ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 40 Volume 36 of the European Communities 15 February 1993
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
93 /C 40/01 No 807/91 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Public information activities of CUBE 1
93 /C 40 /02 No 1918 / 91 by Mr Rui Amaral, Mr Florus Wijsenbeek and Mrs Mechthild von Alemann to the Commission Subject : Need to conclude transit agreements with the Swiss Confederation and Austria 2
93 /C 40/03 No 2580/91 by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert to the Commission Subject : Tax discrimination against cross-border workers in the German-Netherlands border area 3
93 /C 40/04 No 2817 /91 by Mr Ioannis Pezmazoglou to the Commission Subject : Possible termination of visits to the Schuman Centre 3
93 /C 40/05 No 2833 /91 by Mr Amédée Turner to the Commission Subject: Information policy of the Commission — role of the Schuman Centre in Brussels 3
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2817/91 and 2833/91 3
93 /C 40/06 No 2882/91 by Mr Jean-Louis Borloo to the Commission Subject : Tax arrangements for non-resident French citizens working in Belgium 4
93 /C 40/07 No 3083 /91 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Community development relations with overseas countries and territories (OCTs) .... 4
93 /C 40/08 No 3257/91 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Greek sultanas 5
2 (Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
93/C 40/09 No 3267/91 by Mr Diego de los Santos López to the Commission Subject: Ending toll charges on the Cadiz-Seville motorway 6
93 /C 40/ 10 No 1 19/92 by Lord Plumb to the Commission Subject : Agriculture 6
93 /C 40 / 11 No 163/92 by Mr Jacques Vernier to the Commission Subject : Reconversion measures for customs and forwarding agents 8
93 /C 40/ 12 No 322/92 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject: Helios House 9
93/C 40/ 13 No 368 /92 by Mr Juan Gangoiti Llaguno to the Commission Subject: Conversion of customs sector activities 9
93 /C 40/ 14 No 468 /92 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission Subject : Dairy production in Spain 10
93 /C 40/ 15 No 469/92 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission Subject: Slaughter of dairy cattle in Spain 10
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 468 /92 and 469/92 10
93 /C 40/ 16 No 478 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Tax rate for small and medium-sized undertakings in Greece 11
93/C 40/ 17 No 595 /92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Council Subject : Maastricht: interpretation and implementation of the Social Protocol 12
93 /C 40/ 18 No 647/92 by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath and Mrs Karla Peijs to the Commission Subject : Different treatment for the distribution of dividends by companies based in a Member State and those based in a third country 13
93 /C 40/ 19 No 743/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Details concerning Community aid to least-favoured regions and assessment of economic and social cohesion 14
93 /C 40/20 No 762/92 by Mr Alonso Puerta to the Commission Subject : Quarries in the municipality of Oviedo (Asturias , Spain) and their negative impact on the environment 14
93 /C 40/ 21 No 766/92 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject : Commission communication on a Community strategy to limit carbon dioxide emissions and improve energy efficiency 15
93/C 40/22 No 786/92 by Mr Georgios Romeos to the Commission Subject : Protection of copyright for European products in the USA 16
93/C 40/23 No 840/92 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject : Underground transport of goods and persons 16
93 / C 40/24 No 860/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Cooperation with Cuba by NGOs operating in the field of development aid 17
93 /C 40/25 No 861 /92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Community action to encourage the adoption of children 17 Notice No Contents (continued) Page
93 /C 40/26 No 881 /92 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject : Munir Ahmed 18
93/C 40/27 No 899/92 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission Subject : Structural Funds : public access to information 18
93/C 40/28 No 901 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Yannina Lake 19
93/C 40/29 No 944/92 by Mr Ingo Friedrich to the Commission Subject : Proceedings against legislation on State aid to the new federal Länder 19
93/C 40/30 No 1036/92 by Mr Rudolf Luster to the Commission Subject: EC funds for Berlin 1985 — 1991 20
93/C 40/ 31 No 1077/92 by Mr Antonio La Pergola to the Commission Subject : Wing shooting at Madonna del Tonnaro (Messina) 20
93/C 40/32 No 1 1 12 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Plan for storing nuclear waste in the State of Skopje 20
93 /C 40/33 No 1 135 /92 by Mr Dimitrios Nianias to the Commission Subject : Location of natural gas plant on the island of Revithousa 21
93/C 40/34 No 1 140/92 by Sir James Scott- Hopkins to the Commission Subject : Financial assistance for Herefordshire , Worcestershire and West Gloucestershire 21
93/C 40/35 No 1 163/92 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject: Acheloos river diversion , Greece 22
93/C 40/36 No 1 174/92 by Mr Gerardo Fernández-Albor to the Commission Subject : The words of the Community anthem 22
93/C 40/37 No 1210/92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Council Subject: The new Treaty, with particular reference to Article 8c of the section on Citizenship of the Union 22
93/C 40/ 38 No 1249/92 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject : Committee of the Regions 23
93/C 40/39 No 1259/92 by Mr Giorgio Rossetti to the Commission Subject : Criteria for selecting firms to transport Community aid to the countries of central and eastern Europe 23
93 /C 40/40 No 1273/92 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission Subject : Transport policy — Community action programme on road safety 24
93/C 40/41 No 1285/92 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : The need for a drastic reduction in the use of insecticides 24
93/C 40/42 No 1287/92 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : The need for new politico-economic groupings in Africa and the attitude of the EC ... 25
93 /C 40/43 No 1305/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Payment of Community cotton subsidies 26
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
93 /C 40/44 No 1337/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission Subject : Incorporation into national law of the Directive on environmental impact assessment 26
93 /C 40/45 No 1343 /92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Pharmacological products derived from the sea : possible medication for . the treatment of some forms of cancer 27
93 /C 40/46 No 1382/92 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission Subject : Euro-African monetary union 27
93/C 40/47 No 1407/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject: The Maastricht Treaty : Cohesion Fund 28
93/C 40/48 No 1427/92 by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath to the Commission Subject : Development cooperation with Zimbabwe 28
93 /C 40/49 No 1429/92 by Mr Franco Borgo, Mrs Gabriele Sboarina , Mrs Rosaría Bindi , Mr Joachim Dalsass and Mr Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission Subject: Designation of wines from the Veneto and Friuli 30
93/C 40/50 No 1452/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Fish farms in tourist areas , 30
93 / C 40/ 51 No 1462/92 by Mr Marco Taradash to the Commission Subject : Human rights in Hong Kong and that country's return to Chinese rule 31
93 /C 40/ 52 No 1468 /92 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Road haulage and combined transport 31
93 /C 40/ 53 No 1477 /92 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Transport of animals 32
93 /C 40/ 54 No 1480/92 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Skins of endangered species on sale in Greece 33
93 /C 40 / 55 No 1498 /92 by Mr Fernand Herman to the Commission Subject: Agricultural cooperatives — French law 33
93 /C 40/56 No 1503 /92 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject : Steel works in the new Bundesländer 34
93 /C 40/57 No 1507/92 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject : Liaison with Morocco , Tunisia and Algeria 35
93/C 40/ 58 No 1513 /92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Funding of a study as part of the IMP for the Aegean Islands 35
93/C 40/59 No 1518 /92 by Mr Virginio Bettini to the Commission Subject : Construction of a new development between Mantua and Lago Superiore (Italy) 35
93 /C 40/60 No 1536/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: The natural environment of the Mediterranean seal 36
93 /C 40/61 No 1543/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Containing financial deficits 36 Notice No Contents (continued) Page
93 /C 40/62 No 1566/92 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject : Regulating gambling at European level 38
93/C 40/63 No 1571 /92 by Mrs Carole Tongue to the Commission Subject: Hazard Information Systems — Europe 38
93 /C 40/64 No 1581 /92 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : The organization of the caraway-seed market 39
93/C 40/65 No 1587/92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Rechar programme . . . 39
93/C 40/66 No 1599/92 by Mr Reimer Böge, Mr Horst Langes and Mr Diemut Theato to the Commission Subject: Programmes of aid for famine-stricken areas of Africa 40
93 /C. 40/67 No 1603 /92 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Selling off the Athens Pipe Manufacturing Company 40
93/C 40/68 No 1618 /92 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Ostrich farming 41
93 /C 40/69 No 1627/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: The motor vehicle market 41
93/C 40/70 No 1676/92 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject: EC project in Guatemala 42
93/C 40/71 No 1677/92 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : State of emergency in hospitals in Suriname 42
93 /C 40/72 No 1692/92 by Mr Jean-Louis Borloo to the Commission Subject: Registered offices of industrial undertakings 43
93/C 40/73 No 1695/92 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Evaluation of environmental data from satellites 43
93/C 40/74 No 1706/92 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando to the Commission Subject: Market prices for beef and veal 44
93/C 40/75 No 1712/92 by Mr Jean-Marie Le Chevallier to the Commission Subject : CB radio 44
93 /C 40/76 No 1714/92 by Mr Willi Rothley to the Commission Subject: International Vehicle Registration discs 45
93/C 40/77 No 1721 /92 by Mr Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject: CFCs from discarded fridges 45
93 /C 40/78 No 1732/92 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures for American undertakings 46
93/C 40/79 No 1738 /92 by Mr Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject : Implementation of the EEC — Mauritania fisheries agreement 46
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
93/C 40/80 No 1752/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : The cave of Perma at Ioannina 47
93 /C 40/ 81 No 1757/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Imports of cloves into Greece 48
93 /C 40/82 No 1758 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: The natural habitat of Tytonidae (owls) in the Korakovouni 48
93/C 40/83 No 1790/92 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Equine competition 49
93/C 40/84 No 1795/92 by Mr Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject : Import of Portland cement into Spain 49
93/C 40/85 No 1929/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Plan for the Committee of the Regions 49
93/C 40/86 No 2029/92 by Mr Bernard Frimat to the Commission Subject : Belgian tax arrangements for non-residents working in Belgium 50
93 /C 40/ 87 No 2240/92 by Mrs Dorothée Piermont to European Political Cooperation Subject : EC protest at the stepping up of the US embargo on Cuba 50
93/C 40/ 88 Written Questions to which no answer has been given 51 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 1
I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION No 807/91 funding analyses of the societal and psychological by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer (V) mechanisms involved in the formation of public attitudes toward biotechnology, such as, for example , the to the Commission of the European Communities international workshop entitled Knowledge , Attitudes (29 April 1992) and Behaviour towards Biotechnology (Brussels , 10 (93 /C 40 /01 ) September 1990)?
5 . What follow-up is planned to the 10 September 1990 Subject: Public information activities of CUBE workshop mentioned above in terms of future meetings , studies, public surveys , the setting up of a network, or other activity aimed at analyzing the formation of public 1 . Can the Commission provide a list of projects which reactions to the development of life sciences and their have been funded under the public information aspect of applications and/or the structure and functioning of Action II (Concertation) of the Bridge programme, public interest groups ? specifying :
(a) name and address of the 'contracting partner(s) (organization and individual responsible); Answer given by Mr Pandolfi (b) title, description , and objective of project; on behalf of the Commission (c) duration and amount of grant ? (24 November 1 992)
2 . Can the Commission provide a list of those In general terms , the Commission would like to point out organizations and/or individuals which responded to the that the Concertation Unit for Biotechnology in Europe Call for Expressions of Interest in the CUBE (CUBE) was set up in DG XII in 1984 on the emergence administered public information activities mentioned of modern biotechnology in order to ensure a above , but which were rejected, specifying title , technological watch in the sector. There has been a description , and objective of the rejected project and two-fold development since that time . First, an name and address of the applicant ? operational unit responsible for implementing the research programmes in the field of biotechnology has 3 . Given the new commitment within the Community been set up in DGXII . Second , as the economic to the principle of subsidiarity, and given the great importance of biotechnology, which is still increasing, differences in culture among the Member States , what became apparent and the need arose to deal with certain is the basis for the Commission to centralize regulatory aspects at Community level, units dealing with the dissemination of public information about biotechnology were set up in Directorates-General other than DG XII, e.g. DGs III and XI . The second biotechnology ? Is this not the type of activity which is best development created the need for coordination at a higher carried out by Member States ? level, which is ensured within the Secretariat-General , in particular the 'Biotechnology Coordination Committee' 4 . Can the Commission justify why the Concertation (BCC) and the Group of Advisers on the ethical Unit of Biotechnology in Europe is engaged in and implications of biotechnology. No C 40/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2.93
On this overall basis , which shows, there has been 3 . Are the results so far obtained compatible with the a redirection of the Commission's activities in 'acquis communautaire', given that the adoption of the biotechnology, the Commission decided , on 15 July 1992 , 'acquis communautaire' by the EFTA countries is the to abolish the CUBE by restructuring DGs XII and XIII . basic principle in negotiations on the European Economic However, its tasks directly related to R&D will especially Area ? be continued . Coordination of the activities relating to biotechnological research will in particular be ensured by 4 . To what extent do the 'transit' talks come under the the adviser in the Directorate for R&TD activities — Life sciences and technologies . current negotiations with the EFTA countries on the European Economic Area ? The Commission wishes to reply as follows to the specific questions raised by the Honourable Member: 1 . A list of the projects is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General Answer given by Mr Van Miert of the European Parliament . on behalf of the Commission 2 . The Commission does not divulge information about (2 October 1992) proposals not adopted so as to avoid damaging the interests of the natural and/or legal persons concerned . 1 . The transit negotiations which the Community held with Austria and the Swiss Confederation on the basis 3 . The Commission's intention has never been and will of the Council's negotiating Directives and political never be to centralize the dissemination of public conclusions have been completed . The two agreements information about biotechnology . The Commission's were initialled in Brussels on 3 December 1991 and aim has been more to help to facilitate its concluded on 2 May this year. dissemination by acting in agreement with the various vectors at European level , in particular within the Member States . 2 . The Community's approach in these negotiations was based mainly on three factors : 4 . and 5 . Under the Bridge programme , the Commission is providing information to the public as specified in — the development of railways and combined transport the 'Concertation' section of the decision for a as the only alternative to conventional road transport programme ( ! ). It is in this context that the Commission partly funded the seminar to which the — the need to reduce the pollution caused by road Honourable Member refers , which was held in transport; Brussels on 10 September 1990 . — the facilitation of all transit traffic in the interest (') OJ No L 360 , 9 . 12 . 1989 . of completion of the internal market and intra-Community trade .
3 . The following provisions , which result from the transit negotiations , derogate from the 'acquis communautaire':
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1918/91 — the introduction of the eco-point system for road by Mr Rui Amaral, Mr Florus Wijsenbeek and traffic through Austria; Mrs Mechthild von Alemann ( LDR) to the Commission of the European Communities — the maintenance of bilateral quotas between Member States and Austria; (1 September 1 991) (93/C 40/02) — the maintenance of national legislation in Austria with regard to the maximum weight allowed (38 tonnes) and in Switzerland (28 tonnes with an exception in the Subject: Need to conclude transit agreements with the Swiss Confederation and Austria event of saturation of combined transport); — the maintenance of Austrian border formalities to 1 . What progress has the Commission achieved with check application of the eco-point system . respect to concluding agreements between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation and Austria on transit measures , given that the Commission's negotiating 4 . These exceptions are included in the draft EEA brief expires at the end of June 1991 ? agreement .
2 . What are the guiding principles behind the Commission's approach in these negotiations ? 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 3
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2580/91 discontinued . Does the Commission not consider that a by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert (PPE) solution should be found to ensure the continuation of the Centre's activities and programmes at a time when to the Commission of the European Communities crucial developments are occuring in the activities and (14 November 1 991) institutions of the Community ? (93 /C 40/03)
Subject: Tax discrimination against cross-border workers in the German-Netherlands border area WRITTEN QUESTION No 2833/91 by Mr Amédée Turner (ED ) For the purposes of calculating taxable income , child to the Commission of the European Communities allowance drawn by a worker employed in Germany and resident in the Netherlands are reckoned as income . (5 December 1 991) (93 /C 40/05) Is the Commission aware of this and what will it do to rectify this unacceptable situation ? Subject : Information policy of the Commission — role of the Schuman Centre in Brussels
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener 1 . I have been informed by some of my groups which on behalf of the Commission had the opportunity to visit the Commission in Brussels that the Schuman Centre will be obliged to suspend its (4 September 1992) activities as from 1 January 1992 because of the Commission's move from the Berlaymont to other It is the Commission's understanding that the premises in Brussels . Honourable Member is referring to the application of the Additional Protocol of 18 March 1980 to the Convention According to the above information , there is no available of 16 June 1959 concluded between the Federal Republic infrastructure in Brussels allowing the Schuman Centre to of Germany and the Netherlands to exclude double continue its extensive work with the public, whereby in taxation . The Protocol lays down that a person resident in one year 1 000 visits of 25 000 people are arranged the Netherlands and working as an employee in Germany involving 500 speakers . qualifies for tax advantages and deductions if at least 90 % of total income is earned in the latter country . 2 . Does the Commission really envisage such an interruption or have I been misinformed ? In calculating this percentage , any family allowances paid by Dutch institutions are not taken into account, in 3 . Does the Commission not think that an information accordance with the relevant German administrative centre like the Schuman Centre is absolutely guidelines . indispensable in order to inform and explain to the public the raison d'etre of the European Community ? On the basis of the information available to it, the Commission cannot perceive any anomaly in the tax treatment of the allowances in question under German legislation . Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2817/91 and 2833/91 given by Mr Dondelinger on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1 992) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2817/91 by Mr Ioannis Pezmazoglou (PPE) The Robert Schuman Centre , which was visited by some to the Commission of the European Communities 25 000 members of the general public every year, discontinued its activities when the Berlaymont building (5 December 1 991) was vacated at the end of 1991 . (93 /C 40/04) However, visits to the Commission continue to be Subject: Possible termination of visits to the Schuman organized by the Directorate-General for Audiovisual , Centre Information , Communications and Culture . They now take place in the building containing DG X, 120 rue de The Schuman Centre in Brussels receives 250 000 visitors Treves , and in other Commission buildings . each year and provides valuable information on Community matters . Mr Missia de Lusignan , the director Visits designed for priority target groups are continuing of the Centre , has been informed that the possible move at a rate equivalent to that recorded last year . Those from the Berlaymont building means that the Schuman aimed at the general public have decreased in number Centre will be closed down and that visits will be because of the smaller size of the new premises . No C 40/ 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
The Commission attaches great importance to such visits deductions relating to their personal circumstances , such as a way of acquainting people with the Construction of as the personal allowance , the spouse's income allowance Europe . It is seeking ways of increasing the number of and the dependent persons allowance , although these visits by the general public . reliefs are still available to taxpayers resident in Belgium .
With regard to the Honourable Member's question whether this legislation is compatible with Community law, it should be noted that a very similar case (C 1 12 / 91 Werner v. Finanzamt Aachen) is currently before the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling . The Court is WRITTEN QUESTION No 2882/91 expected to hand down its judgment by the end of the by Mr Jean-Louis Borloo ( NI) year . to the Commission of the European Communities (5 December 1 992) The Commission's position on this case is that where a person who is non-resident for tax purposes receives no (93 /C 40 /06) income or only an insignificant amount of income in his country of residence , the Country in which he works Subject: Tax arrangements for non-resident French cannot deprive him of the reliefs and allowances available citizens working in Belgium to residents . Refusal to grant these advantages is a breach of Articles 48 , 52 and 59 of the Treaty . Tax arrangements for non-resident French citizens working in Belgium are based on the tax convention of 10 Given that the new Belgian legislation gives rise in some March 1964 concluded by France and Belgium , as cases to personal financial difficulties , Mrs Scrivener amended by the Belgian Laws of 22 December 1989 and wrote to Mr Maystadt, the Belgian Minister for Finance , 28 December 1990 . Under the Law of December 1989 , on behalf of the Commission , asking him to suspend taxation of non-residents differs , depending on whether application of the legislative measure in question pending or not they have maintained a permanent residence in a definitive solution to the problem . Belgium during the entire taxable period . Non-residents who live in Belgium on working days only and return at Mr Maystadt announced at the beginning of July that the the weekend to their homes and families abroad are not Belgian tax authorities were suspending the usual considered as having their permanent residence in measures for collection of the tax arrears arising from the Belgium . law of 22 December 1989 . However, it is for the persons concerned to apply in writing to the Belgian tax Is the Commission aware that they are no longer eligible authorities for suspension of collection of the arrears . for the same tax reliefs or increased concessions for dependants , spouses , etc.? The renting of accommodation in Belgium by a non-resident is not, in itself, equivalent to The Belgian Government has also decided to propose to having a permanent residence in Belgium . the Belgian Parliament an amendment to the current arrangements for people who earn most of their income in Belgium . In general , tax arrangements are based on the distinction between the tax domicile and the place at which assets are situated . However, this new distinction is based on the The Commission welcomes these decisions pending a existence or otherwise of a permanent residence in definitive solution . Belgium . Does it therefore not run counter to the notion of equal rights for European Community nationals and residents ? Is such discrimination compatible with Community law ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 3083/91 Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S) (13 November 1992) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 January 1992 ) The Commission is aware of the changes made to Belgian (93 /C 40/ 07) legislation concerning taxation of the income of non-residents by the law of 22 December 1989 and 28 December 1990 . Subject: Community development relations with overseas countries and territories (OCTs) The law of 22 December 19^9 made a very unfavourable change to the taxation of non-residents with effect from When does the Commission intend to revoke the import 1991 . Non-residents no longer benefit from a number of levies and premiums on rice from OCTs laid down under 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40 / 5
Regulation (EEC) No 3188 /91 (') and Regulation (EEC) Commission say whether it intends to take swift measures No 3189/91 ( 2 ) in view of their incompatibility with the to finance rfeplanting ? Furthermore , does it intend to help letter and spirit of the provisions of the Council Decision market Greek sultana's in Community countries ? of 25 July 1991 ( 3 ) on association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Economic Community, in particular Articles 100 and 101 thereof ?
How does the Commission intend to compensate the losses suffered by certain OCTs as a result of these Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Directives ? on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1 992) (') OJ No L 303 , 1 . 11 . 1991 , p . 10 . O OJ No L 303 , 1 . 11 . 1991 , p . 12 . O OJ No L 263 , 19.9 . 1991 , p . 1 . The Commission is taking the necessary measures to secure balance on the market in sultanas . The most important of these are : Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission Structural measures (4 November 1992) 1 . In addition to general structural measures and the vine-grubbing measures covering the whole Under Article 101 ( 1 ) of the Council Decision viticultural sector the Community has manifested its 91 / 482 /EEC on the association of the overseas countries concern in regard to phylloxera in Crete . Thus in and territories with the EEC , it was concluded that 1989 the Commission , under Regulation (EEC) according to this provision no customs duties or import No 4253 / 88 ('), approved a five-year operational levies are to be applied to imports of agricultural products programme to combat phylloxera and restructure originating in the overseas countries and territories . vineyards on Crete . The plan is for 6 500 hectares to be grubbed and replanted by the end of 1993 , with priority for sultana vineyards . The aid of ECU 9 000 Since February 1992 this has been indicated in a footnote per hectare over three years is substantial , largely in the Regulations fixing the import levies on rice and covering the restructuring cost and loss of income to broken rice (Regulation (EEC) No 224/92) ('). producers . o OJ No L 24 , 1.2 . 1992 . 2 . To accelerate the pace of replanting an additional measure , specific to dried grape production , was introduced in 1991 under which (Regulation (EEC) No 2290/91 ( 2 )) annual aid of ECU 3 244 per hectare is granted for three years , with no restriction on area, to producers not covered by the operational programme who wish to replant their vineyard with vines resistant to phylloxera . WRITTEN QUESTION No 3257/91 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) to the Commission of the European Communities Market measures (29 January 1992) 1 . A substantial reform of the CMO for dried grapes was (93 /C 40/08 ) introduced in 1990 with a transitional period of four years , already half over . The aim is to increase the competitiveness of sultanas and improve quality, by a Subject: Greek sultanas gradual transfer of the aid from the product to the area cultivated . The Commission and the agriculture Commissioner, Mr MacSharry, have taken a number of practical measures to 2 . Faced with the difficulties of disposing of sultanas promote the production and marketing of raisins . In occurring at the beginning of the 1991 /92 marketing particular, they have encouraged the replanting of vines year — difficulties bound up with the inadequacies of so as to make Greek sultanas more competitive and to the old system being gradually withdrawn — the reduce imports from third countries . Given that the Commission decided to increase the maximum Community Directives regarding replanting have not countervailing duty on imports not observing a been properly implemented and producers are not able to minimum import price and to introduce an export sell this year's crop of Greek sultanas , causing unrest refund of ECU 350 per tonne . There has already been among farmers , notably in Iraklion (Crete), will the a distinct improvement in the market situation . No C 40/ 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
In conclusion the Commission is of the opinion that full public-sector funding is inadequate . The Cadiz-Seville utilization in Greece of the replanting schemes now motorway, built in the 1970s , was one such project . available should permit a rapid return to vitality for sultana production and permit adjustment to the new Clearly, if tolls are set excessively high they can hinder market organization rules due to become fully applicable economic and social development . In these circumstances from 1994/95 . the government may decide to buy out the concession , an option generally included in the contracts with the o OJ No L 374 , 31 . 12 . 1988 . operators . O OJ No L 209 , 31 . 7 . 1991 . The principle of subsidiarity means that it is not up to the Commission , which has no direct responsibility for building or managing infrastructure , to consider the advisability of buying out motorway tolls .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 3267/91 In any case , the fact that an infrastructure project is recognized as being of European importance has no by Mr Diego de los Santos López (ARC) bearing on its financing . to the Commission of the European Communities (29 January 1992) It is up to Member States to decide how motorways are to be financed . (93 /C 40/09) O COM(92) 231 . Subject: Ending toll charges on the Cadiz-Seville motorway
Since the 1970s , tolls have been charged on the Cadiz-Seville motorway, the only one in Andalusia , (Objective 1 region), and this will continue until the year 2006 . WRITTEN QUESTION No 119/92 by Lord Plumb ( ED ) In view of the objectives of economic and social cohesion to the Commission of the European Communities in general and the related transport objectives in (7 February 1992) particular : (93 /C 40/ 10) Does the Commission not consider that this motorway should be designated as European ? Subject: Agriculture
Does the Commission consider it possible to continue How much better off, following the MacSharry charging tolls until the year 2006 on a motorway in a proposals , will a Birmingham stockbroker be who lives on depressed region , where fast, safe and economic a 25-hectare farm in the Coleshill area of Warwickshire ? communications are essential to development ? His farm carries 20 suckler cows rearing one calf per year , which are fattened on silage by 1 8 months of age . He also Can the Commission commence negotiations with the grows 15 hectares of barley, most of which is used as feed Spanish Government with a view to taking over the on the farm , and 10 hectares of wheat for sale . motorway and abolishing the tolls . Further, what would be the effect on a 105-hectare dairy/arable farm running 100 cows and followers (stocking rate 2,60 livestock units/hectare), a quota of Answer given by Mr Van Miert 565 000 litres , and also growing 15 hectares of barley for on behalf of the Commission use on the farm , and 32 hectares of wheat for sale (at 8,5 (28 September 1992) tonnes/hectare). The farm employs one man full time , and two family members work on the farm , one full time and one part time . There is no income from outside The Cadiz-Seville motorway is a major route of strategic activities coming into the farm . importance for the development of the Community .
It is covered by the framework programme for the trans-European road network adopted by the Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Commission on 10 June 1992 ('). on behalf of the Commission (5 October 1992) The Commission does not regard tolls in general as an obstacle to economic development . Raising finance from the markets and repaying loans by tolls makes it possible To calculate the effect of the CAP reform as decided by to undertake major infrastructure projects even when the Council on 21 May 1992 on the two holdings as 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/7 described by the Honourable Member, a number of assumptions have to be made . Moreover, it should be Before reform After reform noted that the analysis is static in nature (e.g. no changes in cropping or feeding patterns) and based on full implementation of the reform measures . Barley
Although the smaller holding has 20 suckler cows , it has area (ha) 15,00 15,00 no grazing area . If, in addition , all of the barley area is set aside (ha) n.a 3,75 used for grain production and the silage for the calves is bought in as seems indicated , the holding has no forage yield (t/ha) 6,50 6,50 area and thus would not be eligible for the animal production (tonnes) 97,50 73,13 premiums . used on the farm (tonnes) 52,00 52,00 opportunity cost ( ECU) 7 800,00 5 460,00 Assuming that for both holdings the regional average sales value remaining production cereals yield is 7,5 tonnes per hectare , the smaller holding (ECU) 6 825,00 2 218,13 would have to set aside 3,75 ha of its 25 ha of arable land . It would probably choose to set aside barley land (lower coresponsibility (ECU) 455,00 0,00 per hectare returns). Its wheat income would slightly price cut compensation (ECU) n.a 3 796,88 increase after reform due to the abolition of the coresponsibility levy . Barley revenue would also increase set aside compensation (ECU) n.a 1 265,63 because of the compensatory payments for the price cut gross revenue ( ECU) 6 370,00 7 280,63 and for set-aside , although the volume of barley available for sale would be smaller due to set-aside . Beef income change (ECU): -I- 910,63 would drop as the savings on feeding costs would not fully compensate the price reduction and the loss of premiums . Overall income would however increase , the loss on beef being more than compensated by the gain on Beef the crops sector . production (tonnes , carcase The larger holding would have to set aside 7 ha of its 47 weight) 4,50 4,50 ha of arable land . Assuming it would also choose to set market value ( ECU) 12 150,00 10 327,50 aside barley land , its wheat and- barley revenue would increase after reform , the price cuts being more than premiums (ECU) 1 400,00 0,00 compensated by the hectare payments . Milk income suckler cow 1 000,00 0,00 would slightly rise due to lower feeding costs , which would outweigh the price and quota reduction . male « 400,00 0,00 feeding costs (ECU) • 10 390,00 7 532,00 grain 7 800,00 5 460,00 25 hectare holding silage 2 590,00 2 072,00 revenue (ECU) 3 160,00 2 795,00
Before reform After reform change ( ECU): - 364,50
total change in revenue (ECU): + 946,13 Wheat
area ( ha) 10,00 10,00 Feed plan (20 suckler cows + offspring) yield (t/ha) 8,50 8,50 production (tonnes) 85,00 85,00 Suckler Calf = > 18 Total market value ( ECU) 12 750,00 8 925,00 cow (20 ) months ( 20 ) coresponsibility (ECU) 850,00 0,00 price cut compensation (ECU) n. a 3 375,00 annual energy 580 000 740 000 1 320 000 gross revenue (ECU) 11 900,00 12 300,00 requirement (MJ) concentrate intake change in revenue after reform (ECU): + 400,00 (tonnes) 20 32 52 idem ( MJ) 222 000 355 200 5 77 200 No C 40/ 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
Suckler Calf = > 18 Total Before reform After reform cow (20) months (20)
silage intake Milk (tonnes) 74 74 idem (MJ) 273 000 273 000 production (kg) 565 000,00 553 700,00 remaining energy quota reduction (kg) n.a 11 300,00 required (MJ) 358 000 111 800 469 800 (milk straw) market value (ECU) 141 250,00 135 241,23 idem (tonnes) 69 coresponsibility (ECU) 2 260,00 0,00 (straw) quota compensation (ECU) n.a 565,00
Based on : feeding costs (ECU) 23 812,50 18 771,38 Suckler cow of 550 kg producing 1 500 1 of milk/year, annual energy Grain 14 625,00 5 425,88 requirements System based on concentrate and straw treated with purchased feedingst 9 187,50 13 345,50 ammonia or untreated straw with urea to provide sufficient protein . The cow is fed 1 tonne of concentrate per year . revenue (ECU) 115 177,50 117 034,85 . Beef animal of 500 kg slaughtered at 18 months with total energy requirement of 37 000 MJ provided by milk, concentrates , silage , straw. change (ECU): + 1 857,35 Concentrate intake 1,6 tonnes per animal , silage intake 3,7 tonnes per animal (e.g. grass silage 35% dry matter). total change in revenue (ECU): + 8 199,85 ,
105 hectare holding Feed plan
Before reform After reform Before reform After reform ( 100 dairy cows) (98 cows)
annual energy required (MJ) 5 300 000 5 194 000 Wheat concentrate intake (tonnes) 130 127,4 ( + 20 tonnes ( + 19,6 tonnes area (ha) 32,00 32,00 . followers) followers) 1 443 000 1 414 140 yield (t/ha) 8,50 8,50 idem ( MJ) purch . feedingst (tonnes) 52,50 95,33 production (tonnes) 272,00 272,00 remaining energy required ( MJ) 3 857 000 market value (ECU) 40 800,00 28 560,00 (met from 3 779 860 coresponsibility (ECU) 2 720,00 0,00 grass/straw) price cut compensation (ECU) n. a 10 800,00 Based on : gross revenue (ECU) 38 080,00 39 360,00 Dairy cow of 600 kg producing 5 650 1 of milk per year, annual energy requirement 53 000 MJ ( 25 000 maintenance and 28 000 milk production). Concentrate intake per cow to attain level of milk production indicated 1 ,3 change in revenue after reform (ECU): + 1 280,00 tonnes . Remainder of energy requirement met from grass and straw. Cocentrate intake of dairy replacements 20 tonnes (1 tonne of barley per eared heifer).
Barley area (ha) 15,00 15,00 WRITTEN QUESTION No 163/92 set aside (ha) n.a 7,05 by Mr Jacques Vernier ( RDE) yield (t/ha) 6,50 6,50 to the Commission of the European Communities production (tonnes) 97,50 51,68 (10 February 1 992) used on the farm (tonnes) 97,50 51,68 (93 / C 40/ 11 ) opportunity cost (ECU) 14 625,00 5 425,88 price cut compensation (ECU) n.a 2 683,13 Subject: Reconversion measures for customs and forwarding agents set aside compensation (ECU) n.a 2 379,38 gross revenue (ECU) 0,00 5 062,50 The activity of customs and forwarding agents will be severely affected by the completion of the internal market change (ECU): + 5 062,50 and 'the opening of borders'. According to sources in the sector 85 000 jobs are threatened . However, one year 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/9 from the deadline of 1 January 1993 , no reconversion and — to contribute to the conversion and/or restructuring restructuring measures appear to have been taken . of weakened but viable firms . 1 . Can the Commission give an assessment of the impact In this connection , the proposals are for ECU 2 million to of the internal market on this sector ? be available for use during 1992 , and for a new budget heading for 1993 , to be allocated ECU 30 million . 2 . Can it say what measures have been taken or are being envisaged by the Member States and the Community to provide aid in this sector ?
Will the Commission present an overall programme of aid for this sector in the near future ? If so , can it outline the WRITTEN QUESTION No 322/92 main content thereof ? by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC) to the Commission of the European Communities (27 February 1 992) (93 /C 40 / 12) Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission Subject: Helios House (27 October 1 992) Would the Commission please supply the answers to the following questions regarding Helios House , An audit ordered by the Commission has quantified the situation . Following this audit, and after consultation How many staff are employed ? with the representatives , employers and staff in the sector, the Commission drew up Community support measures What are the staff grade levels and the nationalities of for customs and forwarding agents , which it set out in its these ? communication (dated 8 May) to the Council and Parliament . What activities are carried out at Helios House ? How does Helios link with Handynet ? The measures draw on three sources : Who appoints the related advisory bodies ? — the European Social Fund ; How are results of the work done disseminated ? — the Interreg programme ;
— tailor-made measures to cover schemes outside the scope of the Structural Funds . Answer given by Mrs Papandreou on behalf of the Commission The activities eligible for help from the Social Fund are (18 December 1 992) those aimed at training and assisting placement in jobs of individuals threatened with unemployment in priority In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is regions of the Community . sending it direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat . From 1 January next year the Commission plans to consider customs and forwarding agents with no jobs as falling into the same category as the long-term unemployed .
Within Interreg, the Commission has already begun to WRITTEN QUESTION No 368/92 act, encouraging the Member States to put forward by Mr Juan Gangoiti Llaguno ( PPE) programmes for restructuring and conversion in the to the Commission of the European Communities sector . It is up to the Member States to put together priority projects for possible implementation . (27 February 1 992) (93 /C 40 / 13) On 22 July the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation for specific activities not financed Subject: Conversion of customs sector activities with resources from the Structural Funds . Their aims are as follows : The abolition of internal frontiers in the Community will entail a major crisis in the traditionally important sector — to help the geographical areas most affected by the constituted by customs agents . This crisis may affect some elimination of borders ; 100 000 jobs ; the Commission , however, has to date failed No C 40 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93 to adopt any programme or other measures to resolve the Despite this , it appears that Spain's dairy production problem . exceeds its authorized dairy quota .
Does the Commission not consider that it has an urgent Is the Commission willing to increase the dairy quota for responsibility to submit a conversion plan for the sector ? Spain in order to alleviate the harshest effects of the restructuring of its dairy sector ? Is the EEC willing to authorize customs agents to continue to administer the collection of VAT on imports ?
Is the Commission willing to continue to recognize the profession of customs agent ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 469/92 by Mr Jesús Cabezón Alonso (S ) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mrs Scrivener (9 March 1 992) on behalf of the Commission (93 /C 40/ 15) (9 November 1 992)
As regards the basic issue raised , the Honourable Member Subject : Slaughter of dairy cattle in Spain is asked to refer to the Commission's answer to Written Question No 163 /92 by Mr Vernier ( 1 ). According to certain sectors , the restructuring of the dairy sector in Spain will involve the slaughtering of large The Directive adopted by the Council on 16 December numbers of dairy cattle . 1991 ( 2 ) removes from the common VAT system any concept of importation and exportation in connection with trade between Member States . What is the difference in tonnes between dairy production figures and authorized quotas ? VAT due in respect of intra-Community transactions will be declared and settled using the regular VAT returns and How many head of cattle will it be necessary to slaughter applying the same principles and arrangements as for in order to achieve the necessary restructuring ? transactions within a Member State . If it is necessary to slaughter dairy cattle , what steps will VAT due on goods imported from third countries will be the Commission take to : declared and paid in accordance with the same principles as apply now . Customs agents can therefore continue to deal with VAT on imported goods in accordance with the 1 . avoid price destabilization in the beef and veal sector, arrangements laid down by Member States . 2 . compensate producers forced to abandon stock breeding ? The question of the occupational status of customs agents is a matter for the Member States .
O See page 8 of this Official Journal . O OJ No L 376 , 31 . 12 . 1991 . Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 468/92 and 469/92 given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1 992)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 468/92 The Spanish authorities recently sent the Commission a by Mr Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( S ) report on the situation in the milk sector in Spain , calling to the Commission of the European Communities into question all the official statements previously issued (9 March 1992) concerning this sector. The report has been studied in detail . On this basis , the Council has estimated the (93 /C 40 / 14) difference between milk production and the overall guaranteed quantities allocated to Spain at 1 450 000 Subject: Dairy production in Spain tonnes .
Because of its dairy shortfall , Spain is obliged to import Part of this difference , put at 600 000 tonnes , has already about half a million tonnes of milk annually . been made up under Royal Decree No 1888 of 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 11
30 December 1991 and the Ministerial Order of of profits in accordance with the normal scale . Does the 30 December 1991 . The Council has also agreed to Commission agree that this increased tax burden on small contribute to narrowing the gap by increasing the overall and medium-sized undertakings should be abolished and guaranteed quantity allocated to Spain by 600 000 tonnes what steps will it take to solve this problem ? from 1 April 1993 and by providing for the transfer of 150 000 tonnes of guaranteed quantities from direct sales to deliveries and also by financing a restructuring programme involving up to 200 000 tonnes . It can thus be seen that the difference is to be made up by an amount corresponding to the output of about 220 000 cows to be eliminated over a period of 24 months . Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission In the situation referred to by the Honourable Member, (9 November 1 992) the Commission has already adopted some transitional support measures for the beef market in Spain (Regulation ( EEC) No 1320/92 (')); others are being considered and could be adopted if required . Secondly, it According to the information in the Commission's should be pointed out that the Community has already possession , the proposed tax reform is aimed , firstly, at allocated to Spain , under Regulations (EEC) reducing from 46% to 35% the rate of corporation tax No 1117/ 89 ( 2 ) and (EEC) No 1637/91 ( 3 ), a total of payable by unlisted companies on re-invested profits . ECU 120 million as aid for the cessation of milk production and plans to increase this amount further from 1 April 1993 by financing the abovementioned Secondly, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in restructuring programme for 200 tonnes . the form of partnerships , limited partnerships and private limited liability companies currently subject to the graduated scale of income tax, the rate of which varies O OJ No L 140 , 23 . 5 . 1992 . between 18% and 50% , would in future be taxed on the O OJ No L 118,29 . 4 . 1989 . O OJNoL 150 , 15.6 . 1991 . basis of a dual rate . Their profits would be taxed at a uniform rate of 35% after deduction of the remuneration of the partners or managers who , as natural persons , owned at least a third of the company's shares . Such remuneration , whether or not actually taken up , would be estimated at a flat rate of 50% of the company's net income and tax would be payable on it by the partner or manager in the form of personal income tax . The reform WRITTEN QUESTION No 478/92 proposed thus has the advantage of offering neutrality of tax treatment for profits re-invested by firms , whatever by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) their legal form , with the uniform rate of 35% being to the Commission of the European Communities applied . (9 March 1992) (93 /C 40/ 16) The problem raised by the Honourable Member concerning the increase in the tax burden of SMEs derives from the assessment made of the comparability between Subject : Tax rate for small and medium-sized the graduated scale of income tax and the corporation tax undertakings in Greece rate .
Great concern is being felt by hundreds of thousands of professional people , craftsmen and businessmen at the The provisions proposed will constitute an undeniable future of thousands of small and medium-sized advantage for SMEs whose entire income was previously untertakings because of Greek Government's economic taxed at the marginal rates of income tax , which are policy, in particular the projected new tax arrangements higher than the rate of corporation tax . Conversely , the involving a 35% tax on gross profits . The General smallest firms falling within the lowest marginal income Confederation of Professional People , Craftsmen and tax brackets might be penalized by the proposed measure Businessmen of Greece (GSEVEE) predicts a twofold to if the latter were applied automatically without any choice tenfold increase in the tax bill of many companies (private being offered . It is difficult as things stand to estimate the companies , public registered companies and limited number of firms which could find themselves in either of companies) as a result of the new measures . Obviously, it those situations . is extremely difficult for small and medium-sized undertakings to cope with this increased burden . According to the GSEVEE craftsmen's representatives , The Commission has always been in favour of measures the excessive increase in the tax burden will lead to tax aimed at improving the environment for SMEs . In the evasion and will cause many small and medium-sized field of direct taxation , the Community provisions undertakings to close . The Confederation therefore calls currently in force essentially concern transfrontier for the reestablishment of the single tax rate and taxation cooperation between firms , including SMEs . No C 40 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2 . 93
However, as regards both the rate of tax on company to appeal against measures resulting from the profits and the tax base , the Commission will define its agreement of the Eleven ? position in the light of the conclusions of the debate on company taxation initiated by the Communication to the 6 . Will the Court of Justice be empowered to verify the Council and Parliament on guidelines in this area ( 1 ). proper implementation in the individual Member States of measures resulting from the agreement of the o SEC(92) 1118 . Eleven ? What criteria must the Commission use in submitting to the Council and Parliament measures in respect of social policy on the basis of the Treaty or on the basis of the agreement annexed to Protocol 14 ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 595/92 Answer by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) (23 December 1 992) to the Council of the European Communities (19 March 1992) (93 /C 40/ 17) As the question put by the Honourable Member concerns the interpretation of a Protocol forming part of a Treaty which is not yet in force , this reply by the Council is of a Subject: Maastricht : interpretation and implementation preliminary nature . Since it is also a matter of interpreting of the Social Protocol an agreement concluded between 1 1 Member States , this reply expresses the opinion of those Member States .
At the European Community Summit in Maastricht, the 1 . The acts to be adopted by the Council pursuant to the Heads of State and Government adopted Protocol 14 on Agreement on Social Policy concluded between the social policy, under which 11 Member States were Member States of the European Community, with the authorized by the Twelve to make use of the institutions , exception of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and procedures and rules contained in the Treaty with a view Northern Ireland , will be acts of Community law, as to the coordinated adoption of measures and decisions to far as the 1 1 Member States in question are implement the agreement on social policy annexed to the concerned ; protocol . 2 . This Agreement cannot be regarded as an inter-State 1 . From the legal point of view, will the measures taken agreement like the Schengen Agreement because it is as a result of the agreement between the 1 1 Member annexed to a Protocol which is an integral part of the States form part of Community law ? Treaty establishing the European Community under Article 239 thereof . The Protocol makes provision for recourse to the institutions , procedures and 2 . Can the agreement between the Eleven not be more mechanisms of that Treaty . This Protocol and the said readily considered as an inter-governmental Agreement are without prejudice to the provisions of agreement between 1 1 States similar to the Schengen this Treaty, particularly those relating to social policy Agreement ? which constitute an integral part of the 'acquis communautaire'. 3 . Will measures resulting from the agreement between the Eleven in accordance with Community provisions 3 . The acts adopted by the Council pursuant to the have the force of law in the various Member States or Agreement will be Community acts within the will it be necessary to submit them for ratification to meaning of Article 189 of the Treaty establishing the the national parliaments before they acquire validity European Community and will therefore apply within in the Member State concerned ? the 1 1 Member States in accordance with Community rules . Consequently, there is no question of such acts 4 . What will be the role of the Court of Justice in respect being ratified by national parliaments . of measures resulting from agreements between the Eleven ? Is the Court of Justice empowered to 4 . 5 and 6 . From the answers to the previous questions it investigate the legality of measures resulting from is clear that, in the interpretation and implementation agreement between the Eleven ? of the Agreement between the 1 1 Member States and acts adopted on the basis thereof, the Court of Justice 5 . Will the Court of Justice be able to deliver judgments will play the role attributed to it by the Treaty on appeals against these measures on the grounds of establishing the European Community, in the illegality , infringement of significant points of law or conditions laid down therein . The Court of Justice abuse of power ? Will natural or legal persons be able will , therefore , enjoy its powers in full . 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 13
7 . Since this question concerns the criteria that the which the Member States generally use in their Commission might use when submitting proposals to treaties , the rate of withholding tax is limited to the Council , it is for the Commission to reply to it . 1 5 % for the ordinary shareholder .
However, a shareholder wishing to benefit from a more favourable treaty rate of withholding tax must prove that he is entitled to do so , i.e. as a rule he must prove that he is resident for tax purposes in the other Contracting State . The OECD Model WRITTEN QUESTION No 647/92 Convention lays down no precise rules on the by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath (S) procedure for applying reduced rates . and Mrs Karla Peijs ( PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities Under the OECD Model Convention , therefore , (23 March 1992 ) States may either limit taxation from the outset to (93 /C 40/ 18 ) the reduced rate or levy tax at the full rate and subsequently make a refund . Subject : Different treatment for the distribution of dividends by companies based in a Member State Thus the United States applies the reduced rate as and those based in a third country a matter of course , i.e. 15 % instead of 30 % , if the US company indicates in its tax return the address 1 . Is it acceptable under Community law that dividends in Germany of the recipient of the dividends . received by a German individual shareholder from companies in other Member States are first subject to withholding tax at the full domestic rates of those Moreover, it cannot be generally claimed that Member States (usually 25%), and subsequently , such a dividends received by a German shareholder from shareholder must apply for a refund of the amount of tax companies in other Member States are always first withheld in excess of 15% , whereas in the case of charged to the normal rate of withholding tax . dividends paid by a US corporation to the same Dividends received from Dutch companies , for shareholder only the treaty rate of 1 5 % is withheld from example , generally have the reduced rate of the beginning . In the case of small investors the refund withholding tax of 15% applied to them provided procedure is rather burdensome and as such is an obstacle that the German shareholder can prove his to the creation of an internal market . entitlement by filling in a form certified by the German tax authorities . 2 . Does the Commission agree that after the entry into force of the Single Act, at the latest, the concept of most-favoured nation treatment will apply to tax treaties concluded by a Member State with either (a) another (b) With regard to the Honourable Member' question Member State or (b) with a third country, i.e. when the of whether the different procedures for granting tax treaty which the taxpayer's home country Member the reduced rate of withholding tax are State A has concluded with Member State B is less compatible with Community law, it should be favourable than a tax treaty that Member State B has noted that Community law as it stands does not concluded with a Member State C (or a third country D) cover those procedures and there is nothing to then the tax-payer of Member State A will be entitled to suggest that the procedures applied by the the benefits of the more favourable provision of the third Member States are in breach of the Treaty . party treaty ?
The Commission is aware of the complexity of current agreement-barsed procedures designed to alleviate taxation at source of cross-border Answer given by Mrs Scrivener dividend payments . In its communication (') to on behalf of the Commission the Council and to Parliament of 26 June 1992 , it (9 November 1 992) indicated its intention to study with Member States new procedures for simplifying and speeding up the mechanisms under which agreed 1 . (a) As the Honourable Members note in their withholding tax procedures are applied in order to question , the rates of withholding tax applied to prevent their cumbersome nature from penalizing the payment of dividends under double taxation cross-border investments . Further consultants treaties concluded between States are in general with the Member States are also planned with a more favourable than those normally applied . view to defining a common policy towards double Under Article 10 (2) (b) of the OECD Model taxation agreements within the Community and Convention for the avoidance of double taxation , with non-member countries . No C 40/ 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
2 . In principle , the field of bilateral double taxation activities in areas in industrial decline (Objective 2) and in agreements is the competence of the Member States which Member States these achievements have taken which they exercise with due regard for the principle and place ? rules contained in the Treaty, such as the principle of non-discrimination , respect for the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Treaty and the obligation to cooperate to attain the Treaty's objectives . Elimination of Answer given by Mr Christophersen double taxation is one of the Community's objectives . on behalf of the Commission (8 September 1 992) In the communication referred to above , the Commission undertook to ensure that the double taxation agreements which the Member States conclude between each other The Commission is sending the following working and with non-member countries are in strict accordance documents directly to the Honourable Member and to the with the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in the Secretariat of the European Parliament: EEC Treaty . 1 . 'Assessment of the potential impact of the structural Funds on Objective 1 regions through the use of Taking account of these points , the Commission macroeconomic models', considers that current Community law does not oblige a 2 . 'Implementation of the structural policies in Member State to grant automatically the withholding tax Objective 2 areas'. rate of its most favourable bilateral agreement to taxpayers of another Member State which is not covered by that agreement . These documents should shed further light on the discussion of those Objectives in COM(92) 2000 . (') Commission communication to the Council and to Parliament subsequent to the conclusion of the Ruding Committee indicating guidelines on company taxation linked to the further development of the internal market — SEC(92) 1118 final . WRITTEN QUESTION No 762/92 by Mr Alonso Puerta (GUE) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 April 1992) (93 /C 40 /20)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 743/92 Subject : Quarries in the municipality of Oviedo (Asturias , by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) Spain) and their negative impact on the to the Commission of the European Communities environment (6 April 1992) Neighbourhood and ecological associations have (93 /C 40 / 19) reported that the inhabitants of El Llugarin , Las Caldas , San Juan de Priorio and Santa Marina de Piedramuelle in the municipality of Oviedo are suffering constant Subject: Details concerning Community aid to nuisance and damage caused by quarries near their least-favoured regions and assessment of homes . economic and social cohesion Economic activity must be compatible with respect for the In assessing the measures based on the Single Act and in natural environment . particular the delicate matter of economic and social 1 . Does not the Commission consider that, by virtue cohesion , the Commission refers , in a recent document of the provisions of Directive 85 / 337/EEC (') on (Second Delors Package) to Community transfers to the the assessment of the effects of certain public and less prosperous regions . private projects on the environment, an impact assessment must be carried out on these quarries , More specifically this document provides valuable , if which are having significant negative effects on the rather general information . For example , the Commission environment ? observes that Community aid in 1988 helped to create about 500 000 jobs in the less prosperous regions and 2 . Can the Commission intervene with the Spanish increase GNP by 3% in certain Member States . authorities to ensure that Community legislation on environmental protection is correctly applied in this case ? Can the Commission amplify the above information and say what has been achieved in creating alternative (') OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p. 40 . 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 15
Answer given by Mr Van Miert 2 . Would a general energy tax not be a more suitable way on behalf of the Commission of tackling this international problem on a (23 November 1 992) comprehensive scale and creating a link with other issues such as the conservation of resources and long-term security of energy supplies ? Directive 85 / 337 /EEC provides that Annex II projects , such as activities by the extractive industry and hence also the quarry project mentioned by the Honourable Member, must be subject to an assessment of their impact on the environment where this is considered to be significant . Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha on behalf of the Commission In this particular case , it appears that the inconvenience and nuisance suffered by the inhabitants of the Oviedo (30 October 1992) municipality are due to the exploitation of quarries that have already been authorized . The Commission would therefore like to receive more detailed information regarding this authorization before approaching the One of the elements of a Community strategy to limit Spanish authorities . carbon dioxide emissions and to improve energy efficiency should be the introduction of a tax on energy . Tax induced price increases will contribute to the promotion of energy efficiency and therefore help to abate CO2 emissions . To the extent that such a tax gives a price incentive to switch from carbon-rich fuels (like coal) to those with a low (e.g. natural gas) or zero carbon content (renewables , nuclear) by taxing the latter energy WRITTEN QUESTION No 766/92 sources less than the carbon-rich fuels , the CO2 limiting by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE) effect would be more pronounced . For an efficient CO2 to the Commission of the European Communities limitation a 100% carbon tax would be the most logical (6 April 1992) choice and it is in principle an appropriate instrument for combating CO2 emissions . (93 /C 40 / 21 )
However, as the Honourable Member points out, there Subject : Commission communication on a Community are further effects to be taken into account . The energy strategy to limit carbon dioxide emissions and structures of Member. States are different, and a 100% improve energy efficiency carbon tax could have a significantly different impact on the industrial competitive position of the Member States . In its communication of 14 October 1991 on a Moreover, a carbon tax would put the heaviest burden on Community strategy to limit carbon dioxide emissions solid fuels , which are globally the most abundant and and to improve energy efficiency (SEC(91 ) 1744 final) the secure energy sources . This could have an impact on our Commission proposes inter alia a combined COj/energy fairly secure and widely diversified energy supplies . tax aimed at achieving the Community's goal of stabilizing CO2 emissions . Nevertheless , the extent to which differences in taxation A CO2 tax would threaten the existing , ecologically in favour of a specific energy source translate into large preferable mixture^ of energy, while risks of a different price induced incentives to switch to this fuel depends also nature would be enhanced . on inter-fuel competition at the local level . In the absence of direct gas to gas competition, it has been a widespread A CO2 tax would give natural gas an advantage in terms of practice to align the price of gas to that of competing fuels price which would lead to an increase in demand (not only like oil . A demand surge for natural gas with the in the EC but in all developed countries) and a rise in the corresponding price increase on the world gas market market price for natural gas with the result that does not necessarily follow from the introduction of a developing countries would be even less able to afford this carbon tax . primary source of energy and would be forced to make use of less acceptable fuels , using ecologically unsound technology (thus adding to the ecological risks and the As to the possible effects of CO2 taxation in the threat to the climate), a market trend which would offset Community on the availability of natural gas for any progress towards the fiscal and environmental goals . developing countries , it should be noted that the price of There is a significant potential for reducing private energy gas deliveries is only one element for its market consumption , but a specific CO2 tax would offer little or penetration . Especially for developing countries , the no incentive . ability to deploy natural gas is highly dependent on the resource endowment and on the availability of a gas 1 . In the light of the above , does the Commission infrastructure (pipelines or liquefied natural gas consider a CO2 tax to be an appropriate instrument ? terminals). These infrastructures are , however, very No C 40 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93 expensive and the introduction of gas in developing 1989 do not at present enjoy copyright protection in the countries without cheap reserves may be precluded on United States and are thus being exploited there . account of the lack of investment funds and due to the other priorities of these often indebted countries . Under the circumstances , and in the light of the information received by the Commission , the difficulties Taking into account all these aspects the Commission experienced in the United States in obtaining for favours a combination of a carbon with an energy tax . A audiovisual works by European authors copyright mixture of both taxes , while avoiding their specific protection consistent with the provisions of the Berne disadvantages , combines their advantages in terms of CO2 Convention pose a genuine problem . abatement and energy efficiency improvements . The Commission is looking into this matter carefully, and Commission officials are making a detailed assessment of the extent of the problem and its implications , so as to determine what steps will have to be taken .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 786/92 by Mr Georgios Romeos (S) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 840/92 (6 April 1992) by Mr Ben Visser (S) (93/C 40/22) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 April 1992) (93/C 40/23) Subject : Protection of copyright for European products in the USA Subject: Underground transport of goods and persons The FERA and AIDAA have alleged that cinematographic works which are produced in Europe and are not In the Netherlands , road and rail transport infrastructures registered with the Copyright Bureau in Washington are cause a great deal of inconvenience because of the high regarded as being in the public domain . population density and the idea of placing them underground is gaining support, particularly in view of the example set by Japan . Given that the US Administration refuses to implement the Bern Convention on copyright what action does the It would be of great benefit to EC transport policy, which Commission intend to take to protect cinematographic is increasingly focused on switching traffic to the works which are , in effect, being 'legally pirated' in the environmentally friendly railways , if it were possible to USA ? find an affordable means of overcoming the drawbacks of rail transport (noise pollution and loss of space) in densely populated areas . 1 . Does the Commission consider that underground rail Answer given by Mr Bangemann transport should be given serious and detailed on behalf of the Commission consideration and that it is consistent with the policies set out in the Green Paper on transport ? (11 September 1 992) 2 . If so , does the Commission consider that such studies could be carried out more efficiently and cheaply at After acceding to the Berne Convention on 1 March 1989 , Community level ? the United States abolished the formalities previously imposed for obtaining copyright protection . However, 3 . Is the Commission prepared to fund studies and the legislation adopted did not extend protection to work possible pilot projects in this area ? which were already in the public domain in the United States as a result of its failure to comply with formal requirements prior to accession to the Berne Convention ; only works for which the appropriate formalities had Answer given by Mr Van Miert been completed previously continued to be protected . on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1 992) As a result of this situation , the Commission has been informed by several European cinematographic associations that certain European audiovisual works for The Commission has noted with interest the matter raised which formalities were not carried out before 1 March by the Honourable Member . 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 17
The question of underground networks for the carriage Answer given by Mr Matutes of goods and passengers has been posed on several on behalf of the Commission occasions and a few years ago was even the subject of a (29 October 1992) discussion at a seminar organized by the University of Delft, on the possibility of using vacuum tubes in order, to achieve higher speeds . In recent years a small number of development projects in Cuba have been cofinanced by the Community with The solution of an urban underground network for the European NGOs under budget heading B7-5010 carriage of goods is as yet not economically viable because ('Community contribution towards schemes concerning of the difficulties which large towns have in financing the developing countries carried out by non-governmental underground system . organizations'). They comprise : (i) one rural development project in 1990 , Although the environmental advantages of such a system cannot be denied , it should not be forgotten that (ii) a few mini-projects (two in 1989 , two in 1990 and underground passenger transport over long distances and four in 1991 ) representing a total contribution from therefore for periods of several hours would not be the European Community of some ECU 80 000 , readily accepted . (iii) one artisanal fishery project in 1992 . The Commission does not, however, rule out the possibility of conducting a study on this matter, provided As with all NGO projects , the above involved direct that there is enough support from the Member States . At assistance by a European NGO for a local community . present the Commission is discussing the future transport research programme with them . The issue in question has In addition , before the end of this year additional food not yet been raised as a priority . aid will be supplied to Cuba via Caritas-Germany .
The NGOs responsible for carrying out these operations have not informed the Commission of any special difficulties encountered in their work .
In addition to operations carried out through NGOs , the WRITTEN QUESTION No 860/92 Community also provides indirect aid as a donor of milk by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) products to the World Food Programme for its activities in Cuba . to the Commission of the European Communities (14 April 1992) (93 /C 40/24)
Subject: Cooperation with Cuba by NGOs operating in the field of development aid WRITTEN QUESTION No 861 /92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) The oldest and biggest Spanish NGO in the field of development aid is 'Manos Unidas'. The chairwoman of to the Commission of the European Communities this organization , Mrs Ana de Felipe , has just stated 'we (14April 1992) are proud , for example , to have worked in Nicaragua with (93/C 40/25) Somoza, then with the Sandinistas and now with the Chamorro Government without any bureaucratic difficulties'. Subject: Community action to encourage the adoption of children In the same interview (in the weekly magazine ' Hechos' No 39 , Madrid , 17 February 1992 , page 53) she adds that The legal provisions within the Community governing the Cuba is one of the few countries in the world which they adoption of children vary considerably from one country have not been able to enter without encountering red tape to another and adoption procedures are rigid and and , for this reason , they do not work there . complex . Any improvement in this situation would make a major contribution to increasing the number of In view of the extreme poverty which the Cuban adoptions , to the clear benefit of many potential parents population is suffering as a consequence of the isolation and disadvantaged children . of its political system, does the Commission know whether other NGOs have been able to give it In the light of the above , our laws governing this area humanitarian aid , if so has the European Community cannot be allowed to perpetuate a status quo which does been involved and has such cooperation been possible not reflect the realities of our time or the needs and without interference from the present Cuban authorities ? welfare standards of modern society . No C 40/ 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
Does the Commission therefore consider that it should reported by the Honourable Member . If appropriate , it propose a single, much more flexible Regulation on will not fail to institute the procedure provided for in adoption , applicable throughout the Member States , Article 169 of the EEC Treaty . together with practical procedures to provide social support for families which choose to adopt a child , and also promote existing practices at continental level so as to increase the number of children adopted ?
Answer given by Mr Bangemann WRITTEN QUESTION No 899/92 on behalf of the Commission by Mr Antoni Gutiérrez Díaz (GUE) (17 September 1 992) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 April 1992) Although this area of concern raises problems of an (93 /C 40/27) emotional nature in many Member States , there is no provision in the Treaty of Rome for Community action on this matter. Subject : Structural Funds : public access to information
However the matter has been raised within the context of the Judicial Affairs Committee (for civil matters) of the A non-governmental organization researching the European Political Cooperation group , which is looking environmental implications of Structural Fund operations in Spain was refused access to Operational Programmes at the potential for extending the Brussels Convention by the Ministry of Agriculture , Fisheries and Food , the ( 1968) to include family law matters . Ministry of Economy and Taxes , the State Secretariat for the European Community, the regional governments of Castilla y Leon and Aragon , the Ministry of Public Administration and the Commission office in Madrid . Is this compatible with Article 32 of Regulation (EEC) No 4253 / 88 O ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 881 /92 by Mr James Ford (S ) O QJ No L 374 , 31 . 12 . 1988 , p. 1 . to the Commission of the European Communities (14 April 1992) (93 /C 40/26) Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission Subject: Munir Ahmed (4 September 1992) What action does the Commission intend to take over the case of the German national and EC citizen , Mr Munir The Commission very much regrets the situation to which Ahmed ? the Honourable Member refers , which is in accordance neither with Article 32 of Regulation (EEC) No 4253 / 88 Despite Mr Ahmed's EC citizenship , the British Home nor with its Notice to Member States concerning Office has , in direct contravention of the Treaty of Rome , information and publicity relating to assistance from the refused to issue him with a British residency permit . European Regional Development Fund ('), nor with the clauses on information and publicity about Community In consideration of the Commission's concern that EC assistance in the Community support frameworks (CSFs). citizens of ethnic origin not be subject to racial discrimination within the Single Market, would the Commission please investigate this matter to ensure that Under these provisions , the national and regional the British Home Office's treatment of Mr Ahmed is not authorities overseeing implementation of the CSF are racially motivated ? responsible for information on the spot .
The Commission is nevertheless willing to provide the information required to all concerned and would ask the Answer given by Mr Bangemann Honourable Member to provide further details so that it on behalf of the Commission can investigate the facts . (11 November 1 992 ) (') OJ No C 6 , 10 . 1 . 1991 . The Commission has established the contacts necessary to obtain all the relevant details concerning the matter 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 19
WRITTEN QUESTION No 901 /92 WRITTEN QUESTION No 944/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S ) by Mr Ingo Friedrich (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (15 April 1992) (15 April 1992) (93 /C 40/28 ) (93 /C 40/29)
Subject: Proceedings against legislation on State aid to Subject : Yannina Lake the new federal Lander In order to promote rapid development in the new federal Yannina Lake receives all the urban waste from the city of Lander, the German Bundestag has adopted an Yannina which , together with the decomposed vegetable Investment Subsidies Law and a Regional Development matter which has accumulated on the lake bed , has altered Law . The Commission has now initiated proceedings its ecosystem . The lake water is used for irrigation against paragraph 6 of the Regional Development Law purposes with the result that the level has fallen and it can and against the Investment Subsidy Law under Article 93 no longer support large fish . The murkiness of its waters , (2) of the EEC Treaty . This has created a climate of great the lack of oxygen , the large-scale increase in plankton uncertainty and a persistent reluctance to invest in the new and the changes in its fisheries resources are symptoms of federal Lander. the lake's poor condition . The completion of the sewerage network and a waste refinery factory would very probably 1 . Does the Commission agree that, in view of the major solve the problem of pollution in the lake , but this work is reconstruction problems facing the new federal dangerously behind schedule . In so far as there may be, Lander, the possibility of providing what will at the very least, an infringement of Directive doubtless prove to be limited assistance must be kept 79/409/EEC ('), does the Commission intend to demand open ? protection for this lake ? 2 . When will the proceedings be concluded so that the situation can be accurately assessed ? O QJNoL 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p. 1 . 3 . Can it at least be assumed that paragraph 4 (special depreciations) of the Regional Development Law will remain unaffected in future ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1 992) (9 November 1992)
1 . In the light of recent information on the Yannina Lake is not classified by Greece as a special socio-economic situation in the former German protection area in accordance with Article 4 of Directive Democratic Republic, received under the procedure 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and has provided for in Article 93 (2) of the EEC Treaty, also not been identified as a site of major interest under the Commission considers that the authorization the Directive . of tax-exempt reserves under Article 6 of the 'Fordergebietsgesetz' (Assisted Areas Law) and the extension of tax allowances for investment by the 1991 The Commission would inform the Honourable Member 'Investitionszulagengesetz' (Investment Allowance Law), that it does not plan to insist on classification of areas neither of which was notified as required by Article 93 (3) which are not among those of Community interest . of the EEC Treaty, are compatible with the common market within the meaning of Article 92 of the EEC With regard to the water quality, Yannina Lake has been Treaty in so far as the aid schemes remain limited to the designated as cyprinid waters within the meaning of territory of the former GDR. Directive 78 /659/EEC ('). The results of analyses carried out in 1988 and reported to the Commission in 1990 show 2 . By decision of 10 June 1992 the Commission that the parameters tested meet the requirements of the terminated the above proceedings in respect of the former Directive . However, Greece stated in the report that, as a GDR. However, on 31 July the Commission took a negative decision on the extension of the two schemes to result of technical difficulties such as the lack of suitably West Berlin . equipped laboratories and a shortage of staff, some of the parameters listed in the Directive had not been checked . 3 . At present the Commission has no objections to the special depreciation scheme provided for in Article 4 (') OJNoL222 , 14 . 8 . 1978 . of the 'Fordergebietsgesetz', and approved by the Commission until the end of 1994 . s
No C 40/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1036/92 Permission was only granted to restore a ruin , but the by Mr Rudolf Luster ( PPE) plateau has been clearly developed to establish a wing shooting area . to the Commission of the European Communities (27 April 1992) The planning regulations currently in force provide for ( 93/C 40/30) the establishment of parks and public gardens : in the new planning regulations , which have not yet been approved , the area is marked out for 'sporting facilities', thus Subject: EC funds for Berlin 1985 — 1991 supporting the objectives of those already establishing the wing shooting area without permission . What measures have been funded in Berlin by the European Community from 1985 to 1991 and what were Despite the fact that the site has been attached by the the amounts paid in each case from : Messina Public Prosecutor's Office , the district council has given permission for the boundary of the area to be 1 . The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), staked out .
2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Thousands of protected birds (including birds of prey and Fund (EAGGF) — Guidance Section , storks) pass through this area in spring and hundreds of poachers shoot them illegally every year . 3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) — Guarantee Section , The establishment and authorization of this wing 4 . the European Social Fund (ESF), shooting area (shooting with bows , clay pigeon shooting and pigeon shooting) would result in an increase in 5 . the European Community's research programmes , poaching because hunting weapons are normally widely available and hence difficult to monitor. 6 . the European Community's energy programmes , What steps does the Commission intend to take to prevent 7 . the European Community's environment pro this area from becoming once again a place where grammes , migratory birds are slaughtered , having regard also to the fact that EEC Directives , the new Italian law on hunting 8 . other European Community programmes ? and the Berne Convention provide for the establishment of protected areas along international migratory routes ?
Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Van Miert (28 September 1992) on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1 992) In view of the length of its answer, which includes several tables , the Commission is sending it direct to the The creation of a wing shooting area in the locality of Flonourable Membfer and Parliament's Secretariat . Madonna del Tonnaro is not in itself incompatible with the Directive on wild birds . If it were to give rise to unlawful practices (poaching), the local authorities would have to put a stop to them .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1077/92 by Mr Antonio La Pergola (S ) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1112/92 (29 May 1992) by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S) (93/C 40/ 31 ) to the Commission of the European Communities (11 May 1992) (93/C 40/32) Subject: Wing shooting at Madonna del Tonnaro (Messina) Subject: Plan for storing nuclear waste in the State of At Madonna del Tonnaro (Castanea, Province of Skopje Messina , Italy) a wing shooting area has been established , completely illegally , along one of Europe's most According to a lengthy report in the Greek newspaper important migratory routes . 'Etnos' the Skopje authorities are agreeing to a plan to 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/21 store nuclear waste from Community countries on their Answer given by Mr Millan territory in exchange for recognition and economic on behalf of the Commission benefits . If this plan goes ahead , it will have catastrophic (26 October 1992) consequences for the entire region including Greece , a Community country whose ground water may be polluted together with the Gulf of Thessaloniki . Does the According to the information available to the Commission intend to investigate this matter and scrap Commission it would appear that the delays experienced any plan that has been hatched to implement this in the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tank construction at unacceptable arrangement ? Revythoussa are not due to new information on the geology of the Island but to differences of opinion on how to proceed between the contractor and the organization responsible for the project .
Answer given by Mr Van Miert Before construction started , ground conditions in on behalf of the Commission Revythoussa were known to the Greek authorities as a (24 November 1 992) result of studies and tests and expert opinion had declared installation of the LNG facility to be feasible .
The Commission is unable to comment on the newspaper The Commission has had assurances from the Greek article referred to by the Honourable Member but will authorities that proper procedures to ensure safety and seek further clarification on the subject . protection of the environment have been followed .
Contractual disputes are not a matter for the Commission to deal with , but as the resulting delays endanger the progress of the overall project the Commission is pressing for an urgent resolution of the matter by the Greek authorities . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1135/92 by Mr Dimitrios Nianias (RDE) to the Commission of the European Communities - (11 May 1992) (93 /C 40 /33) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1140/92 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( ED ) Subject : Location of natural gas plant on the island of Revithousa to the Commission of the European Communities (11 May 1992) The siting of plant for the supply of natural gas on the (93/C 40/ 34) island of Revithousa in Greece has from the outset faced difficulties for many reasons which are now well known (lack of space , pollution and dying-out of marine life in Subject: Financial assistance for Herefordshire , the Saronic Gulf, already heavily contaminated by Worcestershire and West Gloucestershire discharges from numerous factories , refineries etc. and the danger arising from the geographical position of the What assistance , by way of grants or loans , has the island in connection with sea and air transport which have Community provided since 1 January 1990 towards already reached saturation point in this area). For this regional and rural development projects in Herefordshire , reason the project was deemed impracticable by many Worcestershire and West Gloucestershire . specialists and many local bodies able to assess objectively the importance of the project on the one hand and the wider interests of the area on the other . Answer given by Mr Christophersen A new and serious obstacle has arisen in the form of on behalf of the Commission unforeseen seismic activity in this area , seriously aggravating the situation caused by the location of the (9 September 1 992) project, which was already ill-advised in every respect, and placing the area in even greater danger . For this Community grants and loans since 1 January 1990 reason it is necessary to select immediately another, more suitable location . towards regional and rural development projects in Herefordshire , Worcestershire and West Gloucestershire : Can the Commission say whether the project will be 1 . Through ERDF : no funding . These counties are not continued under these circumstances . eligible for support from the ERDF . No C 40/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
2 . Through ESF : since the Reform of the Structural WRITTEN QUESTION No 1 174/92 Funds, the funding of projects is only known at by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE) Member State level . to the Commission of the European Communities 3 . Through EAGGF — Guidance Section : As far as (15 May 1992 ) horizontal structural measures are concerned , the (93 /C 40/36) breakdown of aid at county level is not available . As for regional measures , the counties in question are not eligible under Objective 5(b). Subject: The words of the Community anthem 4 . Through the EIB : Since 1 January 1990 the European In many Community-related events held in the Member Investment Bank has supported infrastructure projects States , it is customary to wind up proceedings with the in the area referred to by the Honourable Member Community anthem , i.e. the tune that is habitually taken with loans totalling ECU 8,63 million . to be the anthem representing the Community ideal .
The investment in infrastructure which went towards However, those attending such events are still not sure of the words that should accompany the Community projects to improve drinking water supplies and anthem, as there are different interpretations thereof. waste-water treatment in the three counties , formed part of a larger scheme of benefit to regional development areas in the West Midlands . For the purposes of harmonization , does the Commission not consider that it should establish once and for all what the official words and music of the Community anthem should be and in what general context all the symbols helping Community citizens to identify with the European ideals represented by our Community should be used ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1163/92 by Mrs Mary Banotti ( PPE) Answer given by Mr Delors to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (15 May 1992) (23 October 1992) (93 /C 40/ 35) The European anthem adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 1972 is the prelude Subject : Acheloos river diversion , Greece to the Ode to Joy (fourth Movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony), as arranged by Herbert von Karajan . There are no words to this anthem . Does the Environmental Impact Assessment relating to the Acheloos Diversion scheme take into account the joint effect of this scheme and that to divert the River Evinos ? When they adopted the European flag in 1986 , the Community institutions took note of the proposal by the Adonnino Committee that the anthem adopted by the Council of Europe should also serve as the Community anthem and it is now regularly played at Community ceremonies . 1 Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1992)
A part of the Acheloos project is under construction and . has been funded by the Commission since 1987 as part of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1210/92 the IMPs . by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) to the Council of the European Communities The Commission has not received any information up to (21 May 1992) now on the Evinos project which is not included in the CSF in force . Of course , if the Greek authorities submit (93 /C 40/37) an application for funding to the Commission , all the environmental aspects and in particular the consequences Subject: The new Treaty, with particular reference to of the project for the natural and ecological balance of the Article 8c of the section on Citizenship of the region will be closely studied . Union
Article 8c rightly states that 'Political parties at European level are important as a factor of integration', that they 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/23
'contribute to the forming of a European awareness' and 1 . Could the Commission explain how this committee that they are an expression 'of the political will of the would work with the directly elected European citizens of the Union'. However, what does the Council Parliament ? understand by 'political parties at European level' and what specific action does it envisage in connection with 2 . Will the Committee of the Regions report to the this statement in Article 8c ? Will the Council involve the European Parliament Regional Affairs Committee ? European Parliament in its deliberations ? 3 . How will duplication of work be avoided ? 4 . Will legislation initiated in the Committee of the Regions be transmitted to the European Parliament ? Answer 5 . To what extent will the function of the Social Partners (23 December 1 992) acting in a legislative capacity overlap with the duties " of the Committee of the Regions in connection with The new Article 138a of the Treaty establishing the education , training and youth , and economic and European Community, as amended by the Treaty on social cohesion ? European Union signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992 , is a response by the Intergovernmental Conference to a request made by the President of the European Answer given by Mr Millan Parliament at the opening of the Conclave in Brussels on 2 on behalf of the Commission December 1991 and reiterated at the European Council on 9 December 1991 . (24 September 1992)
This request was based on a joint proposal by the In the absence of specific provisions in the Treaty of Presidents of the three main federations of political European Union , it is for the Parliament and the parties in the Community . Committee of the Regions to establish appropriate working relationships in the light of their respective As the Honourable Member will have noted , this Article constitutions and functions . — which sanctions political parties at European level — is included in the section of the Treaty which sets out the Neither the Committee nor the Social Partners have a provisions relating to the European Parliament . legislative function .
This testifies to the desire of the authors of the new Treaty to encourage the political forces in the various Member States to contribute to the achievement of ever closer union between the peoples of Europe by following the example of the European Parliament in which the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1259/92 elected representatives of the Member States sit in groups by Mr Giorgio Rossetti (GUE) based on political affinities rather than the national origin to the Commission of the European Communities of their members . (4 June 1992) It should , however, be pointed out that the Article in (93 /C 40/ 39) question is not in itself a legal basis for Council action in this area . Subject: Criteria for selecting firms to transport Community aid to the countries of central and It will essentially be for the political forces in all the eastern Europe Member States to undertake whatever action they consider appropriate in the light of this Article . Can the Commission say how firms are selected to transport Community aid to the countries of central and eastern Europe ? Are there objective selection criteria which permit freedom of competition ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1249/92 If not, what action does the Commission propose to take ? by Lord O'Hagan ( ED ) to the Commission of; the European Communities (4 June 1992) Answer given by Mr Andriessen (93 /C 40/38) on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1 992) Subject : Committee of the Regions The methods used by the Commission to select haulage The Inter-Governmental Conferences have decided to set firms to transport aid to central and eastern Europe up a Committee of the Regions . provide the necessary guarantees for sound competition . No C 40 /24 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2.93
Two possibilities exist : will shortly send the Council a communication on a Community road safety programme . This will be — If the requested goods are delivered from intervention accompanied by the report under the title 'Guidelines and stocks , the intervention office of the Member State in priority areas for a Community road safety programme'. question publishes an invitation to tender for transporting the goods and puts a proposal to the Commission . In theory, the haulage firm with the . lowest bid is selected .
— If the Commission has to buy the product on the market, an offer to tender is generally published on a cif basis for delivery to a certain port or free at destination , i.e. the offer includes transport costs and WRITTEN QUESTION No 1285/92 leaves the choice of haulier to the supplier of the by Mr Ernest Glinne ( S) product . to the Commission of the European Communities (4 June 1992) (93/C 40 / 41 )
Subject: The need for a drastic reduction in the use of insecticides WRITTEN QUESTION No 1273/92 by Mr Yves Verwaerde ( LDR) Programmes to reduce the use of pesticides , for example to the Commission of the European Communities in Denmark and the Netherlands as well as several (4 June 1992 ) third countries , plan to cut the use of insecticides (93 /C 40 /40) by 50% during the next few years . Implementing these programmes is difficult, because of the influence of conservative pressure groups , the difficulty of finding Subject : Transport policy — Community action viable alternatives — some of which already exist — and programme on road safety the fact that consumers are not yet sufficiently mobilized .
In a resolution dated 21 June 1991 the Council called on I should like to know the Commission's views on this the Commission to implement a Community action subject, bearing in mind the recent publication of programme on road safety ('). 'Common sense pest control — least toxic solution for your home , garden , pets and community' by William Could the Commission say what stage it has reached in Olkowski , Sheila Daar and Helga Olkowski , published by this project ? the Bio-Integral Resource Center, POB 7414 , Berkeley, CA 94707 . Is it not the case that the increasing resistance and powers of adaptation developed by the insects and O OJNoC 178,9 . 7 . 1991 , p. 1 . animals which are the target of 'chemical warfare' constitute a formidable vicious circle ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1992) Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1 992) As the Honourable Member has pointed out, the Council , in a resolution adopted on 21 June last year, called upon the Commission to draw up and implement a Community The Commission recognizes the need to ensure that programme on road safety, and to do so by setting up a pesticide use is kept to the minimum necessary for high-level working party . effective control of pests .
At the Council meeting on transport on 17 December last In the 5th Action Programme (') the Commission has set a year, the Commission was asked to continue cooperating target of achieving, by the year 2000 , a significant with this working party with a view to submitting the reduction in pesticide use per unit of land under programme at the Council meeting the following June . production together with the conversion of farmers to integrate pest control methods . To achieve this the On the basis of the conclusions of the working party , Commission has proposed that pesticide products should which drew up a final report in April , the Commission be registered , that there should be controls on the sale and 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/25 use of pesticides and that integrated pest control methods Preferential Trade Area (PTA), the Economic should be promoted particularly through training Community of the West African States (Ecowas), the now activities . defunct East African Community, etc . have pursued the objective of greater regional cooperation with widely This process has already commenced with the adoption in differing results , and are remotivated in the present July 1991 of Directive 91 /414/EEC concerning the situation by the fear of the North-South , Euro-African placing of plant protection products on the market ( 2 ). dialogue being pushed aside in favour of East-West The Commission is also currently developing a similar cooperation on the continent of Europe . proposal concerning the placing on the market of biocidal products (non-agricultural pesticides). Both Directive It is a well-known fact that, in practice , these African 91 /414/EEC and the proposed Directive on biocidal initiatives come to grief because of the desire to preserve products aim to ensure decisions are based on hazard and vulnerable national identities and a suspicion that the risk assessment of the product and this includes Twelve are reverting to neo-colonialism . Paradoxically, in considerations of the problems of development of the eyes of the outside world , the armed conflicts which resistance . take place within and between African States tend to strengthen the Africans' desire to preserve their territorial The protection of workers is already regulated under integrity, often with good reason . Directive 81 / 1107/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to chemical , physical and Would the Commission therefore answer the following biological agents at work ( 3 ). The Commission intends to questions : make a proposal to update this Directive which forms part of the comprehensive body of legislation relating to 1 . Has it been made totally clear to our partners that the the workplace under the framework of Directive aid and 'right of intervention' which are needed do 89/ 391 /EEC on the introduction of measures to not involve any kind of 'interference or domination'; encourage improvements in the health of workers ( 4 ). This body of legislation relating to the workplace covers 2 . The African Economic Community, which was all chemicals including pesticides . established by a recent treaty, sets up a Pan-African Parliament: 'in order to ensure that the peoples of The Commission has engaged consultants to examine the Africa are fully associated in the economic approaches taken in the Member States with regard to . development and integration of the continent, a sale and use of plant protection products . This work will Pan-African Parliament shall be established . Its help to identify the areas in which training will need to be composition , powers and organization (. . .) will be set developed and through which integrated pest control out in an appropriate protocol'. How does the EC methods can be promoted . view the commitment thus made , in the light of its wish to provide the reassurance and aid required , with o COM(92) 23 final . the essential collaboration of the European O OJ No L 230 , 19 . 8 . 1991 . Parliament and in the most appropriate bilateral O OJ No L 326 , 3 . 12 . 1989 . forms , bearing in mind the institutional framework of O OJNoL 183 , 29 . 6 . 1989 . Lome IV ?
Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1287/92 (27 October 1992) by Mr Ernest Glinne ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities 1 . The Community established cooperation with the (4 June 1992 ) countries of Africa through the Lome Convention and other agreements . These relations are based on equality (93 /C 40/42) between the partners and call for respect of their sovereignty, cooperation motivated by mutual interest, Subject : The need for new politico-economic groupings and interdependence . in Africa and the attitude of the EC Article 5 of the fourth Lome Convention states that the The African continent, an important partner of parties (the Community and the ACP countries) reiterate the European Community, is well aware of the need their attachment to human dignity and human rights , for new politico-economic groupings , its attempts to which are legitimate aspirations of individuals and achieve which have not been without their failures and peoples . partial failures . The Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), which favours a A Council resolution of 28 November 1991 emphasized macroeconomic policy in southern Africa , the the importance attached by the Community to the link No C 40/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
between observance of human rights and democracy and remained too firmly in the hands of governments and its development cooperation policy . regional institutions .
2 . With regard to regional groupings , the Community supports the efforts of the countries of Africa to promote their development through regional cooperation and integration intended to increase their capacity for collective action . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1305/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) The treaty establishing a Pan-African Economic to the Commission of the European Communities Community was signed in Abuja , Nigeria, in June 1991 . It (5 June 1 992) provides for the creation of a pan-African parliament, the composition and responsibilities of which will be set out (93 /C 40/43) in a protocol of an appropriate form , and for six stages lasting around 34 years for the establishment of the Subject: Payment of Community cotton subsidies economic community . The initial stages call above all else for greater subregional integration . The Greek Ministry of Agriculture promised Greek farmers' representatives to demand a change the way in The Commission welcomes the signing of the Abuja which Community cotton subsidies are paid so as to Treaty as an important political signal that the countries streamline the process of production , ginning and of Africa are committed to promoting economic distribution . Farmers' representatives have proposed that integration . The furthering of African integration the subsidy be paid directly to producers through the depends , however, on the progress made at subregional Agricultural Bank . Will the Commission back this change level . It has to be acknowledged that the results achieved in the way Community cotton subsidies are paid ? by the subregional economic communities are disappointing . There is a wide gap between the ambition of the aims set and the genuine ability to translate them into action . Furthermore , one year after the signing of the Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry treaty, only eight countries have ratified it . on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1 992) Through its development cooperation policy, the Community has long encouraged cooperation and On the basis of a Commission report on the functioning regional integration in Africa . This has been of the cotton aid scheme , the Council has decided that demonstrated by the scale of regional projects and this scheme should be continued for four marketing programmes . Following the July 1990 conference on years, subject to certain technical adjustments . Africa, the Commission agreed to work on a programme of action to encourage cooperation and integration in However, the Commission has undertaken to assess the sub-Saharan Africa . In that connection , the Commission application of the scheme before the 1996/97 marketing recently (May 1992) submitted a working paper to the year at the latest . It is prepared as part of that assessment Kampala meeting of the advisory committee of the Global to study in detail the possibility of a system whereby the Coalition for Africa . It also submitted a paper on the aid would be paid directly to producers . regional dimension of adjustment to the donor group of the special programme of assistance for sub-Saharan Africa (SPA).
The Commission furthermore prepared a paper on economic integration among developing countries (not only those in Africa) for use in the OECD Development WRITTEN QUESTION No 1337/92 Aid Committee's discussion on this subject, planned for by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin (V) September 1992 . to the Commission of the European Communities (5 June 1992) It is not possible at this point to make a judgment on the (93 /C 40 /44) plan for a pan-African parliament contained in the Abuja Treaty . The Commission nevertheless welcomes the increasing i-ole played by representative democratic Subject: Incorporation into national law of the Directive institutions in many parts of Africa . The parliaments of on environmental impact assessment the countries of Africa , having their roots in civil society , should play a greater role in regional cooperation and Can the Commission say what stage has been reached in integration . Until now, regional integration issues have implementing Directive 85 /337 /EEC (') in the Member 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40 /27
States and what infringement procedures it has already WRITTEN QUESTION No 1343/92 initiated or intends to initiate where this Directive has not by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) been duly incorporated into national law ? to the Commission of the European Communities In particular : (5 June 1992 ) (93 /C 40/45) 1 . which Member States have complied fully with incorporating Directive 85 /337/EEC into national Subject : Pharmacological products derived from the sea : law ? possible medication for the treatment of some forms of cancer 2 . with regard to the Member States which have not fully complied , can the Commission say what shortcomings Among the resources that can be derived from the sea if it has identified , specifying whether : appropriate scientific research is carried out, are (a) impact assessments are correctly carried out substances of pharmacological value . Recently , the press reported that a Spanish company had identified (b) there is systematic consultation , and approximately 100 pharmacologically active substances (c) the information forwarded by the Member States derived from the sea . It appears that patents have been is satisfactory ? filed for some 25 of these in Europe , as well as in the United States , Japan , Australia and Canada .
O OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p. 40 . What information does the Commission have on the substance ecteinascidina ET 729 , which the abovp company has submitted to the National Cancer Institute in Washington for tests ? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1 992) Answer given by Mr Pandolfi on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1 992) Despite the delay with which some Member States have adopted provisions to transpose Directive 85 /337/EEC into national law, the Commission takes the view that the The Commission has found no reference in its assessment dialogue it has begun with them should make it possible files ('dossiers de valorisation') to the molecule to achieve satisfactory results in the practical application ecteinascidina ET 729 . The data bank of European of the Directive . patents contains no record of any patent having been filed for this substance .
However, the transposition of Directive 85 / 337/EEC is As for making use of marine substances of pharmaceutical encountering difficulties . As far as formal transposition is interest, the Commission would point out that this is an concerned , infringement proceedings are being brought important field of activity which has been encouraged in against all of the Member States except Denmark for the 1993 report of the Committee of Life Sciences and failure to implement the Directive in full . In the case of Health of the American Federal Coordinating Council for Denmark , the Commission is currently examining the Science , Engineering and Technology (Biotechnology for most recent provisions in force and will soon decide whether infringement proceedings should be brought the 21st century). against that Member State .
In general terms , it is Article 4 (2) of the Directive which has been least satisfactorily transposed , a number of Member States having failed to include provisions in their WRITTEN QUESTION No 1382/92 national legislation for assessment of the impact of entire categories of projects in Annex II . Shortcomings have also by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete (V) been found as regards the transposition of the to the Commission of the European Communities requirement to take the measures necessary to ensure that (5 June 1992 ) the developer provides all the information contained in Article 5 (2) and the obligations to make information (93 /C 40/46) available to and to consult the public concerned (Article 6 (2) of the Directive), to consult neighbouring Member Subject : Euro-African monetary union States which may be affected (Article 7), to take the information gathered into consideration (Article 8) and to Can the Commission say what would be the impact of publish the decision taken (Article 9). monetary union on black Africa ? What would be the long-term advantages and drawbacks of transforming the franc zone into an ECU zone ? What No C 40/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93 would be the conditions for inclusion of an African What does the Commission propose to do to foster country in such a zone ? cooperation between the regions of Europe , regardless of the zones of application of these necessary European transfers ?
Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Millan (15 September 1 992) on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1992) Several analyses have been made of the general aspects of the external impact of monetary union, the most The decision of the Maastricht Summit to establish a important being found in Chapter 7 of 'One market, one Cohesion Fund to assist four Member States of the money' (No 44 of European Economy, October 1990). Community does not, in the Commission's view, put at risk the development of interregional and cross-border In the case of black Africa , only the existence of the franc cooperation . zone has been the subject of a specific assessment, the conclusion reached being that monetary union in the This development is currently assisted through Community should not as such affect the operation of Community programmes such as Interreg and Recite that zone . financed under the Structural Funds regulations and through other programmes financed from other parts of Transforming the franc zone into an ECU zone would the Community's budget such as Comett and Esprit and allow the African countries concerned to benefit from the others . advantages associated with such a move (lower transaction costs for all transactions with Community The Commission believes that inter-regional and partners , access to a leading international reserve cross-border cooperation can contribute to the objective currency, and availability of a more efficient money of economic and social cohesion and is looking at ways in market), without this having any repercussions on the which it can reinforce Community support in this area in Community's monetary policy . Moreover, such a move the course of the next period of operation of the would not impose any additional exchange-rate Structural Funds which starts in 1994 . constraint on the African countries making up the franc zone since the French franc has not been devalued since 1987 .
The conditions to be met by new African countries wishing to join the franc zone once it had been transformed into an ECU zone will have to be discussed WRITTEN QUESTION No 1427/92 by the countries concerned . by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath (S) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 June 1992) (93/C 40/48 )
Subject : Development cooperation with Zimbabwe WRITTEN QUESTION No 1407/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( LDR) 1 . Is it true that the EC has not yet signed the Memorandum of Understanding to implement Articles to the Commission of the European Communities 243 — 250 of the Fourth Lome Convention ? - (16 June 1992) (93 /C 40/47) 2 . How many EC microprojects were carried out in Zimbabwe before 30 June 1990 , and what were they ?
Subject: The Maastricht Treaty : Cohesion Fund 3 . How many microprojects have been carried out since 1 July 1990 , and what are they ? The Cohesion Fund provided for by the Maastricht Treaty meets the expectations of the weaker countries , 4 . How do EC projects carried out in Zimbabwe before which are desirous of achieving results that are average 30 June 1990 compare with those carried out later ? for the Community as a whole . However, this new step of placing assistance on a national basis is threatening to 5 . To what extent has EC development cooperation slow down the development of inter-regional and responded to the disastrous drought in Zimbabwe and the trans-national cooperation . structural adjustment of the Zimbabwean economy ? 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/29
Answer given by Mr Marin Lomé IV Convention : total NIP, Ecu 88 million on behalf of the Commission (27 October 1 992) (in million Ecu)
NIP (including Microprojects 1 . The Microproject Programmes in Zimbabwe were Microprojects) previously implemented within the framework of a formal agreement with the national authorities . However, in March 1991 , the Government of Zimbabwe requested the Commitments cancellation of the existing agreement and the preparation on 31 May 1992 13,2 The financial of a new agreement . The Commission agreed to this decision on microprojects will proposal . be signed in October 1992 Following long and difficult negociations a new agreement was signed in June 1992 . Disbursements on 31 May 1992 0,0 2 . During the period from 1981 to 30 June 1990 , the EC financed a total of 620 microprojects in Zimbabwe , of which 216 are in the rural development sector, 84 in the health sector, and 320 in the education sector . These figures indicate , as far as the total NIP is 3 . Since July 1990 , 182 new microprojects have been concerned , average annual disbursements of Ecu 5,1 financed , of which 72 are in the rural development sector, million for the ten years up to 30 June 1990 , and of Ecu 17 in the health sector, and 93 in the education sector . 13,6 million for the two years from June 1990 to June 1992 . In other words , the average annual disbursements 4 . The situation on the Lome II , III and IV National over the past two years are 267 % of the average annual Indicative Programmes (NIP) in Zimbabwe , was as disbursement from 1980 — 1990 . follows in June 1992 : As far as the microprojects are concerned , these figures indicate average annual disbursements of Ecu 1,37 million Lomé II Convention : total NIP, Ecu 49 million for the ten years up to June 1990 and for Ecu 2,45 million (in million Ecu) for the two years from June 1990 to June 1992 . In other words , the average annual disbursements of microprojects NIP (including Microprojects over the past two years are 178% of the average annual Microprojects) disbursements from 1980 to 1990 .
Commitments on 31 May 1990 42,0 6,6 5 . The Commission will , within its recently approved on 31 May 1992 42,7 6,6 Special Food Aid Programme , provide Zimbabwe with food aid in the order of 80 000 tonnes of cereal Disbursements on 31 May 1990 33,8 5,9 equivalents and would like to stress that it is making every on 31 May 1992 33,8 6,1 effort to ensure a rapid and effective supply .
As far as the Structural Adjustment Programme is Lomé III Convention : total NIP, Ecu 77 million concerned , the Commission has on several occasions expressed its support for this project, notably during the (in million Ecu) last two Consultative Group meetings for Zimbabwe in 1991 and 1992 . In this respect, an initial and additional NIP ( including Microprojects allocation of Ecu 10 million has been made available Microprojects) to finance , in support of the Structural Adjustment Commitments Programme , an import programme . This programme on 31 May 1990 44,9 16,0 currently under preparation will be supported with an additional allocation of Ecu 9 million from the National on 31 May 1992 53,3 16,0 Disbursements Indicative Programme . on 31 May 1990 17,2 7,8 on 31 May 1992 38,6 12,5 No C 40 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1429/92 The Community rules on the designation of wines give by Mr Franco Borgo ,- Mrs Gabriele Sboarina, Mrs Rosaria priority to protecting designations of origin and Bindi, Mr Joachim Dalsass and Mr Ferruccio Pisoni (PPE) geographical indications . The Commission believes that this approach must be taken into account in the context of to the Commission of the European Communities international negotiations . (16 June 1992) (93 / C 40/ 49) The Commission is well aware of the conflict of interests between the Hungarian designation of origin 'Tokaj' and the names of the vine varieties 'Tocai Friulano' and 'Tocai Subject: Designation of wines from the Veneto and Friuli italico'. The Community will determine its position following discussions to be held in the Council . According to press reports , the Commission has begun negotiations with the Hungarian Government in order to Article 63 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 822/ 87 on reach an agreement which would restrict the designation the common organization of the market in wine (') 'Tokay' (in Italian 'Tocai') to Hungarian wines from the provides that geographical indications of wines imported Tokay region . It would thus no longer be possible to use from third countries will be protected on condition that this designation for Tokay wines from the Regions of countries exporting to the Community practice reciprocal Friuli-Venezia Guilia , Venetio and Trentino-Alto Adige . protection . This protection is implemented through agreements negotiated within the framework of the It should be noted that : commercial policy conducted pursuant to Article 1 1 3 of — there is no possibility of confusion of unfair the Treaty . competition between Hungarian 'Tokayj' wines and Italian wines designated 'Tocai friulano' or 'Tocai o OJ NoL 84 , 27 . 3 . 1987 . italico'; — the Italian wine in question is produced using a species of vine actually called Tokay, which was introduced into Italy centuries ago ; — the vines and production techniques used to make the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1452/92 Hungarian wine are totally different from those used by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S ) in Italy; to the Commission of the European Communities — following the accession of both countries to the (16 June 1992) Madrid Agreement of 14 April 1981 on the protection (93 /C 40/ 50) of designations of origin , completed subsequently by the Lisbon and Stockholm agreements , it is up to the two national governments themselves to solve the Subject: Fish farms in tourist areas dispute . The Greek authorities recently gave authorization to set In view of the above , can the Commission confirm the up five fish farms by the sea in the region of Ritso in the accuracy of the reports and state what it intends to do to tourist area of Aghios Nikolaous in Chalkidiki . Local protect this prestigious Italian wine which, especially in inhabitants believe that the consequences of this decision Friuli , accounts for a very large proportion of total wine will be disastrous . Does the Commission agree that under production ? no circumstances should fish farms be set up in tourist areas and , if so , what measures does it intend to take in this particular case ?
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1 992) Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission
The Commission can confirm that discussions with the (16 November 1 992) Hungarian authorities have been taking place for a number of years concerning the reciprocal protection of There are a number of Directives which may be applied wine designations . Similar discussions have been held for controlling aquatic pollution . They set standards with other non-member countries on the same subject . designed to ensure that a high environmental quality of The protection of geographical and traditional water is achieved . However, it is for the Greek designations is one of the key aspects of quality policy, as Government to take such action as is necessary to comply is the protection of fair trading in the wine sector . with the obligations placed upon it by the various Directives related to water quality . The Community is playing an active role in the different international forums in which such matters are debated , Nothing in Community legislation prevents the particularly in the International Vine and Wine Office establishment of fish farms in tourist areas . The (IWO) and GATT . Commission has no plans to propose such legislation . 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40 / 31
However, in its Decision of 20 December 1991 on the 2 . Does the Commission intend to take action to prevent multiannual guidance programme for aquaculture the handover of Hong Kong to Chinese rule if China ( 1992 — 1996) presented by Greece pursuant to does not become a democracy ? Regulation (EEC) No 4028 / 86 , the Commission states that special attention must be paid to the interaction between the development of the aquaculture sector and the environment (*). Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Directive 85 / 337/EEC ( 2 ) lists only salmon breeding in (20 November 1 992) the annexes , more specifically Annex II on projects subject to assessment of their environmental impact where this is considered to be significant by virtue of their size or The future status of Hong Kong has been agreed upon by location . the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China as reflected in the Sino-British declaration signed on 19 O OJ No L 29 , 3 . 2 . 1992 . December 1984 . This agreement is the basis of the Basic O OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China of 4 April 1990 .
Within this legal framework, it is clearly established that Hong Kong will continue to enjoy after 1997 a great deal of autonomy not only in the economic field , with the maintenance for 50 years of its present economic system , including private property , free port, separate currency , etc., but also in the political and social fields , with WRITTEN QUESTION No 1462/92 separate executive and legislative powers , an independent by Mr Marco Taradash (V) judicial system , and , furthermore , again the guarantee to the Commission of the European Communities that for the same 50-year period Hong Kong's social system will not be changed and that the present rights and (16 June 1992) freedoms will be maintained . (93 /C 40/ 51 ) The Commission considers that those provisions provide a solid basis to guarantee the respect of human rights and . Subject : Human rights in Hong Kong and that country's democratic principles in Hong Kong . Furthermore , there return to Chinese rule is no reason to believe that the People's Republic of China would in any way deviate from the full respect of the Whereas : international obligations undertaken in the Sino-British declaration . The Commission will continue to monitor the situation in Hong Kong and , as the Honourable — in 1997 , pursuant to the bilateral agreements between Member will know, has the intention to open an office the United Kingdom and China , the British colony of there in the very near future . Hong Kong will be handed back to the People's Republic of China ;
— a report by the International Commission of Jurists , drawn up following a 10-day fact-finding mission to the colony, sharply criticized the United Kingdom for having denied Hong Kong the right to self-determination under international law . At the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1468/92 same time , it accused China of breaking its by Mr Ben Visser ( S) commitment to guarantee the colony a high degree of to the Commission of the European Communities autonomy after 1997 by refusing to amend the text of the constitution ( the so-called Basic Law) which it (16 June 1992) intends to impose in Hong Kong after that date ; (93 /C 40/ 52)
— the international community, and , in particular, the EC and its Member States , cannot condone such a Subject: Road haulage and combined transport brazen violation of international law and the agreements governing respect for human rights ; The IRU recently published a study entitled 'Road haulage in context in tomorrow's Europe'. Some of the report's conclusions were that : 1 . What practical steps does the Commission intend to take to prevent Hong Kong and its inhabitants from — the volume of road haulage will increase between 1989 paying a very high price for decisions dictated by and 2010 by 8,6 billion tonnes to 16,5 billion tonnes , international raison d'etat in the form of human rights and that 7,4 billion tonnes of that increase will be violations and the collapse of democratic institutions ? accounted for by domestic road haulage ; No C 40/ 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2 . 93
— long-distance (over 1 000 km) road haulage makes up encouraging the use of more efficient operating methods . only 1 ,2 % of the total volume ; If these efforts are successful the 'break even' distance for combined transport will be reduced and if this trend leads — combined road/rail transport will continue to play to the mode becoming economic at distances of around only a marginal role , even if 50% of long-distance 500 kms the market will become much larger. Should the road haulage volume is transferred to combined work of the IRU lead to further concrete proposals to transport; stimulate combined transport the Commission would be prepared to support measures to evaluate the ideas . — if combined transport does come to play a more significant role , the increase in volume will primarily 3 . The Commission considers that the achievement of be seen on routes between 200 and 500 km ; full cabotage freedom for road haulage will be important in the development of efficient ways to reduce the running — the percentage of unladen journeys in Europe will of empty road vehicles over long distances . Whilst it is increase between 1986 and 2010 from 37,1% to ± recognized that there is a tendency to employ more 37,5 % , i.e. 1 32 billion vehicle km . specialized vehicles , which are difficult to load on return journeys , it is foreseen that hauliers will find ways to reduce empty movements , particularly in the face of the 1 . Does the Commission endorse the conclusion reached combined pressure on operating costs from congestion by the aforementioned study ? and increasing real costs of energy .
2 . Will the study prompt the Commission to change its O COM(92) 46 . view that combined transport should expand primarily O COM(92) 231 . on routes above 500 km ?
3 . Does the Commission think that the percentage of unladen journeys will increase when cabotage is liberalized ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1477/92 by Mrs Anita Pollack (S) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1992 ) (29 October 1992) (93 /C 40/53)
Subject: Transport of animals 1 . The Commission was not involved in the preparation of the study referred to by the Honourable What is the Commission doing about Spain's continued Member and has only had the opportunity to examine the violation of EC Regulations on live animal transport ? principle results , notably the points referred to . In general the Commission can agree that the increasing wealth of the Community, stemming largely from the Single Market, will lead to an increase in the demand for transport . It can also agree that on the basis of existing Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry trends much of this increase in transport will be in the on behalf of the Commission road sector and will concern mainly goods moving over (26 October 1992) relatively short distances . That this increase' in transport is a symbol of the increasing wealth of the Community is clear. However, it is evident that this situation will create The Commission has from time to time received new and difficult problems for the environment . The complaints concerning individual incidents relating to Commission has set out its view in length in its recent alleged breaches of the Community Directives on the Green Paper on 'The Impact of Transport on the Welfare of Animals in International Transport by several Environment' (') and in the communication on the Member States . These complaints are always taken up Development of Transport Infrastructure ( 2 ). with the authorities of the Member States concerned .
2 . The additional costs that are inherent in combined If necessary the Commission has been prepared to take transport, due to the need to tranship the loading units , such further appropriate action as is within its powers mean that the distance over which the mode can currently including the opening of the Article 169 infringement compete with road transport is estimated to be around procedure . 700 kms in normal circumstances . However, the Commission is seeking to promote ways in which the Several complaints have been received concerning costs of combined transport can be reduced , notably individual incidents in Spain over the years since the by reducing the costs of terminal operations and accession of that Member State and the Spanish 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/33
authorities have cooperated with the Commission's WRITTEN QUESTION No 1498/92 services in the investigations of the allegations . by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission does not, however, have any evidence suggesting that there has been a continuous or widespread (16 June 1 992) failure to respect the Directives in Spain . (93/C 40/55)
Subject : Agricultural cooperatives — French law
French law provides for tax allowances in favour of the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1480/92 cooperative agricultural sector which are exempt from by Mrs Anita Pollack (S ) standard law applicable to agri-foodstuff undertakings in to the Commission of the European Communities the private sector . (16 June 1 992) (93 /C 40/54) The recent French Law of 3 January 1991 furthermore grants agricultural cooperatives possibilities of access to the finance market identical to those of industrial Subject: Skins of endangered species on sale in Greece undertakings , which increases the fiscal and economic disparities between the private and cooperative In January 1990 I wrote to the Commission about agricultural sectors . allegations that leopard and other furs were available for sale in shops in Rhodes . In February 1990 the Commission answered my oral question H-56/90 (') on These measures may be described as constituting aid this subject saying it was investigating the matter. In within the meaning of Article 92 ( 1 ) of the EEC Treaty, in August 1991 , in response to Written Question so far as they directly prejudice freedom of competition No 846/91 ( 2 ) by Mr Papayannakis , the matter was still between undertakings operating in the same market . being investigated .
Since it is now more than two years since this was first Can the Commission state whether this special treatment brought to the Commission's attention , when does it is in line with the provisions of the EEC Treaty ? estimate it will have sufficient information to take appropriate action ? How does the Commission intend to follow up complaint No 547/91 on this subject ? O Debates of the European Parliament No 3-386 ( February 1990). O OJ No C 38 , 15 . 2 . 1992 , p. 12 .
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1 992) (20 November 1 992)
In view of the matter referred to by the Honourable French tax treatment of cooperatives is not out of line Member, the Commission asked the Greek authorities for with practice in most other Member States , which for information on 13 May 1991 . traditional and practical reasons have applied special rules to cooperatives . On 10 September 1991 the Greek authorities informed the Commission that the Cites rules are being strictly applied in Greece , that no illegal imports have been The Commission has concluded that the special tax reported in Rhodes and that, if the facts stated were true , position of cooperatives in France compared with they would need very precise information to carry out companies cannot easily be considered an unjustified investigations . measure in favour of the agricultural sector since the treatment extends to cooperatives in all sectors of activity . The Commission does not have this information and would ask the Honourable Member to forward to it any such information she may have . Fiscal or social measures that apply to certain undertakings , sectors or regions only and favour a group of undertakings over other groups may constitute State aid covered by Article 92 ( 1 ) of the EEC Treaty if they are No C 40/ 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93 not justified by the nature and structure of the tax or 1991 ('), and with Community rules for aid to the steel social security system (in this regard see the Court of industry ( 2). The Commission concluded that the works Justice's judgment of 2 July 1974 in Case 173/73 , Italy v. had been sold to the highest bidders , having been given Commission). wide international publicity, and that no aid had been granted . The Commission has also made sure that The Commission has decided to carry out a planned aid for investment in the businesses bought is comprehensive survey of national measures of this type in reported and that it is compatible with the Community order to check whether or not they are to be considered as rules for aid to the steel industry . State aids . A working group with representatives from several Commission departments is at the moment looking at the general question of cooperatives . 2 . The examination of the prices offered by the companies concerned was directed in particular at determining to what extent additional financial burdens were taken over and advantages granted . In a number of cases , prices have been adjusted , for example when past burdens were taken over . The Commission determined that the steel works in question had , when this was taken into account, been sold to the highest bidders , and that therefore no aid had been granted in the form of an WRITTEN QUESTION No 1503/92 artificially low price . by Mr Gerhard Schmid ( S) to the Commission of the European Communities 3 . The prices charged by a steelmaker are entirely his (16 June 1992) own responsibility . As regards steel prices , Article 60 of (93 /C 40/ 56) the ECSC Treaty lays down that undertakings must publish price lists and conditions of sale ( 3 ). Like any other business in the Community, one in the new Lander Subject: Steel works in the new Bundeslander is entitled to align its prices on those of a competing Community producer providing the buyer with more advantageous conditions ( 4 ) or indeed on the conditions 1 . Is the Commission satisfied that the sale of various offered by undertakings outside the Community . steel works in the new Bundeslander as part of the policy According to the information available to the of the Treuhandanstalt has not resulted in distortions of Commission , the undertakings in question are in the competition ? process of coming into line with Community practice .
2 . Was the way in which the selling price was calculated examined ? If so , what were the results ? Information on sales by steel manufacturers in the Community are collected by the Commission each month 3 . Has the Commission checked whether the steel through the questionnaire provided for in Decision 9 /67/ECSC ( 5 ). The nature of these figures is such that works in the new Bundeslander are marketing their they are covered by the obligation of professional secrecy products at genuine market prices and , if so , with what and may not be disclosed (6 ). All these rules have applied result ? If not, why not ? to steel manufacturers in the new Lander since German unification .
The Commission would nonetheless point out that, in its Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan communication to Parliament and the Council on the on behalf of the Commission future of the ECSC Treaty, it stated that the ECSC (9 November 1 992) price rules — in particular transparency and non-discrimination — had been overtaken by events : in the absence of any complaint by users or competitors , 1 . From the outset the Commission has closely prior supervision of pricing practices was no longer followed the activities of the Treuhandanstalt and necessary . checked that they conform to the Community's competition rules . It has made particular efforts to ensure 0 ) IP(91 ) 836 . that the privatization of businesses did not lead to any O Decision 3855 /91 /ECSC , 27 . 1 1 . 1991 . dominant position being created or reinforced and that ( 3 ) Article 60 ( 2) (a) of the Treaty . the purchase price contained no element of aid . ( 4 ) Article 60 (2) (b) of the Treaty . ( 5 ) Decision 9/67 ECSC , 1 . 6 . 1967 . ( 6 ) Article 47 of the Treaty . The sale of a number of steel works in the new Lander was examined in this way as regards its compatibility both with the Commission's formal decision concerning the activities of the Treuhandanstalt, dated 18 September 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 35
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1507/92 University of the Aegean , the body responsible for by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE) carrying out this study, of its decision in writing . This study, endowed with a budget of Dr 4 million , was then to the Commission of the European Communities included in the collective decision for studies No 019/ 2 (16 June 1992) with a budgetary allocation of Dr 1,2 million for 1990 . (93 /C 40/ 57 ) Despite this , the University of the Aegean has not so far received any money for drawing up a study .
Subject: Liaison with Morocco , Tunisia and Algeria Given that the problem of the quality of drinking water on the Aegean Islands is a very serious one and that the When does the Commission intend to bring forward study forms part of the IMP Programme for the Aegean proposals for the creation of a political and economic will the Commission say whether it knows why funding partnership with the countries of Morocco , Tunisia and for this very urgent and important project which has Algeria ? already been approved is being delayed and what measures it intends to take to ensure that the funds earmarked for this purpose are released forthwith ?
Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Millan (22 October 1992) on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1992) The Commission set out its ideas on the future of relations between the Community and the Maghreb The information available to the Commission indicates countries in a communication to the Council and Parliament on 30 April ( 1 ). that the delays in approving the study in question referred to by the Honourable Member are due to the consultation procedures within the Greek civil service on the legal It has already embarked on exploratory talks with aspects . Morocco and Tunisia with an eye to concluding new agreements based on genuine partnership , and hopes to The Commission will make sure at the next meeting of the be able to establish similar contracts with Algeria . Monitoring Committee for the Aegean Islands IMP that a reminder is given to the Greek authorities regarding the As these talks are to continue in the months ahead the urgency of starting the study on water quality . Commission is not yet able to say when it will present proposals for negotiating Directives . It will- be reporting to the Council before the end of the year on the progress made in the talks .
O SEC(92) 401 final . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1518/92 by Mr Virginio Bettini (V) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 June 1992) (93 /C 40/ 59) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1513/92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE) Subject: Construction of a new development between to the Commission of the European Communities Mantua and Lago Superiore (Italy) (16 June 1 992) (93 /C 40/ 58 ) Lombardy Region , the Commune and Province of Mantua , and Italian State Railways have initialled a protocol of understanding on a town-planning scheme Subject : Funding of a study as part of the IMP for the involving construction of a new development, an Aegean Islands expansion in rail traffic, and the reorganization of road transport . On 27 /28 November 1989 the secretariat of the Monitoring Committee of the IMP for the Aegean The protocol provides for a number of projects which will Islands unanimously decided to include the study on the have a considerable environmental impact on part of the qualitative and quantitative analysis and description of Mantua area . drinking water on the islands of Syros , Ikaria and Kos in sub-programme No 5 of the IMP as an implementation The local environmental association has declared that, study measure and on 8 January 1990 it notified the under the cloak of the new development on the shores of No C 40/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2.93
Lago Superiore , an attempt is being made to resurrect community of Kosmadaia and have been classified by plans for an overhead road , a bypass , and other smaller decision of the National Council on Regional Planning scale works . (FEK 4868 / 80) as protected areas . However, the local group known as 'Gorgyra' claims that houses and rural 1 . Can the Commission say whether the scheme being dwellings are springing up like mushrooms in Seitani . undertaken by the local authorities and the Italian Does the Commission intend to recommend that the railway organization is in keeping with the projections Greek authorities take the necessary measures to ban and principles set out in the green paper on the urban any building activity in order to protect the natural environment ? environment of the Mediterranean seal ? 2 . Should not the scheme be made subject to the environmental impact assessment procedure laid down in Directive 85 /337/EEC (')? Answer given by Mr Van Miert 3 . Does the Commission not believe that it should on behalf of the Commission approach the local authorities with a view to ascertaining that the projected works as a whole are (5 November 1992 ) compatible with protection of the natural environment of the Mantua lakes ? The problem referred to by the Honourable Member concerns illegal construction in a protected area . The (') OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p. 40 . Commission has no legal means of intervention here , the application of national law being the responsibility of the national authorities .
Answer given by Mr Van Miert Nonetheless , the Commission intends to contact the on behalf of the Commission Greek authorities to see what can be done in this (4 November 1992) particular case .
The draft town planning scheme referred to by the Honourable Member seems , on first sight to be a regional development scheme which , as such , is not included in the annexes to Directive 85 /337/EEC .
Although the individual projects deriving from- this WRITTEN QUESTION No 1543 /92 scheme may be covered by that Directive it is not possible by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) at this stage to assess the environmental impact of those to the Commission of the European Communities projects . (16 June 1992) Indeed , for the moment it is a question of signing an - (93/C 40/61 ) agreement protocol on regional development for which the Commission has no specific authority . Subject: Containing financial deficits
A convergence of the economic policies of all Member States of the European Communities is necessary if the Community's monetary and financial objectives are to be attained . This is the basic conclusion of the first report of the governors of the EC central banks which reviews WRITTEN QUESTION No 1536/92 European economic progress so far and charts out the by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) future , setting objectives and , in essence , laying down an to the Commission of the European Communities economic policy line for national governments . This report which was presented in Basle in Switzerland by the (16 June 1992) Governor of the Bank of Denmark and is signed by the (93 /C 40/60) governors of the 12 Member States says that stable prices cannot be achieved merely by coordinating monetary policies . If more significant progress is to be made in Subject: The natural environment of the Mediterranean combating inflation and achieving a greater degree of seal economic and credit policy convergence , the national authorities must not only contain their public deficits but One of the rarest natural environments of the must also make substantial efforts to resist wage pressure . Mediterranean seal (monacus-monacus), namely the area Given that this matter is rightly considered very of Mikro and Megalo Seitani in Samos , is under threat. important, does the Commission intend to make its views These beaches are part of the rural environment of the known on this subject ? 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/37
Answer given by Mr Christophersen the Commission has consistently argued in favour of on behalf of the Commission moderate wage increases both as a means of promoting (24 September 1992) price and cost convergence as well as real wage adjustment in order to favour profitability and employment creating investment . During the 1980's a strong adjustment of both nominal and real wages took place in a majority of Member States and in the The conclusion of the report of the Central Bank Community as a whole . Wage moderation went hand in Governors of the Community that 'convergence of the hand with the strong disinflation process which occurred economic policies of all Member States is necessary if the in this decade , promoted considerable progress with Community's monetary and financial objectives are to be regard to price and cost convergence and helped to attained' has been the central theme of Community improve the general environment for investment, economic policy for several years . A very brief review of employment and growth . The Commission has the major economic developments of recent years consistently argued for a return to this wage behaviour highlights the longstanding recognition of the importance after the interruption which todk place in 1990 and 1991 . of convergence :
— Report on EMU in the Community ('the Delors The Commission has also emphasised the importance to a report', published in 1989): In Section 4 , 'Problems credible macro-economic environment of the avoidance and perspectives', the need for greater convergence of of excessive pay rises . Policy makers must provide a economic policy and performance is explicitly and credible long-term orientation for economic agents by strongly emphasised . conveying clear signals that they will not depart from a stability oriented medium-term strategy . Economic agents — Council Decision of 12 March 1990 (90/ 141 /EEC): must be left in no doubt about the authorities , The title of this Decision — 'on the attainment of commitment to a non-inflationary growth performance . progressive convergence of economic policies and This will allow the social partners to adopt their wage performance during stage one of EMU' — is bargaining according to expectations of falling inflation . indicative of the contents . This view has recently been endorsed by the social partners and included in theirJoint Opinion of 3 July 1992 on a renewed cooperative growth strategy for more — Council Decision of 12 March 1990 (90 / 142 /EEC): employment . The following extract from the Joint This Decision was introduced consequent to the Opinion highlights the importance attached by the social preceding Decision and facilitates a greater partners to the mutual inter-dependence between a coordination of monetary policies . The report of the credible macro-economic environment and a return to Committee of Central Bank Governors was itself moderate wage developments : prepared in accordance with its provisions .
— Treaty on European Union : Article B of the Common 'The conduct of wage negotiations is under the Provisions , Articles 2 and 3 and the articles of Title VI responsibility of the social partners . The more credible on Economic and Monetary Policy deal extensively and socially acceptable economic policies are , the more with the necessity for improved convergence of easily the social partners can anticipate low or economic policies and performance . decreasing inflation rates in the results of their wage negotiations. This would reduce the strain on monetary policy and contribute to the reduction also of short-term interest rates . Furthermore , wage The Commission fulfilled its normal role in the developments have to take into account the progression of the above developments . In addition the requirements of the profitability of employment Commission has stressed the importance of improved creating investment, the competitiveness of enterprises convergence in successive Annual Economic Reports on the world markets and the implications of full which have been submitted to the Parliament for Economic and Monetary Union . The non-inflationary approval . The most recent Annual Economic Report, and sustainable growth process , thus generated , would 'Strengthening growth and improving convergence', provide the appropriate scope for real wage increases stressed the importance of this issue both in the report which underlines the interrelation between the itself and in some of the accompanying analytical studies . European integration process and rising living In the Commission's twice yearly communications to the standards.' Council on economic developments in the Community ('multilateral surveillance') the issue of convergence has also featured strongly . Vice-President Christophersen has regularly reported to the Parliament on the outcome of This extract also reflects the Commission's views . these exercises .
The role of wage moderation in contributing to the reduction of inflationary pressures is well recognized and No C 40/ 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1566/92 The Honourable Member refers to the concern that by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck ( S) organized international gambling 'trafficking' will develop if border controls are abolished . The to the Commission of the European Communities Commission , close to concluding its preliminary analysis (16 June 1992) of this area of activity, is not aware of any such (93 /C 40/62) developments .
Subject: Regulating gambling at European level
In various EC Member States , separate legislation exists in gambling , betting on horse racing , lotteries , licensed casinos , and such like . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1571 /92 Can the Commission indicate the possible repercussions by Mrs Carole Tongue ( S) on gambling activities as a result of abolishing the borders to the Commission of the European Communities between the Member States on 1 January ? (16 June 1992) Will a completely free market be introduced in this area (93 /C 40/63) • on that date , meaning that the relevant national legislation will have been superseded ? Subject: Hazard Information Systems — Europe In addition , are discussions being conducted within the EC on regulating this area at European level , since there is As a result of European harmonization , there is a apparently apprehension that there will be international possibility that a system of marking dangerous substances organized 'trafficking' in gambling if borders are within the United Kingdom , Hazchem , will be lost and abolished ? that as a consequence members of emergency services and the public will be placed at further and unacceptable risk .
Since the 1970s a system of marking has been used on Answer given by Mr Bangemann road and rail transport of dangerous substances which on behalf of the Commission provided an emergency action code intended to indicate immediate actions which may be taken by emergency (30 October 1992) services (usually the Fire Service) to mitigate the dangers of an untoward accident . According to the information available to the Commission , the abolition of frontier controls between Can the Commission comment on what proposals there Member States from 1 January 1993 is not likely to may be for maintaining such a system of coding under the produce any serious consequences in terms of the European Agreement concerning the International regulation and control of gambling activities . In the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road ? context of its general work on the abolition of frontier controls , the Commission has already discussed with the Member States the implications of the lifting of remaining border controls concerning any areas of gambling regulation . The position of the Commission is that either Answer given by Mr Van Miert all controls will be abolished or other forms of control on behalf of the Commission will be applied away from the frontiers , as appropriate to the particular situation . There is only one case in the (5 November 1992) gambling sector which is still under examination .
The rules of the EEC Treaty will continue to apply post 1 There are no current moves to prohibit the use of January 1993 , as they do now . Any State measure which Hazchem markings on British vehicles transporting contravenes these rules is open to challenge either before dangerous goods where these vehicles are involved in national courts or before the Court of Justice of the purely domestic transport and for the time being the Commission is not engaged in any formal discussions on European Communities . To the extent that Community the issue . law finds that existing restrictions on the basic freedoms enshrined in the Treaty are justified and applied in a manner which is proportionate to their purposes in the There is no evidence to suggest that members of the light of all the relevant circumstances , such restrictions public and the emergency services will be placed at can , of course , continue to apply . Where such restrictions increased risk through switching to the Kemler system in find no objective or proportionate justification , then the the United Kingdom , nor is there any evidence that principle of mutual recognition applies . Kemler would significantly decrease or increase safety . 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/39
The Commission is aware of UK proposals for a — Ecu 1,521 million for Canton Chat (No 901010003), composite Hazchem/Kemler plate in the ADR Agreement to allow for both systems to continue to — Ecu 21,7 million for Limburg (No 901010004). operate side by side . These initiatives come under the European Regional Development Fund .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1581 /92 Please indicate for each project : by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek ( LDR) 1 . the precise purpose for which the aid is granted ; to the Commission of the European Communities (16 June 1992) 2 . the local or regional authorities' own contribution . (93 /C 40/64)
Subject: The organization of the caraway-seed market In answer to my Question No 1883 / 91 ( ® ) the Answer given by Mr Millan Commission refers only to caraway seed for sowing, on behalf of the Commission which may be marketed only if it is certified . (21 September 1992) My question however related to the serious disruption of the market because of the mixing of caraway seed for consumption from European countries with that 1 . Actions co-financed by ERDF produced in the EC . Rechar Chatelet O OJ No C 159 , 25 . 6 . 1992 , p. 11 . The total ERDF contribution to the Chatelet Rechar programme amounts to Ecu 1,521 million (prices 1991 ). Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission The programme covers the period 26 July 1990 to (1 October 1 992) 31 December 1993 .
Import statistics for the last four years show that imports The concrete Chatelet Rechar actions concern : into the EEC of seeds of caraway destined for consumption reduced steadily from 2 568 tonnes in 1988 to 1 987 tonnes in 1991 . The Commission is not aware of — improvements of the environment (renewal of an old anomalies for such products . mining-hall at Aiseau-Presles into a SME incubator centre , and construction of a water drain collector); Seeds of caraway destined for consumption are covered by Regulation (EEC) No 827/68 ('). This Regulation is — renewal and modernization of basic infrastructure in a rudimentary common market organization which the mining villages (renewal of water supply provides implementation of the Common Customs Tariff, networks). a safeguard clause , free movement within the Community and the application of the competition rules laid down in Rechar Limburg the Treaty . The total ERDF contribution to the Limburg Rechar O OJ No L 151 , 30 . 6 . 1968 . programme amounts to Ecu 21,7 million (prices 1991 ).
The programme covers the period 26 July 1990 to 31 December 1993 . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1587/92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) The concrete Limburg Rechar actions concern : to the Commission of the European Communities — sanering KS terreinen ; (16 June 1992) (93 /C 40/65) — herstel infrastruktuur in mijn-cités ;
Subject: Rechar programme — economische ontwikkeling; The documentation on Community initiatives shows the — beroepsopleidingsinfrastructuur; following grants to Belgium in 1991 under the Rechar programme : — beroepsopleiding , herscholing en inkomensgarantie . No C 40/ 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2.93
2 . Financial contribution by authorities involved account not only of harvests but also of the state of the balance of payments , budgets , stocks , livestock numbers (million Ecu) and purchasing power.
Rechar Chatelêt The Commission will keep a weather eye on the situation Total envelope 3,042 in southern Africa and will if necessary continue its aid to ERDF 1,521 ( 50%) the countries concerned at the beginning of next year Région wallonne 1,521 ( 50%) using the resources available under the regular food-aid programme for 1993 . Should large-scale long-term aid Rechar Limburg prove necessary it will again propose a special Total envelope 71,03 programme , but it is too early to say in advance what will ERDF 21,70 (30,55%) be needed . Central overheid 32,38 (45,59%) Lokale overheid 15,44 (21,74%) Particulieren 1,51 (2,12%)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1599/92 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1603/92 by Mr Reimer Boge, Mr Horst Langes by Mr Alexandros Alavanos (CG) and Mr Diemut Theato ( PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (24 June 1992) (24 June 1992) (93 /C 40/67) (93/C 40/66)
Subject : Selling off the Athens Pipe Manufacturing Subject: Programmes of aid for famine- stricken areas of Africa Company
The European Community has decided on a programme In 1986 , following the issue of shares in order to meet its of aid for famine-stricken areas of southern Africa , debts, the Athens Pipe Manufacturing Company passed amounting to 800 000 tonnes of cereals to a value of ECU into the ownership of the National Bank . In 1991 moves 220 million . were made to sell it off . In an answer to a question in the Greek Parliament ( 30 January 1992) the Minister of the Does the Commission agree with FAO predictions that National Economy and Chairman of the Interministerial cereal harvests in southern Africa will probably be halved , Committee stated that special arrangements would be necessitating cereal imports of approximately 10 million made to liquidate the company while it was in operation . tonnes in 1992/93 compared with 2 million tonnes in 1991 /92 ? Despite this undertaking, the National Bank is closing down the Athens Pipe Manufacturing Company and What steps is the Commission taking to plan the releasing 450 workers , which means that the company will necessarary measures and ensure the availability of the lose its markets , thereby considerably reducing the necessary budgetary appropriations for further objective value of its assets . programmes of aid which already seem likely to be necessary ? This abrupt departure from the undertaking to liquidate the company while it was in operation , together with the persistent refusal of the National Bank to provide information , is not creating sound conditions for the Answer given by Mr Marin transparent sale of the company under the best possible on behalf of the Commission conditions . (23 September 1992) 1 . Is the action by the National Bank in accordance with Act No 2000 , in view of the solution adopted by the The Commission does not feel able at present to make any Interministerial Committee to liquidate the company forecasts about the next cereal harvests in southern while it was in operation ? Africa . As they depend on the rains due in the region between October and December it will not be possible to 2 . In the first three months of 1992 , were any offers make any predictions on the different countries' harvests made for the purchase of the company ? (By whom ? or food situation before the end of November . The Whose offer was accepted ? Were any letters of Commission's forecasts on the food situation have to take guarantee repudiated ?). 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/41
'3 . Are the steps taken to date in accordance with which other Member States this type of farming exists and Community law ? to what extent ?
When will the Commission bring forward its proposals on standards for the keeping of all animals for farming ? Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (10 November 1 992) Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry 1 . It is not within the competence of the Commission on behalf of the Commission to assess the legality, with regard to national law, of action taken by national authorities and/or economic (10 September 1992) agents , nor is it its role to gather information on transactions made by them . The Commission has received some letters from 2 . The Commission approved the State aid elements of organizations in the United Kingdom indicating concern the Greek privatization scheme under the following about ostrich farming . The Commission does not have conditions : statistics on ostrich farming in the Community .
— open bid procedures would be used , The Commission has made a proposal (') for a Council — notification of individual privatization in sensitive Directive concerning the protection of animals kept for sectors . farming purposes . This proposal aims to adopt the provisions of the European Convention for the Moreover, the Greek Government stated that, if the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes , and company in question could not be sold , it would be farmed ostriches would come within its scope of liquidated . The decision to do so was and is the Greek application . Government's responsibility . O COM(92) 192 final . According to information at the disposal of the Commission , at the beginning of 1992 the only potential buyer for the company in question no longer showed interest in it . The owner and its independent financial advisers then came to the conclusion that the company had to be liquidated . This decision was taken by shareholders on 20 March 1992 . By April 1992 the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1627/92 National Bank had already paid redundancy fees to 220 employees and the money for the redundancy fees of the by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S) remaining 330 employees had been deposited in bank to the Commission of the European Communities accounts . (24 June 1992) The decision to liquidate the company in question is the (93 /C 40 /69) responsibility of the Greek Government . As has been shown , it tried to sell the company without success and Subject : The motor vehicle market only then did it decide to liquidate it . 3 . According to the information available to the It was recently disclosed that the Court of Auditors of the Commission , there seems to be no infringement of EC has discovered a series of transgressions , irregularities Community law . and infringements concerning the motor vehicle market and in particular as regards the method of fixing the price of cars which varies from one Member State to the next . Does the Commission intend to tackle this confusion in the Community motor vehicle market and , if so , what steps does it intend to take ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1618/92 by Mrs Anita Pollack ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mrs Scrivener (24 June 1992) on behalf of the Commission (93 /C 40/68 ) (28 September 1992) Subject: Ostrich farming s The Commission presumes that the Honourable Member Is the Commission aware of the great public concern in refers to Chapter 2 , paragraphs 2.39 to 2.58 of the Annual the United Kingdom about ostrich farming ? Can it say in Report of the Court of Auditors for 1990 ('). No C 40 /42 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2.93
In addition to the Commission's reply published there , Answer given by Mr Matutes the following comments are made : on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1992) — the Member States customs administrations will have noted the Court's views regarding checks on customs value — related import documents ; The projects implemented by the Commission in Guatemala are targeted at the poorest sections of the population , those in rural areas especially . — as regards allowances for damage in transit, differences between Member States can only be due to The procedure for selecting projects , the presence of the facts of actual damage , not variations in expatriate technical assistance personnel on the spot and administrative practice ; the frequent checks carried out by Commission officials and Commission monitoring bodies all go to ensure that — as regards allowances for defects , the Commission the aid does indeed reach those for whom it is intended . accepts that simplified calculation may be necessary . The amount per car in Germany (6 to 11 ECU) is The Commission was unable to identify the project to small , largely within the ceiling for negligible amounts which the Honourable Member referred when citing set by Article 22 of Council Regulation (EEC) problems connected with the quality of the housing No 1854/ 89 . However, other aspects of this practice financed . She is kindly requested to supply further details need to be examined further. of the project in question .
(') OJ No C 324 , 13 . 12 . 1991 .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1677/92 by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 July 1992) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1676/92 (93/C 40/ 71 ) by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S) Subject: State of emergency in hospitals in Suriname to the Commission of the European Communities (1 July 1992) Is the Commission aware that the nursing association in (93 /C 40/70) Suriname has declared a state of emergency in Suriname hospitals because of the serious shortage of equipment and medicinal products and the drain of professionals to the Netherlands ? Subject : EC project in Guatemala Is the Commission prepared to provide aid to these hospitals forthwith ? Can the Commission guarantee that EC projects in Guatemala are being carried out in cooperation with the intended beneficiaries of these projects ? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission What guarantees does the Commission have that the Indian organizations are also being consulted on the (6 October 1992) resettlement villages project receiving EC funding ? The Commission is well aware of the problems for all public services in Suriname , and for hospitals in Does the Commission not share the view that small particular, caused by houses with corrugated iron roofs can never provide the same protection against the heat during the day or cold — the departure of qualified personnel to the during the night as the traditional Indian read dwellings ? Netherlands , — the deficiencies of supplies , medical and others , due to What funding is provided by the EC for resettlement scarcity of foreign exchange . villages in Guatemala and what percentage of the total does the EC funding amount to ? As these problems do not relate to any sudden catastrophe but to the longstanding deterioration of the socio-economic situation in Suriname , they cannot be What guarantees does the Commission have that, in the helped by Community emergency aid . case of the resettlement villages , no undue pressure is brought to bear on people elsewhere to leave their An improvement of the situation is rather to be expected traditional territories ? from a speedy implementation of the Suriname Structural 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/43
Adjustment Programme , which has been prepared with weather, since it is equipped with radar and microwave Community assistance and which will be supported by the instruments and is therefore able , for example , to map out Netherlands , particularly in the social sectors , in the terms tropical forests below permanent cloud . of the framework agreement signed between Suriname and the Netherlands on 18 June 1992 . 1 . How is the data evaluated ? 2 . Why has no comprehensive report been drawn up compiling the information supplied on changes in our environment over this 20-year period ? 3 . Would it be possible to launch a future Community WRITTEN QUESTION No 1692/92 project providing Earth-data evaluation for a by Mr Jean-Louis Borloo ( NI ) European Community institution independent of the space research organizations , so that it can also be to the Commission of the European Communities made available to countries which do not possess (1 July 1992) satellites , such as developing countries , and which (93 /C 40/72) could operate in a similar way to the Meteosat programme ? Subject : Registered offices of industrial undertakings 4 . Does the Commission agree that the information available to date has not been effectively used ? In view of the efforts being made by all Member State authorities to relieve congestion in their major cities , the efforts made by national governments to establish a new balance between central and regional authorities , the need Answer given by Mr Pandolfi for national governments and the Community to on behalf of the Commission revitalize areas hit by the closure of large industries and the fact that the Commission has already adopted new (20 November 1 992) Directives on regional planning , does the Commission not consider that it would be desirable for the registered It is true that remote sensing data have been obtained office of an industrial undertaking to be situated in the from space since the 1970s by satellites in orbit around the same region as its centre of operations with a view to Earth . The data originally came from the US Earth giving the regions a dynamic role in stimulating their own observation satellites . However, Europe has also development and development in general ? contributed to remote sensing of the environment by means of the Meteosat, ERS-1 and the SPOT series of satellites . Answer given by Mr Millan 1 . The satellite data are processed and evaluated by a on behalf of the Commission number of European scientific institutions and the (15 September 1 992) Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Community . As part of the Trees project, for which Parliament has authorized funds , data from the While appreciating the point made by the Honourable Member, it is not for the Commission to determine where NOAA (USA), SPOT and ERS-1 satellites are used by the JRC in particular for monitoring the tropical the registered office of an industrial undertaking should forests . be situated . The realization that global changes in the environment resulting from interactions between the atmosphere , the land surface and the oceans are due to the effects of human activities has opened up a new dimension for the global observation of the Earth by WRITTEN QUESTION No 1695/92 satellites . by Mrs Ursula Schleicher ( PPE) 2 . It is these interactions in the Earth's system which to the Commission of the European Communities make systematic, simultaneous monitoring of the (1 July 1992) Earth necessary . With few exceptions , satellites have until now' not been primarily designed for global (93 /C 40/73) environmental observation but for observation of the weather or for regional observation . Global Subject: Evaluation of environmental data from satellites observation of the Earth based on the data from these satellites has been shown to be very laborious and in Since 1972 , data concerning the entire Earth has been some case prohibitively expensive . In certain cases , the gathered from space . Since mid-July 1991 , the European data are also incompatible as continuity of the ERS-1 environmental satellite has , from an orbit of measurements has not always been ensured . In 800 km from the Earth been supplying regular statistical contrast to meteorological systems , there is also not data on the world's environment independently of the yet a worldwide network of environmental data from No C 40/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
remote sensing satellites . Furthermore , there is a clear Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry lack of balance in Europe between efforts in space on behalf of the Commission technology and those in data processing and (11 September 1 992) evaluation . 3 and 4 . Against this background , the Commission , in its proposal for the JRC's 1992 — 1994 programme ('), It is true to say that the beef sector has been going proposed the setting up of a decentralized network of through a very difficult period over the past two years , Earth observation centres together with the European with a significant drop in market prices ; the sector has had Space Agency (ESA) and in close cooperation with the to face not only a substantial increase in production but Member States . On the basis of the results of a also three unforeseeable factors : BSE , the integration of feasibility study by the JRC on the setting up of the former GDR into the Community and the Gulf crisis . a Centre for Earth Observation (CEO), the Commission will draw up proposals for a Community The Commission has reacted to these events by all the network of data centres in the Member States . This means available under the market organization , in network is to validate , archive , catalogue and particular by increasing export refunds and by massive standardize the remote sensing data for the intervention buying-in . In addition , by Regulation (EEC) environmental studies and work in close cooperation No 1023 /91 O , at the end of April 1991 , is adopted with the future European Environment Agency . safeguard-clause-type measures to limit imports of calves from eastern European countries ; these measures were The above proposal for a future project corresponds to extended for 1992 by Regulation (EEC) No 1350 /92 ( 2 ). the recommendations in the Commission's communication 'The EC and space : Challenges , As regards imports of beef from non-Community opportunities and new actions' ( 2), which has been countries , including those entering with reduced levies presented to the Parliament and the Council . under special arrangements such as that mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission would point out 0) COM(91 ) 281 final . that these imports have remained at a very stable level in O COM(92) 360 final . recent years , whereas the Community's exports of beef have increased .
The imbalance between supply and demand remains the main factor responsible for the fall in prices in this sector . The persistence of the imbalance has led the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1706/92 to propose , as part of the reform of the common by Mr Mauro Chiabrando ( PPE) agricultural policy , a cut in prices as a means of boosting consumption, offset by income aids . These selective aids to the Commission of the European Communities are also designed to redirect production towards more (1 July 1992) extensive systems . (93 /C 40/74) O OJNoL 105 , 25 . 4 . 1991 . O OJNoL 145 , 27 . 5 . 1992 . Subject: Market prices for beef and veal
Market prices for cattle for slaughter have undergone a further disturbing decline of about 15% over the last two years . Many stockbreeders , in particular small- and medium-sized breeders , are closing down . The causes appear to be attributable to the steady increase in low-priced imports from eastern Europe . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1712/92 by Mr Jean-Marie Le Chevallier ( DR) This is confirmed by Table No 0002 of 26 March 1992 , forwarded to the European Parliament by the to the Commission of the European Communities Commission , showing imports of more than 260 000 (1 July 1992) tonnes of meat and livestock, and also by the recent (93 /C 40 /75) Regulations (EEC) Nos 898 /92 (') and 1265/92 ( 2 ) reducing levies and duties by 20% . Subject: CB radio In view of this and the serious disruption in this sector, does the Commission intend to continue to open its markets to eastern Europe or will it, as is hoped , set limits CB radio is a social phenomenon that has expanded in the form of quotas , duties and levies ? considerably in the Community in recent years .
O OJ No L 95 , 9 . 4 . 1992 , p . 44 . The frequency and power of transmitters vary O OJ No L 135 , 19 . 5 . 1992 , p . 6 . substantially from one Member State to another, 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40 /45 depending on national legislation , and this can often lead Can the Commission say : to interference in frontier areas . 1 . Whether there is a legal obligation in all Member As we approach the single market in 1993 , is the States for vehicles to carry an IVR disc ? Commission planning to approximate or harmonize legislation on CB radio and CB transmission frequencies 2 . Are there any plans to introduce a uniform and , if so , along what fines ? registration disc for the Community ?
Answer given by Mr Pandolfi Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1 992) (29 October 1992)
While it is true that the expansion of CB (Citizens' Band) Radio in Community countries has been substantial , and 1 . The 1968 Vienna Convention provides that in indeed explosive in some of them in recent years , this international traffic vehicles shall display at the rear the trend has now generally decreased . symbol of the state of registration (black letter(s) on a white oval background). ' It is also true that a diversity of technical parameters exist in the application of CB licences in Member States and Most States have incorporated this provision in their sporadically cause difficulties both in border areas and at national highway code , although fewer and fewer drivers longer distances . apply the rule .
The European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) There is no such Community provision . of the CEPT is aware of the situation and has conducted a comprehensive study on the issue . A new 2 . Technical specifications for a Community model for Recommendation (T/R 2009) was drawn up in 1992 with a number plate have been drawn up by a panel of the aim of harmonizing the technical characteristics government experts , chaired by the Commission . In within CEPT member countries (and inter alia the accordance with the principle of subsidiarity each Member States). In addition , ETSI has produced a Member State can decide if they wish to adopt this model , standard (ETS 300135) for CB equipment . as Ireland and Portugal have already done . The Commission believes that the wide variety of existing equipment would make it difficult to apply EC legislation retrospectively . Furthermore , the relatively slow take up of new equipment will make any changes slow to implement. In this context and bearing in mind the principle of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1721 /92 subsidiarity, the Community's view is that Member States by Mr Leen van der Waal ( NI) should recognize the problem and be encouraged to implement the ERC Recommendation in a manner which to the Commission of the European Communities is acceptable to their own requirements . (1 July 1992) (93 /C 40/77)
Subject: CFCs from discarded fridges
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1714/92 Every year hundreds of tonnes of CFCs from the Community's discarded fridges and freezers are released by Mr Willi Rothley (S ) into the environment . Even after a complete ban on the to the Commission of the European Communities production of CFCs in 1996 , waste will still continue to be (1 July 1992) produced over a considerable period because fridges and , freezers have a long life ( 10 to 15 years). (93 /C 40 /76) In the Netherlands and Germany the cost of dismantling a Subject : International Vehicle Registration discs fridge or freezer commercially is around ECU 20 . In the Netherlands preparations are under way for a disposal tax In Germany it is not uncommon to see cars from other of about that amount, which will be paid on top of the Community countries that bear no International Vehicle purchase price . This covers the cost of collecting and Registration disc . This can lead to difficulties in settling dismantling the old fridges and prevents the emission of damage claims after accidents . CFCs . No C 40 /46 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
1 . Does the Commission think there is a need to find (b) At the time of answering , are any anti-dumping some way of curbing this type of emission ? procedures still being applied to American undertakings ? 2 . If so , how does the Commission view the idea of promoting the introduction of a disposal tax in all 2 . (a) In what instances has the EC imposed Community countries ? anti-subsidy measures on United States undertakings since 1 January 1991 ? (b) At the time of answering , are any anti-subsidy Answer given by Mr Van Miert procedures still being applied to American on behalf of the Commission undertakings ? (20 November 1 992)
The lack of voluntary or obligatory programmes for the recovery of ozone-depleting substances originating from Answer given by Mr Andriessen non-emissive applications (CFC in refrigerators , halons in on behalf of the Commission fire extinguishers , etc.) represents a potential risk to the (25 November 1992) ozone layer .
For this reason , legislators in several Member States 1 . (a) The Community has imposed , since 1 January ( France , Germany, Denmark, Netherlands) have 1991 , anti-dumping duties on the following introduced provisions making it obligatory to recover and product originating in the USA : Aspartame (EEC) recycle CFCs and/or halons from the products containing / No 1391 /91 0). them when these are discarded . (b) There are no ongoing procedures against US As , however, the differences between national markets products . regarding substances that deplete the ozone layer have not led to divergent requirements , the Commission has 2 . (a) None . not so far proposed uniform rules applying to the whole Community in this field . (b) None .
In the context of the second review of the Montreal (') OJ No LI 34 , 29 . 5 . 1991 . Protocol (November 1992 in Copenhagen), a recycling proposal has been submitted to the contracting parties for examination .
The Commission prefers to await the results of these negotiations , in which it is taking an active part, before proposing any measures on the recovery and recycling of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1738/92 controlled substances originating from non-emissive by Mr Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE) applications . Should the , case arise , it will propose the to the Commission of the European Communities application in Community territory of any decision on the subject taken by the parties . In absence of an agreement at (1 July 1992) international level , the Commission will assess the (93 /C 40/79) opportuneness of a unilateral initiative . Subject: Implementation of the EEC — . Mauritania fisheries agreement
With regard to the above agreement would the Commission state , for the year 1991 : WRITTEN QUESTION No 1732/92 by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) 1 . What was the extent of take-up of the various catch to the Commission of the European Communities opportunities laid down therein (lobster boats , shrimp boats , black hake trawlers and longliners , surface (1 July 1992) seiners and trawlers , and tuna freezer-seiners)? (93 /C 40/78) 2 . Which Member States obtained licences , and how many ? Subject : Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures for American undertakings 3 . What were the results obtained from the scientific research described in Article 4 of the Protocol which 1 . (a) In what instances has the EC imposed are supposed to be reported by the 'Centre National anti-dumping measures on undertakings from the de Recherche Oceanographique et des Peches' and United States since 1 January 1991 ? sent to the Commission ? 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/47
4 . Was there any conflict in these waters involving the appropriations were used to carry out two studies on Community fleet, and if so , what was the outcome ? lobster and shrimp .
The Commission intends to make use of its right to information laid down in Article 4 of the Protocol as regards the results of the scientific programmes carried Answer given by Mr Marin out, with a view to preparing negotiations on an extension on behalf of the Commission of the Protocol annexed to the agreement, which expires (22 September 1 992) on 31 July . 1993 .
4 . The Commission has no record of any recent 1 . and 2 . The level of take-up of the agreement for the conflict between Community shipowners and the second year of the current protocol (1 August 1991 to Mauritanain authorities . A few problems arose at the 31 July 1992) is given in the table below . beginning of the second year of application of the current Protocol relating to the confiscation of the ship 3 . As was the case for the preceding protocol , most of documents of some Community fishing vessels the appropriations for the scientific programme were used considered to be in an illegal position by Mauritanian for the construction of accommodation for the patrol boats . Joint protests by the shipowners concerned oceanographic research institute's staff. Without such and the Commission resulted in the Secretary-General of funding the institute would not have been able to the Mauritanian Ministry of Fisheries being instructed to complete the tasks it has been set . The remaining cease this practice on 1 February 1992 .
Take-up Total fishing Opportunities Country and type of fishing opportunities reserved for GRT Number of vessels
Mauritania 1 August 1991 / 31 July 1992 Crustaceans 10 000 GRT E 10 000 E 4 002,57 21 Black hake . 15 000 GRT E 11000 E 8 592,33 27 P 4 000 Pelagic fishing 9 000 GRT NL 7 500 0 P 1 500 Lobster boats 1 950 GRT F 1 275 0 P 675 ' Tuna pole-and-line vessels and 38 vessels F 18 vessels 8 surface longliners E 20 vessels 5
Total 13
Tuna seiners 25 vessels F 9 vessels 9 E 16 vessels 16
Total 25
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1752/92 the Commission make representations to the Greek by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) Government concerning the need to investigate the condition of the cave and to introduce measures in line to the Commission of the European Communities with up-to-date scientific fundings ? (2 July 1992) (93 /C 40/ 80) Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission Subject : The cave of Perma at Ioannina (23 September 1992) ;
The cave of Perma at Ioannina , one of the most popular The problem referred to by the Honourable Member is tourist attractions in Greece , with its unique stalactites essentially a matter for the Greek authorities . and stalagmites , is gradually being destroyed by unsuitable lighting and the constant stream of visitors The Commission could however examine the possibility in the absence of essential protection measures . Will of providing aid to prepare a plan for the protection of No C 40 /48 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93 the cave of Perma at Ioannina if an application was six months of 1992 compared to average prices in the forthcoming from the national authorities responsible in three previous years . The Commission does not believe accordance with the rules and procedures governing the that the Greek market is threatened with serious operation of the Structural Funds . disturbances . The implementation of protective measures is therefore not justified .
The Commission does not intend to submit a proposal for a more stringent Regulation .
O OJNoL55 , 2 . 3 . 1968 . O OJ No L 326 , 18 . 12 . 1975 . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1757/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 July 1992) (93 /C 40/ 81 ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1758/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) Subject: Imports of cloves into Greece to the Commission of the European Communities In the last five months , imports of cloves into Greece from (2 July 1992) Colombia alone have exceeded 20 million units at a value (93 / C 40/ 82) of more than Dr 200 million . According to an official document issued by the Greek Ministry of Agriculture , this amount accounts for 10% of Greece's annual clove Subject: The natural habitat of Tytonidae (owls) in the production . In other words , on a 12-monthly basis , it Korakovouni exceeds 25% of domestic production . When imports of cloves from other third countries (outside the The opening of a regional bus route on the slopes of Community) are added to this figure , clove imports into Mount Hymettos is considered particularly dangerous for Greece exceed total annual Greek production . Does the the region's wild fauna . The regional bus is scheduled to Commission intend to submit a proposal for a Regulation pass just one kilometre from the top of Korakovouni on to protect Greek clove production bearing in mind that it the Cholargos and near to the Attika forest which is the reaches a high point in winter and spring , while limiting habitat of a rare species of owl . As biologists have noted , imports from third countries ? the population of this species has declined considerably throughout Europe because of the destruction of its habitats . Does the Commission intend to take steps to protect this species ?
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission ( 7 October 1 992) Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (29 October 1992) Foreign trade in carnations is subject to the provisions laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 234/68 (') on the establishment of a common organization of the market in The Commission has already received a complaint live plants and cut flowers . Under Article 9 of this regarding the plans to build a ring road at the foot of Regulation , appropriate measures may be applied in trade Mount Hymettos . with third countries if, by reason of imports or exports , the Community market in one or more of the products This project is covered by Annex II to Directive referred to in Article 1 experiences or is threatened with 85 /337/EEC ('), which lists projects which must be serious disturbances which may endanger the objectives assessed to determine their effects on the environment, if set out in Article 39 of the EEC Treaty . these are deemed to be significant by virtue inter alia of their nature , size or location . The rules for applying such measures are contained in Regulation (EEC) No 3280/75 (2) laying down detailed In addition , Article 3 of Directive 79/409/EEC lays down rules for applying protective measures in the market in that Member States must take the requisite measures to live plants and cut flowers . preserve , maintain or reestablish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats for species which , like Tyto alba (the barn The Greek authorities regularly notify the Commission of owl), enjoy general protection . the price of roses on the Athens market and the price of carnations on the Troizhnia market . According to this In view of the importance of the site for the species in information , the price of carnations went up in the first question , the Commission is going to contact the 15.2.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/49 competent Greek authorities to find out wlfat measures This situation seriously affects Spanish producers who they intend to take to meet the obligations deriving from must be considered as Community producers under the Community law . terms of Regulation (EEC) No 2423 / 88 ('), resulting in a reduction in their market share and forcing them to freeze (') OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . or cut their prices despite the increase in real outlay .
Will the Commission start immediate antidumping proceedings against Portland cement imports from Turkey, Romania and Tunisia into Spain ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1790/92 O OJ No L 209 , 2 . 8 . 1988 , p. 1 . by Mrs Anita Pollack (S ) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 July 1992) (93 /C 40/ 83 ) Answer given by Mr Anariessen on behalf of the Commission Subject: Equine competition (19 November 1 992) The deaths of four horses during recent three-day events at Badminton (UK) and Luhmuhlen (Germany) would In January 1992 , a complaint was lodged with the appear to indicate that the existing rules controlling these Commission by Oficemen , the Spanish association of events are inadequate and that the horses and riders are cement manufacturers , on behalf of all cement producers being asked to take unacceptable risks and , therefore , in Spain alleging that imports into this country of certain would the Commission agree that, for these and other Portland cement originating in Turkey , Romania and Community-wide sporting events where it has been Tunisia are being dumped and are thereby causing clearly shown that there can be an unacceptable risk to the material injury to Community industry . competing animals , there should be European legislation introduced which would lay down rules of competition The Commission has examined this complaint and , on the which would ensure proper protection for the animals ? basis of the allegations of dumping and injury resulting therefrom contained in the complaint it decided , after consultation within the Advisory Committee , that there was sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of a Answer given by Mr Van Miert proceeding . The Commission , therefore , initiated on 22 on behalf of the Commission April 1992 (') an anti-dumping proceeding concerning (28 October 1992) imports into Spain of certain Portland Cement originating in Turkey, Romania and Tunisia and commenced an As far as the subject raised by the Honourable Member is investigation which is now in progress . concerned , there is no scope for introducing Community legislation as the issue clearly falls within the competence Furthermore , the Commission would refer the of individual Member States . Honourable Member to the reply to his oral question H-652/92 , which it gave during question time at Parliament's July 1992 part-session ( 2 ).
(') OJ No C 100,22.4 . 1992 . ( 2 ) Debates of the European Parliament No 3-420 (July 1992). WRITTEN QUESTION No 1795/92 by Mr Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 July 1992) (93 /C 40/ 84) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1929/92 Subject : Import of Portland cement into Spain by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission of the European Communities Since 1988 imports of Portland cement into Spain from Turkey, Romania and Tunisia , both loose and packaged , (23 July 1992) for use in the building industry have continually (93/C 40/ 85) increased .
Exports from these countries are carried out with Subject: Plan for the Committee of the Regions dumping margins of between ECU 17 per tonne in the case of Tunisia and ECU 30 per tonne in the cases of Article 198 (a) of the Maastricht Treaty provides for a Turkey and Romania . Committee of the Regions to be set up representing No C 40/ 50 Official Journal of the European Communities 15 . 2 . 93
regional and local bodies . Bearing in mind that this situation in accordance with the principle of individual Committee will play an important role in the further freedom and freedom of movement for workers in the development of Political Union , does the Commission Community ? intend to draw up a proposal at the earliest opportunity on the form this Committee will take , its composition , its remit and its relations with Parliament ? Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1 992)
Answer given by Mr Millan The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to on behalf of the Commission its answer to Written Question No 2882/91 by Mr (24 November 1992) Borloo (').
(') See page 4 of this Official Journal . The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply to oral question H-287/92 by Mr Elliott which it gave during the May 1992 (') part-session of Parliament, and to Written Questions No 1206 /92 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke ( 2 ) and No 1249/92 by Lord O'Hagan ( 3 ). WRITTEN QUESTION No 2240/92 by Mrs Dorothée Piermont (ARC) (') Parliament Debates , No 3-418 (May 1992). to European Political Cooperation O OJN0C6 , 11 . 1 . 1993 , p . 10 . ( 3 ) See page 23 of this Official Journal . (1 September 1992) (93 /C 40/ 87)
Subject: EC protest at the stepping up of the US embargo on Cuba On 7 April 1992 the Commission , together with the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2029/92 Portuguese Embassy in the USA and with the support of by Mr Bernard Frimat (S ) the Swedish and Canadian Embassies , lodged a protest with the US State Department with a view to preventing to the Commission of the European Communities the adoption of Bill No 4168 / 1992 tabled by Senator (1 September 1 992) Torricelli . (93 /C 40/ 86) 1 . What points in the bill were singled out for criticism and on what grounds ? Subject : Belgian tax arrangements for non-residents 2 . What is the precise wording thereof ? working in Belgium 3 . What official (or unofficial) answer to the protest did The law of 22 December 1989 introduced less favourable the ministers receive ? tax arrangements in Belgium for non-residents engaged in a professional activity there . In particular, they no longer benefit from allowances for dependents . Answer (') (23 December 1992) As a result, French nationals who are not resident in Belgium receive very unfavourable treatment , which runs The Council would ask the Honourable Member to refer counter to the principle of equal treatment of European to the reply given by the Council on 18 November 1992 to citizens for tax purposes . his question No H- 1065 /92 .
What representations will the Commission make to the O This reply has been given by the Council of the European Belgian Government with a view to remedying this Communities , within whose province the question came . 15.2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 51
WRITTEN QUESTIONS TO WHICH NO ANSWER HAS BEEN GIVEN (*) (93 /C 40/ 88 ) This list is published pursuant to Rule 62 (3) afthe Rules ofProcedure ofthe European Parliament, which states : 'Questions to which no answer has been given within one month by the Commission, or within two months by the Council ofthe Foreign Ministers, shall be recorded, pending an answer, in the Official Journal of the European Communities.'
No 2547/92 by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S) to the Council No 2677/92 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S) to the (8. 11 . 1992) Council (19. 11 . 1992) Subject: International trafficking in children Subject : Aids for producers of durum wheat No 2560/92 by Mr Pierre Lataillade ( RDE) to the Council No 2678/92 by Mr Jesus Cabez6n Alonso (S) to the Council (14. 11 . 1992) ( 19. 11 . 1992) Subject: Ratification by the Member States of the Convention Subject: Environment and public expenditure on the Rights of the Child adopted by the United Nations and in force since 2 September 1990 No 2679/92 by Mr Jesus Cabez6n Alonso (S) to the Council ( 19. 11 . 1992) No 2569/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) to European Subject: Measures to combat unemployment and poverty Political Cooperation (14. 11 . 1992) Subject: Community response to the UN Secretary-General's No 2685/92 by Mr Jos£ Valverde Lopez (PPE) to the Council claim that the United Nations should have its own battalions (19. 11 . 1992) Subject: European summer university for teacher trainers No 2572/92 by Mr Jos£ Lafuente Lopez (PPE) to the Council (14. 11 . 1992) No 2687/92 by Mr Giulio Fantuzzi (GUE) to the Council Subject : Community standards for the protection and assistance (19. 11 . 1992) of foreigners detained at frontier crossings Subject: Compensatory payments in traditional production zones for durum wheat in Emilia-Romagna No 2595/92 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando (PPE) to the Council (14. 11 . 1992) No 2688/92 by Mr Luigi Moretti (ARC) to the Council Subject: Headquarters of the European Training Foundation (19. 11 . 1992) for Central and Eastern Europe Subject: The danger of authoritarian tendencies in Italy and the common security policy No 2606/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin (V) to the Council (19. 11 . 1992) No 2703/92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE) to the Council Subject: Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of (21 . 11 . 1992) wild fauna and flora Subject: Illegal transactions involving the cultural heritage No 2607/92 by Mr Jean-Piere Raffin (V) to the Council No 2704/92 by Mr Stephen Hughes and Mr James Ford (S) to the (19. 11 . 1992) Council (21 . 11.1992) Subject: Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of Subject: Deliberate delaying of health and safety proposals wild fauna and flora No 2707/92 by Mr Marco Taradash and Mrs Djida Tazdait (V) to No 2608/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin (V) to the Council the Council (21 . 11 . 1992) (19. 11 . 1992) Subject: The Community's home affairs policy and individual Subject : Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of freedoms wild fauna and flora No 2708/92 by Mr Gene Fitzgerald ( RDE) to the Council No 2609/92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin (V) to the Council (21 . 11 . 1992) (19. 11 . 1992) Subject: Council meetings in public Subject: Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora No 2712/92 by Mr Enrique Bar6n Crespo (S) to the Council (21 . 11 . 1992) No 2620/92 by Mr Herman Verbeek (V) to - the Council Subject: Relations with the Community of Independent States (19. 11 . 1992) (CIS) Subject: Cost of common agricultural policy reform No 2713/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council No 262 1 /92 by Mrs Annemarie Goedmakers (S) to the Council (21 . 11 . 1992) (19. 11 . 1992) Subject: Safety of nuclear power plants in the countries of Subject : Composition of advisory committees Eastern Europe No 2641 /92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council No 2875/92 by Mrs Anita Pollack (S) to the Commission (19. 11 . 1992) (5. 12. 1992) Subject: Ratification of the Dublin Convention Subject: Wild Birds Directive
(*) The answers will be published as soon as they are received from the institution concerned . The full text of these questions appeared in the Bulletin of the European Parliament No 25 /C-92 to No 29/C-92 . No C 40/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2 . 93
No 2876/92 by Mr Michael McGowan (S) to the Commission No 2895/92 by Mr Peter Crampton (S) to the Commission (5. 12. 1992) (5 . 12 . 1992) Subject: The European Community and indigenous peoples Subject : Circus animals No 2877/92 by Mr Freddy Blak (S) to the Commission r No 2896/92 by Mr Marc Galle (S) to the Commission (5 . 12 . 1992) (5. 12 . 1992) Subject: Abandonment of linguistic equality in new Community Subject : Sponsoring agreements with the Danish tennis federa bodies tion No 2898/92 by Mrs Sylvie Mayer (CG) to the Commission No 2878/92 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (PPE) to the Commission (5. 12 . 1992) (5. 12. 1992) Subject : Delays in utilization of research appropriations Subject: Clips used in abattoirs No 2899/92 by Mr Cesare De Piccoli (GUE) to the Commission No 2879/92 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos (CG) to the Commission (5 . 12 . 1992) (5 . 12. 1992 Subject : Closure of the Alucentro establishment in Porto Subject: Leading cooperative intervention bodies Marghera No 2900/92 by Mr Juan Bandr6s Molet (V) to the Commission No 2880/92 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando ( PPE) to the Commission (5 . 12 . 1992) (5. 12 . 1992) Subject : Iron and steel programme for the Basque Country Subject: Law for the restoration of the Valtellina and the Valle D'Ossola No 2901 /92 by Mr Dimitrios Dessylas (CG) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2881 /92 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando (PPE) to the Commission Subject : Illegal taxation of Community farm subsidies in Greece (5. 12. 1992) Subject: The railway through the Simplon No 2902/92 by Mr Dimitrios Dessylas (CG) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2882/92 by Mr Pol Marck (PPE) to the Commission Subject: Crisis affecting tobacco producers in Greece (5 . 12. 1992) No 2904/92 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) to the Subject: Competitions for recruitment Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2883/92 by Mr Pol Marck ( PPE) to the Commission Subject: VAT on flower-growing ( 5 . 12 . 1992) No 2905/92 by Mr Herman Verbeek (V) to the Commission Subject: Food aid (9. 12. 1992) Subject: Port of Vigo — Consequences of the lack of an No 2884/92 by Mr Jean-Piere Raffin (V) to the Commission EEC-Namibia fisheries agreement (5 . 12. 1992) Subject: Allocation of funding for the Lyons northern ring road No 2907/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) and implications thereof Subject: Purchase by Asea Brown Boveri of the Spanish No 2885/92 by Mr Virginio Bettini (V) to the Commission undertaking CCC (5. 12. 1992) No 2908/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Subject: Chemical production zone in a residential area Commission (9. 12. 1992) Subject : Community involvement in Asia and relations with No 2886/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar (LDR) to Japan the Commission (5 . 12. 1992) Subject : Recycling of waste oils No 2909/92 by Mrs Marie-Anne Isler B6guin (V) to the Commission (9. 12.1992) No 2888/92 by Mr James Ford (S ) to the Commission Subject : Implications of building a visitors' centre at Mul (5. 12. 1992) laghmore (County Clare) Subject: Compensation for victims of violent crime No 2910/92 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos (CG) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2889/92 by Lord O'Hagan (PPE) to the Commission (5 . 12. 1992) Subject: Aircraft accidents and the Seveso Directive Subject: Baha'i community in Yazd No 2911 /92 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos (CG) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2891 /92 by Mr Jan Bertens ( LDR) to the Commission Subject: Problems relating to the Acropolis Museum and the (5. 12. 1992) Athens underground Subject: Violation of the right of establishment and freedom to provide services affecting non-German fairground people in No 2912/92 by Mr Alonso Puerta (GUE) to the Commission Germany (9. 12 . 1992) Subject: Construction of a hospital waste incinerator at Serin No 2893/92 by Mr Carlos Perreau De Pinninck Domenéch Gij6n (Asturias , Spain) (RDE) to the Commission (5 . 12. 1992) No 2918/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to Subject: Financial situation of Spain in the Community the Commission (9. 12.1992) Subject: European Community aid to Paraguay No 2894/92 by Mr Gerardo Gaibisso (PPE) to the Commission (5. 12. 1992) No 2919/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to Subject: Contract for Community premises awarded to Cogefar the Commission (9. 12. 1992) Impresit, which is under investigation in Italy Subject: European Community aid to Venezuela 15.2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/53
No 2920/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar (LDR) to No 2944/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission the Commission (9. 12. 1992) (9. 12. 1992) Subject: European Community aid to Ecuador Subject : Marketing of Community groundnut production No 2921 /92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to No 2945/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission the Commission (9. 12. 1992) 9. 12 . 1992) Subject: European Community aid to Peru Subject: Controls on this year's Greek cotton production No 2922/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar (LDR) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2946/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) Subject : European Community aid to Uruguay Subject: Poisoning of a bear in a Greek national park No 2923/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2947/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Subject : European Community aid to Argentina (9. 12. 1992) Subject : Controls on imported agricultural products No 2924/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2948/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Subject: European Community aid to Bolivia (9. 12. 1992) No 2925/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to Subject: Investment in Greek cheese-making undertakings the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2950/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Subject: European Community aid to Brazil (9. 12. 1992) No 2926/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Giménez Aguilar ( LDR) to Subject: Students from Greece and other Community countries the Commission (9. 12. 1992) at universities in Bosnia-Herzegovina Subject: European Community aid to Colombia No 2951 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission No 2928/92 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar (LDR) to 9. 12. 1992) the Commission (9. 12 . 1 992) Subject: Management of the Community's financial resources Subject: European Community aid to the Andean Group No 2952/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission No 2931 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) (9. 12. 1992) Subject: The plight of children in Bosnia-Herzegovina Subject: Natural asbestos in Greece No 2933/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission No 2954/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject : Rules governing the operation of quarries in Greece Subject : Racist treatment of gypsies by the local authorities of Ano Liosia, Attica No 2934/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2955/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Subject: Sanitary standards along the coast of Attica (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject: Withholding of Community subsidies No 2935/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2956/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Subject: Establishment of land registers in Greece (13 . 1 . 1993) No 2936/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Subject: Use of pesticides (9. 12. 1992) No 2957/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Subject: Modernization of the water supply system in the village (13. 1 . 1993) of Portaria, Magnesia Subject: Protection of the environment from industrial waste at No 2937/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Patras (9. 12. 1992) Subject: Violation of the human rights of two journalists in No 2958/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Greece (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject: European citizenship No 2939/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission 9. 12. 1992) No 2959/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission Subject: Transport of olive oil by Omelva in Crete (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Protection of certain types of family No 2940/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2960/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Subject: Marketing of pumpkin seed production from the (13. 1 . 1993) Xanthi region Subject: Agriculture in mountainous and island regions No 2941 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2961 /92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject : Marketing of last year's stocks of Greek wine Subject: Development of organic farming No 2943/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission (9. 12. 1992) No 2963/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission Subject: Marketing of grapes from the hill-farming communities 13. 1 . 1993) , of Agrafa Subject: Livestock diseases
\ No C 40/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.2 . 93
No 2965/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission No 2991 /92 by Mr Freddy Blak (S) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Destruction of the woodland of Bathi Avlidas Subject: Creation of a qualifications databank
No 2968/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (NI) to the Commission No 2992/92 by Mr Freddy Blak (S) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) 13. 1 . 1993) Subject : Subsidy for the TA Tamparas Greek Olive Oil Production grading plant Subject: Recording of information concerning the results of psychological tests x No 2969/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) No 2993/92 by Mr Richard Simmonds ( PPE) to the Commission Subject: Marketing of Greek cereals subject to Community (13. 1 . 1993) intervention Subject: Satellite broadcasting
No 2975/92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE) to the No 2994/92 by Lord O'Hagan (PPE) to the Commission Commission (13. 1 . 1993) (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject: Quarrying and the development of tourism in Thasos Subject: VAT and the leisure industry No 2976/92 by Mr Jean-Louis Bourlanges (PPE) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) No 2996/92 by Mr Elmar Brok (PPE) to the Commission Subject : Council decision on the creation of an European inland (13. 1 . 1993) waterway network Subject: Forwarding of luggage by rail to Italy and the United Kingdom No 2977/92 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG) to the Commission 13. 1.1993) No 2998/92 by Mr Jean-Claude Pasty (RDE) to the Commission Subject: GATT and the Multifibre Arrangement (13. 1 . 1993) No 2979/92 by Mr Kenneth Collins (S) to the Commission Subject: Introduction or maintenance of production measures (13. 1 . 1993 compatible with the protection of the environment, fauna or the landscape Subject: Article 169 letters No 2980/92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S) to the Commission No 2999/92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993 (13. 1.1993) Subject: Imports of cheap Colombian coal into Bootle , Mersey Subject: Results and follow-up to the seminar on the detection side of forged documents, for officials from the 12 Member States responsible for controls at the external borders No 2981 /92 by Mrs Carmen Díez De Rivera Icaza (S) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) No 3000/92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission Subject: The Corine programme (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Operational aspects of external border control at the No 2982/92 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) to the Commission seminar on the detection of forged documents, for officials from (13. 1 . 1993) the 12 Member States responsible for controls at external borders Subject: Mutual recognition of qualifications in architecture No 2893/92 by Mr José Valverde L6pez (PPE) to the Commission No 3001 /92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Failure of the Spanish government to implement the Subject: Responsibility for Commission funding for the organ directives on public works and supply contracts ization of a seminar on the detection of forged documents , for officials from the 12 Member States responsible for controls at No 2984/92 by Mr José Valverde L6pez (PPE) to the Commission the external borders (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Inadequate implementation by the Spanish government No 3002/92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission of the directive on VAT in respect of advertising services (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Commission cooperation and the organization of a No 2985/92 by Mr José Valverde L6pez (PPE) to the Commission seminar on the detection of forged documents , for officials from (13. 1 . 1993) the 12 Member States responsible for controls at external borders Subject: Failure of the Spanish government to implement the Directive on Municipal Waste in Incineration Plants No 30JD3/92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) No 2986/92 by Mr Jos6 Valverde L6pez ( PPE) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Information concerning the seminar on the detection of forged documents, for officials from the 12 Member States Subject: Failure of the Spanish government to implement the responsible for controls at external borders directives on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs No 3004/92 by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S) to the Commission No 2987/92 by Mr José Valverde L6pez ( PPE) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject: Seminar on the detection of forged documents , for Subject : Dumping of waste at Playa de Usgo (Spain) by the officials from the 12 Community Member States responsible for Solvay y Cia company controls at external borders 15 . 2 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 40/ 55
No 3013/92 by Lord O'Hagan ( PPE) to the Commission No 3018/92 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE) to the (13 . 1 . 1993) Commission (13. 1 . 1993) Subject: Subsidy to mushroom growers in the Republic of Subject : Community participation in the Year of St James Ireland No 3014/92 by Mr Richard Simmonds (PPE) to the Commission No 3019/92 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE) to the (13. 1 . 1993) Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) Subject: French Affaires Maritimes employment regulations Subject: Community support for creating a European union of regional development agencies No 3016/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) to the Commission (13. 1 . 1993) No 3020/92 by Mr José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE) to the Commission Subject: Environmental considerations and action undertaken (13. 1 . 1993) by the Structural Funds as detailed in the recent report by the Subject: Legal action against wilful propagation of the AIDS Court of Auditors virus 1 No 3017/92 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE) to the Commission (13 . 1 . 1993) No 3021 /92 by Mr José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE) to the Commission Subject: Conversion of nuclear warheads in the East and West (13. 1 . 1993) and aid to Russia to prevent a brain drain Subject : Community measures against noise pollution