24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/ 1

I

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2101/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2157/94 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) to the Council to the Commission (7 October 1994) (18 October 1994) ( 95/C 103/01 ( 95/C 103/02 )

Subject: IV programme to fight poverty Subject: Risks to public health from mobile hand-held telephones On what criteria did the Council refuse to approve the IV programme to combat social exclusion and encourage Can the Commission provide information on health risks solidarity which had been approved by both Commission posed by the use of hand-held mobile telephone and Parliament ? equipment ?

Does the Council not think that even taking account of the Can the Commission provide the information in relation to principle of subsidiarity, the 'added value ' of a Community telephone equipment marketed in the past .and now in use, programme such as this is extremely positive in fighting equipment now being marketed and the next generation of social exclusion and its causes ? equipment and express the risk in relation to the wattage of the equipment in question ?

Answer (16 March 199S) Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 February 1995) As the President of the Council said in his address in the debate on combating social exclusion and poverty that took place at the plenary sitting on 27 October 1994 , the Council Exposure to electro-magnetic fields at the frequency range is aware of the dire circumstances of the poorest and most involved in cellular radio telecommunications ( 890 to 1 900 vulnerable groups in our society. However, to date the MHz ) is known to induce heating in tissues and organs, the Council has been unable to reach agreement on the IV magnitude of which depends on the radiated power received programme to combat poverty proposed by the from the source of the field in question . Temperature rises of Commission. about 1 °C from such heating, can, depending on the person concerned and the specific environmental conditions, The Honourable Member will find further details in the produce a variety of health effects such as reduced metabolic replies given in the abovementioned debate . heat production and vasodilation, increased plasma corticosteroid levels , growth retardation and post-natal changes in behaviour . More severe effects may occur at higher temperatures . No C 103/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

On the basis of the scientific evidence available , the The recognition procedure may at times involve waiting international non-ionizing radiation commission has set an periods of several months . It is not only difficult to obtain upper limit for the specific energy absorption rate for the such recognition in certain categories and/or sub-categories whole body of 0,4 watts per kilo ( W/kg ) for workers and or different classifications but also to retain them . This 0,08 W/kg for the general public ( 1 ). The former value was sometimes induces undertakings to tender for work at used in the proposal by the Commission for a Directive on economically irresponsible prices in order to meet the the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the requirements . exposure of workers to the risks from physical agents ( 2 ). The system has been perfected to such a degree that it Exposure from cellular radio handsets , and the attendant constitutes a serious obstacle for construction companies health risk, is very difficult to quantify . Power classes for from other Member States tendering for contracts in such transmitters vary; the harmonized European standard Belgium and thus represents a restriction of competition . known as GSM ( Groupe Spécial Mobile ), operating in frequencies spread around 900 MHz, has three classes In view of the abovementioned obstacles , does the at 0,8 , 2,5 and 5 W, whereas the newer personal Commission consider that this Belgian system is in breach of communication networks ( PCN), such as the DCS1800 the provisions on the internal market, and, if so, what with frequencies spread around 1 800 MHz has two classes measures does it intend to take in this regard ? at 1 and 0,25 W. Calculations reported in a survey carried out on behalf of the Commission show that the maximum radiated power from a GSM handset ( class 3 ) would be 1,11 W which would correspond to a maximum specific energy absorption rate of 3,4 W/kg, with the corresponding Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi value for a DCS1800 handset being 1 W/kg . on behalf of the Commission (5 January 1995) Such values must, however, be interpreted with caution, as the exact exposure circumstances may well be different from those used in the above 'worst-case' calculations . 1 . The Directive now applicable to public works contracts ( Council Directive 93/37/EEC (*)) stipulates that (») 'Health Physics' 24 ( 1988 ), 1 , pp . 115—123 . contracts are to be awarded after the suitability of ( 2 ) OJ No C 230, 19 . 8 . 1994 , p . 3 . contractors has been checked, possibly by way of a recognition procedure . Checking the suitability of contractors is carried out by the contracting authorities in accordance with the criteria of economic and financial standing and technical knowledge or ability referred to in the Directive .

In Bellini ( 2 ), the Court ofJustice ruled that these criteria are WRITTEN QUESTION E-2164/94 not exhaustive and recalled that the contracting authorities are required to specify in the contract notice or in the by Karla Peijs ( PPE ) invitation to tender which references they have chosen from to the Commission among those mentioned and what references other than (18 October 1994) those mentioned in the relevant article of Directive are to be ( 95/C 103/03 ) produced .

2 . The problem referred to by the Honourable Member is currently being examined by the Commission following Subject: Obstacles to freedom of movement in relation to Belgium's adoption of new legislation governing the public invitations to tender recognition of entrepreneurs .

Is the European Commission aware that, in Belgium , free As part of its task of monitoring the transposai of Directive competition for public works contracts is restricted by a 71/305/EEC ( 3 ), as amended by Directive 89/440/EEC ( 4 ) regulation stipulating technical and financial criteria for the and now replaced by Directive 93/37/EEC, the Commission recognition of public contractors ? has already made known its observations on the legislation in question to the Belgian authorities in a preliminary letter dated 7 February 1992 . Construction companies from the Member States must first qualify to be accepted into particular categories and/or sub-categories and different classifications before being It noted a number of incompatibilities between the new allowed to tender for public contracts and then only for legislation ( 5 ) and Community legislation on public those public contracts for which their 'recognition' is procurement that resulted in discriminatory treatment for valid . non-recognized firms from other Member States . 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/3

The Commission took the view that the recognition scheme of generalized tariff preferences for the period 1995 requirements laid down in the Belgian legislation were at to 1998 to certain industrial products originating in variance with Article 59 of the EC Treaty and with the developing countries ( 1 ). specific provisions of the Directive . The Regulation makes provision in Articles 7 and 8 for 3 . Infringement proceedings have been initiated against special incentive arrangements in the social field and in that Belgium . of the environment .

(M OJ No L 199 , 9 . 8 . 1993 . ( 2 ) Joined Cases 27 to 29/86 CEI v. Association intercommunale As regards the special incentive scheme in the social field, the pour les autoroutes des Ardennes ( 1987 ) ECR 3347 . Council has decided that as of 1 January 1998 , special ( 3 ) OJ No L 185 , 16 . 8 . 1971 . incentive arrangements in the form of additional preferences ( 4 ) OJ No L 210, 21 . 7 . 1989 . may be granted to beneficiairy countries covered by the ( 5 ) Law of 20 March 1991 on the recognition of entrepreneurs of works ; Royal Decree of 26 September 1991 laying down certain scheme which request such arrangements in writing and measures implementing the Law of 20 March 1991 ; Ministerial provide proof that they have adopted and actually apply Decree of 27 September 1991 classifying works according to domestic legal provisions incorporating the substance of the their nature into categories and sub-categories for the standards laid down in ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98 recognition of entrepreneurs; Ministerial Decree of concerning freedom of association and protection of the 27 September 1 991 on the documents to be produced in support right to organize and Convention No 138 concerning of applications for recognition . minimum age for admission to employment .

To that end, the Council will in 1997 carry out a review based on a Commission report on the results of the studies carried out in international fora such as the ILO, the WTO WRITTEN QUESTION E-2235/94 and the OECD on the relationship between trade and labour by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) rights . to the Council (27 October 1994) In the light of that review and on the basis of internationally accepted , objective and operational criteria, the ( 95/C 103/04 ) Commission will submit a proposal for a Council Decision on the intensity of the special incentive arrangements Subject: Incorporation of social clauses in the EU's referred to above and the detailed procedures for generalized system of preferences implementing them .

In its document COM(94 ) 212 , on the role of the GSP in the Similar provisions have been adopted in the field of the decade from 1995 to 2004 , the Commission proposes to environment . include social and environmental clauses in the EU's generalized system of preferences . The clauses are to be conceived as incentives and are to take the form of (!) OJ No L 348 , 31 . 12 . 1994 . supplementary tariff preferences .

At the same time the Commission proposes to restrict the GSP in future to the poorest developing countries .

However, the least developed countries , the so-called LLDCs, along with certain states in South America in which WRITTEN QUESTION E-2247/94 the cultivation of drugs is widespread , already enjoy full by Florus Wiisenbeek ( ELDR ) exemption from customs duties on imports of their products to the Commission into the EU . (26 October 1994) What is the Council's position on the Commission proposal, ( 95/C 103/05 ) particularly with regard to the social and environmental clauses intended as incentives for these groups of States ? Subject: Overhead line voltages in Europe

Answer 1 . Is the Commission aware that the forthcoming (16 March 1995) Directive on inter-operability of high-speed trains — the logical next step following Directive 91/440/EEC i 1 ) — is at odds with the steps being taken to improve international rail The General Affairs Council adopted at its meeting on services through cooperation while taking account of 19 December 1994 a Regulation applying a multi-annual historical differences in technical systems ? No C 103/4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

2 . Is the Commission aware that technical developments offers alternative solutions to a change of power where the in modern safety and energy supply systems are such that cost of this would prove too high . equipment on trains is becoming more expensive while railway infrastructure costs are falling ? The net result is beneficial, but, partly because of Directive 91/440/EEC, there is a risk that the costs and benefits will be distributed unequally between authorities ( infrastructure managers ) and operating companies . For example, stipulating a voltage of 25 kV AC essentially compels operators to equip engines WRITTEN QUESTION E-2253/94 with very expensive pantographs ; they will undoubtedly be by David Bowe ( PSE ) unable to recover the cost of this equipment from market revenue, and the level of service provided may therefore to the Commission decline . ' (9 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/06 )

(!) OJ No L 237, 24 . 8 . 1991 , p . 25 . Subject: Control and reduction of NOx Emissions

Will the Commission consider the introduction of measures to control and reduce the emission of NOx emissions in the form of a Protocol similar to that used to control and reduce Answer given by Mr Oreja S0 2 emissions ? on behalf of the Commission (9 January 1995)

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1995) 1 . The main aim of the proposal for a Directive on the inter-operability of the European high-speed train network is to promote the establishment of an inter-operable network in accordance with Title XII of the EC Treaty, and The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable in particular Articles 129b ( 2 ) and 129c ( 1 ). Member with regard to pollution from oxides of nitrogen ( NOx ). These may have a directly toxic effect on humans, they are major precursors of tropospheric ozone and they also contribute to acid rain and global warming . This proposal is in accordance with Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community railways , since it will The Community is already a signatory of the 1979 protocol facilitate access to railway infrastructure, as provided for by that Directive . and convention governing the control and transfrontier fluxes of the oxides of nitrogen.

The Commission believes it is necessary to pursue a coherent 2 . Pending adoption of the Directive and the preparation Community wide strategy for reducing NOx emissions . Such of technical specifications for inter-operability relating to a strategy will include : power supply, it is not possible at this stage to say what options will finally be chosen . — the establishment of more severe air quality standards in the context of the proposed air quality framework Directive recently communicated to Council and Technically speaking, it is clear that a normal-frequency Parliament, operating voltage of 50 Hertz, the highest possible, would be the most rational choice while maintaining the existing — more rigorous control for vehicle emissions including voltages on new routes already in service . more severe standards for type approval procedures as well as improved inspection and maintenance regimes ( proposals will be made in 1 995 on the basis of the auto-oil programme), In general, the Commission wishes to limit the number of voltages used and avoid the use of new voltages which — more rigorous control of fuel quality ( again policy will would not represent a genuine technological advance . be guided by the results of the auto-oil programme ),

— rigorous application of the provisions governing The experts agree that the question of voltage is not the most emissions from large combustion plants ( Directive difficult problem to resolve technically. Power electronics 88/609/EEC ( a )). 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/5

In the light of the above considerations and the initiatives WRITTEN QUESTION E-2265/94 foreseen during the course of 1995 the Commission is not by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) convinced of the need or the desirability of an additional to the Commission protocol governing NOx . (9 November 1994) (') OJ No L 336, 7 . 12 . 1988 . 95/C 103/08 )

Subject: The drafting of legislation in the European Union

An influential publication recently published an article WRITTEN QUESTION E-2258/94 levelling serious criticism at the procedures followed by the by Peter Truscott ( PSE ) European Union, notably the Commission, in drafting legislation ('EU Law Making Needs an Overhaul', Rod to the Council Hunter, The Wall Street Journal, 11 October 1994 ). (16 November 1994) (9SIC 103/07 ) The author considers the influence of 'national experts ' on the drafting of legislation to be excessive and gives examples of this in connection with the Directives on waste and Subject: European Council meetings ( secrecy ) pollution . He blames these shortcomings on the fact that the European Union has no central legislative office and that texts drafted by national or Community experts are not Would the Council please explain why it considers it adequately revised by Commission lawyers . necessary to refuse to open its meetings to the public, and why it is the only legislative body in the world which holds its meetings in secret ? In view of the specific proposals put forward by Mr Hunter to improve the legislative drafting procedure, can the Commission give its opinion of the criticism made and the possible solutions suggested ?

Answer (16 March 1995) Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission The Council would draw the Honourable Member's (9 February 1995) attention to the fact that the European Councils of Birmingham ( October 1992 ) and Edinburgh ( December 1992 ) regarded transparency as one of the fundamental All legislative proposals submitted by the Commission are factors to be respected in order to bring the Community adopted only after compliance with the internal procedures closer to its citizens . Among the measures taken by the laid down in the Commission's rules of procedure . This Council within its terms of reference to give effect to that includes a thorough revision of legislative proposals by the position is the public broadcasting of some of its debates . different Commission departments . This is the rule for debates on the work programmes of the Presidency and the Commission; individual decisions to Whenever national experts are hired by the Commission broadcast certain other Council debates may also be taken, they are always offered fixed-term contracts and work especially when they address important questions affecting the interests of the Union or important new legislative under the supervision of Commission officials . proposals . Nineteen Council meetings have been televised to date . Moreover, national experts are only involved at the stage of the technical elaboration of legislative proposals . In this respect, the practice of hiring national experts has proved The Council would also draw the Honourable Member's useful both for the understanding by national attention to the new provisions on disclosure of the results administrations of the elaboration of Community law as of votes held within the Council and public access to well as for the appreciation by the Commission of the Council documents . different national situations .

All these measures , designed to make the Council's work The Commission's policy is to limit the number of national more open , have since been put into regular practical experts hired to a proportion which is compatible with the application . proper functioning of the Commission . No C 103/6 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2274/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2278/94 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) by José Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 November 1994) (9 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/09 ) ( 95/C 103/10 )

Subject: Fundamental freedoms within the police force Subject: Commission as an equal opportunity employer For reasons strictly related to his work as a trade-union In The Bulletin of 6 October there was an advertisement for representative, Principal-Deputy-Inspector José Manuel dos English-language typists for the Commission which stated Santos Carreira , President of the Portuguese 'Associaçâo both that the Commission is an equal opportunity employer Socio-Profissional da Policia' ( Police Socio-Professional and that applicants must be a national of one of the Member Association ) has , on the decision of the government­ States of the Community and be born before 9 November controlled police hierarchy, been compulsorily retired — a 1976 and after 10 November 1958 . punitive act which is merely the latest expression of the Portuguese Government's persistent refusal to recognize the right of association and to collective action within a police Does the Commission not feel that these two statements are force which, by law, is non-military; we could even cite the mutually contradictory in view of the fact that there are 12 historical case of a violent police attack on colleagues who to 14 million third-country nationals legally residing in the were demonstrating for recognition of their professional Union and millions more born before and after the given right of association . dates ? Can the Commission state whether the fundamental rights to which the Union is commited pursuant to Article F ( 2 ) of In order to save trees will the Commission drop these two the Treaty on European Union include the banning of the phrases ? right of association within police forces or any derogation which would permit this systematic refusal to recognize the trade union rights of the Portuguese police force ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Santer (16 February 1995) on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995)

The Commission is an equal opportunities employer, The Commission considers that the situation referred to by actively encouraging applications from both men and the Honourable Member is a matter for the Portuguese women and selecting its officials without reference to race, authorities . Within its own field of authority, however, the creed or sex, as is required by the staff regulations . Commission naturally supports the principle of free association as set out in Article 11 of the European As to the age limits , the lower limit reflects the fact that two Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and years' professional experience was required as a condition of Fundamental Freedoms , and referred to in Article F ( 2 ) of entry to this competition . The upper limit at age 35 is the the Treaty on European Union, which the Court of Justice standard level set for entry to the basic recruitment grades has established as a general principle of Community law . for the secretarial category . The staff regulations require the Commission to recruit on the broadest possible geographic basis . To achieve this and avoid excessive imbalances between nationalities , experience shows that the emphasis must be on the recruitment of younger people . This policy is kept under review, however, in the light of changing WRITTEN QUESTION E-2281/94 circumstances . That applicants must be nationals of the by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué ( PPE ) Member States is also a requirement of the staff regulations to the Commission and derogations are granted in exceptional cases only . (9 November 1994) {9SIC 103/11 ) These requirements are included in advertisements in order that candidates can ensure that they meet them before making a formal application . Subject: Ban on drift-nets

On the 29th of last month the European Parliament adopted the Fraga report on the proposal for a Council Regulation 24 . 4 . 95 MEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/7 amending Regulation ( EEC ) No 3094/86 . () laying down North-East Atlantic, it would appear in the light of scientific certain technical measures for conserving fishery resources reports drawn up in 1994 by the International Commission inter alia the conclusions of the report : for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ( ICCAT ) that this resource , although fully exploited , is not threatened with 1 . Reject the basic approach underlying the Commission exhaustion . proposal , which infringes international law and goes against environmental principles governing the The Commission will continue as in the 1 994 fishing year to conservation and management of fish resources ; keep a close watch on the monitoring and inspection activities of the Member States , including the measuring of 2 . Consider that drift-nets should be banned outright at nets at ports prior to sailing, the measuring at sea of nets the end of 1994 and be authorized solely within the used and the appropriate follow-up measures against any 12-mile zone of the Member States concerned and where vessels not complying with the legislation . National their length does not exceed 2,5 km . The day before authorities must also be able to take the appropriate action Parliament approved this agreement, the Council of at sea to prevent conflicts between different groups of Ministers decided to instruct the Scientific and fishermen . Technical Committee to draw up additional studies on the effects of the use of drift-nets . Since any delay in drawing up these studies could give the Council a (M COM(94 ) 131 firtal . pretext for delaying the ban on the use of drift-nets , thus reducing Parliament's resolution to a dead letter, its implementation is a matter of urgency .

What measures does the Commission intend to take in order to implement Parliament's wishes ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2318/94 What measures does the Commission intend to adopt in by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) order to make good the damage to the Cantabrian Spanish to the Commission fishing fleet as a result of the exhaustion of fishery resources (15 November 1994) in the Bay of Biscay ? ( 95/C 103/12

What measures does the Commission intend to adopt in order to guarantee that under no circumstances whatever Subject: Dangers of potassium will nets longer than 2,5 kilometres, which are so damaging to marine fauna , will be used outwith the 12-mile zone of the country concerned ? Is the Commission aware of the research findings of the Hungarian Agroanalysis Scientific Society on the dangers of (!) OJ No L 288 , 11 . 10 . 1986 , p . 1 . excessive potassium which can cause human health problems including weakness of muscles , mental coordination and in extreme cases , heart fibrillation ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 19/94 (13 January 1995) by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) to the Commission The Commission's proposal amending for the sixteenth (15 November 1994) time Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3094/86 ( x ) lays down ( 95/C 103/13 that in the short term all fishing activities using drift nets are to be banned . It therefore goes further than the opinion of Parliament even if on economic and social grounds transitional stages are necessary . Subject: Dangers of potassium fertilizers

The Commission, however, has already said that it intends What measures are the Commission proposing to tackle the to amend its proposal for a Regulation by accepting dangers caused by excessive use of potash fertilizers ? amendments Nos 3 , 5 , 7, 8 , 9 , 15 , 16 , 32 and 33 of the Fraga Report . Is the Commission aware of Hungarian research which shows health problems in horses fed on grass which has been As to any exhaustion of the North Atlantic stock of over-fertilized and the deaths of birds which have fed on longfinned tuna , a target species for drift-net fishing in the potassium fertilizer granules ? No C 103/8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

Joint answer to Written Questions Answer given by Mr Flynn E-2318/94 and E-2319/94 on behalf of the Commission given by Mr Fischler (6 January 1995) on behalf of the Commission (8 February 1995) In the framework of the third action programme for equal opportunities between women and men ( 1991—1995 ), the The Commission is not aware of the study cited by the Commission encourages the social partners to introduce Honourable Member . However, a number of studies on the structures and develop measures promoting the greater safety of potassium have been reported in the scientific participation of women in the decision making process . literature and the Community's scientific committee for food issued in 1992 an opinion on energy and nutrient The encouragement is given through grants allocated to intakes in the Community including potassium . social partners and other relevant organizations for innovative studies and actions in this field . The most recent include a study on the participation of women in the The potassium ion is an essential element in the functioning national and European structure of the ETUC ( available of the body and is present in all foodstuffs . An adequate from the ETUC ), and European seminar on the organization potassium intake is necessary in order to achieve a balance of working time and the social partners organized by the between potassium and sodium in the body . Both an European University Institute . inadequate and an excessive dietary intake of potassium may, in extreme cases, lead to the effects described by the The European expert network on women in Honourable Member, in humans or in other animal species . decision-making has worked recently on collecting and Certain studies suggested that a moderate increase in analysing the strategies developed in the Member States, potassium intakes, achieved through an appropriate intake which aimed to promote women in decision-making . An of vegetables fruits and derived juices , may result in a overview of these strategies will be available early in significant reduction in deaths caused by hypertension . As a 1995 . result of pathologies, such as an impairment of the renal function, potassium excess may be induced .

Given the levels of potassium which are found naturally in fruit and vegetables, the Commission has no reason to suppose that the relatively small additional amounts WRITTEN QUESTION E-2342/94 resulting from the use of fertilizers may pose a risk to human by José Barros Moura ( PSE ) health . to the Council (16 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/15 )

Subject: Neo-Nazi attacks on Portuguese nationals in WRITTEN QUESTION E-2331/94 Germany by Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission Is the Council aware that 33 Portuguese workers were attacked by gangs of young neo-Nazi thugs in Wurzen, near (15 November 1994) Leipzig, Germany, on Sunday, 16 October 1994 ? ( 95/C 103/14 ) How does it view the behaviour of the police , who refused to go to the aid of the European citizens being attacked ? Subject: Participation of women in decision-making processes What steps will it take to uphold European citizenship ?

In view of the social dimension of the Maastricht Treaty, is the Commission endeavouring to prompt the two sides of industry to introduce structures and measures for greater Answer participation by women in decision-making processes ? (16 March 1995)

If so , how is the Commission attempting to achieve this ? The Council is unable to comment either on particular incidents of the nature described occurring in a Member Can the Commission indicate whether the Expert Network State, or on the behaviour of the police . There are matters on Women in Decision-Making Positions intends to analyse which concern the German authorities alone . factors preventing greater participation by women in decision-making processes so that strategies can be As the Honourable Parliamentarian will be aware, the developed in order to improve the situation ? question of racism and xenophobia is being examined by the 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/9 relevant Council bodies and an interim report on the emphasized the group's finding that obstacles were mainly progress made by the consultative commission on racism of a legal and administrative nature , and urged the and xenophobia set up at the Corfu European Council was Commission and the Member States to take appropriate submitted to the Essen European Council in December . In measures to overcome these obstacles . addition, an interim report on the work undertaken in the area of Justice and Home Affairs regarding the fight against The fourteen priority projects identified by the Essen racism and xenophobia was examined by the Council at its European Council comprise an estimated investment session on 30 November/ 1 December . volume of about ECU 91 billion . The examination of the finance options included private financing schemes, but it is obvious that the main financing will come from national budgets . The contributions from Community funds can only be minor except in the case of projects eligible for the cohesion or Structural Funds . The interest of private WRITTEN QUESTION E-2345/94 investors in large scale infrastructure projects is significant; however, the present regulatory framework, giving rise to by Jean Baggioni ( RDE ) legal uncertainties , may limit the potential for private to the Commission commitment . (15 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/16 )

Subject: Trans-European transport networks WRITTEN QUESTION E-2347/94 by Jean Baggioni ( RDE ) The Idea of trans-European transport networks was to the Council developed in the White Paper issued by the Commission of the European Communities and then endorsed by the Heads (16 November 1994) of State or Government . Eleven projects for trai\s-European ( 95/C 103/17 ) transport networks have been selected , and the cost of financing ten of these will be ECU 68 billion . Subject: Europol Drugs Unit ( EDU ) 1 . Can the Commission state whether it has found sources of funding ? Created under the Danish Presidency of the European Union, set up under the Belgian Presidency and officially 2 . If so , what are those sources ? inaugurated on 16 February 1994 , the EDU has now been operational for some eight months .

1 . Can the Council draw up an assessment of thé Answer given by Mr Oreja EDU's work, specifying its results ( successes and on behalf of the Commission weaknesses )? (10 January 1995) 2 . Can it state what measures it plans to take to make the EDU more effective ? The Corfu European Council invited the group of personal representatives of heads of state or government to examine further the options for financing eleven priority projects for Answer trans-European networks . The group duly reported to the Essen European Council (a copy of the report is transmitted (16 March 1995) direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat­ General of Parliament ). 1 . The Europol Drugs Unit was set up in June 1993 by agreement between the Ministers for Justice and Home The Essen European Council welcomed the submission of Affairs of the Twelve . Following the decision on location of the report and shared the group's view that the financing seats taken at the European Council on 29 October 1993 , it requirements for each project had to be examined began its operations in The Hague in January 1994 . individually . The Member States, the Commission and the European Investment Bank will continue to monitor progress made in financing priority projects . It also At its meeting on 30 November/ 1 December 1994 , the welcomed the creation of a special window at the European Council (JHA ) approved a report summarizing the activities Investment Bank for the financing of trans-European of the EDU between 1 January and 30 June 1994 . networks . It called upon the Ecofin Council to adopt the necessary decisions , acting on proposals from the The unit was required to function as a non-operational team Commission, to top up the funds currently available for the with the task of exchanging and analysing data and trans-European networks . Finally the European Council information concerning illicit drug trafficking, the criminal No C 103/10 Γ ΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 organizations involved in this and associated Answer money-laundering activities involving two or more Member (16 March 1995) States .

In the first six months of 1994 , 146 requests for information At its meeting in Essen on 9 and 10 December 1994 the were received by the EDU . European Council decided that the convention establishing Europol was to be concluded no later than the European In September there were 23 liaison officers in The Hague . Council meeting in Cannes . It instructed the Council (Justice The staff of the EDU, paid from the common budget, is and Home Affairs ), following on from the results already made up of four criminologists, five computer specialists obtained and on the basis of the existing draft, to achieve a and four persons responsible for administration and logistic balanced solution for the architecture of the system and the support . The host country support group consists of nine role of liaison officers , the inclusion of terrorism in officials . At its meeting on 30 November/1 December 1994 , Europol's remit and also for the institutional aspects . the Council (JHA ) appointed four members of the leadership team which now numbers five persons .

2 . At its meeting in Essen on 9 and 10 December 1994 , the European Council was pleased to note that the Europol Drugs Unit, as the forerunner of Europol, had achieved some initial results in combating drugs-related crime and the associated money-laundering . It agreed to extend the Unit's WRITTEN QUESTION E-2349/94 mandate to the combating of illegal traffic in radioactive and by Jean-Pierre Bazin ( RDE ) nuclear materials , criminal activity relating to illegal to the Commission immigration networks , illegal trade in motor vehicles and the money-laundering associated with these forms of crime, (15 November 1994) and asked the Council to put this extension of the mandate ( 95/C 103/19 ) into effect as rapidly as possible by an appropriate act of legislation . Subject: European Union employment measures in the Pays 3 . As to making the EDU more effective , it should be de Loire region remembered that it is a forerunner of Europol . Can the Commission give up-to-date, sector-by-sector It has been decided that the Convention on the figures for the nuftiber of jobs directly or indirectly created establishment of Europol should be concluded at the latest and/or safeguarded each year in the period 1989-1994 in by the time of the 1995 Cannes European Council . each département of the French Pays de Loire region by means of Structural Fund measures, EIB and ECSC measures and other measures ?

Can it also supply an up-to-date description, with figures , of the various measures implemented in that region between WRITTEN QUESTION E-2348/94 1989 and 1994 ? by Jean Baggioni ( RDE ) to the Council (16 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/18 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2350/94 by Jean-Pierre Bazin ( RDE ) to the Commission Subject: Europol ( European Police Office ) (15 December 1994) Under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, the ( 95/C 103/20 ) European Council decided that the agreement establishing the European Police Office ( Europol ) should be finalized and signed by October 1994 at the latest . Subject: European Union measures to assist the Pays de Loire region 1 . Can the Council state when the Europol agreement will be signed ? Can the Commission state the percentage share of all the 2 . Can it state what, if any, stumbling blocks are still Community measures, funds , schemes , programmes , etc . preventing an agreement between the negotiators from ( ESF, EAGGF, ERDF, etc . measures , EIB and ECSC the Member States ? measures, etc.) implemented in ( a ) France and ( b ) the /

24 . 4 . 95 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/11

Community as a whole between 1989 and 1994 accounted WRITTEN QUESTION E-2352/94 for by the French Pays de Loire region and each of its by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE ) départements ? to the Commission (15 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/21 ) Joint answer to Written Questions E-2349/94 and E-2350/94 Subject: Consequences of the Spanish hydrological plan for given by Mr Delors Portugal on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995) The Commission has recently approved Cohesion Fund financing for planning measures connected with seven rivers in Spain, namely the Ebro, Jucar, Guadalquivir, Douro, The amounts granted by the various funds to the Pays de la Guadiana , Segura and Tagus . Loire region are as follows : In view of the controversy and considerable concern which (in million ECU) the Spanish hydrological plan has given rise to in Portugal, can the Commission state whether the above measures are in

Objective Objective Objective Total any way related to that plan ? 2 5a (') 5b

ESF 1990-1993 16,2 2,16 18,36 Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber ERDF 1989-1993 85 85 on behalf of the Commission EAGGF ( Guidance ) (13 January 1995) 1989-1993 0,56 11,29 11,85 EIB 1989-1994 568,61 The Spanish national hydrological plan as such has not been ( 1 ) The regional breakdown of other financing operations under Regulations submitted to the Commission . Were the Commission to ( EEC ) No 866/90 ( processing and marketing conditions for agricultural receive a request for finance for the plan, it would examine it products ), ( EEC ) No 797/85 and ( EEC ) No 2398/91 ( aid to farms ) is not available in the light of the guidelines laid down in the Community Support Framework for the Spanish Objective 1 regions and of all relevant Community rules . For further details , the Honourable Member should refer to the programming documents approved by the Commission On the basis of the cohesion financial instrument and , concerning : subsequently, the Cohesion Fund , the Commission has approved development and erosion control projects for the — the CSF Objective 2 ( 1989-1991 ) approved on rivers referred to in the question . The purpose of these 20 December 1989 projects , which comply with the environmental objectives of the Cohesion Fund, is to safeguard hydrological equilibrium . — the CSF Objective 2 ( 1992-1993 ) approved on 18 December 1991 The Commission has examined all the hydrological projects presented to it concerning basins common to Spain and — the CSF Objective 5b ( 1989-1993 ) approved on Portugal from the point of view of their impact on the 27 June 1990 bassins as a whole and will continue to apply this approach in the future . and to the regional authorities .

Job creation and preservation is a leading priority for Community financial aid . The Commission always asks WRITTEN QUESTION E-2366/94 the recipient Member States and regions to state the employment objectives and to clearly define the criteria used by Giovanni Burtone ( PPE ) and Gerardo Bianco ( PPE ) to measure their real effectiveness . to the Council (16 November 1994) Furthermore , the Commission has just launched ex post ( 95/C 103/22 ) evaluation studies covering the period 1993-1994 . Part of this work will involve an evaluation of the employment impact of the measures financed . Subject: Chaptalization of wine

We find the proposal on reform of the common organization of the market in wine extremely disappointing . No C 103/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

The proposal to use sucrose as a means of increasing the the lines mentioned in the Honourable Member's question, alcohol content of wine seems inconsistent with the reform's others were in favour of maintaining the status quo . main aim, namely to restore a balance in this market, which otherwise would produce a surplus of 39 million hectolitres The Council will shortly be continuing its discussions on the by the year 2000 . Sucrose actually increases production Commission's proposal for reform with a view to seeking since it enables the yield per hectare to rise irrespective of the appropriate solutions to the problems raised . level of alcohol produced naturally . This will continue to benefit areas which are not naturally wine-growing regions and whose wine requires sucrose enrichment before it can be marketed . It will also mean, paradoxically, that grubbing-up will be applied in areas particularly suited to wine growing . Any enrichment which proved necessary could be carried out with concentrated must or rectified concentrated must which, in addition to being a grape WRITTEN QUESTION E-2389/94 product, would help reduce wine surpluses . Being more by Gerardo Bianco ( PPE), Giovanni Burtone ( PPE ), Antonio costly, the use of must would in any case be restricted to Graziani ( PPE ), Danilo Poggiolini ( PPE), Carlo Secchi ( PPE ), quality wines . Giampaolo D'Andrea ( PPE ), Maria Colombo Svevo ( PPE), Livio Filippi ( PPE ) and Pierluigi Castagnetti ( PPE ) to the Council The European Parliament has already expressed this view in (17 November 1994) its report on the Commission communication, but no response has been forthcoming . (9SIC 103/23 )

Does the Council not agree that : Subject: Independence of national central banks and the EC Treaty 1 , the Commission proposal should be amended so as to exclude the use of sucrose as a means of increasing the Is the Council aware of the fact that the Italian Government alcohol content of wine ? interfered in the appointment of the General Manager and senior executives of the Bank of Italy ? 2 , the use of concentrated must and rectified concentrated must should be supported ? Does the Council not consider that such interference is incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Treaty on European Union, which stipulates that, during the second stage for achieving economic and monetary union, each Member State shall start the process leading to the Answer independence of its central bank ? (16 March 199S) How does the Council intend to guarantee compliance with the rules on national central bank independence with a view to moving on to the following stages in the process of The aim of the Commission proposal on the reform of the economic and monetary union ? common organization of the market in wine, forwarded to the Council on 13 June 1994 , is to step up efforts to achieve a balance between supply and demand . Answer (16 March 1995) In this connection , the Commission felt that it was advisable to propose a more restrictive approach with regard to chaptalization together with the gradual abolition of the system of aid for the use of concentrated must, whether It is not for the Council to comment on the matters rectified or not . mentioned by the Honourable Member .

In this context, the Council would draw attention to The Council has examined this proposal on several Article 108 of the Treaty on European Union under which occasions and most recently at its meeting on 12 to 'each Member State shall ensure, at the latest at the date of 15 December 1994 . the establishment of the ESCB, that its national legislation including the statutes of its national central bank is compatible with this Treaty and the Statute of the While all delegations were in favour of thorough-going ESCB'. reform of the sector in order to achieve the desired objective, differences emerged as to how it should be achieved . In particular, while some delegations expressed views along 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/13

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2398/94 Nordic system of industrial relations based primarily on by Ole Krarup ( EDN ) collective agreements . to the Commission In this respect, the Commission stressed in a declaration (23 November 1994) annexed to the Final Act on the accession of Norway, ( 95/C 103/24 ) Austria, Finland and Sweden C ) that, as regards Directives :

Subject: Collective agreements 'duly notified collective agreements at national level would be one way in which to implement them . And In Denmark and the other Nordic countries collective Sweden would most probably choose this way of labour market agreements are traditionally given the force implementation as allowed for in Article 2 ( 4 ). of law . Commissioner Flynn has in the past confirmed that Non-compliance by firms or individuals could in this employment Directives in this field will be transposed by case be solved notably by recourse to the normal collective agreement rather than national legislation . On procedures in effect on the Swedish labour market . Only this basis will Denmark be obliged to implement them via in the last resort, and as a safety valve, might national legislation, where the implementing agreements are not legislation have to be envisaged'. valid throughout the labour market ? The main aims is to ensure that the workers concerned enjoy the rights granted to them by the Directives , account being taken of the diversity of national practices . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2400/94 by Lis Jensen ( EDN ) (M OJ No C 241 , 29 . 8 . 1994 . to the Commission (23 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/25 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2433/94 Subject: Collective agreement by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) and Petrus Cornelissen ( PPE ) In Denmark and the other Nordic countries collective to the Commission labour market agreements are traditionally given the force (30 November 1994) of law . Commissioner Flynn has in the past confirmed that ( 95/C 103/26 ) Directives in this field might be transposed by collective agreement rather than national legislation . Will this allow national agreements to continue to apply in the normal way, Subject: KLM flights between Schiphol and Orly i.e . may be terminated in accordance with the general law on agreements , and may they validly depart from the 1 . Does the Commission agree that the French corresponding Directive ? Government's policy of refusing KLM permission for two flights per weekday between Schiphol and Orly constitutes a violation of European law ? Joint answer to Written Questions E-2398/94 and E-2400/94 2 . Will the Commission call the French Government to given by Mr Flynn order without delay ? on behalf of the Commission (17 January 1995) 3 . In view of the less than European attitude adopted by the French Government in this connection, ought not the Commission to reconsider its approval of the billions of Community law does not prohibit Member States from francs in State aid from the French Government to Air entrusting the implementation of social Directives to the France ? social partners . In fact, certain Directives explicitly state that their rules may be implemented by agreements . This possibility is also given to the Member States in Article 2 ( 4 ) Answer given by Mr Orej a of the Agreement on Social Policy annexed to the Treaty . on behalf of the Commission However, this option must not jeopardize the proper application of Community law, and the Member States (9 January 1995) concerned must take all the necessary steps to ensure that the results required by a Directive can always be The French authorities' refusal to grant KLM traffic rights achieved . for two daily return flights between the airports Schiphol and Orly was based on two French decrees of 6 December The Commission is aware of the concerns raised by 1993 and 31 May 1994 on the distribution of traffic within Denmark and the Member States which are familiar with a the airport system of Paris . The rules of those decrees No C 103/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 provided that, subject to certain exceptions , international WRITTEN QUESTION E-2484/94 intra-Community services had to be operated at the airport by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) Charles-de-Gaulle . to the Commission (30 November 1994) Further to the Commission's intervention , the French authorities revoked these two decrees and replaced them by ( 95/C 103/28 ) new traffic distribution rules which will, become fully effective on 1 January 1995 . According to those new rules, any air carrier may be granted traffic rights for four Subject: Financing of inter-regional cooperation frequencies per day on any route between Orly and another programmes airport located within the European Economic Area . The Commission therefore excepts that the problem to which The XXIInd general assembly of the Conference of the Honourable Members refer in their question has been Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, held in Cagliari, resolved . - Sardinia , unanimously adopted a final resolution which notably included the following paragraph :

'The regions of the CPMR note that Article 10 of the ERDF does not suffice to finance inter-regional cooperation programmes and ask for a new legal basis of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2467/94 financing these programmes'. by Hedy d'Ancona ( PSE ) to the Commission How does the Commission intend to respond to this concern expressed by the regions belonging to the (30 November 1994) CPMR ? ( 95/C 103/27 )

Subject: Financial assistance to Valle di Bevera di Olivetta WRITTEN QUESTION E-2490/94 ( Provincia di Imperia-Italia ) by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) to the Commission Can the Commission provide an overview of the type and volume of financial assistance which the European (30 November 1994) Community has given to Bevera di Olivetta valley in recent ( 95/C 103/29 ) years ? The funds in question have been used to improve the landscape of the valley and its surroundings . Subject: Interreg Programme Are the current plans of the local and regional authorities for siting a quarry and a refuse incinerator in the valley contrary The XXIInd general assembly of the Conference of to the objectives which the EC funding was intended to Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, held in Cagliari, serve ? Sardinia , unanimously adopted a final resolution which notably included the following paragraph : If so, what action does the Commission intend to take vis-à-vis the Italian Government ? 'The regions of the CPMR wish to see a wider application of the concept of maritime borders in the implementation of the Interreg Programme'.

Answer given by Mr Santer How does the Commission intend to respond to this on behalf of the Commission concern expressed by the regions belonging to the (13 February 1995) CPMR ?

The Commission regrets that it does not have enough information on which to carry out the necessary Joint answer to Written Questions investigation into the problem raised , and is therefore E-2484/94 and E-2490/94 unable , at this point, to answer the question. It would given by Mr Millan therefore ask the Honourable Member to provide further on behalf of the Commission details of . the Community funding supposedly provided, (16 January 1995) because it is unaware of any financial assistance to improve this area . The Commission does not intend to propose a new legal basis to finance inter-regional cooperation programmes in 24 . 4 . 95 lEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/15 addition to the instruments for 1994—1999 which already It is not the intention of the Commission to propose to the exist under the Structural Funds ( in particular, under Council an eight-hour limit on the transport of live animals Article 10 of the Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254/88 , as amended for slaughter . by Regulation ( EEC ) No 2083/93 , governing the European Regional Development Fund (*).

The border areas eligible under the Interreg II Community Initiative were defined in the notice to the Member States laying down guidelines for operational programmes which WRITTEN QUESTION E-2500/94 Member States are invited to establish in the framework of a by Kenneth Stewart ( PSE ) Community Initiative concerning border development, cross-border cooperation and selected energy networks ( 2 ). to the Commission This definition applies to the period 1994—1999 and (30 November 1994) includes a certain number of maritime borders . ( 95/C 103/31 ) f 1 ) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 180 , 1 . 7 . 1994 . Subject: Objective 1 Merseyside

Is the Commission aware of the growing disquiet among Merseyside Members of Parliament regarding the secret activity of the monitoring group determining Objective 1 expenditure and its failure to inform the public, and above WRITTEN QUESTION E-2499/94 all their elected representatives including MEPs , of the by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE ) progress and give answers to their questions ? to the Commission The Commissioner will be aware of the total lack of (30 November 1994) democracy in the make-up of the adjudicating body, ( 95/C 103/30 comprising 50 quangos heavily weighted in the government's favour which determine projects for Objective 1 expenditure, in many instances utilizing Subject: Transport of live animais European finance which under normal circumstances would be met by the government . Council Directive 91/628/EEC ( ) states that during transport animals must receive water and appropriate food Does the Commissioner agree with the amount allocated for at suitable intervals . These intervals shall not exceed 24 training purposes , when there is not end-product for real hours unless an extension of this period by no more than jobs ? Does he not consider this a waste when it could be used two hours is required in specific cases . to attract industry to the area and provide real long-term jobs ? Why is it that animals are still being transported for journeys of over 24 hours ? What is being done to penalize those responsible ? When will a maximum eight-hour limit on the transportation of live animals for slaughter be introduced Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission across the European Union ? (16 January 1995) (M OJ No L 340, 11 . 12 . 1991 , p . 17 . The monitoring committee which oversees the Objective 1 Programme , for Merseyside is made up of representatives from the principal regional partners involved . These include Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission the government, the Commission, the European Investment Bank, the private sector, the training and enterprise (9 January 1995) councils , statutory bodies, the voluntary sector, representatives appointed by each of the Merseyside district councils and other key regional partners . The Commission Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals sucessfully argued during negotiations that local authorities during transport provides that animals may be transported should have the right to decide how they are represented . As for more than 24 hours provided that they receive water and regards the social partners, the British authorities have not appropriate food at intervals not exceeding 24 hours . accepted a Commission request that they should be represented on the monitoring committee . The Member States are responsible for the application of these rules and , where necessary, the imposition of The monitoring committee is assisted by a programme penalties . secretariat principally staffed by officials from the No C 103/16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 government office for Merseyside . Under Commission Answer given by Mr Fischler Decision 94/342/EC i 1 ), monitoring committees are on behalf of the Commission required to provide information about their activities . (13 February 1995)

On the question of the use of European finance for purposes which would normally be financed by the government, the The \ Commission set up the Animo system for single programming document for Merseyside satisfies the communication between the veterinary authorities of regulatory requirement for additionality . However, the Member States pursuant to Council Directive 90/425/EEC Commission is concerned to monitor the operation of this of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical principle and it would be helpful if possible examples of checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live substitution could be drawn to its attention . animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market ( a ). Commission Decision 93/70/EEC ( 2 ), as modified by Decision 94/295/EC fixed the name and the The amount allocated for training purposes reflects a code for the goods for which the Animo system is used . concern that, while the people of Merseyside are its most important asset, there are many in the area who need help in There is no private use of the Animo system which is upgrading their skills . In relation to increasing business reserved exclusively for the veterinary authorities of the competitiveness through training and to combating social Member States . So far as the choice of a special code , this exclusion the programme is attempting to address major reflects naturally the specific activities of the veterinary issues raised in the Commission's white paper on growth, competitiveness and employment ( 2 ). The programme as a sector and particularly the control at the frontiers of live animals and products . It is the animal and public health whole aims at creating 49 000 new jobs . aspects which determine the veterinary activity, and which dictated a different classification to that used by the customs authorities which is adapted to their activity based on (!) OJ No L 152 , 18 . 6 . 1994 . economic considerations . Decision 93/70/EEC set out the ( 2 ) COMÍ93 ) 700 final . customs classification corresponding with the veterinary classification .

(!) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 25 , 2 . 2 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2505/94 by Gijs de Vries ( ELDR ) and Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2518/94 (30 November 1994) by Nel van Dijk ( V ) ( 95/C 103/32 ) to the Commission (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/33 ) Subject: Coding of veterinary products

Subject: Structural Fund support for intensive pig units In Decision 94/295/EC ( ), the Commission introduced , for the purpose of carrying out checks on veterinary products originating in third countries , a coding system which differs On 24 October 1994 the Council of Agriculture Ministers from the existing customs codes . This entails unnecessary decided to delete the 'feed clause' relating to Structural Fund expenditure both for businesses and port authorities . support for pig units . Under that clause pig farmers were eligible for subsidies from the Structural Funds ( Objective 5a ) only if they produced at least 35 % of the Is the Commission prepared , in the interest of keeping EU feedingstuffs they required on their own farms . rules as simple and transparent as possible, to amend the coding of veterinary products to enable it to be carried out using a single system ? It is thus now possible even for large-scale industrial pig units, which buy in nearly all their feedingstuffs from outside, to obtain subsidies , including subsidies for 0 ) OJ No L 130, 25 . 5 . 1994 , p . 43 . environmental investments . 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/17

Does the Commission agree that intensive pig-rearing WRITTEN QUESTION E-2529/94 necessarily entails upsetting the mineral balance, generating by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) acidic waste and endangering the animals ' wellbeing ? to the Commission (30 November 1994) Does the Commission share my view that the provision of (9SIC 103/34 ) subsidies to such farms , even when intended for environmental investments, does not bring us any closer to a solution to the problem of manure pollution, acidification and the suffering inflicted on pigs ? Subject: Selection of projects to be included next in the plan of priority measures for tourism

Does the Commission consider the decision in question Can the Commission say whether the selection criteria for compatible with the aim of sustainable agriculture ? - the projects to be financed under the plan to assist tourism take account of the share of the GDP of each Member State generated by tourism ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2530/94 (16 January 1995) by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) to the Commission (30 November 1994) (9SIC 103/35 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328/91 H provides that aid is to be granted for investments in pig units included in improvement plans only provided that the equivalent of 35 % of the feedingstuffs required for the pigs can be Subject: Priority measures in the field of tourism produced on the farm after the improvement plan has been implemented . An item of information has come to my attention concerning an unequal distribution among the Member States of projects financed under the plan of priority Since the Council's adoption on 21 November 1994 of measures to assist tourism . I would therefore ask the Regulation ( EC ) No 2843/94 ( 2 ), the Commission may Commission to provide a breakdown by Member State authorize a Member State , in accordance with the procedure listing all projects submitted and those actually financed by laid down in Article 29 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253/8 8 ( 3 ), the Commission for each year of the period of validity of the to derogate from that condition, in exceptional cases and abovementioned plan of priority measures in the tourism solely for investment to reduce emissions from animal sector . droppings and the elimination of slurry in existing holdings , provided that such investment leads to a better result for the protection of the environment than that obtained by the condition derogated from and that it does not in any circumstances lead to an increase in production capacity . Joint answer to Written Questions E-2529/94 and E-2530/94 given by Mr Papoutsis Under this new provision, at the request of the Member on behalf of the Commission State , the Commission must issue a clarifying Decision ( after (22 . February 1995) receiving the opinion of the Committee on Agricultural Structures and Rural Development). The Commission must examine such reasoned requests to determine , in particular, whether they comply with the requirement that the Projects financed under the Community plan to assist investment leads to a better result for the protection of the tourism are selected from those received in response to environment . invitations to tender and calls for proposals published in the Official Journal . Generally speaking, there are more project proposals received than the relevant budget can (M OJ No L 218 , 6 . 8 . 1991 . accommodate . ( 2 ) OJ No L 302 , 25 . 11 . 1994 . ( ? ) OJ No L 374 , 31 . 12 . 1988 . The Commission assesses all projects received on the basis of the conditions imposed . The eligibility criteria and selection criteria are set out in the invitation to tender or the call for proposals . In assessing the projects the Commission takes No C 103/18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 account of their intrinsic merits and of their potential impact nominated by the Italian Gouvernment conforms fully to on the effective implementation of the Community action the provisions of Article 195 of the EC Treaty . The Council plan to assist tourism ( Decision 92/421/EEC ) ( 1 ). is unable to make any further comments at this stage as the question raised by the Honourable Member is at present sub judice and the Council must reserve its observations for the In this context, the Commission does not allocate each proceedings before the Court of Justice . Member State a pre-determined share of the budget for the implementation of Decision 92/421/EEC , particularly as the projects tend to be transnational .

The Commission is sending the Honourable Member, as well as the Parliament's General Secretariat, documentation which will provide some idea of the work carried out WRITTEN QUESTION E-2543/94 pursuant to this Decision . by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) and Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) t 1 ) OJ No L 231 , 13 . 8 . 1992 . to the Commission (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/37 )

Subject: Implementation of the EEC-Dominica Fishing WRITTEN QUESTION E-2541/94 Agreement by Fiorella Ghilardotti ( PSE ) to the Council Given that the Protocol to the fishing agreement between the (31 January 1995) Community and Dominica has a duration of three years, from December 1993 to December 1996 , and given that ( 95/C 103/36 almost a year has now passed since it came into force :

1 . To what extent have the different fishing opportunities Subject: Appointment of Italian representatives on the provided for in the Protocol been used ? Economic and Social Committee 2 . Which Member States have obtained licences, and how From the candidates put forward by the Italian many ? Government, the Council of Ministers has appointed a person, representing an association entitled 'Pensioners' 3 . Is there a scientific programme, and if so what have been Alliance'. This association is in no way representative of the the principal results ? sector concerned , whereas the pensioners' sections of the CGIL, CISL and UIL trade unions have around 5 million 4 . In the Commission's opinion, what are the basic members . The Italian trade unions and the European Trade problems arising from application of the Agreement ? Union Confederation have decided to contest this decision before the Court of Justice .

In view of the fact that, according to Article 195 of the Answer given by Mrs Bonino Treaty, the candidates put forward by the Member States on behalf of the Commission must 'ensure adequate representation of the various categories' and that the Council of Ministers must check (7 February 1995) that candidates are representative, does the Council not think that its final decision is inappropriate and that a thorough check should be made in order to review this The agreement has not entered into force because Dominica appointment ? has failed to sign it invoking political constraints relating to the granting of pelagic fishing possibilities inside its 12-mile territorial waters , and this despite the fact that the Community is granting reciprocal fishing rights in its waters . Answer (16 March 1995) It is expected that negotiations will be re-activated in 1995 .

The Council considers that its appointment as a member of the Economic and Social Committee of a representative 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/19

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2545/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2550/94 by Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE ) by Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE ) and Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) and Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (30 November 1994) (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 103/38 ) ( 95/C 103/39 )

Subject: Implementation of the EEC-Argentina Fishing Subject: Implementation of the EEC-Iceland Fishing Agreement Agreement

Given that the Protocol to the fishing agreement between the Given that the Protocol to the fishing agreement between the Community and Argentina has a duration of five years , from Community and Iceland runs from 24 June 1993 to 23 June 23 December 1993 to 22 December 1998 , and given that 2003 , and given that over 18 months have now passed since almost a year has now passed since it came into force : it came into force :

1 . To what extent have the different fishing opportunities 1 . To what extent have the different fishing opportunities provided for in the Protocol been used ? provided for in the Protocol been used ?

2 . Which Member States have obtained licences, and how 2 . Which Member States have obtained licences , and how many ? many ?

3 . Is there a scientific programme, and if so what have been 3 . Is there a scientific programme, arid if so what have been the principal results ? the principal results ?

. 4 . In the Commission's opinion, what are the basic 4 . In the Commission's opinion, what are the basic problems arising from application of the Agreement ? problems arising from application of the Agreement ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1995) (7 February 1995)

The agreement entered into force on 24 May 1994 following The Community and Iceland signed an agreement on signature in Brussels . The intervening period has been fisheries on 15 December 1993 . This gave to the devoted to the evaluation of joint enterprise and joint Community fishing possibilities of 3 000 tonnes of redfish ventures projects presented by Community shipowners via in return for 30 000 tonnes of capelin from the Community their national authorities . quota in Greenland waters . The Community quota can be fished in the second half of the year and was first allocated in The first meeting of the Community/Argentina joint 1994 . So far no final catch statistics are available for the first committee was held in Brussels on 5/6 December 1994 and fishing season under this new agreement . recommended 13 joint enterprise and three temporary association projects . Iceland has fixed the number of licences at five, which takes account of the relatively small size of the quota . Considering The agreement foresees the financing of a range of scientific that the quota has been allocated to four Member States, and technical programmes and the joint committee decided licences are delivered — on request — for the time needed to to establish a sub-committee , composed of representatives fish up the allocated quotas . of both parties, entrusted with the evaluation and monitoring of the programmes presented . According to Article 2 of the agreement, 'the Parties shall facilitate the necessary scientific research, in particular with This agreement constitutes the first of the second-generation regard to stocks occuring in the areas of fisheries jurisdiction type fisheries agreements and accordingly is more complex of both Parties and in adjacent areas'. There is no provision to manage from an administrative point of view . However for joint scientific programmes . the potential benefits of such agreements are recognized by both parties . There have been no particular problems to overcome in its implementation to date . Due to the high degree of dependency of the Iceland economy on its fishery resources , Iceland has imposed stringent control rules for foreign fleets in its waters . There rules include the obligation to have an Iceland inspector on No C 103/20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 board at all times and to land and weigh catches taken in WRITTEN QUESTION E-2555/94 other fishing zones in Iceland harbours before starting the by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) fishing campaign in the Icelandic exclusive economic zone to the Commission ( EEZ). (5 December 1994) The experience of the first year of application of the ( 95/C 103/41 ) agreement with Iceland does not permit a full evaluation of this agreement . Subject: Enterprise programme for the environment in Greece and the disposal of toxic waste WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 53/94 by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) There is a danger that the dumping of pesticides and other toxic substances in various parts of Greece may lead to the to the Commission pollution of the groundwater : this has alarmed Greek public (5 December 1994) opinion and particularly the inhabitants of areas concerned ( 95/C 103/40 ) who face a direct threat to their health .

Subject: Dumping of toxic and dangerous waste in Given that the enterprise programme for the environment Greece ( 1994—1999 ) provides for ECU 410 million to be allocated to the management of solid and toxic waste and actions in The Minister for the Environment, the press and this connection ( Measure 2.5 ), will the Commission say representatives of the local population have complained what practical measures and what specific and analytical about the unsupervised dumping of toxic and dangerous plans the Greek Gouvernment has drawn up to implement waste in Greece over the last few years . Article 16 of the actions provided for under Measure 2.5 ? Directive 78/319/EEC i 1 ) on toxic and dangerous waste states that : 'every three years , and for the first time three years following the notification of this Directive, Member Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies States shall draw up a situation report on the disposal of on behalf of the Commission toxic and dangerous waste in their respective countries (9 February 1995) and shall forward it to the Commission . The Commission shall circulate this report to the other Member States.' It is true that the 1994—1999 Community support framework for Greece includes an operational programme Will the Commission say whether Greece has submitted the for the environment, Measure 2.5 of which covers the reports referred to above on a regular basis, what management of waste, including toxic waste . The Greek information they contained and what general monitoring authorities have not yet sent their proposals for measures it has taken to ensure that Greece implements implementation of this measure to the programme Directives 78/319/EEC and 91/689/EEC ( 2 ) on dangerous Monitoring Committee and only after the initial meeting of waste ? the Monitoring Committee , which will be held shortly, has (M OJ No L 84, 31 . 3 . 1978 , p . 43 . taken place will the Commission have information about it . i 2 ) OJ No L 377, 31 . 12 . 1991 , p . 20 . Waste management projects are also eligible under the Cohesion Fund and a small number are being part-financed in this way at the moment . Answer given by Mr Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (3 March 1995)

The Commission is not aware of any reports submitted by Greece pursuant to Article 16 of Directive 78/319/EEC . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2556/94 As far as Council Directive 91/689/EEC is concerned , the by María Aramburu del Río ( GUE/NGL ) date by which Member States are required to bring into to the Commission force the laws , regulations, and administrative provisions (22 November 1994) necessary to comply with this Directive, has been amended to 27 June 1995 by Council Directive 94/31/EEC i 1 ). ( 95/C 103/42 ) Therefore, no general monitoring measures have been taken to date . However , the Commission will be establishing a questionnaire on the implementation of this Directive in the Subject: Delays in approval of the Objective 1 Operational near future . Programme for Andalusia f 1 ) OJ No L 168 , 2 . 7 . 1994 . According to the Spanish press , quoting official sources, the European Commission has asked Spain to clarify certain 24 . 4 . 95 EN Officiai Journal of the European Communities No C 103/21 aspects of the proposal for an Objective 1 operational Only 20% of jobs for young workers paid over £4 per programme for Andalusia, which has to be approved jointly hour . in cooperation with the Commission in accordance with the regulations on the Structural Funds . What steps will the Commission take to rectify this exploitation and introduce a Community-wide minimum What gaps or faults has the Commission found in the wage ? proposal for the operational programme ?

What financial consequences could there be for Andalusia as a result of the delay in approval of the operational programme and the possible delay in application of the Answer given by Mr Flynn funds ? on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995)

Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission The Commission is grateful to the Honourable Member for bringing this report to its attention . The Commission is (14 December 1994) concerned with the exploitation of young people particularly when they are given inadequate training .

The Commission's action in requesting additional information on the proposal for an operational programme Pay and training are inter-linked issues . The Commission is for Andalusia is part of the usual procedure followed in pursuing the issue of pay in the context of the Community appraising forms of assistance . charter on the fundamental social rights of workers which establishes that all workers have a right to an equitable wage . In its opinion on an equitable wage ( J ) the The Commission, for its examination of the programme Commission re-affirmed this right and also set out its belief proposal , wished to obtain information from the authorities that there is a need to increase investment in education and concerned regarding its conformity with the Objective 1 training in order to achieve high productivity and high Community support framework for Spain in general , and quality employment . In the course of 1 995 the Commission with the sub-framework for Andalusia in particular . will begin the preparation of its report on the application of this opinion and will be asking Member States about the It does not foresee any negative financial consequences for progress made and the obstacles encountered . The report the Andalusia Programme if this is approved shortly as cited b^ the Honourable Member will provide useful expected . information in that context . The Commission has , however, made it clear that pay is a matter for determination at national, regional or sectoral level .

In the white paper on growth, competitiveness and employment the Commission again emphasized that training is absolutely crucial , both from a macro-economic WRITTEN QUESTION E-2565/94 point of view and from the point of view of the individual . In by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) particular the Commission invited Member States to to the Commission cooperate in establishing a voluntary youth guarantee scheme to be known as Youthstart . In its action programme (5 December 1994) prepared for the European Council in Essen, the ( 95/C 103/43 ), Commission again emphasized the need to give priority to investment in human capital and called for a guarantee to be introduced progressively, with the cooperation of industry Subject: GMB report on pay rates of young workers and the social partners, that each young person under 20 will be either in full-time education or training in employment or in a linked work-training programme . If Is the Commission aware that, according to a recent UK Youthstart is fully implemented it should eliminate some of report, 30% of jobs on offer pay rates for young workers the problems highlighted in the report cited by the which are below income support levels ? Honourable Member .

In particular, 30% of jobs offered pay rates which yield a net income below the income support threshold . The European Council included in the key areas for action the improvement of employment opportunities for the labour force by promoting investment in vocational training Only 10% of jobs on offer intended to provide formal ( particularly for young people ) and improving measures to training . help groups particularly hard hit by unemployment ( noting No C 103/22 [ EN ! Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 that particular efforts are necessary to help young people, by special database on art education is in the course of being set offering them either employment or training). up .

(M OJ No C 248 , 11 . 9 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2602/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2599/94 by Erika Mann ( PSE ) by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) to the Council to the Commission (13 December 1994) (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/45 ) ( 95/C 103/44 )

Subject: EU financial assistance for Ukraine Subject: Entrance examinations for plastic arts courses at fine arts schools in Greece The Commission submitted to the Council of Finance There are two university-level fine arts schools in Greece , in Ministers meeting of 7 November 1994 a proposal for EU Athens and Thessaloniki . A large number of admission balance of payments support for Ukraine . Should the EU applications are received by these schools, which have grant Ukraine this support, other countries, such as the special entrance examinations and do not require a year of USA, Canada and Japan, and the IMF would make preliminary studies . What arrangements exist in other macro-economic assistance available to Ukraine . countries of the European Union for advanced plastic arts studies, particularly as regards admissions procedures for In view of the economic problems which Ukraine must university-level schools ? Does the Commission intend to overcome in its transformation process , such assistance introduce proposals for upgrading plastic arts studies as would be fundamental to the stability of Ukraine and, part of the common measures in the cultural sector ? hence, central Europe as a whole .

The Corfu European Council had already decided to assist Answer given by Mrs Cresson Ukraine with its economic reforms . It is therefore on behalf of the Commission particularly regrettable that the Council of Finance Ministers failed to reach a decision on the balance of (10 February 1995) payments support for Ukraine .

Article 126 of the EC Treaty states that the content of Is the Council aware of the exceptional significance which teaching and the organization of education systems are the granting of balance of payments support may have for entirely the responsibility of the Member States . The the economic situation and the continuation of the reform procedures for admission to the various levels of education process in Ukraine ? are therefore a matter for the competent national authorities , which explains the considerable diversity which exists . Is the Council prepared to take a decision granting this balance of payments support at its next meeting on 5 December 1994 ? The Community contributes to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States, which is conducive to a certain degree of natural convergence of education systems . The Commission is assisting such convergence by organizing comparative Answer studies and setting up a database on higher education . A study of higher-education entrance requirements in the (16 March 1995) Community carried out by the Eurydice network is being sent to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the European Parliament . The Council adopted the proposal for a Decision providing macro-financial assistance to Ukraine at its meeting on In the field of plastic arts studies , the Commission has 22 December 1994 . helped to finance a specific initiative to encourage cooperation between establishments . Normally, this initiative will be part of the future Socrates Programme . A 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/23

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2603/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2606/94 by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) by Glenys Kinnock ( PSE ) to the Council to the Commission (25 November 1994) (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/46 ) ( 95/C 103/47 )

Subject: Electro-magnetic fieids Subject: Languages used by Europol Does the Commission know whether there are any Member States of the EU who have specific regulations regarding the 1 . Can the Council indicate what languages will be used siting of electricity pylons ? by Europol ?

Given the clusters of deaths from brain tumors that have 2 . Does not the Council consider that Council occurred in the close proximity of electro-magnetic fields, Regulation No 1 (*) determining the languages to be used by will the Commission be allocating funding to investigate this the European Economic Community ( 15 April 1958 ) matter ? applies to Europol as it does to all other European Union bodies and institutions ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn 3 . According to the declaration on the common foreign on behalf of the Commission and security policy contained in the Maastricht Treaty, 'the (3 March 1995) use of languages shall be in accordance with the rules of the European Communities'. Only a few Member States have specific regulations or 4 . Is the Council not concerned that the introduction of guidelines concerning the siting of electricity pylons with respect to potential effects on health arising from the different language arrangements for Europol could lead to a electro-magnetic fields generated by high-voltage power discrepancy between cooperation in the fields of justice and lines . home affairs on the one hand and European Community policy, together with the common foreign and security policy, on the other ? In Austria a non-enforceable pre-standard exists since 1993 , based on the guidelines issued by the international non-ionizing radiation commission, providing for limits to (!) OJ No 17, 6 . 10 . 1958 , p . 385 . the strength of electric fields and the flux density of magnetic fields depending on the current frequency and the likely duration of exposure to these fields . Belgium has limits in force since 1987 concerning the strength of electric fields generated by power lines in inhabited areas , road crossings Answer and other areas . In Germany, a nôn-binding draft standard was issued in 1990 which provides for different limits (16 March 1995) concerning the strength of low frequency electric and magnetic fields depending on whether the exposure occurs in controlled areas and areas where only short-time exposure is likely, or in areas which include dwellings , The language arrangements to be laid down for Europol is recreational sites and places where long stay is allowed . In one of the questions being dealt with in the negotiations on Italy, there are limits since 1992 concerning the strength of the draft Convention establishing Europol . electric fields and the flux density of magnetic fields , and additional requirements are imposed on the distance from buildings and recreational areas of power lines having In spite of considerable effort under the German Presidency voltage of 132 000 Volts or more . Finally, in the United agreement could not be reached by October 1994 as Kingdom, guidelines exist in the form of basic restrictions envisaged . on current density, investigation field levels and recommendations for contact currents , i.e . for the electric current that may flow through the body of a person The Essen European Council decided that the Convention touching a conducting object present in an electric field . establishing Europol should be concluded by the Cannes European Council at the latest . According to the information available to the Commission, existing epidemiological data do not provide firm evidence of the existence of a carcinogenic hazard from exposure to low frequency electro-magnetic fields , but they are No C 103/24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 suggestive of a link in the case of childhood leukaemia . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2609/94 Coordinated studies and research are needed to test by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) certain hypotheses concerning the carcinogenic and to the Council tumour-promoting potential of electric and magnetic fields . An eight-nation feasibility study on this subject is currently (13 December 1994) being supported within the environment research ( 95/C 103/49 ) programme of the Commission . In addition there exists a COST ( cooperation on science and technology ) project dealing with the bio-medical effects of electro-magnetic Subject: Amendment of Directive 79/409/EEC on wild fields, and the Commission supports surveys and reviews in birds the context of its activities in the sphere of public health . Moreover, in its recent communication to the Parliament 1 . Is it true that the Council is considering the ' Ornis' and the Council on mobile and personal proposal, amending Directive 79/409/EEC ( 1 ) and communications (-1 ), the Commission announced its providing for the dates on which the hunting season ends to intention to establish a comprehensive action programme to be staggered for different species of bird, so that the hunting monitor the issue of possible health hazards from exposure season would not be completely over until the end of to electro-magnetic fields, and to continue work in relation February ? to limiting the effects of such exposure . 2 . If so , is the Council aware of the damaging consequences that the proposal would entail, both because (M COM(94 ) 492 final . part of the hunting season would coincide with the migration season ( when birds require special attention ) and because it has been shown that hunting in the second half of the winter mainly kills individuals which would otherwise reproduce ?

f 1 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2607/94 by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE ) to the Commission Answer (8 December 1994) (16 March 1995) ( 95/C 103/48 ) On 24 March 1994 the Council received a Commission proposal amending Directive 79/409/EEC with a view to Subject: Subsidies paid to French associations from the determining hunting seasons , and particularly when they 1993 Community budget end , especially for migratory species .

In Article 1(1 ) the proposal stresses very clearly that the Could the Commission provide an exhaustive list of French practice of hunting should be compatible with activities associations, governed by the amended law of 1 July 1901 , during the reproduction and rearing stages , including during which in 1993 received a subsidy from the Community the return to rearing grounds . The Council , in considering budget ? this proposal, is naturally very anxious that this balance be maintained . Could the Commission give the exact amount received by each association ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2613/94 Answer given by Mr Santer by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (9 February 1995) (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/50 ) The Honourable Member is referred to the answers to Written Questions Nos 996/92 i 1 ) and 2665/93 ( 2 ) by Mr Subject: Reform of the wine market Verwaerde . The report on subsidies mentioned in the last reply was sent to the Secretary-General of Parliament by the Budgetary considerations seem to be the driving force Secretary-General of the Commission on 12 July 1994 . behind the programme for reforming the wine sector proposed by the Commission, whereas an overall analysis of the sector is needed to identify what precisely is responsible t 1 ) OJ No C 274, 22 . 10 . 1992 . for the surpluses . ( 2 ) OJ No C 289, 17 . 10 . 1994 . Does the Commission not consider that it should propose reductions in supply by untertaking preventive selection 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/25 instead of adopting a global approach, the sole consequence This will be a key project as it will be the only one linking of which would be to penalize all those wines which find an Portugal by fast road to the centre of Europe . outlet on the market ?

We learned from the outcome of the Ecofin meeting that projects whose profitability was not guaranteed included the Lisbon-Valladolid motorway and the road between Answer given by Mr Steichen Patras in Greece and the Bulgarian border, i.e . those for on behalf of the Commission which there is a greater need because they are intended for (9 January 1995) Europe's outlying regions and which naturally will provide fewer chances of profitability .

The purpose of the reform of the common organization of Can the Council say then whether the Ecofin assertion that the market in wine proposed by the Commission to the economic and commercial profitability is an essential Council and Parliament is to achieve a better balance condition for carrying out these projects has been between supply and overall demand for wine products . confirmed ?

To achieve this , it has therefore been necessary to determine Can it be inferred from this that European solidarity and a Community reference production compatible with this cohesion depend on criteria 'of economic and commercial objective and to distribute it among the Member States in profitability'? order to encourage them to take greater responsibility .

And that the Council accepts that two of the countries which However, the way the reduction of supply is distributed will have most need of support and of significant improvements be neither mathematical nor arbitrary . in their links with Europe are going to be excluded from the group of countries with priority projects in the Not all vineyards will be equally affected and a selection will trans-European networks ? be made by means of regional viticultural adjustment programmes , which will be the chief instrument for implementation of the reform .

Answer In this way Member States will be able to exempt certain (16 March 1995) vineyards from the obligation to cut back production, as in the case of quality wines produced in specified regions, which are of recognized quality and for which outlets are abundant . The Council did not make the statement attributed to it by the Honourable Member . However, the Council would point out that the provisions of the Treaty applicable to trans-European networks ( Article 129c(l ), last sentence ) require the Community's activities to take into account the potential economic viability of projects .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2617/94 It would also point out that at the Ecofin Council on by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE ) 5 December 1994 support was expressed for the main to the Council recommendations made in the Christophersen Group report, which states that 'measures will be taken — if proven (29 November 1994) necessary — in order that priority projects do not run into ( 95/C 103/51 financial or other obstacles which would jeopardize their implementation' .

Subject: Trans-European network projects : As far as the breakdown of priority projects between Lisbon-Valladolid motorway Member States is concerned, it should also be stated that account must not only be taken of the 14 projects in the transport sphere, but also of the eight projects in the energy At the Ecofin meeting on 7 November 1994 the problem of sphere within the Union . Portugal is involved in a project in financing the trans-European networks was discussed . the transport sphere and three projects in the energy sphere; Greece is involved in a project in the transport sphere and Of the eleven priority projects decided at the Corfu Summit two projects in the energy sphere . only one concerns Portugal and even so the main section will be built in Spain . This is the Lisbon-Valladolid motorway . No C 103/26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2628/94 Report' that the Commission intends to improve the legal by Jean-Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) framework . What measures has it taken to achieve this aim ? * to the Commission (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/52 ) Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission Subject: Use of appropriation A-322 (17 February 1995) Would the Commission provide the list of non-governmental youth organizations that have received subsidies under appropriation A-322 for 1993 and The Commission's 1994 work programme included 1994 ? measures to strengthen Regulation ( EEC ) No 4045/89 on scrutiny by Member States of transactions forming part of the system of financing by the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and WRITTEN QUESTION E-2634/94 Regulation ( EEC ) No 386/90 on the monitoring carried out by Klaus Rehder ( PSE ) at the time of export of agricultural products receiving refunds or other amounts . The Commission's proposals to to the Commission the Council for amending Regulations have been adopted by (8 December 1994) Regulation ( EEC ) No 163/94 (*) and Regulation ( EEC ) ( 95/C 103/53 ) No 3094/94 ( 2 ). The Commission has also laid before the Council a proposal for a general Regulation on principles applicable to checks and penalties, which if adopted would Subject: Promotion of pan-European youth associations lay down general rules applicable to on-the-spot checks and controls . Does the Commission see any possibility of providing financial support for pan-European youth associations such (!) OJ No L 24 , 29 . 1 . 1994 . as the 'European Committee for Young Farmers' an '4H ( 2 ) OJ No L 328 , 20 . 12 . 1994 . Clubs ' directly rather than indirectly via the Member States ?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2628/94 and E-2634/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2645/94 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission by Konstantinos Hatzidakis ( PPE ) to the Commission (9 February 199S) (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/55 ) The organizations mentioned by the Honourable Member are subsidized under budget heading A-322 'Support for international non-governmental youth organizations'. Subject: Level of payments and advances to Greece from the EU Structural Funds ( Objective 1 ) A list of the recipients of these subsidies , and the amounts awarded , is sent to the Secretary-General of Parliament each year . How much was paid out under the second Community Support Framework ( Objective 1 ) and the Cohesion Fund for the period 1 January 1994 to 31 October 1994 and how much was paid in advances for the projects concerned during that period ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2629/94 by Freddy Blak ( PSE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies (8 December 1994) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 103/54 ) (10 February 1995)

Subject: Legal framework for fraud prevention Commitments and payments for Greece made under the second Community Support Framework ( CSF ) and the It is indicated on page 10 of 'Protecting the Community's Cohesion Fund between 1 January and 31 October were as financial interests — The fight against fraud : 1993 Annual follows : 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/27

(in million ECU) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2663/94 by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) Commitments Payments to the Commission CSF (14 December 1994) ERDF 917 470 ( 95/C 103/57 ESF 316 158

EAGGF 73 54

FIFG f 1 ) — — Subject: Reduced customs duties on maize imports Cohesion Fund 57 62

( 1 ) All the FIFG appropriations for Greece for 1994 were committed in When the agriculture component of the GATT agreements December 1994 following approval of the operational programme for was being negotiated in the Uruguay Round , Spain and fisheries on 5 December. Portugal were granted the right to buy American maize on which customs duties would be charged at a reduced rate . Can the Commission say how much of this maize was imported by the Member States concerned in the course of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2648/94 1994 and for how long this entitlement will continue ? by Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/56 ) Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission (13 January 1995) Subject: Vaccination of animals against infectious disease

1 . Is the Commission aware that the rules on Pursuant to point 8 of the memorandum of understanding implementing livestock vaccination programmes vary from on oilseeds attached to Council Decision 93/355/EEC (*) the one Member State to another ? In some countries , depending Community is to grant Portugal a reduced-tariff import on the species , vaccinations may be given only by veterinary quota for 500 000 tonnes of maize from the 1993/94 surgeons, whereas in others farmers themselves may marketing year onwards . There is no time limit on this administer vaccines . Whilst the latter is certainly a cheaper quota, which was also included among the commitments option, its results can also be less effective . adopted in the negotiations on the 'minimal market access' part of the Uruguay Round . Although there is no time limit, 2 . Does the Commission regard this situation as there must be reduced-tariff imports in every marketing year desirable ? and the total quantity imported must not exceed 500 000 tonnes in any given year . 3 . If the Commission believes that the situation needs to be improved , what steps does it intend to take in order to ensure that vaccines to prevent or control animal diseases In addition, in its Decision 87/224/EEC of 30 January are administered in the same way in all Member States ? 1987 ( 2 ) the Council decided to conclude an agreement between the Community and the United States of America, in Annex II to which the Community undertakes to import at least 2 million tonnes of maize and 300 000 tonnes of sorghum into Spain annually in the period 1987 to 1990 , Answer given by Mr Steichen between the beginning of January one year and the end of on behalf of the Commission February the following year . The quantities of certain cereal (16 January 1995) substitutes imported each year are to be deducted from the above volume . This agreement was subsequently rolled over from year to year by means of a Council Regulation . When 1 . The Commission is aware that vaccination against the Uruguay Round agreements enter into force the quota animal diseases is not carried out uniformly within the will form part of the Community's import commitments Member States . under the heading of 'current market access'.

2 and 3 . The Commission is of the opinion that the No information is available from the Portuguese authorities matter should be left to the Member States, although, for regarding the quantities of products covered by these certain control programmes initiated by the Member States agreements imported from third countries in the course of on the basis of Community legislation, vaccination by vets is 1994, but at least the 500 000 tonnes of maize covered by required . the agreement mentioned above was imported . Half of this quantity was purchased directly on the world market by the Portuguese authorities for resale on the Portuguese market . No C 103/28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

Available information for Spain indicates that actual as such between the old and new Commissions , given that imports from third countries between January and June the Treaty makes no provision for continuity between the 1994 involved 1 036 391 tonnes of maize , 175 288 tonnes two . of sorghum and 361 131 in all of the three cereal substitutes covered by the agreement . Needless to say, the outgoing President and Members of the Commission are required to comply with the various (!) OJ No L 147, 18 . 6 . 1993 . obligations incumbent upon them, notably those laid down ( 2 ) OJ No L 98, 10 . 4 . 1987 . in Article 157(2 ) of the EC Treaty, until their terms of office expire . The Commission notes that the Honourable Member offers no criticism in this respect .

The President and Members of the Commission designate, for their part, are obviously not bound by the provisions of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2669/94 the Treaty, which start to apply only when they take up their duties . However, the appointment procedure did point up a by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) number of weaknesses and will have to be re-examined . In to the Commission no government anywhere else in the world does the (14 December 1994) president have to wait seven months before taking up office, and the political consequences for the outgoing Commission (9SIC 103/58 ) and for the political situation in the president designate's home country must be taken into account . It may therefore be necessary at the 1996 inter-governmental conference to Subject: Arrangements for the transition period between the old and new Commission consider ways of shortening this lengthy procedure .

Between the date of appointment of the President of the Commission by the Member State governments and the date of its taking office, several months may elapse , during which WRITTEN QUESTION E-2681/94 time the outgoing President continues to exercise his by Willi Gôrlach ( PSE ) functions alongside the new incumbent; this may even include the obligation or opportunity to carry out activities to the Commission related to the new mandate or new options . (14 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/59 ) The outgoing President has, in fact, been designated as a presidential candidate by a political party in his home country, while the incoming President is continuing, quite Subject: EU finance for a cure complex in Greece legitimately, to exercise his functions as head of the The European Union sponsored the building of a baths and Luxembourg Government, despite already having to carry out duties — even if only procedural — linked to his new cure complex in Greece on the Peloponnese near the village of Arkoudi . The complex was never officially opened and post . has remained empty for the last five years . The building looks neglected and dilapidated . Since this was an EU Does the Commission not consider that, independently of project, I should like to ask the Commission whether it the legitimate character of the situation and the universally knows of this building and whether it feels it has fulfilled its recognized honesty and respect for ethical standards of the supervisory responsibilities in this case . individuals concerned, the question of the arrangements for the transition period between two Commissions requires regulation, so as to avoid possible situations of Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies incompatibility in the future ? on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1995)

Answer given by Mr Santer The construction of the first phase of the project was on behalf of the Commission supported financially by the Commission in the context of. (9 February 1995) the Integrated Mediterranean Programme for western Greece and the Peloponnese .

The Commission would point out that the new President The Commission is aw"are that this first phase did not render and Members of the Commission are only appointed after the project operational but was not aware that the centre the Commission as a whole has been subject to a vote of had fallen into the dilapidated condition described by the approval by Parliament ( third paragraph of Article 158(2 ) Honourable Member. It will follow up this particular aspect of the EC Treaty), while the sitting President and other with the Greek authorities concerned . Members of the Commission remain in office until they have been replaced ( final paragraph of Article 159 of the EC The Greek authorities have proposed completion of the Treaty). It is therefore incorrect to talk of a transition period project in the context of the new Community support 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/29 framework for Greece ( 1994 — 1 999 ). Although the Answer Commission has declared its willingness to consider this (16 March 1995) proposal , it is anxious to ensure that further investment in this project will represent appropriate value for money and has therefore requested the background feasibility studies which it is currently examining . Should it be decided not to As the Honourable Member points out, changes to the pursue the completion of the project, the Commission will statute for the outermost regions such as those referred to consider the extent to which support previously granted here could only be achieved by amending the Treaty . should be maintained . Any such amendment would require implementation of Article N of the Treaty on European Union and the calling of a conference of representatives of the Governments of the Member States .

The Council as such is therefore not competent to reply to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2686/94 the Honourable Member's questions . by Isidoro Sánchez García ( ARE ) to the Council (19 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/60

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2688/94 Subject: Statute for the outermost regions of the by Alan Gillis ( PPE ) Community to the Commission (16 December 1994) Certain Community regions receive special treatment from the Community institutions owing to their special ( 95/C 103/61 ) characteristics, including regions belonging to certain Member States which are known as the outermost regions owing to their remoteness and insularity, and are the subject Subject: Banana import licenses of Declaration 26 of the Treaty on European Union . With regard to the issuing of licences under Regulation One of these regions, the Canaries, has always been the ( EEC ) No 1442/93 (*) to operators in the EU for the import subject of special arrangements which take account of its of bananas and taking into account the diversity of geographical , social and economic situation . European operators, the need to ensure a normal trade and given that integration has respected these arrangements , since the the commercial burden even on the smallest operators is of islands' problems are recongnized not only in the Spanish considerable importance, would the Commission consider Constitution but also in Community law . measures to ensure that small independent operators are not squeezed out by the largest operators who tend to control such imports in the EU ? In order to enable the Canaries to adjust to the political and economic situation as this century draws to a close, the Spanish and Community legal systems have recently (») OJ No L 142 , 12 . 6 . 1993 , p . 6 . allowed a law on a new economic and tax regime in the Canaries to be adopted .

An additional provision of this law is that the Spanish Answer given by Mr Fischler Government is to negotiate with the European Union's on behalf of the Commission institutions the consolidation of a permanent statute for the (9 February 1995) Canary Islands reflecting its status as an outermost region . When the common organization of the market in bananas In view of the fact that France and Spain will hold the was established, one of the objectives was to avoid presidency of the Council in 1995 and that an disruption of existing commercial links, while at the same inter-governmental conference will be held in 1996 to time allowing some development of marketing structures . review certain provisions of the TEU, does the Council Under its rules, licences to import under the tariff quota are consider that this would be a suitable opportunity to review shared amongst shippers , importers and ripeners of the position of the outermost regions in Community bananas , based on the volume of trade undertaken during a policies, and to safeguard their status on a permanent basis rolling three-year reference period . The common at the highest legal level so as to enable them to play an active organization of the market for bananas does not and full role in the European Union ? discriminate amongst operators on the basis of size, but at No C 103/30 1 EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

the same time allows smaller operators the opportunity to patent; it will accordingly look at the economic importance compete and survive in the Community-wide single market of utility model protection and examine whether the present for bananas . disparities have any adverse effect on the single market. The intention is that it should also outline possible legislative steps that might be taken at Community level : as well as the harmonization of Member States' own legislation, one option might be the introduction of a uniform European utility model along the lines suggested by the Honourable Member . The Green Paper will not itself decide between the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2693/94 various possibilities . by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) to the Commission The Green Paper will discuss both the form any Community (16 December 1994) legislation might take and the substance of the arrangements to be introduced . The possibility of a period of grace to ( 95/C 103/62 ) protect the inventor will be one point considered here .

Subject: Legal protection for inventions in Europe The Green Paper should be published later in 1995 . A hearing may then be organized to allow interested parties to put forward their views . What course the Commission will In the European Union — unlike in Asia — there is still no take thereafter, and whether it will propose the introduction provision for any form of protection of intellectual property of a uniform utility model , will depend partly on the rights below the level of the patent which should provide reaction of those concerned . The Commission is effective protection for simple technical inventions . consequently unable at this stage to give a more precise Nonetheless, a uniform EU-wide 'European registered indication of when Community measures might be taken . design' along these lines would be a useful complement to the patent system in Europe . In view of the very different national provisions which exist, a 'European registered design' could make a significant contribution to fair competition within the EU and enhance the Union's position in the worldwide competition for innovation . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2722/94 1 . What measures has the Commission already taken to by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) introduce uniform intellectual property provisions to the Commission of the registered design type throughout the (16 December 1994) Community ? ( 95/C 103/63 ) 2 . If such uniform intellectual property provisions were introduced , would they make due allowance for the 'period of grace' provided for in some EU countries to Subject: Bull-bars ( roo-bars ) on road vehicles protect inventors while the feasibility of their invention is being examined ? Has the Commission any plan to outlaw bull-bars ( or roo-bars ) on road vehicles ? 3 . When is an EU-wide uniform 'European registered design' system likely to be introduced ? Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Monti (8 February 1995) on behalf of the Commission (16 February 1995) The Commission has no plans to propose legislation to prohibit bull bars on road vehicles for the following reasons : The Commission is in the process of drawing up a ' Green Paper on the Protection of Utility Models in the Single 1 . The Commission, within the framework for the Market' that will cover the area to which the Honourable type-approval of motor vehicles , is actively preparing a Member refers . The purpose of the Green Paper is to assess proposal for a new Directive on the subject of pedestrian the need for Community action before the Commission safety . It will be based on work carried out by the proposes any legislation and to set out the options open so European experimental vehicle committee ( EEVC ) and that interested parties can comment . will aim to establish vehicle performance standards to ensure the pedestrian-friendliness of passenger-car The Green Paper will consider whether there is a need for frontal structures . Being a performance standard, rather Community-level action in respect of the utility model, than a design requirement, the Directive will not which is an intellectual property right below the level of a specifically prohibit or require any particular design 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/31

feature of passenger cars . If adopted , however, it would Answer given by Mr Papoutsis effectively prevent the approval of new vehicle types on on behalf of the Commission which bull bars are fitted if such devices could not meet (14 February 1995) the requirements of the proposal .

2 . Some existing vehicle types are legitimately fitted with 1 . The annual high level environmental consultations bull bars , having had them approved when the vehicle between the Commission and the US covered the following was homologated . Member States may invoke a main topics : safeguard clause contained within the framework Directive for type-approval if they wish to prohibit the — hazardous wastes and implementation of the Basel circulation of such vehicles fitted with bull bars . To date convention, where the US indicated that it would not be the Commission has not received any notification from a ratifying the convention in the near future, mainly Member State intending such action . because the necessary implementing legislation will be difficult to achieve in the new Congress after the recent 3 . If vehicles have been fitted with bull bars which were not mid-term elections; approved with the vehicle at the time of homologation, then Member States would be free to impose national — Prior informed consent and the ban on export of provisions to prohibit their fitment or use on such domestically-prohibited substances ; vehicles on the grounds of either safety or non-compliance with the certificate of conformity — biotechnology where it was agreed to undertake an certifying that the vehicle corresponds to a particular intensified programme of work on the mutual vehicle type . acceptance of data; — trade and environment, the world trade organization Thus, the Commission is already considering appropriate and multilateral environmental agreements ; action, within its area of competence, to bring forward proposals which , if adopted by the Parliament and — climate change convention : preparations for future Council , will ensure that new vehicle types are less meetings; pedestrian-aggressive than at present . — the Montreal protocol and HCFCs;

— the convention on international trade in endangered species;

— population, where the Commission suggested WRITTEN QUESTION E-2725/94 establishing a working group to discuss the use of programmes of action; by Alex Smith ( PSE ) to the Commission — the new development model incorporating discussion on (16 December 1994) economic incentives in pursuit of better environmental performance; ( 95/C 103/64 ) — the UN commission on sustainable development and its future meetings ; Subject: EU-USA environmental cooperation/Japanese nuclear waste — forests , where the Commission maintained that a convention is necessary to reinforce the existing protection and preservation activities ; Can the Commission present a summary of the meetings of 14—16 November 1994 on EU-USA environmental — preparation for the 1995 pan-European environment cooperation and 19 November on trade relationships conference in Sofia . between the EU and Japan . There were no discussions on any aspect of the US-Euratom In particular : nuclear cooperation agreement, which falls outside the remit of the topics traditionally discussed in the annual high 1 , in the discussions with Japan, was the import-export level environmental consultations . trade in spent nuclear fuel, plutonium and nuclear waste raised , in the light of the imminent return of high-level At the sixth EC-Japan ministerial meeting, the Japanese Japanese radioactive waste from the La Hague nuclear Government; processing plant; — agreed to a dialogue with the Commission on the 2 , what aspects of the US-Euratom nuclear cooperation implementation of the measures taken in the light of the agreement were raised in the EU-USA bilateral US-Japan framework talks, in a comparable manner and consultations, especially in regard to radioactive waste using the same information as in consultations with the and plutonium management ? US Government . No C 103/32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

— agreed that whenever the Japanese Government invites Answer given by Mr Marin representatives of foreign ( including US ) business on behalf of the Commission interests for discussions under the measures on (9 February 1995) government procurement, it will extend the invitation to business interests of any foreign country on an equal basis; The Commission will be represented at the conference at the — welcomed contacts already taking place between the highest level, by one or more of its members , plus officials European semi-conductor industry and the Japanese and experts from the relevant departments , including those users ( e.g . the joint EIAJ-EECA mission to Europe in working on 'women and development'. December );

— noted with satisfaction the participation of a The Commission would be honoured to have Members of representative of European business interests in the the European Parliament join the delegation, as has been the specialized sub-committees on semi-conductors . practice for other United Nations conferences in the past . Progress in market access problems in Japan was also reviewed . It was found that the consistent pressure had produced important results in nine areas since January 1993 ( public procurement, the adminstrative procedure law, reinforcement of the fair trade commission, foreign lawyers, mineral waters, cold treatment of lemons, reduction of the liquor tax differential, large scale retail stores law). During the meeting the Japanese side announced agreement to progress in the areas of food labelling ('use by' date WRITTEN QUESTION E-2739/94 labelling), acceptance of certification by approved by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) Community laboratories ( inflammability of textiles and to the Commission good manufacturing practice-imports , distinct labelling of linen products, and extensive self-certification as well as (16 December 1994) introduction of IES standards for electric appliances ). ( 95/C 103/66 )

Concerning the particular point raised by the Honourable Member, namely whether there has been any discussion on Subject: Chemical Industry of Northern Greece ( CING ) import-export trade in spent nuclear fuel , plutonium and nuclear waste, no discussion on the subject was held during the EC-Japan ministerial meeting . The region of Kalochori in the prefecture of Thessaloniki is the site of the 'Chemical Industry of Northern Greece' ( CING ) plant which produces chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs ) substances that are held responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer . This plant has been exempted from the relevant European Union Regulations ( which will enter into force on 31 December 1994 ); it is the only plant on Greek WRITTEN QUESTION E-2726/94 soil which produces chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs ) and from by Eryl McNally ( PSE), Maren Giinther ( PPE), Anne 1995 it will be the only such plant in the European Union . André-Léonard ( ELDR ) and Wilmya Zimmermann ( PSE ) It is clear from complaints that have been made to us to the Commission that this plant is more than doubling its imports of (16 December 1994) tetrachlorocarbons , which will inevitably lead to a large increase in production of CFCs in the year ahead . ( 95/C 103/65

Will the Commission say : Subject: Commission representation at the UN World Conference on Women 1 . Whether it considers it advisable to review the exemption from current European Union Regulations in What kind of delegation does the Commission intend , to favour of this industry, given the environmental damage send to the UN World Conference on Women ( Beijing, which it has already caused ( according to recent 4—15 September 1995 )? How many Commission officials allegations by Greenpeace ) and given its negligible will attend the Conference, and which Directorates-General economic importance for the region ? will they represent ? 2 . How does it intend to plan and carry out effective Will those officials who represent the Commission have controls on the activities and scale of production of this participated in WID training courses ? industrial plant ? 24 . 4. 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/33

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard No 594/91 as amended, and some HCFC 22 , a substance on behalf of the Commission produced by CING but not yet regulated in 1994 . (22 February 1995) The controls applied this year by the Commission and the Greek authorities thus ensured that CING's production did not exceed the authorized level . 1 . Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 594/91 , as amended in 1992, on substances that deplete the ozone layer ( 1 ), (») OJ No L 405 , 31 . 12 . 1992 . authorized the Greek company Chemical Industry of ( 2 ) OJ No L 333 , 22 . 12 . 1994 . Northern Greece ( CING ) to produce CFCs during 1994 and ( 3 ) OJ No L 42, 15 . 2 . 1994 . 1995 not exceeding 15% of the calculated level of its production in 1986 . While this production level was valid for all CFC producers in 1994 , it is applicable only to CING in 1 995 .

This derogation was confirmed by Article 3 of the new WRITTEN QUESTION E-2746/94 Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3093/94 which came into force on 23 December 1994 . by Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission (12 December 1994) In order to allow this production the Commission, assisted ( 95/C 103/67 ) by the management committee composed of Member State representatives , agreed to allocate CING quotas to import carbon tetrachloride ( CC14 ), a raw material for producing CFC and HCFC . Subject: Further State aid by the Netherlands to manure processing projects after 1994

The Commission asked the Greek authorities to begin Is the Commission aware of the decision by the Netherlands negotiations with CING with a view to limiting production . Minister of Agriculture to continue subsidizing manure The result of these negotiations is that, in 1995 , CING will processing projects until 1 January 1998 (-1 )? produce only half of the figure authorized by Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3093/94 ( 2 ). The Commission has accordingly reduced the import quota of Does the Commission still take the view that State aid for CCL allocated to CING . manure processing projects is capable of distorting competition and affecting trade between Member States within the meaning of Article 92(1 ) of the Treaty on In this light, in view of the lengthy procedure required and European Union ( 2 )? since all European CFC production will have ceased by 31 December 1995 , no review of the Regulations appears to Does the provision of HFL 125 million in subsidies for the be necessary . period 1995—1998 not constitute a blatant contradiction of the announcement by the Netherlands Government in 1990 that the manure processing factories would not 2 . In 1 994, in order to enforce the Regulation concerned, require any further aid with effect from 1 January 1995 , the Commission controlled CING production as follows : which was the basis for the Commission's approval in 1991 of investment aid ( 3 )? — during 1994 the Commission issued import licences for carbon tetrachloride equivalent to less than 30 % of that In view of the low manure processing capacity so far initially planned by Decision 94/84/EC ( 3 ); achieved in spite of j ust ovér HFL 250 million in government aid and in view of the planned closure of the largest manure factory ( Promest in Helmond), are further subsidies not also — furthermore , at the Commission's request, the Greek incompatible with the requirement imposed by the authorities monitored CING to ensure that it did not Commission for manure processing activity to demonstrate exceed the limits authorized by Council Regulation its viability ? ( EEC ) No 594/91 as amended . The result was that by 30 November 1994 the Greek company had produced the maximum authorized quantity of CFCs and then The Commission's words in 1991 were as follows : stopped production . If, however, despite the aid level proposed at present, these processing factories turn out not to be viable , your On 30 November 1994 , CING had imported some 5 000 Government is advised that the Commission has an a tonnes of CC14, just sufficient to produce the quantity of priori negative attitude towards any further manure aid CFCs authorized in 1994 by Council Regulation ( EEC ) in the Netherlands . No C 103/34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

Does the Commission agree that the introduction of the for Agriculture launched the manure processing adventure CO2 energy tax it advocates will have a further adverse only in order to delay the necessary reduction in effect on the viability of manure factories, which are in fact livestock ? energy guzzlers ? Is that the Commission's impression too ? Does the Commission agree that the requirement imposed by the Minister of Agriculture on new recipients of Does the Commission agree that a less risky and much more subsidies , namely that the projects concerned must be ( cost-)effective policy to combat mineral residues and the completed by 1 January 1998 , is unrealistic , given the time problem of acidification would be to use the Hfl 125 million involved in assessing applications for subsidies, obtaining in question for a socially responsible , 'softly, softly' the required licenses, conducting environmental impact reorganization of the husbandry sector in conjunction with assessments and actually building the plants ? application of the 'polluter pays' principle to surplus manure ?

Is it not therefore also to be feared that the Netherlands Will the Commission make overtures to the Dutch Government will feel obliged to grant subsidies to manure Government to block continued subsidizing of manure processing projects even after 1998 ? processing projects ? If so, what overtures will it make ?

f 1 ) De Volkskrant, 16 . 11 . 1994 . ( x ) Amendment to the 'Bijdrageregeling proefprojecten mestverwerking' aid scheme, Staatscourant 201 , 19 . 10 . 1994, no J9415435 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 229, 14 . 9 . 1990, p . 5 and OJ No C 189 , 20 . 7 . 1991 , p . 6 . Joint answer to Written Questions H OJ No C 82, 27 . 3 . 1991 , p . 3 . E-2746/94 and E-2782/94 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2782/94 The Commission has reminded the Dutch authorities that by Nel van Dijk ( V ) a prolongation of the aid scheme 'Bijdrageregeling to the Commission proefprojecten mestverwerking' after 1994 must be notified (9 January 1995) pursuant to Article 93(3 ) of the EC Treaty and that any aid ( 95/C 103/68 ) granted without respecting the suspensive effect of Article 93(3 ) may have to be recovered from the beneficiaries .

Subject: Continuation of Dutch State aid for manure Both in its letter cited by the Honourable Member and processing projects after 1994 in Decision 92/316/EEC dated 11 March 1992 ( l ) the Commission set out its policy regarding manure aid in the Netherlands . This policy has not changed . The Dutch Minister for Agriculture has decided to maintain the subsidy for manure processing projects until 1 January The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view 1998 in spite of notification to the Commission in 1990 that that the introduction of a C02 energy levy will increase the manure processing plants would no longer require support cost of manure processing . Manure processing is in itself not as of 1 January 1 995 and in spite of the fact that an a profitable activity, in that the processing costs by far important condition laid down by the Commission for exceed the proceeds for the final product. The viability of approval of manure processing support, i.e. the viability of processing factories such as Promest therefore depends on manure processing, has not been met . There is every the willingness of individual producers with a manure indication that this constitutes State aid which distorts surplus to pay the factories for the processing . competition and affects trade between Member States within the meaning of Article 92(1 ) of the Treaty on The Commission is well aware that the main objective of European Union . these plants is an environmentally acceptable disposal of manure, which might otherwise cause severe external costs mainly in the form of water pollution . The Commission Has the Commission noted remarks by a member of staff of must however, in its investigation of aid , also take into the Agronomics Institute that manure processing was account whether the polluter pays principle is duly known as long ago as 1986 to be too expensive to be viable (*)? respected .

f 1 ) OJ No L 170, 25 . 6 . 1992 . Can the Commission appreciate that there is a widespread impression that the husbandry sector and/or the Ministry 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/35

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2769/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2771/94 by Carmen Dîez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (21 December 1994) (21 December 1994) ( 95/C 103/69 ) ( 95/C 103/70 )

Subject: A common retirement age Subject: Corine and the European Environment Agency Does the Commission intend to submit a proposal for a common retirement age during the current parliamentary Can the Commission explain what arrangements exist for term ? cooperation between the Corine Programme and the European Environment Agency, and what is the situation of the persons formerly employed by the programme ? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 February 1995)

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission The Commission does not intend to put forward legislation to harmonize the minimum retirement age . Neither the (9 February 1995) Commission white paper on European social policy nor the relevant opinions adopted by the Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions call for, recommend or suggest any harmonization of the The Corine Programme was established by Council minimum retirement age in the Member States . Decision 85/338/EEC ( 1 ) as a prototype 'to gather, coordinate and ensure the consistency of information on the state of the environment and natural resources'.

Regulation ( EEC ) 1210/90 ( 2 ), establishing the European WRITTEN QUESTION E-2772/94 Environment Agency calls on it to set up , in cooperation with the Member States , the European environment by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué ( PPE ) information and observation network and to be responsible to the Commission for continuing the work started under Decision (21 December 1994) 85/338/EEC . ( 95/C 103/71 )

Thus Corine has been transferred to the Agency, the databases it produced have been incorporated into the basic Subject: The European cultural and artistic heritage information of the Agency and the continuation and build-up of Corine has been included as an element in the Europe possesses an outstandingly rich and diverse culture, Agency tasks and work programme . and the Commission has striven to preserve and develop the architectural and artistic heritage , while the Treaty on European Union has introduced a number of changes, The consultancy contracts established to build and maintain making specific reference to culture in Article 124 . the Corine databanks have been completed and the Agency is in the process of recruiting its own staff and establishing The loyalty of our citizens to the European idea will only be new consultancy contracts . The people employed by the a reality if the frontier-free area being created ( which will no programme were under contract or national experts on doubt be extended to eastern Europe ) encourages awareness secondment . The only official working with this team has of the deep traditional, historical and spiritual values of our been transferred to another unit within the Commission . peoples . The Union has the opportunity of achieving an ever-closer degree of integration, thanks to the systematic efforts being made to safeguard and protect these values, (!) OJ No L 176 , 6 . 7 . 1985 . whose preservation and consolidation are especially served ( 2 ) OJ No L 120, 11 . 5 . 1990 . by the conservation of the cultural heritage .

In this connection, on a recent visit to Romania the author observed the growing deterioration of what, in his opinion, No C 103/36 TEN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

must be considered objects of great cultural and artistic capital-intensive investment provides inter alia for regional value . Can the Commission state whether funding could be aids to be assessed on their eligible investment costs per job channelled ( via the Phare Programme ) to the restoration of and to be exempted from notification up to a specific the major cultural treasures which, in eastern Europe in threshold . general and in Romania in particular, are languishing in virtual abandonment owing to the absolute lack of economic resources ? Is the Commission not concerned that, in a number of sectors , this will lead to regional competition in subsidies which Does the Commission not consider that the integration of the countries of eastern Europe must not be conceived in purely political and economic terms, but also requires action — will worsen existing structural problems in sectors such in the cultural sphere, on the basis of common values and via as, for example, textiles or chemical fibres ; active participation in the rehabilitation of an artistic and cultural heritage of outstanding value ? — will bring about a relocation of jobs to regions with more generous assistance programmes;

— will relocate jobs, but will not create new jobs ; Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission — and hence , in general, undermine the 'competitive (9 February 1995) mission' of the Treaty on European Union and thus be at odds with the Commission's responsibilities laid down in the Treaty ? The Commission is aware of the value of the cultural patrimony in central European countries and of the difficulties for some countries to preserve this heritage . This Which specific sectoral aid codes and agreements would be is why the Europe agreements which the Community and its replaced by this Community framework ? Member States have signed with Poland , Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia , Romania and Bulgaria, contain provisions concerning cultural cooperation with specific mention of conservation and restoration of historic and cultural monuments and sites . Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission Already prior to the entry into force of these agreements , the (14 February 1995) Community provided — and still provides — financial support for the preservation of cultural patrimony in central European countries of the basis of a specific budget line ( B3 The Commission would draw the Honourable Member's — 2003 ) meant for cultural cooperation with third attention to the fact that the document to which he refers is countries . As budget resources are limited , strict selection has to be applied , giving priority to projects in central not a formal Commission proposal but merely a working European countries which signed arrangements including paper prepared by the Directorate-General for cultural cooperation . The Phare Programme, which was set Competition . up in 1990 to support the transition to market economies and to political democracies, can consider support for the The document in question does not provide for any action suggested by the Honourable Member in so far as it derogations from the general rules on the notification of has an economic aim . state aid . It describes arrangements whereby regional aid can be monitored more effectively after aid schemes have been approved by the Commission without additional notification being systematically required in individual cases benefiting from the schemes .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2773/94 The sectoral aid codes which could be replaced by a by Hans-Gert Poettering ( PPE ) horizontal code are those concerning synthetic fibres and to the Commission motor vehicles . (9 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/72 ) The planned improvement in the monitoring of aid must not be incompatible with the positive role played by such aid from the viewpoint of economic and social cohesion and is Subject: Community framework for regional aid for in line with the objectives laid down in the White Paper on capital-intensive investment growth, competitiveness and employment .

The Commission proposal for the introduction of a Community framework for regional aids for 24 . 4 . 95 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/37

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2786/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2787/94 by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 January 1995) (9 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/73 ) ( 95/C 103/74 )

Subject: Petrol and air pollution Subject: Siberian forests

Given that WHO is proposing to regulate benzene and Will the Commission support the sound management of toluene as priority 1 substances in its air quality guidelines Siberia and the Ussury Taiga through incentives , including for Europe, and considering the recent report from the UK favourable tariffs of sustainably produced forest products, Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution which eco-labelling, direct financial assistance or the provision of raises concern over the benzene content of petrol, will the expertise ? Commission now consider regulating benzene and toluene as priority 1 substances under the proposed Directive on Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard (8 February 1995) on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995) At present the Commission does not formally assist the management of Siberia and the Ussury Taiga through As part of its work on air quality the World Health favourable tariffs , eco-labelling, or direct financial Organization ( WHO ) plans to lay down guide values for a assistance . No such assistance is envisaged for 1995 . series of pollutants that are hazardous to health or ecosystems . Benzene and toluene are indeed in the list of substances considered as priority on the same basis as other The Commission is keenly aware of the forest resources of substances . These values , which are not standards, were laid Siberia , especially the Taiga , in terms of both its ecological down on scientific bases in order to help draw up and its timber values, as well as the dangers from standards . indiscriminate logging . The Community does not have jurisdiction to become involved in forest management within the CIS . However, the Commission is fully It is for the Member States or the Community to introduce supportive of the conservation, management and standards for those substances on the basis of, among sustainable development of all types of forests , as others , the WHO recommendations . The proposal for a demonstrated by its active role in getting the Member States' Directive on the assessment and management of ambient air agreement to both the Rio Agreement in 1992 and the provides for long-term quality targets for benzene in view of Helsinki Resolutions of 1993 . its effects on health and the extent of the pollution caused by motor vehicles . The possible use of favourable tariffs for sustainably produced forest products , is currently being explored in the At the moment the toluene concentrations recorded in form of a 'timber protocol' in the context of the Lomé V Europe are very low . The values noted are considerably agreement . It must be realised though, that the latter is a lower than the thresholds at which it has been possible to bilateral accord with the ACP countries which goes beyond identify the known effects on health . On the other hand GATT-bound arrangements . Notwithstanding the new GSP benzene concentrations are reaching levels causing concern scheme, such conditions for CIS countries would have to be in health terms . Therefore only benzene has been covered by negotiated bilaterally, or, if they become GATT/WTO the proposal for a Directive . members, multilaterally . In the meantime , the Commission is examining with Member States, industry and non governmental organizations the suitability of forest Nevertheless , the proposal includes machinery for enabling certification, possibly combined with consumer-oriented new pollutants to be included in the future if any specific eco-labels , as a voluntary mechanism for encouraging atmospheric pollution problems linked with specific sustainable production from forests . substances appear .

In the framework of the Tacis Programme, the Commission can provide expertise to both public and private Siberian No C 103/38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 operators . However, little has been done to date, principally which he refers , the detailed examination which they may because , with the exception of the Tyumen region , Tacis entail can only be carried out by the European Parliament, action programmes since 1991 have focused on other areas . which they mainly concern . The Council is certain that the Under the 1992 action programme, Tacis funded a small Parliament, as the authority responsible for giving project ( ECU 0,5 million ) dealing with forestry industry discharge, will wish to carry out its responsibilities problems in the Tyumen region . This project, implemented regarding this matter . by a Danish company, is aimed at reviewing local potential and at providing advice for enterprise management and restructuring, taking into account environmentally sustainable logging rates and methods , as well as potential WRITTEN QUESTION E-2796/94 export capacity . by David Bowe ( PSE ) In 1994, Tacis began the implementation of an ECU 2 to the Commission million project in the wood processing industry . This project (11 January 1995) aims at selecting enterprises in the sector and assisting them 95/C 103/76 in their restructuring efforts . It will cover topics such as industrial strategy, marketing and financial issues and transfer of assets . Subject: International Baccalaureate

What action is the Commission taking to promote the More scope for technical assistance to Siberian forestry will International Baccalaureate across Europe ? be provided by the 1995 Tacis action programme currently under preparation, as the Lake Baikal region is one of the areas of geographical concentration . This lake is completely Answer given by Mrs Cresson surrounded by forests and a number of pulp and paper on behalf of the Commission factories contribute heavily to water pollution there, so the region has become a test case for sustainable regional (17 February 1995) development. According to Article 126 EC Treaty, the Member States have the responsibility for the content of teaching and the organization of educational systems and the role of the Community is to contribute to the development of quality education for all by encouraging cooperation between the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2795/94 Member States . by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE ) New Community activities in the field of school education to the Council ( Comenius ) are foreseen in the proposed Community action (12 January 1995) programme Socrates, such as the action to encourage the ( 95/C 103/75 ) creation of multilateral partnerships between schools built around European education projects . These new actions will contribute to the mutual understanding and will Subject: Report by the Court of Auditors of the European facilitate the recognition of school diplomas . Union — European Parliament property projects in Brussels

The Council's attention is drawn to the conclusions of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2801/94 most recent report by the Court of Auditors on Parliament's property projects in Brussels . by Gerardo Fernândez-Albor ( PPE ) to the Commission In the continuation to the Tomlinson report, the Court of (11 January 1995) Auditors notes numerous financial irregularities in the {9SIC 103/77 ) arrangements for these property projects . Subject: EU standardization of ALTE certificates What is the Council's position with regard to such practices ? The recent meeting of ALTE, the examiners' association for European languages, which includes such prestigious bodies as the Alliance Française, the Goethe Institute and the Cervantes Institute , approved , as one of its objectives, the Answer goal of establishing common standards for language (16 March 1995) competence, with a view to promoting Europe-wide recognition of the relevant certificates .

The Honourable Member's attention is drawn to the fact ALTE is accordingly preparing a grid of standards by means that, as regards the observations by the Court of Auditors to of which it will be possible to make comparisons and 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/39 establish equivalences with respect to the degree of programmes connected with them, dozens of existing competence attained in European languages . training and employment projects which would be eligible for co-financing, even after reform of the ESF, have received Given the prestige of the bodies which make up ALTE and no guaranteed funds since 31 December 1993 , when the old the importance of its objectives and functions , does the guidelines ceased to apply ? Commission consider, in the interests of the harmonization of standards advocated by it, that it should participate in the Is the Commission aware that as a result not only is the activities of this association, with a view to achieving a continuity of the projects at risk, but staff working on them Union-wide single standard which would guarantee the are also faced with redundancy ? quality of certificates stating the degree of competence achieved in a European language ? What urgent action of a temporary nature does the Commission intend taking to put an end to this scandalous state of affairs which is entirely at variance with the spirit of Answer given by Mrs Cresson the ESF ? on behalf of the Commission (8 February 1995)

Article 126 of the EC Treaty sets out Community policy Answer given by Mr Flynn relating to cooperation in education . The first paragraph on behalf of the Commission requires the Community to contribute to the development of (21 February 1995) quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and , if necessary, by supporting and supplementing their action, while fully respecting the In relation to the 1989—1993 programming period, all responsibility of the Member States for the content of commitments have been made at the level of the teaching and the organization of education systems . Commission . However, the implementation of the programmes in the Member States has continued in 1994 In line with this requirement, the Commission intends to and 1995 . Payments are effected by the Commission on the continue the work already done under the Lingua basis of certification by the Member States and the Programme by granting assistance for projects aiming to Commission cannot make a payment before a Member State improve the arrangements for the awarding of certificates in requests it . The Commission is in contact with the Member connection with the learning of languages . States in an attempt to accelerate the payment requests for files on which payments can be made . The ALTE project, along with other projects relating to certificates for foreign language skills in a profession or sector of the economy, has received financial assistance For the programming period 1994—1999 , it is not possible under the Lingua Programme . This programme has to make commitments until such time as the partnership provided funding for projects designed to make existing negotiations have been completed and the relevant certification systems more transparent and to encourage Commission Decisions have been taken . Delays in approval cooperation between the parties concerned . do mean that Commission funding for new programmes has been delayed . However, expenditure on new programmes is , in principle, eligible from the date of submission, not the Furthermore, the results of the projects supported by the approval date of the programme . Commission may provide input for the Council of Europe's work on the design of a common European reference framework for language learning at all levels .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2812/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2807/94 by Richard Balfe ( PSE ) by Magda Aelvoet ( V ) to the Commission to the Commission (22 December 1994) (11 January 1995) 95/C 103/79 ) ( 95/C 103/78 )

Subject: Redundancies caused by failure to approve Subject: Safety helmets to prevent fatal cycling accidents Community guidelines in time Studies in the United Kingdom show that, of all cycling Is it true that because of the failure to approve by the due fatalities involved in road traffic accidents, head injuries are date the Community guidelines, and the operational a contributing cause in 70—80 % of cases . No C 103/40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

Helmets to B.S. 6863 are designed to protect those areas of actions at national level in order to promote and develop the the head statistically most likely to be injured , that is, wearing of cycle helmets, in 1993/94 for example to two forehead , scalp, ears , skull , brain and brain stem . conferences ( Paris and Stockholm ) and to comparative testing of cycle helmets for children ( Germany ).

One survey has concluded that when a helmet is worn there In these circumstances the Commission does not believe the is 85 % reduction of risk of head injury and 88 % reduction of risk of brain injury . suggested study would provide substantially new insights into the matter and has therefore no plans at present to commission such a study . In Victoria, Australia, after compulsory wearing of cycle helmets was introduced on 1 July 1990 , there was a rise in On the general question of road safety, including cycling, the the use of helmets and a corresponding fall in head Commission is pursuing initiatives in the framework of its injuries . action programme on road safety C1 ) ( which addressed vehicle design, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and Considering that it has been estimated that there are over infrastructure ) which was the subject of a Council 600 000 head injuries to cyclists in the European resolution on 30 November 1993 , and of the Visser Community each year at a cost of over ECU 1 billion, does Report ( 2 ). the Commission think there should be moves to implement measures to make our roads safer for cyclists , especially in Concerning accident statistics, the Commission has view of environmental concerns which look set to further instigated a Europe wide data base of accident reports, encourage the use of bicycles ? which will, when operational, be able to give the requested information . The system is currently in the trial phase , and will be operational from 1 996 . Given that a moped is defined in the United Kingdom as a vehicle not capable of more than 30 mph, the rider of which In addition, the helmets for cyclists are included in Council must wear a motor cycle helmet ( and I understand a similar Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 198 9 on the situation exists in other European Community countries ), approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to why should safety standards and protective ability of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) ( 3 ). This Directive has helmets for cyclists, who often are capable of exceeding been in force since 1 January 1993 and will be in total 30 mph, be any less than that provided by a motor cycle application as of 1 July 1995 . After this date all helmets for helmet ? cyclists that are put on the market or into use will have to conform with this safety Directive and therefore bear the Is information about road traffic accident statistics ' CE' marking given after a type examination has been made involving cyclists in every Member State ? by the notified body . A harmonized standard on this subject is in preparation in the European committee for standardization ( CEN ) but has not yet been adopted ( final Does the Commission intend to set up a Europe-wide study voting in April 1995 ). to ascertain the general feeling on the subject and to look into the possible benefits of introducing the obligatory f 1 ) COM(93 ) 246 . wearing of cycle safety helmets ? ( 2 ) A3-67/94 , 11 . 3 . 1994 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 399, 30 . 12 . 1989 . ( Statistics provided by Headway ( National Head Injuries Association), 7 King Edward Court, Nottingham, NG1 1EW). WRITTEN QUESTION E-2813/94 by Barbara Weiler ( PSE ) Answer given by Mr Kinnock to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (11 January 1995) (9 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/80 )

Subject: Transposition of Directive 91/533/EEC The Commission believes that the wearing of a cycle safety ('Obligation to inform') helmet reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident . However, the Commission is mindful of the fact Which Members of the European Union have not yet that the wearing of helmets is not yet compulsory in any ratified the Directive 91/533/EEC of 14 October 1991 on an Member State . employer's obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship (*) The Commission is in regular contact with cycling groups, which should have been transposed into national legislation most notably the European Cyclists Federation, and is by the end of June 1993 ? therefore aware that there is no clear consensus on the question of compulsory wearing of helmets . However, the What action does the Commission intend to take to improve Commission has given its financial support to various the inadequate legal protection of employees in regard to 24 . 4 . 95 LJN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/41 written labour contracts and to transpose such provisions What solution does the Council propose to this type of into Member States' national law ? problem ?

C ) OJ No L 288 , 18 . 10 . 1991 , p . 32 . ( J ) OJ No L 149 , 5 . 7 . 1971 , p . 2 .

Answer Answer given by Mr Flynn (16 March 1995) on behalf of the Commission (16 February 1995) On 18 June 1980, the Commission forwarded to the Council a proposal for a Regulation ( x ) amending, for the benefit of unemployed workers , Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 . As things stand , two Member States, Belgium and Italy, have not yet informed the Commission of national measures transposing Directive 91 /533/EEC . The proposal covers inter alia the transfer of early-retirement benefits and their payment to frontier workers . Two Member States , Germany and Luxembourg, have informed the Commission of draft laws which are still going The Council has not yet been able to overcome the through the national procedures for the adoption of differences of opinion between delegations on this legislation . proposal .

Infringement procedures have been initiated against these (!) OJ No C 169 , 8 . 7 . 1980 , p . 22 . four Member States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2818/94 by José Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-28 16/94 (11 January 1995) by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) ( 95/C 103/82 ) to the Council (12 January 1995) Subject: Experience in connection with employment in ( 95/C 103/81 ) Portugal

Can the Commission say more about 'the experience of . . . Subject: Transfer of early-retirement benefits to country of Portugal in developing a framework at national level and residence structures and procedures at local level, in order to support an integrated concept for development at local level' referred to in the Presidency Conclusions of the Essen National social security arrangements are coordinated by European Council ( p . 6 ) — an experience of which the Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 ( 1 ) of 14 June 1971 public , the media, the social partners and the political which provides for the transfer of benefits to the country of parties in Portugal are completely unaware ? Would this residence of the recipients of these benefits . However, early experience have anything to do with the posting of workers retirement benefits are not always deemed to fall within the as part of the freedom to provide services — as referred to in scope of this Regulation, as a result of which transfrontier the abortive draft Directive — which does indeed reduce the workers are severely penalized . official unemployment figures in Portugal ?

This is the case of Mr Marcel Catteau, a French national, who has always worked in France while being domiciled in Answer given by Mr Flynn Belgium : he has been married to a Belgian citizen for 30 on behalf of the Commission years . He was made redundant and so would have access to (3 March 1995) the early retirement scheme if he had not been living in Belgium . He receives unemployment benefit from the Belgian authorities but this is far from what he would have The White Paper on growth, competitiveness and received under the early retirement scheme . employment ( a ) points to the new needs created by changing No C 103/42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 lifestyles , the ageing of the population and concern for the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2836/94 environment as an important source of new jobs . by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission (11 January 1995) At the Essen European Council , the Commission presented a report assessing the potential of this new source, based on 95/C 103/83 a survey carried out in the Member States . The report identified 1 7 specific fields in which an increasing number of Subject: Monitoring Committees ( Funds ) local initiatives are being launched . In the case of Portugal, the local initiatives mentioned were chiefly concerned with The shortcomings in the operation of a number of the revival of traditional acitivities, for tourism, and with Monitoring Committees referred to in the Annual Report of cultural activities . the Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 1 993 are of many kinds and cannot simply be shrugged off.

At the Essen Council, the Portuguese Government presented Is it not necessary, despite the Commission's replies to these a memorandum on the local aspect of the internal market, observations , not only to increase the powers of these with the aim of promoting local development at Community important bodies but also to evaluate carefully their whole and national level . It proposes more coordinated and operation ? efficient implementation of Community policies and actions already existing in this field and the launching of a programme of pilot actions . Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 February 1995) In Portugal , the Community Structural Funds , and in particular the European Social Fund ( ESF), are already supporting a large number of local development initiatives The Structural Fund regulations specify that, pursuant to through the Community Support Framework ( CSF). In the the principle of subsidiarity, the Member States at the period 1990—1993 , more than 10 000 people found jobs appropriate territorial level are chiefly responsible for through local employment initiatives, amounting to nearly implementing the aid measures . 5 % of the total population benefiting from job creation aids . Public spending ( including the ESF contribution ) The Commission believes that the monitoring committees totalled over ECU 17,5 million . constitute the most important instrument for ensuring that such implementation is effectively monitored . In the light of the experience gained in the previous programming period, the powers and duties of the monitoring committees have In the CSF for the period 1994—1999, the ESF part of the been confirmed and to some extent better specified for the operational programme 'promotion of the regional new programming period . It is the responsibility of each development potential' will support local employment Member State to introduce the most appropriate initiatives, as well as the craft trades and the creation of local monitoring system based on the nature of the operations training structures . Local human resources development jointly funded and the institutional and administrative programmes in Portugal are becoming increasingly structure of the various regions qualifying under the Funds . important, as shown by the increase in public spending to The Commission will analyze and evaluate the monitoring ECU 108 million ( over six years ). Approximately 30 000 systems as introduced . Where appropriate, the necessary people will benefit from these measures , representing more measures to ensure that these systems are even more than 8 % of the total number of jobs which will be created effective will be proposed to the Member States under the with the support of the CSF . partnership arrangements .

As to the impact on the Portuguese job market of initiatives such as the proposal for a Directive concerning the posting of workers as part of the freedom to provide services WRITTEN QUESTION E-2837/94 ( COM(93 ) 225 final ( 2 ), which is now being discussed within the Council, the Commission has not received any by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) relevant statistical estimates from the Portuguese to the Commission authorities . (11 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/84 ) (M COM(93 ) 700 final . ( 2 ) COM(93 ) 225 final — OJ No C 187, 9 . 7 . 1993 . Subject: Aid from the Funds and VAT

The Annual Report by the Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 1993 stresses that recoverable VAT is obviously not eligible for assistance from the Funds . 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/43

Has the Commission's research shown that these sums are in required , and therefore contracted with the MIDA fact frequently subsidized , and is it possible to establish ( management initiative development activities ) consortium whether this arises from genuine ignorance or whether it is to provide this technical assistance, following the normal rather a deliberate way of obtaining additional aid, bearing procedures . in mind that inspections are in any case limited ? The Commission concluded one contract with MIDA for an amount of ECU 3,2 million . The period of the contract was from 1 September 1991 to 31 December 1992 . The contract Answer given by Mrs Gradin was not renewed . on behalf of the Commission (13 February 1995) Following on-the-spot audits, the majority of which were carried out by the Commission in October 1992, a number of problems were highlighted . Following these audits, no Recoverable VAT cannot be regarded as eligible further contract has been given to MIDA and a note of expenditure for operators and cannot, therefore , be reimbursement was issued . co-financed by the Structural Funds .

It is for the appropriate authorities in the Member States to check the eligibility of expenditure declared by operators , and particularly any VAT that might be included . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2841/94 In the course of the inspections carried out by the by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) Commission , which are necessarily limited in number, to the Commission officials check that the expenses declared are eligible and (11 January 1995) legitimate , by spot checks on supporting documents . A systems audit conducted by the Commission in all the ( 95/C 103/86 ) Member States with regard to the Structural Funds revealed no major loopholes in the national systems established to monitor and authorize expenditure . Subject: Information in relation to access to the ESF

The Commission intends to remind Member States of the The Annual Report of the Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 1993 notes a lack of information about the need to ensure compliance with the rules on eligibility of activities of the ESF, eligibility criteria and the criteria for expenditure, with particular reference to VAT . subsidies .

Apart from the holding of seminars , is the Commission considering other measures to improve access to the ESF for potential recipients of funding ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2839/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (11 January 1995) (21 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/85 )

Following the reorganization of the European Social Fund Subiect: Problems concerning MIDA ( ESF ) in 1993 , a separate unit was created which deals with information . It holds regular meetings with national Can the Commission provide an overview of the contracts administrations to streamline information provision on ESF concluded with and carried out by MIDA ? in the Member States . The Commission has laid down further provisions in its Decision 94/342/EC (*) to give I should like to know exactly what went wrong in this direction to the information provision where Structural connection and why ? Funds are involved . Information provision is regularly a topic in the monitoring committee meetings .

These measures together with the organization of seminars Answer given by Mr Flynn contribute to an improvement in the awareness of the on behalf of the Commission Community's involvement, through the ESF, with the (7 March 1995) citizen .

(M OJ No L 152, 18 . 6 . 1994 . The Commission , in launching the Community initiatives, considered that recourse to external technical assistance was No C 103/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2844/94 Answer given by Mrs Bonino by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (9 February 1995) (11 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/87 The Court highlighted the excessively long delays in processing applications for aid payments to be transmitted to Brussels and those to be dealt with in the Member Subject: Incomes in aquaculture State . The Annual Report of the Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 1993 as it were predicts that problems will Aware of the situation, the Commission continues to insist shortly arise in the aquaculture sector in connection with that national authorities improve their administrative income support . According to the Commission, this will practices . require a revision of the policy on subsidies . To this end , Commission officials visited Spain and Italy in What are the Commission's plans in this respect, or what 1994 ( the two Member States mentioned by the Court), measures are primarily envisaged ? with a view to clearing past commitments .

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (13 February 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2848/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) The Commission has no plans to introduce arrangements to to the Commission provide direct income support for producers in the (11 January 1995) aquaculture sector . ( 95/C 103/89 ) The Commission intends to continue support for the development of aquaculture exclusively through the Subject: EU observers in former Yugoslavia part-financing of structural investments using the recently created Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG ) ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080/93 i 1 )). The implementing Do the EU observers in the former Yugoslavia report Regulation ( Regulation ( EC ) No 3699/93 ( 2 )) lays down regularly on the situation there ? If so, what are their that investments financed by the FIFG must offer an findings ? adequate guarantee of technical and economic viability and must, in particular, avoid the risk of creating surplus Is there any coordination of the distribution of production capacity . humanitarian aid ? Is official aid from the Union or any Member State coordinated with other aid ? What is the role (!) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7. 1993 . of the EU observers in this respect? ( 2 ) OJ No L 346 , 31 . 12 . 1993 .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2846/94 (8 February 1995) by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission The European Commission Monitor Mission ( ECMM), set (11 lanuary 1995) up in 1991 within the framework of European political ( 95/C 103/88 ) cooperation, is accountable to the Council Presidency . The Mission compiles daily and weekly monitoring reports as well as special reports, which the Presidency sends to the Subject: Applications for payments for fisheries projects Member States and the Commission . These reports focus primarily on military and political elements and, to a far The Annual Report of the Court of Auditors concerning the lesser extent, by means of a general overview, on the financial year 1993 rightly mentions the long time taken to humanitarian situation . I would ask that the Honourable process applications for payments in respect of fisheries Member contact the Presidency should he need more projects . detailed information and regular updates .

What practical measures does the Commission intend to The mandate for the international coordination of take ? humanitarian aid in the former Yugoslavia has been 24 . 4 . 95 LJN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/45 entrusted to the UNHCR . In order to assist the UNHCR in so that national authorities can carry out their tasks swiftly its efforts, the Birmingham European Council of 16 October and under the best possible conditions . 1992 decided to create the ECTF ( European Community Task Force ), a joint Commission-Member States initiative . Based in Zagreb, one of the ECTF's tasks is to improve cooperation between the Member States in the field with regard to the humanitarian aid programmes financed by the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2863/94 Commission . by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) to the Commission The UNHCR holds a monthly information meeting in Zagreb which the ECTF and some Member States attend, (16 January 1995) along with some of the international agencies . The ECTF ( 95/C 103/91 ) publishes a fortnightly report on humanitarian operations in the former Yugoslavia , which is distributed as a matter of Subject: Lesser used languages throughout the European course to the Member States . Furthermore, the Commission Union organizes meetings every three months in Brussels with programme directors for humanitarian aid in the Member Given the adoption of the Killilea report by the European States , to whom it regularly sends information regarding Parliament in February 1994 what concrete steps is the humanitarian efforts in the former Yugoslavia . Commission taking to strengthen the position of lesser used languages throughout the European Union ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2855/94 (8 February 1995) by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) to the Council The Euromosaic report on the situation of the various (16 January 1995) minority language groups of the Community was completed at the end of 1994 and will be published during 1995 . ( 95/C 103/90 In 1994, the Commission adopted the report of activities 1989—1993 for the abovementioned languages ( 1 ). Subject: Asylum seekers The Commission manages the budget line B3-1006 Is the Council aware of the case of Mr Daya Pal Singh a Sikh, ( promotion and safeguard of regional and minority asylum seeker in the United Kingdom, whose application languages and cultures ). The amount has risen from ECU was first lodged in October 1986 ? 3,5 million in 1994 to ECU 3,75 million in 1995 .

The Commission will continue to support initiatives in Can the Council state the average time to process an asylum favour of regional and minority languages and cultures . A application in other Member States and if known state the call for proposals for the promotion and safeguard of longest time an application has had to wait in order that the regional and minority languages and cultures will be appropriate Member State can have its name submitted for the Guinness Book of Records ? published shortly in the Official Journal . (!) COM(94 ) 602 final .

Answer (16 March 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2864/94 by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) The examination of applications for asylum is a matter to the Commission which is the exclusive responsibility of the authorities of the Member States . The Council is therefore not informed of (16 January 1995) individual applications for asylum lodged with Member ( 95/C 103/92 ) States . Subject: EU aid for town twinnings Council bodies have carried out studies of the average time taken by examination procedures in the various Member Will the Commission please state what percentage of town States . The figures in these studies are however no longer twinnings received Community financial support in each relevant as several Member States have amended their laws Member State ? No C 103/46 T EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

Answer given by Mr Santer TABLE 2 on behalf of the Commission Percentage of towns per country receiving aid in 1994 as a (13 February 1995) proportion of the number of twinned towns in the country In 1994 the Commission gave financial aid to over 2 500 twinned towns . The towns concerned received support for (in %) twinning activities they had set up with one , two or even more partner towns in other countries in the Community or Belgium 14,4 in central and eastern Europe . Denmark 6,7 Germany 23,8 A look at the nationality of the towns involved in all these Greece 17,4 exchanges shows that towns in certain countries made Spain 42,7 greater calls on the Commission and are , as a result, better represented than others ( Table 1 ). More French, German France 34,4 and British towns received grants ( 37% , 22% and 14% Ireland 65,1 respectively ) than their Greek or Portuguese counterparts Italy 24,8 ( approximately 1% ) — a reflection of the geographical Luxembourg 25,0 imbalance which still exists within the twinning movement Netherlands 9,6 at the European level . The Commission is doing its best to reduce the imbalance by giving priority to projects involving Portugal 24,6 new towns in countries which have hitherto made very little United Kingdom 33,6 commitment to international relations . One third of all the Central and eastern Europe Not available schemes supported in 1994 , for instance, involve the conclusion of new twinning arrangements , primarily with towns in such countries . In many cases, however, the initiative in setting up new twinning schemes comes from towns in Member States such as France, Germany and WRITTEN QUESTION E-2869/94 Britain, which are a driving force in extending the twinning by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) network and are therefore still highly sought-after as to the Commission partners for towns in other countries . (16 January 1995) The relationship between the number of grants made per ( 951C 103/93 ) country and the number of twinning schemes in each also needs to be considered . This sets the results somewhat more in context ( Table 2 ). In France , for example , where there are Subject: Nuclear power in the Ukraine 2 716 twinned towns, 935 , or some 34 % , of them received aid . In Ireland and Spain, on the other hand, 65 % and 42 % Will the Commission please state what actions it is currently respectively of all existing twinning arrangements received a undertaking to assist the Ukraine with the decommissioning grant . In Germany only 25 % of the 2 341 towns involved in of outdated and unsafe nuclear reactors and will it also state twinning were given aid . The same applies to Italy, where what help it is offering towards the establishment of a safe only 24% of twinned towns were supported by the and reliable source of energy for that country ? Community .

TABLE 1

Breakdown of aid given in 1994 by country Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (in %) (14 February 1995)

Belgium 2,1 Denmark 0,7 Within the Tacis nuclear safety programme, a project has Germany 22,1 been initiated in 1994 aiming to investigate the Greece 0,7 decommissioning routes ( strategy ) to safe enclosure, to Spain 6,1 evaluate all parameters for the optimal route ( expected cost, timetable, manpower requested and collective exposure ) France 37,1 and to prepare the basis documentation to be submitted to Ireland 2,7 the Ukrainian safety authority in order to obtain the Italy 6,5 decommissioning licences needed . Luxembourg 0,3 Netherlands 1,3 The results of this project are expected in the middle of Portugal 1,3 1995 . They will be used within the Community-G7 action United Kingdom 14,4 plan for Ukraine's energy sector aiming inter alia at the early and definitive closure of the Chernobyl nuclear power Central and eastern Europe 4,7 plant. 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/47

The Community-G7 action plan includes also elements for As previously mentioned , the Commission has adopted a the re-organization and modernization of the Ukrainian general target of 60 days which is achieved in the great energy sector , such as : majority of cases and which corresponds to the target proposed in the recommendation on payment delays which — rehabilitation of the thermal power sector the Commission intends to address to Member States . This period includes preparation of a payment order following — completion of the WER-1000 reactors under the necessary checks on the validity of the payment by the construction at Zaporozhe , Khmelnitsky and Rovno department responsible for the programme concerned , the approval of financial control as required by the financial regulations, registry of the transaction in the Commission's — energy saving central accounts and preparation and dispatch of the — improved energy efficiency . payment instruction to the bank . Beneficiaries in Member States will generally receive the payment two to three days thereafter . Under the Tacis energy programme , several projects already deal with some of those improvement measures , in In the minority of cases where the 60-day target is exceeded , particular global energy saving strategy and different energy the question arises whether the invoice was in order and audits in the industrial sectors . eligible for payment . Complaints relating to specific cases will be carefully examined . Finally, since 1993 several Tacis nuclear safety projects address real safety concerns in operating nuclear power The Commission will continue to monitor its own payment plants , with the active assistance of Community nuclear performance closely with the aim of paying promptly rather operators permanently present on the sites of Rovno , South than incurring expenditure on interest charges . Ukraine and also, recently, of Zaporozhe .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2878/94 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2874/94 to the Commission by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) (16 January 1995) to the Commission ( 95/C 103/95 ) (16 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/94 ) Subject: Euratom loans

Subject: Late payments by the Commission 1 . How much has the European Union borrowed in order to make funds available for Euratom loans ? Will the Commission comment on the allegations that it is often very late in paying grants and experts' fees while at the 2 . Have any Euratom loans been paid out since same time it has issued a recommendation to all Member 31 December 1991 ? If so, for which projects, and what States suggesting that business creditors should be amount in each case ? automatically entitled to interest payments at commercial rates on overdue debts ? 3 . How much was paid out in Euratom loans up to 31 December 1991 ? For which projects ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (15 February 1995) (3 March 1995)

The Commission confirms the approach set out in the letter 1 . By Council Decision of 23 April 1990 ( ), the total from President Delors dated 3 November 1994 in reply to amount of Euratom borrowings was set at ECU 4 000 the Honourable Member's letter of 8 September 1994 on million . this subject . 2 . No loan was granted after 31 December 1991 . In the Commission's case , the period between receiving the invoice and dispatching the payment is recorded in the 3 . To date , Euratom loans have been granted for a total central accounts and currently averages 40 days . of ECU 2 876 million . All these loans concerned nuclear No C 103/48 PËN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 power stations and industrial installations involved in the Commonwealth of Independent States . The Community is fuel cycle within Member States . in the process of finalizing the adoption of the instruments required for ratification . (!) OJ No L 112 , 3 . 5 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2882/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2881/94 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) to the Commission to the Commission (16 January 1995) (16 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/97 ) ( 95/C 103/96 ) Subject: EU and EIB loans for nuclear energy projects Subject: Environmental impact assessments and Euratom loans The European Union and its Member States have two instruments for granting loans for nuclear energy projects within the Union : loans in the context of the European It is stipulated that an environmental impact assessment Investment Bank's ( EIB ) normal activities , and Euratom forms part of the procedure for considering possible loans . applications for Euratom loans from enterprises or institutions in the countries of central and eastern Europe Why have two different instruments been set up to perform and the former Soviet Union . the same function ? 1 . What is the legal basis for these assessments — Directive 85/337/EEC (*) or the relevant national provisions of the applicant country in question ? Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission 2 . In either case, is the procedure open to the public ? (3 March 1995)

(M OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . Very considerable resources are required to finance projects relating to nuclear energy . Parliament and the Council have rightly considered that having the Euratom instrument Answer given by Mr de Silguy alongside the instrument of the European Investment Bank on behalf of the Commission ( EIB ) would offer greater flexibility and a better spread of (3 March 1995) risk .

In the particular case of loans to improve the degree of safety 1 . The guidelines established for the implementation of in non-member countries , it should be noted that the Decision 94/179/Euratom stipulate that the appraisal of the Council's mandate to the EIB does not authorize financing project shall include an assessment of its environmental of projects in countries covered by the Tacis Programme. impact . The aim of this provision is to enable the Commission to give an opinion on the environmental impact of the project in the most effective way possible, without being tied to national or other provisions . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2886/94 2 . The rules of public participation come under the legal and institutional framework of the non-member country by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE ) where the project is developed . to the Commission (16 January 1995) The Commission would like to draw the attention of the ( 95/C 103/98 ) Honourable Member of Parliament to the Espoo Convention, concerning environmental impact assessment in a cross-border context to anticipate , reduce and control Subject: Language teachers the considerable cross-border impact that activities could have on the environment, by subjecting them to an I refer back to the question I put to the Commission on environmental impact assessment procedure . 1 March 1994 ( E-346/94 (')) on the subject of language teachers . This Convention was signed in Espoo in 1991 by the Community, the Member States and inter alia the countries In his reply on 5 April 1994 , Commissioner Ruberti did not of central and eastern Europe and the States of the answer the main part of my question . This concerns teachers 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/49 from one country who should be encouraged to travel to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2887/94 another country within the European Union to teach the by Concepció Ferrer ( PPE ) language of his or her country to the students of the country to the Commission being visited . It must stand to reason that a British national can teach English better to French students than can a (16 January 1995) French teacher who has been trained in Britain and the other ( 95/C 103/99 ) way around . Subject: Allocation of the reserve earmarked for the Could the Commission please inform me whether it is adaptation of fishery structures proposing to encourage the movement of teachers to other countries for the purpose of teaching their native On 9 November 1994 the European Commission decided language ? that a total of ECU 81,9 million of the funding available would be earmarked for the adaptation of fishery structures (•) OJ No C 352 , 12 . 12 . 1994 , p . 48 . in accordance with Objective 5 of the Community's structural policy for the period 1994—1999 .

The Commission had previously decided on the overall Answer given by Mrs Cresson allocation of funding, which had accounted for only 90 % of on behalf of the Commission available resources . (20 February 1995) Following these two decisions , the indicative amount for Spain is ECU 119,6 million . Can the Commission provide information on how this funding is to be distributed ? Under the principle of free movement of persons, a teacher — exercising the same right as any other citizen — is at liberty to go to another Member State to teach . Of course, since the content of education programmes and the Answer given by Mrs Bonino organization of educational systems are decided on by on behalf of the Commission Member States, administrative difficulties may continue to (10 February 1995) obstruct vocational mobility . Pursuant to the code of practice for the implementation of The Commission for its part is working to make the teaching structural policies by the Commission, signed by Mr Bruce profession more open by spreading information about Millan and Mr Egon Klepsch on 13 July 1993 , the educational systems and promoting recognition of Commission is about to sent Parliament all the single professional qualifications , and on 13 December 1994 it programming documents for structural measures under adopted a communication on the recognition of Objective 5(a ) in the fisheries sector, which were approved professional qualifications for academic and professional on 28 December 1994 . purposes ( 1 ). The Honourable Member can therefore consult the A native speaker is not necessarily a more effective teacher, document on Spain which gives all the information he since he or she has not had to cope with the same requires on the allocation of appropriations for that language-learning problems as the target group . The Member State . Commission's priority is to improve the training of foreign-language teachers in general .

In this connection a period of residence in the Member State of the language taught is essential . It is for this reason that WRITTEN QUESTION E-2894/94 the Lingua Programme has made grants to language by Maren Giinther ( PPE ) teachers to enable them to undertake in-service training in a Member State where the language that they teach is spoken . to the Commission The Socrates Programme , which should be adopted in the (16 January 1995) very near future and will incorporate Lingua , provides ( 95/C 103/100 ) additionally for assistantships abroad for future language teachers to improve their knowledge of the languages they will be teaching . These assistants will also be expected to Subject: The need for more decentralized management of transmit their own language and culture in the Member the Phare and Tacis Programmes State visited . Point 12.29 of the Court of Auditors' report i 1 ) advocates (M COM(94 ) 596 final . more decentralized management of the Phare and Tacis Programmes and states that the Court has already called for this in its annual reports concerning the financial years 1991 and 1992 . No C 103/50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

What steps have been taken to comply ? by the delegation, and implemented , subject only to a rapid consistency and quality control from headquarters . Many of these projects are for training and seminars, but the range is (M OJ No C 327, 24 . 11 . 1994 . great . While Bistro's aim , like the rest of the Tacis Programme, is to support a transfer of understanding from West to East, its projects are more frequently lead and managed by Russian bodies . Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995)

The steps taken to decentralize management include stronger involvement of recipients in the planning process and in the administration of Tacis and transferring some of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2/95 the Commission's responsibilities from Brussels by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) headquarters to the Commission delegation in the recipient to the Commission country . (5 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/101 ) In the beginning, recipient institutions were still very inexperienced in dealing with western assistance , and so most decisions were handled centrally by the Commission in Brussels . Three years on it has been possible to give the Subject: Retention by Ifadap ( Portugal ) of a percentage of partner countries a greater role , particularly in Tacis the aid granted to farmers from EAGGF Guidance programming and in project identification and Section funds preparation .

Of the EAGGF Guidance Section funds allocated to Partner organizations ( e.g . ministries, non-governmental Portugal , Ifadap ( the body responsible for administering the institutions , private sector ) are involved in project funds in Portugal ) retains 1,5% of the aid granted in identification and preparation and confirm their interest accordance with certain regulations and allocated by law to and acceptance of specific projects by endorsing the detailed farmers . terms of reference . Since late 1993 , they have participated as observers and since mid-1994 as voting members in the tender evaluation committee , so they can follow the choice of the best contractor for the job . They receive a copy of all Has the Commission simply turned a blind eye to this illegal technical parts of the contract which allows them to follow practice or is it taking any action to stamp it out ? closely its execution by the contractor, and all progress and final reports from contractors , as well as monitoring reports .

Answer given by Mr Fischler The coordinating units play a key role in representing the on behalf of the Commission partner country's view during multi-annual programming, the preparation of annual action programmes and the (1 February 1995) assessment of project ideas and of potential recipients . They also receive all monitoring reports .

The Commission was already fully aware of the practice to In 1994 , the Commission delegations took on responsibility which the Honourable Member refers and it was on that for preparing terms of reference for a number of projects , for account that in reviewing the Structural Fund operating managing the experts who coordinate programme arrangements in 1993 it proposed that the relevant implementation in the regions and for coordinating provisions be amended to remove any ambiguity in this monitoring activities . Greater involvement of the regard . Following adoption of the amendments it twice delegations in this way helps to ensure that terms of wrote to the Portuguese authorities calling for practice to be reference more closely reflect the possibilities on the ground brought into line with the new wording . Portugal finally and the selection of better-suited partner organizations . confirmed , by a letter of 21 December 1994 , that in future Community contributions would be paid in full to recipients of assistance . By way of example , under the Bistro ( named after the Russian word 'quick') Programme managed by the Commission delegation in Moscow large numbers of relatively small projects ( up to ECU 100 000 ) are evaluated 24 . 4 . 95 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/51

WRITTEN QUESTION E-13/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-19/95 by María Izquierdo Rojo ( PSE ) by Jean Gol ( ELDR ) to the Commission to the Commission (19 January 1995) (19 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/102 ) ( 95/C 103/103 )

Subject: EU financial aid for the programme to eradicate Subject: Overall plan for humanitarian aid projects — cannabis growing in Morocco criteria and conditions of eligibility for humanitarian aid

In the course of a visit to Morocco the President of the Commission announced that the Community would help to 1 . Can the Commission specify what precise criteria and finance a programme to eradicate cannabis growing in the conditions must be met by NGOs which want to finance Rif region, in northern Morocco . This is part of a humanitarian aid projects so that they become eligible for a wide-ranging anti-drugs programme which will require partnership framework contract with ECHO ? considerable efforts on Morocco's part . 2 . What NGOs are currently recognized as meeting these Has a decision already been taken regarding the exact criteria and conditions ? amount of aid to be provided by the Community ? When could it be made available ? Does the Commission think that 3 . To what extent does the Commission ensure the delays are occurring ? perfect philosophical and political representativeness of these NGOs ?

4 . Why was the request made in June 1 994 by the Belgian Answer given by Mr Marin NGO 'Delipro ' for emergency aid for the Zaire United on behalf of the Commission Workers organization refused , despite the fact that it is (9 February 1995) known and recognized for its experience in the field of humanitarian aid ?

On 20 December 1993 the Council adopted a pilot programme on cooperation between the Community and Morocco aimed at tackling the drug problem and at Answer given by Mrs Bonino developing the country's northern provinces . This on behalf of the Commission cooperation should at the same time help to eradicate (9 February 1995) cannabis growing in the Rif region and improve the socio-economic situation in the area .

1 . At its meeting on 5 May 1993 , the Commission To put these conclusions into effect, and in the light of approved a model framework partnership contract for the requests from Morocco , the Commission embarked on a financing of humanitarian aid programmes . The aim of the programme in December 1993 worth ECU 22,8 million ( i.e . framework contract is to rationalize and formalize the 250 million dirhams ) for 1993 and 1994 . This programme is Commission's relations with its partners; it lays down the broadly based on the following themes : general and specific conditions applicable to humanitarian operations financed by the Community . — incentives for productive investment aimed at developing sources of income which would provide an The framework contract also establishes eligibility criteria alternative to the production and trafficking of for non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ) so that cannabis; humanitarian operations are entrusted to professional partners who can demonstrate substantial experience in this — improvements in the standard of living of the rural area , as well as the human resources, materials and finance population by means of two types of project : a maternity necessary to guarantee sound economic management and health and family planning project, and a joint forest efficiency . NGOs must also provide humanitarian management project . assistance regardless of the race, religious beliefs or nationality of beneficiaries and without any kind of discrimination . Responding to the needs of victims is the This pilot programme and the results are currently prime objective . undergoing evaluation .

2 . With reference to the Honourable Members question on the number of NGOs which meet these criteria, it is No C 103/52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 worth noting that, so far, 150 NGOs and international Answer given by Mr Flynn organizations active in the field of humanitarian aid have on behalf of the Commission concluded framework partnership contracts with the (6 March 1995) Commission . A list of these organizations has been sent to the Honourable Member and to the Secretary-General of Parliament . The preparatory committee for the operational programme 'modernization of public administration' raised a number of 3 . The Commission works with NGOs regardless of their questions concerning the management of the IKA ( Social ideology or religious denomination . Effectiveness in the Security Foundation ) computerization project and in country or region concerned , expertise and professionalism particular the technical aspects of implementing the master are the only criteria taken into consideration . It must at the plan adopted by IKA. same time be pointed out that the Commission works with a considerable number of NGOs which represent the diversity and pluralism of NGOs in general . The Commission appointed an expert to examine the master plan and put forward a concrete proposal, working closely with the competent authorities . In the light of the results of this expert opinion and the information received by the 4 . As regards the reasons for refusing a funding request Greek authorities , the parties concerned have agreed that from the NGO 'Delipro' in June 1994 , in favour of the Zaire the IKA should go ahead with implementation of the master United Workers organization, the Commission would like plan . to draw your attention to the six-month humanitarian assistance programme it prepared following a mission to evaluate humanitarian needs in Zaire in May 1994 . This programme was aimed primarily at the Shaban population, focusing on the towns of Likasi and Kolwesi in Shaba, Mwene Ditu and Mbuji Mayi in eastern Kasai, and was intended purely as a bridging operation linking on-going projects and the health facilities support programme . As a result, the amount of aid set by the Commission was very WRITTEN QUESTION E-34/95 limited and would allow for only those activities and by André Sainjon ( ARE ) programmes already being funded by the Community since to the Commission the events in Shaba of 1992 to be continued . (25 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/105 )

Subject: Hungary's reinforcement of customs protection for cars

The association agreement between the Community and WRITTEN QUESTION E-25/95 Hungary, which was signed on 16 December 1991 and whose trade aspects came into force on 1 January 1992 , by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) provides for the establishment of a free trade area between to the Commission both parties by 1 January 2001 . To this end, Hungary must (19 January 1995) gradually dismantle its customs duties . The first reduction, involving private cars, was due to take effect on 1 January ( 95/C 103/104 ) 1995 .

Invoking a 'nascent industries' clause, Hungary decided to Subject: Computerization of the IKA raise the level of its customs protection for private cars of less than 1 600 cm ( 3 ). Customs duty, which was due to fall from 13 % to 11,7% under the timetable negotiated as part of the agreement, would be raised to 25 % for vehicles Some Dr 12 billion from the Delors Package have been set imported from the Community . aside for the computerization of the IKA ( Social Security Foundation). This project has been repeatedly postponed owing to differences that have arisen in the administration . Clearly, this measure provides protection for Suzuki and , to Can the Commission confirm that it has appointed an some extent, Opel, as these manufacturers together expert to resolve these differences in respect of this specific represent about 40 % of the Hungarian market for private project and can it say exactly why these differences have cars . How does the Commission plan to react to this arisen ? discriminatory measure ? 24 . 4 . 95 I M Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/53

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek WRITTEN QUESTION E-36/95 on behalf of the Commission by Mark Killilea ( RDE ) (14 February 1995) to the Commission (25 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/107 ) At the end of October 1994 , Hungary informed the Commission of its intention to adopt exceptional measures of limited duration in the form of increased customs duties for several categories of private car under Article 28 of the Subject: Structural Funds and child-care support Europe agreement . The Community expressed great programmes in Ireland concern at this but, before the consultations requested by the Community as provided for under the Agreement Could In its submission to the European Commission under the be held, the Hungarian Government decided not to proceed 1994—1999 round of Structural Funds, has Ireland with implementation of he planned measures . It follows that proposed any specific measures to implement child-care the schedule for dismantling customs duties on private cars remains in force . support programmes ?

If so , can the Commission give details of these ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-35/95 on behalf of the Commission by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) (16 February 1995) to the Council (23 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/106 ) During the negotiations between the Commission and the Irish authorities on the Community support framework ( CSF ) for Ireland 1994—1999 , it was agreed that almost ECU 7 million European Social Fund ( ESF ) assistance would Subject: Redirection of investment to western regions be devoted to specific actions concerning the promotion of equal opportunities in the labour market between men and The Atlantic regions are worried because : women . Of this, approximately ECU 2 million will be invested in the training of workers and managers for child-care centres under the human resource development — the entry of Austria into the European Union marks the operational programme . shift of Europe's centre of gravity to the east;

— the last European Summit in Essen excluded most of the The urban, local and rural development operational Atlantic Arc from the 14 major projects intended to programme aims to assist in the development of designated improve the trans-European networks . disadvantaged areas. Local partnership boards will develop and implement action plans, which can include support for pilot pre-school units . It is not possible to indicate a precise What measures does the French Presidency intend to take to allocation to this area , as this will depend on action plans, redirect public and private investment to western regions, which have yet to be submitted . which are fighting against their impaired worsened peripheral location ? The Commission adopted the operational programme for the employment initiative for Ireland in December 1994 . The NOW strand of this initiative aims to promote equal opportunities between women and men in the labour Answer market, through the provision of Structural Fund assistance (16 March 1995) for innovative and trans-national actions . This strand of the employment initiative is receiving ECU 18,5 million Structural Fund assistance up to the end of 1993 , which includes support for the establishment of innovative models The Council defined the operational rules of the Structural of child-care provision . As actual projects to benefit from Funds and entrusted the administration of those rules to the assistance have not yet been selected , it is not possible to Commission . It is not for the Council to intervene to steer its indicate precisely what proportion of the employment administration in any particular direction . budget will be devoted to this priority area . No C 103/54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-47/95 For cosmetics products produced without recourse to by Jürgen Schröder ( PPE ) animal experiments a logo has been introduced in Germany showing a rabbit with a protecting hand over it. to the Commission (16 January 1995) In respect of which products or groups of products have EU ( 95/C 103/108 ) labels been developed in order to help protect human health * the environment and animal welfare ?

Subject: Community initiatives and the Free State of Saxony Answer given by Mrs Bonino The Free State ( Federal Land ) of Saxony is in receipt of on behalf of the Commission financial aid from the EU under a number of Community initiatives . Can the Commission state : (28 February 1995)

1 , under which Community initiatives Saxony is receiving financial support, Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 880/92 of 23 March 1992 on a Community eco-label award scheme (*) lays down the 2 , the total amount of financial aid granted to Saxony conditions for the award of a label intended to promote under Community initiatives , broken down by year ( up products which have a reduced environmental impact. to 1999 inclusive ) and by Community initiative, Pursuant to Article 2 of this Regulation, the label does not apply to food, drink or pharmaceuticals . 3 , the total amount of financial aid paid to date and remaining to be paid under the Phare Programme in The label is awarded by product groups . Applications for conjunction with the Community's Interreg II initiative the award of the label must be addressed to a competent for cross-border projects in 1994 and 1995 between authority designated by each Member State . Saxony and ( a ) the Czech Republic and ( b ) Poland ?

The ecological criteria for each product group are determined on the basis of an assessment, covering the entire Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies life cycle of the products, of the products' impact on the on behalf of the Commission environment . Hence consumers are assured that the products receive the Community label only on the basis of (10 February 1995) an overall study and not by virtue of some adventitious characteristic .

The Commission has not yet taken a decision on the Community initiatives for Sachsen proposed by the German Regulation ( EEC ) No 880/92 does not define the criteria for Government . When it has done so it will provide the award of the eco-label with the specific objective of animal Honourable Member with the information requested . protection in mind . However, this label may not be awarded to products which do not comply with Community legislation in regard to health, safety or the environment.

Commission Directive 94/2/EC of 21 January 1994 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household electrical refrigerators, WRITTEN QUESTION E-63/95 freezers and their combinations ( 2 ) specifies that the by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) labelling of such appliances, with a breakdown by category, to the Commission must comply with a model, and provides for the affixing of a logo corresponding to the Community eco-label, if such a (30 January 1995) label has been awarded . ( 95/C 103/109 ) Two drafts are current being prepared with an eye to laying down details for the labelling of dryers and washing Subject: Labelling of consumer goods machines in regard to energy consumption, using the same logo . For traditional foodstuffs a 'sun logo' has just been introduced for products that are particularly i 1 ) OJ No L 99, 11 . 4 . 1992 . environmentally-friendly. The environmental label was ( 2 ) OJ No L 45 , 17. 2 . 1994 . introduced on the basis of an EC Directive . Parliament had also proposed a logo for foodstuffs exposed to radiation, but this proposal was not adopted by the Commission . 24 . 4 . 95 |_EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/55

WRITTEN QUESTION E-66/95 Joint answer to Written Questions E-66/95 and E-67/95 by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (14 February 1995) (30 January 1995) ( 95/C 103/110 ) The Commission shares the opinion that only a negotiated and lasting settlement can bring a peaceful solution to the Subject: Arms shipments by individual EU Member States civil war in southern Sudan . It, therefore, continues — to Sudan's neighbours together with the Member States — to support the initiative in the framework of the inter-governmental authority on drought and development ( IGADD ), a regional mediation Does the Commission agree that : approach which is seen by the Member States and by the Commission as a political possibility to end the suffering of 1 . A political solution must be sought to the civil war in the the populations concerned . Sudan; Consequently the European Union has repeatedly urged the 2 . Arms shipments to neighbouring countries aimed at warring parties in the framework of the common foreign enabling them to give the Sudanese Government military and security policy ( CFSP ) to implement a ceasefire and to support in its struggle against the resistance movement make serious efforts to achieve a negotiated solution in the are counter-productive, if the political solution IGADD context, and has expressed its full support for the advocated above is to be achieved; and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the heads of State of the four mediating IGADD countries concerned . 3 . Individual Member States must not therefore circumvent the arms embargo imposed on the Sudan by While development cooperation with the Sudan, in the EU on 15 March 1994 by supplying neighbouring particular under the Lomé Convention, has been reduced countries with arms to achieve the object set out in since 1990 to an absolute minimum, the European Union Paragraph 2 above ? and the Sudanese authorities are engaged since July 1994 in a frank dialogue on the political and humanitarian concerns . The subjects discussed are essentially humanitarian If not, why not ? assistance ( in particular access and obstacles to relief operations ), the civil war in the south and human rights If so , what measures does the Commission intend to take to issues . It is too early to draw final conclusions, and the frank dialogue is to be continued . persuade individual Member States that the common line adopted by the European Union is right ? In the framework of CFSP, and in particular based on Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union, the Council adopted on 15 March 1994 a common position on an embargo on the export of arms, ammunition and military WRITTEN QUESTION E-67/95 equipment to Sudan . According to Article J.2 , the Member by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE ) States ensure that their national policies conform to the common positions . The implementation of this embargo to the Commission falls , therefore , under the exclusive responsibility of the (30 January 1995) Member States . ( 95/C 103/111 )

Subject: Military aid by individual EU Member States to the Sudanese Government WRITTEN QUESTION E-75/95 by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) Does the Commission agree that a political solution must be to the Commission sought to the civil war in the Sudan ? (8 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/112 ) If not, why not ?

If so, what measures does the Commission intend to take, in Subject: EU aid for the Saarland view of the fact that individual Member States are supporting the Sudanese Government in its struggle against 1 . Can the Commission say which projects in the the resistance movement by providing military aid, notably Saarland ( FRG ) have received aid over the last ten years, or in the form of training for Sudanese police officers and are currently receiving and , from EU programmes, how security equipment for the Sudanese Government ? much each project has received , or is receiving and which EU No C 103/56 HEN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 programmes are involved, distinguishing between those Joint answer to Written Questions E-75/95 and E-76/95 programmes that require complementary funding from given by Mr Santer Lander, Federal or Municipal budgets and those on behalf of the Commission programmes or funds that do not ? (9 March 1995)

2 . Can it provide a comparative table showing the The Commission is collecting the information it needs to take-up rates by the German Lander, both at present and answer the question . It will communicate its findings as over the last ten years, of EU resources , broken down by soon as possible . programme and fund ?

3 . Can it provide a comparative table showing the take-up rates of programmes by the Federal German Lander WRITTEN QUESTION E-81/95 and the Member States of the Union both at present and over the last ten years, indicating which programmes have by Ludivina García Arias ( PSE ) been extensively, moderately and insufficiently used ? to the Commission (8 February 1995) (9SIC 103/114 ) 4 . Can it name the EU funds and programme, requiring complementary funding that have existed over the last ten years or exist at present; which of these have provided — or Subject: Council Directive of 20 October 1980 provide — resources for the Saarland and which have — or do — not ? Article 8 of Council Directive 80/987/EEC of 20 October 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer (*) establishes the duty of Member States to ensure that employers fulfil their WRITTEN QUESTION E-76/95 contractual obligations towards employees in the event of the insolvency of the employer . by Helwin Peter ( PSE ) and Doris Pack ( PPE ) to the Commission To what extent has this Directive, and more specifically the (8 February 1995) provisions of Article 8 , been transposed into the national law of the Member States ? ( 95/C 103/113 ) Could the Commission give an assessment of the Directive's implementation in each Member State ? Subject: Allocation of aid to the Saarland over the last five yers On how many occasions and for what reasons have employees who have been affected by the insolvency of their employer and/or by the failure of Member States to respond 1 . Can the Commission say which projects in the in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity had to Saarland are receiving aid from EU programmes, how much appeal to the Commission or the Court of Justice of the each project is receiving, and which EU programmes are European Union ? involved , distinguishing between those programmes that require complementary funding by Land, Federal or ( x ) OJ No L 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980, p . 23 . Municipal budgets and those programmes or funds that do not ? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission 2 . Can it provide a comparative table showing the (16 February 1995) take-up rates by the German Lander of EU resources, broken down by programme and fund ? The Commission will shortly be presenting to the Council and Parliament the report on the transposai of Council 3 . Can it provide any information regarding the relative Directive 80/987/EEC of 20 October 1980 on the take-up rates of EU funds and programmes by the Federal approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to German Lander and the Member States of the Union ? the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer .

4 . Can it have the EU funds and programmes that require All of the questions which the Honourable Member put to complementary funding from public budgets in the the Commission will be answered in detail in this report . individual Member States, and say which of these provide resources for the Saarland and which do not ? 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/57

WRITTEN QUESTION E-88/95 The charges levied by certain EICs for such services do not by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) appear excessive and should not be an obstacle to the wide dissemination of Community information . to the Commission (8 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/115 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-109/95 Subject: The activities of the Milan Euro Info Centres by Manuel Medina Ortega ( PSE ) to the Commission The reply to my previous question ( No 2091/94 (*)) on the (8 February 1995) same subject was unsatisfactory . I have therefore decided to ( 95/C 103/116 ) reformulate some of my questions .

1 . Does the Commission feel that the fee of Lit 80 000 Subject: Fishery agreements with Morocco charged for an Official Journal is justified by the fact that the charges are widely publicized and known to What are the prospects for negotiating a new fisheries users ? agreement with Morocco so as to guarantee continued fishing activity for the Community fleet working in the 2 . Does the Commission consider that the charge made for weaters administered by that country as of the data on such a service will contribute to the dissemination of which the present agreement runs out ? information ?

3 . Does the Commission feel that making available a text Answer given by Mrs Bonino published by the Official Journal counts as an 'active' on behalf of the Commission added-value service or as advice, thereby justifying a (10 March 1995) charge on this scale ? The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to (') OJ No C 30, 6 . 2 . 1995 , p . 57 . the reply it gave to Oral Question H-40/95 by Mrs Fraga Estévez during question time at Parliament's February 1995 part-session (*).

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis t 1 ) Debates of the Parliament ( February 1995 ). on behalf of the Commission (10 March 1995)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-113/95 Further to the reply to question No 2091/94 , the Commission is able to provide the following additional by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) details : to the Commission (8 February 1995) Annual subscription to the Official Journals costs a ( 95/C 103/117 ) company ECU 1 150 per annum and the price of a single copy ranges from ECU 6 to ECU 12 . Subject: Eco-taxes

Many companies do not usually take out these What is the Commission's attitude to the declarations by subscriptions , preferring to use the services of an Belgium and Holland that they will conjointly introduce an intermediary such as a Euro-Info Centre ( EIC ) which will energy tax if this is not done at European level , given the flat provide them with a more appropriate service : opposition which such a tax arouses , particularly in the UK ? — generally, a company knows neither the exact title of the document sought and even less often the corresponding Official Journal reference . The EIC helps the company to Answer given by Mr Monti identify the relevant text, often using a databank on behalf of the Commission search; (24 February 1995) — the document thus identified is not always of direct use to the businessman . The EIC will supplement the The Commission considers that the reports referred to by information and, if need be , add comments necessary to the Honourable Member concern what are no more than enable the company to benefit from it. statements of intent originating from various national No C 103/58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 sources . It does not consider that it would be appropriate to the needs of workers and employers . The Commission is adopt a position on a matter that is under examination by now reviewing with the members of Eures how this might the relevant Community bodies and is still being discussed best be achieved . The Commission will, within the limits of with the Member States . the budget available, play a full part in expanding the network bearing in mind that the public employment services must also play an active role in these developments .

A copy of the directory of Euro-advisers is sent direct to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1 16/95 Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) Parliament . to the Commission (8 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/118 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-318/95 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) Subject: The 'Eures' employment network to the Commission The new 'Eures' European employment network was (13 February 1995) inaugurated on 17 November 1994, with the aim of ( 95/C 103/119 ) encouraging mobility at European level by disseminating offers and requests for employment by means of Euro-assessors . Subject: Use of the leghold trap With respect to Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 ( ), will the My information indicates that this nework is for workers Commission impose an import ban on countries which have and employers . Given the high levels of unemployment banned the use of the leghold trap, but have not introduced which exist within the Union, can the Commission state internationally agreed humane trapping standards ? whether this network also reaches all those Community citizens who are unemployed, particularly those seeking (!) OJ No L 308 , 9 . 11 . 1991 , p . 1 . first-time employment ?

Given that there are at present 350 Euro-assessors spread throughout the countries of the Union, could the WRITTEN QUESTION E-319/95 Commission provide me with a list of the names and by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) locations of all the various European bodies which they to the Commission assist ? (13 February 1995) ( 95/C 103/120

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission Subject: Use of leghold traps (21 February 1995) Will the Commission impose an import ban under Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 on countries which have adopted an internationally agreed humane trapping Eures has a mandate to inform, counsel and place all job standard which would still permit the use of leghold seekers whether they are employed, unemployed or young traps ? people looking for their first job .

Eures operates through a partnership between the WRITTEN QUESTION E-320/95 Commission, national employment services and other institutions interested in labour mobility ( e.g. trade unions by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) and employers organizations particularly in the to the Commission cross-border areas ) in the Member States and in the (13 February 1995) countries of the European Economic Area . The partners are linked by and make use of two European data bases , one ( 95/C 103/121 containing job offers and applications for work and the other information on living and working conditions . Subject: Régulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91

One of the priorities for the development of Eures , which Will the Commission confirm that the purpose of was agreed with the partners in December, is to develop Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 to ban the import of certain Eures services and to consolidate the network so that it is no furs was to discourage or bring an end to the use of the problem for an individual to gain access and so that it meets leghold trap ? 24 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 103/59

WRITTEN QUESTION E-321/95 their right of free movement in another Member State . by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) Permits are issued by the Member States . to the Commission (13 February 1995) Following the Commission's contacts with the Italian 95/C 103/122 ) authorities , the latter issued a circular to the regional and local authorities reminding them of their obligation to comply with Community law relating to the issuing of Subject: Humane killing residence documents . A memo also requested them to report cases in which irregular practices had been identified . Does the Commission consider drowning to be a humane method of killing either captive or wild animals in the European Community ? The Commission has received a number of complaints concerning this problem in recent months and has again contacted the Italian authorities to ask for details of the information they have obtained on the practice in question Joint answer to Written Questions and to take the necessary measures to resolve the individual E-318/95 , E-319/95 , E-320/95 and E-321/95 cases reported to the Commission . given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (21 March 1995)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to his Written Questions Nos 674/94 to 682/94 i 1 ).

(!) OJ No C 6 , 9 . 1 . 1995 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-398/95 by Glenys Kinnock ( PSE ) to the Commission (6 February 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-369/95 ( 95/C 103/124 ) by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) to the Commission (15 February 1995) Subject: Aid conditionality and drug control ( 95/C 103/123 ) performance

Subject: Difficulties for UK citizens in Italy In the light of the suggestion in the proposed European Action Plan to Combat Drugs, that EU aid to developing The Commission will be aware of the Permesso di Soggiorno countries could be made conditional on the latter's progress required by UK nationals resident in Italy. In the light of the in drug control , would the Commission clarify what criteria Commission's reply to my question E-786/94 ( J ), what steps it proposes to use to progress ? has the Commission taken to ensure freedom of movement and residence in Italy for European Union citizens, what has been' the Italian Government's reaction and when will the requirement for the Permesso di Soggiorno cease ? t 1 ) OJ No C 6 , 9 . 1 . 1995 , p . 45 . Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (24 February 1995) Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (3 March 1995) In its communication to the Council and the Parliament on an action plan to combat drugs ( 1995—1999 ) (*), the Community law ( Article 4.2 of Directive 68/360/EEC ) Commission has proposed that the European Union, in the makes provision for a residence permit ( carta di soggiorno ) context of its common foreign and security policy, not only to be issued as proof of the right of residence granted by the include the ' drugs' question in the political dialogue between Member States inter alia to Community workers exercising the European Union and third countries , but also envisage No C 103/60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 24 . 4 . 95 common actions to improve the capacity and willingness of WRITTEN QUESTION E-404/95 certain countries or regions to commit themselves fully to by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) the fight against drugs . It is also suggested that if partner to the Commission countries were to maintain a resolutely negative attitude towards the démarches or political requests , there might be (15 February 1995) a reappraisal of the assistance policies of the Community ( 95/C 103/125 ) and the Member States, with due regard to the legal nature of existing external obligations e.g . the contractual nature of the Lomé Convention. Subject: Funding of the ' Coupe d'Europe des Saveurs régionales' Pending a conclusion by the Council on the Commission's proposal, no action has been taken in the directions outlined The European Parliament voted to include in the budget for above, and accordingly, no criteria have yet been devised to 1995 an appropriation of ECU 1 million for the 'Coupe relate the conduct of development assistance to the fight d'Europe des Saveurs régionales'. against drugs .

It is however relevant to mention that, when the Council The aim of this event is to promote regional products of adopted, on 19 December 1994 , Regulation ( EC ) quality in Europe . No 3281/94 applying a four-year scheme of generalized tariff preferences in respect of certain industrial products The appropriation was entered under item Bl-381 , 'Quality originating from developing countries ( 2 ), the special promotion measures'. preference then adopted for the benefit of the countries of the Andean pact in support of their fight against drugs , it What measures does the Commission intend to adopt to also adopted an article calling on the Commission to ensure that this event is indeed organized with its examine annually the ,progress made by these countries in support ? their fight against drugs . This examination might lead to partial or full removal of the special preference granted . This is a first example of a formal link between a measure of trade and economic assistance by the Community and the drug Answer given by Mr Fischler control performance of the beneficiary . Criteria and on behalf of the Commission procedures have still to be established , in consultation with (22 March 199S) the beneficiary countries .

(!) COM(94 ) 234 final . ( 2 ) OJ No L 348 , 31 . 12 . 1994 . 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 .