) Subject: Dumping of subsidized beef in west-African States With regard to ESF funding for the year 1992 allocated to What action is the Commission taking to stop the dumping the general vocational training programme for handicapped of subsidized beef in west-African States which results in people in Ireland the position is as follows : 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/21
( a ) There is a specifically designed operational programme of 0,5% . This divergence can be partly explained by the in Ireland , co-financed under the Community Support concentration of job losses in industry and construction, Framework to train disabled persons . The total number where many more men than women work , and the trained in this Social Fund programme in 1992 was deepening recession across the Community . 6 290 people , of whom 3 870 were under 25 and 2 420 were over 25 . Last May, the Commission adopted a communication on a ( b ) The total ESF funding allocated in 1992 to the ' Community-wide Framework for Employment' ( 1 ). This Operational Programme for the Disabled amounted to framework aims to put in place a strategic process for Ecu 34 million (£ Irl . 26,6 millions ). concerted and collective action towards more employment-intensive growth . The analyses and proposals In addition to the Social Fund programme , there are also a which will be prepared are designed to point out the main number of small projects which were allocated financial ways in which the fundamental changes required to achieve support from the Commission under the Horizon this can be effectively pursued across the Community . Community Initiative Programme . Following the mandate given by the European Council Under this initiative the total amount paid in 1992 to meeting in Copenhagen last June , the Commission prepared various promoters amounted to £ Irl . 2,5 millions . The a White Paper on employment, competitiveness and growth number of beneficiaries in 1993 is 887 . for deliberation by the European Council at its meeting in Brussels ( 2 ). The White Paper aims to draw as much employment as possible from whatever level of economic growth the Community can achieve .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 85/93 (') COM(93 ) 238 final . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) ( 2 ) COMÍ93 ) 700 final . to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/38 )
Subject: Unemployment among men WRITTEN QUESTION E-2402/93 Figures published by the EC Statistical Office ( Eurostat ) on by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) 7 June 1993 show that unemployment among men has risen to the Commission of the European Communities faster than it has among women in recent months . This is already being interpreted in some quarters as the result of (1 September 1993) structural problems in the Community economy . Hitherto ( 94/C 240/39 during 'seasonal crises', it was normally women who lost their jobs . Since April last year, however, there has been a greater rise in unemployment among men , particularly the Subject: Planning and management of the Eapta ( Greek under-25s . How does the Commission explain this trend Special Local Government Development and how will it respond ? Programme )
Answer given by Mr Flynn The Greek Ministry for Economic Affairs is planning to on behalf of the Commission make resources amounting to 10 per cent of the regional section of the 1994-1999 CSF available for financing the (17 December 1993) Eapta ( Special Local Government Development Programme ). This substantial amount of Community funds is expected to give a great boost to local government Most of the additional jobs created in the Community in the development programmes in Greece . Because of the 1980s were taken by women . While the number of men in importance of the Eapta to local government, it is essential work in 1990 was only around 1 % higher than in 1980 , the that planning is carried out in a coordinated manner, with number of women in work increased by almost 16 % over specified areas of intervention , strict evaluation criteria and the decade . In no other developed part of the world was the a uniform drafting procedure . At the same time, the Eapta divergence in rates of employment growth of men and — which is designed to restructure local government and wonien so great . assist viable local government bodies — must be incorporated into the Regional Operational Programmes This divergence was particularly pronounced in the ( ROP ) as a sub-programme measure . Community in the two periods of slow growth — in the early part of the 1980s and after 1990 when total employment either fell or failed to increased . Between 1980 However , some regions have ignored formal procedures and and 1985 the number of men in work declined by an average started planning the Eapta on a piecemeal basis which has No C 240/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 largely taken the form of allocating resources to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2450/93 prefectures . The result of this will be to fragment the by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop ( PSE ) programme into a large number of small projects and squander Eapta resources . to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) What are the Commission's views on the planning and ( 94/C 240/41 ) management of the Eapta and does it intend to carry out the necessary checks to ensure that Community resources earmarked for the Eapta are not wasted on projects of lesser Subject: Alcohol monopoly in the Nordic countries importance ? Can the Commission confirm that it is able to accept the proposed ASGM as an appropriate compromise in the accession negotiations for Norway , Sweden and Finland Answer given by Mr Millan regarding the issue of the alcohol monopoly in the Nordic on behalf of the Commission countries ? (1 December 1993) Answer given by Mr Van den Broek Although the exact arrangements are a matter for the Greek on behalf of the Commission authorities , the Commission shares the Honourable (14 December 1993) Member's view that local development programmes in Greece should be well planned , managed and coordinated . With this in mind it will pursue its contacts with the Greek The Commission understands that ASGM stands for authorities on the most appropriate arrangements for the 'Alcohol Supply Guarantee Mechanism ' but has no financing of these activities in the next round of Structural information which it believes is relevant to the issue referred Fund assistance to Greece . to by The Honourable Member .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2455/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2403/93 by Claude Desama ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/42 ) ( 94/C 240/40 )
Subject: Continuing obstructions at the Community's Subject: Development of the European Mediterranean internal land frontiers coast Since 1 January 1993 , when the single market came into With regard to the new Community interventions in coastal being, checks have no longer been carried out on persons tourist areas of the Mediterranean , does the Commission and goods at the Community's internal land frontiers . intend to use the resources of the Structural Funds However, numerous obstructions , for example series of specifically to finance the integrated development of the bends , bottlenecks , very low speed limits, diversions for European Mediterranean coast ? heavy goods vehicles , and so forth , which constitute real dangers to road traffic , remain in place at the points where customs inspections used to be carried out .
Answer given by Mr Millan Do these obstructions not interfere with free movement of on behalf of the Commission persons and goods within the Community ? (20 December 1993) If so , what steps will the Commission take to remove them ? Where the coastal tourist areas of the Mediterranean form part of Objective 1 , 2 or 5b areas they may benefit from operations or measures to encourage socio-economic Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi development provided that they come under the joint on behalf of the Commission priorities defined in the Community support frameworks drawn up in partnership by the Commission and the (14 December 1993) Member States concerned . The removal of physical barriers to the free movement of persons and goods is the cornerstone of the internal market . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/23
It demonstrates that the Member States have actually taken However, the possibility of extending the Brussels the measures needed to create a single market . For the Convention to include family law matters has recently been majority of people and firms, it also represents the most raised in the European Political Cooperation Group on civil visible result of the internal market programme . matters , and is the subject of a questionnaire to Member States . It will be some time before an extension to the Convention, if considered appropriate , would be effective in In this respect, although all the basic measures to remove this field . physical controls on goods have actually been taken , it is clear on the other hand that the current situation concerning the free movement of persons does not fulfil the objective of Article 8a of the Treaty . This is primarily due to delays in introducing accompanying measures which the Member States consider to be an essential political prerequisite to the opening-up of internal frontiers in the field of free WRITTEN QUESTION E-2469/93 movement of persons . Though the continued existence of by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) old infrastructures may appear anachronistic , it arises from to the Commission of the European Communities the continuance of identity checks alone . (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/44 It is very clear that once this last obstacle to free movement is removed , any inclination to retain control infrastructures will lose its justification . Subject: Designation of Kalymnos as European centre for sponge fishing and trading None the less, in order to gain as accurate a picture as possible of the situation at the frontiers , independently of In view of the importance of the island of Kalymnos in the problems relating to the free movement of persons , the organization of the trading and processing of sponges , will Commission has just launched a study on checks at internal the Commission assist to have Kalymnos designated frontiers . This study will not only examine physical 'European centre for sponge fishing and trading ?' controls , but also assess the efforts made by the Member States to change the existing infrastructure and by national administrations to change their 'traditional ' behaviour . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1993)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2459/93 Under Regulation ( EEC ) No 3499/91 (') the Community has made financial contributions to measures to strengthen by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) the position of Kalymnos as a sponge-fishing centre and to to the Commission of the European Communities diversify the activities on the island . (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/43 ) The Commission is open to other initiatives for this region .
Subject: Harmonization with the 1968 Brussels (!) OJ No L 331 , 3 . 12 . 1991 . Convention of legislation on family law matters
Which Member States have not yet harmonized their legislation on family law matters with the Brussels Convention of 1968 ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2489/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi (1 September 1993) on behalf of the Commission ( 94/C 240/45 ) (13 December 1993)
Subject: Civil liability of operators of nuclear The Brussels Convention of 1968 on the recognition and installations enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters excludes ( in Article 1 ) actions of status . These include Article 130r of the EEC Treaty establishes the 'polluter pays' marriage, divorce and adoption . principle . On the basis of this principle , when will the No C 240/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Commission lay down provisions in insurance law relating differentiate between the source of the damage , whether to the civil liability of operators of nuclear installations for nuclear-related or not, and which considers the problems of any damage to persons , property and the environment ? insurability in relation to systems of civil liability for environmental damage .
(') Two recommendations in 1965 and 1966 were made by the Commission with regard to the harmonization of legislation in Answer given by Mr Matutes the Member States concerning the application of the 1 960 Paris on behalf of the Commission Convention and its 1968 Brussels Supplementary Convention (8 December 1993) ( 65/42 Euratom , OJ No 196 , 18 . 11 . 1965 , and Euratom, OJ No 136 , 25 . 7 . 1966 ). I 2 ) COM(93 ) 47 final .
Coverage of nuclear risks is dealt with in Article 98 of the Euratom Treaty which provides that Member States shall take all measures necessary to facilitate the conclusion of insurance contracts covering nuclear risks . According to this provision , measures implementing this principle should be WRITTEN QUESTION E-2508/93 adopted through Council directives on proposal from the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Commission . to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) The objective of this Article is the elimination of restrictions in the field of insurance services to cover nuclear risks within ( 94/C 240/46 ) the Community . It does not provide the Community with a general competence in the field of nuclear liability . Subject: Transfer of refugee children in the EC
Because of the adoption of the Paris Convention on Third Throughout the world , an increasing number of children Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy in 1960 and have become fugitives as a result of wars , expulsions and the response of the insurance industries to cover the nuclear violations of human rights . In certain cases they are not risk through the formation of market-wide pools , the accompanied by persons responsible for their care . Since Community initiatives foreseen in Article 98 were not some of these children have been transferred to Member considered necessary in the early days of the nuclear States of the Community and are in danger of expulsion, can industry ( l ). the Commission say whether measures have been taken to solve this extremely serious problem by granting these children the right of residence and taking steps to provide It would not seem that this situation has changed markedly them with an education and ensure their social and today because of the increased consciousness of psychological wellbeing ? responsibility for the environment . The provisions of Article 130 R of the EEC Treaty, as amended by the Treaty on European Union , should be borne in mind . But the appropriateness of the existing special nuclear liability Answer given by Mr Flynn regime has specifically been recognized in recent on behalf of the Commission conventions dealing with liability for damage to the environment . (2 December 1993)
In the 1989 UN Convention on Civil Liability for Damage The Commission agrees that unaccompanied minors Caused during Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road , Rail arriving in the Community as asylum-seekers deserve special and inland Navigation Vessels as well as in the 1993 Council attention from the authorities concerned . As part of the of Europe Convention on Civil Liability for Damage active interest it takes in this question, the Commission Resulting from Activities Dangerous to the Environment it participated in a seminar organized under the auspices of the is stipulated that the Conventions shall not apply to damage European Forum for Child Welfare on this subject on 22 caused by a nuclear substance if liability for such damage is and 23 September 1993 in Brussels . regulated by the Paris Convention . Until the entry into force of the Treaty on F^uropean Union, however , the subject fell within the scope of the All the Member States are parties to the 1960 Paris intergovernmental cooperation by Immigration Ministers . Convention save Luxembourg and Ireland , which have no The work programme adopted by the European Council in nuclear installations on their territory . There is thus no need December 1991 included the objective of introducing for the Commission to take the initiative suggested by the approximation in Member States ' reception policies , of Honourable Member . which reception policies for minors can be considered a part . The Commission has published a Green Paper on remedying environmental damage ( 2 ) which does not seek to 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/25
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2545/93 Answer given by Mr Steichen by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 December 1993) (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/47 ) The Commission firmly rejects any suggestion that the sheepmeat and goatmeat sectors are unfairly treated within Subject: Protection of the Gulf of Yera , Lesbos the Community .
The Mamidakis Company has erected fuel tanks in the area Since the introduction of the sheep regime in 1980 both of Skala Loutron at the east side of the entrance to the Gulf Community production and consumption have risen of Yera on the island of Lesbos in contravention of steadily . At the same time , imports , governed by a series of Community law . The village council chairman , Mr P. voluntary restraint agreements between the Community Samartzis , points out that the Gulf of Yera has been and the major supplying countries , have remained stable . classified as an area of ' European interest' and listed as a The Community's obligations in respect of imports and the corine biotope because of its great ecological value and the very considerable difference between Community and number of endangered species living there which are world prices for sheepmeat and goatmeat have ensured that protected by Directive 79/409/EEC (') and 92/43/EEC ( 2 ) it is not in the Community's interest to seek self sufficiency and the Berne Convention . In view of this , will the within the sector . Commission take steps to enforce Community legislation to protect the Gulf of Yera on the island of Lesbos ? The introduction of the premium quota regime within the sheep sector was motivated by two important factors . (1 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 , p . 7 . Firstly , the ever increasing expenditure on the sector in the form of premia payments to producers was contributing significantly to the Community's budgetary problems . Indeed , in recent years Community expenditure on the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas sector annually has amounted to more than 5 % of total on behalf of the Commission funds devoted to agriculture while the sector itself accounts for less than 2 % of total agricultural output . Secondly, as (10 December 1993) quota regimes were being introduced in other major agricultural sectors , to have left sheep and goat producers The Gulf of Yera on Lesbos is not included in the list of areas unprotected by quota would have risked a sharp increase in output, with knock on effects on prices , as producers in of Community interest for the conservation of wild birds under Directive 79/409/EEC . those other sectors looked to sheep and goats as a means of increasing income .
Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora has not yet entered into force The developments and decisions outlined above confirm the and cannot therefore be invoked . Community's commitment to the sheep and goat sectors and reinforce the Commission's view that they are in no way The situation described by the Honourable Member would subject to unfair treatment . not therefore appear to constitute an infringement of Community law .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2559/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2553/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/49 ) ( 94/C 240/48 )
Subject: Treatment of goatmeat and sheepmeat Subject: Dialogue between the Mediterranean regions and the Commission on the management of Mediterranean fishery resources Goatmeat and sheepmeat are treated in a discriminatory manner despite the fact that there is a particular shortage of these products in the Community . Does the Commission The region of Crete , responding to the request from the intend to alter this situation ? Inter-Mediterranean Committee of the Conference of No C 240/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Coastal Peripheral Regions of the EEC which is Answer given by Mr Millan coordinating the opinions of the Greek regions on the on behalf of the Commission proposal for a Regulation on the management of fishery (19 January 1994) resources in the Mediterranean , has proposed that the Mediterranean regions and the Commission should continue their dialogue so that the Regulation adopted is the The Commission considers that the measures taken to result of a proper partnership and respect for the coordinate the promotion of economic and social cohesion subsidiarity principle . are satisfactory . The conditions in which recent work preparing and negotiating the revision of the Structural What is the Commission's position on this proposal by the Funds took place , as well as the results of this work, have Crete region ? shown the pertinence of these measures .
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2610/93 by Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG ) The Commission is particularly anxious to receive feedback to the Commission of the European Communities from the various Community authorities and other bodies concerned on the common fisheries policy and its (1 September 1993) application . ( 94/C 240/51
When the Commission presented the policy for the management of fishery resources in the Mediterranean, and Subject: Participation of employees'organizations in the particularly its proposal for a Council Regulation banking sector in the implementation of a harmonizing certain technical measures in force in the Directive which concerns them Mediterranean, it sought the opinion not only of Parliament, but also of the Economic and Social Committee , In view of the exclusive role accorded to bank employees in the Advisory Committee on Fisheries , etc . the control of money laundering activities involving the proceeds of illegal activities , i.e. drug trafficking, does the Similarly, the Commission took an active part in the Commission not consider that, when the Directive on meetings of the Inter-Mediterranean Committee of the money laundering is transposed into national legislations Conference of Coastal Peripheral Regions ( CRPM ) in and regulations , there should at least be a principle or Montpellier, Seville and Rhodes where the management of recommendation that these employees and their fishery resources in the Mediterranean was discussed . organizations should be consulted ?
The Commission will maintain its contacts with the CRPM so that the profitable dialogue on the common fisheries policy which has been established between the two bodies Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi can continue . on behalf of the Commission (28 January 1994)
As indicated by the Honourable Member, bank employees ( as well as employees from other financial institutions ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2600/93 indeed play a very important role in the effectiveness of the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) measures adopted by the Member States in respect of to the Commission of the European Communities Directive 91/308/EEC on money laundering ( ! ). (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/50 ) In order to enable these employees to play this role properly, Article 11 , paragraph 2 of the Directive imposes on credit and financial institutions the obligation to take appropriate Subject: Effective coordination of measures for the measures ( for instance through training programmes ) so promotion of economic and social cohesion that employees are aware of the anti-money laundering provisions and are in position to know how to proceed in the Does the Commission consider that action taken to case of operations related to laundering of criminal proceeds . coordinate measures for the promotion of economic and social cohesion are satisfactory , both within the Commission's area of political responsibility and with The views of the various sectors involved in the application regard to the authorities of the administrative services ? of the Directive , including financial institutions/employees , 29. 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/27 were of course taken into consideration during the The Commission therefore considers there to be no discussion of this Community text . The procedure for the discrimination between Belgian residents and non-residents implementation of Community Directives into national in the application of the tax . legislation and the extent to which the different sectors involved must be consulted in this process , falls within the competence of each Member State .
0 ) OJ No L 166 , 28 . 6 . 1991 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2657/93 by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION E-2633/93 (1 September 1993) by Ben Fayot ( PSE ) ( 94/C 240/53 ) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/52 ) Subject: 'Relocation' of public contractors and trade to the detriment of the Community and the Member States Subject: Discrimination against Luxembourgish frontier workers It is becoming increasingly clear that companies and , what is worse , public contractors are being relocated to third Luxembourgish frontier workers employed in Belgium are countries . A French satirical weekly recently stated , without obliged to pay Belgian communes a 6 % State tax, called identifying the person quoted , that 'Europe is like a sieve . 'centimes additionnels', on income tax . There are 57 ways of introducing relocated products on the quiet'. However, these frontier workers live in Luxembourg, and not in Belgium , and already pay national and local taxes there . This trend , which is destroying present and future efforts in the Community to promote employment is difficult to hold back : national laws no longer require producers to state the Does the Commission not consider this to be a form of country of manufacture of a product to which , e.g. in the discrimination against Luxembourgish frontier workers textile sector, the finishing touches ( buttons , accessories ) employed in Belgium ? may be added to make it a ' Community' product, which is then transferable throughout the Community .
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Industrialists importing 'relocated ' products hypocritically on behalf of the Commission pretend to be opposed to the practice in order to avoid competition in this respect . Consumers are taken in by the (12 January 1994) prices which are significantly cheaper than those of products actually manufactured in Europe . Those involved in these relocation operations are obviously banking on the low According to the information available to the Commission , wages and absence of social charges in the countries where Belgian tax legislation makes provision for a municipal tax they produce . of between 0 % and 10 % that is levied on the assessed level of income tax ('centimes additionnels'). In the case of persons deemed non-resident for tax purposes , this charge is In view of this , fixed at 6 % and is paid to the Belgian State ( Article 245 of the Income Tax Code ). 1 . How is it that the French State receives products ( e.g. military uniforms ) under public procurement contracts The Commission regards these supplements as part of from Mauritius and Tunisia ( Mauritius itself is involved income tax . This view is borne out by Article 2 of the in relocation operations in Madagascar )? Belgo-Luxembourg Tax Agreement, which defines the relevant taxes ( Article 2(3)(l)(d ) refers to "the taxation of 2 . What action has been taken on the findings of the recent non-residents , including the 'centimes additionnels' levied French Senate Committee of Inquiry at European on the said taxes and charges , and the municipal tax levied in level ? addition to personal income tax"). In the Commission's opinion, the fact that the 'centimes additionnels' are shown separately simply provides an indication of how income-tax 3 . What are the 57 'holes' in the European sieve ? receipts are apportioned between the different political subdivisions within a particular country . 4 . What of the crisis among French ( and other ) fertilizer No C 240/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
producers who cannot compete with the dumping with regard to the concern it expresses for the measures by eastern European countries ? employment situation in Europe .
5 . Are operations such as the 'World Relocation 3 . The Commission has a number of options for the Exhibition', held in Paris in November 1 991 , acceptable prevention of import fraud at its disposal , which it can in the light of the statements made by the Community bring to bear in response to detailed information . It authorities and the governments of the Member States , intends to submit a proposal to the Council in the near according to which this will add a further five million future with a view to improving the efficiency of redundancies to the present gloomy forecast ? anti-dumping measures .
4 . The Commission is aware of the problem of dumped fertilizer imports that cause injury to the Community Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan industry . on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1994) The Commission and the Council have for several years applied Community anti-dumping measures to imports of certain fertilizers originating in eastern European countries . The relocation of industrial activities to countries with A good example is provided by imports of urea from the lower production costs must be seen in the context of the USSR , which have been subject to a quantity undertaking globalization of the world economy that took place in the since November 1987 . The Commission was recently 1980s and the interdependence that has subsequently been notified of two procedural initiatives on the part of the created between the countries concerned . The negative Community fertilizer industry : repercussions for employment are indeed worrying, but it is important to identify the real , long-term causes of the — requests for a review of measures taken in the past when phenomenon , which the Commission did with its White the countries concerned were exporting under the aegis Paper on employment , which was presented to the Brussels of a centralized system , these measures having ceased to European Council of December 1993 . It is also worth be appropriate with the liberalization of exports of urea highlighting the fact that as much as 81 % of the world 's from the CIS , the Czech Republic and Slovakia , and foreign investment goes to the developed countries . potassium from Russia , Belarus and Ukraine ;
The link between relocation and unemployment has not — fresh anti-dumping complaints with regard to imports of been proven, and any assessment of the external factors new fertilizer products from eastern Europe , namely influencing employment must also allow for the jobs created ammonium nitrate from Russia and other CIS countries , by third country investment in Europe . Job losses in Europe , and urea and ammonium nitrate mixtures from Poland whether they are linked to relocation or not, generally reflect and Bulgaria . a lack of competitiveness on the part of the European manufacturing sector . Competitiveness must be evaluated in terms of a number of factors . These include : employment The Commission immediately opened investigations which costs — these are significantly higher in Europe , but their are either at an advanced stage or have already been partly impact on total production costs ( 20-25 % on average , completed with the imposition of specific measures . according to the OECD ) must be seen in perspective ; and macroeconomic indicators particularly the substantial impact of exchange rates , the cost of capital , the quality of training and the workforce and the economy's physical and technical infrastructure . The largely structural nature of Europe's current unemployment problems calls for proper analysis followed by pro-active policies to implement the structural measures required in all the areas concerned . The WRITTEN QUESTION E-2533/93 purpose of such policies would be to enable Europe's economies to benefit from the world's free trade by Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V ) arrangements, while ensuring that the human costs of any to the Commission of the European Communities restructuring remain bearable . (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/54 ) The replies to the Honourable Member's specific questions are as follows : Subject: Application of Directive 79/409/EEC to the Loire 1 . Public procurement contracts are the responsibility of Estuary ( France ) the Member States .
2 . and 5 . The French Senate report on relocation has Since 1 980 the Loire estuary has been designated by France been closely examined by the Commission , particularly as an important site in need of protection under the terms of 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/29
Council Directive 79/409/EEC ( ); its ornithological value Joint answer to Written Questions fulfils all the Community criteria for it to be included in the E-2533/93 and E-2714/93 network of sites of Community importance ( Special given by Mr Paleokrassas Protection Areas ). on behalf of the Commission (17 February 1994) However , 13 years later this area does still not have protected status , and the management of the autonomous port of Nantes/St Nazaire is asking the Pays de Loire region The Commission had laid before it a complaint made inter to include one of the estuary's last extensive reed-beds alia by Mr Raffin concerning the facts mentioned by the ( Donges Est area ) in the next state — region planning Honourable Members . contract, so that the port's facilities can be extended into this area . It has contacted the French authorities in order to obtain information concerning the possible classification of the Loire Estuary as a special protection area . In accordance Directive 79/409/EEC clearly states that Member States with the procedure applying to complaints the Commission have an obligation to preserve habitats considered essential has informed the plaintiffs of the action it has taken . for the survival of bird species .
What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that France fulfils its obligations to the Community in this area ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2764/93 (*) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 September 1993) ( 94/C 240/56 )
Subject: Re-cycling domestic water WRITTEN QUESTION E-2714/93 by Bruno Boissière ( V ) What proposals does the Commission have to encourage domestic users of water to re-cycle it ? Does it agree that to the Commission of the European Communities substantial savings could be made in the cost of water (8 September 1993) treatment and in reducing the wastage of water by this 94/C 240/55 means ? What financial resources will it commit to such a programme ?
Subject: Destruction of an area of biological interest Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission The district of Donges ( Basse-Loire, France ) possesses an area of exceptional biological interest which appears in the (14 December 1993) list of natural areas with flora and fauna of special interest . Because of its wealth of plant and animal species , this site is covered by the Directive on the protection of natural and Council Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste semi-natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . water treatment obliges Member States to reuse , while minimizing the adverse effects on the environment :
Despite its outstanding quality, the area is seriously — treated waste water, whenever appropriate ( Article threatened by a project to develop the estuary . The 12 ); autonomous port of Nantes/Saint-Nazaire proposes to create a new industrial zone at Donges Est, which will — sludge arising from waste water treatment, whenever involve extending the quayside the length of the estuary appropriate ( Article 14 ). banks .
The Commission is fully aware that substantial savings can What action does the Commission plan to take to prevent be made in the cost of water treatment through appropriate the destruction of this important natural area ? re-use , notably in the industrial sector . No C 240/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
It has already supported some specific pilot projects in this formality required before the commencement of business to field , notably through the Medspa programme . which a company, firm , association or legal person operating for profit may be subject by reason of its legal form . This definition includes any contribution, regardless of its purposes, that is calculated on the tax base for capital duty .
The Commission does not make public details of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2781/93 infringement proceedings ( Article 169 of the EC Treaty ) by Vassilis Ephremidis ( CG ) until the reasoned opinion has been delivered . It considers to the Commission of the European Communities that the exchange of views with the Member State (28 September 1993) concerned will , in this way, more easily result in an agreement . ( 94/C 240/57
Subject: The Commission's objections concerning employers ' contributions to the Lawyers ' ( social security ) Fund WRITTEN QUESTION E-2793/93 Under Greek legislation , the income of the Lawyers ' Fund by Winifred Ewing ( ARC ) includes employers' contributions, which correspond to to the Commission of the European Communities 1,3 % of the value of the object of every contract concluded (28 September 1993) by means of a document authenticated by a notary and 0,5 % of the funds of every commercial company formed ( 94/C 240/58 ) used for the publication of its articles of association .
In a letter from Mrs C. Scrivener, the Commission of the Subject: EC assistance to Angola European Community claims that those sources of income are incompatible with Directive 69/335/EEC O , as Can the Commission state what assistance it is currently amended by Directive 85/303/EEC ( 2 ), on the ground that giving to Angola which is experiencing severe difficulties they are taxes which are levied at a rate which exceeds that since the collapse of the peace process ? permitted by those Directives .
On what legal basis does the Commission describe as 'taxes' the income of social security funds from 'companies and Answer given by Mr Marin associations of persons and/or legal persons', thus altering on behalf of the Commission their nature as employers' contributions , as defined by (15 December 1993) Greek law and the relevant ministerial declarations made during the adoption of the relevant laws ? The Honourable Member will certainly recall that the At what stage is the entire procedure ? Development Council of 28 November 1991 decided that the Commission and Member States would participate (!) OJ No L 249 , 3 . 10 . 1969 , p . 25 . together in Angola's social and economic reconstruction, in ( 2 ) OJ No L 156 , 15 . 6 . 1985 , p . 23 . the framework of a Community platform .
Besides a programme supporting the electoral process of 1992 , the platform includes a Social Stabilization Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Programme ( SSP ) designed to bridge the gap between past on behalf of the Commission emergency and food-aid operations and future long-term (22 December 1993) development projects . Using substantial Lome IV's non-programmable resources and Commission's budgetary funds, the SSP scales up the National Indicative Programme ( NIP ) resources available for social projects . It should be The Commission takes the view that Greece is not recalled that the Seventh EDF's NIP, agreed in 1992 , complying with its obligation under Directive 69/335/EEC stressed the importance of the social and economic of 17 July 1969 concerning indirect taxes of the raising of re-integration of more than one million displaced people . capital . Article 10 of that Directive stipulates that, apart from capital duty ( the maximum rate of which is 1% ), Member States are not to charge , with regard to companies, After the 1992 elections and following the renewed firms, associations or legal persons operating for profit, any outbreak of civil war , the Community again took up large taxes whatsoever in respect of registration or any other scale emergency and food-aid operations . Last May, after 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/31 assessing the situation on a regional basis, the Community Answer given by Mr Ruberti re-launched the SSP in Luanda and in south-western on behalf of the Commission provinces, where the security conditions allow for the (2 December 1993) continuation of previous Community efforts .
This SSP 's new phase is to be funded not only by further The AIES ( Adaptive Intelligent Energy Systems ) was held in Lome IV non-programmable resources and Commission's Brussels in February 1993 by Professor Hutchinson budgetary funds , but also by re-allocated NIP funds . In fact ( Cranfield Institute of Technology — United Kingdom ) and the accrued need for social rehabilitation projects , combined Aida ( International Foundation for Artificial Intelligence — with the reduced opportunities for other development with Japan ). The Commission helped to fund this symposium projects foreseen by the NIP, fully justifies the re-allocation ( roughly 10 % of the overall budget ) and helped in drawing of the NIP resources agreed with the Government of up the programme for this . The JRC's activities ( Beames Angola . projects ), and also the European Combine initiative were described at the symposium .
In this context Community efforts have been focused on the The JRC has received around 20 requests for information on alleviation of the Angolan people's suffering . Aid provided the Beames prototype including expressions of interest from to this end in the last 12 months may be summarized as follows : research organizations with whom the system could be further developed in a network .
(MECU) Demonstrations of the prototype may be made upon request to Community institutions , including Parliament . ( a ) Emergency aid — in 1992 — last quarter 2,0 — in 1993 . . . 6,0 ( b ) Direct food aid : — decided in 1993 ( distribution in 1993-94 ) 15,0 ( c ) Post emergency 'rehabilitation ' projects ( λ ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2809/93 — in 1992 — last quarter ( PSS , First phase ) 5,7 by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) — in 1993 — after 25 May 1993 ( PSS , Second 21,0 to the Commission of the European Communities phase ) (4 October 1993) 49,7 ( 94/C 240/60 ) f 1 ) Figures adjusted to avoid double counting of operations financed by special use of emergency and food-aid specific funds . * Subject: MINT and its possible contractors in Spain
A new project called MINT ( Managing the Integration of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2808/93 New Technologies ) has been initiated under the Sprint programme . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities According to information published by DG XIII , this (4 October 1993) initiative will be managed through a decentralized system . It ( 94/C 240/59 ) appears that sixteen contractors or subcontractors have already been chosen specifically to help SMEs in the use of new technologies . The names of French, German, Italian and British companies are mentioned in this connection . Subject: European participation in the AIES Can the Commission indicate what Spanish companies have The seminar on the AIES ( Adaptive Intelligence Energy been included in this initial selection ? If none , can the System ) held in Brussels in February 1993 was organized by Commission explain their absence ? the Commission ( DG XIII ) and two Japanese research institutes according to information published by DG XIII . Answer given by Mr Bangemann Why were no European research institutes involved in the on behalf of the Commission organization of the seminar ? What stage of development has (8 December 1993) been reached in the JRC's admirable research as regards the Beames prototype ? When is it envisaged that trials of this prototype might take place, perhaps even in the European The MINT initiative ( Managing the Integration of New Parliament's own buildings ? Technologies ) is part of the Sprint programme ( Strategic No C 240/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Programme for Innovation and Technology Transfer ) Mr Gascon sums up the situation when he speaks of designed to promote the take-up of new technologies by SMEs . SMEs will be provided with Community financial 'The lack of control over imports from third countries — assistance to encourage them to carry out audits to assess the breach represented by the port of Rotterdam . . their potential for using new technologies and innovation management techniques . Can the Commission comment on these authoritative MINT is being implemented on a decentralized basis via opinions and say whether the figurative , or real , breach of national and regional bodies proposed or designated by each the port of Rotterdam will sink the economy of the Member State in consultation with the Commission . In European Community ? Spain, the national body responsible for implementing MINT is the Institute dc la Pequena y Mediana Empresa Industrial — Madrid . It will be assisted at regional level by the following organizations : Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan — Instituto de Fomento Andaluz — Sevilla on behalf of the Commission — Instituto de Fomento Regional de Asturias — Llanera (13 December 1993)
— Consejería de Industria y Turismo — Dirección General de Industria Toledo The shift in manufacturing to countries with lower — Cidem — Barcelona production costs must be seen in the light of the Community's direct investment flows as a whole , the increasing globalization of the economy in the 1980s , and — Instituto Catalan de Tecnologia — Barcelona the resulting ties of interdependence . It is important to — Instituo Madrileño de Desarrollo — Madrid distinguish the real , long-term causes of the phenomenon; that is what the Commission set out to do in drafting the White Paper on employment . — Instituto de la Pequeña y Mediana Industria de la Generalidad Valenciana — Valencia . Companies shift production overseas for two reasons : direct investment abroad may give them a foothold in new markets , or , in countries which have a comparative cost advantage , it may allow them to sub-contract production more cheaply . WRITTEN QUESTION E-28 12/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) In fact, less than 10 % of direct Community investment goes to the Commission of the European Communities to countries with lower production costs; the rest is aimed at (4 October 1993) industrialized countries , where the key objective is to ( 94/C 240/61 ) maintain or develop a Community presence in export markets .
Subject: 'The breach of the port of Rotterdam ' Even where investment does go to developing countries, one has to bear in mind that these countries are markets as well One of the leading lights of Spanish economic life who for as competitors . To be able to buy European exports , many years has worked hardest to strengthen European developing countries need growth and they need to export a feelings and the European spirit in Spain recently issued a proportion of their output to Europe . The Community has a warning against the social dumping from which the trade surplus with developing countries : against every 10 Community is suffering as a result of the wage differences jobs that they gain , in theory , from having lower production between the Twelve and certain countries which could costs , one has to balance the 15 jobs the Community could destroy our industrial and agricultural fabric with their possibly lose if they stopped buying from us . exports . Mr Lorenzo Gascon said ('La Vanguardia ', Barcelona , 5 August 1993 ): In fact , Europe's job losses more often reflect a fall in the 'One cannot aim to compete on an equal footing with competitiveness of Europe's production process . goods produced by workers whose average monthly pay Competitiveness is a function of a number of factors : labour ranges from 100 to 200 dollars , who have no social costs , which are markedly higher in Europe , although their security, work 2 500 hours per year ( as compared to our impact must be put into perspective ( they account for 20 to 1 700 ) and are subject to an iron labour discipline . In 25 % of production costs on average , according to the other words , goods produced in democratic States with a OECD ); macroeconomic balances , strongly influenced by free people cannot compete with countries whose social exchange rates ; the cost of capital ; the standard of training and pay structure is close to slavery'. of the work force , and the economy's physical and technical 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/33 infrastructure . Europe's current unemployment is largely abovementioned cases are true , then they certainly represent structural . This calls for a review of the problem as a whole abusive practices . Is the Commission aware of these or of and a proactive policy to introduce structural measures in all similar cases ? Does the Commission feel that it would be these areas . The goal should be to enable Europe to take possible to harmonize this commercial practice or, at least, advantage of global free trade while ensuring that the to recommend certain criteria which could be implemented human cost of the restructuring involved remains by the competent authorities of the Member States ? bearable .
Trade protection measures beyond those we already have would not provide a long-term solution to the phenomenon Answer given by Mrs Scrivener of job losses , and they are liable to cause a chain reaction on behalf of the Commission which would jeopardize international free trade . One must (29 November 1993) remember that Europe has benefited from the opening up of world markets under the GATT, and that exports are a major source of employment to the Community . It is The Commission is aware of these practices and shares the precisely in the newly industrializing countries , and in concern of the Honourable Member . eastern Europe , that demand for Community products is rising fastest . The Commission can only hope that the most blatant abuses will disappear as a result of competition between hotels and The Commission and the Member States have sufficient through people making more use of public call boxes , which means at their disposal to counter any illicit imports , and can be found increasingly frequently in hotel lobbies they use them systematically , acting on specific information . nowadays , and of phone cards . These give the caller access However, exporters in the Member States need port to any national or international correspondent and also to a services , and transport services in general : these activities wider range of services . Calls are billed direct to the caller's also generate employment, in the ports and in European home , thus by-passing the hotel completely . factories producing for non-Community markets . In conclusion, then , we have to maintain and improve the Community's defence against unfair foreign competition , but the open trading system remains a keystone of Europe's economy .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2823/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 October 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-28 16/93 ( 94/C 240/63 ) by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 October 1993) Subject: The spread of, and possible inocculation against, malaria ( 94/C 240/62
Recent reports by the World Health Organization quoted in Subject: Telephone rates charged by many hotels several newspapers ( e.g. The Times , London , 23 August 1993 ) concur in noting that malaria , in a strain which is resistent to traditional medication , is once again a pandemic A recent press report ( Philip Crawford , International affecting sub-saharan Africa and large parts of Central and Herald Tribune, Paris , 30 July 1993 ) confirmed what a lot South America in particular . of travellers , and we ourselves , already know : the excessive surcharges on international , and sometimes also national , telephone rates for calls made from hotels . At the same time , the Colombian Government is backing research by Dr Manuel Elkin Patarroyo who believes that he has found a vaccine , called 'P. Falciparum', said to be Some of the examples quoted are quite remarkable : a call effective in 70 % of cases for some age groups and in 40 % of from Vienna to Germany can cost 380 Austrian Shillings , of all cases . A WHO spokesperson is quoted as saying that it which 293 end up in the Austrian hotel 's coffers ; 75 % of the represented 'a very important step forward ' ( Foreign cost of a call from Amsterdam to Frankfurt or Madrid serves Report, 2259 , 17 June 1993 ). to increase the hotel's profits ; and in the United Kingdom the charge is over twice the official rate . Does the Commission have any new information on this matter, which is of great importance to health in general It is perfectly legitimate for hotels to impose a surcharge for and , in particular , to peoples with strong links to the the use of their telephone systems ; however , if the Community ? No C 240/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Answer given by Mr Marin of a single report entitled , ' General Data relating to the on behalf of the Commission arrangements for disposal of radioactive wastes as called for (14 December 1993) under Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty'. As is normal practice , this was a report prepared and submitted by the Member State to the Commission , specifically for the Malaria is still one of the most widespread and serious purposes of Article 37 . The report was considered by the diseases in developing countries . Records show that the Commission and the experts in advance of the above incidence is more than 100 million cases a year and that it meeting which allowed additional information and causes over 1 million deaths a year, mostly among children clarifications to be obtained at that time . The list of experts in countries south of the Sahara . participating in the meeting is being forwarded direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the Parliament . The Commission is aware of the research on the vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum ( codenamed Spf66 ) synthesized by Dr Patarroyo and is monitoring developments with interest . Human field trials are currently being conducted , particularly in Tanzania and with the help of the WHO and several teams , including that of Dr P. Alonso of the Barcelona Hospital Clinic , and the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2842/93 support of the Spanish Consejo Superior de Investigaciones by Alex Smith ( PSE ) Cientificas . to the Commission of the European Communities (4 October 1993) The Commission is also financing several research projects on malaria vaccines under a programme with the title 'Life ( 94/C 240/65 Sciences and Technologies for Developing Countries'. Subject: Environmental sustainability and industrial development in Europe
What information has the Commission received on the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2839/93 work and publications of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions , and what by Alex Smith ( PSE ) steps has it taken to overlap the proposals prepared by the to the Commission of the European Communities foundation on environmental sustainability and industrial (4 October 1993) development in Europe ? ( 94/C 240/64 )
Subject: Group of Experts meeting of 3 to 5 February 1992 Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas in Cumbria on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1993) Will the Commission publish the names of the experts in attendance at the Group of Experts meeting held in Cumbria on 3-5 February 1992 pursuant to the information provided The Commission is regularly informed about the work and by the United Kingdom Government and British Nuclear publications of the European Foundation for the Fuels under the provisions of Article 37 of the Euratom Improvement of Living and Working conditions inter alia Treaty, on the Thorp nuclear facility at Sellafield , through its two representatives on the Board of the and will the Commission list all the documents by title Foundation . The Commission has noted with interest the included in the submission to which general reference publications 'Industrial relations and the Environment in is made in the Commission opinion of 30 April 1992 the EC' ( October 1991 ) and 'Structures et tendances d'une ( 92/269/Euratom O )? Environmentalisation des relations industrielles dans les pays de la CEE' (July 1992 ), which are based on national reports and on case studies and give a clear indication of (!) OJ No L 138 , 21 . 5 . 1992 , p . 36 . how the social partners can contribute to better industrial relations and to the reduction and prevention of serious environmental problems . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission The results of the work and publications of the European (6 December 1993) Foundation are taken into account in the implementation of the Fifth Environment Action Programme, 'Towards Sustainability'. The documentation received from the United Kingdom Government and examined at the above meeting consisted 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/35
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2848/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2854/93 by Alex Smith ( PSE ) by Henry McCubbin ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (4 October 1993) (4 October 1993) ( 94/C 240/66 ) ( 94/C 240/67 )
Subject: Goat farmers in the UK Subject: Lascar report on nuclear safeguards
The Commission might be aware of the problems facing What contribution in terms of resource investment and goat farmers within the UK . As with sheep farmers , the person time was made by the Commission and Euratom into farmer's income is based on selling both meat and wool . the preparation of the Lascar report on the application of Unlike sheep farmers , however, goat farmers seem to receive nuclear safeguards to large-scale reprocessing plants ? How no support and face increased hardship . many meetings of the Lascar group were attended by Commission officials ? What were the direct or indirect Does the Commission place a value on the work of these implications of Lascar's conclusions for the amendment farmers and their produce ? What support can Scottish goat proposed by the Commission to Euratom Regulation farmers expect from the Community ? 3227/76 ( l ) under COM(93 ) 294 final ? What information has been provided pursuant to Regulation 3227/76 , as amended , on the thermal oxide reprocessing plant ( Thorp ) at Sellafield ? Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission 0 ) OJ No L 363 , 31 . 12 . 1976 , p . 1 . (24 January 1994)
The Commission is aware that there is very limited production of goats in the United Kingdom . Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1993) Goat producers there derive their incomes principally from milk and milk products rather than from meat and wool . The Commission does not intend to propose the extension of ewe premium type payments to them . The Commission's contribution to preparation of the Lascar discussions on the application of nuclear safeguards to large scale reprocessing plants is estimated to be of the order of 100 man-days .
Commission representatives were present at 12 of the 13 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2875/93 plenary and working group meetings . by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities The Lascar conclusions had no influence on the amendment (4 October 1993) of Commission Regulation 3227/76 . It may be noted that ( 94/C 240/68 ) the amendment was made in order to strengthen safeguards pursuant to document INFCIRC/415 . Subject: Reasons given by Spain for non-compliance with The operator of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant Council Directive 85/397/EEC concerning ( Thorp ) in Sellafield provided the Commission with the agriculture necessary Basic Technical Characteristics long before the most recent amendment of Regulation 3227/76 so as to What is the current situation with regard to the reasoned enable it to comply with the provisions of Article 78 , second opinion sent to Spain on the subject of its non-compliance paragraph of the Euratom Treaty . with Council Directive 85/397/EEC ( j ) in the agriculture sector ?
( l ) OJ No L 226 , 24 . 8 . 1985 , p . 13 . No C 240/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Answer given by Mr Steichen although the Commission tries to ensure that this process is on behalf of the Commission kept within a reasonable time-scale , it nevertheless has to (17 December 1993) make the checks which are deemed necessary . Three selection procedures are carried out each year, on 1 February, 1 May and 1 October respectively . In response to the reasoned opinion issued by the Commission, the Spanish authorities have announced While the Commission recognizes that the first selection national measures to implement Directive 85/397/EEC . The procedure in 1993 took longer than in 1992 , it did not take Commission has therefore closed the infringement four times as long . The extra time taken to process procedure . applications was due , in part , to a tightening up of the selection procedure . However , this unusually long time-scale was not repeated in the second selection phase of 1 993 , which took no longer than the corresponding phase in 1992 . The Commission expects that the third selection WRITTEN QUESTION E-2888/93 procedure for 1993 will be completed a month earlier than by Enrico Falqui ( V ) in 1992 . to the Commission of the European Communities (11 October 1993) Generally speaking, the Commission is keen to speed up the ( 94/C 240/69 allocation of funds to the 'Youth for Europe ' programme . Consequently , the rate of utilization of funds at 31 October 1993 was higher than that recorded for the same period in Subject: Excessive length of bureaucratic procedures 1992 , corresponding, in terms of both commitments and relating to financial contributions to European payments , to 94,4% . This means that funds are actually youth organizations reaching the beneficiaries appreciably sooner .
Up to 1992 the control bureau , which is responsible for The same applies to the budget heading ' Priority measures in approving financial contributions to youth organizations the youth field', in respect of which , at 31 October 1993 , which work with the Commission in the implementation of 95 % of the funds had been committed and 74 % paid . Community youth policies , took two months on average to process each application .
Since the establishment of the new Commission the procedure takes on average four times as long, which seriously affects the organizations in question since they are WRITTEN QUESTION E-2895/93 unable to pay sums of money ( in certain cases , substantial ones ) in advance . by John McCartin ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities The accumulation of delay has brought about paradoxical ( 11 October 1 993) situations in which contracts for cooperation between the Commission and youth organizations are received by the ( 94/C 240/70 ) latter in respect of projects which are already close to completion . Subject: Cohesion Fund allocations in Ireland The situation is particularly serious in the case of the 'Youth for Europe ' programme . Is the Commission aware that, under the first tranche of Cohesion Fund spending in Ireland , no funding has been In view of the above, what action does the Commission allocated to the disadvantaged areas of the country ? Will the intend to take to reduce the average length of time taken by Commission request the Irish Government to explain why the control bureau to process each application to the levels this serious neglect of the disadvantaged areas in Ireland has achieved in previous years ? taken place ?
Answer given by Mr Ruberti Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (21 December 1993) (10 December 1993)
Among other things , the 'Youth for Europe ' programme involves joint financing of projects directly submitted by The Commission does not intend to take the action youth organizations ( around 10 % of the programme's total requested by the Honourable Member . budget). Funds for these projects are paid at the end of a complex procedure ( appraisal of the projects , consultation With regard to expenditure considered eligible for assistance with the national agencies set up in connection with the from the cohesion financial instrument (-1 ), Ireland programme, final selection , financial procedure per se ); presented projects in line with 29. 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/37 the specific requirements which this instrument must satisfy The Commission , through its Delegate in N'Djamena , in the field of transport and the environment . These projects informed the Prime Minister that courses on human rights generally relate to the whole country . could be organized for civil servants and members of the security forces in the context of technical and financial cooperation under Lome IV, or could be considered for This first list of projects which was adopted by the funding under budget heading B7-5053 , which is intended Commission does not use up all the possibilities for Ireland specifically for action in support of human rights and and the Commission will be taking many other decisions . democracy in the developing countries . Thus , the Commission is prepared to give a favourable response to any (>) OJ No L 79 , 1 . 3 . 1993 . request from the Chadian authorities for support in this area .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2905/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (11 October 1993) (11 October 1993) ( 94/C 240/72 ) ( 94/C 240/71 )
Subject: Hunting in Greece Subject: Human rights in Chad Has the Commission held consultations on the need to ban, or possibly , merely to restrict hunting in certain regions in Human rights violations are continuing in Chad . Despite the Greece , following the large fires which swept the country pledges made by President Deby , the security forces are recently , adversely effecting wildlife; if so , which bodies did continuing practices such as arbitrary arrest, kidnapping, it consult ? torture and assassination . In view of the above will the Commission : Can the Commission state its position on this matter and that of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture ? 1 . Express its interest in provision of technical and economic assistance aimed at including instruction in human rights in the basic training of the security forces and officials ? Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission
2 . Exert pressure on the Chadian authorities to ensure that (18 January 1994) the security forces can no longer commit human rights violations with impunity ? The Greek Agriculture Ministry has supplied information to the effect that it has , on its own initiative , taken measures to ban hunting in areas hit by large forest fires , closing a total area of 110 000 hectares of woodlands to hunting for a three- to five-year period . Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (16 December 1993)
The Commission is deeply concerned by the continuation of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2912/93 serious human rights violations in Chad , a signatory to the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Lome Convention , Articlc 5 of which underlines the to the Commission of the European Communities contracting parties ' deep attachment to human dignity and (11 October 1993) human rights . The Community and the Member States have strongly petitioned the Chadian authorities to take all ( 94/C 240/73 necessary steps to restore order and security to the country and to implement supplementary measures to put a stop to human rights violations . They also welcomed the holding of Subject: Dadia forest biotope ( Evros ) the national conference in Chad as an opportunity to take the country towards democracy in a climate of peace and One of the richest forests in the whole of Europe from the security . point of view of fauna is the forest of Dadia in the Prefecture No C 240/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 of Evros . In particular, there are more species of bird of prey continue for the care and education of these children under to be found there than anywhere else in Europe . Scientists the Horizon Community programme ? point out that of the 39 species of bird of prey to be found in Europe, 36 can be found in Greece and 21 of these breed in Evros and , in particular, in Dadia forest . Answer given by Mr Flynn The following rare species of bird of prey inter alia are to be on behalf of the Commission found in this forest : the Sea Eagle ( there are five pairs (4 March 1994) remaining), the Imperial Eagle ( between three and four pairs ), the Black Vulture ( ten to twelve pairs ), the Vulture ( ten pairs ), the Golden Eagle , the Rough-Footed Spotted Funding of the special education centre in Thessaloniki was Eagle , another rare species of eagle and a rare species of suspended for the purpose of inspection by the national falcon . authorities .
In view of the above , does the Commission intend to help the As the inspection committee gave a favourable report, the Greek authorities further to increase and improve measures funding procedure was renewed and the authorities now to protect this vital biotope ? consider the matter closed .
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (2 February 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2920/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) The forest of Dadia is classified as a special protection area under Council Directive 79/409/EEC (') on the to the Commission of the European Communities conservation of wild birds . (18 October 1993) ( 94/C 240/75 ) The Greek authorities are therefore responsible for taking the measures required to ensure that it is properly managed . Subject: Funding of the Moschato Graphic Arts Centre t 1 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . For the last year 170 students have been unable to complete their studies at the Moschato Graphic Arts Centre . This is because the Prefecture of Piraeus and the Ministry of Interior have repeatedly delayed the funding of this professional training centre which is the only one of its type WRITTEN QUESTION E-2918/93 in Greece . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Will the Commission explain the reasons for this and indicate what measures , if any, it has recommended to (18 October 1993) ensure that students enrolled at the Moschato Graphic Arts ( 94/C 240/74 Centre are able to complete their studies ?
Subject: Funding of the Thessaloniki Centre for Children with Special Needs Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission The Thessaloniki Centre for Children with Special Needs , a (22 February 1994) non-profit making association in the region of Kalamaria which caters for 75 children, has been achieving excellent results . The wide range of activities carried out here and the The Commission is aware of the suspension of activities at positive results achieved have induced other European the Moschato Graphic Arts Centre . centres of this kind to emulate its example and they have been jointly entered in to the Community's Horizon programme from which funds have been set aside to finance At the beginning of this year the Commission intervened to operations of these centres . However, the authorities have ensure that the measure in question could be financed in suspended funding under this programme and now 1993 under the regional operational programme for Attica . everything that has been undertaken for children with The Attican regional authorities took all the steps necessary special needs is at risk . to provide adequate financing .
Will the Commission say whether it agrees that it is essential Unfortunately, the time taken up by the approval procedure that this Centre be protected and that funding should for new measures meant that the second year of the basic 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/39 training course could not start on time . However , intensive arrangements with the producer countries of the former continuing training courses will be organised up to the end USSR ( Russia , Ukraine , Azerbaijan and Tadjikistan ). The of 1993 . trade aspects should be complemented by programmes of industrial cooperation to assist industry in the countries The Commission is taking steps to ensure the normal concerned in their transition to a market economy and to operation of the Moschato Graphic Arts Centre under the promote internal consumption . The Commission hopes that next CSF for 1994—1999 . these measures will form part of the more general efforts to maintain a positive relationship between the Community and the States in question , including Russia ( as outlined in the conclusions of the Presidency following the European Council meeting in Copenhagen on 21 /22 June 1993 ) and thus to avoid the type of problem cited by the Honourable WRITTEN QUESTION E-2924/93 Member . by François Guillaume ( RDE ) 3 . The Honourable Member will understand that the to the Commission of the European Communities Commission is not at this stage in a position to comment on (18 October 1993) specific amounts . However , given that there is, to date , no ( 94/C 240/76 ) agreement, the Commission has decided to continue the safeguard measures introduced in August this year for a further three months , pending a satisfactory outcome to the Subject: Aluminium imports from the CIS negotiations .
On 7 August 1993 the Commission decided to ban aluminium imports from the CIS in excess of 60 000 tonnes for a four-month period . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2945/93 1 . Has the Commission taken the necessary measures to ensure that CIS aluminium cannot enter Europe via the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Rotterdam free zone , where it is difficult to establish the to the Commission of the European Communities metal's place of origin ? (20 October 1993)
2 . What are the Commission 's views on the threats made ( 94/C 240/77 ) by certain groups of Russian producers to stop purchasing food and industrial products in the Subject: Ecosystem of the River Nestos European Community ? What will it do to remedy the situation ? Owing to an irrational decision to construct infrastructure projects along its main bed , the entire ecosystem of the River 3 . Will the Commission accept the compromise proposed Nestos — one of the most important wetland areas in the by Russia — an import quota of 300 000 tonnes of world — is under very serious threat . For example , three aluminium , which , although lower than the 582 000 barrages are being constructed ( at Thisavros , Platanovris tonnes originally proposed , represents a far larger and Temenos ) and irrigation projects are being constructed quantity than the European producers had hoped for in the plains of Drama and Chrysoupolis and Xanthi and ( 80 000 tonnes , corresponding to the normal level of Komotini . Can the Commission say whether the Greek exports from the former Soviet Union before its authorities have taken any measures to protect the disintegration in 1990 )? ecosystem of the River Nestos , and , if so , what are these measures ?
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2946/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) 1 . Yes . The safeguard measures concern goods imported into the Community for free circulation . Goods situated in to the Commission of the European Communities free zone in Rotterdam , or elsewhere , not being in free (20 October 1993) circulation , are subject to the requirements of the regulation ( 94/C 240/78 ) if they are to be imported into free circulation and the Commission has taken appropriate steps to clarify the situation with the Member States . Subject: Greek wetland areas of international significance 2 . The Commission intends to make every effort to ensure that the safeguard measures in question are replaced The convention on wetlands of international significance, by appropriate and mutually satisfactory bilateral known as the Ramsar Convention , plays a particularly No C 240/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 important role in the preservation and sound management Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ( ). of the fertile ecosystems of wetlands and attaches special This involves also the conservation of wetlands of importance to their role as a habitat of aquatic birds . The international importance located in Greece , all of which Ramsar Convention has been in force in Greece since 1974 . have been classified as special protection areas in However, the eleven Greek wetland sites protected under accordance with the Directive . the Ramsar Convention are facing a host of problems owing to the absence of an integrated and permanent management Furthermore , the Commission would inform the structure and the failure adequately to implement existing Honourable Member that the Community has provided legislation . According to information supplied by the World financial assistance since 1991 for the creation and initial Wildlife Fund , the most important of these problems are operating phase of the Greek centre for wetland biotopes , draining to prepare the land for agricultural use , the illegal whose task is to supply the competent authorities with construction of holiday homes , over-grazing, hunting and scientific and technical information concerning wetland the construction of barrages . biotopes , and to promote the conservation and sustainable management of these areas . Will the Commission call on the Greek authorities strictly to adhere to the provisions of the Ramsar Convention and With more particular reference to the special protection area existing legislation on the protection of Greek wetlands of of the Nestos delta , Greece is obliged to take appropriate international significance ? steps to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats or any disturbances affecting the birds , in so far as these have a significant effect .
One means of meeting this obligation is to submit all projects liable to have an effect on the area to an environmental impact assessment focusing on the conservation of wild birds , and to authorize only projects which do not have a negative impact . The Commission will WRITTEN QUESTION E-2950/93 be taking appropriate measures on this basis to ensure the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) protection of the area in question . to the Commission of the European Communities (20 October 1993) H OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . ( 94/C 240/79 )
Subject: Demarcation of Greek wetlands WRITTEN QUESTION E-2963/93 by Richard Simmonds ( PPE ) The demarcation of Greek wetlands is purely theoretical , to the Commission of the European Communities given that the boundaries take no account of actual developments in and around these wetlands . A (20 October 1993) characteristic example is the administrative study drawn up ( 94/C 240/80 ) on the Missolonghi wetlands which ignores plans to divert the rivers Acheloos and Evinos . Subject: Cooperation between the European Communities and the Council of Europe In view of the above , does the Commission intend to ask the Greek authorities to take into account developments taking In communication ( ] ) from the Commission to the Council , place in wetlands when fixing their boundaries ? it is proposed that the Council of Europe's Convention on the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes , to which the Community has been a party since 1988 , should provide the basis for further legislation laying down minimum conditions for the keeping of farm animals not Joint answer to Written Questions already covered by existing Directives . To this end , E-2945 , E-2946/93 and E-2950/93 measures would be taken to transpose both existing and given by Mr Paleokrassas future recommendations of the Standing Committee on behalf of the Commission established under the Convention . (10 December 1993) Would the Commission agree that the Council of Europe should be given maximum encouragement in its efforts properly to implement the Convention on the Protection of The Commission is engaged in discussions with the Greek Animals kept for Farming Purposes and this encouragement authorities to ensure that Greece meets its obligations under be communicated to the Secretary-General ? 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/41
Furthermore , would the Commission be prepared to give small compared with the total quantity of beef exported financial support for a limited period , if necessary, to ensure from the Community ( 4,8 % in 1992 ) or compared with the that the Standing Committee is able to complete this total slaughterings in the Community ( 0,7 % in 1992 ). Most essential work ? of the animals exported under these export arrangements go to countries where the local preference is for live animals (M COM(93 ) 384 . which are then ritually slaughtered in accordance with religious customs . These countries would not accept meat as a substitute , so the Commission sees no alternative to the present arrangements for the time being . Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission In third countries , the responsibility for the protection of (3 December 1993) animals during transport falls upon the local authorities of the territory where the animals are being transported , in The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that application of their domestic legislation . Clearly this is not a the recommendations of the Standing Committee of the matter in which the Commission can intervene . European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes should form the basis for future Community action in this field . It is important that the valuable work done by the Committee to implement the Convention should continue . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2973/93 In view of the close Community involvement in this work the Commission will investigate the possibility of financial by Florus Wijsenbeek ( LDR ) support in this area by paying , if budgetary resources to the Commission of the European Communities permit, for one of the meetings of the Committee to be held (25 October 1993) each year . ( 94/C 240/82 )
Subject: Free movement of services in the transport sector WRITTEN QUESTION E-2968/93 by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) Is the Commission aware that the Greek aviation authorities to the Commission of the European Communities are refusing to allow non-Greek air carriers to carry out scheduled cargo flights between the Greek islands, thereby (20 October 1993) infringing Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2408/92 ('). ( 94/C 240/81 ) Can the Commission confirm that, with regard to cargo Subject: Transport of live animals to third countries transport, there are no restrictions on Community carriers with regard to flights between the Greek islands ? In 1992 , Compassion in World Farming produced a video 'This Road to Misery' highlighting the suffering of animals What steps will the Commission take to put an end to this transported a long distance . and other repeated and persistent moves by the Greek authorities to obstruct the implementation of Community Will the Commission guarantee that no EC subsidies will be legislation ? available in future in respect of live exports to third countries ? (') OJ No L 240, 24 . 8 . 1992 , p . 8 .
Will the Commission ban live export from the EC to third countries except to those which have standards of welfare during transport and slaughter as high as those prescribed in Answer given by Mr Matutes Community legislation ? on behalf of the Commission (2 February 1994)
Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission The freedom to provide air services , including the carriage of (3 December 1993) cargo , has been established by virtue of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2408/92 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes . For the time being, airports in For many years , the Community has exported beef and live the Greek islands are , however, exempted from the scope of bovine animals . The share of the live animal export is very that Regulation . Community law does therefore not oblige No C 240/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 the Greek civil aviation authorities to grant Community air WRITTEN QUESTION E-2984/93 carriers access to those airports for any type of service . by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission is presently examining whether the (25 October 1993) exemption granted to the Greek and Azores islands pursuant to Article 1 ( 4 ) of the Regulation is still justified . ( 94/C 240/84 ) On the basis of the results of this examination the Commission will decide whether a proposal for terminating Subject: Phebus the exemption before its expiry in 1998 should be submitted to the Council . The European Community is contributing ECU 40,5 million to the simulation trials in the French research reactor Phebus , which are scheduled to run until 1998 . 1 . How does the European contribution to the reactor's funding break down ? What is the share provided by each individual Community country ? How much is WRITTEN QUESTION E-2983/93 Germany contributing in ECU ? by James Ford ( PSE ) 2 . From what budget heading is the Community to the Commission of the European Communities contribution to the Phebus programme taken ? (25 October 1993) ( 94/C 240/83 ) Answer given by Mr Ruberti on behalf of the Commission Subject: EC redundancy practice guidelines (18 January 1994)
What if any guidelines does the Commission recommend to The total Community contribution to the Phebus large employers who are contemplating making part of its programme running until 1998 will depend on decisions still workforce redundant ? Are there any agreed criteria of work to be taken on the Fourth Framework Programme of record by which workers ' contribution to the company can Community research , the corresponding specific be recognized ? programmes and the Community's annual budgets . 1 . The Community's contribution comes out of its general budget, which is funded from own resources . The sums are earmarked for general expenditure without any Answer given by Mr Flynn detailed breakdown . There is no specific German on behalf of the Commission contribution . (7 December 1993) 2 . The appropriations are entered under heading B6-3232 of the general budget .
Collective redundancies are dealt with in Directive 75/129/EEC (*), revised by Directive 92/56/EEC ( 2 ).
Article 2 ( 3 ) ( G ) ( V ) of the revised text obliges employers WRITTEN QUESTION E-2998/93 who are contemplating collective redundancies to inform by Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) and Henri Saby ( PSE ) and consult beforehand workers ' representatives with a to the Commission of the European Communities view to reaching an agreement . One of the issues which must be subject to negotiation is precisely 'the criteria proposed (25 October 1993) for the selection of the workers to be made redundant'. ( 94/C 240/85 )
The Directive does not establish such criteria , and national Subject: Africa systems and practices in this field vary . In a number of cases national laws leave the choice of the criteria to be applied in In an increasing number of African countries, political each particular situation to the social partners . The tension has resulted in abuses of civil , political , social and Commission considers that it would not be appropriate to economic rights . try to harmonize these criteria at Community level . The international response is mostly insufficient or too late . t 1 ) OJ No L 48 , 22 . 2 . 1975 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 245 , 26 . 8 . 1992 . What effort does the Commission 'envisage' with a view to giving more efficient support to the democratization processes and the suffering people of Africa ? 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/43
Answer given by Mr Marin the consolidation of the state of law and the principle of on behalf of the Commission good governance . Furthermore , a political dialogue is to be (8 December 1993) conducted with the ACP States to foster these principles .
The Commission is aware of and deeply regrets the political Furthermore , since the entry into force of the Treaty on tensions existing in some countries in Africa . European Union on 1 November, the adoption of joint actions within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy with the Commission fully associated , has The Commission considers of utmost importance the become a reality . South Africa's political process will be one promotion of human rights , democracy , the rule of law and of the first examples where Member States will undertake a good governance in developing countries in general , and in joint action . The European Council has asked the Council , Africa in particular . In its view these concepts are linked to as a matter of priority, to define the conditions and the achievement of a sustainable and equitable procedures for a joint action concerning 'support for the development . The importance of this link has been transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa recognized by the major resolution adopted by the Council through a coordinated programme of assistance in and the Member States in November 1991 on human rights , preparing for the elections and monitoring them , and democracy and development, by a number of resolutions through the creation of an appropriate cooperation adopted by the Parliament and more recently by the framework to consolidate the economic and social resolution adopted by the ACP-EC Joint Assembly in foundations of this transition'. Gaborone on democracy, human rights and development in the ACP countries .
Following these guidelines the Commission has made every effort to support democratic processes with very encouraging results in several countries in Africa .
Contributions were decided to support 21 consultation WRITTEN QUESTION E-3018/93 processes ( referenda and elections ) in Africa . The financial by Winifred Ewing ( ARC ) support of the Commission covered basic items such as voting slips , election forms and elector awareness to the Commission of the European Communities campaigns , but also : (29 October 1993) ( 94/C 240/86 ) — actions of civic and political education of the populations;
— measures to create and strengthen a free and Subject: Milk fraud repayments by Italy independent press ;
— actions in favour of victims of violations of human rights Will the Commission comment on the recent agreements (judiciary, medical and material support, public reached within the Commission regarding the reduction in campaigns to raise awareness about those violations , the fine payable by Italy for over-production of milk from etc .). £2 billion to £1,3 billion ? When will these funds be repaid to the EC , why were £0,7 billion written off and how often In spite of the positive results obtained , the Commission is does the Commission show such leniency to those countries aware that increased attention should be given to other which infringe the quota system ? acions to reduce political tensions . The Commission intends to increase its support to :
— local and regional associations promoting the respect and the awareness in human rights ; Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission — new elected parliaments ; (13 December 1993) — strengthen the independence of judiciary power and of democratic institutions in general ; Italy failed to apply the milk quota scheme before the — actions leading to a more transparent administration 1993/94 marketing year , and in particular failed to allocate (good governance ). quotas to individual producers . Consequently milk production increased unchecked, and a statistical evaluation Moreover, the Commission has proposed, in its draft in 1992 revealed a substantial excess of milk production mandate for the Lome IV mid-term review, to strengthen the over the national quota during the five marketing years from objectives and principles governing EC-ACP cooperation by 1988/89 to 1992/93 . In order to help Italy eliminate this inserting among them the respect of democratic principles , excess , the Council agreed in December 1992 to envisage an No C 240/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 increase in Italy's national quota and a contribution Belzig, which poses an acute threat to the survival of the towards the cost of a buy-up programme . The quota Great Bustard , the biggest bird in Europe and the world increase was provisionally granted for the 1993/94 year . which is able to fly ? This is because the resident colony of The Commission is verifying that the quota system is being thirty birds , which is listed in the Washington applied in practice , a condition of the increase being Convention on the Protection of Species , is highly confirmed for subsequent years . sensitive to external influences during the breeding season . The planned air traffic would lead to high When considering the consequences of Italy's failure to breeding losses , since any disruption would lead to the apply the milk quota system which are to be drawn in the adult birds abandoning their nests and young ? clearance of accounts of the years still remaining open , from 1989 onwards , alternative methods of evaluation were — that this colony of birds which can weigh up to 16 kg has examined , and the financial impact of each method over the been saved from extinction since 1979 as a result of a five years was assessed , which ranged from 2,7 billion ECU scientific project by the Buckow bustard conservation to 1,3 billion ECU in total . station ?
On 28 July 1993 the Commission decided that, when — that this is now the only colony in the European proposing the financial consequences in each clearance Community which hatches and raises its chicks without decision , it would calculate the amount by reference to the human assistance ? supplementary levies payable on the excess production , as reduced by the additional quota granted by the Council . This decision of principle took account of the fact that the What measures does the Commission intend to adopt to same objective circumstances existed prior to the 1993/94 protect this bird colony, which is unique in Europe ? year, for which the Council agreed to the increase . What steps does it intend to take with regard to this If it should prove that Italy continues in its failure to apply apparent infringement of Directive 79/409/EEC on the the quota system effectively , and the Council consequently conservation of wild birds , which lists the Great Bustard in does not confirm the quota increase , then the Commission Annex I and which expressly mentions the preservation of will revise the financial consequences accordingly . its habitat ( Article 4 )?
Italy will be required to pay the sum relating to each of the five years concerned when the clearance decision for that year is decided . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission The clearance of accounts is not an instrument for imposing (8 February 1994) penalties , but a means of recovering undue charges to the guarantee fund . The proposal to recover 1,3 billion ECU from Italy cannot be viewed as leniency, as this amount exceeds by far any previously charged to any Member State The Commission has been informed of the plan to reopen under the clearance procedure . the private airfield at Liisse . According to the information available to the Commission, the airfield ( 130 ha ) is situated 4 km to the south of a special protection area (5 000 ha ) and is in a non-designated area (3 000 ha ) in which about 25 % of the Great Bustard (otis tarda) population nests .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3029/93 As stated by the Honourable Member , the Great Bustard by Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V ) (otis tarda) is listed in Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC ( wild birds ). The special protection area must therefore be a to the Commission of the European Communities territory of a suitable size to ensure their survival and (29 October 1993) reproduction . Outside the area , Germany must strive to ( 94/C 240/87 ) avoid pollution and deterioration of the habitats . The Commission has therefore contacted Germany to ask for information on compliance with these requirements . Subject: The threat to the Great Bustard posed by the authorization of a private airfield in the nature The Commission welcomes the scientific project of the reserve of Hoher Flaming/Belziger Buckow Bustard conservation station and the success it has Landschaftswiesen had . The project receives Community funding of ECU 1,2 million under the ACNAT ( Action by the Community Is the Commission aware relating to Nature Conservation ) programme .
— that the Ministry of Transport of the Land Brandenburg has authorized a private aviation centre in Liisse near 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/45
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3031 /93 Nevertheless , taking account of the area 's difficulties caused by Nora Mebrak-Zaidi ( PSE ) inter alia by significant job losses in the car industry, the Commission does not rule out the possibility that the area to the Commission of the European Communities may be deemed eligible in the second stage of analysis in the (29 October 1993) light of the priorities which France intends to establish ( 94/C 240/88 ) within a reasonable percentage of the population covered by the grant scheme and given the Commission's approach towards achieving greater consistency between structural Subject: The Commission's opinion on the request for policies and competition policy . allocation of a Regional Development Grant to the urban area of Montbeliard — Belfort — (') OJ No C 212 , 12 . 8 . 1988 . Hericourt
Since 1991 , at the request of the French Prime Minister, the Commission has been considering the question of the allocation of a regional development grant to the urban area of Montbeliard — Belfort — Hericourt . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3033/93 by Willi Rothley ( PSE ) For several years , this centre of employment has been one of to the Commission of the European Communities those most affected by the economic crisis and (29 October 1993) unemployment . ( 94/C 240/89 ) Over a 1 0-year period , the Peugeot — Sochaux site alone has gone from 43 000 jobs to about 20 000 . Subject: Information on the level of EC assistance received by Rhineland Palatinate between 1985 and A redundancy programme in 1993 brought the loss of over 1992 1600 jobs at PSA — Sochaux . On 14 September , the new draft redundancy programme for 1994 forecast another Can the Commission indicate what level of EC financial 1 400 redundancies for the same site . assistance was given to Land Rhineland Palatinate in 1992, and for what measures , through In addition , the disastrous consequences for PSA subcontractors must be taken into account in a region which 1 . the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ), is highly dependant on the car industry . 2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee In view of the concern of both citizens and their elected Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance Section , representatives and the urgent need to provide the urban area of Montbeliard — Belfort — Hericourt with alternative 3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee means of employment, what action does the Commission Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee Section, intend to take on the request made by this region for a regional development grant ? 4 . the European Social Fund ( ESF ), 5 . European Community research programmes ,
Answer given by Mr Van Miert 6 . European Community programmes in the energy on behalf of the Commission sector, (16 December 1993) 7 . European Community programmes in the environment sector,
The French authorities have indeed submitted an 8 . other European Community programmes ? application to the Commission concerning the classification of the urban area of Montbeliard-Belfort-Hericourt for the purposes of the award of a regional development grant . Answer given by Mr Delors In order to determine whether the area in question qualified on behalf of the Commission for the derogation from Article 92(3)(c ) of the EC Treaty (13 January 1994) that applies in the case of such grants , the Commission examined the economic situation of the area in accordance with the method ( 1 ). In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number of tables , the Commission is sending it direct to the It found that neither of the two criteria , per capita GDP and Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . level of structural unemployment, laid down for the first stage of analysis was fulfilled . No C 240/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3051/93 begun a process of consultation with banking organizations by Pietro Mitolo ( NI ) and the users of payments systems . to the Commission of the European Communities (29 October 1993) What is the composition of the Payments Systems Technical ( 94/C 240/90 ) Development Group ( PSTDG ) and the Payments Systems User Liaison Group ( PSULG )?
Subject: Infringement of the Schengen Agreement by the Autonomous Province of Alto Adige When will the Commission submit initial proposals for binding measures in respect of cross-border payments ? The Statute of the Autonomous Province of Alto Adige imposes compulsory application of ethnic proportional representation and knowledge of German — recognized on a par with Italian, the official language of the State — for employment, including via competition, in all public bodies Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission ( state , regional or municipal ). (16 December 1993) Does the Commission not consider these rules to be at odds with the principles of equality and equal opportunities laid down in the Schengen Agreement, and therefore obstacles to freedom of movement and establishment for Community The composition of the two advisory groups on payments citizens and Italian citizens in particular ? systems is as follows :
1 . The Payments Systems Technical Development Group ( PSTDG ) Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission — six representatives of central banks (9 March 1994) — 10 representatives of banks ( commercial banks , The Commission would like first of all to stress that the savings banks , people's banks , post office banks ); Schengen Agreements were concluded in the context of intergovernmental cooperation between the signatory 2 . The Payments Systems User Liaison Group ( PSULG ) Member States .
These Agreements have nothing to do with right of abode or — representatives of three European associations in the credit sector access to employment and it is thus wrong to quote them in the context of the problem to which the written question refers . — two representatives of commercial banks
Furthermore , the Commission does not consider the — four representatives of consumer associations linguistic statute applicable in the Autonomous Province of Alto-Adige as described by the Honourable Member to be an obstacle to the free movement of workers within the — two representatives of business interests Community . — two representatives of small businesses .
In the first six months of 1993 the Commission carried out a study of the transparency and efficiency of cross-border WRITTEN QUESTION E-3053/93 payments . The purpose of the study was to verify by Gérard Deprez ( PPE ) compliance with the guidelines drawn up by banks on the transparency of the terms applied in cross-border payment to the Commission of the European Communities transactions . It was found that there had been some (29 October 1993) improvement but many unsatisfactory aspects remained . In ( 94/C 240/91 ) view of the study's findings , the Commission intends to put forward as soon as possible proposals for the measures necessary to remedy the situation . It has accordingly begun Subject: Cross-border payments : results of the consultations with the two groups referred to by the consultations with PSTDG and PSULG Honourable Member .
It is reported that, in order to improve transparency and effectiveness of cross-border payments, the Commission has 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/47
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3067/93 1960 and 1985 . The updated findings of their analyses have by David Morris ( PSE ) established a correlation between exposure to certain levels of electro-magnetic radiation, most frequently as a result of to the Commission of the European Communities proximity to high-voltage electricity generating and (5 November 1993) ancillary plant and an abnormally high incidence of bone ( 94/C 240/92 ) cancer, leukaemia and other forms of cancer, tumours, leukopenia , miscarriages, etc . affecting human beings .
Subject: Implementation of EC public procurement Directive Although , as was the case for lung cancer in smokers and the effects of asbestos, which were for a long time contraversial The EC public procurement Directive ( 90/531 /EEC ) (*) issues , these results do not clearly establish a direct cause permits utilities to establish systems of qualification of and effect relationship, they have prompted Nutek, the suppliers and contractors based on objective rules and administrative authority, and the Vattenfall electricity criteria . Does the Commission think that the practice of distribution company to implement or recommend the charging suppliers application fees to be qualified is in implementation in Sweden of new safety standards setting accordance with the Directive ? 'ceilings ' of 2 to 3 milligauss and , in any case , to take measures to remedy the current situation . As part of the procedures related to the creation of schedules of qualified suppliers , utilities are asking suppliers to In the United States, Mr Paul Brodeur , who for a long time indemnify them against the assessment costs incurred . tried vainly to draw attention to the dangers of asbestos , has recently had an impressive article published in The New Does the Commission agree that such arrangements Yorker . The Environmental Protection Agency, which was undermine the concept of the single market and infringe EC regarded as too passive has recently received stricter laws concerning the free movement of goods ? instructions despite the influence of electricity pressure groups which are strongly in favour of maintaining the (M OJ No L 297, 29 . 10 . 1990 , p . 1 . status quo and are apprehensive about the legal proceedings initiated or announced and the enormous costs ( to whom ?) of restructuring networks , particularly in the proximity of schools and other collective establishments in order to make them safe . Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1993) The University of Boston has recently carried out a study confirming the warnings published over a long period by the Microwave News periodical . The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply to the oral question H-0713/93 by Mr Cassidy, which it gave during question time at Parliament's September 1993 part-session ('). Despite the fact that the International Conference held in San Diego in November 1992 deliberately refused ( why ?) to consider the arguments of research teams in Sweden and (') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-434 ( September elsewhere, is the Commission concerned with or will it 1993 ). concern itself with the biological , neurological and cell research which has been carried out or is in progress and will it table a proper set of Community rules to protect the public from this undeniable danger, taking account of the research findings from Sweden ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3070/93 by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 November 1993) Answer given by Mr Flynn ( 94/C 240/93 ) on behalf of the Commission (13 December 1993)
Subject: Real or potential danger to human beings from exposure to electro-magnetic fields The Commission has on several occasions in the past Two Swedish research teams working with sophisticated demonstrated its interest in advances in knowledge of risks equipment investigated a sample of 500 000 people between to health from electromagnetic fields generated by power No C 240/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
transmission lines and expressed its views on the concerns Answer given by Mr Matutes by Members of the Parliament . on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1994) The answer to Written Question No 554/93 lists previous questions tabled on this issue as well as the answers provided by the Commission . In its proposal concerning the Fourth Framework for Community Research and Technological Development ( 1994—1998 ), the Commission has included a specific The Commission subscribes to the view of the scientific theme ' research for a European transport policy' ( 1 ). This community that the risks due to electromagnetic fields must theme can be considered as a follow-up of the Euret be controlled by limiting the associated exposure and Programme although its scope has been enlarged . effects . As regards the exposure of workers , the Commission has transmitted to the Council , the Parliament and the In a working document ( 2 ) the Commission has given a more Economic and Social Committee , a proposal for a Directive precise description of the proposed contents of this specific on the minimum health and safety requirements concerning transport theme . the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents ( J ) which foresees specific measures concerning electric or magnetic fields or combinations thereof with a (') COM(93 ) 276 . frequency equal to , or less than , 300 GHz . ( 2 ) COM(93 ) 459 .
The Commission is aware that since 1979 five epidemiological studies have reported a slightly increased risk of cancer for children exposed to relatively high levels of electro-magnetic radiation . The latest is the Swedish study WRITTEN QUESTION E-3074/93 to which the Honourable Member refers . There is however by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) no consensus in the scientific community concerning the soundness of the methodologies used and the conclusiveness to the Commission of the European Communities of these reports . (5 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/95 ) The Commission endeavours to keep abreast of the progress in this field and to follow the research going on and try particularly to keep informed about the evaluation of Subject: Setting up of a task force on the textile industry scientific data . In this context , the Commission relies on the expertise existing within the International Non-Ionising The crisis in the Community's textile industry is becoming Radiation Committee , which involves members from increasingly serious owing to unfair competition from the several Member States , and from which it periodically countries of south-east Asia and central and eastern Europe . receives critical analyses performed by the Committee of the According to information published by Comitextil , 433 000 scientific work in this field . jobs were lost in this sector between 1988 and 1992 and a further 5 million jobs are at risk . In view of this very serious ( J ) OJ No C 77, 18 . 3 . 1993 . state of affairs , a task force should be set up for the textile industry to tackle the problems facing this sector , notably relating to unfair competition from non-Community countries . What is the Commission's position on this matter ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3073/93 Answer given by Mr Bangemann by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (14 January 1994) (5 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/94 The Commission is aware of the very difficult situation currently facing the Community textile and clothing industry, which is mainly the result of a fall in demand and Subject: Renewal of the Euret Programme loss of international competitiveness . It would point out that, in accordance with guidelines set out by the Council, it The Euret Programme — concerning research in the has implemented a series of measures designed to strengthen transport sector — is due to expire at the end of 1 993 . Given the competitiveness of the Community textile industry and the important contribution it has made towards improving seek a level playing field for international competition . the use of transport networks and the overall success of the programme , will the Commission say whether it intends to In the Uruguay Round the Community has therefore been renew it ? pursuing its aims of improving access to the markets of third 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/49 countries , and stepping up controls and penalties on unfair Does the Commission consider these actions to be a breach competitive practices , in particular in the field of intellectual of human rights , and if so will it investigate the case and property . In addition, the Commission has already set up a draw it to the attention of the caring UK Government ? task force — TAFI — with the specific aim of dealing with the failure to observe quotas by fraudulent importations .
Answer given by Mr Flynn Measures to defend trade have recently been announced in on behalf of the Commission the Council in order to make anti-dumping and anti-subsidy procedures more effective over a shorter period . (9 December 1993)
The Commission would point out that an interdepartmental Decisions concerning the management of health care group meets regularly to examine topics of trading policy systems in the Community are the responsibility of the and there are regular meetings between the Commission , Member States concerned . The proposed closure quoted by unions and professional organizations . the Honourable Member would not appear to involve a breach of human rights . In a recent report on the competitiveness of the European textile and clothing industry, the Commission proposed boosting cooperation with the industry in order to keep closer tabs on developments in the sector and seek solutions for strengthening the industry's competitiveness . The initiatives include : WRITTEN QUESTION E-3083/93 by María Izquierdo Rojo ( PSE ) — organization of round tables with the participation of economic and social partners ; to the Commission of the European Communities (5 November 1993) — promotion of exports to third countries and in particular ( 94/C 240/97 ) new markets which are expected to open up in the wake of the Uruguay Round ; Subject: Cooperation with the Maghreb countries — under the TAFI programme , stepping up the constructive dialogue already entered into with the In the Commission's view is there any evidence of the industry by setting up an ad hoc unit ; priority treatment to be given to cooperation with the Maghreb countries from a political , economic and financial — providing full and regularly updated information in point of view ? What data and activities are there to order to combat non-tariff barriers more effectively; demonstrate this priority ?
— analysis of the industry's current situation to enable the Commission to ensure effective application of bilateral agreements . Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1993)
Compared to its previous comprehensive policy, the Community's new Mediterranean policy, adopted by the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3080/93 Council at the end of December 1990 , represents a distinct by Kenneth Stewart ( PSE ) improvement in cooperation with Mediterranean countries, to the Commission of the European Communities including the Maghreb, in terms of both quality and quantity . In addition to further trade concessions for certain (5 November 1993) agricultural products and the renewal of the financial ( 94/C 240/96 ) protocols for the period 1992—1996 , the main innovations are cooperation covering all Mediterranean non-member countries and a special allocation of funds for structural Subject: Closure of Broadgreen Hospital Emergency and adjustment support . Casualty Unit The three countries of the central Maghreb were the first to The Commission must be aware of the intended closure of receive Community support from the structural adjustment the above Casualty Unit by the Area Health Authority at a facility starting in 1992 . period when patients in the area are waiting anything up to two years for a hospital bed , and even longer for operations , Following the communication from the Commission on the while people can jump the queue for a price . future of relations between the Community and the No C 240/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Maghreb, exploratory talks were held with Morocco and ( a ) proposals for which the Commission did not follow the Tunisia in 1992 and 1993 with a view to finalizing new opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ( ESC ) agreements establishing a closer partnership between the ( 18 ); Community and the Maghreb . ( b ) proposals amended following the opinion of the ESC The new agreements will contain four main components : ( 17 ); policy dialogue, the progressive establishment of a free trade area in industrial products , increased economic cooperation ( c ) proposals on which the ESC issued a favourable and appropriate financial cooperation . opinion without suggesting any amendments ( 10 ).
After a series of exploratory talks , the draft negotiating For the other proposed Directives referred to in the reply to Directives for a Euro-Maghreb association agreement with the Honourable Member's Written Question No 3472/92 Morocco were adopted by the Commission on 9 December the Commission incorporated the ESC's suggestions in its 1992 and the additional draft Directives for the agricultural amended proposal . chapter on 16 June 1993 . The package is now being discussed at Council level . 2 . It is up to the Council to indicate whether or not it The draft negotiating Directives for Tunisia were adopted intends to follow the opinions of the ESC . The extent to by the Commission on 24 November 1993 . which the Council has actually incorporated the ESC's suggestions is indicated in the text of the common positions and the instruments adopted .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 108/93 by Bartho Pronk ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 134/93 (10 November 1993) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) ( 94/C 240/98 ) to the Commission of the European Union (19 November 1993) Subject: Opinions of the Economic and Social ( 94/C 240/99 ) Committee
1 . In answer to my Written Question No 3472/92 (^ Mr Subject: Absence of a common organization of the market Flynn referred to three different categories . Which of the for pharmaceutical and aromatic plants Directives belong to which category ? Will the Commission say why a common organization of the 2 . The final decision on a proposal for a Directive rests market has not yet been established for pharmaceutical and with the Council . aromatic plants as part of the CAP ?
Can and will the Commission ensure that information is published indicating which of the Economic and Social Committee's opinions have been adopted by the Council and which have not, as is already done in connection with Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission adoption of these opinions by the Commission itself? (IS December 1993) (!) OJ No C 293 , 28 . 10 . 1993 , p . 23 .
Medicinal plants falling within code 1211 of the combined nomenclature ( CN), as well as most aromatic plants in Answer given by Mr Flynn Chapter 9 of the CN, are covered by Council Regulation on behalf of the Commission ( EEC ) No 827/68 on the common organization of the (15 February 1994) market in certain products listed in Annex II to the EC Treaty (').
1 . The Commission is forwarding directly to the 0 ) OJ No L 151 , 30 . 6 . 1968 . Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the Parliament the following lists of proposals for Directives amended in 1991 and 1992 : 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/51
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 143/93 Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Union (4 February 1994) (19 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/100 ) The Commission would point out that of the ECU 1,25 billion earmarked for the new independent States , the Community has already granted Kazakhstan the sum of Subject: Cholera epidemic in Vietnam ECU 25 million for medical supplies which are currently being delivered . / Given that a cholera epidemic has broken out in the province of Thua Thien Hue in central Vietnam and that a The Commission has received no requests from the number of deaths have been recorded there over the last few Kazakhstan authorities specifically concerning the weeks , does the Commission intend to help the Vietnamese epidemics the Honourable Member refers to , but it has none authorities combat this epidemic ? the less agreed to look into the possibility of granting Kazakhstan additional funds from the overall allocation referred to above .
Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (17 February 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 145/93 The cholera situation in Vietnam has been fairly stable by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) recently . 4 157 cases were reported in 1992 and 3 160 cases to the Commission of the European Union were reported from January to October 1993 . There is no (19 November 1993) indication of a dramatic deterioration of the overall ( 94/C 240/102 situation, but it has to be noted that Thua Thien Hue province has indeed been more affected lately than other parts of Vietnam . In September, 1 826 cases were reported Subject: Failure by Greece to implement Directive in the area, but the epidemic did not last and the number of 89/48/EEC cases returned to the previous average in October . Given Greece's systematic and indiscriminate refusal to The origin of the epidemic is unknown , as is the serotype allow nationals of other Member States to work in Greece involved . Two WHO experts are in Vietnam to assess the and to recognize their professional qualifications in situation and further risks of epidemic . The Commission is accordance with provisions of Directive 89/48/EEC (*) liaising with WHO to coordinate the action, should the which establishes a general system for the recognition of situation evolve and specific help be required . higher education diplomas of a minimum duration of three years, what further action does the Commission intend to take to force the Greek authorities to implement the relevant Community legislation ?
H OJ No L 19 , 24 . 1 . 1989 , p . 16 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 144/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/101 ) (13 December 1993)
Greece has only partly transposed Directive 89/48/EEC on a Subject: Cholera epidemic in Kazakhstan general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on the completion of professional Given that a state of emergency has been declared in education and training of at least three years' duration . The Alma-Ata , the capital of Khazakstan , because a cholera transposition process has been made more difficult by the epidemic has broken out with over 200 recorded cases so far fact that the Greek authorities have chosen to proceed and given also that two cases of the plague have also been profession by profession . For example , the Commission has reported , what immediate aid — in terms of financial so far received notification of measures transposing the contributions and health care equipment — does the Directive on health and welfare professions ( Ministerial Commission intend to give the authorities in Kazakhstan to Decision Y.A. A4/4112 — F.E.K. No 502 of 5 August 1992 ) enable them to combat this outbreak of cholera and the and the Directive on lawyers ( Ministerial Decree P.D. 52/93 plague ? — F.E.K. 20A of 18 February 1993 ). No C 240/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
As regards other professions , the Commission has question, as well as others . Under these circumstances , the repeatedly told the Greek authorities that Member States project must await further developments in the Dialogue, may not quote their own failings as grounds for shirking which are presently under discussion with the Arab League . their obligations under Community law . In this context , the Meanwhile , the Commission has contributed to the Commission would point out that following the Court's financing of Euro-Arab training actions at the Seminario ruling ( judgment of 9 November 1991 in Joined Cases Permanente and Euro-Arab Documentation Centre in C-6/90 and C-9/90 Andrea Francovich Daniela Bonifaci et Granada in the year 1993 which should contribute to the al . v Italy ) individuals have the right under Community law momentum towards the establishment of the University . to seek compensation from the Member State for damage they have suffered as a result of a Directive not having been transposed .
The Commission has already initiated the procedure provided for in Article 169 of the EEC Treaty . To be more precise , the matter was brought before the Court on 27 August 1993 and the Case number is C - 93/365 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3159/93 by Joaquim Miranda da Silva ( CG ), René-Emile Piquet ( CG ) and Vassilis Ephremidis ( CG ) to the Commission of the European Union (19 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/104 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3153/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Union Subject: Discrimination in Hungary against democratic (19 November 1993) political and social organizations 94/C 240/103 On 14 April 1993 , the National Assembly of Hungary adopted Law No XLV/1993 , amending Law No IV/1978 Subject: Operations of the Euro-Arab University ( the Criminal Code ) with respect to 'twentieth-century extremist political ideas'. This law was published on 19 May 1993 and came into force on 4 June 1993 . Fragmentary press reports have contained snippets of information concerning the forthcoming operations , with effect from 1994 , of the Euro-Arab University . This law establishes an equivalence between the swastika , the fasces and the initials ' SS ' ( emblems of fascism and Can the Commission provide comprehensive information Nazism ) and the hammer and sickle and the five-pointed red concerning the plans for this institution as regards the star ( symbols of the workers ' movement and of the world's number and the location of the sites it will occupy, the Communist parties , as well as of many other democratic , subjects to be taught, the languages to be used for teaching progressive and left-wing political movements and social purposes , the financing arrangements , matriculation organizations ), and makes it an offence for anyone to requirements , the validity of the qualifications on offer and promote , employ or display them in public . However, other features of the new university ? numerous political organizations with parliamentary representation in the twelve EC Member States use the hammer and sickle and the five-pointed star; these are, moreover, parties represented in the European Parliament and the Council of Europe , as well as in other political , Answer given by Mr Marin economic and social bodies linked to the Community on behalf of the Commission institutions . In addition , an association agreement between (25 February 1994) the Community and Hungary is currently in process of ratification .
The development of the Euro-Arab University arises from a In view of all the above , what action does the Commission resolution of the Parliament of 1984 . In an agreement in the General Committee of the Euro-Arab Dialogue in Dublin in intend to take in response to this act of discrimination and June 1990 , it was decided to study the role and field of falsification of history, which will have the effect of activities appropriate to a Euro-Arab University and preventing the representatives of democratic political whether it would be viable , taking account of the finance organizations which have been legitimated by millions of available . voters in the Community and whose past and present contribution has been and is quite unquestionably to defend liberty, democracy and peace, from using their own names As the Honourable Member will be aware , some difficulties and symbols when visiting a country with which the in the Euro-Arab Dialogue have blocked any advance on this Community is now finalizing an association agreement 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/53 which will open up the possibility of future accession to the 1 . recent violent incidents in Germany and elsewhere ; European Union ? 2 . the decision of EC interior ministers , meeting in Copenhagen , to investigate the spate of racist attacks on foreigners across Europe ?
Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 161/93 (7 February 1994) by Claudia Roth ( V ) to the Commission of the European Union (19 November 1993) The Commission is aware of the Hungarian Parliament's ( 94/C 240/106 ) recent adoption of an act prohibiting the use or public display of certain political symbols , including the five-pointed red star and the hammer and sickle , but feels that this action must be judged in the light of the country's Subject: Racist attack in Solingen and the resurgence of own historical circumstances . Forty years of Communist racism and xenophobia in Europe rule have given those symbols unpleasant connotations for the people of Hungary ; indeed , the new law was backed even In view of the resurgence of racist and xenophobic acts in by members of the Hungarian socialist party . Europe and in particular the events in Solingen which culminated in the burning of a house inhabited by Turkish nationals , resulting in five deaths : The law does not apply to the official symbols of other States and contains no reference to symbols used by foreign parties 1 . What measures does the Commission intend to take to or organizations; it is in no way intended as a bar to visits by implement a genuinely European policy to combat democratic political organizations . The law referred to by racism and xenophobia commensurate with the the Honourable Members therefore relates to domestic problem ? matters; it was adopted by the sovereign authority of the freely and democratically elected Hungarian Parliament and 2 . Can the Commission give precise and detailed no action on the Community's part is called for . information on what measures have been taken at Community level to implement the recommendations of the European Parliament's Committee of Inquiry into Hungary is a member of the Council of Europe and has Racism and Xenophobia ? ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms . Its citizens can , after exhausting domestic remedies , take any complaints about breaches of the Convention to the European Joint answer to Written Questions Commission of Human Rights in Strasbourg . E-3 15 8/93 and E-3 16 1/93 given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1993)
The Commission would draw the attention of the Honourable Members to the replies to Written Questions Nos 2166/93 , 2536/93 , 2099/93 , 1829/93 , 1633/93 , WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 15 8/93 1582/93 , 806/93 , 578 and 1111/93 , 535/93 (*) and by James Ford ( PSE ) 415/93 ( 2 ). to the Commission of the European Union (19 November 1993) With regard to the May 1993 decision of the Ministers for Justice and the Interior in Kolding to carry out a survey of ( 94/C 240/105 ) national governments within the Community on racist or xenophobic activities , the Belgian Presidency is currently examining the replies to a questionnaire with a view to increasing cooperation between Member States . Subject: Racism and xenophobia in the Community (M OJ No C 207, 30 . 7 . 1993 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 127, 7 . 5 . 1993 . What action does the Commission propose to take regarding the problem of racism and xenophobia in the Community in the light of: No C 240/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 171 /93 among the issues identified . In trade relations , the by Alan Donnelly ( PSE ), Elmar Brok ( PPE ), Luis Planas Community and US have an interest in early cooperation on Puchades ( PSE ), Lyndon Harrison ( PSE ), Ernest Glinne the new trade issues ( e.g. environment, competition, ( PSE ), Christos Papoutsis ( PSE ), Jean Penders ( PPE ), Barry conditional reciprocity, regulatory convergence ) as well as Desmond ( PSE ), Terence Wynn ( PSE ), Hugh McMahon working to create mechanisms to defuse trade tension , such ( PSE ), Peter Price ( PPE ), Dieter Rogalla ( PSE ), Pedro Bofill as an early warning system . Furthermore, the common Abeilhe ( PSE ), Ioannis Pesmazoglou ( PPE ), Arthur Newens objectives of stimulating the economy and reducing the ( PSE ), Gary Titley ( PSE ), Enrique Baron Crespo ( PSE ), budget deficit require better efforts for the coordination of David Martin ( PSE), Brian Simpson ( PSE ), David Bowe macroeconomic and monetary policies . ( PSE ), Pauline Green ( PSE ), Josep Pons Grau ( PSE ) and Anita Pollack ( PSE ) The Transatlantic Declaration has proved an adequate to the Commission of the European Union framework for the establishment of regular EC/US contacts (19 November 1993) at all levels and has provided a solid basis for the ( 94/C 240/107 development of an intensive dialogue on a variety of issues . The political dialogue across the Atlantic has led to the adoption of similar and often identical positions on many major international policy issues . The Commission, Subject: Bilateral Treaty between the US and the EC however , is of the opinion that given the range and magnitude of geopolitical issues, the dialogue needs to be further intensified , consultation improved in priority areas Does the Commission consider that new and intensified and declarations on topics of common interest should be forms of cooperation between the United States and the issued whenever possible . European Community should be developed in the light of the important ongoing changes in the European and international environment ( including changes in central and The opportunities for broadening and intensifying the eastern Europe and increased powers for the Community as transatlantic dialogue provided by the Transatlantic a result of the Maastricht Treaty )? Declaration have not been fully exhausted . The US has repeatedly stated it wants Europe to be a real partner . It is , first of all , for the Community to live up to this challenge Does the Commission believe that the 1990 Transatlantic and to develop its capacity to speak with one voice and act Declaration has worked satisfactorily in this context ? with authority . So far, the Transatlantic Declaration has provided and adequate basis for dialogue . Following the ratification of the Treaty on European Union the possibility Does the Commission feel that it would be useful to follow of further cooperation could be considered . up this Declaration by negotiating a more formal Treaty of Cooperation between the US and the EC that would better reflect the importance of their relationship, and provide a stronger institutional framework for joint problem solving by the European Community institutions and US authorities including the European Parliament and the US Congress , without prejudicing NATO and other existing bilateral and multilateral agreements ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 175/93 by David Bowe ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union (19 November 1993) Answer given by Mr Van den Broek ( 94/C 240/108 ) on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1994)
Subject: German packaging industry
From the Community's point of view three key factors contribute to the emergence of a number of areas requiring During the last two years more than 20 complaints have closer EC/US cooperation : the disappearance of the bipolar been submitted to the European Commission objecting to world , the Community's significantly bigger role on the the German packaging ordinance Verpak V, which has international stage as occasioned by the creation of a created large surpluses of plastic , paper and glass which common foreign and security policy, and the need for the German companies cannot recycle , which is threatening Community and US to continue to work towards improving collection and recycling structures across Europe . their trade relations . Joint regional crisis management, common action towards promoting stability and constructive change in eastern Europe , and more intensive Why has the Commission hesitated so long to use its power collaboration on the allocation of development aid are as ' Guardian of the Treaties' to call upon the European 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/55
Court of Justice to declare Verpak V an illegal trade the European Parliament's Committee on Energy, Research barrier ? and Technology that as far as he was concerned there could be no question of shutting down the oldest and most hazardous nuclear reactors of the Chernobyl type and that Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi these power stations would remain in commission until at on behalf of the Commission least 2003 ? (14 January 1994)
It is correct that the Commission has received a large 2 . Does this mean that at least part of the large sums of number of complaints regarding the German Packaging money which the EC is making available in order to improve Decree . A number of these complaints have come not only safety at nuclear power stations in the CIS is being misspent ? from economic operators within the Community, but from What is the Commission doing to prevent this abuse ? the Member States themselves . Initial contacts with the German authorities revealed that whilst the measures adopted might be capable of having an effect equivalent to 3 . Can the Commission guarantee that if Euratom loans quantitative restrictions on imports , it was nevertheless are provided in the near future to improve safety at Russian maintained that they could be justified under the mandatory nuclear power stations , these will not be misused in order to requirement of the protection of the environment as extend the life of power stations which will never be able to established by the European Court of Justice in Case comply with Western safety standards ? C-302/8 6 Commission v Denmark ('). In these circumstances , it fell to the Commission to examine the proportionality of the precise measures adopted by 4 . Does the Commission agree that the fact that the Germany . Russian Parliament still has not ratified the agreement on the setting-up of the International Centre for Science and Therefore, following the complaints and in order to Technology in Moscow is indicative of an unwillingness to facilitate the examination of the problems arising from the employ nuclear researchers to improve nuclear safety in the entry into force of parts of the German Decree this year, the interests of East and West ? Commission , pursuant to its duty under Article 155 EC Treaty, has held a number of meetings both with the German authorities and multilaterally with the German 5 . What view does the Commission take of progress in authorities and those of the other Member States . The most military and nuclear research in the secret cities in the recent of these meetings took place on 3 November Russian Federation which were once again declared secret 1993 . last year ?
As a result of these meetings , the German authorities have shown a willingness to modify the 1991 Decree in order to ensure that the quantities of waste materials collected ( and in particular paper and plastic , although also glass ) is not Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan out of proportion to the domestic capacity to deal with such on behalf of the Commission waste within the scope permitted by the said Decree . It is hoped that this will remove the need to export such waste in (1 February 1994) such quantities as might hinder recycling structures in other Member States .
Whilst awaiting details of the amendments proposed by the 1 . The Commission has taken note of the declaration of German authorities , the Commission is not in a position to Minister Mikailov before the Energy Commission of the judge the German Decree as infringing the provisions of the Parliament on 21 September concerning the future EC Treaty . operation of older Russian nuclear reactors .
(M 1988 ECR 4067 . 2 . It is the Commission's view that the projects financed under the Tacis programme and dealing with these older reactors remain valid . This is in particular the case of the projects aiming at an adequate assessment of the safety of WRITTEN QUESTION E-3180/93 these older design reactors , such as the RBMK safety by Jessica Larive ( LDR ) assessment undertaken by a consortium of Western safety to the Commission of the European Union organizations and the evaluation of VVER 230 reactors . (23 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/109 ) 3 . The proposal submitted by the Commission to the Council and to the Parliament on the use of Euratom loans Subject: Nuclear safety hazards in the CIS for countries in central and eastern Europe and in the CIS contains the provision that these loans are used in priority 1 . Is the Commission aware that on 21 September 1993 for safer reactors ( VVER 213 and WER 100 ) that can be the Russian Minister of Atomic Energy, Mr Mikhailov , told operated in longer term . No C 240/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
4 . The delays that have occurred , on the part of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3205/93 Russian Federation , in the ratification process of the ISTC by Winifred Ewing ( ARC ) Agreement were not for the reasons suggested by the Honourable Member . In fact, the former Russian to the Commission of the European Union Parliament had almost completed the ratification process (23 November 1993) before its dissolution . It will now be for the newly elected ( 94/C 240/111 Parliament to accomplish the ratification process . In the meantime , the parties to the ISTC Agreement envisage a special protocol which would permit the provisional Subject: Overspending by the EBRD application of the Agreement and a start to the operations of the ISTC . Will the Commission provide an explanatory note on the £55 million spent fitting out the London offices of the 5 . The Community's assistance programmes are limited European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ? Will exclusively to civil nuclear installations . it also please provide details of the expenditure ?
Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-3203/93 (20 December 1993) by Winifred Ewing ( ARC ) to the Commission of the European Union At the Commisison 's request, the European Bank for (23 November 1993) Reconstruction and Development sent a copy of the report ( 94/C 240/ 110 ) of its Audit Committee to the President of Parliament in July 1993 . The Commission now transmits directly a copy to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the Parliament . Subject: Conference on drinking water This contains full details of the information requested by the Following the Conference on Drinking Water ( Brussels Honourable Member . 23/24 September 1993 ) what changes to Directive 80/778/EEC ( 1 ) does the Commission now intend making and will it favour stricter controls on water quality standards ?
(!) OJ No L 229 , 30 . 8 . 1980 , p . 11 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3211/93 by Madron Seligman ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Union Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas (23 November 1993) on behalf of the Commission ( 94/C 240/112 (7 December 1993)
Subject: EC package travel Directive The Conference on Drinking Water on 23 and 24 September 1993 in Brussels was held to enable all interested parties to present their opinions regarding the review of Directive In March 1992 I was informed by Mr Heinrich von Moltke 80/778/EEC . on behalf of the Commissioner then responsible that no Member State had at that time introduced domestic legislation to implement the EC package travel Directive The Commission is in the process of examining the 90/314/EEC ( 1 ). information presented at the Conference , as well as written submissions received after the Conference . Which countries have communicated their national texts for transposition ? I would be grateful to receive copies if these Therefore the Commission will not be making any decisions are available . regarding possible modifications to Directive 80/778/EEC until all the relevant information provided has been What procedures have been initiated to ensure that all thoroughly examined and assessed , and subsequent further Member States implement the Directive when it comes into investigations completed . force at 31 December 1993 ?
( ] ) OJ No L 158 , 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 59 . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/57
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Answer given by Mr Ruberti on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (13 December 1993) (14 December 1993)
Council Directive 90/314/EEC on package travel, package The Commission would like to point out that, in accordance holidays and package tours came into force on 31 December with Article 126 of the Treaty on European Union, the 1992 . content of teaching and the organization of education The Commission has received national implementing systems are the responsibility of the Member States . measures from five Member States : However, the Community contributes to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between 1 . Denmark: Lov nr . 472 , 30 juni 1993 ( LT 30 juni Member States and, if necessary, by supporting and 1993 ) supplementing their action by initiatives aimed above all at developing the European dimension of education, which Lov nr . 454, 30 juni 1993 ( LT 30 juni 1993 ) encompasses the safeguarding of the principles of 2 . France : Loi n° 92-645 du 13 juillet 1992 (JO du 14 juillet democracy, social justice and respect for human rights . 1992 ) For several years , particularly within the framework of the 3 . Netherlands : 43 Besluit van 1 5 j anuari 1 993 ( Staatsblad resolution of 24 May 1988 on the European dimension of 1993/43 ) education, the Commission has encouraged all initiatives in 689 Wet van 24 december 1992 ( Staatsblad this field . 1992/689 ) Furthermore, paragraph 13 of the Green Paper on the 4 . Portugal : Decreto-Lei N° 198/93 de 27 de Maio European Dimension of Education, adopted by the ( DIARIO DA REPUBLICA-I SERIE-A, N° Commission ( a ) on 29 September 1993 , states that 123-27/5/1993 ) 'European citizenship ( should be ) based on the shared Decreto-Regulamentar n° 24/93 de 19 de Julho values of interdependence, democracy, equality of opportunity and mutual respect'. ( DIARIO DA REPUBLICA-I SERIE-B, N° 16719/7/1993 ) (M COM(93 ) 457 final . 5 . United Kingdom : Statutory Instrument 1992 . No 3288 The Commission will transmit directly to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the Parliament copies of the abovementioned texts . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3221/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) For the rest of the Member States who have not yet to the Commission of the European Union communicated their national implementing measures, the Commission, taking into account Article 169 of the EC (23 November 1993) Treaty and the Second Commission three-year Action Plan 94/C 240/114 ) 1993-1995 on Consumer Policy (*), which asks for a close surveillance of Community law as a means of providing consumers with effective protection, has initiated the Subject: More effective measures to protect human rights in infringement procedure resulting from the abovementioned Europe Article of the EC Treaty . In order to ensure that human rights are protected even (M COM ( 93 ) 378 final . more effectively in Europe, Amnesty International has proposed that the code of conduct for law enforcement officials and the declaration on a code of ethics for the police should be implemented forthwith in all the Member States . Does the Commission agree with this proposal ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3220/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union Answer given by Mr Delors (23 November 1993) on behalf of the Commission ( 94/C 240/113 ) (1 February 1993)
Subject: Human rights teaching in schools The proposal from Amnesty International is outside the Does the Commission intend to ensure that the subject of scope of the Community's powers . human rights is taught at every level in schools in the Community ? No C 240/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3222/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3225/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993) (23 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/115 ) ( 94/C 240/116 )
Subject: Use of combined heat and electricity production Subject: Human rights in third countries systems to reduce consumption
Combined heat and electricity production systems make it Given that in certain countries human rights are possible to cut consumption considerably and to reduce systematically violated , will the Commission seek to dependence on raw materials . Experts maintain that these introduce legislation to reinforce the ban on economic, systems should be backed by the authorities , and in military and police assistance to such countries ? particular should operate in hotels , hospitals and other large centres supplying services . Does the Commission intend to consider the possibility of financial support for the installation of combined heat and electricity production systems ? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (25 February 1994) Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1994) The Commission is of the opinion that the Community's capacity to react to violations of human rights and democratic principles is adequate as it stands . The Commission attaches great importance to the development of combined heat and electricity production . The technique has considerable economic and In line with the guidelines set out in the resolution adopted environmental advantages, provided that there is a market by the Council and the Member States meeting within the for both products . Council on 28 November 1991 , a clause stipulating that respect for human rights and democratic principles constitutes an essential element thereof is included in The Commission has consistently promoted this technology through various programmes , such as Thermie and SAVE, association and economic cooperation agreements concluded with third countries ; in each case , this reflects the and its proposals concerning the internal energy market . parties ' shared commitment to due respect for these rights The Commission is also willing to consider specific and principles . measures to encourage the installation of combined heat and electricity production in the types of building mentioned by the Honourable Member, but it would not be able to contribute to the investment costs . In accordance with the principles of international customary law, this clause also constitutes a legal basis for retaliatory measures in response to serious and repeated violations of human rights or long-term suspension of the democratic process .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3228/93 Such measures are taken on the basis of objective and fair by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) criteria , and are proportionate to the gravity of the case; care to the Commission of the European Union is taken to avoid penalizing the people of the country concerned , particularly the poorest sections of society . (23 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/117 )
The measures may comprise the making of confidential or public representations , amendments to the contents of Subject: Demarcation of the biotope on the island of cooperation programmes or the channels used for their Tinos implementation , deferment of signings or decisions that are essential to implementing cooperation , or, if need be , Given that the decision by the Greek authorities to suspension of cooperation with the countries concerned . demarcate the biotope on the island of Tinos ( Porto region ) has not yet been implemented and the biotope is being destroyed by private individuals , will the Commission consider how it can be preserved ? 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/59
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas WRITTEN QUESTION E-3272/93 on behalf of the Commission by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) (27 January 1994) to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993) Greece has not classified the zone under consideration as a ( 94/C 240/119 Special Protection Area , according to Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC concerning the conservation of wild birds, Subject: Community funding allocated to the prefecture of which is the only legal basis for Community intervention for Evvia nature conservation applicable at present . What is the total Community funding — and in respect of In addition, the biotope of Porto of the island of Tinos is not which measures — allocated to the prefecture of Evvia included in the inventory of important bird areas established between the beginning of 1990 and 31 June 1993 from : with scientific criteria by the Community since 1989 . 1 . the European Regional Development Fund , Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Greek authorities to take the necessary measures for the protection 2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee of the biotope in question . Fund — Guidance Section, 3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund — Guarantee Section,
4 . the European Social Fund ,
5 . the Community's research programmes , WRITTEN QUESTION E-3229/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) 6 . Community programmes in the energy sector, to the Commission of the European Union 7 . Community programmes in the sector of the (23 November 1993) environment , ( 94/C 240/118 ) 8 . other Community programmes ?
Subject: Construction of a private airport on Crete Answer given by Mr Delors It is reported that a company called the ' Eastern Crete on behalf of the Commission Airport Ltd — Xenios Zeus' intends to construct a private (29 March 1994) airport on Crete with EC aid . The plan is to build the airport in the centre of the Prefecture of Lassithi on the Isthmus of Ierapetra in Kato Khovio . The land chosen is an In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is archaeological site . Does the Community intend to subsidize sending it direct to the Honourable Member and this project ? Parliament's Secretariat .
Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (27 January 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3281/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union The Commission has not been informed of the project (23 November 1993) referred to by the Honourable Member , for which no 94/C 240/120 application for Community financing has been submitted under any current programme . However, if such an application were submitted by the Greek authorities in the Subject: The Lake Mustos wetland in Arkadia context of the preparation of the next Community support framework , the Commission would examine its conformity with the objectives and requirements of applicable Lake Mustos is being turned into a fish farm following a Community law, in particular with regard to the project's decision of the prefecture of Arkadia which shows that it is environmental impact . ' unaware ' that this Lake is an extremely important wetland for migratory birds . In view of the above , how does the Commission intend to protect this wetland area in the region of Astros Kynouria ? No C 240/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas WRITTEN QUESTION E-3288/93 on behalf of the Commission by Gérard Deprez ( PPE ) (1 February 1994) to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993)
Greece has not classified the zone under consideration as a ( 94/C 240/122 ) Special Protection Area , according to Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC concerning the conservation of wild birds , nor has it been identified by the Commission as an important Subject: Document COM(93 ) 378 final on the second bird area . Commission three-year action plan on consumer policy For the time being, this Directive is the only basis for a legal intervention by the Commission . Document COM(93 ) 378 final stipulates that ' Commission support for consumer organizations as regards their training Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Greek programmes for adults and for young consumers and authorities to take the necessary measures for the protection schoolchildren , notably by furnishing teaching aids , should of the biotope in question . also be enhanced '.
Can the Commission state whether the form of such support is mainly financial or technical ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3284/93 Similarly, can it state whether the way in which such support by Ingo Friedrich ( PPE ) will be enhanced should be understood in financial terms or in terms of an internal reorganization of its services ? to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/121 ) Lastly , can the Commission give details of the types of teaching aids in question and the specific channels through which they have been disseminated hitherto ( campaigns directed at the general public or specific local projects )? Is Subject: Spending by EC aid programmes in Bavaria in the Commission ensuring that these teaching aids can be 1990 , 199l " and 1992 made available as a matter of priority to the poorest consumers and those who are the least well-informed as to 1 . What are the main EC aid programmes for research , the advantages they may gain and the dangers to which they technology and development and what funding did they may be exposed ? receive in 1990 , 1991 and 1992 ?
2 . How much funding under these programmes was spent in the Federal Republic of Germany ( old Lander ) and Answer given by Mrs Scrivener in the Free State of Bavaria in 1990, 1991 and 1992 ? on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1993) 3 . What percentage of EC funds spent in the Federal Republic of Germany ( old Lander ) was accounted for by each of these EC aid programmes in Bavaria in 1990 , 1991 and 1992 ? Commission support for consumer organizations in connection with the training of adults and young consumers generally takes the form of joint financing of pilot projects . Answer given by Mr Ruberti on behalf of the Commission These pilot projects are , for the most part, carried out in (24 March 1994) collaboration and/or in consultation with the Member States , in particular with the national and regional bodies responsible for consumer education . In view of the length of its answer , the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . The ' Consumer information and training' unit within the Consumer Policy Service is responsible for implementing this support policy, which does not require any internal reorganization of the service . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/61
Teaching aids take various forms , such as games for children ensure that the Community takes a firm and active stand or video films . They are generally disseminated as an integral in international fora , as it did in the recent multilateral part of the jointly financed projects , or as part of the project negotiations on international trade rules and , in follow-up at national and regional level ; experience has particular, market access , which in the event have shown that the usefulness of such aids is dependent on the produced results which may be considered satisfactory national and/or cultural context . in terms of the Community's interests .
A conference and pilot project have addressed the question of educating disadvantaged consumers . Here also , experience has shown that teaching aids need to be tailored It is now necessary to take a determined stand in to specific groups . asserting the Community's rights under these rules whenever the Community's interests require it . The Commission has been prompt to react within GATT to the imposition by the United States of anti-dumping and countervailing duties against Community steel exports in breach of international rules . Such action , however, WRITTEN QUESTION E-3293/93 also calls for the initiative and active backing of Member by Robert Delorozoy ( LDR ) States and Community businesses , otherwise the to the Commission of the European Union Commission's own initiatives will often prove fruitless . (23 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/123 )
— The Commission presented the Council some time ago Subject: Community trade policy with proposals aimed at tightening up the instruments available to the Community in defence of trade , as part A number of Member States have made repeated calls for the of the moves to complete the common import European Community to step up its commercial presence in arrangements for the single market . These included a third countries . proposal to improve Community decision-making processes in this area and one designed to make A number of specific suggestions have been made with a anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard proceedings view to more effective by setting firm time-limits for investigations , improving procedural transparency and — opening up markets still subject to restrictions and generally deploying resources more efficiently . removing obstacles to trade freedom , — improving the effectiveness of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy procedures . The Council has now reached agreement on a package of reforms to the Community's common rules for imports There are also proposals for the creation of a world trade and defensive instruments . This does not incorporate all organization to replace the provisional GATT the improvements advocated by the Commission, but it arrangement . is nevertheless an important step in the right direction . Is the Commission in a position at present to define a programme of specific measures to be taken in the coming months in order to achieve these objectives ? — One result of the Uruguay Round was the agreement to set up a World Trade Organization ( WTO ). Again, it will be important for the Community to take a firm Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan stand within the WTO , with the active and constructive on behalf of the Commission backing of the Member States and industry . (9 February 1994)
The Commission shares the Member States ' desire for a As the Uruguay Round results are implemented in the more active common commercial policy to protect the coming months , one important aspect will be the interests of Community businesses not only within the single adoption of Community machinery for participation in market but on export markets as well . the new body .
With regard to the suggestions advanced by the Honourable Member and to possible measures to be taken by the Commission :
— The best way to gain access to non-Community markets and secure the elimination of barriers to trade is to No C 240/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3295/93 On 30 June 1993 the Council adopted a common position by Luigi Vertemati ( PSE ) on this proposal for a Directive . to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993 ) ( 941C 240/124 )
Subject: Consumer protection services in the telecommunications sector WRITTEN QUESTION E-3303/93 by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) Under the Act of 21 May 1991 , Belgium introduced a consumer protection system for users of to the Commission of the European Union telecommunications services . (24 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/125 As part of this system, an independent mediation service has been set up to find out-of-court settlements to disputes between the telephone operating company ( Belgacom ) and users and to monitor Belgacom's rules of conduct in respect Subject: Use of LIFE funds of users .
Is the Commission aware of the existence of similar In May 1992 a Regulation was adopted setting up the initiatives in other Member States ? financial instrument LIFE . The main objective was to promote integrated environment management and new technologies and methods for the rational use of natural Would the Commission agree that it should submit a resources . As the regulation was adopted belatedly, the proposal for a Directive obliging Member States to programme was hastily launched in the summer of 1992 and introduce systems to protect the interests of the users of measures were initially proposed for adoption which had telecommunications services , such as that set up in not been included in the Medspa programme . Eight Greek Belgium ? programmes were selected with a total of budget of approximately ECU 5 million . What progress has been made in implementing the Greek programmes and what is the budget take-up rate ? Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission (10 March 1994)
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas 1 . The Commission has little information on this subject . on behalf of the Commission However , it would like to inform the Honourable Member (1 February 1994) that — for example in Italy — there exists an arbitration procedure for disputes relating to telecommmunication services . This procedure is the outcome of a 1989 agreement between the SIP ( Italian Telecommunications Company ) In the summer of 1992 , six projects for Greece not and 12 consumer organizations . concerning nature were approved by the LIFE Management Committee, of a total value of ECU 4 132 939 and ECU 2 . Article 25 of the proposal for a Council Directive on 2 138 250 of Community participation ( 51 % of the total ). the application of open network provision ( ONP ) to voice 44% of Community participation has been absorbed to telephony provides that, in the event of an unresolved date . Only one project of a total value of ECU 144 200 has dispute with a telecommunications organization, users shall been concluded , the others are expected to be concluded by have a right of appeal to the national regulatory authority or mid 1995 . another independent body concerning presumed infringements of the provisions of the Directive , including those relating to telephone bills . For the two projects relating to nature conservation, a financial support of ECU 2,7 million representing 75 % of their estimated total cost, was committed in November In other words, the Directive obliges the Member States to 1992 . 41,6 % of this amount has been paid so far . A better provide consumers with easily accessible and in principle idea of the projects' implementation will be gained as soon inexpensive procedures to settle disputes in a fair, timely and as the Commission receives the 1993 progress reports . transparent manner . A conciliation procedure , involving the Commisson , is also foreseen in the event of disputes with telecommunications organizations in several Member States . 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/63
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3322/93 Changes to the laws and regulations in the various Member by Enrique Baron Crespo ( PSE ) States have already led to the discontinuance of a number of the above infringement proceedings . to the Commission of the European Union (24 November 1993) ( 94/C 240/126 The remainder (a total of 40 ) are still pending and have progressed beyond the reasoned opinion stage . It should be noted , however , that in all the other Member States still Subject: Discrimination with regard to employment in the affected by these proceedings , with the exception of public sector — Article 48(4 ) of the EEC Treaty Luxembourg ( Belgium , Germany, Greece , Spain , France, Italy), several draft laws or regulations are being prepared , but that the legislative process , which is sometimes long and In 1980 the Court of Justice ( judgment of 17 December complicated , is not yet complete . 1980 in Case 149/79 Commission v. Kingdom of Belgium ECR 1980 , p. 3881 ) gave a ruling on the ( limited ) scope of the exception made in Article 48(4 ). The Commission has no statistics relating to the number of public sector jobs in the main sectors which are improperly In its communication on access to employment in the public reserved for nationals by the Member States in question . service of the Member States ( 1 ) the Commission announced that it was initiating a strategy for the elimination of restrictions on grounds of nationality in four main ( ! ) Excluding Ireland and the Netherlands, where the situation in the four main sectors is normal and in compliance with the EC sectors . Treaty . 1 . Can the Commission provide information , for each Member State and each sector, on the infringement procedures it has initiated for infringements of Article 48 of the Treaty and the state of progress of these procedures ?
2 . Can it give precise indication , or an estimate , of how WRITTEN QUESTION E-3253/93 many jobs are thus improperly reserved for nationals of the country in question , for each Member State and each by Anthony Wilson ( PSE ) sector ? to the Commission of the European Union (23 November 1993) H OJ No C 72 , 18 . 3 . 1988 p . 2 . ( 94/C 240/127 )
Answer given by Mr Flynn Subject: Kibale forest on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1993) 1 . Were EC funds used , via the Natural Forest Management and Conservation Project, to pay the Following on from its communication of 18 March 1988 , allowances of police officers and other government officials , the Commission has been working systematically to ensure and to purchase other supplies and equipment used in that Article 48(4 ) of the EC Treaty is correctly applied, in evicting people from the Kibale Forest Reserve and/or the keeping with consistent case law of the Court of Justice , in Kibale Corridor Game Reserve ? four main sectors of national public administration , namely : 2 . What steps are being taken to provide long-term — bodies responsible for managing a commercial infrastructural , social and economic development support service ; for the resettlement of the 5 000 people evicted from the Kibale Forest Reserve , as would be required under the — public health care services; OECD and World Bank guidelines ?
— state education: 3 . Can the Commission give details of the procedure for the registration of the landless and the reallocation ofland in — research for non-military purposes in public establishments . other areas that the EC's East Africa Dept claims to have been followed by the Uganda Government, and examples of ways in which the EC has supported this policy ? This work has involved the initiation of several infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty against all the Member States concerned 0 ( Belgium : 7, Denmark : 5 , 4 . Can it provide a copy of the EC Uganda Delegation's Germany : 6 , Greece : 7, Spain : 7, France : 9 , Italy : 8 , tour report to the Kibale or Bugangaizi area during April Luxembourg : 6 , Portugal : 7, United Kingdom : 1 ). and May 1992 when it was established that the situation did No C 240/64 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94
not merit consideration as an emergency under Article Ugandan Government has undertaken evictions of more 254 ? than 100 000 people from a number of forest reserves with no reported cases of human rights violations . 5 . Will it recommend that the EC call a meeting of donor agencies to assess what went wrong with the Uganda Forestry Programme , and to decide what action might be Unfortunately, this good record was broken by evictions of jointly taken to resolve the situation ? settlers and encroachers from the Kibale Forest Reserve . Due to poor preparation and planning of the operations on the part of the local authorities , excessive use of force , criminal acts and violations of human rights took place during the evictions in contravention of Ugandan law and WRITTEN QUESTION E-34 19/93 practice . This aroused strong and justified indignation and by Henry McCubbin ( PSE ) protest from several quarters . to the Commission of the European Union
(2 December 1993) It should be recalled that the criticism concerned the manner ( 94/C 240/128 ) in which evictions from the Kibale Forest Reserve were carried out, and not the Project as such , though it appears now that funds of the project were used , to a limited extent, Subject: Eviction of Bakiga people from Kimbale Forest, to support the eviction operations through defraying Uganda transport and other administrative costs .
Is the Commission aware of an article in Oxfam News October 1993 which discusses the European Community's When the malpractices were acknowledged by the involvement in a conservation project in the Kimbale Forest, Government, the Commission reacted by suspending Uganda ? The report talks of the forceful eviction of the financing of the Forestry Project . The Government was Bakiga people after forty years of settlement in the area , in informed that continued support would depend on : order to implement a joint conservation project involving the European Community . These people were left with — all future evictions being handled in strict conformity nothing after their property was destroyed and they were with the OECD guidelines and Ugandan law ; forced to settle in Bugangaizi , 150 km north . — fundamental human rights being respected in Does the Commission feel any responsibility for the loss of connection with any future evictions , irrespective of the the Bakiga people and the erosion of their basic human legal status of those evicted in accordance with Ugandan rights ? laws ;
The article mentions that EC officials said they were willing — the Community financed Forestry Rehabilitation to examine ways in which they could help the evicted . What Programmes not being involved financially or otherwise progress has been made in this instance ? Does the with any future eviction operations not conducted in Commission believe lessons can be learnt from this case ? accordance with OECD guidelines .
The Ugandan Government has now given its commitment to Joint answer to Written Questions ensure that these conditions are fully respected in E-3253/93 and E-34 19/93 connection with future evictions . Consequently, given by Mr Marin Community support for the project is about to be on behalf of the Commission resumed . (16 December 1993 ) The Community Delegation did not organize or participate in a tour of the kind referred to by the Honourable Member . The Community's Natural Forest Management and A team of consultants was in the Kibale area in April 1992 Conservation Project forms part of a Forest Rehabilitation on a project evaluation mission, but did not visit the areas Programme initiated by the World Bank in 1 987 . The object where the evictions took place . of the programme is to improve environmental management and to stop uncontrolled destruction of natural forest . The Community component of the Programme covers 714 Establishment and application of registration and land gazetted forest reserves , including the Kibale Forest Reserve . allocation procedures are the entire responsibility of the Ugandan Government and have not been subject to Community involvement or support . However, following Eviction where necessary of settlers or encroachers from the Kibale evictions — which were, to the Commission's gazetted reserves is part of Ugandan environment and knowledge , the first incidents of this kind where uncertainty conservation policy . Since the beginning of the project, the has arisen regarding the proper application of these 29 . 8 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 240/65 procedures — the Commission has indicated its readiness to significant number of accidents', I re-table the question . I am support people who may have been wronged in connection also aware that the Marine Industry Associations wish to with the eviction operations and want their case tried before have a Directive to eliminate trade barriers . However, some court . EC states have operated entirely without formal controls , entirely satisfactorily, for many centuries . Steps have also been taken by the Commission to examine — in close consultation with other donors — the infrastructure , social and economic requirements of the resettled populations with a view to ensuring that those Answer given by Mr Bangemann evicted are provided with acceptable living conditions and on behalf of the Commission adequate opportunities to resume normal economic and (13 December 1993) social life in their new surroundings .
The Commission confirms that, in presenting the draft Directive on recreational craft ' it is not acting on evidence of a significant number of accidents'. The elimination of WRITTEN QUESTION E-3469/93 existing barriers to trade and the application of Article 100A by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) EC Treaty especially its Section 3 are the basis of its to the Commission of the European Union action . (7 December 1993) Even , if ' some EC States have operated entirely without ( 94/C 240/129 ) formal controls, entirely satisfactorily, for many centuries', their authorities have unanimously welcomed the draft Subject: Cosmetic tests on animals Directive and actively participated in the preparation of the text to be submitted to the Council and to the At its meeting on 14 June 1993 to discuss the sixth Parliament . amendment to Directive 76/768/EEC ( [ ) concerning cosmetic products , the Council of Ministers rejected two amendments from Parliament which would have banned cosmetic tests on animals . Which members of the Council supported these amendments and which members opposed them ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3682/93 0 ) OJ No L 262 , 27 . 9 . 1976 , p . 169 . by Lord Plumb ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Union (25 November 1993) Answer given by Mr Delors ( 94/C 240/131 ) on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1993) Subject: Italian milk quota The Commission believes that the matter raised by the Honourable Member does not fall within its competence Will the Commission clarify the position regarding the and would suggest that the question be put to the implementation of the milk quota regime in Italy; if it is Council . found that the scheme is not being properly implemented will the provisionally allocated extra quota , and the credit awarded to Italy on the strength of this award for the 1989 and 1990 clearance of EAGGF accounts be withdrawn ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-35 88/93 by Christopher Jackson ( PPE ) Answer given by Mr Steichen to the Commission of the European Union on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1993) (20 December 1993) ( 94/C 240/130 ) The steps taken by the Italian authorities to implement the Subject: Recreational craft — Accidents due to milk quota system cover the allocation of reference construction quantities to individual producers , measures for the transfer of quotas — for example , selling or leasing quotas — and As the Commission has failed to answer my question voluntary cessation of production . Moreover , a central ( H-1047/93 ) to my satisfaction, in particular the request body has been appointed to to ensure compliance at regional that it should confirm that it is not acting on 'evidence of a level with the principal requirements of the quota system, No C 240/66 Official Journal of the European Communities 29 . 8 . 94 including the allocation of quotas to producers , voluntary 2 . to promote long-term unemployment, cessation of production , monitoring total milk deliveries and determining what levies must be paid . 3 . to encourage research and development by
Under the decision granting an increase in the reference ( a ) the University of Hamburg, quantity for the 1993/94 milk marketing year in Italy, Spain and Greece , the Commission will submit to the Council in ( b ) the Harburg University of Technology , March 1994 a report on the situation in these Member ( c ) businesses and others , States and a proposal for their 1994/95 national quotas . In its clearance of accounts decisions for the 1989 and 1990 4 . to encourage relations and trade with the countries of financial years , the Commission reserved the right, in a central and eastern Europe , subsequent clearance of accounts decision , to apply a financial correction corresponding to the total of excess 5 . from programmes in the energy and environment deliveries if it finds that the milk quota scheme has not been sectors , properly implemented in these Member States within the periods set by the Council . 6 . from programmes in the youth sector : Petra , Youth for Europe , Force and other programmes , 7 . from programmes in the education sector : Erasmus , Lingua , Comett and other programmes , WRITTEN QUESTION E-3869/93 8 . for women's projects , by Christa Randzio-Plath ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Union 9 . for cultural projects : (24 January 1994) ( a ) from the Media and Kaleidoscope programmes , ( 94/C 240/132 ) ( b ) from other programmes and for specific purposes ? Subject: EC money paid to Hamburg since 1988
How much Community money has been paid to Hamburg, In the Community's opinion , how successful have these under what projects and from what funds , measures been ? 1 . to promote employment ( a ) from the European Fund for Regional Answer given by Mr Delors Development, on behalf of the Commission ( b ) from the European Social Fund ( ESF ), (7 April 1994) ( c ) from the European Guidance Fund for Fisheries , In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is ( d ) from the European Agricultural Guidance and sending it direct to the Honourable Member and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) and other EC funds , Parliament's Secretariat .