ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 66 Volume 39 of the European Communities 4 March 1996
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
96/C 66/01 E-2885/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject: The vegetable trade and fair competition in the region of Attica ( Supplementary answer ) 1
96/C 66/02 E-5 17/95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Fire in an oil refinery at Perama — infringement of the 'Seveso' Directive ( Supplementary answer ) 1
96/C 66/03 E-1631/95 by Markus Ferber to the Commission Subject: EU support for research ( Supplementary answer ) 2
96/C 66/04 E- 1899/95 by Nel van Dijk, Maartje van Putten and Doeke Eisma to the Commission Subject : Incompatibility of the projected Betuwe route with the bird conservation Directive 3
96/C 66/05 E-1929/95 by Peter Crampton to the Council Subject : Immigration and asylum in the EU : information 4
96/C 66/06 E-1984/95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject : Distortion of competition as a result of aid provided by The Hague City Council ( Supplementary answer ) 4
96/C 66/07 E-2 157/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : The Hidrovia project 5
96/C 66/08 E-2 169/95 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : Air transport charges 6
96/C 66/09 E-21 86/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject : European water pollution control — consistent lists of substances — transparency 6
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96/C 66/10 E-2 187/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: European water pollution control — risk assessment 7
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2186/95 and E-2187/95 7
96/C 66/11 E-2 194/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject : European water pollution control — key concept of 'best available technologies' ( BAT ) 8
96/C 66/12 E-2 195/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: European water pollution control — definition of 'best available technologies' ( BAT ) 8
96/C 66/13 E-2207/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: European water pollution control : Devolving tasks onto Member States ; lack of material guidelines 9
96/C 66/14 E-2305/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject: Ozone 9
96/C 66/15 E-23 18/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission Subject: Failure at school 10
96/C 66/16 P-2407/95 by Raimondo Fassa to the Commission Subject: Aid to the Christian minority in the Middle East 11
96/C 66/17 E-2438/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject: Geographical scope of the Euratom Treaty 11
96/C 66/18 E-2453/95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Cover strips for chillers and freezers used by small businesses 12
96/C 66/19 P-2470/95 by Luciana Castellina to the Commission Subject : Paraguay: EU project in the Chaco 13
96/C 66/20 E-2482/95 by James Moorhouse to the Council Subject: Summaries of meetings of the European Council 14
96/C 66/21 E-2484/95 by Winfried Menrad to the Council Subject: Provisions to monitor compliance of technical facilities and equipment with the Law on building regulations, as regards the manufacture of lightning conductors 14
96/C 66/22 E-2491/95 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against EU citizens in the purchase of immoveable property in South Tirol 14
96/C 66/23 E-2526/95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission Subject : Harmonization of registration of motor vessels, particularly high-speed self-propelled water vehicles, in the EU 15
96/C 66/24 E-2546/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : Food aid for Rwanda and Burundi 15
96/C 66/25 E-2558/95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject: Alcohol and fatal accidents in the European Union 16 96/C 66/26 E-2600/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission Subject : Alcohol consumption and traffic accidents 16
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2558/95 and E-2600/95 16
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96/C 66/27 E-2599/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission Subject : The CAP and desertification 17
96/C 66/28 E-26 16/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Safety of passenger vessels 17
96/C 66/29 P-2648/95 by Herbert Bosch to the Commission Subject : Aids to agriculture 18
96/C 66/30 E-2673/95 by Josu Imaz San Miguel to the Commission Subject : Liberalization of the energy market 19
96/C 66/31 E-2675/95 by Nicole Fontaine to the Commission Subject : Rules governing transport in the context of local excursions during twin town visits 20
96/C 66/32 E-2680/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : EU-Turkey customs union and impact on vulnerable industries such as textiles ..... 20
96/C 66/33 E-268 9/95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles 21
96/C 66/34 E-2695/95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of public service contracts 21
96/C 66/35 E-2696/95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive on the coordination of the provisions relating to direct life assurance 22
96/C 66/36 E-2698/95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive concerning the list of substances referred to in Article 13 of Directive 67/548/EEC 22
96/C 66/37 E-2705/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Suspension of fishing in Mauritanian waters 22
96/C 66/38 E-2710/95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : By-pass at Gateshead , England 23
96/C 66/39 E-2711/95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : ERDF support — United Kingdom 23
96/C 66/40 E-271 5/95 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission Subject : Aid from the European Union to combat the 'caulerpa taxifolia ' seaweed 24
96/C 66/41 E-271 8/95 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission Subject : European Commission programme to promote sport 25
96/C 66/42 E-2723/95 by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission Subject : Torrential rain and hailstorms in Valencia 25
96/C 66/43 E-2729/95 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission Subject : Expiry of the ECSC Treaty 26
96/C 66/44 E-2738/95 by Robert Sturdy, Giles Chichester and Bryan Cassidy to the Commission Subject : EU ban on DMD — spanner in works for rural development ? 27
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96/C 66/45 E-2753/95 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission Subject : Publicizing Community programmes and support projects 27
96/C 66/46 P-2765/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Use of research appropriations 28
96/C 66/47 E-2775/95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : European foundation for research into the coal and steel industries 29
96/C 66/48 E-2796/95 by Bernie Malone to the Commission Subject : Funding for integrated education programmes for children with mental and physical disabilities 29
96/C 66/49 E-2797/95 by Imelda Read to the Commission Subject : Age limits 30
96/C 66/50 E-2801/95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission Subject : Internal market in energy 30
96/C 66/51 E-2804/95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject : Directives 92/73/EEC and 92/74/EEC on homeopathic medicinal products and veterinary homeopathic medicinal products 31
96/C 66/52 E-28 14/95 by Edouard des Places to the Commission Subject : Promotion of wool production in the European Union 32
96/C 66/53 E-2831/95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission Subject : Payment of EU funds subsidies to Austria still outstanding for 1995 32
96/C 66/54 E-2857/95 by Michl Ebner to the Commission Subject : Use of display boards to advertise EU funding of building projects 33
96/C 66/55 E-2869/95 by Otto von Habsburg to the Commission Subject : Payment for Phare programme consultants 34
96/C 66/56 E-288 9/95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission Subject : Regis II Community Initiative Programme 34
96/C 66/57 E-2890/95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission Subject : Specific option plans for the most-remote regions 35
96/C 66/58 E-2895/95 by Jacques Donnay to the Commission Subject : Delays in implementing the Leader initiative 35
96/C 66/59 E-28 99/95 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis to the Commission Subject : Restructuring programme for olive production in Greece 36
96/C 66/60 E-2903/95 by Giacomo Santini to the Commission Subject : Support for NGOs working in the West Nile region in Uganda 36
96/C 66/61 E-2908/95 by Richard Howitt and Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Use of leghold traps 37
96/C 66/62 E-2910/95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission Subject : Competitions : equal opportunities 37
96/C 66/63 E-29 11 /95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission Subject : Advisory Committee on Appointments : equal opportunities 38
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96/C 66/64 E-29 12/95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission Subject : Senior administrators : equal opportunities 38
96/C 66/65 E-29 13/95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission Subject : Heads of unit at the Commission ? 38
96/C 66/66 E-2914/95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission Subject : Appointments to A1 and A2 posts : equal opportunities 39
96/C 66/67 E-29 15/95 by Jan Sonneveld and Bartho Pronk to the Commission Subject : Local farmers excluded from supplying fresh beef to the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands 39
96/C 66/68 E-2920/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Fishing in the Aegean Sea 40
96/C 66/69 E-2928/95 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Trans-European Networks 40
96/C 66/70 E-2929/95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission Subject : Sale of 'Green Card' insurance in the UK to motorists travelling abroad 41
96/C 66/71 E-2943/95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission Subject : EU initiative concerning border areas — Interreg 2 41
96/C 66/72 E-2944/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : rBST use in Polish cattle farms 42
96/C 66/73 E-2945/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Genetically engineered organisms in the sales production of Polish breweries 42
96/C 66/74 E-2951/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : Conclusion of an agreement on the supply of cereals to Armenia 43
96/C 66/75 E-2955/95 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission Subject : Human rights violations in the People's Republic of China 43
96/C 66/76 E-2962/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Free-trade agreement with Turkey in respect of steel products 44
96/C 66/77 E-2966/95 by Mercedes De la Merced Monge to the Commission Subject : Committee of the Regions — establishment plan 45
96/C 66/78 E-2972/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Increased quota for Moroccan tomatoes 45
96/C 66/79 E-2973/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Allocation of Structural Funds 45
96/C 66/80 E-2974/95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Nuclear power station in Jaragúa, Cuba 46
96/C 66/81 P-2983/95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Tacis programmes for central Asia and Mongolia 46
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96/C 66/82 E-2988/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Failure to implement a policy for the provision of rural tourist facilities in remote areas of Greece 47
96/C 66/83 E-2996/95 by Mark Killilea to the Commission Subject : Tacis Democracy Programme and the disabled 47
96/C 66/84 E-2998/95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens and Jan Mulder to the Commission Subject : European aid to Spanish glasshouse horticulturalists 48
96/C 66/85 E-2999/95 by Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject : Extending the export season for Moroccan fruit and vegetables 48
96/C 66/86 E-3000/95 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission Subject : Commission grant of ECU 2 million to the Netherlands for regional planning pilot projects 49
96/C 66/87 E-30 10/95 by Amedo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Human rights 50
96/C 66/88 E-30 19/95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Classification of defraudment of the EU budget as an offence 50
96/C 66/89 P-3031/95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject : Start-up of the Bulgarian nuclear power station at Kozloduy 51
96/C 66/90 E-3035/95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission Subject : EU—US trade relations 51
96/C 66/91 E-3042/95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Nuclear safety 52
96/C 66/92 E-3043/95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : The European ceramic industry 52
96/C 66/93 E-3044/95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : The European leather industry 53
96/C 66/94 E-3046/95 by Ben Fayot to the Commission Subject : European Union construction project in Geneva 53
96/C 66/95 P-3052/95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Revision of the chocolate Directive 54
96/C 66/96 P-3053/95 by Mair Morgan to the Commission Subject : Staffing for the 'Youth for Europe III' Programme 55
96/C 66/97 E-3067/95 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission Subject : Structure and remit of the military arm of the CFSP 55
96/C 66/98 E-3075/95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject: Financial support for producers' organizations in the apiculture sector 56
96/C 66/99 E-3084/95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission Subject : Approval of State subsidies for the agricultural sector 56
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96/C 66/100 E-3089/95 by Giles Chichester to the Commission Subject : Infringements of EU agricultural policy 56
96/C 66/101 P-3110/95 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Negotiations with Morocco and the Portuguese canning industry 57
96/C 66/102 E-3 114/95 by James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject : Wild fur caught in leghold traps 58
96/C 66/103 E-3 119/95 by Gastone Parigi and Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Role of European information centres 58
96/C 66/104 E-3 120/95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea 59
96/C 66/105 P-3 124/95 by Per Stenmarck to the Commission Subject : Fraud 60
96/C 66/106 E-3 128/95 by Ian White to the Commission Subject : Health Advice for Travellers 60
96/C 66/107 E-3 135/95 by Claude Desama to the Commission Subject : Application of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/93 — Articles 273 ( 2 ) and 278 ( 3 ) 61
96/C 66/108 E-3 136/95 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Distortion of competition 61
96/C 66/109 P-3 141/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : On the conclusions of the CPMP ad hoc working party on contraceptive pills containing destoden or desogestrel 62
96/C 66/110 E-3 150/95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : 'Integrated Watershed Management in Doon Valley' Project ( ALA/90/14 ) 63
96/C 66/111 E-3 160/95 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission Subject : Import of footwear from China and the East 63
96/C 66/112 E-3168/95 by Susan Waddington to the Commission Subject : Public health policy — Post-Polio Syndrome 64
96/C 66/113 E-3 170/95 by Susan Waddington to the Commission Subject : Safety standards — caravan sites 64
96/C 66/114 E-3 173/95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission Subject : Aid projects in Indonesia 65
96/C 66/115 P-3 180/95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission Subject : Stage reached on the report called for in the resolution on a coherent employment strategy 65
96/C 66/116 E-3 182/95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject: Register of Commissioners' interests 66
96/C 66/117 E-3 184/95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission Subject : Impact of the Schengen Information System on the freedom of movement of third-country nationals in the European Union 66
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96/C 66/118 E-3 185/95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission Subject : Schengen Implementation Agreement and the free movement of third-country nationals 66
Joint answer to Written Questions E-3 184/95 and E-3 185/95 67
96/C 66/119 E-3234/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : Influencing the Western Sahara conflict 67
96/C 66/120 E-3235/95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Sanctions against Iraq 67
96/C 66/121 P-3245/95 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject : Discrimination against foreign lecturers at the University of Verona and elsewhere in Italy 68
96/C 66/122 E-3248/95 by Angela Billingham to the Commission Subject : Human rights in China 68
96/C 66/123 E-3256/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Road accidents 69
96/C 66/124 E-3258/95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Disappearance of money at the Central Bank of Kenya 69
96/C 66/125 E-3262/95 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: MG Gas Products ( part of the Hoechst Group ) 70
96/C 66/126 E-3267/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject: Elections in Haiti 70
96/C 66/127 E-3277/95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Discrepancies in mode of address of men and women 70
96/C 66/128 P-3292/95 by Danielle Darras to the Commission Subject : The Metaleurop company : anti-dumping procedure 71
96/C 66/129 P-3293/95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Mochovce Nuclear Power Station 71
96/C 66/130 P-3295/95 by Jose Escudero to the Commission Subject : The teaching of classical languages 72
96/C 66/131 P-3298/95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject: Structural Funds in Portugal ( 1995 ) 72
96/C 66/132 E-3300/95 by Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject : Standardization of payment terms 72
96/C 66/133 P-3333/95 by Reimer Böge to the Commission Subject : Limits on subsidized exports of farm products 73
96/C 66/134 E-3439/95 by Jose Escudero to the Commission Subject: Second language at school-leaving certificate level 74
96/C 66/135 P-3446/95 by Helena Torres Marques to the Commission Subject: Alzheimer's disease 74
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96/C 66/136 P-3447/95 by Riccardo Garosci to the Commission Subject : Directive on the labelling of prices on foodstuffs and other products 74
96/C 66/137 P-3448/95 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission Subject : Setting up of new observatories for SMEs 76
96/C 66/138 P-3479/95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission Subject: Safe manning numbers and hours at work on ships, in terms of both health and safety of workers and safety at sea 76
96/C 66/139 P-3482/95 by Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco to the Commission Subject : Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin America ( IRELA ) 77
96/C 66/140 E-3609/95 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various bodies 77
96/C 66/141 E-363 9/95 by Concepció Ferrer to the Commission Subject : 1994 food-aid programme for those most in need 78
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I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2885/94 Supplementary answer given by Mr Fischler by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (11 December 1995) (16 January 1995) ( 96/C 66/01 ) The Honourable Member will recall that the Commission has previously sought information from the Greek authorities on how the wholesale trade in potatoes , onions and garlic operates in the Attica region .
Subject: The vegetable trade and fair competition in the On the basis of the information supplied by the Greek region of Attica authorities , the Commission considers that the wholesale trade in Attica in the vegetables concerned does not infringe the relevant Community legislation in force . Marketing Regulation No 10 adopted by the Ministry of Commerce on 3 November 1994 forbids the sale of potatoes , garlic and onions in the region of Attica outside the Athens Central Vegetable Market . However, a 'closed shop' has delivered in that market; for example , none of the vacant stands has been auctioned off in the last three years . WRITTEN QUESTION E-5 17/95 This is preventing new businesses , cooperatives and farmers from breaking into this lucrative trade and is hindering the by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) development of fair competition . to the Commission (27 February 1995)
1 . How does the Commission intend to ensure that the ( 96/C 66/02 ) abovementioned Marketing Regulation, which is preventing new businesses from breaking into the vegetables market and consequently affecting fair Subject: Fire in an oil refinery at Perama — infringement of competition, is repealed ? the 'Seveso' Directive
On 7 February 1995 , a fire broke out at the EL-Petrol plant 2 . Does it intend to look into the legality and application of in Perama , an area of Attica, crowded with such the Ministry of Commerce's Decision A2-8730 of installations , without any form of separation from 6 August 1990 concerning the Athens Central Vegetable residential areas . Perama is geographically hemmed in Market, which provides around 4 million consumers between mountain and sea and has only one access road to with vegetables, so as to remove those legal obstacles the rest of the Athens area and hence only one escape route which are hindering fair competition in the vegetables in an emergency . All available information indicates that the market ? fire was caused by the outdated plant and infrastructures No C 66/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
and the malfunctioning of the plant's, in any case Therefore, the specific provisions of this Directive on inadequate, surveillance procedures and alarms . notification , internal emergency planning ( Article 5 ), external emergency planning ( Article 7), do not apply . In view of this, can the Commission indicate : These facilities fall only under the general provisions of Articles 3 and 4 . 1 . whether the installations situated in Perama are covered by the provisions of the 'Seveso' Directive , 3 . The Commission has been in contact with the Greek authorities after the accident in 1992 . During this period 2 . whether the provisions of this Directive have been the Greek authorities have taken significant steps to applied in the Perama area , comply with the provisions of the Seveso Directive . These concern specifically the external emergency plans 3 . whether any further action has been taken on the and the provision of information to the public . intention, expressed by the Commission, in reply to one of my earlier questions, concerning the Petrola accident 4 . After the adoption by the Parliament of its opinion on to bring action against Greece before the European first reading on the proposal for a Council Directive on Court of Justice for failure to implement the 'Seveso' the control of major-accident hazards involving Directive , particularly since the gravity of this continued dangerous substances ( 2 ) ( Bowe report ) and the political omission has now been highlighted by the Perama agreement on a common position reached by Council on 'accident'. 23 June 1995 , the Commission , in cooperation with the Member States authorities , has already started work on 4 . whether it intends to take firmer action to ensure that the implementation of the draft Directive . One the Directive is applied to all areas containing dangerous important aspect of this work concerns land-use plant, and Perama in particular, especially in view of the planning, included for the first time in the provisions of Bowe report, currently under consideration by the the text . The Commission will work closely with the European Parliament, calling for the provisions of the Member States in order to ensure a consistent directive to be tightened up to include land-use plans implementation throughout the Community . which could involve the compulsory removal of such plant and consultations with the local authorities on the (') OJ No L 230, 5 . 8 . 1982 . matter ? ( 2 ) COM(94 ) 4 .
Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1631/95 by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) Further to the Commission reply of 2 May 1995 and after to the Commission discussions with the Greek authorities , the Commission (12 June 1995) informs the Honourable Member as follows : ( 96/C 66/03 ) 1 . The fire occurred on 7 February 1995 in the El Petrol storage facilities at Perama and not in an oil refinery . Subject: EU support for research These facilities do not fall under Article 5 of the Seveso Directive ( Council Directive 82/501/EEC of 24 June 1 982 on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial Can the Commission provide the following information on activities ( 1 )) given their total storage capacity, and a EU funding for research and development ( R&D ) in the notification is not required . However, the Greek period 1992—1994 : authorities have decided to request the manufacturer to meet the requirements of Articles 3 and 4 of the 1 . What funds were granted to the individual Member abovementioned Directive taking into account, in States of the Community for R&D in 1992 , 1993 and particular, the high density of hazardous establishments 1994 ? ( BP, Total and Shell storage facilities ) in the vicinity of El Petrol . Thus the 'manufacturer is required to prove . . . 2 . What level of R&D funding, and for what projects, was that he has identified existing major-accident hazards , granted to Germany in this period ? adopted the appropriate safety measures, and provided the persons working on the site with information, 3 . In the same period , what R&D funds, broken down by training and equipment in order to ensure their safety' type of contractor ( universities, research institutes, ( Article 4 of the Seveso Directive ). SMEs and large industry etc.), were granted to the individual German Lander ? 2 . According to the information provided by the Greek authorities, none of the storage facilities of BP, Total , 4 . How many applications were there for R&D funding in Shell and El Petrol at Perama fall under Article 5 of the 1995 , broken down by type of programme and EU Seveso Directive given their total storage capacity . Member State ? 4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/3
5 . What proportion of applicants for R&D funds in 1995 line through the adjacent Rijnstrangen area ( in the form of in the Community and in Germany are SMEs ? an M-line ) as part of the Betuwe route ( Government statement of 21 April, Lower House, 1994—1995 , 22589 , No 71 ). The A15 motorway may be extended eastward parallel to the railway line . Supplementary answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission The Rijnstrangen, a wetland and sanctuary, form part of the (30 October 1995) De Gelderse Poort nature development area , which is itself part of the European Network of protection areas . The Rijnstrangen area is inhabited by over 120 species of birds , 26 of which figure on the Red List of endangered and The answer has been sent directly to the Honourable vulnerable species in the Netherlands . The bitterns in the Member and the Secretariat-General of Parliament in view area account for 9,1 % of the total in the Netherlands, the of its size and the large number of Tables in it . black terns for 3,7 % . This is equivalent to more than 1 % of the North-West European population of both species . Little The information given is taken from a number of different bitterns , spotted crakes , corn crakes , common terns, databases . There is no centralized computer system from kingfishers , marsh harriers and blue-throats also breed in which a chart showing all research programmes can be the Rijnstrangen area . Five per cent of the Bewick's swans in obtained . North-West Europe overwinter here ( 1 ). As all the species referred to are listed in Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC ( 2 ) on the conservation of wild birds, they enjoy special A breakdown of research funds by Member States is likely to protection . be confusing . Community research and technological development ( RTD ) funds are awarded not to Member States or regional or local authorities, but to businesses , The planned bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal , the universities and research centres established in the railway line through the Rijnstrangen area and the extension Community which carry out the selected RTD projects in of the A15 that is being contemplated will result in return for a share of the Community funding . This kind of considerable noise nuisance for the avifauna and create a breakdown will also not provide any indication of the actual physical barrier between nesting and feeding grounds, thus benefits of Community research and development having an adverse effect on the habitat of the vulnerable programmes to businesses, universities or other species named above . organizations in the Member States . The principal advantage of participating in the programmes is that each Does the construction of this section of the Betuwe route partner has access to all the results of the project in which it and the A15 above ground not therefore contravene the bird is involved, whatever its financial contribution or the conservation Directive ? Community funding it receives . Another important advantage is that participation leads to the creation and development of research structures at European level , e.g. If so, what representations will the Commission make to the networks . A national breakdown of figures can therefore at Netherlands Government with a view to preserving the best only give an approximate indication of the degree of ornithological value of the Rijnstrangen area for Europe ? interest and the level of participation of nationals of the Member States in individual specific programmes . (') Data on 1989—1994 , obtained from Vogelwerkgroep Arnhem e.o . ( 2 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 .
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 899/95 on behalf of the Commission by Nel van Dijk ( V), Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) and (6 October 1995) Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission (3 July 1995) The Commission is aware of the importance of the ( 96/C 66/04 ) Rijnstrangen for the bittern, botaurus stellaris, a species listed in Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds , which requires Member States to Subject: Incompatibility of the projected Betuwe route with take special conservation measures concerning its habitat the bird conservation Directive including designation of special protection areas ( SPA ). The site is also important for the natterjack, bufo calamita, listed in Annex IV to Directive 92/43/EEC (^ and the The Netherlands Government has decided to construct a conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora , railway bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal and a railway and therefore subject to strict protection measures . No C 66/4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
According to information available to the Commission , the Answer Oude Rijnstrangen itself does not qualify for SPA (15 January 1996) designation for the other bird species mentioned by the Honourable Members . These species occur in the Gelderse Poort of which the Oude Rijnstrangen forms a part . 1 . Article 18 ( 4 ) of the Council's Rules of Procedure provides that conventions drawn up by the Council under The Commission wrote to the Dutch authorities to ask for Title VI of the Treaty on European Union are to be information about the proposed construction of the published in the Official Journal of the European Betuwelijn through this area and the measures envisaged to Communities . comply with the obligations under these Directives and under Directive 85/337/EEC ( 2 ) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the 2 . Pursuant to Article 1 8 ( 3 ) of the Rules of Procedure the environment . decision to publish other acts under Title VI of the Treaty is to be taken in each case , when the said acts are adopted . Thus, the joint action concerning travel facilities for school The Dutch authorities answered that a decision on the pupils from third countries resident in a Member State has Betuwelijn will soon be taken by their government and will been published in the Official Journal of the European be discussed in the Dutch Parliament . According to the Communities ( 1 ). Dutch authorities the exact route of the railway and the local adaptations to meet the environmental problems will 3 . In addition, the texts of a number of resolutions, not be evident before the conclusion of this discussion . Nor recommendations and conclusions on immigration have is it possible at this moment to go into the specific measures been attached to Council Secretariat press releases following that will be taken to comply with the abovementioned their adoption ( see Annex XI A to the Council report on the Directives . Information on these measures will be sent to the functioning of the Treaty on European Union ). Commission as soon as possible .
4 . Lastly, the Council (Justice and Home Affairs ) of í 1 ) OJ No L 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . 23 November 1995 gave its approval for a whole series of acts and other texts on asylum and immigration which have already been adopted to be published in the OfficialJournal of the European Communities .
(') OJ No L 327, 19 . 12 . 1994, p . 1 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1929/95 by Peter Crampton ( PSE ) to the Council (10 July 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1984/95 ( 96/C 66/05 ) by Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission (8 July 1995) Subject: Immigration and asylum in the EU : information ( 96/C 66/06 )
There is no obligation in the EC Treaty for matters relating to immigration and asylum dealt with under the Third Pillar Subject: Distortion of competition as a result of aid by way of resolutions, recommendations , decisions, joint provided by The Hague City Council actions or joint positions to be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities either before adoption by the Ministers or afterwards . Is the Commission aware of the level of the cash subsidy which The Hague City Council used to persuade the American company Software Support Inc . to site its first Given that Member States have been adopting these acts European facility in The Hague rather than Leiden (*)? both intergovernmentally and now under the Third Pillar since at least 1990 and none have been officially published, Does that subsidy amount to Fl 500 000, including Fl will the Council please consider producing a full list of what 250 000 from The Hague City Council's coffers ? has been adopted and what steps have been taken either to publish or to make available to the public, copies of these documents which are supposed to form the principles of Has it been notified to the Commission in accordance with European immigration and asylum policy ? Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EC Treaty ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/5
Does it constitute competition-distorting State aid within and the impact on riverside areas and the neighbouring the meaning of Article 92 ( 1 ) of the EC Treaty ? eco-system in general ?
Will the Commission take steps, in accordance with Have alternatives to the Hidrovia project been assessed, or Article 93 ( 2 ) of the EC Treaty, to ensure that the subsidy is are such assessments planned ? suspended, prohibited or paid back ? Is contact maintained , on an informal or institutional basis, (') NRC Handelsblad, 15 June 1995 . with Mercosur's REMA working party ( Reunion espezializada de Medio Ambiente ) as regards the Hidrovia project and environmental issues generally ?
Supplementary answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Marin (23 November 1995) on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1995) In response to the Honourable Member's question concerning the alleged aid given by The Hague City Council The Community ( and some Member States in particular ) to Software Support Inc ., the Commission sought has more inland waterways than any other region in the clarification from the Dutch authorities . world, many of them artificial ; they underlay the first industrial revolution and our economic and social It transpires from the facts communicated by the Dutch development . authorities that the aid, which totals F1 250 000 and not F1 500 000 , has not yet been granted but is only at the planning In view of this know-how, the Rio del Plata basin countries stage . The Dutch authorities have undertaken to notify the turned to the Commission with a request for assistance with Commission of the aid in good time so that, in accordance their project for developing the natural waterway consisting with Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EC Treaty, it can give its decision of the Parana-Paraguay River system, which already exists before the aid is granted . and has been in use since time immemorial .
They also turned to other institutions, specifically the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme and the Inter-American Development Bank ( IBD ). The last-mentioned has undertaken to carry out the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2157/95 environmental impact study ( EIS ). by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) — The EIS began in April and is due to last for 18 to the Commission months . (28 July 1995) — The countries concerned are the four Mercosur ( 96/C 66/07 ) countries and Bolivia .
— The Commission is invited to attend the monthly Subject: The Hidrovia project meetings of the Hidrovia Committee through the Delegation at Montevideo ; it has raised the possibility of What progress has been made with the environmental taking part in these studies , in particular the viability and impact assessments, referred to in various Commission institutional organization studies and ( at a later stage ) documents, for the Hidrovia project in the Mercosur the training study . countries ? In which countries are they being carried out ? — Liaison with REMA ( the Environment Working Party ) On which agreements with the CIH ( Comite does not take place at this stage, but there will be Intergovernamental da Hidrovia ) are they based ? What provision for it in the future cooperation agreement implications will the results of the assessments have for between the Community and the Mercosur countries . — For information on other technical matters the ( a ) implementation of the project and Honourable Member is referred to the terms of reference , or if necessary the IBD , which is responsible ( b ) the EU's continued involvement in the project ? for carrying out the environmental impact study .
On what criteria and scientific research relating to The terms of reference for the environmental impact study environmental impact and sustainable development are the which the IBD is now conducting are being sent direct to the assessments based ? Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament . What results or interim results are available as regards the acceleration of water flow as a result of river straightening No C 66/6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 169/95 At present, tariffs for the carriage of goods by air are neither by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR ) covered by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ( GATT), nor by the GATS Agreement ( General Agreement to the Commission on Trade in Services ). (28 July 1995) ( 96/C 66/08 ) However, in the review process of the latter agreement, which is envisaged five years after its entry into force , it may well be possible to raise this subject . Subject: Air transport charges Recently, the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the level of tariffs set by airlines through consultations Is the Commission aware that the European Air Shippers and to the fact that the percentage of European freight Association has complained about the prices , punctuality transport actually giving rise to interlining agreements — and other aspects of the service provided by air carriers ? which was in principle the objective pursued by these consultations — is very low . The Commission has therefore decided to start consultations with a view to possible Is it aware that prices are determined by means of abolition of the exemption for tariff consultation on freight assessments concluded amongst the air carriers and transport by air . IATA ? At the same time the Commission has requested from the Is it also aware that, whilst American carriers' freight Council Directives to negotiate an aviation agreement charges are substantially lower, European carriers' error between the Community and the United States , which margins and delay factors are much higher ? includes air cargo . The agreement envisaged is designed to create equitable opportunities for fair competition and so lead to lower prices for the carriage of air cargo . What view does it take of the EASC's intention to raise the issue of air freight charges in the context of the GATT ? (') OJ No L 155 , 26 . 6 . 1993 .
What steps does it propose to take in order to resolve these problems and make European airlines more competitive ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 186/95 by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) Answer given by Mr Kinnock to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1995) (28 July 1995) ( 96/C 66/09 )
The Commission has regular contacts with the European air Subject: European water pollution control — consistent shippers association and is informed of the concerns of this lists of substances — transparency association over the level of service and the rates for the carriage of cargo by air . The various Community Directives contains lists of substances and lists of industrial plants or processes which The Commission is also fully informed about the role and are regarded as particularly hazardous to the environment . function of the International Air Transport Association Those lists vary according to Directive ( 76/464/EEC (*), ( IATA ) in the consultations between carriers on cargo IPPC, Seveso , drinking water/groundwater Directive ). That tariffs . In fact the Commission has made a thorough may be technically warranted in individual cases ; as a rule , investigation of the situation and has decided that under however, this suggests a problem of a lack of technical and certain conditions such consultations have substantial organizational coordination . In particular in the IPPC positive effects for consumers and therefore should be Directive, a number of additions or corrections have been exempted from the application of Article 85.1 of the EC made to existing provisions , e.g. the provision of Treaty . It therefore granted a group exemption by adopting information on BAT standards compared with reporting Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 1617/93 ( J ). obligations and corresponding proposed questionnaires with details on emission or BAT standards, arrangements for access to information compared with Directive The competitive situation for air freight is very complex . In 90/313/EEC ( 2 ) on freedom of access to information on the the opinion of the Commission it is not possible to state environment . categorically that European air carriers in general offer a service for air freight which is inferior to that of United 1 . Does not the Commission also believe that the relevant States air carriers . Indeed it is reasonable to say that in some lists of substances and origins , i.e. lists of industries, aspects European air carriers are at the forefront of the air need to be better coordinated in the various EU freight market . Directives ? 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/7
2 . Should not environmental protection requirements be 4 . Are not consistent lists of substances in the various better coordinated by regulating certain substances and Directives a compelling precondition for transposition activities ? and effective supervision in the Member States ?
3 . Might not clarification be obtained by means , if 5 . In the Commission's view, what scope is there for necessary, of a feasibility study within the meaning of improving the approach taken in connection with water the Fifth Environmental Action Programme as to what pollution control involving the protracted procedure for requirements are made in this regard by the various setting limit values for each substance ? Directives and as to better ways and means of coordinating and simplifying European law on the 0 ) OJ No L 188 , 16 . 7 . 1984, p . 20 . environment ?
(!) OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976 , p . 23 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 158 , 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 56 . Joint answer to Written Questions E-2 186/95 and E-2187/95 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2187/95 by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) to the Commission The proposed integrated pollution prevention and control (28 July 1995) ( IPPC ) Directive ( ! ) has a comprehensive indicative list of ( 96/C 66/10 ) families of substances . This list is therefore not by nature exclusive . The application of the precautionary principle as embodied in the draft IPPC Directive requires a priori control by best efforts . In order to improve efficiency of the Subject: European water pollution control — risk permitting procedure, emission limit values may be assessment supplemented or replaced by equivalent parameters of technical measures .
Ultimately, the IPPC Directive has evolved from the air Directive 84/360/EEC ('), into which , euphemistically The condition for consistent lists of substances in various speaking, parts of the water Directive 76/464/EEC were Directives presupposes that substances act in the same incorporated . It is a moot point whether the Directives are manner in all environmental media , physically, chemically geared more to branches of industry or to substances . and biochemically . Since this is the exception rather than the Regrettably, in fact, emission standards have been rule, to ensure effective targeting of priorities within the developed , and adopted by the Council, for few branches of aims of each Directive , it is inevitable that differences in lists industry . While the 1976 Directive provides criteria for the will occur . This does not, however, rule out the requirement classification of hazardous substances , i.e. their toxicity, for, nor suggest a lack of, both technical and organizational persistence and bio-accumulability, the IPPC Directive coordination amongst the Directives when developing contains no criteria at all for the selection for the substances priorities . referred to the emission of which is to be avoided or scaled down . EU legislation on chemicals , however, has already The approach adopted in the proposed IPPC Directive, as introduced risk assessment and risk management; this has exemplified in its Article 8 , provides a means to broaden and also been introduced into the draft text amending the 1976 hence improve upon the single substance approach in that it Directive . The Commission had furthermore undertaken to addresses pollution from the point of view of the industry or submit an appropriate assessment procedure for the 1995 process . Emission limit values may be set for groups, conference on the protection of the North Sea, which was to families or categories of substances or may be supplemented form the basis for updating the corresponding lists of or replaced by equivalent parameters or technical substances in EU law on water resources . measures .
1 . Must not the IPPC Directive in particular specify the The Commission made it clear at the Edinburgh European conditions/criteria for selecting and extending lists of Council of 1992 that it would examine environmental law substances ? to determine the effectiveness of coordination and the means of simplification . This is an ongoing process . 2 . What should be the criteria for incorporating substances to those - lists ? (!) COM(93 ) 423 final — OJ No C 31 1,17 . 11 . 1993 , ( as amended by COM(95 ) 88 final — OJ No C 165 , 1 . 7 . 1995 ). 3 . Must those criteria not logically be developed on the basis of a risk analysis and risk management in parallel with legislation on chemicals ? No C 66/8 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 194/95 viability and other considerations such as cost and benefit by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) results from the fact that any pollution control measures, as required in the EC Treaty, must take sensible account of the to the Commission costs and advantages of action . (28 July 1995) ( 96/C 66/11 ) (>) COM(95 ) 88 — OJ No C 165 , 1 . 7 . 1995 , amending COM(93 ) 423 — OJ No C 311 , 17 . 11 . 1993 .
Subject: European water pollution control — key concept of 'best available technologies' ( BAT )
The proposed IPPC Directive seeks to give tangible WRITTEN QUESTION E-2195/95 expression to the vague legal concepts and standard clauses for 'best available technologies' or ' best available technical by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) means' in Directives 84/360/EEC ( ] ) and 76/464/EEC ( 2 ) to the Commission and hence to provide a minimum framework for the (28 July 1995) Member States for the development of their own emission 96/C 66/12 standards or limit values in connection with plant licensing procedures themselves . The discussions currently taking place in Council working parties and in the relevant quarters reveal that a number of Member States regard their different Subject: European water pollution control — definition of opinions as being borne out by the definition of BAT in ' best available technologies' ( BAT ) the IPPC proposal . Evidently, the definition of BAT is inadequate; in particular it does not state who should and 1 . Can the BAT definition opted for in the IPPC may define what are the best available technologies . Directive, which derives from international conventions on water pollution control , be taken over in EU legislation as it 1 . Who should define the best available technology : stands, or should not its content and legal effect be verified engineering bodies , legislative authorities or authorizing in order to clarify what defines a technical standard and authorities ? what determines the extent to which it can be taken into account, and the conditions for doing so, i.e. what the scope is for balanced consideration ? 2 . Does not the current definition in the IPPC Directive mix up two different things : on the one hand the description of an advanced state of the art and balancing this with 2 . If we must assume that there is a difference between other concerns , e.g. reasonableness and economic 'new technologies' and 'best available technologies' for acceptability for the applicant too ? emission reduction at industrial plants in Europe , does not the Commission also seek a risk that European environmental law will encourage environmental dumping, ( ! ) OJ No L 188 , 16 . 7 . 1984, p . 20 . and , in its view, what role should competition questions and ( 2 ) OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976 , p . 23 . questions of equality of opportunity play for European industry in particular in the area of the environment, especially in the context of Article 130s of the Treaty ?
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard (26 October 1995) on behalf of the Commission (30 October 1995) Under the draft integrated pollution prevention and control ( IPPC ) Directive (*), best available technologies ( BAT ) for a 1 . The draft integrated pollution prevention and control particular sector or process are identified according to their ( IPPC ) Directive (*) provides for an exchange of information compatibility with the definition of BAT in the Directive — on best available technologies ( BAT ) which will provide the they are not themselves defined . The exchange of necessary forum for discussion of the application of the information on BAT under Article 15.2 of the Directive will generalized concept of BAT to particular sectors and elaborate the application of the definition for individual subsectors . sectors, and authorities will take into account this, and all other relevant factors listed in Annex IV of the Directive , in setting emission limit values for particular installations . 2 . The aim of all Community environmental policy is to ensure full protection of the environment across the Community . There is thus no risk of any competitive The definition of BAT takes account of economic viability advantage being gained by industry of a particular Member but not of anything corresponding to 'economic State or region at the expense of the environment. The role acceptability for the applicant'. The inclusion of economic of competition questions and of equality of opportunity, in 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/9 the environment as in other areas , is and will continue to be but provides for an information exchange on the subject . determined by the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty . This thorough exchange of views between Member States concerning the broad level of effort on which emission (') COM(95 ) 88 — OJ No C 165 , 1 . 7 . 1995 , amending COM(93 ) controls will be based will enable the full exploration of the 423 — OJ No C 311 , 17 . 11 . 1993 . concept of BAT as applied to a particular sector . The Commission expects that such a system will provide the most flexible and appropriate protection from large-scale industrial pollution .
2 . With regard to the verbal description of 'good WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207/95 ecological quality' in the proposed ecological quality of water Directive ( 2 ), Article 3 of the proposal authorizes by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) the Commission to establish technical specifications for to the Commission the determination of ecological water quality, i.e. a (28 July 1995) classification scheme . These specifications will ensure inter ( 96/C 66/13 ) alia the comparability of monitoring data and the determinations of ecological water quality . In addition, Article 5 requires Member States to set specific 'operational targets ' for achieving good ecological quality . The question Subject: European water pollution control : Devolving tasks about the acceptance of 'mere verbal requirements' is onto Member States ; lack of material guidelines therefore not relevant because there will be a formal classification system for the determination of ecological The proposal for a modification of the drinking water water quality and a series of specific operational targets . Directive , the new Directive on the ecological quality of water and the IPPC Directive are indicative of a new ( 1 ) COM(93 ) 423 final — OJ No C 3 1 1 , 1 7 . 1 1 . 1 993 , ( as amended approach by the Commission : laying down guidelines for by COM(95 ) 88 final — OJ No C 165 , 1 . 7 . 1995 ). qualitative requirements such as 'ecological quality of ( 2 ) COM(93 ) 680 final — OJ No C 222 , 10 . 8 . 1994 . water' or ' use of best available technology'. However, the Commission does not indicate any material standards, i.e. specific limit values or measurable quality standards . These are left to the Member States or, when the latter take no action, to the local body responsible for licensing .
1 . Does the Commission not feel that this new approach — which consists largely of delegating guidelines on standards to the Member States — might lead to new, non-harmonized requirements for the licensing of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2305/95 industrial plant or other plant ? by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission 2 . What information does the Commission have about the (1 September 1995) acceptance of what are merely verbal requirements, e.g. on the part of the local authorities , agriculture, the ( 96/C 66/14 ) industries affected and environmental protection organizations ? Subject: Ozone
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard 1 . The UNEP report on onzone-depleting substances on behalf of the Commission makes it clear that a cap of 1 % , instead of the EU's current (6 November 1995) 2,6 % , would be sufficient . Why is the EU not committed to a cap reduction, in this case ?
1 . The Commission adopted the approach of the proposal for a Council Directive concerning integrated 2 . Why is the EU not adopting a much more stringent pollution prevention and control ( IPPC ) ( ! ), which requires phaseout date for HCFCs , in order to send a strong an assessment of the best pollution control solution for the message ? environment as a whole at the level of the individual plant, because it considered this a more appropriate and adaptable system of industrial pollution control for the installations 3 . The US has made a commitment to phase out methyl concerned than the setting of emission limit values at bromide production and consumption by 2001 . The EU will European level . The draft Directive not only provides reduce its use by 25 % by 1998 . Why is the EU-position so guidelines on the choice of best available technology ( BAT ) weak , rather than following the examples set by the US ? No C 66/10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
4 . UNEP has reported that developing ( Article 5 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 18/95 countries have the capacity to produce their own CFCs . by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Why, therefore , is the EU allowing European production of Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) these ozone-depleting substances , whose use is now ended in to the Commission Europe, to continue ? (1 September 1995) ( 96/C 66/15 )
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission Subject: Failure at school (1 December 1995)
Does the Commission intend to take any action to evaluate 1 and 2 . By adopting a cap of 2% and 2015 as the failure at school in the various EU Member States , to analyse deadline for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons its causes and to correct or prevent its consequences ? ( HCFCs ) as a Community position to be argued in Vienna at the seventh meeting of the parties to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer ( 28 November to 7 December 1995 ), the Council meeting of 6 October 1995 not only went further than the current Montreal protocol ( cap of 3,1 % and phaseout of HCFCs by 2030 ), but also the current Council Regulation ( EC ) No 3093/94 of Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission 25 December 1994 on substances that deplete the ozone layer ( j ) ( cap of 2,6% and phaseout by 2015 ). (3 October 1995)
3 . As regards methyl bromide , on 6 October 1995 the Council adopted a common position for the forthcoming negotiations in Vienna . Production and consumption of The Commission has taken a large number of measures methyl bromide should thus be cut by 25 % by 1998 and relating to school failure in the context of Community-level 50% by 2005 in relation to 1991 production and cooperation, including research, pilot projects and studies . consumption . The Council has not decided on a date for The results were published in 1 994 under the title 'Measures eliminating this pesticide, however . to combat failure at school : a challenge for the construction of Europe ' ( Eurydice ). This publication takes stor ' available scientific knowledge on the subject of t . The Community nevertheless recognizes the ultimate failure and summarises its causes . objective of eliminating methyl bromide emissions taking account of economic and technical factors . Thus there is nothing to prevent the Community from negotiating such a The Member of the Commission responsible for education phaseout date with the other parties to the Montreal is intending to introduce a priority measure relating protocol . to second-chance education as part of the Socrates programme . This will necessarily involve teaching methods largely based on new technologies which, when it comes to 4 . A ban on Community production of teaching young people steeped in the culture of visual media , chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs ) for export to developing are much more suitable than book-based methods . countries would not have a particularly beneficial effect on the ozone layer . Indeed, if such a ban were to be introduced in the Community only, the other producing countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development The idea of undertaking such an activity at European level ( OECD ) or outside the OECD could be tempted to increase is based on the fact that a change of scenery from an their market share by exporting more to other developing environment in which young people feel inferior is in itself a countries . powerful factor in social reintegration . This idea was developed in a contribution to the annual conference of the European society for Engineering Education . The priority for the protection of the ozone layer is therefore a rapid and complete phaseout of all CFC production and consumption in the developing countries . This is currently The Commission is sending this document directly to the planned for 2010 . Honourable Members and to the Secretariat-General of the European Parliament . (!) OJ No L 333 , 22 . 12 . 1994 . 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/11
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2407/95 Community as defined in Article 198 differs in principle by Raimondo Fassa ( ELDR ) from that of the Treaty establishing the European Community as defined in Article 227 thereof ? to the Commission (1 September 1995) 2 . Is the Commission aware that the geographical scope ( 96/C 66/16 ) of the Euratom Treaty as defined in the first paragraph of its Article 198 is larger and , in principle, encompasses all non-European territories of a Member State ? Subject: Aid to the Christian minority in the Middle East 3 . Is the Commission aware that, pursuant to Article 232 ( 2 ) of the EC Treaty, the provisions of the Euratom A number of inter-denominational NGOs are working to Treaty — including, therefore , the first paragraph of provide social amenities and training programmes in Article 198 thereof — are not affected by differently worded Lebanon for the local Christian population, but provisions of the EC Treaty — including, therefore , unfortunately the Commission does not seem interested in Article 227 thereof ? or able to support these initiatives .
Since in 1914 Christians made up 25 % of the population in 4 . Is the Commission aware that at a distance of only 800 the Middle East, falling to 19 % in 1945 , whilst today they to 1 000 km from France's test area on the Mururoa Atoll account for barely 8 % of the total population of these lies an inhabited territory of another Member State — countries , i.e. more than 8 million people , can the Pitcairn Island — to which the provisions of the Euratom Commission say whether and how it intends to promote Treaty apply pursuant to subparagraph ( c ) of the third support for the Christian minority in the Middle East ? paragraph of Article 198 in conjunction with Annex IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community ?
5 . Is the Commission further aware of the occurrence Answer given by Mr Marin during an earlier 'particularly dangerous experiment' on the on .behalf of the Commission Mururoa Atoll in the summer of 1979 of an accident the (25 September 1995) effects of which were felt 1 500 km away ?
The Commission is aware of the remarkable work that inter-denominational NGOs are doing in Lebanon and is Answer given by Mr Santer providing them with substantial backing . The Commission on behalf of the Commission has , for example , provided ECU 16,6 million from the Community's resources to co-finance 232 social projects (30 November 1995) with European and Lebanese NGOs .
There are, in addition to this , projects financed entirely by The Commission is fully aware of the difference in the Commission that are implicitly social and geographical scope of the Euratom and EC Treaties . Unlike inter-denominational , such as — to cite but a few examples the EC Treaty ( Article 227 ), the Euratom Treaty applies to from the last two years — grants of ECU 19 million for the the French overseas Departments , and consequently to reconstruction of primary and secondary schools , ECU 1 1 French Polynesia , and to the UK territory of Pitcairn, which million to help displaced persons and ECU 2 million to lies some 800 km from Mururoa Atoll ( Article 198 of the combat drugs . Euratom Treaty and Annex IV to the EC Treaty ).
The Commission is aware of a hydraulic event in 1979 , which caused partial flooding of the Mururoa Atoll and was detectable at appreciably greater distances . This event has been attributed to a landslip on the flank of the atoll . Other WRITTEN QUESTION E-2438/95 similar events of much less significance occurred over the period 1977 to 1980 . The 1979 event was caused by nuclear by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) test activities as acknowledged in a monograph published by to the Commission the French CEA ( Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique ). (1 September 1995) Shortly before that event a weapoon had been detonated at a ( 96/C 66/17 ) depth of 987 m rather than at the anticipated depth of 1 100 m as a result of technical difficulties . According to the information available these difficulties have not recurred, Subject: Geographical scope of the Euratom Treaty the techniques used having been reviewed and perfected prior to any further tests . 1 . Is the Commission aware that the geographical scope of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy No C 66/12 f EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2453/95 decides how the products should be displayed, with little or by Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) no thought to the energy consumption . If covers are prevented by the merchandisers' requirements , the use of to the Commission night covers would be strongly recommended . (1 September 1995) ( 96/C 66/ 18 ) 2 . The Commission is also aware that a covered refrigeration system allows a better temperature control of the cabinet which is very important for food hygiene . Subject: Cover strips for chillers and freezers used by small businesses 3 . The provisions recently adopted in the United Kingdom for temperature control have just come into force 1 . Is the Commission aware of the opportunities for and it is too early to report on the results . cutting by 20—40 % the energy consumed by chillers and freezers used in small businesses , e.g. supermarkets, with the aid of 'cover strips'? 4 . Directive 89/397/EEC on the official control of foodstuffs (') requires food control officials in each Member State to carry out inspections of food premises , the sampling 2 . Is it aware that research shows that the strips not only and analysis of foods and other controls in order to establish save a considerable amount of energy but also improve compliance with both Community and national foodstuffs temperature control in the appliance, thus having a legislation . beneficial effect on product hygiene and public health ?
3 . Can it report on results ( in terms of energy savings , At the moment the temperature in retail display cabinets is hygiene and consumer reaction ) in the United Kingdom, subject to national requirements so far as chilled foods are where the use of cover strips is widespread because of strict concerned, and, so far as quick frozen foods are concerned , controls to enforce correct temperatures in such to rules originating in Directive 89/108/EEC on quick frozen appliances ? foodstuffs ( 2 ).
4 . Can it state how the Member States monitor Under Article 14 of Directive 89/397/EEC the Commission compliance with European standards for enforcing correct may make recommendations for a programme of food temperatures in such equipment, and what their findings controls . In 1995 such a recommendation ( 3 ) was made are ? assessing the temperatures of frozen foods in the retail sector . Under the 1996 programme the temperatures of chilled foods in the same sector should be assessed . 5 . Does the Commission see a case for making the use by small businesses of cover strips for cooling and freezing appliances compulsory, or otherwise promoting their use, in The temperature control of food is one means of preventing the interest of energy saving and public health ? the growth of certain micro-organisms . Low temperature storage can help contribute to the overall safety of food where the food has also been prepared and stored under hygienic conditions in line with the various hygiene Directives . Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (19 October 1995) The hygiene of foodstuffs Directive 93/43/EEC which covers the retail sector does not specify storage temperatures but provides for these to be considered at a European level for specific foods . The Commission is currently looking at 1 . The Commission is aware of the possible energy this issue both within the framework of its scientific work savings in commercial refrigeration systems , in particular and the hygiene working group of the standing committee those used in supermarkets and food retail shops . With for foodstuffs . regard to supermarket and retail display cases most companies use vertical display cases for chilled food and chest freezers for frozen food . However there is also a 5 . The Commission does not plan to render compulsory tendency to use vertical frozen food display cases which are the use of covers in food shops , because , due to the less efficient . Research suggests that the use of covers in subsidiarity principle and different national situations, such vertical display can reduce energy consumption by 50% . measures are best left to individual Member States . The The best covers would be strip curtains , while glass doors Commission will study in detail which measures could be which are used in many supermarkets tend to be less used to encourage the use of covers for food shop efficient, because they have to be heated to prevent refrigerators and in general the use of more efficient condensation . Generally it is the merchandiser which commercial refrigerators . These measures could include 4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/13 information campaigns , energy audits , charter and pledge 1 . Institutionalized political dialogue between the EU and programmes and would be implemented in collaboration Latin America covers issues such as marginalization and with Member States, national and local energy agencies and social exclusion ( in both these parts of the world ), with utilities . They could also be carried out with the assistance of special emphasis on the most disadvantaged sections of the SAVE and PACE programmes for the rational use of society . energy and electricity .
In the final declaration ( Paris, 17 March 1995 ), foreign (>) OJ No L 186 , 30 . 6 . 1989 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989 . ministers from the Rio Group and EU expressed their determination (■') OJ No L 65 , 23 . 3 . 1995 .
'to protect the rights of native communities and their cultural heritage in the context of the national development of their respective countries'.
2 . As part of its national development, Paraguay submitted WRITTEN QUESTION P-2470/95 an aid application to the Community for a sustainable development project in Chaco, including : by Luciana Castellina ( GUE/NGL ) to the Commission — aid for sustainable development coupled with land (1 September 1995) redistribution and the government award of land ( 96/C 66/19 ) ownership rights;
— support for a wide biodiversity ecosystem through the development of three large natural parks Subject: Paraguay : EU project in the Chaco covering some 1 100 000 hectares ;
In September 1994 the ALA Committee approved a — special aid for the most disadvantaged such as proposal from the Commission for a project for sustainable 'landless peasants' and native Paraguayan development and protection of the indigenous communities communities . in the Chaco . Approval was given on condition that the first phase of the project would be devoted to consulting the indigenous populations and establishing what their land The project was finally given the go ahead by the requirements were . Commission on 12 October last year after approval by the ALA Committee the month before . On an Italian suggestion , the project will be split into two parts once Given that Indian land rights are recognized in Paraguay's the technical assistance side has been arranged . constitution and that Paraguay has ratified ILO Convention 169 on the rights of indigenous populations, does the Commission intend to exert pressure on the Government of The first part, lasting 18 months , will be spent preparing Paraguay so that it respects its laws and constitution ? For a detailed programme of activities together with NGOs example , does it envisage withholding final approval of the working in the region and other relevant bodies such as project unless actual financial provisions for the restoration the national institute for the development of indigenous of Indian land in the Chaco region are made in the budget peoples . for 1996 ?
Account will also be taken of the experience and previous cooperation activities of certain Member States such as Germany ( GTZ ), Spain and Italy . The detailed Answer given by Mr Marin activity programme will be submitted to the ALA on behalf of the Commission Committee . (11 October 1995) 3 . Land redistribution and the government granting of ownership rights are specified in the financing Paraguay is a sovereign and active member of Mercosur, agreement . which, since its return to democracy, has enjoyed close cooperation ties with the EU, developed under the third generation framework agreement . The agreement includes a human rights clause and cooperation centres on political dialogue and economic and social development . No C 66/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2482/95 Regulation on construction experts — BauSVO ), the by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) manufacturers of lightning conductors are prohibited from carrying out regular checks as 'recognized experts' on to the Council equipment they have installed themselves . They are (13 September 1995) compelled to leave these contractual services to independent ( 96/C 66/20 ) companies , which means that the manufacturers are being restricted in the exercise of their professional activity . Manufacturers of lightning conductors in Subject: Summaries of meetings of the European Council Baden-Wiirttemberg have claimed that non-German companies are not subject to this restriction . 1 . Could the Council confirm that its General Secretariat keeps a summary record of all interventions at meetings of 1 . Are companies with a head office in an EU Member the European Council ( Heads of State and Governments ), State other than Germany permitted , notwithstanding through the so-called 'note-takers' present in the room ? the legal situation for businesses established locally, to carry out regular checks on equipment they have installed e.g. in Baden-Wiirttemberg, by invoking the 2 . Could the Council indicate where in the Council principle of free movement of goods and services ? Secretariat such records are kept, who has access to them and what criteria are applied by the Secretariat in granting 2 . Does not EU law appear to need correction, so that access to them ? companies established in Germany, like other companies, are as in the past normally allowed to check 3 . Could the Council indicate whether it intends to make equipment they have installed in the building sector ? such records available to the public, after a suitable time delay, either by depositing them with the EU archive at the European University Institute or by some other means ? Answer
4 . Could the Council state whether it would consider (15 January 1996) that the unauthorized publication of such a record by a third party would contravene any law, European or national , and, The Council has not been informed of the provisions if so , which law ? governing monitoring of the installation of lightning conductors in Baden-Wiirttemberg mentioned by the Honourable Member . In this connection, the Council would Answer remind him that the free movement of goods in the construction sector is governed by Directive 89/106/EEC (15 January 1996) relating to construction products and that, if implementation problems should arise , it would be for the Commission to take the necessary measures , acting in its 1 to 4 . No record is drawn up of interventions made capacity as guardian of the Treaties . during meetings of the European Council . Only handwritten notes are taken by officials of the General Secretariat of the Council who are present in the room . The To date the Council has received no proposals to amend the notes are used to help the Presidency of the European abovementioned Directive ; neither have any proposals been forwarded to it regarding freedom to provide services in the Council in drawing up its conclusions and are not typed up construction sector . or kept .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2491/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2484/95 by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) by Winfried Menrad ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Council (11 September 1995) (13 September 1995) ( 96/C 66/22 ) ( 96/C 66/21
Subject: Discrimination against EU citizens in the purchase Subject: Provisions to monitor compliance of technical of immoveable property in South Tirol facilities and equipment with the Law on building regulations, as regards the manufacture of Is the Commission aware that when purchasing immoveable lightning conductors property in Italy, particularly South Tirol , nationals of other EU countries are subject to special taxes which Italian Under a law of the Land of Baden-Wiirttemberg as a federal nationals are not required to pay, such as residence State of the Federal Republic of Germany ( the 1986 taxes ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/15
Is the Commission also aware that citizens of other EU 2 . Is the Commission aware that in the Netherlands , for States have to pay a higher deposit or a higher fee for certain example, foreign registration certificates for such water infrastructure services such as telephone connections ? vehicles ( including water-scooters ) are invalid and that a European citizen who uses such a vehicle to enter the Does the Commission consider this state of affairs to be Netherlands from another Member State must then lawful ? purchase a registration certificate from the appropriate Dutch authorities ? If so , what is the legal basis for it ? 3 . Would it be simpler for European citizens if the registration of a water vehicle were recognized throughout If not, what does the Commission intend to do about it ? the European Union ?
4 . Would the interests of tourism in general , and more Answer given by Mr Monti particularly the economic interests of areas with extensive on behalf of the Commission surface waters which attract tourists , be served by harmonization of regulations on the registration of water (16 November 1995) vehicles ?
The Commission is aware that a tourist tax ( imposta di 5 . Is it desirable to draft a European Directive on harmonization of registration of motor vessels in order to soggiorno nelle ville , appartamenti ed alloggi in genere ) is eliminate obstacles to the free movement of persons within charged in the region concerned . the EU ?
According to the information available to the Commission, 6 . Will the Commission draft such a Directive and if so , the tax is payable by persons staying in a municipality how soon ? temporarily as tourists without being resident there . Since the tax is also payable by Italian nationals, the Commission cannot regard it as infringing the provisions on non-discrimination contained in the EC Treaty . Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission Besides , the levying of such taxes is a mattter for the (22 November 1995) Member States themselves and it is not planned to undertake any harmonization in this area . The Commission is aware of the advantages for areas with extensive potential for tourism based on water sports of The Commission has no information on whether nationals developing leisure activities involving the use of of other Member States have to pay a higher deposit in the high-powered craft ( in particular water scooters ). region concerned for connection to infrastructure services . It does not have any information on the disparities mentioned by the Honourable Member between Member If the Honourable Member is able to provide precise States' rules on the registration of powered craft . Neither information on this matter, the Commission is prepared to does it intend to put forward a proposal for a Directive examine it to see whether the situation is compatible with harmonizing those rules . It would though stress that, since Community law . the registration rules have not been harmonized at Community level, the Member States are free to adopt their own rules, on condition that they comply with the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty as interpreted by the Court of Justice , and in particular Articles 30 to 36 , which relate to the free movement of goods in the single market . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2526/95 by Elly Plooii-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission (15 September 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2546/95 ( 96/C 66/23 ) by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) to the Commission Subject: Harmonization of registration of motor vessels , (20 September 1995) particularly high-speed self-propelled water ( 96/C 66/24 vehicles , in the EU
1 . Is the Commission aware of the differences in Subject: Food aid for Rwanda and Burundi legislation in the Member States with regard to the registration of motor vessels , particularly high-speed According to an Agence Europe report dated 3 August 1995 self-propelled water vehicles ? the Commission is providing food aid worth ECU 25 million No C 66/16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 for Rwanda and Burundi, with the aim of contributing to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2558/95 the return of refugees to Rwanda and the resumption of by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) normal life in Burundi . to the Commission (22 September 1995) What food is being made available ? 96/C 66/25 )
Where ( country or region ) and what prices was this food Subject: Alcohol and fatal accidents in the European purchased/is this food being purchased ? Union
A study carried out by the European Transport Safety Are seeds and/or agricultural tools also being made Council shows that alcohol causes 22 % of fatal accidents available ? recorded in the European Union and some 19 % of accidents involving injuries, although only around 5 % of drivers drive under the influence of alcohol . The Transport Safety If so , where and at what prices were they/are they being Council stresses that the Union and the Member States purchased ? should take steps to end the problems caused by alcohol and proposes inter alia that the maximum legal concentration of alcohol in the blood should be 0,5 g in all the Union Member States , that a legal framework should be introduced allowing for the standard use of alcohol testing devices and that apparatus preventing drivers from driving if they are Answer given by Mrs Bonino over the alcohol limit should be developed and fitted in on behalf of the Commission vehicles . (8 November 1995) Can the Commission give its views on these proposals and state whether it has looked or intends to look into the possibility of implementing them ? The Decision to which the Honourable Member refers concerning an allocation of ECU 25 million is a humanitarian aid Decision, adopted on 25 July 1995 in support of Rwandan and Burundian refugees, returnees and WRITTEN QUESTION E-2600/95 displaced persons in the Grands Lacs region . by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission This Decision does not concern food aid, but rather the financing of basic necessities ( water, health care and health (27 September 1995) products ) for the Rwandan and Burundian population via 96/C 66/26 agencies such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees , the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross Subject: Alcohol consumption and traffic accidents and Red Crescent Societies and various non-governmental organizations . Aid will be provided in Rwanda to resettle Bearing in mind the links between alcohol consumption and refugees in their places of origin and in Burundi to reinforce traffic accidents, does the Commission plan to adopt any support measures for resettling displaced Tutsis and measures to establish a common maximum alcohol limit in dispersed Hutus, together with medical assistance , health all the European Member States ( for example 0,5 mg/ml ), care and the supply of small-scale reconstruction while continuing to respect those national laws under which equipment. alcohol limits are even lower, and at the same time establish a lower rate for young people ? Food requirements in Rwanda and Burundi are covered by a Decision of 1 March 1995 providing for the allocation of ECU 16,5 million for the purchase of food products and for Joint answer to Written Questions auxiliary aid in the form of seeds, tools , fertilizers and E-2558/95 and E-2600/95 technical assistance . One-third of this aid is allocated to given by Mr Kinnock Burundi and two-thirds to Rwanda . The aim of the Decision on behalf of the Commission is to help ensure that the region is adequately supplied until the end of February 1996 . (19 October 1995)
The Commission has proposed a Community-wide maximum legal concentration of alcohol in the blood of 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/17
0,5 g/litre ( ). The Council has not re-examined the proposal issue, in particular projects under the AIR programme on since 1989 . the links between agricultural policy and the Community's agricultural area . Another research project, this one under the Camar programme , deals with the interaction between With the backing in the high-level working party of agriculture , the local economy and the landscape in representatives of the Governments of the Member States, Mediterranean areas with the aim of proposing the Commission has set up a working party to put forward economically and environmentally sustainable systems . recommendations on drinking and driving and on the adverse effects of drugs and some medicinal products on driver behaviour ( more information, public awareness As part of the research programme for 1994—1998 one of campaigns , legislation, regulations, checks ( including the selected subjects is that of adjusting methods and equipment ), penalties, rehabilitation ). systems of agricultural production to the new conditions created by the reform of the common agricultural policy ( CAP), making a determined effort to develop an A report is due by the end of 1995 , on the basis of which the environmentally and economically sustainable form of Commission will consider what action to take in accordance farming with greater regard for the environment, and with the principle of subsidiarity . developing the tools for analysis and control which are essential to managers and decision-makers in agriculture . (') COM(88 ) 707 final ( OJ No C 25 , 31 . 1 . 1989 ), amended by Clearly, the Commission intends to use the results of all COM(89 ) 640 final ( OJ No C 11 , 17 . 1 . 1990 ). these research projects, once they become available , in formulating agricultural policy .
Set-aside already takes account of its impact on regional development and the environment, although its main aims are to bring markets back into balance and maintain producers' income . A fair geographical distribution of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2599/95 supply reduction is one of the features of the present CAP; by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and as regards the environment, Community rules require Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) producers who are giving up production to maintain the to the Commission land in such a way that erosion and environmental degradation do not occur . (27 September 1995) ' ( 96/C 66/27 )
Subject: The CAP and desertification
The CAP provides incentives for giving up production of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2616/95 certain surplus crops . by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission Has the Commission carried out any study making it (2 October 1995) possible to assess whether or not this policy is exacerbating ( 96/C 66/28 ) the process of desertification in some regions in Spain, since production is often abandoned on dry, sloping land or unproductive soil even though ceasing to cultivate such land leads to problems such as soil degradation and erosion ? Subject: Safety of passenger vessels
The Commission proposal on the safety of roll-on, roll-off passenger vessels concerns the compulsory application of Answer given by Mr Fischler the international code of safety management on board ship on behalf of the Commission and pollution prevention, bringing forward application to 1 July 1996 , instead of 1 July 1998 as previously (26 October 1995) stipulated .
The Commission has no specific study available at present While this initiative is to be welcomed in the light of recent into the effect of the set-aside policy — giving up the serious accidents involving passenger ships, will the cultivation of crops which are in surplus — on Commission ensure that any derogation to compliance by desertification in certain regions of Spain . 1 July 1996 is reserved for extremely rare and well-justified cases ? Before accepting conformity documents and safety management certificates issued by classification bodies There are several research projects in progress , however, not belonging to the European Union, is it not to be which are financed by the Community and related to this recommended that the Member States' authorities make No C 66/18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 sure that the bodies which issue such documents require Answer given by Mr Fischler standards of conformity equivalent to their own ? on behalf of the Commission (30 October 1995)
Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission 1 . Austria has already submitted the following agricultural aid applications for approval : (26 October 1995) — Austrian programme to promote environmentally friendly, extensive agriculture which protects nature Member States' obligations under the future Council ( OPUL ); Regulation on the safety management of ro-ro passenger vessels ( 1 ), and in particular Article 5 ( 6 ) of the Regulation, — Lower Austria regional eco-points programme; ensure that third countries will comply with international standards ( ISM code ). — Directive on the grant of the compensatory allowance in less-favoured areas and national measures ; If a third country approaches a classification body for the issue of ISM certificates, this body must have recourse to the — special Directive on aid for investment in agriculture services of an approved body in accordance with the ( part-financed and national measures ); provisions of Directive 94/57/EC ( 2 ). It is for the Member States and the Commission to ensure that the bodies — special Directive on aid towards expenditure on staff recognized at European level provide the necessary and materials ( Services Directive ) ( part-financed and guarantees to ensure certification of proper quality in national measures ); accordance with international standards . — plan for the structural improvement of processing Derogations from the date on which the Regulation and marketing conditions for agricultural products becomes applicable are clearly stated in the Regulation and a ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 866/90 ) ( J ); time limit is imposed on them . — seven single programming documents for Objective 5(b ); (') The Council's common position on the amended proposal for a Council Regulation ( COM(95 ) 286 final ) was given on 28 September 1995 . — one single programming document for Objective 1 ; ( 2 ) OJ No L 319, 12 . 12 . 1994 . —- eight programmes for the Leader II Community initiative ;
— one afforestation programme under Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080/92 WRITTEN QUESTION P-2648/95 by Herbert Bosch ( PSE ) 2 . The Commission has given the following approvals : to the Commission — by Commission Decision of 17 February 1995 on the (21 September 1995) delimitation of Objective 5(b ) areas ; ( 96/C 66/29 ) — on 29 March 1995 on the Council Directive on the Community list of less-favoured areas within the Subject: Aids to agriculture meaning of Directive 75/268/EEC in Austria ;
Pursuant to Article 143(d ) of the Treaty of Accession — on 7 June 1995 the ÔPUL environmental of Austria to the European Communities, Austria can programme ; only grant aid to agriculture subject to Commission authorization . Austrian farmers have been waiting for this — Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 1755/95 of 19 July aid for some time, and are growing increasingly impatient . 1995 on producer organizations; Public opinion considers that Brussels is at fault. I should therefore like to ask : — on 20 July 1995 the afforestation programme under Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082/92 ; 1 . What proposals for aid grants has Austria already submitted for authorization ? — in early October 1995 the Objective 1 programme;
2 . What aid has been authorized by the Commission, and — the Objective 5(b ) programmes submitted are expected when ? to be adopted in November 1995
3 . Why has the Commission not yet authorized certain — most measures of the Services Directive were approved Austrian proposals for aids ? on 4 October 1995 . 4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/19
3 . The Commission attaches great importance to Since completion of the electricity market is of importance processing the Austrian programmes . The programmes to the competitiveness of European industry and job introduce the structural regulations and the agricultural creation, will the Commission invoke Article 90 of the policy flanking measures in Austria for the first time . They Treaty in order to create an internal energy market and will are correspondingly comprehensive and detailed and call for it take action in respect of the laws of the Member States careful examination . For this the Commission requires which work against this market liberalization ? additional information and is in close contact with the Austrian authorities . This considerably affects the timetable for approval of the remaining programmes . The Does the Commission include amongst the laws which Commission, however, expects that the great majority of the frustrate the objective of creating an internal energy market programmes not yet approved can be adopted by the end of the Spanish law on the organization of the national the year . electricity system, which provides for a unified operating system which passes on the industry and consumers the costs of its own inefficiency and prevents private companies (') OJ No L 91 , 6 . 4 . 1990 . in the sector from competing freely in the electricity market ?
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2673/95 (15 November 1995) by Josu Imaz San Miguel ( PPE ) to the Commission (4 October 1995) The Commission maintains the point of view that energy ( 96/C 66/30 ) needs to be part of the internal market as described in Article 7A of the EC Treaty and that especially electricity and natural gas markets need to be liberalized . Within this process of liberalization the security of supply and the Subject: Liberalization of the energy market respect of public service obligations need to be ensured . The Commission's amended proposals concerning common At the Council of Energy Ministers meeting in June , various rules for the internal market in electricity and in natural conclusions were reached concerning the liberalization of gas O reflect this basic position . However it will not accept the electricity market and the Committee on Permanent arguments based on security of supply or the respect of Representatives was instructed to continue the work on the public service obligations as a pretext for the prevention of basis of those conclusions . increased competition .
Commission representatives have expressed their In parallel to the negotiations in the Council about the satisfaction with the agreements reached, although they abovementioned proposals the Commission has already acknowledge them to be rather vague . In any event it will not brought before the Court of Justice the continuing import be possible before December to judge whether or not the and export monopolies on electricity and natural gas . final agreement is an adequate response to the need to liberalize the sector . As regards the negotiations for the adoption of a Directive concerning common rules for the internal market in The Commission remains adamant regarding the need to electricity the Commission is doing everything possible to liberalize the energy market, despite the fact that some of the assist the Energy Council to adopt a common position at its Member States are invoking the principles of 'security of meeting on 14 December in line with the provisions of the supply' and ' better customer service' as a way of preventing EC Treaty . If there is no progress in the Council negotiations the liberalization of their markets , whereas what they are the Commission will have to take the necessary measures on actually doing is concealing the inefficiency of the system the basis of the powers it has under the EC Treaty . and of the public companies which operate it by means of uncompetitive costs which are passed on both to industry Concerning the Spanish electricity regulatory framework and to consumers . ( Law No 40/1994 of 30 December 1994 ), the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his If the Council of Energy Ministers does not reach a Written Question E-533/95 ( 2 ). satisfactory agreement by December as regards the liberalization of the electricity market, will the Commission 0 ) COM(93 ) 643 final . take action to break up monopolies and withdraw exclusive ( 2 ) OJ No C 222 , 28 . 8 . 1995 . rights in the gas and electricity market on the basis of the powers granted to it under the Treaty on European Union ? No C 66/20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2675/95 be carried out with the same vehicle or another vehicle from by Nicole Fontaine ( PPE ) the same carrier or group of carriers . to the Commission (4 October 1995) Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/92 of ( 96/C 66/31 ) 23 July 1992 laying down the conditions under which non-resident carriers may operate national road passenger transport services within a Member State ('), however, states that until 31 December 1995 permission to operate Subject: Rules governing transport in the context of local cabotage transport operations in the form of non-regular excursions during twin town visits services is restricted to closed-door-tours . After that date all cabotage transport operations are authorized for all non-regular services . Article 12 , 'Local excursions', of Regulation ( EEC ) No 684/92 (') of 16 March 1992 on common rules for the international carriage of passengers by coach and bus states If national transport services carried out in the framework that occasional international services ' intended for of twin town visits fulfil the requirements for 'closed-door non-resident passengers previously carried by the same tours', i.e. services whereby the same vehicle is used to carry carrier . . . must be carried out with the same vehicle or the same group of passengers along the entire route , another vehicle from the same carrier or group of passengers do not have to be segregated according to place carriers'. of residence or because they were previously transported from another Member State . These services are exempt from authorization and are carried out simply under cover of the Therefore , if a coach excursion is organized during a twin certificate and journey form provided in Annexes I and II to town visit, the visiting group must use the vehicle which Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/92 . carried it on its international journey .
( 1 ) OJ No L 251 , 29 . 8 . 1992 . Normally, the visiting group is accompanied by members of the host town twinning committee, which means that a second vehicle must be hired locally . As the idea of twinning suggests, visitors and hosts will obviously wish to occupy the two vehicles without being segregated according to nationality . But, according to the letter of the above Regulation , the guests would have to stay in their own coach and the hosts in the other . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2680/95 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) How can this measure be explained and applied without negating the object of twinning, which is , moreover, to the Commission encouraged and supported by the Community institutions ? (4 October 1995) Can the Commission change this annoying detail of the ( 96/C 66/32 ) Regulation ?
(') OJ No L 74 , 20 . 3 . 1992 , p . 1 . Subject: EU-Turkey customs union and impact on vulnerable industries such as textiles
The Council has already reached agreement with the Answer given by Mr Kinnock Turkish authorities on a draft text on customs union which on behalf of the Commission is awaiting approval by Parliament . We are all aware that (27 October 1995) the customs union with Turkey will have a significant impact on certain vulnerable industries in the European Union , particularly textiles .
Article 12 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 684/92 of 16 March 1992 on common rules for the international carriage of What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that, passengers by coach and bus does allow national transport while Turkey is enjoying the full benefits of its relations with services to be carried out by non-resident carriers subject to the European Union, it also complies with the related social, certain conditions . These services are intended for environmental and other obligations ? Has the Commission non-resident passengers previously carried by the same studied and assessed the situation ? What initiatives has it carrier on an international occasional service or an taken ? Are producers' organizations in the EU textiles international shuttle service with accommodation and must industry in agreement ? 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/21
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (5 December 1995) (28 November 1995)
Spain did not notify the Commission of measures In a joint declaration on the customs union negotiations incorporating the Directive in question into national law . with Turkey the Council and the Commission undertook to The Commission accordingly instituted infringement study the implications for Greece of the new trade proceedings against Spain in 1993 pursuant to Article 169 arrangements and if necessary to propose appropriate of the EC Treaty and referred the matter to the Court of measures to deal with any problems . Justice in March 1995 ('). The Court has not yet given a ruling in this case .
The Commission also specifically promised that its ( 1 ) Case C-95-55 . proposals would take account of the problems and interests of the Community's textiles and clothing industry .
In order to prevent distortions arising on the Community market once the textile arrangements expire , the Community has stated , in a declaration on Article 6 of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2695/95 draft Customs Union Decision , that by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission 'arrangements for trade in textile and clothing products (4 October 1995) will expire as soon as it is determined that Turkey has ( 96/C 66/34 ) effectively implemented the measures for which the adoption is required under this decision , regarding intellectual , industrial and commercial property, Subject: Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive competition, including the measures regarding public relating to the coordination of procedures for the aid , and that Turkey has put into operation, according to award of public service contracts the multilateral rules presently in force, the measures necessary for the alignment of its textile policy with that of the Community in the textile sector'. Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish Government has complied with Directive 92/50/EEC ( j ) relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of public service contracts ?
(M OJ No L 209 , 24 . 7 . 1992, p . 1 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2689/95 Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) (23 November 1995) to the Commission (4 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/33 ) Spain notified the Commission in June 1995 of the measures incorporating the Directive into national law ( Law 13/1995 of 18 May on the award of contracts by public bodies ).
Subject: Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive The Commission has therefore terminated infringement relating to insurance against civil liability in respect proceedings instituted against Spain for failure to notify of the use of motor vehicles these measures and is currently examining whether the aforementioned Law complies with the Directive .
Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish That aside , the Commission has , on several occasions , Government has complied with Directive 90/232/EEC ( J ) detected infringements that are prejudicial to the concerning insurance against civil liability in respect of the implementation in practice of Community law on public use of motor vehicles ? procurement .
(») OJ No L 129, 19 . 5 . 1990, p . 33 . No C 66/22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2696/95 last June ('Real Decrete 363/1995 ' of 10 March 1995 by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) published in the Spanish Official , BOE No 133 of 5 June 1995 ). The control of the conformity of this text is to the Commission underway . (4 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/35 )
Subject: Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive on the coordination of the provisions relating to direct WRITTEN QUESTION E-2705/95 life assurance by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish Government has complied with Directive 92/96/EEC (') (6 October 1995) concerning the coordination of the provisions relating to ( 96/C 66/37 ) direct life assurance ?
(') OJ No L 360, 9 . 12 . 1992, p . 1 . Subject: Suspension of fishing in Mauritanian waters
The Commission has indicated that it is willing to consider a Answer given by Mr Monti possible suspension of fishing operations by the European fleet in Mauritanian waters . on behalf of the Commission (24 December 1995) Has the Commission considered the consequences that such a decision would have for the Spanish fleet, which would be Spain has not yet notified the Commission of measures the hardest hit, bearing in mind the situation in which it transposing the Directive in question into Spanish law . In already finds itself in view of the lack of an agreement on this this context, the Commission commenced infringement matter with Morocco ? Does the Commission plan to grant proceedings against Spain in 1994 for failure to notify aid to Spanish fishermen if the decision to suspend fishing is national implementing measures . If this infringement is not ultimately adopted ? brought to an end , it will shortly refer the matter to the Court of Justice . Answer given by Mr Bonino on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2698/95 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) The Honourable Member is kindly requested to refer to the to the Commission Commission's answer to Written Question E-2552/95 by Mrs Fraga Estevez ( ] ). (4 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/36 ) Article 14 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 3699/93 ( 2 ) provides for compensation for periods of temporary cessation of fishing Subject: Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive activity, but only where these are caused by unforeseen and concerning the list of substances referred to in non-repetitive events . With regard to the provision of aid to Article 13 of Directive 67/548/EEC Spanish fishermen, the temporary suspension of fishing in Mauritanian waters is a biological respite measure which is necessary to enable fish stocks to recover . Since these Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish Government has complied with Directive 93/90/EEC ( J ) periods of biological respite are either planned or foreseeable, they should properly be included by shipowners concerning the list of substances referred to in Article 13 of Directive 67/548/EEC ? in their forward planning of fishing operations . In any case, as the Agreement has been extended by a month to compensate for the suspension occasioned by the ( ! ) OJ No L 277, 10 . 11 . 1993 , p . 33 . suspension of activities in question, the period during which shipowners may engage in fishing will not be reduced and will not therefore involve a loss of earnings . Under these Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard circumstances, there are no grounds for the costs incurred to on behalf of the Commission be covered by Community funds . (29 November 1995) (M OJ No C 51 , 21 . 2 . 1996, p . 22 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 346 , 31 . 12 . 1993 . The Spanish Government notified the Commission of the national implementation measures of Directive 93/90/EEC 4 . 3 . 96 I HN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/23
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2710/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2711/95 by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (6 October 1995) (6 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/38 ) ( 96/C 66/39 )
Subject: By-pass at Gateshead , England
With regard to the proposed by-pass at Gateshead ( AIM ) in Subject: ERDF support — United Kingdom the North-East of England, would the Commission please confirm that : Can the Commission provide detailed information as to the 1 . European Union monies are to be used in its aid granted to the UK under the ERDF between 1989 and construction; 1994, which was not included in the Community Support Framework and in Community initiatives , if possible 2 . an appropriate environmental impact assessment has specifying which bodies benefited , the sums involved and a been both tabled and inspected; brief description of the project concerned ? 3 . it is satisfied as to the need for such an extension of this road and that the British authorities have given proper consideration to the proposed alternatives ?
Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1995) (1 December 1995)
The financing of trunk road infrastructure is not eligible for assistance under the European Structural Funds programmes currently available to North-East England . The aid granted to the United Kingdom from the European There is therefore no grant assistance from such funds Regional Development Fund between 1989 and 1994 other proposed for the construction of the A1(M ) by-pass at than under the Community support frameworks and the Gateshead ; no assistance is foreseen either from the TEN Community initiatives, is shown in the table below . budget line .
By virtue of Article 4.2 of Directive 85/337/EEC ( J ) on the For studies, evaluations and conferences co-financed under environmental assessment of certain public and private Article 7 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254/88 (*), it is not projects, it is the Member State which decides, having regard possible to identify the specific United Kingdom element of to the nature , size or location of a project, whether or not expenditure since the actions concerned cover several projects of this type ( Annex II of the Directive ) should be Member States . subject to an environmental assessment in the meaning of the Directive . Equally, it is for the Member State to decide in what manner any examination of appropriate alternatives The Commission cannot specify which specific bodies to the project or its component elements should be benefited from these actions since it is the Member State conducted . which designates the final beneficiaries in particular cases . (') OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 .
0 ) OJ No L 374 , 31 . 12 . 1988 . No C 66/24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
in million Year Action Description ECU
1989 Non-quota shipbuilding Specific Community regional development measure contributing to overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the shipbuilding industry . 4,71
1989 Non-quota textiles Specific Community regional development measure contributing to overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the textile and clothing industry . 21,821
1990 Non-quota fish Specific Community regional development measure contributing to the development of new economic activities in certain zones affected by the implementation of the Community fisheries policy . 8,672
1990 Pilot project London Covers Brixton, Tower Hamlets, Deptford, Finsbury Park, Central Hackney , Kings Cross and Southwark . The actions are geared to fostering economic development in housing areas by converting garages to workshops and developing training opportunities . 5,1
1990 Pilot project Gibraltar As a small town of 30 000 previously heavily dependent on work in navel shipyards, Gibraltar has problems in developing manufacturing industry and providing services such as waste disposal . The project involves taking an integrated approach to reconversion of a former ship repair building for multi-function purposes . 2,8
1991 Pilot project Belfast The project was to reconcile economic development of the harbour area with the environmental protection of a site considered to be one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Europe with the possibility of applying the lessons to 38 other estuaries in Europe . 3,357
1991 Pilot project Stoke The project in the Gladstone/St James area was to rehabilitate an industrial area based on one industry ( ceramics ) linking training and cultural heritage to industrial rehabilitation . The concept is to provide a centre of excellence concentrating on design and enterprise linked to the industrial heritage of the area . 2
1992 Pilot project Paisley Creation of a high-quality multi-function community centre as a nucleus for re-integrating a marginalized housing estate into the economic mainstream of the region . 1,95
1993 Non-quota textiles Specific Community regional development measure contributing to overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the textile and clothing industry . 7,75
Total 58,16
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2715/95 that unless measures are taken by the year 2000 the situation by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE ) will become uncontrollable . to the Commission (6 October 1995) Because of its rapid growth-rate and the lack of organisms ( 96/C 66/40 ) which eat it, this seaweed , although harmless to human beings , displaces other species , thereby reducing resources on the seabed by up to 75 % . According to experts , the only way to prevent the weed from spreading is to detect it as Subject: Aid from the European Union to combat the early as possible and eradicate it by hand . 'caulerpa taxifolia ' seaweed In view of the enormous importance of conserving marine In a recent report drawn up under the United Nations plan resources and preserving the environmental balance , which for the environment, it was stated that the area covered by is of obvious significance for the habitat of fish in the the tropical seaweed known as 'caulerpa taxifolia ' has Mediterranean, what contribution has the Community increased 500 times in the last five years . The report warns made to the eradication of this weed and what steps has it 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/25 taken to mitigate the grave impact it is having on the Answer given by Mr Oreja resources of the seabed of 'Mare Nostrum '? on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1995)
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard The Honourable Member is referring to the Eurathlon on behalf of the Commission programme , for which the final selection was made in May (1 December 1995) 1995 .
The lists of selected projects were available on 27 June 1995 In 1992 the Commission , acting through the LIFE financial and the Commission sent out more than 300 lists to instrument, co-financed an international project to study interested parties . All persons concerned, whether selected the spread of caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean . The or not, were informed of the results . project involved French , Spanish and Italian teams . Since then the Commission has published the new Eurathlon This led to a initial international workshop in Nice on 17 programme for 1996 and has notified all interested parties and 18 January 1994 , which looked at analyses by the by sending them the text published in the Official leading scientific authorities in the field . A report was drawn Journal ( 1 ). The new programme provides clarifications on criteria which were adapted in the light of experience and up and published by GIS Poseidonie Marseille at the Luminy comments made by the interested parties and the general science and technology park . public .
In 1995 , in view of the encouraging results of the previous The Commission is sending the press release in which details project, the Commission decided to grant further LIFE of the final selection were published and a copy of the funding for an operation to improve the monitoring of the Eurathlon programme direct to the Honourable Member spread of caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean . and to Parliament's Secretariat .
(') OJ No C 262 , 7. 10 . 1995 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2718/95 by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2723/95 to the Commission by José García-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) (6 October 1995) to the Commission ( 96/C 66/41 ) (6 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/42 ) Subject: European Commission programme to promote sport Subject: Torrential rain and hailstorms in Valencia Last October, on the basis of the recommendations and proposals in the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness During the latter part of August and the beginning of and Employment, the European Commission drew up the September this year, Valencia suffered several hailstorms , Eurathlon programme to promote sports projects and which caused losses estimated at Ptas 15 000 million to the programmes on a European scale . region's agriculture .
In accordance with the principles of transparency , the Does the Commission have any plans to grant aid in Commission undertook to select projects on the basis of compensation for these losses ? If so , what is the intended precise and objective criteria and to provide adequate amount and when will it be payable ? publicity on the initiatives selected for subsidy .
Can the Commission explain why the list of projects selected Answer given by Mr Fischler has still not been published ? on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1995) Does the Commission agree that it would be useful to inform the participants who were not selected, and the public , of the criteria used to select projects, before the new Emergency aid to sections of the Community population programme for 1996 is published ? suffering as a result of disasters is granted by the No C 66/26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Commission in cases involving large-scale events having an These questions, which were also discussed in the exceptional impact on the life of the people concerned, as a memorandum adopted on 28 June 1995 by the ECSC token of humanitarian solidarity and a practical expression Consultative Committee on matters connected with the of the Union's closeness to its citizens . expiry of the ECSC Treaty ( 2 ), are being examined by the Commission in preparation for the 1996 Intergovernmental The case referred to by the Honourable Member, however, Conference, which could pave the way either for the early concerns the effects of an exceptional occurrence on the deletion of certain provisions of the ECSC Treaty or for the productive capacity of the area affected . The Commission incorporation of other provisions in the unified treaty, has no plans to provide compensation for the losses marking a step in the direction of the consolidation of the resulting from the torrential rain and hailstorms . Treaties advocated by the Commission ( Report on the operation of the Treaty on European Union ) ( 3 ).
2 . The rules on competition set out in the ECSC Treaty ( Articles 65 and 66 ) should continue to apply until the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2729/95 expiry of the Treaty . Thereafter the steel industry will be by Christoph Konrad ( PPE ) subject to the same rules as the other sectors of industry, which will mean , among other things , the abolition of the to the Commission special ECSC pricing arrangements ( Articles 60 to 64 ) and (6 October 1995) the automatic application of the EC Treaty rules on ( 96/C 66/43 non-discrimination on grounds of nationality ( Article 7), freedom of movement ( Articles 30 to 36 ) and competition ( Articles 85 to 94 and Regulation ( EEC ) No Subject: Expiry of the ECSC Treaty 4064/89 ) ( 4 ).
1 . What form will the European legal framework for the steel industry take when the ECSC Treaty expires ? The EC Treaty contains specific provisions prohibiting agreements and concerted practices or abuse of a dominant 2 . What can be done to ensure that the Commission is position which have as their object or effect the restriction of able in future to monitor fair conditions of competition ? competition and which may affect trade between Member States . These rules are intended to introduce or maintain fair trading conditions between companies as referred to by the 3 . Is it possible to use the residue of ECSC funds in such a Honourable Member . way that it has an influence on future developments ?
4 . How can the central and eastern European steel State aids to the steel industry will be governed by industry be brought closer to that of the European Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty following the expiry of Union ? the ECSC Treaty in 2002 . However, in view of the history and special needs of the sector, and to avoid a sudden change in the existing control mechanisms , strict specific rules must Answer given by Mr Santer continue to apply in the form either of guidelines laid down on behalf of the Commission by the Commission or of a Council Regulation . (11 December 1995) 3 . The Commission is looking very carefully into the 1 . The Commission adopted a position on the future of question of the use to be made of any ECSC funds which the ECSC Treaty in its communication to the Council and may be left over after the Treaty has expired . It will state its Parliament of 15 March 1991 ( J ). It felt that the 2002 views once it has obtained the necessary information and deadline should be kept and the ground prepared for the opinions . transition to the EC Treaty . Since then, other decisions have been taken on the budgetary and financial aspects of , ECSC activities . A number of questions nevertheless remain to be 4 . The Commission is currently studying the question of settled, such as guarantees for borrowings still to be covered how to bring the central and eastern European steel industry after 2002 , or the use to be made of ECSC reserves after that closer to that of the Community, to which it attaches great date . Also in this communication, the Commission declared importance . The Commission would also point out that the that if the occasion arose, certain provisions of the ECSC Europe agreements in force stipulate in a protocol that the Treaty, and in particular Articles 71 to 75 on external trade , countries concerned may exceptionally ( during the first five and 60 et seq . on prices , should be repealed , so that the years after the entry into force of the Agreement ) 'grant corresponding rules of the EC Treaty would become public aid for restructuring purposes leading to the viability applicable early . Similarly, the Commission considered that of the benefiting firms and aiming at a global reduction of some provisions, in particular those concerned with capacity . . provided that the amount and intensity of such financial or social matters , could be integrated into the EC aid are strictly limited to what is absolutely necessary in Treaty if necessary . order to reach these goals and that they are progressively 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/27 reduced' ( Article 8 of Protocol 2 on products covered by the Is the Commission willing to propose the inclusion of ECSC Treaty, Europe agreement with Hungary ) ( 5 ). gamebirds in the ' feed additives' Directive 70/524/EEC which still permits the use of DMD as an in-feed (') SEC(91 ) 407 final . prophylactic for turkeys and guinea fowl ? ( 2 ) OJ No C 206 , 11 . 8 . 1995 . ( 3 ) SEC(95 ) 731 final . (») OJ No L 174, 26 . 7 . 1995 , p . 20 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 395 , 30 . 12 . 1989 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990, p . 1 . ( 5 ) OJ No L 347, 31 . 12 . 1993 .
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2738/95 by Robert Sturdy ( PPE ), Giles Chichester ( PPE ) and Bryan Cassidy ( PPE ) The Commission has not received any official request or the necessary documents required under the provisions to the Commission of Directive 70/524/EEC concerning additives in (12 October 1995) feedingstuffs (*) for an extension of the appropriate ( 96/C 66/44 ) authorization to cover the use of dimetridazole in feedingstuffs intended for gamebirds .
Subject: EU ban on DMD — spanner in works for rural i 1 ) OJ No L 270, 14 . 12 . 1970 . development ?
Commission Regulation 1798/95/EEC ( ! ) of 25 July 1995 adds Dimetridazole ( DMD ) to Annex IV to Council Regulation 2377/90/EEC ( 2 ) of 26 June 1990 'laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum WRITTEN QUESTION E-2753/95 residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR ) of animal origin'. to the Commission (12 October 1995) Listing DMD in this Annex, entitled 'Lists of pharmacologically active substances for which no ( 96/C 66/45 ) maximum residue levels can be fixed', effectively means a complete ban on the administration of this substance to food-producing animals . Subject: Publicizing Community programmes and support projects DMD is indispensable to the rearing of gamebirds ( pheasants , partridges ) in the UK as there is no other The Commission is now in the habit of publishing licensed drug on the market yet which can effectively invitations to tender, programmes and support projects on combat the highly contagious protozoal diseases the Internet rather than in the Official Journal of the histomoniasis and hexamatiasis to which gamebirds such as European Communities . The deadlines for submitting pheasant and partridge are susceptible . applications have also been reduced ( from 30 to 15 days ), making it impossible for applicants to draw up a minimum programme in time . Two examples of this are the support The gamebird rearing industry represents an important part project for twinning schemes between European museums of the rural economy in the EU, providing significant and the Cultural Itinerary through Europe programme . numbers of part-time jobs in the rearing and hunting seasons and of full-time jobs all year round ! Can the Commission explain why the abovementioned programmes were not published in the Official Journal ? The availability of reared game is an important incentive for landowners and shoot organizers to manage and conserve habitats suitable for holding reared and wild game with Does the Commission consider that the 15 -day deadline obvious benefits for all wildlife . ( with effect from the date of publishing the invitation to tender ) is sufficient for the submission of applications ? Gamebirds reared for shooting are not produced for immediate consumption, as several weeks/months elapse Does the Commission consider this to be in line with its between the administration of the drug and possible Decision 94/90/EEC of 8 February 1994 ( x )? shooting . Therefore , the public health risk of any DMD residue occurring in shot gamebirds is virtually nil ! (') OJ No L 46 , 18 . 2 . 1994, p . 58 . No C 66/28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Answer given by Mr Oreja policy . The documents referred to by the Honourable on behalf of the Commission Member were not intended for publication . (19 December 1995)
The Commission would inform the Honourable Member WRITTEN QUESTION P-2765/95 that support for twinning programmes between museums by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) was a concerted action . The Commission implemented this measure on the basis of a budgetary remark from Parliament to the Commission following a meeeting of European museum directors and the (3 October 1995 ) directors in Member States' government departments ( 96/C 66/46 ) responsible for museums . The Council's Cultural Affairs Committee was also informed of this measure, organized in conjunction with all departments concerned . Subject: Use of research appropriations 1 . Can the Commission guarantee that the 7 % increase A call for an expression of interest was published on 20 July . in the research budget arising from the accession of the new The deadline for the submission of applications was set at Member States will be used within the research programmes 30 September 1995 , that is to say, almost two and a half decided on ? months after the publication date to take the holiday period into account . 2 . Can the Commission provide a detailed breakdown of the distribution of the additional research The call for an expression of interest was communicated : appropriations ? 3 . Will the Commission fulfil its claim to transparency — to those attending the meeting of museum directors and and make this additional allocation of appropriations the Ministers for Culture of the Member States ; public ?
— to the permanent representations of the Member States 4 . Can the Commission guarantee that these additional to the European Communities ; research appropriations will not be awarded to the task forces ? — through NEMO ( Network of European museum organization ); Answer given by Mrs Cresson — to the people on the Commission's mailing list; on behalf of the Commission (3 November 1995) — on request, in writing or by telephone ; and The Commission's proposals ( Proposal for a Decision of the — on the Internet . Parliament and of the Council adapting Decision No 1110/94/EC concerning the fourth framework programme of the European Community activities in the 45 letters were sent out in July 1995 to ascertain whether field of research and technological development and universities would be interested in the ' Cultural Itinerary demonstration ( 1994 to 1998 ) following the accession to through Europe' project which has not been put the European Union of the Republic of Austria , the Republic finalized . of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden and proposal for a Council Decision adapting Decision No 94/268/Euratom In order to see what the response would be from other concerning a framework programme of Community professional circles , the call for an expression of interest was activities in the field of research and training for the published on the Internet . This information on Internet is European Atomic Energy Community ( 1994 to 1998 ) not a specific offer for the provision of services , but rather a following the accession to the European Union of the measure to gauge interest in the project . Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden ) ( l ) for the adaptation of the fourth framework programme are currently before the Parliament Lastly, the Commission would inform the Honourable and the Council . They should be adopted respectively in Member that Decision No 94/90/EEC of 8 February 1994 co-decision between the Parliament and the Council and by on public access to documents is not, in its opinion, the Council after the usual consultation of Parliament . applicable in this case . The sole aim of this Decision, which However, the Commission's view is clearly stated in its is part of the measures taken by the Commission to make its proposal , namely that the decisions are essentially the work more transparent and to bring it closer to the people, is technical adjustments needed to address the financial to provide easier access to internal Commission documents, consequences of enlargement, while maintaining the i.e. documents not intended for publication, to persons objectives and preserving the balance between the scientific requesting them . This policy supplements Commission and technical priorities decided when the framework initiatives under its information and communications programme was adopted . The funds should therefore be 4 . 3 . 96 I HN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/29
utilized in accordance with the indicative breakdown The Commission is studying very carefully the use of any already established under the specific programmes and with remaining ECSC financial reserves after the expiry of the the principles of transparency and equality of treatment in Treaty . It will adopt a position once it has received the the selection of research projects . necessary information and opinions .
As regards the task forces , the Commission has similarly made it clear that they operate within the legal framework of the Decisions establishing and implementing the framework programme , and that they have as a primary purpose the objective of better focusing any relevant research efforts WRITTEN QUESTION E-2796/95 under the specific programmes . The recommendations of the task forces should be finalized in the near future . by Bernie Malone ( PSE ) to the Commission (') COM(95 ) 145 . (16 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/48 )
Subject: Funding for integrated education programmes for WRITTEN QUESTION E-2775/95 children with mental and physical disabilities by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) Given the moves in most EU Member States towards to the Commission facilitating integrated schooling for children and young ( 12 October 1995) adults with mental and physical disabilities , are there any ( 96/C 66/47 ) programmes in place to assist integrated schooling for these pupils ? Subject: European foundation for research into the coal and steel industries If there are no such programmes in place , could the Commission make a statement on its policy in this regard, indicating whether it intends addressing this issue in the near With a view to the expiry of the ECSC Treaty in 2002 , the future ? European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries ( Eurofer ) has informed the Commission of its support for the creation of a European foundation for research into the coal and steel industries . According to Eurofer, there is a Answer given by Mr Flynn need to continue the system of specific sectoral research, on behalf of the Commission based on cooperation between research institutes and undertakings in the coal and steel industries, as well as the (3 November 1995) equitable use of ECSC financial reserves .
What is the Commission's position regarding the creation of The Council Decision of 25 February 1993 ( ) established a a European foundation for research into the coal and steel third Community action programme to assist disabled industries and what proposals does it have with a view to the people ( Helios II 1993 to 1996 ). Among its aims is the expiry of the ECSC Treaty ? exchange of information and experience on questions common to Member States' educational systems .
The Member States agreed to 180 exchange and Answer given by Mr Santer information activities in the field of education , taking into on behalf of the Commission account, amongst other things , the quality of their (15 December 1995) programmes . Seminars , study visits and training sessions are organized on the basis of annual working themes which cover all levels of education ( pre-primary school to adult The Eurofer initiative, to which the Flonourable Member education ) and pedagogical aspects in educational refers , is merely the last of a series of measures relating to the integration . matter in question, which have appeared with slight differences over the past few years . Parliament, itself, has dealt with the matter many times, most recently in the report The limited budget of the programme does not allow a wider on the draft ECSC budget for 1996 . At short time ago , a participation, but the results of the work will be widely proposal along these lines was put to the Permanent disseminated by means of reports summarizing the work Representatives Committee . Just recently, in a done in the education sector as well as a guide of good memorandum on aspects of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty, practice . the ECSC Consultative Committee recommended , among other things, that a financial mechanism be established, for Furthermore , the new Community programmes in example , a foundation for Community research in the coal education ( Socrates ) ( 2 ), training ( Leonardo ) ( 3 ) and youth and steel sector . ( Youth for Europe III ) ( 2 ) also state that priority will be No C 66/30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 given to the particular target groups, namely women, or military service . The age limit may be raised by a disadvantaged groups and disabled people . This is clearly maximum of five years in all . indicated not only in the official text of the decisions, but also in the documents pertaining to their implementation, such as the guide and vademecum . It may be noted that in spring 1995 the Commission organized competitions for the new Member States to recruit young officials . On the Finnish and Swedish reserve These target groups must be taken into account in a very lists over half of the candidates are women in the case of the precise and explicit way in the activity reports as well as in A8 competition and 40 % in the case of the A7/6 the annual evaluation concerning all the actions foreseen in competition . the Socrates programme .
0 ) OJ No L 56 , 9 . 3 . 1993 . The Commission is of course following the discussion on the ( 2 ) OJ No L 87, 20 . 4 . 1995 . age limit and considering the various factors relating to it . ( 3 ) OJ No L 340, 24 . 12 . 1994 . The age limit is due to be discussed at talks between the Community institutions scheduled for the end of the year .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2797/95 by Imelda Read ( PSE ) to the Commission (16 October 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2801/95 ( 96/C 66/49 ) by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI ) to the Commission Subject: Age limits (16 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/50 ) Has the Commission given any further consideration to the question of age limits for positions within the European institutions ? Subject: Internal market in energy
Answer given by Mr Liikanen According to the Commission White Paper on growth, on behalf of the Commission competitiveness and employment, the Commission is planning to introduce an internal market in energy as part of (30 November 1995) the trans-European networks . The Commission takes the view that this entails abolishing exclusive import and export rights , transport monopolies and closed pipelines and The Staff Regulations require the Commission, when transmission lines; the Commission is also planning a recruiting, to treat nationals of all Member States equally thorough re-examination of the proposal regarding and to ensure the broadest possible geographical balance . third-party access to the network , since this would restrict The age limit has had a positive effect on achieving this the ownership rights of private undertakings and the objective . proposal would thus constitute an obstacle to investment . The Commission further considers that introducing the A second central objective is to promote participation by internal market in energy requires investment amounting to women in competitions . Experience has shown that the age ECU 13 billion, distributed among eight major projects . limit does not prevent women from taking part in This would include establishing expanded electricity competitions . On the contrary, it has the opposite effect, interconnections between Germany and Austria . The because women become more reluctant to move as they get Vorarlberger Illwerke ( hydro-electric power stations ), older . which export a large proportion of electricity to Germany, and the Vorarlberger Kraftwerke ( hydro-electric power Since recruitment policy must take account of these special stations ), which supply energy to the Vorarlberg, are of key factors, the Commission's practice is not comparable to importance to the western part of Austria . national administrations or private sector businesses . 1 . What practical measures does the Commission plan to Commission officials are promoted on the basis of take in order to prevent third-party access to energy experience and length of service . For this reason the age limit networks as referred to in the White Paper ? for young officials entering the service is 32 at the starting grade ( A8 ) and 35 at grade A7/6 . The age limit may be raised 2 . Has the Commission already laid down a timetable for to take account of physical handicap or periods of childcare abolishing exclusive import and export rights ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN j Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/31
3 . If so, what implications will the abolition of exclusive by the establishment of the internal market for electricity, in import and export rights have for state-owned energy as far as the trade is based on long-term contracts . As the suppliers ? Directive for the internal market in electricity has not yet been agreed on ( J ), there is no clarity yet about which of the 4 . What implications will the planned electricity two models Austria will choose . What is clear, however, is interconnection between Germany and Austria have for that the Vorarlberger Illwerke will have to provide access by the Vorarlberger Illwerke, which export a large third parties to eligible customers linked to its electricity grid proportion of electricity to Germany ? under certain objective conditions, but that on the other hand it can supply and sell electricity to any potential eligible customer within the internal market as well . Once the internal market for electricity is established Vorarlberger Illwerke will have the possibility to benefit from the Answer given by Mr Papoutsis opportunities offered to it by the competitive market . on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1995) (M COM(93 ) 643 .
1 . The Commission does not intend to impede third-party access to energy networks . In the white paper on growth, competitiveness and employment of 1993 the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2804/95 Commission undertook to re-examine its 1992 proposal by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) regarding third-party access and the internal market for electricity . This proposal introduced the concept of to the Commission regulatory or obligatory third-party access ( TPA ) to energy (16 October 1995) networks . The Commission, however, modified its ( 96/C 66/51 ) approach from regulatory TPA into negotiated access to networks, basing itself on a number of amendments proposed by the Parliament in its opinion in first reading of Subject: Directives 92/73/EEC and 92/74/EEC on November 1993 , which objected to the obligatory nature of homeopathic medicinal products and veterinary this concept . The amended proposal for the internal market homeopathic medicinal products in electricity was adopted by the Commission in December 1993 and has been the subject of discussions in the Council The Commission is to submit a report on the since the beginning of 1994 . During the Council meetings implementation and application of Directives 92/73/EEC under the German and French Presidencies ( 29 November ( Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council 1 994 and 1 June 1995 ) political agreements were reached on Directive concerning common rules for the internal market a number of important elements . However, the issue of in electricity ) ( J ) and 92/74/EEC ( 2 ) on homeopathic network access is still not solved . Although new concepts for medicinal products and homeopathic veterinary medicinal network access have been introduced , like the so-called products by the end of 1995 . single buyer system, the Commission continues to propose the approach of negotiated third-party access . 1 . Have the Directives been transposed on time in all the Member States of the European Union ?
2 . The Commission has already taken action with regard 2 . Has the Commission received communications from the to the abolition of remaining import and export monopolies Member States on their application and any difficulties for electricity and natural gas . It brought the matter before which may have arisen in practice , in particular in the Court of Justice in June 1994 under Article 169 of the relation to Article 7 ( 1 ) of Directive 92/74/EEC ? EC Treaty, because it is convinced that by maintaining their national legislation restricting the import and export of electricity, five Member States have failed to fulfil their 3 . Will the Commission submit its report on time ? obligations pursuant to Articles 30 , 34 and 37 of the EC Treaty . (M OJ No L 297, 13 . 10 . 1992 , p . 8 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 297, 13 . 10 . 1992 , p . 12 .
3 . A Community wide market without internal frontiers will provide for a more flexible and diversified energy supply . Improving competitiveness will enable all market Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission participants in the energy sector to enjoy the benefits of a more competitive energy market including freedom of (30 November 1995) choice and reduced price disparities beetween Member States . 1 . By 31 October 1995 , eight Member States had still not informed the Commission of the national measures taken to 4 . For decades there has been an intensive exchange of comply with Directive 92/73/EEC and seven Member States electricity between the Vorarlberger Illwerke and several had not done so in the case of Directive 92/74/EEC . The German undertakings ( EVS , RWE ). This will not be affected deadline for transposing these two Directives was No C 66/32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
31 December 1993 . As a result, the Commission has Wool, a non-food product , could not be part of the COM in initiated infringement procedures for failure to notify, in sheepmeat and goatmeat . accordance with Article 169 of the EC Treaty . Can the Commission foresee the implementation of It should be noted, however , that failure to transpose these structural measures aimed at promoting the improvement two Directives is not harming the interests of the operators and the organization of this production ( under animal concerned, since these Directives do not affect products products : Annex II, Chapter 5 , 05.15 to the Treaty of Rome ) which were on the market before they entered into force . in order to encourage a judicious use of wool from European What is more, both Directives expressly state that a Member sheep stocks ? State which does not establish a special , simplified registration procedure must, by 31 December 1995 at the latest, allow the use in its territory of homeopathic medicinal products registered by other Member States . Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission 2 . The Commission has received several requests from (5 December 1995) Member States to clarify the meaning of Article 7 ( 1 ) of Directive 92/73/EEC . The Commission has indicated that this provision must be interpreted to mean that the The Commission has no plans to introduce structural measures along the lines indicated by the Honourable simplified registration procedure is applicable only to Member . medicinal products with a degree of dilution equivalent to at least 1 part per 10 000 of the mother tincture . Thus, this is a general condition applicable to all homeopathic products . In In this connection the Commission notes that wool is not addition, when the product contains an active principle classified in Chapter 5 of the Combined Nomenclature but whose presence in an allopathic medicinal product results in in Chapter 51 . The provisions of the Treaty relating to the obligation to produce a doctor's prescription, the agricultural products are not applicable to products in product can only be the subject of a simplified registration Chapter 51 and consequently do not apply to wool . procedure if it does not contain more than 1 / 1 00th of that substance . For these products , therefore , the criterion applied is the one which requires the greater degree of dilution . This interpretation was confirmed by the Pharmaceutical Committee at its 32nd meeting held on 29 November 1993 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2831/95 by Mathias Reichhold ( NI ) 3 . Given the delay in transposing Directives 92/73/EEC to the Commission and 92/74/EEC by the Member States , the Commission will (18 October 1995) not be able to present its report on the application of these Directives within the time period stipulated . It is intending ( 96/C 66/53 ) to present its report to the Council and Parliament in the second half of 1996 . Subject: Payment of EU funds subsidies to Austria still outstanding for, 1 995
Austria's farmers are anxiously awaiting payment of vital EU subsidies . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2814/95 by Edouard des Places ( EDN ) It is therefore extremely important for them to know exactly when the EU will make the payments transfers to to the Commission Austria . (16 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/52 ) Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission Subject: Promotion of wool production in the European Union (30 November 1995)
The European Union has a sheep population of 98 million ; The principal Community aids of concern to Austrian this livestock contributes to the upkeep of rural areas in the producers include the aids payable in respect of the areas most deprived regions of the Union . sown to certain arable crops, including set-aside, the premiums payable in the animal sector and the amounts Wool, a natural non-food product and potential raw payable in the context of the accompanying measures . These material for industry and craft trades , is not subject to any measures are financed from the appropriations in the upgrading; today, the selling price for wool does not even European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund cover the cost of shearing paid by the sheep farmers . ( EAGGF ) Guarantee Section of the budget . 4 . 3 . 96 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/33
Within the time limits laid down by the Community Objective 5a measures , in particular compensatory Regulations and subject to the completion of the necessary allowances for less-favoured areas, as well as Objectives 1 control measures , the payment of the various aids and and 5b measures the Commission would refer the premiums to producers is a matter for the national Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question authorities . The resulting expenditure incurred by the P-2985/95 by Mrs Crepaz ('). Member State is declared each month to the Commission for subsequent reimbursement by the EAGGF . (') OJ No C 56 , 26 . 2 . 1996 , p . 56 . According to the Community Regulations concerned, the aids requested by producers for eligible areas sown to cereals, proteins and linseeds and for set-aside, in respect of the 1995/96 marketing year, are to be paid to producers by the national authorities during the period 16 October 1995 to 31 December 1995 . For the eligible areas sown to oilseeds WRITTEN QUESTION E-2857/95 for 1995/96 , an advance of 50 % of the aid is payable , at the by Michl Ebner ( PPE ) request of producers , before 30 September 1995 . The to the Commission balance of the definitive amount of the aid should normally be paid before 31 March 1996 . (18 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/54 In the beef sector, the Community Regulations provide that for eligible requests submitted during the 1995 calendar year, an advance of 60 % of the amount of the suckler-cow Subject: Use of display boards to advertise EU funding of premium is payable as from 1 November 1995 , with the building projects balance of the premium to be paid after the completion of controls and no later than 30 June 1996 . Similarly, in In all the EU Member States, major projects , particularly respect of eligible requests submitted during 1995 for the public works , receive European Union funding and support . special premium for male bovine animals, an advance of In every case, the names of the clients and contractors must 80 % of the premium is payable as from 16 October 1995 , be indicated on display boards . It has been suggested that with the balance of the premium to be paid by 30 June the public should also be informed if the project is receiving 1996 . EU funding . This could be done most effectively in situ , that is to say by putting up a special board at the relevant For sheep, and provided that the necessary controls have sites . been completed, Member States have been authorized , since July 1995 , to pay two advances, each of 30% , on the estimated amount of the 1995 premium for eligible ewes Do rules already exist concerning the public display of and goats , as well as an advance of 90% of the special information concerning the amount and nature of EU premium payable on eligible sheep and goats in funding ? less-favoured areas . The balance of the definitive amounts of the 1995 premiums in the sheep and goat sector are to be paid no later than 15 October 1996 . Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies For the accompanying measures , which are co-financed by on behalf of the Commission the Community and by Member States and for which the (28 November 1995) Act of Accession provided for an EAGGF-financed amount of ECU 175 million to be paid in Austria in 1995 , programmes covering agri-environmental measures and The arrangements for publicizing measures financed by forestry were submitted by the Austrian authorities in the the Structural Funds are provided for in Article 32 of early part of 1995 and were subsequently approved by the Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253/88, as amended ( ! ), which Commission . However, as has been the case for all Member required the Commission to lay down detailed information States, administrative and technical difficulties have meant and publicity arrangements for assistance from the Funds that the payment of the amounts involved to producers has and the financial instrument for fisheries guidance been slower than originally envisaged . ( FIFG). For Austria, it is currently envisaged that the first significant payments under the accompanying measures will commence These arrangements are set out in Commission Decision towards the end of the 1995 calendar year . Given that the 94/342/EC of 31 May 1994 concerning information and expenditures by Austria on the accompanying measures publicity measures to be carried out by the Member States originally foreseen for the 1995 financial year will now concerning assistance from the Structural Funds and the occur after 15 October 1995 and therefore within the 1996 FIFG ( 2 ). financial year, the Commission will ensure that the necessary budgetary appropriations are available to cover The Decision requires that Member States to erect the Community's financial contribution. billboards at the site of infrastructure projects involving an investment of more than ECU 1 million in the case of the In respect of the use of the budgetary appropriations in the Structural Funds and ECU 500 000 in the case of the FIFG, Structural Funds for Austrian agriculture including and to announce that projects have been co-financed by the No C 66/34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Community . The Decision also specifies how billboards are case of local consultants originating in Phare countries who to be laid out. The Member States may provide additionally do not have international experience and, therefore, cannot information, but there are no provisions binding them to be assimilated to western consultants . specify the amount of Community funding . As to the human resources in Hungary involved in the t 1 ) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . development of the relations of the Community with this ( 2 ) OJ No L 152 , 18 . 6 . 1994 . associated country, including the implementation of Phare, the Commission delegation in Budapest is staffed with nine permanent officials and 19 local agents , all of them remunerated out of the administrative part of the Community's annual budget . Furthermore, the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2869/95 decentralised implementation of Phare is ensured by 15 by Otto von Habsburg ( PPE ) programme management units ( PMUs ) which cover all sectors of intervention and are politically subordinated to to the Commission the corresponding ministries and official institutions in (21 October 1995) Hungary . These PMUs are staffed by about 100 employees ( 96/C 66/55 ) of whom 40 % are civil servants paid out of the national budget and 60 % local staff recruited from the private sector and paid with the funds of the programmes . The annual cost Subject: Payment for Phare programme consultants of this local staff amounts to ECU 120 000 .
The answer to my question E-2 125/94 (') was far from Furthermore , it is estimated that nearly 230 man-years of satisfactory, and the number of complaints on this subject is external consultancy are mobilized on average every year by mounting . Phare, not only to give support and advice to the PMUs and other official institutions in Hungary, but mainly to provide Will the Commission therefore state whether it is prepared direct input to almost 30 programmes which are annually to provide specific figures instead of making general subject to implementation in this country . The estimated statements ? annual cost in terms of fees of this external consultancy amounts to ECU 20 million . If not, what are the reasons for its obvious attempt to withhold the necessary data from Parliament ?
How many staff are employed full- and part-time as part of the Phare programme in Hungary, and exactly how are they paid for their work ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2889/95 How many freelance consultants are still employed in by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE ) Hungary as part of the Phare programme and what is the to the Commission total amount of fees paid to them ? (21 October 1995) 96/C 66/56 ) 0 ) OJ No C 300, 13 . 11 . 1995 , p . 47.
Subject: Regis II Community Initiative Programme Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission say why the Regis II Community (24 November 1995) Initiative Programme ( for the most remote regions ) does not apply to Melilla ? The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E-2125/95 where it was indicated that the level of fees paid to Phare consultants is in general the result of competitive tenders . Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission It is the Commission practice not to disclose the actual level (7 December 1995) of fees paid in order to preserve the highest degree of competitiveness in the procurement of services . The Regis II Community Initiative applies to the French On an indicative basis however, it can be reported that overseas departments, the Canary Islands, the Azores and average fees paid to western consultants in the framework of Madeira , classified as most remote regions . Melilla, Phare , for all sectors of intervention taken together, range however, does receive considerable financial aid from the from ECU 300/day for a junior to ECU 1 000/day for a Community, from the Structural Funds ( under the Melilla partner . This range is from ECU 50 to ECU 200/day in and Medio Ambiente operational programmes and the 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/35
Interreg Spain-Morocco and Envireg Community remind the Honourable Member that the proposal for a Initiatives ) and the Cohesion Fund . Council Decision establishing a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary Islands ( Poseican ) was prepared by the Commission, at the same time as the proposal for a Council Regulation on the application of the provisions of Community law to the Canary Islands , at the request of Spain under Article 25 ( 4 ) of the Accession Treaty, in order to further integrate the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2890/95 Canary Islands into the Community . To-date the Commission has not received a similar request for Ceuta by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE ) and Melilla . to the Commission (21 October 1995) Naturally, the Commission is keeping a close watch on any ( 96/C 66/57 ) other matter which could arise in connection with relations between Ceuta and Melilla and the Community .
Subject: Specific option plans for the most-remote regions
Among the Commission's services there is an inter-departmental group for the most-remote and isolated WRITTEN QUESTION E-2895/95 areas of the European Union . by Jacques Donnay ( UPE ) to the Commission The areas under the responsibility of this service include the (26 October 1995) French overseas departments and territories , the Canary Islands , the Azores, Ceuta and Melilla . For all these areas ( 96/C 66/58 ) except Ceuta and Melilla , specific option plans have been adopted to alleviate the difficulties for their optimum economic and social development within the EU which are Subject: Delays in implementing the Leader initiative caused by their structural deficiencies . Thus , the Poseidom, Poseican, Poseima etc . programmes have been approved . The implementation of the Leader I Community Initiative Why has the Commission not yet drawn up a specific option and preparations for Leader II have created real plan for Melilla ? partnerships between the political, social and economic operators in areas frequently experiencing difficulties .
This programme is one of the best illustrations of the Answer given by Mr Santer practical benefits which Europe can provide for its people, on behalf of the Commission and there is no doubt that it is helping to bring the European (8 December 1995) Union closer to its citizens .
However, although the French proposals for operational The aim of the Poseidom, Poseican and Poseima programmes were submitted to the Commission's services programmes is to see that application of Community more than a year ago, many programmes have still not been policies takes account of the specific features and adopted . The resulting uncertainty has brought the local disadvantages of the most-remote regions arising from their politicians and operators to a standstill . great distance from the centre , their insularity, their small size, their difficult relief and climates . These programmes, which symbolize the Community's solidarity with its Can the Commission explain the reason for the delays, and most-remote regions , serve as a reference framework for the give details of the measures it intends to take to make up for application of common policies in these regions , which have them and mitigate the consequences ? made the difficult choice to integrate fully and entirely into the Community .
Answer given by Mr Fischler While Ceuta and Melilla have some characteristics in on behalf of the Commission common with the most remote regions such as the Overseas Departments , the Canary Islands , the Azores and Madeira , (16 November 1995) their legal status , whereby a number of common policies are not applied to them, distinguishes them from the most remote regions which are covered by the Posei programmes . The Commission is acutely aware that the implementation This special status is comparable to that which applied to of the Community's Leader II initiative must give rise to the Canary Islands until 1991 . The Commission would innovative schemes carried out directly by local public and No C 66/36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 private agencies in all areas of rural activity . In order to the restructuring of olive growing with a view to improving uphold the principles on which the initiative is founded , the the quality of olive oil . It also confirms that the measures Commission must be sure that the content of proposals included in the operational programme in question were submitted by a Member State is in line with the notice to the modified and the programme's duration extended to ensure Member States laying down guidelines for Leader II ( 1 ). It is, that operations started in 1993 and related payments would moreover, vital that guarantees be provided as to the quality be finalized under the 1989/1993 CSF . The entitlements of of the partnership responsible for drafting the programme those who subscribed to the programme are, accordingly, proposal . In the light of these criteria , the Commission has fully safeguarded . been able to approve nine operational programmes in France . The Commission takes the view, moreover, that the reasons for the absence of a Greek proposal under the 1994—1999 Procedures are under way for the adoption of a further five CSF are probably that the results of this programme were programmes . As for the rest, the Commission is not yet able rather poor during the earlier period and that prudence has to assume responsibility for the quality of the programmes subsequently to be exercised in such cases when new or partnerships on the strength of the documents submitted, applications for aid from the Structural Funds are drawn which will have to be significantly improved by the national up . and regional authorities .
(') OJ No C 180, 1 . 7 . 1994 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/95 by Giacomo Santini ( UPE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2899/95 to the Commission by Konstantinos Hatzidakis ( PPE ) (26 October 1995) to the Commission ( 96/C 66/60 ) (26 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/59 ) Subject: Support for NGOs working in the West Nile region in Uganda Subject: Restructuring programme for olive production in Greece There is a constant mass influx of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Rwanda into the West Nile region of Uganda ( 200 000 people are currently camping out in the During the first Community Support Framework, an region and more are coming in all the time ). operational programme for the 'restructuring of olive growing with a view to improving the quality of olive oil' was carried out in Greece ( 1993/94 ) in the prefectures of The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of water and Rethymnon, Heraklion, Chania , Lesbos , Samos and Evvia . the problems of obtaining water, food and medical supplies . The programme, which provided for substantial aid to Given the credibility of the various NGOs operating in this growers , aimed to replace the 'common olive' with the region ( including the Trento ACAV ) and the importance of 'Koroniki ' variety . their work , which is being carried out by both technical staff and volunteers, in coping with the emergency , can the In view of the need to continue the programme, can the Commission explain why on earth there have been major Commission confirm that it was not included in the second delays in releasing the funds earmarked for supporting the CSF because the Greek authorities failed to submit a activities of these organizations ? proposal to this effect ?
Answer given by Mrs Bonino Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1995) (29 November 1995)
The Commission is keeping a close watch on the The Commission confirms that the Greek authorities failed humanitarian situation in northern Uganda and the Horn of to request the inclusion in the 1994—1999 Community Africa . It is not the situation in Rwanda but the continuing Support Framework ( CSF ) of continued application of the war in southern Sudan that has caused some 350 000 measures adopted under the 1989—1993 CSF concerning refugees to flood into this part of Uganda . 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/37
To meet considerable humanitarian needs in north-west Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan Uganda the Community has this year financed eight on behalf of the Commission programmes at a total cost of about ECU 4 million . These (1 December 1995) projects involve the drilling of wells, medical care, support for medical feeding centres , the supply of household kits , blankets , plastic sheeting, road works to facilitate refugees' The Commission has requested from the Canadian access to the sites, the construction of latrines and the use of authorities precise figures on the economic impact which a sanitary products . ban would have on indigenous people , but has not received such an assessment .
This integrated programme is being carried out by the The International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) UNHCR, the IFRC and non-governmental organizations . was expected to have established international humane trapping standards , as required by the second option in Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 of 4 November ACAV, the organization to which the Honourable Member 1991 prohibiting the use of leghold traps in the Community refers, is not one of the Commission's partners in the and the introduction into the Community of pelts and integrated programme under way in north-western Uganda , manufactured goods of certain wild animal species so the Commission does not know the reasons for the delays originating in countries which catch them by means of in the release of funds referred to in the question . leghold traps or trapping methods which do not meet international humane trapping standards ( J ). However, the ISO process has so far made little progress . Canada , United There are reckoned to be 4 000 Rwandan refugees in other States and the Commission have therefore agreed to explore regions of Uganda , whose needs are being met by the ways to develop humane trapping standards , and have UNHCR, partly with Community financing . established a working group with this aim . The Commission will continue to participate actively in the efforts of the working group .
(') OJ No L 308 , 9 . 11 . 1991 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2908/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2910/95 by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) and Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (26 October 1995) (26 October 1995) ( 961C 66/61 ) ( 96/C 66/62 )
Subject: Competitions : equal opportunities
Subject: Use of leghold traps In the A6 , A7 and A8 competitions held in 1991 , 1992 , 1993 and 1994 , how many women were there on the juries for the written and oral tests ? Can the Commission provide a With respect , and without prejudice to the ban on imported detailed answer ? furs from Canada in protest against the leghold trap , due to come into force on 1 January 1996, will the Commission undertake an independent study on the social and economic consequences for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada ? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1995) Does the Commission agree that such a study could inform the debate on this issue , which is characterized by wildly different claims by interest groups , and a failure to achieve During the period 1991—1994 , the Commission organized a clear agreement by the International Standards eight competitions at A7/A6 and A8 levels . 85 members Organization ? were nominated for the selection boards, of whom 16 were women, i.e. 19% . The selection boards have the same composition at the written and oral stage . Does the Commission agree that such a study could inform the EU's negotiations should the ban become subject to a Board members are normally nominated from grades above challenge under the WTO by the Canadian Government ? the level of the competition . In 1994 the proportion of No C 66/38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 women in the A1 to A5 grades at the Commission was What is the ratio of women to men in A3 posts ( broken 10% . down by directorates-general/other services )?
In the period 1992—1994 , four competitions were organized for linguistic staff at the LA7 and LA8 grades . 35 % of board members were women . In 1995 , six A7/A6 and A8 competitions were organized for the recruitment of Answer given by Mr Liikanen citizens from Sweden, Finland and Austria . 34% of on behalf of the Commission selection board members for these competitions were (12 December 1995) women .
There were 31 women in A3 posts in the Commission on 27 September 1995, when there were 440 men . Women thus occupy 6,58 % of A3 posts . A table setting out the position WRITTEN QUESTION E-2911/95 at 27 September 1995 as regards women and men in Grade A3 in the Commission's various departments will be sent by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE ) direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's to the Commission Secretariat . (26 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/63 )
Subject: Advisory Committee on Appointments : equal opportunities
How many members does the Advisory Committee on WRITTEN QUESTION E-2913/95 Appointments have, and what proportion of these are by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE ) women ? to the Commission (26 October 1995) 96/C 66/65 Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1995) Subject: Heads of unit at the Commission ?
The Advisory Committee on Appointments consists of three How many women are currently employed as heads standing members ( the Secretary-General , the of unit at the Commission ( broken down by Director-General for Personnel and Administration of the directorates-general/other services ) ? Chef de cabinet of the Member with responsibility for Personnel and Administration ), three full members and three alternate members . One of the three full members is a What is the ratio of women to men in head of unit posts woman, who is currently the only woman Director-General ( broken down by directorates-general/other services)? in the Commission . Thus the ratio women to men is 1 to 6 .
Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-29 12/95 by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE ) to the Commission There were 79 women heads of unit in the Commission on (26 October 1995) 27 September 1995 , when there were 605 men . Women thus ( 96/C 66/64 ) represent 13,05 % of a total of 684 Heads of Unit . A table setting out the position at 29 September 1995 as regards men and women heads of unit in the various departments Subject: Senior administrators : equal opportunities will be sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . How many women currently occupy A3 posts at the Commission ( broken down by directorates-general/other services )? 4 . 3 . 96 I KN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/39
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2914/95 1 . Is the Commission aware ot these reports ? by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE ) to the Commission 2 . Has the Commission been notified of this cooperation arrangement ? (26 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/66 3 . Is the British Government involved in sales of beef under the Farmers' Quality Assurance Scheme ? Subject: Appointments to A1 and A2 posts : equal opportunities 4 . Does the Commission believe that supermarkets with a very large share of the market should enter into In view of the lack of women in the most senior posts ( A1 long-term arrangements, with national suppliers' and A2 ) at the Commission, can the Commission suggest organizations , which specify that the product may that the Member States , especially those which have recently originate in only one region of the European Union, or joined the EU, propose situable candidates for those does this constitute infringement of EU rules on posts ? competition or on government aid ?
5 . Does the Commission feel that Albert Heijn's exclusive Answer given by Mr Liikanen supply agreements are covered by the description in on behalf of the Commission point 4 ? (14 December 1995)
Since the Member States are not asked to propose candidates for Grade A1 and A2 posts, the Commission Answer given by Mr Fischler cannot suggest that they put forward women for these posts . on behalf of the Commission Grade A1 and A2 posts are often filled through internal (6 December 1995) promotion . Where no internal applicant is considered fully satisfactory, the Commission may look for applicants from the outside by making informal contacts, among others , with the Member States . 1 . No .
The new Member States have been informed of the Grade A1 and A2 posts to be filled by their nationals so that they 2 . The Commission has not received notification of any can circulate this information . For the Honourable agreements concerning the purchase of beef by the Albert Member's information, the general recruitment procedure is Heijn chain of supermarkets . still underway . At this point in time, the Commission has appointed one woman to a Grade A1 post and two women to Grade A2 posts . 3 . The Commission is not aware of the extent of any government involvement in the quality assurance scheme . It will therefore make appropriate enquiries with the United Kingdom authorities .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2915/95 4 and 5 . As the Commission is not aware of the details of by Jan Sonneveld ( PPE ) and Bartho Pronk ( PPE ) any agreements concerning the purchase of beef by the to the Commission Albert Heijn chain of supermarkets , it cannot make any Assessment of any such agreements for their compatibility (26 October 1995) with the competition rules of the EC Treaty . In general, if a ( 96/C 66/67 ) retailer decides unilaterally to purchase beef from specific farmers only, such a decision is not likely to infringe the competition rules . Exclusive distribution agreements and Subject: Local farmers excluded from supplying fresh beef exclusive purchasing agreements, which under certain to the largest supermarket chain in the circumstances may fall within the prohibition contained Netherlands in Article 85 ( 1 ) EC Treaty, are compatible with the common market if they meet the conditions of the group The Agrarisch Dagblad of 7 and 10 October 1995 contained exemptions laid down in Commission Regulations ( EEC ) reports to the effect that Albert Heijn, the largest Dutch No 1983/83 ( l ) or ( EEC ) No 1984/83 I 1 ). supermarket chain, has decided to stop buying fresh Dutch beef altogether and instead to concentrate almost exclusively on buying in Greenfields beef from Northern (') OJ No L 173 , 30 . 6 . 1983 . Ireland . According to the reports , Greenfield animals are kept in Northern Ireland on farms participating in the Farmers ' Quality Assurance Scheme . No C 66/40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2920/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2928/95 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission to the Commission (26 October 1995) (26 October 1995) ( 96/C 66/68 ) ( 96/C 66/69 )
Subject: Fishing in the Aegean Sea Subject: Trans-European Networks
In its reply to my question E-l 964/95 (*) the Commission Greek trawlers are allowed to fish in the Aegean Sea for eight says that only infrastructure is included, but that there is no months of the year ( there is a closed season between June aid for services . and September). However, trawlers from the Turkish coast fish all the year round, including during the reproductive period and this has serious consequences for fish stocks in Does not the Commission feel that this subtle distinction the Aegean . may tend to distort competition, given that the Channel project can use the TEN Guidelines ? For example, the London-Channel Tunnel link has been included . However, Given that the Turkish Black Sea fishing fleet has been there is no mention of an improved link between London transferred to the Aegean, owing to the dramatic fall in fish and Ramsgate to connect with the ferry to Ostende and stocks , will the Commission say what measures it intends to subsequently to an existing network . take , in connection notably with the Customs Union with Turkey, with a view to ensuring that that country also respects the arrangements governing Greek island (') OJ No C 270 , 16 . 10 . 1995 , p . 67 . fisheries ?
Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mrs Bonino (1 December 1995) on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1995) As already mentioned in reply to Written Question E-l 964/95 the Commission can confirm that the guidelines Greek legislation places a number of restrictions on the use for the trans-European transport network concern of fishing gear and applies only to Greek territorial waters, transport infrastructure and not services . to which fishing vessels of other nationalities do not have access . It is conceivable that in some cases Community support for certain infrastructures would have an effect on competition The Commission has , however, been seeking for a number between modes of transport . In principle the TENs budget of years to introduce common arrangements concerning the line is available to support any mode of transport . However, management and conservation of Mediterranean resources , the European Council has set a priority for certain projects whereby States which benefit in whatever way from within the multimodal guidelines that it considers of Mediterranean biological resources, undertake to cooperate particular benefit to the Union, the major proportion of with a view to ensuring the protection and development of which concern rail and combined transport . the region's fishery resources . As far as the particular case raised by the Honourable The first step was the diplomatic conference on fishery Member is concerned , it is forecast that a large number of management in the Mediterranean held in Crete in people travelling between the United Kingdom and December 1994 . The second stage will involve practical destinations in Belgium and beyond will benefit from application to the principles adopted in Crete and, to this completion of the Channel Tunnel rail link . The British end, the Commission is planning a second diplomatic authorities have sought support for this project from the TEN-T budget, and it also features as one of the priority conference during 1996 . projects agreed at Essen .
Hence, it is in the framework of such a meeting that rules Since the rail line between London and Ramsgate also forms restricting fishing effort should be adopted rather than in the part of the TEN-T network as currently defined, the British context of the customs union between the Community and authorities could, if they thought it appropriate, also seek Turkey, which applies only to industrial products . financial support from the Community for this line . 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/41
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2929/95 The Commission raised this matter in 1994 with the United by Peter Skinner ( PSE ) Kingdom authorities which acknowledged that the practice of issuing a green card as evidence that third-party cover had to the Commission been extended was incorrect and confirmed that the (27 October 1995) insurance industry had already been approached in this ( 96/C 66/70 ) matter . The Commission is aware that insurance companies in the United Kingdom are still charging drivers extra for green cards and that this matter has therefore not yet been settled . The Commission consequently will again approach Subject: Sale of ' Green Card' insurance in the UK to the British authorities in the near future . motorists travelling abroad ( 1 ) OJ No L 103 , 2 . 5 . 1972 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 129 , 19 . 5 . 1990 . What is the legal position under European Community law concerning the sale of 'Green Card' insurance in the UK for motorists travelling abroad ? Considering that EU law forbids barriers to trade and travel , is it not illegal for this extra charge to be imposed upon UK motorists when they travel abroad ? If this is the case, what will the Commission do to remedy any inconsistency with Community law ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2943/95 by Mathias Reichhold ( NI ) to the Commission (9 November 1995) Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission ( 96/C 66/71 ) (24 November 1995) Subject: EU initiative concerning border areas — Interreg 2 Council Directive 72/166/EEC of 24 April 1972 ( ) ( the green card Directive ) made it possible to stop third-party The project 'Via Auguste' was submitted in summer 1995 . It insurance checks on vehicles registered in one Member State includes a cheese walk along the high Alpine pastures entering another Member State . Thus the production of between Italy and Carinthia . proof of third-party civil liability insurance ( green card ) by Union citizens when crossing intra-Community borders is no longer required . Has this programme already been approved, and to what extent is EU aid being made available ?
The Directive furthermore lays down that each Member State must ensure that vehicles based there have third-party insurance, and that the contract of insurance also covers any loss or injury caused in the territory of other Member Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies States . on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1995)
The Commission subsequently became aware that in a number of Member States motorists who had no intention The Commission expects to adopt in the near future the of taking their vehicle abroad and who therefore did not Interreg II Italy—Austria programme 1994—1999 . It wish to pay for Community-wide cover, could take out foresees a Community contribution from the Structural third-party insurance limited to the national territory . Funds of ECU 4,43 million for Austria and ECU 7,1 million for Italy . Directive 90/232/EEC of May 14 ( 2 ), 1990 relating to insurance against motor vehicle liability removes any The programme includes a proposed measure concerning uncertainty concerning the interpretation of Directive the exploitation and promotion of the common historical 72/166/EEC by obliging Member States to ensure that all and cultural heritage of the border regions concerned, which compulsory insurance policies against motor vehicle will involve projects relating to historical and cultural liability cover the entire Community, on the basis of a single itineraries . However, no details are yet available about the premium . Community insurance companies are thus not individual projects which may be selected for finance when allowed to charge drivers extra for green cards , nor may they the programme is in operation . require that policy holders have to apply for a green card to be covered for third-party civil liability when they want to go abroad . No C 66/42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2944/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2945/95 by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 November 1995) (9 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/72 ) ( 96/C 66/73 )
Subject: rBST use in Polish cattle farms Subject: Genetically engineered organisms in the sales production of Polish breweries 1 . What significance does the rBST moratorium of the European Union have in the association process of Poland 1 . What breweries in the European Union have bought and the Czech Republic ? shares in or taken over firms in the Polish brewing industry ? 2 . To what extent is rBST used in the Czech Republic and Poland ? 2 . Which of these breweries use genetic engineering techniques ? 3 . Is the Polish rBST market supplied through Monsanto and is the same infrastructure used as in supplying the 3 . To what extent do Polish subsidiaries use genetic American market, i.e. manufacture in Austria and engineering techniques which are not permitted in sales packaging in the Netherlands ? production in the EU ?
4 . In cases where question 3 applies , what precautions 4 . Does any such subsidiary market its products within have been taken to exclude illegal diversion of rBST on EU territory ? supply channels through the EU ? 5 . What standards must be complied with if genetically 5 . Is there any information on the effects on health of engineered strains cross the border of the EU for research rBST on the dairy cattle of the countries concerned ? and production purposes ? 6 . How does the Commission assess the use of genetic 6 . Which industries using rBST in Poland and the Czech engineering in sales production of breweries , and what risks Republic export milk, milk products , meat or livestock from are seen therein ? rBST-treated cattle farms in the EU ?
7 . How is the substitution of raw materials from 7 . How does the Commission assess rBST use in the associated states ? agricultural production assessed ?
8 . What consequences are expected for Polish producers , most of whom are small farmers, if undertakings nearer the Answer given by Mr Van den Broek market can increase their production by using rBST ? on behalf of the Commission (14 December 1995)
Answer given by Mr Fischler 1 . Information on investments by Community breweries on behalf of the Commission in third countries such as Poland is not reported to the (8 December 1995) Commission . 2 . The use of production methods involving genetically Council Decision 94/936/EC ( ) of 20 December 1994 modified micro-organisms in contained facilities , such as the concerning bovine somatotrophin ( BST ) prohibits the production and use of genetically modified yeast in the placing on the market of BST in the Member States, and the manufacture of beer, is governed by the provisions of administration on their territory of BST to dairy cows by Directive 90/219/EEC ( a ). An authorization is granted by any means whatsoever . the Member States, which communicate to the Commission only a global number of authorizations given, and do not According to the information available to the Commission, provide detailed information on individual companies . the distribution and use of BST is not authorized in either Poland or the Czech Republic . The Commission does not Products which contain viable genetically modified have information concerning possible irregular distribution, organisms must obtain an authorization pursuant to use or controls in these countries . In the course of its Directive 90/220/EEC ( ! ) prior to their placing on the ongoing dialogue and contacts with the associated market . The Commission has not received any such countries, it will endeavour to clarify the situation . application for beer containing living modified micro-organisms . 0 ) OJ No L 366 , 31 . 12 . 1994 . 3 . The techniques of production used by Polish breweries are not known to the Commission . 4 . 3 . 96 I KN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/43
4 . Just 190 tonnes of beer from Poland were imported The total food-aid package consists of funding for : into the Community. However, these statistics do not give any information on the breweries which produced the — the delivery of food items on grant terms to recipient imported beer nor about the different technologies used . governments for onward sale to the population, — the proper monitoring of the delivery, storage and 5 . Any imported strains would be subject to the same distribution and the collection of the counterpart fund requirements as those produced in the Community . ( as in the previous operation ),
6 . Brewing is traditionally based on fermentation with — the provision of agricultural inputs ( including seeds and the aid of micro-organisms . The Commission has not been fertilizer ) again on grant terms for onward sale to notified of any commercial use of genetically modified farmers , micro-organisms in beer brewing, so no risk assessment is available . — substantial technical assistance to agriculture ,
— programme monitoring and transport assistance . 7 . Since malted cereals have to be used in brewing, there is no substitution of agricultural raw materials . As all counterpart funds will be used to assist the development and restructuring of the agricultural sector, the ( ! ) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990 . technical assistance component will complement the whole operation and has two major objectives :
— satisfactory utilization of the counterpart fund in the agricultural sector,
— policy development to facilitate agriculture and related WRITTEN QUESTION E-2951/95 sectors . by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) to the Commission (9 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/74 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2955/95 by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) Subject: Conclusion of an agreement on the supply of cereals to Armenia to the Commission (9 November 1995) According to a report in 'Agence Europe' on 5 October ( 96/C 66/75 ) 1995 , the EU and Armenia have concluded an agreement on the supply of 160 000 tonnes of cereals . Subject: Human rights violations in the People's Republic of China Are these supplies of cereals accompanied by structural programmes to promote agriculture ? On 6—9 October 1995 the EU-China Joint Committee held a meeting in Brussels pursuant to Article 15 of the 1985 If so, what do these programmes comprise ? trade and cooperation agreement .
If not, why not ? At this meeting : 1 . Did the Commission raise the difficult question of the repeated and continuing human rights violations in Tibet ? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission 2 . If so , which specific cases were discussed ? (30 November 1995)
The approval of the 1995/96 food-aid operation Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan ( ECU 197 million ) to the five recipient States ( Armenia, on behalf of the Commission Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan ) was (12 December 1995) conditional upon substantial measures towards the restructuring of the agricultural sector . Additional details are combined in a document sent direct to the Honourable The Commission has repeatedly drawn attention to the Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat . importance it attaches to the respect of human rights and No C 66/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 other fundamental freedoms . The Commission's July 4 . Does the Commission intend to deal with the Free-Trade communication to the Council on the Community's Agreement on Steel Products at the same time as the long-term policy on China emphasizes the need for Agreement on the Customs Union, pursuant to constructive commitment in this regard . On the occasion of Article 24 of the World Trade Organization ? the visit of the Chinese minister of foreign trade to Brussels for the annual Community-China Joint Committee , the Commission took the opportunity to express the Community's concern about this matter . The violation of human rights in Tibet was specifically mentioned . It would be counter-productive to make public the details of such Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan exchanges . on behalf of the Commission (21 December 1995)
1 . The Community has a considerable trade surplus with Turkey in steel products . Levels of protection for Turkey are high ( up to 35% ) while the duties applicable to European Coal and Steel Community ( ECSC ) products in the Community are low ( on average 5% ). The proposed WRITTEN QUESTION E-2962/95 agreement negotiated with Turkey would effect the by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) immediate removal of all duties and other charges from the to the Commission date it enters into force for some 95 % of the Community's (9 November 1995) exports of ECSC products to Turkey . For the remaining, mainly long, products the relevant duties will be reduced to ( 96/C 66/76 ) half for the first year following the date of entry into force of the agreement, to a quarter for the second and third years and to zero thereafter . The Commission considers that this result is satisfactory in overall terms and also offers a Subject: Free-trade agreement with Turkey in respect of concession in respect of long products . steel products
2 . Article 7 of the agreement is drafted in similar terms to The Commission has reached agreement with the Turkish the corresponding provisions in the agreements with the Government on a free-trade agreement in respect of steel countries of central and eastern Europe . By its terms Turkey products , some provisions of which have greatly alarmed accepts that from the entry into force of the agreement the European Independent Steelworks Association ( EISA ). practices contrary to Community law in the field of The discrimination in favour of Turkey in respect of bars, by competition and State aids are incompatible with the small undertakings , and not in plate, produced by giant agreement . The two-year period is designed to allow Community steelmakers , might be the source of serious implementing rules to be adopted for such obligations , but damage to small Community steelmakers, especially in a does not suspend them in any way . In the event of failure to Community country neighbouring Turkey such as Greece, respect these provisions the agreement will allow the to which transport costs are low . Community to take appropriate measures .
1 . Why is Turkey being given the opportunity to retain 3 . The terms of Article 8 recognise the particular duties on steel rod and bar for a three-year period while circumstances of the Turkish steel industry , namely that Community countries like Greece are removing theirs there is a considerable imbalance in the form of a large on Turkish products ? Why, on the other hand, is Turkey production of long products and a small production of flat being obliged to remove its duties on sheet and plate products, rather than structural over-capacity . The terms of steel ? Article 8 will therefore allow exceptional aid for restructuring subject to the strict criteria set out therein on 2 . Why does Article 7 contain a two-year period during condition that there is no overall increase of capacity . which Turkey will not apply the rules on unfair competition, putting the small-scale Community steel industry at a disadvantage ? Why is not Turkey 4 . The Commission envisages that the new relations with immediately subject to the Community rules on Turkey represented by the customs union and the agreement competition ? in respect of ECSC products will be notified in due course to the World Trade Organization in conformity with Article XXIV of the GATT . 3 . Why will Turkey be allowed for five years to grant State aid for restructuring, while in the countries of the European Union such schemes have to be linked to reductions in overall production capacity ? 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/45
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2966/95 Answer given by Mr Fischler by Mercedes De la Merced Monge ( PPE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (5 December 1995) (9 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/77 ) The Commission is very much aware of the Community market situation regarding tomatoes and has taken the interest of Community producers fully into account in its Subject: Committee of the Regions — establishment plan efforts to achieve a balanced agreement with Morocco .
In view of the prevailing confusion as to the position, and The compromise reached means that Morocco will be able even structure , of the Committee's administrative body, will to maintain its traditional volume of exports but will not be the Commission provide a detailed establishment plan of the allowed to go beyond this level . Community producers will Committee of the Regions ? continue to receive satisfactory protection, particularly through the fixing of an entry price for 20 December to 31 March , a period when Community production is without Will it also provide the names, nationalities and the benefit of any protection since the reference price did not administrative functions of all the people who form part of apply the establishment ? Furthermore , Community imports within the quota will be closely monitored, as was the case under the agreement covering the period 1 January to 31 March 1995 , thereby Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies ensuring proper implementation of the agreement . on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1995)
The Commission will transmit the particulars requested by the Honourable Member direct to her once it has received a WRITTEN QUESTION E-2973/95 reply to its request for information from the Committee of by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) the Regions . to the Commission (9 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/79 )
Subject: Allocation of Structural Funds WRITTEN QUESTION E-2972/95 The Commission recently decided on the allocation of by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE ) Structural Fund reserves up to 1999 . to the Commission (9 November 1995) Can the Commission say what criteria it followed in 96/C 66/78 ) allocating funds to the Resider ( restructuring of steel industry areas ) and Pesca programmes , and in distributing this aid ? Subject: Increased quota for Moroccan tomatoes
The Commission has indicated its agreement to a further Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies increase in the amount of tomatoes imported from on behalf of the Commission Morocco . Morocco has requested a quota of (7 December 1995) 200 000 tonnes per year, in addition to its current quota of 130 000 tonnes, for which it pays a tariff of ECU 560 per tonne , a substantial reduction in relation to the GATT agreements, which set an entry price of ECU 920 . The Commission awarded a single allocation for all four industrial restructuring initiatives ( Konver, Rechar, Resider and Retex ), which together received 16% of the total Is the Commission aware of the damage which increasing reserve in 1994 and 23 % or ECU 380 million in 1995 . It is the Moroccan quota will do to tomato producers in the up to each Member State to decide how much each initiative Canary Islands , where this sector employs more than receives in light of the prevailing national situation . 50 000 people ? ECU 30 million from the reserve was allocated to Pesca . No C 66/46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
As in 1994 , the share of the total allocation given to concerning cooperation with Cuba . It has not received any individual Member States depended on their degree of request to take part in initiatives in connection with the eligibility for the various fields covered by each initiative . As Jaragua power plant, which is still under construction . regards funding reductions , certain adjustments were made to avoid the award of negligible amounts, especially for Cuba is a member of the IAEA ( International Atomic Energy Pesca , which would make consistent planning difficult . Agency), the specialized UN Agency dealing with nuclear energy . Within its framework, Cuba has signed safeguard In sharing out total reserve funding between the Member agreements and the agency's inspectors visit the country States, the Commission also took account of the decisions of each year . the Edinburgh European Council in order to keep in step with the quota for Objective 1 regions and the total level of In addition to the above, in April 1995 Cuba signed the funding for the four Member States covered by the Cohesion Treaty of Tlatelolco on peaceful uses of nuclear energy . Fund ( Portugal , Greece , Ireland and Spain). (M COM(95 ) 306 .
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2983/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2974/95 by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (1 November 1995) (9 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/81 ) ( 96/C 66/80 )
Subject: Tacis programmes for central Asia and Subject: Nuclear power station in Jaragua , Cuba Mongolia
On Wednesday 1 1 October 1995 , the Commission adopted In view of the Commission's intention to strengthen 21 Tacis projects and a number of inter-regional projects relations between the Union and Cuba , could it investigate ( Agence Europe , 12 . 10 . 95 ). the current state of the Jaragua nuclear power plant, which is half-built in Cienfuegos , Cuba ? It would be particularly interesting to know whether the Russian Federation will Could the Commission give details of the projects which reinstate the generous financial aid which was cut off when concern, in part or in whole , the five countries of central the USSR broke up , and whether measures are envisaged to Asia and Mongolia ? ensure that safety standards meet those required in the West . Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1995) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1995) The article in Agence Europe of 12 October 1995 to which the Honourable Member refers concerns a Commission Decision regarding the Phare and Tacis programme for the promotion and reinforcement of democracy in beneficiary In view of recent Parliament reports and resolutions on the countries . situation in Cuba , on 28 June last year the Commission presented a communication to the Council and Parliament The Tacis democracy programme is used every six months entitled 'Relations between the European Union and to finance projects submitted to promote democracy in the Cuba ' ( ] ). The communication proposed a dialogue which former Soviet Union and in Mongolia . It is run jointly with would enable the future framework for relations with Cuba the Phare democracy programme for central Europe . to be established, bearing in mind changes taking place in the country in terms of economic and institutional reforms . In October 1995 the Commission approved 53 projects as part of this programme, of which about half were for the former Soviet Union . Of the latter, five were for projects in Up to now, cooperation with Cuba has focused on central Asia and Mongolia . This reflects the relatively low humanitarian and food aid and on projects carried out level of involvement of non-governmental organizations through NGOs . The Commission does not have any ( NGO ) in that region . The Commission , both through the information on the Russian Federation's intentions delegation of the Commission in Kazakhstan, and also 4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/47 through the Tacis democracy programme , is seeking to approved ( ) the Greek Government's interdepartmental increase the level of NGO involvement and hopes thus that decision No 148 of 30 November 1994 concerning aid for the number of democracy programme activities in that investment by farmers pursuant to Council Regulation region will increase . ( EEC ) No 2328/91 and Regulation ( EEC ) No 2019/93 dealing more specifically with islands in the Aegean .
In order to meet more effectively the difficulties of smaller islands in the Aegean, the maximum level of official aid was raised to 55 % of the investment and to 65 % in the case of young farmers . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2988/95 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) The upper limit for investment eligible for aid in respect of to the Commission farm-based tourist operations is Dr 35 million per holding (9 November 1995) ( equivalent to some ECU 120 000 ). This is in itself an appreciable amount . The Council , however, decided to raise ( 96/C 66/82 ) the ceiling to ECU 180 000 , equivalent to some Dr 50 million . Subject: Failure to implement a policy for the provision of rural tourist facilities in remote areas of Greece Accordingly, subject to the availability of budget funds and provided that socio-economic imperatives so warrant, the Greek authorities are free to propose to the Commission Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328/91 (*) provides for aid that the ceiling authorized hitherto in Greece generally and, schemes for farmers in remote areas wishing to add extra where appropriate , in the Aegean islands in particular, be rooms to their premises for rent to tourists . uprated .
From the conclusions of a meeting held to discuss ways of (M Decision 95/562/EC of 28 March 1995 . developing the Ikaria-Fournoi district of the Department of Samos , it emerged that, under a decision by the Ministry of Agriculture ( No 427124 of 24 . 11 . 94, appearing in Official Gazette No 925B of 14 . 12 . 94 ), the Greek authorities have imposed extremely strict criteria for approval of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2996/95 addition of such rooms , resulting in a total loss of interest in the aid scheme among farmers on the island of Ikaria , in by Mark Killilea ( UPE ) view of the increased bureaucracy involved and the required to the Commission initial outlay on surveys , travel and what have now become (13 November 1995) high-risk investments . Whereas 25 such rural tourist initiatives were previously approved , following the ( 96/C 66/83 ) ministerial decision , no new applications have been submitted . Subject: Tacis Democracy Programme and the disabled
1 . What representations will the Commission make to the It is an accepted fact that the majority of disabled people in Greek authorities with a view to facilitating the society live on the poverty line . Given the extent of economic implementation of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328/91 in upheaval in former Russia, and the complete breakdown of remote island areas such as Ikaria , for which the former social structures and supports , it must also be Regulation was principally intended ? accepted that disabled people living there are among the most disadvantaged in society today . 2 . Would it be willing to support the creation of a national network to process applications from farmers and Given that disability equates with poverty, can the facilitate the implementation of the above Regulation in remote islands such as Ikaria ? Commission state its position, and also the position of its office responsible for the Tacis Democracy Programme , when dealing with applications received from NGOs (!) OJ No L 218 , 6 . 8.1991 , p . 1 . seeking to assist the disabled and disadvantaged in former Russia , now the Commonwealth of Independent States ?
Does it not consider that such applications would be among Answer given by Mr Fischler the most important it would receive, given what it wishes to on behalf of the Commission achieve in the CIS ? (29 November 1995) Does it intend to facilitate NGOs and other organizations who put forward strong, feasible proposals in this Following the favourable opinion delivered by the regard ? Committee on Agricultural Structures and Rural Development on 27 January this year, the Commission If not, will it give the reasons why ? No C 66/48 I EN ! Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek In view of the characteristics of the programme to on behalf of the Commission restructure the tomato sector submitted by the Spanish (11 December 1995) authorities and the constraints of Community legislation on agricultural structures , the Commission did not accept the Spanish application for Community The purpose of the interventions of the Commission in the funding.' former Soviet Union is to assist the smooth transition to a market economy in a democratic society . We are disappointed at this incomplete answer .
The objective of the Tacis democracy programme is to 1 . In particular, does it apply to all programmes involving improve the quality of society from the point of view of EU funds for co-financing in the horticultural sector ? democracy, and to this end support is given in relation to parliamentary practice and to the building of the institutions 2 . Does the Spanish Government provide the horticultural of a healthy plural society . sector with any other form of aid which would stand in the way of ordinary competition ? Applications from non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ) dealing with the disabled and disadvantaged , if ( ] ) OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995 , p . 70 . their projects are designed to further the objectives of the ( 2 ) OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995 , p . 62 . Tacis democracy programme, would be considered . Where those applications are strong and feasible as well as furthering the objectives of the programme , they would have good chances of being accepted . Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission At present, only about one in seven applications under the (11 December 1995) Tacis democracy programme include proposals in favour of the disabled and disadvantaged . 1 . The Commission's answer of 25 July, quoted in the Programmes of the Commission other than the Tacis Honourable Members' question, concerns only the democracy programme are also concerned with the programme for restructuring the tomato sector in Spain . disabled . Mainstream Tacis projects have supported reform of social protection, while the Tacis Lien programme is However, Community contributions to the financing of particularly concerned with the co-financing of NGO structural measures for various agricultural products, under projects which help the poor and the vulnerable in the former Soviet Union . operational programmes for the Objective 1 regions of Spain, are subject to the Commission's approval of the relevant aid arrangements .
2 . So far as the Commission is aware there are no support measures in the horticultural sector in Spain that stand in the way of competition . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2998/95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens ( ELDR ) and Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission (13 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/84 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2999/95 by Leen van der Waal ( EDN ) Subject: European aid to Spanish glasshouse to the Commission horticulturalists (13 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/85 ) On 16 August 1995 the Commission referred, in answer to Written Question E-2077/95 (') by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens ( ELDR ) and Jan Mulder ( ELDR), to its answer of 25 July 1995 to Written Question E-1878/95 ( 2 ) Subject: Extending the export season for Moroccan fruit and vegetables by Jan Sonneveld ( PPE ) in which it said :
'The Commission was notified on 7 October 1994 of a According to the Reformatorisch Dagblad of 14 October programme to restructure the Spanish tomato sector 1995 the draft cooperation agreement between Morocco with a view to obtaining Community funding under the and the EU offers Morocco greater access to the EU market operational programmes for certain Objective 1 regions for vegetables, fruit and cut flowers in exchange for of Spain . concessions to Spanish fishermen . 4 . 3 . 96 I hn i Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/49
1 . Can the Commission confirm the accuracy of this Community producers' earnings and disrupt the report ? Community market .
2 . If so, can it give further details of this more generous access to the market ?
3 . Does the Commission agree that a further opening up of the market in the fruit and vegetable sector will have a detrimental effect on products whose prices are already WRITTEN QUESTION E-3000/95 too low, such as tomatoes where the entry prices will be by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) cut quite drastically ? to the Commission 4 . Does the Commission share my analysis that European (13 November 1995) producers are not in any way responsible for the 96/C 66/86 ) fisheries conflict between the EU and Morocco and that therefore they should not be victimized in any way for it ? Subject: Commission grant of ECU 2 million to the Netherlands for regional planning pilot projects 5 . Is the Commission prepared to do what it can to prevent extra competition from Moroccan fruit and vegetables on the EU market ? Shortly after the floods early this year in the Netherlands it appeared that the Commission did not have sufficient 6 . If, despite all the efforts , it should prove impossible to funds available to make a contribution towards the prevent greater access to the market for Moroccan cost of strengthening dykes, although Commissioner products , what measures is the Commission planning to Wulf-Mathies made available ECU 2 million for regional take to restrict the loss of earnings for producers planning pilot projects . suffering from what is already a saturated tomato market ? Can the Commission indicate the results of these projects ?
Answer given by Mr Fischler Is the recent grant of aid a result of this , and will the'projects on behalf of the Commission financed in this way be subject to environmental impact (14 December 1995) reports ?
In the negotiations with Morocco on the future arrangements for imports of fruit, vegetables and cut Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies flowers , the Commission was fully mindful of the situation on behalf of the Commission on the Community market and aimed for a balanced (5 December 1995) agreement which would do justice to the interests of Community producers . The Commission did indeed set aside ECU 2 million under For tomatoes a compromise was agreed allowing Morocco Article 10 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254/88 , as amended ( J ), to maintain traditional trade flows in full but offering to help with flood control measures in the Meuse and Rhine nothing in excess of that level , and ensuring that basins . Community producers continue to receive adequate protection . One way of doing this was to set an entry price for 20 December — 31 March, a period during which The money is to be used to part-finance study programmes Community producers used not to be protected as the being carried out for the interdepartmental working party reference price regime did not apply . set up by the ministries responsible for development planning in the five Member States concerned ( Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands ). As was the case under the arrangements valid from 1 January to 31 March this year, imports under the quota will be subject to strict surveillance to ensure that the However, at the last meeting of the working party, held in agreement is applied correctly . Namur on 29 September, it was not found possible to present a sufficiently detailed programme in time for the The concession for cut flowers has been raised to ECU 2 million to be committed in 1995 . The programme is due to be presented in the next few months , and the money 3 000 tonnes , subject to a system of minimum import prices , will therefore be committed early in 1996 . plus a further 2 000 tonnes for tropical flowers . All these duty-free imports are subject to an import schedule so that the concession is valid only from 15 October to 14 May of It will consist of preliminary studies designed to identify each year ( or 31 May in the case of carnations ). Being suitable measures which could be adopted or recommended confined to the winter, such imports are unlikely to affect jointly by the relevant development planning authorities, No C 66/50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
including building restrictions and the reclamation of The Commission has always stressed respect for human natural flood channels . rights , the protection of minorities and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms in its dealings with the Croat This work should not be confused with the operational authorities . During talks with them on 23 October in New programmes to be funded under the new Interreg II C York , the Commission voiced concern over 'Operation Community Initiative, though these will not comprise any Storm'. It was told by the Croat authorities that inquiries major infrastructure projects and are therefore unlikely to were under way and that those responsible for the killings require environmental impact assessments under national would be brought to trial . legislation applying Directive 85/337/EEC ( 2 ) or its subsequent amendments . Needless to say, an environmental impact study would be carried out if this were to prove necessary .
(') OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3019/95 ( 2 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission (13 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/88 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3010/95 by Amedo Amadeo ( NI ) Subject: Classification of defraudment of the EU budget as an offence to the Commission (13 November 1995) On 1 July 1995 a new law came into force in Spain on ( 96/C 66/87 ) defraudment of social security and other public funds ( Organic Law 6/1995 of 29 June ). Subject: Human rights Examination of the law reveals that defraudment of the European Union budget is not classified as an offence, According to recent press reports , teams of UN monitors contrary to what was provided for in the draft law; only the have uncovered evidence of possible mass killings in budgets of the State , the autonomous regions and the Krajina . The slaughter apparently occurred in the village of various kinds of local authority can be regarded as the Varivolde , close to the town of Knin, until this summer a 'victims' of such an offence . Serb stronghold .
Following the lightning attack by the Croats , over 150 000 Can the Commission give its views on the fact that the law in Serbs fled in a mass exodus, leaving behind just a few question , on defraudment of public funds , does not apply to thousand elderly people , and it would seem that some 15 of defraudment of the European Union budget ? the latter were the victims of the 'Varivolde massacre'.
Can the Commission supply further details of the incident ? Answer given by Mrs Gradin What steps will it take vis-a-vis the Zagreb Government ? on behalf of the Commission (21 December 1995)
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission The Commission is aware that amendments to the existing (11 December 1995) legislation have been adopted in Spain, since this was mentioned in the report submitted by Spain in response to the request by the Essen Council . The Commission does know about the incident in Krajina to which the Honourable Member refers . It has received It is true that the Organic Law 6/1995 amending the detailed reports from a number of sources including the criminal code does not mention the financial interests of the mission of Community and UN observers and is aware of Community . However, the new criminal code incorporates the gravity of the affair . in Articles 306 and 309 a specific offence of fraud against the Community budget ( Organic Law 10/1995 ). When the Croat offensive on Krajina was announced, the EU decided on 4 August to suspend negotiations on a The Commission wishes to point out that the Convention cooperation agreement with Croatia and activities under the on the protection of the financial interests of the Phare programme . All links in these two areas have Community, which was signed in July 1995 , has now to be therefore now been broken off. ratified by all the Member States . This convention clearly 4 . 3 . 96 I fc-N | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/51
intends to ensure that Member States do sanction fraud to reverse the decision to restart unit 1 and to have the committed against the financial interests of the Community . necessary technical sampling and testing performed . The Commission hopes that Spain soon will ratify this convention .
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3031/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3035/95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 November 1995) (15 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/89 ) ( 96/C 66/90 )
Subject: Start-up of the Bulgarian nuclear power station at Subject: EU—US trade relations Kozloduy
The Bulgarian Government has decided to restart the In accordance with Super 301 legislation, the US Trade nuclear power station at Kozloduy, which is in desperately Representative , Mr Mickey Kantor, has submitted to poor condition . Congress his annual report on trade barriers , which lists practices which might in future be termed priority practices 1 . What amount of Community resources has so far with a view to triggering retaliation by the US flowed to Bulgaria in connection with the Kozloduy Administration . nuclear power station ? ( a ) Under what programmes/budget headings has this With regard to the EU the report observes inter alia that support been provided ? the EU Member States continue to apply discriminatory practices in connection with the awarding of contracts in the ( b ) What objectives were sought in granting these telecommunications sector . According to the report, this funds ? means that the sanctions introduced against the EU in 1993 will remain in force and will be extended to the three new 2 . What specific steps does the Commission plan to take in Member States ( Austria , Finland and Sweden ). the hope that the irresponsibly dangerous restarting of the Kozloduy power station may yet be prevented ? In contrast to many other States — and in spite of trade totalling ECU 190 billion — the EU still has no bilateral framework treaty with the US . A meeting is to take place Answer given by Mr Van den Broek between the 15 EU Heads of State or Government and on behalf of the Commission President Clinton at the forthcoming EU Summit in Madrid , (8 December 1995) when discussions are scheduled on the negotiation of a bilateral treaty and, subsequently, the creation of a transatlantic economic area . 1 . Up to now, approximately ECU 32 million have been committed directly by the Commission to improve the safety of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant ( NPP ). Moreover, the Is it the Commission's aim, as part of negotiations on a Community has made a contribution to the nuclear safety bilateral EU—US Treaty, to achieve full liberalization of account managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction trade in the telecommunications and agricultural sectors ? and Development . The nuclear safety account is presently implementing a project for the Kozloduy NPP ( budget — ECU 24 million ), in particular for units 3 and 4 . Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan ( a ) The grants have been funded via the Phare national on behalf of the Commission programme for nuclear safety in Bulgaria , and through the Phare regional programme for nuclear safety . (22 December 1995) ( b ) The report issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency of Vienna in 1993 acknowledged that The Community—United States summit that took place in significant safety improvements had been reached Madrid on 3 December 1995 , adopted a political statement . in Kozloduy thanks to the assistance of the 'The new transatlantic agenda', together with a detailed Community . joint Community—United States action plan . These provide inter alia for a joint study on ways of facilitating trade in 2 . The Commission is in continued political and goods and services and further reducing or eliminating tariff technical dialogue with the Bulgarian Government aiming and non-tariff barriers . There is also a commitment to No C 66/52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96 explore , in preparation for the World Trade Organization Can the Commission say whether the Kozloduy nuclear ( WTO ) Singapore ministerial meeting, the possibility of reactor has come into operation again or whether it will do agreeing a mutually satisfactory package of tariff reductions so soon ? If so, does it intend to bring any pressure to bear to on industrial products and to consider which, if any, ensure its closure until such time as the reactor meets the Uruguay Round obligations on tariffs can be implemented safety requirements ? on an accelerated basis .
The summit conclusions state the intention to expand and Answer given by Mr Van den Broek develop the bilateral information society dialogue , in order on behalf of the Commission to further common understanding of global issues implying (12 December 1995) access to information services .
The Bulgarian nuclear regulatory authorities gave While the sanctions cited by the Honourable Member do permission for reactor No 1 at the Kozloduy nuclear power indeed remain in force , they do not cause any significant station to be brought back into operation on 4 October harm to the European industry according to European 1995 . The reactor is now in operation . industry sources . The Commission has repeatedly made representations to the As far as telecommunications services are concerned, the Bulgarian authorities at all levels in order to try and Commission is currently conducting negotiations in the convince them of the need to carry out the tests WTO seeking a multilateral solution with comprehensive recommended by the European consortium of nuclear safety commitments from all interested WTO partners about bodies . Following the restart of the reactor , the Commission market access and national treatment under the General has been maintaining contacts with the Bulgarian Agreement on Trade in Services ( GATS ). The extension of authorities in the hope of securing an early shutdown of the the GATS disciplines to cover commitments in the reactor so that the tests may be carried out . telecommunications services area , including ' basic' voice telephony is a priority for the Community which goes in parallel with its calendar for internal Community liberalization by 1998 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3043/95 Finally , there is no present intention to conclude a bilateral by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) treaty with the United States . to the Commission ( 15 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/92
Subject: The European ceramic industry
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3042/95 The Liaison Bureau of Ceramic Industries of the Common Market ( Cerame-Unie ) has asked the Commission and the by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) Council to take retaliatory trade measures against Poland in to the Commission order to make it abolish its present certification system (15 November 1995) which, according to Cerame-Unie , is a protectionist measure which means that all ceramic products imported by Poland ( 96/C 66/91 ) must pass a certification test in order to be allowed onto the market .
Subject: Nuclear safety Are the conclusions reached by the Commission in favour or against the request made by Cerame-Unie ? In the context of the Community programme for technical assistance to the countries of central and eastern Europe ( Phare ) a European consortium of nuclear safety bodies Answer given by Mr Van den Broek drew up and forwarded to the Bulgarian Government a on behalf of the Commission report which claims that the Kozloduy nuclear power (18 December 1995) station is unsafe and that in the present circumstances to bring its No 1 reactor back into operation, as is apparently planned , would constitute a considerable risk . The main The Commission is fully aware of the concerns of the liaison adverse factors mentioned in the report are the actual office of the European ceramic industry about the new characteristics of the containment vessel ( its age, small Polish certification system, which applies not only to diameter, high content of impurities, etc .) and the ceramics but also to a large number of other industrial uncertainties regarding the methods used to assess the products . The Commission has been following this matter condition of the reactor after 17 years in operation . very closely in order to find appropriate solutions . 4 . 3 . 96 I HN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/53
Indeed, at the Commission's request, high level As recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization consultations with the Polish authorities on the Polish and by other bodies with expertise in this sector, there is in certification system have taken place . Moreover, the reality a global shortage of raw hides . One result of this Commission raised the matter in June within the situation is that several third countries have introduced Association Committee and in July within the Association restrictions upon the export of their own raw hides which Council , in the framework of the Europe Agreement . In two can lead to problems of double pricing and which further meetings , one held in August and another in exacerbate the global shortage . October, the Commission discussed with the Polish authorities adjustments to be introduced in the Polish certification system, including the field of ceramics , so as to The Commission and Member States have actively opposed all such measures and these problems have been raised avoid trade impairments . directly with those countries concerned . The most advanced of these cases concerns Poland where the inability to find a As a result of those discussions, the Polish authorities have negotiated solution has led the Community to initiate the now agreed to eliminate a number of ceramic products from dispute settlement procedure foreseen under the provisions the list of products subject to obligatory certification in of the Europe Agreement . Poland . They are also willing to limit to specific utilizations ( such as health service premises , collective restaurants or However, it should be noted that export restrictions are agrifood processing plants ) .the obligatory certification of among many factors responsible for the shortage of raw the remaining ceramic products . materials — such as changes in livestock management and the fact that there is a decreasing demand for red meat in many developed countries ( as a consequence herd sizes have been decreasing ). It should also be noted that most major overseas sources for European imports of raw hides do not impose any export restrictions .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3044/95 The Community does not presently maintain export by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) restrictions on industrial products for economic reasons and to the Commission considering the above circumstances there is a risk that to do (15 November 1995) so for raw hides could be counter-productive . It might lead to the introduction of similar measures by additional third { 96/C 66/93 ) countries and undermine the Community's negotiating position with countries which already have introduced such measures . Under these circumstances the Commission has Subject: The European leather industry no plans to propose safeguard measures on the export of raw hides .
The Confederation of the EEC Tanning industry ( Cotance ) has expressed concern at the threat of a shortage of raw However, where negotiated solutions cannot be found, the materials in this sector, owing to the restrictions imposed by Commission is determined to use the available multilateral certain third countries in order to reduce their exports of and bilateral dispute settlement procedures and will leather and skins . In a communique Cotance calls for the continue to work in close cooperation with European adoption of measures to safeguard the Union's raw industry to remove restrictions in third markets . materials , unless European tanners can be guaranteed access to third countries' resources on a reciprocal basis , since at present the Union's raw materials are accessible to all international operators .
In view of this situation, can the Commission say whether it WRITTEN QUESTION E-3046/95 has given consideration to adopting the safeguard measures called for by the European leather industry ? by Ben Fayot ( PSE ) to the Commission (15 November 1995) 96/C 66/94 ) Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (3 January 1996) Subject: European Union construction project in Geneva
The European Union is involved in a building project in The Commission is fully aware of the difficulties which a Geneva which has aroused considerable opposition among shortage of raw material is causing the European tanning sections of the public , particularly as regards the chosen industry . site . No C 66/54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Exactly what offices does the European Union require in The Council is considering the possibility of occupying Geneva ? offices and meeting rooms in this building and the Commission awaits its decision. The parties' interest in all If the building project goes ahead, how much will the moving into the building arises out of the internal design and European Union have to pay for it ? layout of the complex where offices are arranged around the meeting rooms intended for use by the Council in Geneva . Why has the European Union consented to the selection of a site earmarked by law for housing rather than a site which might have been better located or less expensive ? The developer has made those Member States who do not own their Geneva premises offers regarding moving into the building . Is it true that the developer with whom the European Union is in contact intends to render his Foyer Secheron property The National Council of the Swiss Confederation and the more lucrative by building offices there for which he could Canton of Geneva have expressed interest at the political obtain planning permission only on condition that at least level in the project being carried out but have not yet been 70 % of the building area was intended for use by the able to remove all the legal and administrative obstacles that Community institutions ? have to be overcome before a building permit can be granted . This is because local residents have appealed What is the situation with regard to the 'Maison Europa ' against the project . which has been a factor in the controversy over the Secheron site for years ? The developer wants a contract guaranteeing that the parties will move into the projected building before starting work . However, for the reason given above ( the administrative proceedings ), and because it still awaits the Council's Answer given by Mr Van den Broek Decision, the Commission has not yet signed the on behalf of the Commission contract . (IS December 1995) (') SEC(92 ) 1213 final .
On 29 June 1992 the Commission sent the Council and Parliament a communication on the construction in Geneva of a building to house all the diplomatic missions of the Member States, the Commission and the Council ( [ ). WRITTEN QUESTION P-3052/95 by Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) Coreper examined the communication on 22 July that year to the Commission and decided to await the conclusions of a meeting of property experts which had been scheduled as part of the (9 November 1995) work of the Working Group on Administrative Affairs ( 96/C 66/95 ) ( Political Cooperation). Parliament's Committee on Budgets ( whose rapporteur was Mrs Theato ) examined the Subject: Revision of the chocolate Directive matter at its 22 September meeting the same year . The Working Group on Administrative Affairs examined the Apparently the Commission's DG III has produced a pre-feasibility study on 21 and 22 September 1992 , and the preliminary draft proposal for the revision of Council Political Committee considered it on 6 and 13 November . Directive 73/24 1 /EEC on the approximation of the laws of All these discussions led to the conclusion that the project the Member States relating to cocoa and chocolate products was politically appropriate but that, for reasons relating to intended for human consumption (*). Before this draft is the budget, immediate construction could not be submitted to the Members of the Commission , the Member considered . States and the social sectors involved will be informed about , the substance of the proposal and asked for their views . When, subsequently, the Commission, the Council and some Member States had to resolve the problem of office Can the Commission provide a list of persons and/or space in Geneva , they again contacted political and property organizations which are to be informed and/or asked their circles there . The result was a fundamental recasting of the views on the draft proposal ? project . It would no longer be a question of the Commission acting as project leader and having a single building put up ( l ) OJ No L 228 , 16 . 8.1973 , p . 23 . to house all the parties , but of a private developer offering office space which the parties could purchase , rent or lease with an option to purchase, and of missions interested in Answer given by Mr Bangemann doing so moving into the building . on behalf of the Commission (30 November 1995) The Commission received an offer from a private company concerning premises that meet its requirements in a building to be put up on the Secheron site ( which is the property of The Commission has consulted the Member States and the another company in the same group ). representatives of the socio-professional circles who sit on 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/55 the Advisory Committee on Foodstuffs ( agriculture, WRITTEN QUESTION E-3067/95 industry, workers, consumers and trade ). National and by Christoph Konrad ( PPE ) international organizations and the countries affected by to the Commission amendments to the Directive have had an opportunity to express their opinions both orally and in writing during (20 November 1995) bilateral meetings with the Commission . ( 96/C 66/97 )
Subject: Structure and remit of the military arm of the CFSP
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3053/95 by Mair Morgan ( PSE ) 1 . What structure and what remit is the military arm of to the Commission the European Union to have in the context of the common foreign and security policy outlined in Articles J. 5 and J. 8 ( 3 ) (9 November 1995) of the Treaty on European Union ? ( 96/C 66/96 )
2 . What are the Commission's thoughts as regards the Subject: Staffing for the ' Youth for Europe III' drafting of the military law applicable to a future European Programme army ?
In view of the problems brought about by the late adoption of the 'Youth for Europe III' and the pressure to ensure that 3 . How will it guarantee the right of association for all applications are processed within tight deadlines, members of armed forces in Europe ? additional members of staff are needed to ensure the successful implementation of the programme . 4 . What steps will it take to safeguard the legal and social position of soldiers in Europe , in particular those belonging When will the Commission appoint extra staff and how will to integrated European units ? this be done ?
Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Van den Broek (4 December 1995) on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1995)
The Commission is aware of the need to counteract the problems caused by the delay in adopting the 'Youth for Europe III' programme . The Commission regrets that it cannot provide a precise answer to the written question . Under Article J.4 of the Union Treaty and the Declaration on Western European It agrees with the Honourable Member that the programme Union attached to the Treaty, the WEU may be asked to must be implemented successfully, to the benefit of young draft and implement decisions and actions of the Union people in the Community . relating to defence . The WEU is an autonomous body distinct from the EU, whose structure and tasks are To ensure this , the Commission is going to allocate adequate determined by its own fully independent bodies . Article J.4 staff to the department responsible, in tandem with the also stipulates that the provision of the Article itself may be reform and improvement of the programme management revised at the 1996 IGC . The Commission has already noted that the security and defence element of the CFSP has still system . not really taken shape and believes there is an urgent need to reach a clearer consensus on the long-term role of the WEU The Commission will keep Parliament informed about and its position in relation to the EU . progress achieved in the course of 1996 . No C 66/56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3075/95 This guideline provides aid to personnel and material by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) expenditure in the areas of advisory systems , vocational training and further training, special courses, seminars and to the Commission conferences, agricultural chambers and other institutions of (20 November 199S) agricultural infrastructure , public relations measures not ( 96/C 66/98 ) related to products, research and demonstration projects, performance control and certain animal health measures, organizational cost of animal exhibitions , and start-up aid Subject: Financial support for producers' organizations in for producer organizations . Aid to individuals includes fees the apiculture sector to lecturers , school fees for apprentices and long-service bonuses to labourers . Can the Commission supply information concerning the amount of aid given to producers ' organizations in the The measures under this guideline refer in particular to the apiculture sector in the various Member States ? In the case sectors of organic farming, integrated plant production , of Portugal can it also say on what date the funds were transferred ? fruit, vegetable and wine production, quality improvement and alternative animal husbandry .
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3089/95 The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the by Giles Chichester ( PPE ) Commission's answers to his Written Question to the Commission No 2454/94 (*) and to Written Question No 2148/94 by (20 November 1995) Mrs Antoinette Spaak ( 2 ). { 961C 66/100 ) (') OJ No C 145 , 12 . 6 . 1995 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 88 , 10 . 4 . 1995 . Subject: Infringements of EU agricultural policy
Given the widely held perception in the United Kingdom that European legislation is more rigorously enforced in the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3084/95 United Kingdom , what information do you have about by Mathias Reichhold ( NI ) breaches of agriculture Regulations in the then 12 EU Member States during the 1994 calendar year ? to the Commission (20 November 1995) Are figures broken down as to : ( 96/C 66/99 ) 1 . the number of reported infringements,
Subject: Approval of State subsidies for the agricultural 2 . the number of prosecutions sector 3 . how many were successful, and In the week of 16 to 20 October 1995 , the Commission approved a number of State subsidies for the agricultural 4 . how many unsuccessful ? sector . These include measures to support services in various agricultural sectors in Austria . Are figures available showing reported instances of fraud What measures are intended, what services are referred to, expressed as a monetary value and as a proportion of overall and which agricultural sectors are concerned ? agriculture turnover or output ?
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1995) (7 December 1995)
No such decision was taken in the period stated . However the Commission did decide on 16 August 1995 and Since most of the figures requested are in the twelfth annual 4 October 1995 to raise no objections to parts of the report on monitoring of the application of Community law comprehensive Austrian services guideline ( special guideline ( 1994 ) ('), the Commission would refer the Honourable to promote material and personnel expenses ). Member to it . 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/57
Nevertheless , as the questions asked relate to a specific area , industry, given its nature and importance , should be used as the Commission would add that it last year launched eight a bargaining counter in negotiations . infringement procedures against Member States which failed to comply with agricultural Regulations ( Italy 3 , Portugal 1 , France 3 , Spain 1 ). However, longer-term trends I therefore wish to ask the Commission again, as a matter of cannot be extrapolated from the 1994 figures . urgency , to state what action it is taking to ensure that the Portuguese canning industry is not sacrificed in the fishery agreements with Morocco . As the twelfth annual report shows, the Commission did have to deal with cases of infringement in the UK and kept a ( ] ) OJ No C 51 , 21 . 2 . 1996 , p . 14 . very close eye on the measures adopted by the government to stop abuses by the Milk Marketing Boards .
As for the incorporation of Community farm Directives into Answer given by Mrs Bonino national law, the Commission last year opened 307 on behalf of the Commission infringement procedures, 22 of them against the UK . This (1 December 1995) compares with a low of 20 , against the Netherlands , and a high of 32 , against Greece , and so no conclusions can be drawn . The Commission is unable to agree with the Honourable Member's view regarding the possibility of the Portuguese As regards fraud or irregularities against the Guarantee sardine canning industry having been used as a bargaining Section of the EAGGF , the Commission was notified by counter in the negotiations for a fishery agreement with the Member States of 1 610 cases costing ECU 416 million Morocco . ( UK : ECU 11 million ) in 1994 . Total expenditure on the Guarantee Section of the EAGGF was about There can be no doubt, however, that the terms governing ECU 32 970 million ( ECU 2 799 million of which went to access for preserved sardines to the Community market are the UK ). set within a context of tariff dismantling that has been in progress since 1976 , i.e. for nearly 20 years , and the latest (') OJ No C 254, 29 . 9 . 1995 . tariff concessions for Moroccan preserved sardines form part of that process .
Furthermore , the Commission is firmly of the view that the gradual dismantling of tariffs and the removal of quotas provided for by the association Agreement, with regard to Moroccan preserved sardines , are not such as to affect the relative competitiveness of imported products and WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 110/95 Community production (a 2 % difference in retail prices will by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE/NGL ) not alter the conditions of competition ). to the Commission (13 November 1995) With regard to the sardine industry generally , the ( 96/C 66/101 ) Commission would stress that it has constantly striven to improve the competitiveness of Community products , notably in the interests of safeguarding jobs in the industry . It is also convinced that the industry must modernize Subject: Negotiations with Morocco and the Portuguese thoroughly its plant and equipment and its marketing canning industry techniques , in order to raise quality standards, improve the product and promote consumption . In agreement with the Member States concerned , the Commission will examine the In her reply to my question ( E-2379/95 ( x )), Commissioner existing legal and financial instruments in order to make the Ema Bonino has taken it upon herself to remind me that necessary adjustments to strengthen competitiveness and relations with Morocco are to be viewed in a wider context safeguard jobs . and that, even within this sector, Community interests are not limited to those of one Member State's canning industry . The Honourable Member is also requested to consult the Commission report on the sardine market (') and the conclusions of the Council ( fisheries ) meeting held on I find it unacceptable that the Commissioner should remind 26 October . me of something I have always known and, what's more, insinuate that my question suggests that Community (') COM(95 ) 320 final . interests should be limited to those of the Portuguese canning industry ( or those of any other industry in any other Member State ). However, neither can I accept that this No C 66/58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114/95 and in Edmonton 31 October to 2 November 1995 . Each by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) meeting has resulted in increased understanding of the issues involved in the expeditious development of interim to the Commission standards . Participants have based their discussions on a (20 November 1995) shared interest in promoting wild animal welfare and the ( 96/C 66/102 ) preservation of bilateral trade flows .
The Commission, taking into account the short time left Subject: Wild fur caught in leghold traps until 1 January 1 996 and considering that it would be impossible for the working group to achieve its goals in time, Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 ( ! ) on has decided to delay the implementation for one year and to leghold traps and introduction of pelts and manufactured amend the Regulation in order to facilitate its application goods of certain wild animal species in the Community taking into account the rules of international trade . The states that the import ban concerning these goods , due to Commission has also urged the working group to use this start on 1 January 1996 , is not applicable to animal species additional time to make progress in developing humane that are caught with trapping methods that meet trapping standards that might be internationally internationally agreed humane trapping standards . acceptable .
How will the Commission ensure that furs from animals caught with humane trapping methods can be exported to the EU when the import ban on wild fur caught in leghold traps will be in force ?
What mechanisms will the Commission set up to identify WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 119/95 such furs ? by Gastone Parigi ( NI ) and Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission Is the Commission intending to take further initiatives at international level in collaboration with the parties (20 November 1995) concerned in order to negotiate an agreement on this ( 96/C 66/103 ) question ?
(!) OJ No L 308 , 9 . 11 . 1991 , p . 1 . Subject: Role of European information centres
Recently a seminar for regional representatives ( advisers Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan and councillors ) was held in Italy . A number of European on behalf of the Commission regional policy experts were invited to attend , including a (18 December 1995) representative of the European Information Centre in Italy, to explain in greater detail the purpose of the relevant bodies . The entry into force of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 as of 1 January 1996 might create major Surprisingly, authorization to send the expert from the difficulties with some of the Community's major trade European Information Centre was refused, on the grounds partners . In order to try to solve potential problems the that he was not entitled to attend seminars of this type . Commission is having bilateral contacts with some of the concerned countries . The European Information Centre is the responsibility of A working group has been established with Canada , the the Commission's DG XXIII and in Italy it is administered United States and the Russian Federation in order to try to by another body, the 'Unioncamere', which refused to give develop humane trapping standards that could be authorization for attendance at the seminar . internationally accepted . It is recalled that the import ban of certain furs and fur products can only be avoided if the use of leghold traps is prohibited in the exporting country or if Until now, it was assumed that the task of the European the species concerned are trapped according to international Information Centre was to provide information . What is the humane trapping standards . At present such standards do Commission's opinion of the activities of the European not exist . Hence the focus of the quadrilateral working Information Centre ? Does it consider that the reasons given for not sending a representative to the seminar despite a group . specific request are valid, given that he could have made an extremely valuable contribution to the development of The working group held three meetings , in Ottawa relations between firms , local authorities and the European 31 August to 1 September, in Brussels 19/20 September Union ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/59
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis 2 . Is the Commission also aware of the conclusion on behalf of the Commission reached by Amnesty International that, since resumption of (10 January 1996) aid by the EU and others in 1994, the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea has considerably worsened ?
The Commission would like to confirm to the Honourable Member of Parliament that it set up the network of Euro 3 . On resuming aid to Equatorial Guinea , did the Info Centres ( EIC ) in 1987 to provide businesses with direct Commission stipulate that a lasting improvement in the access to information on the Community . Each EIC was human rights situation must be achieved ? given the task of informing, assisting and advising small and medium-sized enterprises that wished to make the most of the opportunities offered by the large single market . 4 . If not, is the Commission prepared to do so now and take whatever action is necessary in consequence ? To carry out these tasks , the Commission decided that the EICs should be set up in a variety of host organizations , such as chambers of commerce and regional development bodies , 5 . If so , what consequences does the Commission draw which offer the EICs considerable support in terms of from the Amnesty International report ? logistics , staff and expertise .
The Commission also coordinates some of the network's activities and contributes to its running costs , whilst stressing the importance for the EICs to provide services to businesses directly . Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission In the specific case of the participation of an EIC in a (18 December 1995) symposium of representatives of the regional authorities , the Commission has already replied orally to the organizers of the event that the participation of the EIC in question did not depend on the Commission . Given that the EICs do not have their own human and material resources , they are 1 . The Commission is indeed aware of the critical dependent on their host body at the legal and financial level . Amnesty International report on the human rights situation As a result, EIC officials who wish to attend a particular in Equatorial Guinea . event must, in certain cases , request the authorization of their host organization . 2 . The Commission would point out that, on account of Whilst having no influence over the reasons for their refusal , the persistent violations of human rights in Equatorial the Commission contacted the host structure to find out Guinea , it has not been possible since 1992 to carry out the more precisely why it had refused the EIC official cooperation projects and programmes provided for under the Fourth Lome Convention within the framework of the permission to attend . The reasons appeared to be of a practical nature ( e.g. lateness of the invitation ) rather than national indicative programme . to concern the symposium's relevance to the EIC's duties . Moreover, an EIC network representative at national level had attended the event . 3 . For the reasons given, the Commission has not yet implemented the seventh European Development Fund national indicative programme, nor disbursed the sum initially allocated as support for the structural adjustment programme .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 120/95 4 and 5 . The Commission, in close liaison with the by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) Member States , will continue to monitor very closely any to the Commission changes in the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea . (20 November 1995) In accordance with Parliament's resolution of 12 October 1995 , the Commission has no plans at present to mobilize ( 96/C 66/104 ) the funds earmarked for the seventh European Development Fund national indicative programme except for measures to improve living conditions , particularly for the poorest Subject: Human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea sections of the population .
1 . Is the Commission aware of the highly critical Amnesty International report on the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea ? No C 66/60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 124/95 auditors , the Commission pointed out that the figures by Per Stenmarck ( PPE ) quoted were based on information from a very limited number of BC-NET members, and were not representative to the Commission for the overall activity of the network . ( 15 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/105 ) BC-NET is a network of 400 consultants , supported by a computer system . Its aim is to assist small and medium sized enterprises in their confidential search for transnational Subject: Fraud business partners . The budgetary operating costs for BC-NET have been reduced to approximately ECU 1 million per year, and it is important to note that the The Swedish press is currently commenting on the network members have had to pay a basic annual fee of forthcoming report by the Court of Auditors . One ECU 600 since January 1993 . A report by external auditors particular point at issue is the widespread swindling in the in 1992 indicated that the introduction and acceptance of fruit and vegetable sector that has long been acknowledged . such a fee would constitute a proof of the network's The auditors have discovered, for example , that the EU buys utility . in large quantities of rotten fruit for which subsidies are paid . Since the start of the BC-NET project in 1988 , some 90 000 requests and offers for cooperation have been handled , Another appalling example of how the Union's money is showing the demand for this service among small and spent is the development of the computer network , BC-net . medium sized enterprises . So far BC-NET has cost almost SEK 100 million but has apparently succeeded in arranging only 20 contracts for (') COM(94 ) 271 . small businesses .
What does the Commission intend to do to put an end to such misuse of Union funds ? Is it not time that the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 128/95 Commission put aside its rhetoric and took action to stop such scams ? by Ian White ( PSE ) to the Commission (20 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/106 ) Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission Subject: Health Advice for Travellers (18 December 1995) In 'Health Advice for Travellers' prepared by the British Department of Health and Central Office of Information The Court of Auditors report cited cases of irregularities in dated April 1994, EU citizens seeking treatment through the the withdrawal of fruit and vegetables . The entire Greek Social Insurance Institute ( IKA ), are advised that if responsibility for inspection lies with the Member States , they are charged for 'any services provided . . . make sure to and these irregularities have therefore occurred as a result of secure a receipt with a number perforated across it'. It is inappropriate national inspection systems . alleged that the absence of a perforation makes the receipt illegal . This does not appear to be the case in other Member The Commission has already indicated a number of States . irregularities in its report to the Council and Parliament concerning activities to monitor the application of Does the Commission intend to take any steps to ensure Community rules on fruit and vegetables ( x ). As stated in uniformity of treatment for EU citizens on the production of this report, since 1994 , the Commission has undertaken a medical receipt in the appropriate Member State ? several missions to recover the sums involved in irregularities . Answer given by Mr Flynn On a broader scale, the Commission has proposed the on behalf of the Commission reform of the common organization of this sector, (5 January 1996) restricting permission for withdrawals while strengthening the role of producers' organizations . Its proposal also provides for a specific body of fruit and vegetable inspectors Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 ( J ) does not make provision to reduce the poor use of resources . for a common social security system, but allows distinct national systems to continue . The Court of Justice has ruled on several occasions ( 2 ) that Article 51 of the EC Treaty, Contrary to the implication in the heading of the question , which provides the legal basis for the aforementioned the Court of auditors does not mention any type of fraud in Regulation , allows differences between the social security its comments on BC-NET . In its answer to the Court of systems of the Member States . 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/61
However, Community law, in particular Articles 48—51 of Answer given by Mr Monti the EC Treaty and Article 3 of Regulation ( EEC ) on behalf of the Commission No 1408/71 , does not allow national systems to (18 December 1995) discriminate directly or indirectly between workers from Member States .
The recent amendment of Article 272 of Commission Consequently, in so far as the Greek system as described by Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/93 brings into line the the Honourable Member does not discriminate between provisions in the Community customs code concerning the Community workers, there are no grounds for action under combination of the local clearance and type B customs Community law . warehousing procedures with the rules which applied before 1 January 1994 . This amendment does not affect the conditions for using simplified procedures . ( J ) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971 , and consolidated version in OJ No C 325 , 10 . 12 . 1992 . Different types of warehouses were created to facilitate the ( 2 ) Judgment of 15 January 1986 , Pinna , 41/84 . use of customs procedures . Community legislation currently provides for six kinds of warehouse ( types A to E ). In type B customs warehouses it is not necessary for the warehousekeeper to maintain stock records as the procedure is discharged on the basis of entry documents which are kept by the customs office . However it was considered that the application of simplified procedures in the case of a type B warehouse are in fact incompatible with the warehousekeeper's responsibilities . This is because WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 135/95 simplified procedures can only be allowed on condition that by Claude Desama ( PSE ) customs authorities are able to undertake appropriate to the Commission checks on the applicant's records . Consequently, for this (20 November 1995) reason , simplified procedures can only apply to type warehouses other than type B. ( 96/C 66/107 ) Therefore , when the conditions for using the simplified procedures are met because the warehousekeeper's stock Subject: Application of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/93 — records allow for a customs examination, it would seem Articles 273 ( 2 ) and 278 ( 3 ) beneficial to apply the local clearance procedures together with the procedures for a warehouse other than type B — most probably those for warehouses type A or C. Therefore , The main activity of the Verviers subsidiary of it appears advisable for the company involved to apply for a Saima-Avandero S.A. , an international haulage company, is customs warehouse of type A or C, in combination with the the management of a type B customs warehouse, and it local clearance procedure . Consequently the operation of previously obtained authorization to use the simplified these two procedures in this manner would appear to be in procedure ( concession authorization No 1207, DL 1 /8148 the interest of warehousekeepers as it should cater for a of 16 May 1995 ) in respect of all movements through that smoother, more favourable application of the rules for those warehouse ( goods in or goods out). concerned .
Because of new provisions under Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454/93 ( J ) ( Articles 273/2 and 278/3 ), this procedure is no longer authorized . The declarant must therefore make his declaration in advance and with his vehicle, which makes the procedure more cumbersome, increases transfer and WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 136/95 transport costs substantially and lengthens delivery periods . by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) Under the simplified procedure, customs clearance took no to the Commission more than half an hour but now it takes half a day . (20 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/108 ) These new provisions therefore threaten the survival of the company in question, which operates the last remaining customs warehouse in the Verviers region, which is a border Subject: Distortion of competition area . Quite apart from this particular case , is the Commission planning any action to remedy the shortcomings of the Regulation ? Is the Commission aware of agreements in the temporary work sector in which the associations affiliated to the professional federation are required to apply minimum (') OJ No L 253 , 11 . 10 . 1993 , p . 1 . tariffs ? No C 66/62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Does the Commission consider that such agreements are 9 . If further research is to be carried out by the CPMP compatible with Community law ? itself or commissioned elsewhere ,
( a ) who will carry it out, Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission ( b ) how will it be financed ? (5 January 1996)
The Commission is not aware of any agreements between Answer given by Mr Bangemann the members of the federation active in the temporary on behalf of the Commission employment sector which contravene Community law . The (14 December 1995) Commission would therefore be grateful if the Honourable Member could furnish it with further details on this matter . During its meeting of 1 7— 1 9 October 1 995 , the attention of the scientific committee for human medicines within the European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products ( the committee for proprietary medicinal products — CPMP ), was drawn to three unpublished studies suggesting WRITTEN QUESTION P-3141/95 an increased ( although still low ) risk of venous by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) thrombo-embolism associated with third generation oral to the Commission contraceptives ( containing low doses of desogestrel or (15 November 1995) gestodene ). Seven products containing these hormones are marketed in Member States . 96/C 66/109 ) The studies included a multinational study carried out for Subject: On the conclusions of the CPMP ad hoc working the World Health Organization ( WHO ), a cohort study party on contraceptive pills containing destoden or based on record linkage carried out by Professor H. Jick, desogestrel and a transnational study carried out by Professor W. O. Spitzer . 1 . Why has the CPMP postponed the decision on the 'mini pill', and on what grounds ? A preliminary discussion with the investigators involved in 2 . What rules on liability and compensation have been the three studies took place during the meeting of 17—19 October 1995 . They were requested to fill in a and are being adopted ? declaration of interest . Members thereafter analysed the 3 . Pending the final decision of the CPMP, who will be data and a special meeting of the CPMP was convened on liable for any cases of thrombo-embolism or death ? 26 October 1995 . At this meeting, the committee considered that, in view of the available data , it was not appropriate to withdraw these products . The companies concerned were 4 . Will the CPMP carry out its own research, or will its decision be based solely on research carried out by the requested to provide further data which will shortly be reviewed by the committee . Messages to doctors and users industry concerned ? were proposed in a CPMP position statement aimed at Member States and holders of marketing authorizations . 5 . Will the contraceptive pill be subject to the same benefit/risk analysis ( Council Directive 75/319/EEC of 20 May 1975 ) as customary medicaments , even though The medicinal products in question are authorized by the authorities of the Member States concerned . Authorization ( a ) there are sufficient other wholly effective contraceptive does not affect the civil or criminal liability of the preparations available , and manufacturer and the person responsible for placing the product on the market . The risks evoked here are not ( b ) the contraceptive pill is not a medicament to treat an specific to these products and the studies suggest only an illness ? increase in an existing pathology . It is worth mentioning that this increase is much lower than that due to pregnancy 6 . What is the CPMP's view of the WHO research which or smoking . refers to an unacceptably high risk ?
7 . What is the CPMP's view of the research by Professor The CPMP is not itself conducting medical research . Jick ( Boston University Center), which refers to a two-fold Opinions of this committee are based on studies provided risk of thrombosis ? for and requested from applicants or holders of marketing authorizations . This includes all studies carried out by 8 . Is the CPMP aware that the all-clear has been sounded independent medical teams or organizations such as the by Professor Spritzer, whose research was partly funded to WHO . Further studies could be envisaged in the framework the tune of around DM 10 million by the Schering of the Biomed programme . company ? How does the Commission deal with this obvious conflict of interest ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/63
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 150/95 participation in their work . At community level villagers are by Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) getting more empowered and taking initiatives as follow-up of training interventions . The gender dimension has been to the Commission put more to the fore and women are taking up more (22 November 1995) responsibilities . Women's interaction with project staff has ( 96/C 66/110 led to improved gender planning and to an improved implementation of gender-related components of the project so far as professional expertise is concerned , through the technical assistance team, various competent groups , Subject: 'Integrated Watershed Management in Doon organizations and individuals have been brought to the Valley' Project ( ALA/90/14 ) project for training, orientation and interaction . This has broadened the perspectives of staff and community . In its answer to my questions E-1685/94 , E-1686/94 and E-l 687/94 i 1 ) the Commission stated its intention of conducting a study of the socio-economic impact of the The final report can be made available on request . 'Integrated Watershed Management in Doon Valley' Project ( ALA/90/14 ), with the cooperation of a local NGO .
1 . Has this study now been carried out, or what stage has it reached ?
2 . Is the Commission prepared to submit a report on the study and/or findings from it ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3160/95 3 . If the study has been completed , what consequences by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ) have its findings had for the further implementation of to the Commission the project ? (22 November 1 995) ( 96/C 66/111 ) (!) OJ No C 24 , 30 . 1 . 1995 , p . 9 .
Subject: Import of footwear from China and the East Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (13 December 1995) Is the Commission aware of the serious crisis in the footwear industry in Barletta ( Bari ) where sales have fallen by 20% and exports have fallen by 25 % over the first three quarters of 1995 ? A study of the socio-economic consequences of the project has recently been carried out by a well-known Indian non-governmental organization ( PRIA — participatory Once again — as can be seen from the statements by research in Asia ) with expertise in community participatory Giuseppe Cortellino , owner of Cofra and chairman of the approaches . The Commission expects to receive the report Confederation of Bari Footwear Manufacturers ( see article before the end of 1995 . by Claudio Porneo in 'II Mondo', 30 October and 5 November 1 995 ) — the crisis can be attributed both to the relocation of the industry in countries where the cost of Preliminary information provided by the consultants labour is 20 times less than it is in Italy and to the flood of indicates that the Doon Valley project applies participatory exports from the East . It suffices to think that 'in 1 994 out of rural appraisal techniques as a basic tool for community the 786 million pairs of footwear imported into the participation . Village communities are actively involved in European Union , 316 million of these — equivalent to 40 % the village planning preparation process . They have been forming village associations to take up the responsibility of — came from China . Then if one adds the exports from project implementation and are commencing a journey of Thailand and Indonesia the figure reaches 476 million pairs , empowerment . Three units have also been established to which is the equivalent of 60 % of the total', whilst 'in Italy a monitor and co-ordinate the project activities (a worker in the footwear industry costs Lit 3 million per month, in China he only costs Lit 150 000'. participatory training unit, a planning unit and a monitoring unit ) which all contribute to the strengthening of community participation in the development initiatives . Therefore, now that the Commission is aware of the situation, what does it intend doing to face up to a crisis that Positive changes are reported . At project staff level, staff are moreover concerns, in the same way, the entire European fully accepting and internalising the concept of community footwear industry ? No C 66/64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1995) (5 January 1996)
The Commission is fully aware of the difficulties which As there is no epidemiological surveillance of communicable presently face certain sectors of the Community footwear diseases at Community level at the moment, with the industry . It must be noted that , in spite of the fact that many exception of AIDS, the Commission does not have any sectors of this industry have made efforts that have borne specific information on cases of Post-Polio Syndrome . fruit and are continuing to do so, these sectors remain Poliomyelitis , a viral disease which can lead to paralysis in sensitive . the sufferer, who then remains affected throughout his or her life , is one of the diseases to be eradicated by the year This sensitivity and the increasing threat posed by imports 2000 under the objectives of the World Health from China , made even more acute by the particular Organization ( WHO ). In this context, surveillance by the characteristics of the Chinese economy, were the reasons WHO Regional Office for Europe of cases of flaccid why the Council , following a Commission proposal , paralysis , only a certain number of which are caused by the introduced import quotas on certain categories of Chinese polio field virus , does not record cases of PPS . footwear in March 1994 . Furthermore , the collection of reliable information on such In addition , the Commission remains committed to taking cases in each Member State is very difficult . decisive action against unfair trading practices by foreign producers and by third countries . Consequently , the Commission is currently in the process of conducting an anti-dumping investigation , initiated by the European footwear federation , into footwear imports from China , Indonesia and Thailand . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 170/95 Furthermore , the Honourable Member can be assured that by Susan Waddington ( PSE ) the Commission is continuing its action to improve the to the Commission access to foreign markets for the Community footwear producers . (29 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/113 )
Subject: Safety standards — caravan sites WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 168/95 There is at present no European legislation that guarantees a by Susan Waddington ( PSE ) minimum standard of safety provision at caravan sites to the Commission across the Community, and therefore standards differ from (29 November 1995) Member State to Member State . For example , some ( 96/C 66/112 ) Member States regulate the distance between caravan plots as a fire prevention measure, others do not, and therefore dangerous overcrowding occurs . Subject: Public health policy — Post-Polio Syndrome What is the Commission's view on this matter, and what Poliomyelitis was generally believed to be a self-limiting action is it considering to ensure that a minimum safety disease without long-term implications . Recently it has standard is met at all sites throughout the Community ? come to light that it carries a second degenerative phase ( Post-Polio Syndrome ) that strikes approximately 50% of survivors around 30 years after the initial infection . The worst effects of PPS are often misdiagnosed as more rapidly Answer given by Mrs Bonino moving degenerative conditions, such as Motor Neurone on behalf of the Commission Disease . Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments actively cause sufferers further damage . Extensive research (8 January 1996) and awareness campaigns are being undertaken in the USA, New Zealand and Australia to make health professionals aware of PPS . The Commission is not aware of any accidents or of any particular dangers presented by caravan sites . As stated by What is the Commission's view on PPS ? Does the the Honourable Member, full responsibility for this matter rests with the national authorities, and at the moment the Commission have access to epidemiological statistics Commission has no plans for action in this area . concerning the incidence of PPS in the EU, and is the Commission aware of any cooperation on the part of European health professionals in this field ? 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/65
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 173/95 one to which the Commission is devoting particular by Arthur Newens ( PSE ) attention . The European Council meetings in Essen and Cannes established a European employment strategy, to the Commission identifying five key areas of action to re-organize the labour (29 November 1995) market, including measures to help the groups hardest hit by ( 96/C 66/ 114 ) unemployment . One such group is the long-term unemployed , for whom various measures are to be implemented in line with the different needs and Subject: Aid projects in Indonesia characteristics of this very diverse group .
Would the Commission please list projects in Indonesia funded with the financial support of the EU or Member The Member States have been urged to transpose these States . recommendations through multiannual employment programmes, taking into account the specific features of their employment systems and economic and social situation . The Commission and Council have been Answer given by Mr Marin requested to keep close track of employment trends , on behalf of the Commission monitor the policies of the Member States, and report (22 December 1995) annually to the European Council on further progress on the employment market . In this context, the Commission will pay particular attention to the problems and policies The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable relating to long-term unemployment . Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a table containing the information requested .
As far as the funding with financial support of Member In the report adopted in October 1995 on the States is concerned, the Commission is not usually informed implementation of the Essen recommendation : 'The by the Member States of their bilateral initiatives . European employment strategy : recent progress and prospects for the future' ( 1 ), the Commission stressed the need for greater attention to the categories most affected and especially the long-term unemployed , who should have received an opportunity for training, rehabilitation or integration before reaching the threshold of long-term unemployment . WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 180/95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE ) to the Commission In addition , the Commission's Ergo II programme , which (21 November 1995) concerns initiatives and research to combat long-term ( 96/C 66/115 ) unemployment, is reaching its final stages and its conclusions will be presented at a conference scheduled for May 1996 . The purpose of this conference will be to inform Subject: Stage reached on the report called for in the the Member States about the many existing measures and resolution on a coherent employment strategy obtain information on and assess to successful experiences, so that their use can become more widespread . Paragraph 22 of Parliament's resolution on a coherent employment strategy for the European Union ( A4-166/95 ) calls on the Commission to submit as a priority a report on As regards early retirement, the Commission would draw the possible trade-off between early retirement and the attention of the Honourable Member to : Recruitment of the long-term unemployed .
Can the Commission say whether it has already drawn up — the Council recommendation of 10 December 1982 on this report ? What approach does it intend to take ? What the principles of a Community policy with regard to stage has been reached in response to the above request ? retirement age ( 2 );
— the 1986 and 1992 reports on the implementation of the Answer given by Mr Flynn recommendation, forwarded by the Commission to the on behalf of the Commission Council ; (5 January 1996)
— the Council recommendation of 27 July 1992 on the Long-term unemployment is one of the most worrying convergence of social protection objectives and aspects of the employment and labour market situation, and policies ( 3 ); and No C 66/66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
— the Council resolution of 30 June 1993 on flexible WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 184/95 retirement arrangements ( 4 ); by Arthur Newens ( PSE ) to the Commission which recommend among other things the gradual (29 November 1995) introduction of flexible retirement arrangements and set out general objectives in this field . Furthermore, attention is ( 96/C 66/117 ) drawn to the fact that the framing and implementation of a flexible retirement policy are the responsibility of each Member State , subject to the provisions of the Treaties and bearing in mind the principle of subsidiarity . Any Subject: Impact of the Schengen Information System on the compensatory mechanism between early retirement and the freedom of movement of third-country nationals recruitment of long-term unemployed is therefore also the in the European Union responsibility of each Member State .
(') COM(95 ) 465 final . There appears to be a direct conflict between the provisions ( 2 ) OJ No L 357, 18 . 12 . 1982 . of the Schengen Implementation Agreement and the right to ( 3 ) OJ No L 245 , 26 . 8 . 1992 . freedom of movement in European Union law, in that the ( 4 ) OJ No C 188 , 10 . 7 . 1993 . definition of 'alien' under Article 1 of the Schengen Implementation Agreement as 'any person other than a national of a Member State of the European Communities' does not include any reference to third country nationals, who enjoy the right of freedom of movement under EU law . This definition in itself, together with the consequences arising from the provisions on the Schengen Information System, appears to constitute a clear breach of EU free WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 182/95 movement law . by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) to the Commission (29 November 1995) Can the Commission confirm that, as a matter of EU law, the entry into force of the Schengen Implementation ( 96/C 66/116 ) Agreement on 1 July 1995 does not by itself authorize the imposition of restrictions on existing rights of freedom of movement enjoyed by third-country nationals under the Subject: Register of Commissioners ' interests European Treaties ? What steps will the Commission take to prevent such restrictions being imposed in breach of EU law ? In the light of your response to my Question P-357/95 (*), saying that a register had been established, and the recent article in the Guardian ( by Stephen Yates on 28 October ) quoting an unnamed official denying that such a register existed, what steps will the Commission President be taking to identify and discipline the Commission official who has WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 185/95 accused him of lying to the European Parliament ? by Arthur Newens ( PSE ) to the Commission (') OJ No C 179 , 13 . 7 . 1995 , p . 15 . (29 November 1995) ( 96/C 66/118 )
Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission Subject: Schengen Implementation Agreement and the free (14 December 1995) movement of third-country nationals
The declarations to which reference was made in reply to the It appears that some Schengen countries automatically enter Honourable Member's question P-357/95 are clearly not a a report on any third-country national excluded from their matter for an unnamed official . The Commission has territory in the Schengen Information System without announced that the declarations of all the members of the considering whether this would affect that person's right to Commission, which are held by the Secretary-General , are freedom of movement within the remaining EU Member available for public inspection . States ( e.g as a spouse of an EU national ). As a consequence, the exclusion of such third-country nationals from one Schengen country has led to an automatic exclusion from all Schengen countries as from 1 July 1995 , even if previously 4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/67 there had been no objection to that person travelling to the The Commission believes that for the establishment of a other Schengen countries . zone of peace and stability in the Mediterranean region it is essential that peaceful solutions be found to regional Is the Commission aware of such cases and, if so, what steps conflicts . To this end, the Commission is negotiating will it take to prevent such blatant infringements of the right partnership agreements with most of the countries of the of freedom of movement enjoyed by third country nationals region . As far as Morocco is concerned, the text of the under the EU Treaties caused by the Schengen Treaty ? association agreement with the Community has been initialled by the negotiators and will be signed in early 1996 . Under the political dialogue part of the agreement, each Joint answer to Written Questions party will be able to raise matters of joint concern . E-3 184/95 and E-3 185/95 given by Mr Monti The Commission believes that the Euro-Mediterranean on behalf of the Commission conference has set in train a process of multilateral consultation that will contribute to the harmonious (24 January 1996) co-existence of the two sides of the Mediterranean .
The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3235/95 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-3234/95 (1 December 1995) by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) ( 96/C 66/120 ) to the Commission (1 December 1995) Subject: Sanctions against Iraq ( 96/C 66/119 ) Will the Commission lift sanctions affecting food and medical supplies in Iraq, as the major impact is felt by the Subject: Influencing the Western Sahara conflict people , not by the government ?
After Morocco occupied Western Sahara in 1975 and most of the Sahrauis were displaced, the United Nations mediated Answer given by Mr Marin a cease-fire in 1991 between Polisario, the Sahraui liberation on behalf of the Commission movement and Morocco . (19 December 1995) However, war is now threatening to break out again since Morocco is doing all it can to block the plebiscite on the The United Nations trade embargo imposed upon Iraq, as a country's future which was supposed to follow the consequence of its invasion of Kuwait, by Security Council cease-fire . Resolution No 661 of 6 August 1990 has always made a specific exception for the import of medical supplies and, for In order, therefore , to save the UN policy and to prevent humanitarian reasons , foodstuffs . Modifying the sanctions further war, Morocco must be persuaded to go ahead with regime after the end of the Gulf war, Security Council the referendum . Resolution No 687 of 2 April 1991 effectively allowed the import of foodstuffs, materials and supplies for essential Now that the Commission, through the Association civilian needs into Iraq, provided that these imports were Agreement, has intensified economic and political previously cleared by the United Nations Security Council cooperation with Morocco, how does it intend to use those Sanctions Committee . ties with a view to ensuring the success of the UN's peace plan ? These resolutions , which are binding for Community Member States , were endorsed and translated into Community legislation , in particular by Regulation ( EEC ) Answer given by Mr Marin No 2340/90 of 8 August 1990 ( l ). Thus , in conformity with on behalf of the Commission United Nations sanctions , Council Regulations indeed (22 December 1995) already authorize the import into Iraq of basic medical supplies and foodstuffs as long as this is done in the framework of humanitarian assistance or emergency aid The Commission is monitoring very closely the progress of operations . efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General on the instructions of the Security Council , to obtain a peaceful Furthermore , in its Resolution No 986 of 14 April 1995 resolution of the Western Sahara conflict through a which expands provisions in earlier resolutions , the Security referendum . Council, taking into account the difficult humanitarian No C 66/68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
situation in Iraq, has opened a way for Iraqi petroleum sales also learned that national courts have ruled on the general to enable the purchase and import of humanitarian supplies . issue of the foreign lecturers, but it is not aware of the The Iraqi Government unfortunately continues to refuse to content of the judgments . accept this Resolution and thus, must assume responsibility for the tragic humanitarian consequences . Given that certain practices appear to be changing and that the Commission needs to be aware of the extent of the Nevertheless , the Member States and the Commission are implementation of the new legislation by the Italian deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Iraq . authorities , an urgent inquiry has been undertaken in order Therefore, the Commission, together with Member States , to obtain accurate information on the current situation . The provides substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq in Italian authorities will also be asked to inform the particular to address shortages in foodstuffs and medical Commission as soon as possible of the implementation of supplies . In addition to rehabilitation assistance in northern the law . Iraq, in 1995 the Community will commit ECU 25 million for humanitarian aid projects which will be implemented The Commission does not intend to abandon the by United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations throughout Iraq . infringement procedure against Italy, but before bringing the matter before the Court of Justice , a full enquiry into the present situation must be concluded . I 1 ) OJ No L 213 , 9 . 8 . 1990 .
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3245/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3248/95 by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) by Angela Billingham ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (29 November 1995 ) (1 December 1995) ( 96/C 66/121 ) ( 96/C 66/122 )
Subject: Discrimination against foreign lecturers at the Subject: Human rights in China University of Verona and elsewhere in Italy Is the Commission aware that thousands of people are being Following a debate in Parliament during the July 1995 held in prisons in China without trial because of their part-session and the adoption of resolution B4-968/95 , can religious and political beliefs ? the Commission inform Parliament what steps it has taken to resolve this matter and what discussions, if any, have been Is the Commission aware of the particular phase of Phunsog held with the Italian authorities ? Nyidron, a Tibetan nun who has been imprisoned for 17 years for her political beliefs ? This is the longest known sentence for a female political prisoner in Tibet . Evidence exists that Phunsog Nyidron is being exposed to brutal Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission conditions within prison . (20 December 1995) What steps has the Commission taken to express its condemnation of these inhumane practices to the Chinese Following the resolution of the Parliament of 13 July 1995 , authorities ? the Commission has learned that the Italian Parliament adopted on 21 June of this year a new law No 236 converting and modifying the Decree-law No 120 . The Commission has not been officially informed of the new Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan legislation by the Italian authorities . The Commission has on behalf of the Commission examined the compatibility of the new legislation with (5 January 1996) Community law and it appears that it complies with the requirements of the Commission in order to ensure the respect of the acquired rights of foreign lecturers . The Commission is keeping a close eye, with the Member States and the European Parliament, on the human rights However, the Commission , which is in close contact with situation in China and Tibet in particular . It takes every those affected , has been informed that certain foreign opportunity to point out the situation when it has any lecturers' working conditions have been modified in contact with the Chinese authorities . The European Union practice , or that fresh employment contracts have has also regularly raised this matter within the framework of sometimes downgraded their status . The Commission has its bilateral political dialogue with China and its dialogue 4 . 3 . 96 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/69 which is specifically concerned with human rights . It is 2 . Has the Commission, like many other donors , acted firmly set on this course . on this information by suspending financing of aid programmes ?
3 . What is the Commission's assessment of the current situation in Kenya ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3256/95 by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission (1 December 1995) Answer given by Mr Pinheiro ( 96/C 66/123 ) on behalf of the Commission (3 January 1996) Subject: Road accidents
It is now a well-known fact, confirmed by the statistics 1 . The Commission is aware that the report of the supplied by specialized bodies in the various Member States , that about a fifth of all fatal road accidents in the Union are Auditor-General of Kenya for the 1993/94 budget year states that substantial unsupported direct debits by the caused by drunken driving . Furthermore, many Member States have still not laid down the criteria or obtained the Central Bank of Kenya have been detected in the Finance ministry, totalling 14 775 million Kenya shillings ( ECU 200 necessary equipment for checking drivers' blood alcohol million ). At the time of signing the report ( 27 July 1995 ) the levels . Moreover, no agreement has yet been reached on the threshold on which measurements of alcohol levels would necessary documents to support these payments had not been made available to the Auditor-General . be based throughout the Union .
Does the Commission not believe that it should put the The Kenyan Finance ministry reacted to this report of the situation in order and hence , as soon as possible , submit Auditor-General by saying that detailed explanation of the practical proposals with which all Member States would be 14 775 million Kenya shillings will be made available to the required to comply ? Public Accounts Committee of the Kenyan Parliament, and that the government had instituted measures to recover the lost funds . Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission 2 . The Commission is not aware that donors have acted (19 January 1996) on this information by suspending financing of aid programmes . The Commission, together with all other major donors , has suspended all balance of payments The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to support to Kenya since 1991 due to lack of progress in the its joint answer to Written Questions E-2558/95 and political and economic fields . This situation has not changed E-2600/95 by Mr Siso Cruellas and others ( J ). and the Commission has always underlined the importance of convincing action on the part of the Kenyan Government ( J ) See page 16 of this Official Journal . to arrive at good governance and to eliminate the possibility of similar misappropriations happening in the future .
3 . The Commission , in close cooperation with Member States, is actively pursuing all opportunities to convey its WRITTEN QUESTION E-3258/95 concerns about recent developments in the political , by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) economic and human rights fields to the Kenyan Government . The meeting of the consultative group in July to the Commission 1995 and the strong statement of the Commission; together (1 December 1995) with all other donors , can leave the Kenyan authorities in no ( 96/C 66/124 ) doubt about the importance the Commission attaches to the fact that development policy and cooperation is closely linked to respect for, and enjoyment of, fundamental human Subject: Disappearance of money at the Central Bank of rights and to the recognition and application of democratic Kenya principles , the consolidation of the rule of law and good governance . 1 . Is the Commission aware that the Kenyan Chamber of Audit has established that the equivalent of F1 400 million has disappeared from the Central Bank of Kenya ? No C 66/70 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3262/95 As the United Kingdom has transposed the provisions of the by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) Directive into national law ( Regulations 1981 , Statutory instruments No 1794 of 4 . 12 . 1981 , Trade Union Reform to the Commission and Employment Rights Act 1 993 , Terms and Conditions of (6 December 1995) Employment, No 2587 of 5 . 10 . 1995 ), the matter raised ( 96/C 66/125 ) falls within the competence of the national courts .
Subject: MG Gas Products ( part of the Hoechst Group ) (•) OJ No L 61 , 5 . 3 . 1977 .
Is the Commission aware that a UK company, MG Gas Products in Coleshill , a subsidiary company of Messer Griesheim GmbH of Germany , part of the Hoechst Group is : WRITTEN QUESTION E-3267/95 — intending to break an agreement with the Transport and by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) General Workers Union , to the Commission — intending to split MG Gas Products into smaller (6 December 1995) companies and employ workers with different ( 96/C 66/126 ) companies in the same workplace so as to divide such workers , Subject: Elections in Haiti — and by so doing, intending to ignore the Acquired Rights Directive ( TUDE Regulations ) by not giving the required Less than one month from the presidential elections in Haiti , notice ? the political situation on the island has been destabilized by What moves will the Commission take to ensure the the assassination of Jean-Hubert Feuille , a member of the Haitian Parliament . Directive is adhered to ? Does the Commission plan to send observers to monitor Answer given by Mr Flynn these elections ? on behalf of the Commission (4 January 1996) Answer given by Mr Pinheiro The question raises two points : the recognition of a trade on behalf of the Commission union and application of Directive 77/187/EEC ( l ) on (5 January 1996) transfers of undertakings .
First of all , it should be noted that there is no Community Coordinated by the Council Presidency , several Member legislation on the recognition of trade unions by employers States are planning to send observers to monitor these or, more generally, on freedom of association and collective elections . bargaining or trade-union rights . The Community Charter of Fundamental Social Rights for Workers set out a number The Commission delegation and technical assistance staff in of principles relating to this field ( Articles 11 —14 ), in Haiti will help coordinate logistics for the observer team . particular the freedom to join professional organizations . The Commission has also granted the provisional electoral However, the Charter leaves it to the Member States to council ECU 2 million to cover about a third of the cost of implement these principles at national level . Secondly, the elections and so help make sure that all goes well . Article 2.6 of the Protocol on Social Policy attached to the EC Treaty excludes the right of association from the Community's new responsibilities in the social sphere .
As far as application of Directive 77/187/EEC on transfers of undertakings is concerned , it should be noted that the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3277/95 transferor's rights and obligations arising from a contract of by Johanna Maii-Weggen ( PPE ) employment or from an employment relationship existing to the Commission on the date of a transfer must, by reason of such transfer , be transferred to the transferee ( Article 3.1 ). Consequently, the (6 December 1995) transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business ( 96/C 66/127 does not in itself constitute grounds for dismissal or changes in conditions of employment by the transferor or the transferee . However, in accordance with Article 4.1 , the Subject: Discrepancies in mode of address of men and protection afforded by this provision does not stand in the women way of dismissals that may take place for economic, technical or organizational reasons entailing changes in the Many government bodies in countries in the European workforce . Union have the curious custom, when writing to female 4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/71 citizens, of addressing them as 'Mrs' or 'Miss', whereas male Since the People's Republic of China was not mentioned in citizens are addressed neutrally . In the case of women, they the complaint, no proceedings were initiated against distinguish between married and unmarried women, imports from that country . whereas no such distinction is ever made in the case of men . (M OJ No C 143 , 9 . 6 . 1995 .
Is this not a subtile form of discrimination ? Will the Commission agree with the Member States to do away with this bizarre custom as soon as possible , by addressing women solely as ' Ms'? WRITTEN QUESTION P-3293/95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) Answer given by Mr Santer to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1995) (23 January 1996) ( 96/C 66/129 )
The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community . Subject: Mochovce Nuclear Power Station
In its written answer to my oral question H-738/95 (') on the state of discussions between the Commission and representatives of Slovakia on the funding of the completion WRITTEN QUESTION P-3292/95 of Mochovce nuclear power station , the Commission stated by Danielle Darras ( PSE ) that at a meeting between Slovenske Elektrarne and the to the Commission Commission on 20 July 1995 , as yet 'no conclusive information ' had been given . (1 December 1995) ( 96/C 66/128 ) 1 . What information , even if not conclusive , was given at this meeting ?
Subject: The Métaleurop company : anti-dumping 2 . Did the Commission propose to the Slovakian side that procedure they make a new loan application ? Can the Commission say whether an anti-dumping (') Debates of the European Parliament No 4 ( November procedure has been instigated against the growing number 1995 ). of imports of non-ferrous metals ( such as zinc ) from the countries of the CIS and China ?
The Metaleurop company, located in Noyelles-Godault ( in Answer given by Mr de Silguy the region of Pas-de-Calais , France ), which is the largest on behalf of the Commission national site for the production of zinc and primary lead , has just announced its restructuring plan , entailing 106 (5 January 1996) redundancies, and this in a region already hard hit by unemployment . 1 . The purpose of the meeting of 20 July 1995 between Slovenske Elektrarne ( SE ) and the Commission was to find Has the Commission decided not to take any steps to protect out from the Slovak operator what was to happen regarding Community industry from a massive invasion of the Mochovce project . In the course of the meeting, SE non-ferrous products ? confirmed that the Slovak authorities were planning to use a different structure to implement the project . Under the new structure the EMO company was no longer required . The Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan relationship between SE and the other Contracting Parties on behalf of the Commission would be redefined . (18 December 1995) The Slovak representatives were unable at the time to give an opinion on the position their government would adopt . No On 9 June 1995 the Commission initiated anti-dumping official information has since been provided on the proceedings concerning imports of unalloyed, unwrought development of the project . zinc originating in Kazakhstan , Poland, the Russian Federation , Ukraine and Uzbekistan ('). The procedure is in response to a complaint lodged by Eurométaux ( Association 2 . The Commission has not proposed to SE that it should Européenne des Metaux ), of which Metaleurop , the submit a new loan application . company to which the Honourable Member refers, is a member . No C 66/72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3295/95 WRITTEN QUESTION P-3298/95 by José Escudero ( PPE ) by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (1 December 1995) (1 December 1995) ( 96/C 66/130 ) ( 96/C 66/131 )
Subject: Structural Funds in Portugal ( 1995 ) Subject: The teaching of classical languages While recognizing the openness and willingness to provide Our various cultures are established on certain bases, which information shown by the Commission in its replies to my include the classical languages , Latin and Greek . A written questions on transfers of funds to Portugal , knowledge of these languages therefore helps to bind us particularly since Mrs Monika Wulf-Mathies took up her together . duties as Commissioner, I should like to request an update of the information provided in the answer to my question P-857/95 ( 1 ). Latin and Greek are disappearing from school syllabuses in the EU Member States . Specifically, could the Commission give details of the amounts transferred to Portugal during 1995 , indicating the Although school syllabuses fall within the jurisdiction of the Operational Programme concerned and the date on which Member States , in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the money was made available ? Could it also provide information on the amounts entered under the First CSF and does the Commission intend to lay down any guidelines on including the teaching of classical languages within the the Second CSF and on the balance outstanding under the concept of defending our European heritage ? First CSF ( update of the tables provided by the Commission in February 1995 )?
Does the Commission intend to make provision for teachers ( 1 ) OJ No C 190 , 24 . 7 . 1995 , p . 30 . of classical languages to be assisted by a programme to encourage those languages or a programme for exchanges of teachers and/or pupils along the lines of the Socrates programme ? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1996)
Answer given by Mrs Cresson In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is on behalf of the Commission sending it direct to the Honourable Member and the (8 January 1996) Parliament's Secretariat .
While acknowledging that the classical languages play an important part in helping us to understand our European civilization, the Commission wishes to draw the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3300/95 Honourable Members attention to the content of Article 126 of the EC Treaty, under which the Community is by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) to 'contribute to the development of quality education by to the Commission encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if (9 December 1995) necessary , by supporting and supplementing their action, while fully respecting the responsibility of the Member ( 96/C 66/132 ) States for the content of teaching and the organization of education systems and their cultural and linguistic diversity.'. Subject: Standardization of payment terms
I have recently been contacted by a company within my Through the Socrates programme, and particularly Chapter constituency which has had successful meetings with II ( Comenius ), the Commission nevertheless supports and companies from other Member States . However, difficulties finances European educational projects giving pupils the have arisen when it has been discovered that while this opportunity to become more aware of, and to learn , the company's UK suppliers require payment of accounts classical languages . within 30 days, the other Member State companies have agreements which allow them 90 days to pay . This clearly puts undesirable pressure on cash-flow . In the interests of promoting more trade between Member States, what 4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/73 influence can the Commission bring to bear to encourage a WRITTEN QUESTION P-3333/95 common settlement period across the European Union ? by Reimer Boge ( PPE ) to the Commission (6 December 1995) Answer given by Mr Papoutsis ( 96/C 66/133 ) on behalf of the Commission (9 January 1996) Subject: Limits on subsidized exports of farm products
The Commission fully recognizes that differences between In connection with the conclusion of the World Trade national payment practices could undermine the success of Agreement of 15 April 1994 in Marrakesh, the European the internal market . To prevent these difficulties from Union undertook to reduce subsidized exports of farm hindering the growth of intra-Community trade , and in products by an average of 36 % of the budget volume and particular the involvement of small and medium sized 21 % in terms of quantity over the next few years . enterprises in this trade , the necessary measures must be taken to remove these obstacles . What limits apply to subsidized exports ( budget and volume ) of the following products in the years 1996 to The Commission issued a recommendation on payment 1999 : periods in commercial transactions on 12 May 1995 ('). This set out principles and methods for improving payment — dairy products ( butter, skimmed-milk powder and periods , and requests the Member States to take the most cheese ), appropriate measures in accordance with their own legal systems . One of the main elements of the recommendation is — beef, to eliminate the difficulties in respect of payment which are specific to cross-border trade . — cereals ?
To enable the Commission to evaluate what progress has been made, Member States have been requested to forward Answer given by Mr Fischler a report to the Commission before 31 December 1997 . If the on behalf of the Commission recommendation were to have no effect, the Commission would have the right to propose more binding measures . (19 December 1995)
0 ) OJ No L 127, 10 . 6 . 1995 . Under the GATT/WTO agreement the Community has the right to export the products mentioned with refund up to the following limits :
(Quantity in thousand tonnes — outlays in million ECU)
1996 1997 1998 1999
Butter and Quantity (') 431,0 414,7 398,5 982,3 butter-oil Outlays 1 166,3 1 086,8 1 007,3 927,8
Skimmed-milk Quantity 286,4 275,7 264,9 254,1 powder Outlays 325,7 303,5 281,3 259,1
Cheese Quantity 386,4 366,1 345,7 325,4 Outlays 460,4 415,6 370,7 325,9
Beef Quantity ( 2 ) 1 058,4 998,1 937,7 877,4 Outlays 1 772,3 1 644,1 1 515,9 1 387,6
Wheat and Quantity 17 982,1 16 845,7 15 709,3 14 572,8 wheat-flour Outlays 1 883,7 1 698,1 1 512,4 1 326,8
Coarse grain Quantity 11 740,8 11 298,9 10 857,1 10 415,2 Outlays 1 214,0 1 131,2 1 048,4 965,6
t 1 ) Expressed in butter equivalents . ( 2 ) Expressed in carcasse equivalents . No C 66/74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
These limits have to be implemented in accordance with the WRITTEN QUESTION P-3446/95 provisions of Article 9 ( 2 ) of the agreement on agriculture . by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE ) They are those undertaken by the Community of 12 , and to the Commission negotiations are going on to establish the limits valid for the Community of 15 . (6 December 1995) ( 96/C 66/135 )
Subject: Alzheimer's disease
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3439/95 ECU 5 million have been earmarked for assisting persons by José Escudero ( PPE ) suffering from Alzheimer's disease under budget heading to the Commission B-4300 of the 1996 EU Draft Budget adopted by the EP at its sitting of 26 October 1995 . (18 December 1995)
( 96/C 66/134 ) Can the Commission tell me how associations such as the 'Portuguese Association for families and friends of Subject: Second language at school-leaving certificate Alzheimer's sufferers' should go about applying for funding level under this heading ? Should they approach the Portuguese authorities or the Commission ? Which services should they contact ? How should they do so ? What kinds of projects are Does the Commission intend to take any steps to encourage eligible ? the study of a second language at school-leaving certificate level in countries where this is not compulsory ?
Given that English has turned into the Esperanto of Europe , Answer given by Mr Flynn does the Commission believe that the study of a further on behalf of the Commission language should be encouraged amongst younger students ? (5 January 1996) Will it be taking steps in this connection ?
Does it plan to take any measures which would be effective Budget line B3-4300 concerns actions within the health in the short term , such as encouraging the teaching of promotion programme . frontier languages in the appropriate schools ? In the first reading of the budget for 1996 the Parliament decided to earmark ECU 5 million in this budget line for actions enhancing the quality of life of people suffering Answer given by Mrs Cresson from Alzheimer's disease and their family carers . The on behalf of the Commission Commission intends to publish a call for proposals in the (19 January 1996) Official Journal early in 1996 . This will invite applications for Community funding .
Pursuant to Article 126 of the EC Treaty, responsibility for The Commission would draw the attention of the the content of teaching and the organization of education Honourable Member to the fact that only transnational systems lies with the Member States . Action taken by the projects will be co-financed in compliance with the principle Commission aims inter alia to develop the European of subsidiarity and proportionality . dimension in education , particularly through the learning and dissemination of the languages of the Member States .
Lingua activities ( now incorporated into the Socrates programme ) constitute the main vehicle for Commission WRITTEN QUESTION P-3447/95 action in this field , with priority being given to languages which are less widely used and taught . by Riccardo Garosci ( UPE ) to the Commission The Commission attaches great importance to knowledge of (6 December 1995) languages . Consequently, proficiency in three Community { 96/C 66/136 ) languages is the fourth objective of the White Paper on education and training ('), which has just been adopted by the Commission . Subject: Directive on the labelling of prices on foodstuffs and other products (M COM(95 ) 590 final . Is the Commission aware that the Directive under discussion on the dual pricing of foodstuffs and other products ( by unit 4 . 3 . 96 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/75 of measurement and for the individual item ) may result in as these measures represent the minimum requirements for additional costs which would be added to the final cost of the security of transactions . The changes proposed relate to the product ? situations in which the price per unit of measurement ( kilogram or litre ) should be indicated in addition to the selling price for pre-packaged products . Provision had The fact is that the retailers affected ( shops, supermarkets, already been made for such situations as from 1979 , but the public houses , etc.) would have to provide consumer changes which took effect in 1988 rendered application of information , for each product, indicating : the mechanism excessively complex, thus compromising its efficiency . The present proposal is designed to clarify the 1 . the price of the item , offered for sale, situation and give Member States more flexibility to assess whether or not to impose the indication of prices per unit of measurement, taking account of the nature of the products 2 , the price per litre, kilogramme , etc . concerned and systems of marketing .
3 and 4 . and, for a product on special offer ( e.g. 3 x 2 ), the above prices adjusted for the length of the sales Dual labelling should therefore be imposed only where the promotion . comparison of prices offers benefits for consumers .
When we come to the transition period for the single In its proposal , the Commission has made no provision for currency, the four prices mentioned above ( shown in the special offers , as the effect would be to increase the number national currency ) will also have to be shown in the single of prices indicated; the ensuing risk of confusion would be European currency . We will then be in the absurd position contrary to the objective . of having up to eight prices for each individual product !
Referring to the introduction of the single currency , the Could shops with a sales area of less than 100 m2 , mobile Commission's intention was to emphasise the usefulness of traders , wholesale cash and carry outlets and public houses increased price transparency before the implementation of therefore be exempted, ( at least for three years to allow time currency changes . When consumers can carry out to make the technical adjustments needed ) from the transactions in 'euros', it will be necessary to ensure that requirement to display these prices ? transparency is guaranteed during a transition period .
The cost to these retailers of the technology for making the Any measures introduced will have to comply with the adjustments ( the hardware and software for the pricing ) objective of being simple and efficient without causing would be crippling and would be passed on to the consumer confusion, which would be the case if an unnecessary in the price of the final product . number of different prices were indicated .
As for the adaptation of trading practices to meet the obligation of dual price indication for certain products , long Answer given by Mrs Bonino and detailed consultations have led the Commission to on behalf of the Commission conclude that a transition period ( not exceeding four years ) (22 December 1995) would be useful where certain small retailers would be faced with the need for major changes and/or investments .
In its proposal for a Directive ( ) on consumer protection in It will thus be the responsibility of the Member States , who the indication of the prices of products offered to are in the best position to assess the circumstances of small consumers , the Commission has placed emphasis both on businesses in their territory, to make provision for the ensuring the conditions for genuine transparency in product necessary changes and the duration of the transition period . prices , given that the Community is committed to improving Clearly, in some cases , changes can be made without information for consumers, and on simplifying the excessive cost and without the need for expensive mechanism introduced in 1979 and supplemented in 1988 , equipment . Furthermore , it is not possible to lay down with a view to making application more efficient, as well as identical sales-surface or turnover limits for all Member by taking practical steps to enforce respect for the principle States , as it is recognized that trading circumstances are of subsidiarity . extremely diverse .
First of all , it should be noted that the indication of selling (') COM(95 ) 276 final . prices has been mandatory for foodstuffs and non-food products sold in bulk since 1990 , except where the price per item is indicated, and for all pre-packaged products sold in variable quantities . This is not affected by the new proposal , No C 66/76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3448/95 WRITTEN QUESTION P-3479/95 by Joan Colom i Naval ( PSE ) by Peter Skinner ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (6 December 1995) (8 December 1995) ( 96/C 66/137 ) ( 96/C 66/138 )
Subject: Safe manning numbers and hours at work on ships , Subject: Setting up of new observatories for SMEs in terms of both health and safety of workers and safety at sea
At the plenary sitting of 30 November 1995 , the The Commission's Medium-Term Social Action Commission informed the European Parliament that, following the success of the European observatory for SMEs Programme states that the Commission will undertake set up on the Franco-Belgian border, it was now proposed to discussions with the social partners and/or studies on the set up six further observatories in border regions . In view of best way to ensure that the activities and sectors excluded the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in from the Directive on the organization of working time are Catalonia and the French Mediterranean, and of the appropriately covered . Therefore, in view of the fact that increasing amount of cooperation taking place between the Commissioners Kinnock and Flynn have already met to area's regions , does the Commission plan to set up one of discuss this issue, what is the progress so far concerning the these new observatories in Catalonia ? transport sector and, in particular, inland waterways , sea transport and other work at sea ?
Can the Commission also assure Parliament that the health and safety aspect of working time will be included in any proposals ? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission Also, when will the Commission bring forward legislation , (10 January 1996) along the lines of IMO Resolution 481 , concerning the safe manning of ships in the Community, with particular regard to safe minimum manning numbers which is an important aspect of safety at sea ? The Commission wishes to promote the cross-border activities of small and medium-sized enterprises and craft firms located mainly in the border regions, to enable them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the internal market . However, because of the considerable differences in Answer given by Mr Flynn fiscal and social legislation and technical standards, on behalf of the Commission harmonization of which is only partly envisaged , if at all , the (10 January 1996) freedom of SMEs to provide services is often hindered .
To help enterprises in their efforts to provide services in a The Commission has been following closely developments neighbouring Member State, the Commission has in all the sectors and activities excluded from the working supported an office for the development of cross-border time Directive 93/104/EC (*). In this work programme for activities between France and Belgium . This office has been 1996 , the Commission has announced its intention to able to help over 1 200 SMEs and has submitted reports to present a white paper on this subject . the Commission on the barriers which make cross-border activities difficult . Following this positive experience , the As regards transport, a meeting was held in June 1995 , Commission decided to joint-finance new cross-border offices and published (') an invitation to tender, as a result bringing together representatives of the social partners in the five joint committees dealing with the different modes of of which it has selected six proposals, one of which concerns transport . At this meeting the Commission repeated its call the Catalogne/Midi-Pyrenees region . to social partners to seek agreement between themselves, and confirmed that it would re-examine the situation at the end of the year . At present there have been no agreements in (!) OJ No C 89 , 26 . 3 . 1994 . the transport sectors .
With regard to the specific sectors to which the Honourable Member refers, there were detailed negotiations on the 4 . 3 . 96 1 EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66/77 inland waterways matters , but social partners were Answer given by Mr Marin unfortunately not able to agree on a joint position . In on behalf of the Commission maritime transport, there had been considerable progress in (19 December 1995) discussions between social partners in the context of a possible revision of International Labour Organization ( ILO ) Convention No 109 on this subject, but the postponement of an ILO maritime conference planned for The Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin January 1996 means that discussions in the joint committee America ( IRELA ) was set up ten years ago, on the initiative have been delayed . As regards other work at sea , where there of a group of major figures from the EU ( mainly members of is no joint committee , a study has been undertaken on parliament ) and Latin America . working hours in the sector . The Institute's seat is in Madrid, but IRELA's statute makes provision for other centres to be opened in Europe and Latin The Commission's objective is to ensure adequate America . protection of workers' health and safety . The white paper and any subsequent proposal will of course take this health and safety element fully into account . At the meeting of the 32-member IRELA general assembly on 9 May 1995 , the authorities of the host city, Bonn, backed by the Federal Government, officially submitted Concerning the International Maritime Organization their offer of a headquarters . ( IMO ) Resolution 481 on guidelines on manning scales in shipping, the Commission is of the opinion that this question should be discussed and settled at international Any transfer of the Institute's seat or the opening of new level . The Commission therefore does not envisage seats in other countries is a matter for the IRELA general submitting any proposal for specific Community legislation assembly; the Commission cannot intervene in decisions dealing with this subject . It believes that IMO is the which must, under the terms of the statute , be taken by the appropriate forum for taking any further decisions in this Institute's own bodies . field .
(') OJ No L 307, 13 . 12 . 1993 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3609/95 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) to the Commission (12 January 1996) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3482/95 ( 96/C 66/140 ) by Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco ( PSE ) to the Commission (8 December 1995) Subject: Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various bodies ( 96/C 66/139 )
Can the Commission provide a detailed list of the associations or bodies receiving Community subsidies under Subject: Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin Article A-322 ( support for international non-governmental America ( IRELA ) youth organizations ) and the exact amount of such subsidies for the financial year that has just ended ? Is the Commission aware of a formal offer from the German Government to make available to it a building in Bonn to serve as the new seat of the Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin America ( IRELA ) and to take on the job of Answer given by Mrs Cresson possibly moving the Institute from Madrid to Bonn ? on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1996) What is the Commission's view on the matter ?
The Commission is sending the information requested direct Is the Commission aware that, apart from considerations of to the Honourable Member and the Parliament's an economic nature which tend to be overlooked , there are Secretariat . historical , cultural , linguistic and efficiency-related reasons why Madrid should continue to be the seat of the Institute in question ? No C 66/78 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3639/95 Answer given by Mr Fischler by Concepció Ferrer ( PPE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (29 January 1996) (12 January 1996) ( 961C 66/141 )
Subject: 1994 food-aid programme for those most in The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its need answer to her "Written Question E-l 190/95 ( 1 ). Can the Commission provide information on the organizations responsible for distributing the quotas allocated to Spain under the 1994 food-aid programme ? (') OJ No C 222 , 28 . 8 . 1995 .