ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 140 Volume 37 of the European Communities 21 May 1994
EngHsh edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
94/C 140/01 E-2336/91 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Need for a Community ban on the production , marketing and agricultural use of Parathion 1
94/C 140/02 E-1580/92 by Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission Subject: Persistent distortions of competition in the telecommunications sector 2
94/C 140/03 E-1 801/92 by José Lafuente Lopez to the Commission Subject : Community sponsorship of radio concert broadcasts 2
94/C 140/04 E-1528/92 by Klaus Wettig to the Commission Subject : European Literary Prize — procedure for selecting works nominated for the prize ... 3
94/C 140/05 E-21 81/92 by Joaquim Miranda da Silva and António Coimbra Martins to the Commission Subject : Censorship in Portugal in the selection of entries for the European Literature Prize 4
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1528/92 and E-2181/92 4
94/C 140/06 E-2458/92 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Labelling regulations and organic produce 4
94/C 140/07 E-2548/92 by Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission Subject : Dissemination of European culture at international level 5
2 ( Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 140/08 E-2590/92 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Annual designation of a European capital of technological innovation 5
94/C 140/09 E-2754/92 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Danger from seafood caught in the Thermaic Gulf 6
94/C 140/10 E-2951/92 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Management of the Community's financial resources 6
94/C 140/11 E-3027/92 by Georgios Romeos to the Commission Subject : Contamination of fuels during transport to third country ports 7
94/C 140/12 E-3041/92 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Aid for Mount Athos 7
94/C 140/13 E-3126/92 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission Subject : Export of chemical waste to ACP countries 8
94/C 140/14 E-3291/92 by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission Subject : Pregnant workers 8
94/C 140/15 E-3358/92 by Gerd Müller to the Commission Subject : Use of German as an official language at the Commission of the European Community 9
94/C 140/16 E-89/93 by Panayotis Roumeliotis to the Commission Subject : Agreement between the EC and the USA on distilled alcoholic beverages 9
94/C 140/17 E-99/93 by Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission Subject : Implementation by France of the Directive on environmental impact assessment 10
94/C 140/18 E- 1 00/93 by Kenneth Stewart to the Commission Subject : House of Lords report on ship safety 10
94/C 140/19 E- 1 62/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : List of experts and consultants for the Comex 1 programme 11
94/C 140/20 E- 1 78/93 by Diego Santos Lopez to the Commission Subject : Maritime transport of dangerous or toxic substances 11
94/C 140/21 E-205/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Meningitis vaccine 12
94/C 140/22 E-238/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Fulfilment of undertakings made by Fujitsu when it acquired 80 % of the British company ICL 12
94/C 140/23 E-249/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : 'Le Pensec' recovery plan for the French département of Guadeloupe 13
94/C 140/24 E-252/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Lack of cooperation between the French and Dutch authorities on the island of St Martin 14
94/C 140/25 E-299/93 by Herman Verbeek to the Commission Subject : Use of hormones by Portuguese beef cattle breeders 14 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 140/26 E-300/93 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : Employment impact of grants and loans from Community institutions 15
94/C 140/27 E-312/93 by Barry Desmond to the Commission Subject : Safety of oil tankers with double-walled hulls 15
94/C 140/28 E-335/93 by Reimer Boge to the Commission Subject : EC fisheries agreements 16
94/C 140/29 E-388/93 by Paul Staes to the Commission Subject : European subsidies for Schonberg ( Germany ) 17
94/C 140/30 E-425/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance with Spain by the Directive on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in and imports from Third countries of fresh poultrymeat 17
94/C 140/31 E-42 7/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance with Spain by the Directive on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in and imports from Third countries of poultry and hatching eggs ... 17
94/C 140/32 E-428/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with the directive on nutritional labelling for foodstuffs 17
94/C 140/33 E-429/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with directives on telecommunications, the information industries and new technology ; . . . 17
94/C 140/34 E-430/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with the directive relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles 18
94/C 140/35 E-431/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on agriculture 18
94/C 140/36 E-432/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on agriculture 18
94/C 140/37 E-433/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the internal market and industrial matters 19
94/C 140/38 E-434/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the internal market and industrial matters 19
94/C 140/39 E-435/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the environment, nuclear safety and civil protection 20
94/C 140/40 E-436/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on energy 20
94/C 140/41 E-437/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with directives on financial institutions and company law 20
( Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 140/42 E-438/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with the directive on television broadcasting 20
94/C 140/43 E-439/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with the directive on the coordination of procedures on the award of public supply contracts 21
94/C 140/44 E-440/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Failure by Spain to comply with the directive concerning coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts 21
94/C 140/45 E-441/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with the Directive on air quality limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates 21
94/C 140/46 E-442/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with the EEC Treaty and Directives on the right of establishment of dentists in Spain and Latin American nationals 21
94/C 140/47 E-444/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Spain with the EEC Treaty, with regard to difficulties for imports of frozen fresh meat into Spain 21
94/C 140/48 E-445/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Non-compliance by Germany with the EEC Treaty and the Directive on sterile clinical instruments : labelling and preparation of products 21
Joint answer to Written Questions E-425/93 , E-427/93 to E-442/93 , E-444/93 and E-445/93 22
94/C 140/49 E-450/93 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Discrimination in Danish law 22
94/C 140/50 E-469/93 by Henry Chabert to the Commission Subject: Possible locations for the headquarters of European Community and third-country organizations 22
94/C 140/51 E-605/93 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission Subject : East of England Community Support Framework 22
94/C 140/52 E-634/93 by Alexander Langer to the Commission Subject : Open competition COM/A/720 ( general administration ) 23
94/C 140/53 E-666/93 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission Subject : Structural funds : programme partnership 24
94/C 140/54 E-783/93 by Peter Crampton to the Commission Subject: Fishing : minimum landing sizes 24
94/C 140/55 E-790/93 by Enrico Falqui to the Commission Subject : Priority for high speed railways in the framework of the EC programme of action for transport infrastructures 24
94/C 140/56 E-824/93 by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Alonso Puerta to the Commission Subject: Directive on the protection of the Eo estuary ( Galicia-Asturias, Spain ) 25
94/C 140/57 E-837/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject: Development programmes in the prefecture of Lasithi 26 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
94/C 140/58 E-858/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Measures to combat 'smart' drugs 26
94/C 140/59 E-861/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Industrial plants on the Thriasian Plan 26
94/C 140/60 E-873/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Monitoring the industrial installations at Tsikalaria 27
94/C 140/61 E-883/93 by Birgit Cramon Daiber to the Commission Subject : The German Leader programme 27
94/C 140/62 E-884/93 by Birgit Cramon Daiber to the Commission Subject : Leader programme in Germany 28
94/C 140/63 E-885/93 by Birgit Cramon Daiber to the Commission Subject : The Wallenfels dam project 28
Joint answer to Written Questions E-883/93 to E-885/93 28
94/C 140/64 E-904/93 by Sérgio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Development programmes in Portugal 28
94/C 140/65 E-908/93 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : EEC régulations on tendering 29
94/C 140/66 E-924/93 by Klaus Wettig to the Commission Subject : Approximation of rules concerning private recordings ( audiovisual and audio works ) 29
94/C 140/67 E-929/93 by Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject : European Travel Pass 30
94/C 140/68 E-378/93 by James Ford to the Commission Subject : Amendment of the Air Carrier's Liability Act 30
94/C 140/69 E-930/93 by Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject : Practice of airlines to continue to check passports 31
Joint answer to Written Questions E-378/93 and E-930/93 31
94/C 140/70 E-956/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Impact of mini-mill technology on the European steel industry's production capacity, markets and profitability 31
94/C 140/71 E-958/93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject : Specific Community programme to tap renewable sources of energy on Community islands in very remote or frontier areas 32
94/C 140/72 E-978/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Irresponsible deregulation of the world financial system 32
94/C 140/73 E-986/93 by Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject : The Newsletter — Commission DG X Publication 33
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94/C 140/74 E- 1 00 1 /93 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Abolition of the Stylida—Lianokladi—Athens rail link 34
94/C 140/75 E-1005/93 by Nicole Fontaine to the Commission Subject : The fiscal treatment of leasing contracts relating to movable property 34
94/C 140/76 E-101 8/93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Convention on climate change 35
94/C 140/77 E-1036/93 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Tacis programme 35
94/C 140/78 E-1070/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Development of poor Greek régions 36
94/C 140/79 E-1083/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Removal of tanneries from Tabakika 36
94/C 140/80 E-1 103/93 by Virginio Bettini , Maria Santos and Antonio Coimbra Martins to the Commission Subject : Hare coursing 36
94/C 140/81 E-1109/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Operational programme for the south-eastern area of the Province of Jaen and the northern area of the Province of Granada 37
94/C 140/82 E-1114/93 by Heinz Köhler to the Commission Subject : The Commission's attitude towards short-haul flights 37
94/C 140/83 E-l 1 88/93 by Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject : Self-evaluation of veterinary training in the Community — withdrawal of the Commission's material support for the international system operated by the Advisory Committee on Veterinary Training 38
94/C 140/84 E-1208/93 by Karl-Heinrich Mihr to the Commission Subject : Association agreements 39
94/C 140/85 E-1235/93 by José Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : The public's dislike of time changes in the EC 39
94/C 140/86 E-1242/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : The cement industry and pollution of the environment 40
94/C 140/87 E-1251/93 by Isidoro Sanchez Garcia to the Commission Subject : The Canary Islands as a platform for relations between Europe and Latin America 41
94/C 140/88 E-1254/93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject : Obstacles to the execution of building work in France by non-French undertakings 41
94/C 140/89 E-1262/93 by Barbara Dührkop Dührkop to the Commission Subject : The historical and architectural heritage of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe 42
94/C 140/90 E-1280/93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Preservation of the architectural heritage of Syros 43
( Continued on inside back cover ) Notice No Contents ( continued ) page
94/C 140/91 E-1285/93 bv George Patterson to the Commission Subject : Channe! Tunnel rail link 43
94/C 140/92 E-1286/93 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject : Balance between the Community tuna production and tuna processing sectors 44
94/C 140/93 E-1287/93 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject : American embargo on European tuna exports 45
94/C 140/94 E-1288/93 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject : Community tuna production 45
94/C 140/95 E- 1 29 8/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Sewage system in Monemvasia in the Peloponnese 46
94/C 140/96 E-1301/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Veal exports 46
94/C 140/97 E-1319/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Measures to ensure decent living conditions for children and the elderly 46
94/C 140/98 E-1320/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Incentives for the construction of 'bioclimatic' buildings 47
94/C 140/99 E- 1 327/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Water distribution 47
94/C 140/100 E-1330/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Need for cooperatives to settle their debts through talks with the Greek authorities 48
94/C 140/101 E-1331/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Announcement that builders can move in on Greek forest areas 48
94/C 140/102 E- 1 340/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : The Aliakmonas river delta 49
94/C 140/103 E-1351/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission Subject : Cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus 49
94/C 140/104 E-1368/93 by José Lafuente Lopez to the Commission Subject : Interpretation of acquiescence by Community administrative authorities 49
94/C 140/105 E-1369/93 by José Lafuente Lopez to the Commission Subject : Purchase and registration of vehicles in a Community Member State which is not the purchaser's country of residence 50
94/C 140/106 E-1378/93 by Lord Inglewood to the Commission Subject : Foot and mouth disease 51
94/C 140/107 E-1383/93 by Wilfried Telkämper to the Commission Subject : Structural Fund appropriations for the building of a golf course 51
94/C 140/108 E-1413/93 by Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject : Retex — Support for textile regions 52 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/1
I
. (Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2336/91 The Commission is of the opinion that given the high acute by Ernest Glinne (PSE ) toxicity of parathion as active substance, the use of plant protection products containing this substance should be to the Commission of the European Communities strictly regulated to ensure that under the authorized (21 October 1991) conditions of use, it does not result in harmful effects to ( 94/C 140/01 ) human health .
Currently the authorization of plant protection products is Subject: Need for a Community ban on the production, still subject to national rules . Directive 91/414/EEC (*) marketing and agricultural use of Parathion concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market was however adopted by the Council on 15 July The US Environmental Protection Agency will, later this 1991 and comes into force in July 1993 . It provides for a year, impose a drastic limit on ( and, next year, completely programme of review of all existing active substances on the ban ) the production, marketing and use, both on Community market over a period of 10 years concerning smallholdings and in commercial farming, of Parathion, an their human and environmental safety aspects . It is the organic phosphorous product which is extremely dangerous Commission's intention to propose an early review of in the event of prolonged spraying or repeated absorption in parathion in the framework of this review programme . small doses : over one hundred agricultural workers in the USA have died as a result of such contact with the product, The Community legislation concerning classification, having suffered convulsions or respiratory failure , whilst its labelling and packaging of dangerous substances Directive carcinogenic effects have yet to be precisely evaluated . 67/548/EEC ( 2 ), and of dangerous preparations ( pesticides ) Directive 78/63 1/EEC ( 3 ), provides for strict labelling and Are the executive institutions of the Community also taking packaging rules to be respected for parathion as such and for steps to ensure a drastic reduction in the use of the product, preparations containing this active substance, mainly in with a view to a total ban ? Should the stocks which have view of the protection of persons handling this substance accumulated in high-risk factories not be destroyed ? Which and preparations . factories are on the list which was drawn up in connection with the 'Seveso' directive ? Is it certain that the production ( and not just the storage ) of Parathion, together with the Parathion is one of the dangerous substances listed in marketing thereof in the Community and export to third Council Directive 82/501/EEC ( 4 ), the so-called Seveso countries, are to be banned by all appropriate Community, Directive . This Directive concerns sites manufacturing or national and regional means ? storing dangerous substances so it covers only provisions relating to the prevention, preparedness and response to major accidents at the site concerned .
As parathion is not banned or severely restricted by Answer given by Mr Steichen Community legislation, it is not subject to the export on behalf of the Commission notification provisions of Council Regulation ( EEC ) (2 July 1993) No 1734/88 ( 5 ). However, parathion ethyl and parathion methyl are on the list of chemicals subject to the prior informed consent ( PIC ) scheme set up by United of Nations Insecticides containing parathion are currently authorized Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture in most Member States of the Community. Organization. The Council has adopted a proposal that No C 140/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 would incorporate the PIC scheme into a new Regulation on With regard to public procurement, Council Directive the export and import of dangerous chemicals . The effect of 90/531/EEC of 17 September 1990 on the procurement this would be that chemicals subject to PIC, such as procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, parathion ethyl and parathion methyl, could not be transport and telecommunications sectors (*) applies since exported from the Community without the consent of the January 1993 ( except in Spain — 1 January 1 996 — importing country . Portugal and Greece — 1 January 1998 ). Four Member States have already communicated the national measures of (!) OJ No L 230, 19 . 8 . 1991 . implementation. The Commission has received drafts from ( 2 ) OJ No 196, 16 . 8 . 1967 . three Member States . Appropriate measures will be taken ( 3 ) OJ No L 206, 29 . 7 . 1978 . concerning the non-implemëntation of the Directive . ( 4 ) OJ No L 230, 5 . 8 . 1982 . ( 5 ) OJ No L 155 , 22 . 6 . 1988 . As regards terminal equipment, all Member States have now implemented in national law Commission Directive 88/301/EEC of 16 May 1988 on competition in the telecommunications terminal markets ( 2 ). Exclusive rights on the marketing and import of terminal equipment have been abolished , although further study is still underway in WRITTEN QUESTION E-1580/92 order to examine the practical situation of specific data by Ursula Braun-Moser ( PPE ) equipment. to the Commission of the European Communities (16 lune 1992) Council Directive 91/263/EEC of 29 April 1991 on the approximation of the laws of Member States concerning ( 94/C 140/02 ) telecommunications terminal equipment ( 3 ) aims at ensuring the free circulation of terminals and their Subject: Persistent distortions of competition in the connection to the network through the mutual recognition telecommunications sector of type approval . It was to be implemented by the Member States by 6 November 1992 . At this stage, six Member States The existing distortions of competition in the have communicated the implementation measures . telecommunications sector will do incalculable harm to national manufacturers of telecommunications In the meantime, the Commission is involved in a large apparatus/systems after the opening of the market in 1993 standardization programme to be developed mainly by the initiated by the Commission and the long-term survival of European Telecommunications Standards Institute ( ETSI), this industry may be endangered as a result. Although the and has given specific mandates for the setting up of Commission has frequently referred to international common technical regulations ( CTR ) for the whole distortions of competition, no investigations are being Community . carried out into the differing degrees of liberalization within the EC ( in certain countries manufacturers and network The Commission is currently taking the appropriate operators or suppliers of services are vertically integrated, measures in order to ensure that the situation is regularized while in other countries , in accordance with EC directives , as soon as possible . - links between supplier and manufacturing interests are illegal ). H OJ No L 297, 29 . 10 . 1990 . (2 ) OJ No L 131 , 27 . 5 . 1988 . "What steps are being taken by the Commission to enforce ( 3 ) OJ No L 128 , 23 . 5 . 1991 . the liberalization directives relating to public procurement, terminal equipment and authorization procedures and to undertake measures to achieve standardization and prevent distortions of competition at EC level ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 801/92 Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission by José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE) (23 September 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 July 1992) ( 94/C 140/03 ) The Community has established rules which aim, on the one hand, at ensuring a competitive and open European market in telecommunications ( Directives 88/301/EEC, 90/388/EEC, 90/531/EEC ) and, on the other hand, at Subject: Community sponsorship of radio concert achieving an effective internal market through broadcasts harmonization ( Directive 91/263/EEC, notably). Moreover , the Commission is closely monitoring the implementation In all the Member States, certain specialized radio stations of these rules . broadcast classical music and sometimes live or recorded 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/3 concerts, enabling a wide public to enjoy high-quality music this would not be in keeping with the Community's role as performances which they would otherwise be unable to stipulated in Article 128 of the Treaty on European Union . enjoy because of their location or other material factors . This Article specifies inter alia that Community % participation must be confined to non-commercial cultural exchanges . Moreover, no mention is made of specific Sometimes, the cost of such programmes compels sponsorship initiatives in the guidelines established by broadcasters to request sponsorship from institutions or Parliament and the Council ( see in particular the companies to meet the high copyright fees . conclusions of 12 November referred to above).
In view of the great cultural value of radio concert broadcasts throughout the Community and beyond, does the Commission not consider that it should participate more actively in sponsoring such broadcasts using appropriations specifically earmarked for the promotion of culture, thereby giving listeners in general the opportunity to enjoy the concerts and enhancing the public image of the Commission itself? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1528/92 by Klaus Wettig (PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 June 1992) ( 94/C 140/04) Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (2 August 1993) Subject: European Literary Prize — procedure for selecting works nominated for the prize
The Commission has a clearly defined role in the field of According to a Commission notice ( 92/C 100/10 ) (*) the culture as evidenced inter alia by the conclusions of the Member States are responsible for determining the Council and the Ministers for Culture of 12 November procedure for selecting works to be considered for the 1992 . This role, which will be consolidated by Article 128 of European Literary Prize . the Treaty on European Union once the latter is ratified, consists in encouraging cooperation between Member States, lending support and supplementing their action As the Commission is no doubt aware, the Portuguese where necessary, while recognizing Member States' Government has decided to make the final selection of three sovereignty in this field and hence the ancillary nature of works from those proposed by several participating Community measures . institutes itself, instead of giving the job to an independent committee .
Under the Kaleidoscope scheme ( budget heading B3 2001 ) the Community supports cooperation initiatives with a According to the Portuguese newspaper Publico of 25 April European dimension, the aim being to encourage artistic 1992 and a number of more recent reports in the European and literary creation . Eligibility is subject to the proviso that media, a member of the Portuguese ministry of culture has at least three Member States are involved in the planning personally deleted one nomination from the list. This is 'The and organization of the project in question . Gospel according to Jesus Christ', by José Saramago.
It should also be noted that under the rules of the scheme, Since this incident a new jury has evidently been asked to the Community's contribution to these projects is limited to produce a new shortlist, as other candidates for the prize 25 % of the total budget and may not exceed ECU have insisted on having their names deleted from the list as well. 30 000 .
For these reasons any list Portugal submits to the Provided that all the criteria and conditions for eligibility Commission in future could rightly be regarded as neither have been met, a cooperation project in the artistic field, independent nor uncensored . particularly one in the field of music, may be considered and possibly approved for Kaleidoscope funding by the panel of experts who decide each year on the mertis of the projects How does the Commission propose to ensure that literary submitted. criteria, and no others, are used when preparing the national shortlists, to - that artistic freedom is guaranteed ? On the other hand, the Commission does not plan at this stage to undertake any specific sponsorship commitments as (!) OJ No C 100, 22 . 4. 1992, p . 22 . No C 140/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2181/92 In accordance with the organizational rules ( ) laid down by by Joaquim Miranda da Silva ( CG ) the Committee on Cultural Affairs responsible for preparing and António Coimbra Martins ( PSE ) Council decisions, 'each Member State may nominate up to three separate works for consideration by the European to the Commission of the European Communities jury'. (1 September 1992) ( 94/C 140/05 ) The Member States determine the procedures . Thus it is for them alone to select works in their respective countries , and the Commission plays no part in the process . Subject: Censorship in Portugal in the selection of entries for the European Literature Prize The Portuguese authorities have withdrawn their decision to exclude a book by Mr José Saramago from the list to be proposed to the European jury. This isolated incident, Following the series of events which led to the exclusion by which has been righted, cannot justify lack of confidence in the Portuguese Government of José Samarago's book 'O the selection procedures laid down by the national Evangelo segundo Jesus Cristo' ( The Gospel according to authorities . Jesus Christ ) from the list of entries for the European Literature Prize on publicly declared philosophical and religious grounds, the State Secretary for Culture , Santana With regard to the reform of the prize procedures the Lopes , President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers for organizational rules provided that : 'Before the end of 1992 Culture of the . European Community, made serious the Committee on Cultural Affairs will examine , in the statements at the end of the Council meeting in Brussels with light of experience gained , any adjustments to these regard to the European Parliament and its President, which arrangements that it considers necessary.' The Committee were disrespectful of the European Literature Prize and opened discussions at the end of 1992 and concluded that a which gave political support to Under-Secretary of State, final decision should not be taken until the end of 1993 . Sousa Lara, responsible for this act of censure . (!) OJ No C 100, 22 . 4 . 1992 . Bearing in mind that in the second phase of drafting this list, the express wishes of the author, José Samarago, that his book should not be included , given the rejection by the Secretary of State for Culture, censorship and the irregularities in the first phase of the selection process , were ignored ; and whereas , since then, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Culture has continued to make disparaging WRITTEN QUESTION E-2458/92 remarks about the dignified and understandable attitude of by Winifred Ewing ( ARC ) José Samarago : to the Commission of the European Communities 1 . What changes should be made to the process of (8 October 1992) submitting entries for the European Prizes for Literature ( 94/C 140/06 and Translation in order to prevent a recurrence of situations and interference such as those which led to the exclusion in the first phase of José Samarago's book 'O Subject: Labelling regulations and organic produce Evangelo segundo Jesus Cristo' ( The Gospel according to Jesus Christ)? Will the Commission define the use of the word 'organic' with reference to the new labelling regulations which came 2 . Will the wishes of the author that his book should not be into force on 23 July 1992 ? Will the word 'organic' be considered for inclusion be respected or not ? permissible and recognized in all Membér States or will the word be self-regulating in its usage ?
Joint answer to Written Questions Answer given by Mr Steichen E- 1 52 8/92 and E-2181/92 on behalf of the Commission given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1993) (11 October 1993) Regulation ( EEC ) No 2092/91 (*) has specific provisions on the labelling of agricultural products and foodstuffs which The European Literary Prize was established following the are placed on the market with a labelling suggesting, by any resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Culture of indications, to the purchaser that the product was produced 18 May 1989 . Its aim is to encourage and promote according to the organic production method, which is European authors . defined by the Regulation . 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/5
It results from these provisions that there is no obligatory cooperation with third countries and the competent terminology to be used by the operators for the indications international organizations in the sphere of culture . on the label which refer to the organic production method, but the indications referring to the organic production method must be drafted in such a way as to show that they In the last three years the cultural dimension of Community relate to a method of agricultural production , and, in the relations with third countries — hitherto limited to the case of a processed product, must be accompanied by an Lomé Convention — has developed significantly. indication of the agricultural products from which it has been obtained . Cultural clauses have been entered in the association agreements with Central and Eastern European countries Consequently operators may, if the abovementioned and in cooperation agreements, for example with provisions and the general regulatory provisions on food Latin-American countries , and joint declarations containing labelling are respected, choose a terminology, which in the references to culture were signed in the framework of language of the label, gives the best message to the consumer political cooperation with Japan, the United States and that the product has been produced according to the organic Canada . production method . This message may use the term specifically mentioned for each language in Article 2 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2092/91 ('organic' in English ) or alternatively another terminology currently used in the Member State(s ) where the product is marketed . As far as the Commission is aware , the term 'organic', as literally translated into other Community languages , would not at present be a term commonly used to define the organic production method in these other languages . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2590/92 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) (M OJNo L 198 , 22 . 7 . 1991 . to the Commission of the European Communities (27 October 1992) ( 94/C 140/08 )
Subject: Annual designation of a European capital of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2548/92 technological innovation by Victor Arbeloa Muru ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities In view of the vital role played by technological innovation (27 October 1992) in making products competitive and the importance of ( 94/C 140/07 ) communications in the development of the new technologies , does the Commission agree that the annual designation of a European city as European capital of Subject: Dissemination of European culture at technological innovation to host an exihibition on the international level achievements of all the Member States and the international community would help disseminate these technologies ? What plans does the Commission have to promote How does the Commission view the possibility of setting up European culture at international level, encouraging a permanent Community documentation centre to register cooperation with third countries in accordance with technological innovations ? communication COM(92 ) 149 final ?
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (29 July 1993) (6 September 1993)
The main purpose of international cultural cooperation is The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view not to propagate an idea but to promote mutual regarding the importance of technological innovation for understanding between peoples . The Community can the competitiveness of European companies and believes convey a fuller image of itself through the cultural that information about new technologies are essential for dimension of external relations . the transfer and spread of the technologies throughout these companies . The Sprint programme ( Strategic Programme To this end Article 128 ( 3 ) of the Treaty on European Union for Innovation and Technology Transfer, 1989-1993 ) calls on the Community and the Member States to foster ( Council Decision 89/286/EEC of 17 April 1989 ) ( 1 ), No C 140/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 implemented by the Commission is aimed specifically at WRITTEN QUESTION E-2754/92 strengthening the innovative capacity of European by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) producers of goods and services with a view to the 1993 single market promoting rapid penetration by new to the Commission of the European Communities technologies and the dissemination of innovation (16 November 1992) throughout the Community, thus strengthening its ( 94/C 140/09 economic and social cohesion, and enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of existing instruments and policies , whether regional, national or Community, in the Subject: Danger from seafood caught in the Thermaic field of innovation and technology transfer . Gulf
According to recent tests carried out by the Greek branch of In future , Community support for technological innovation Greenpeace in the Gulf of Thessaloniki , seafood caught in and dissemination is to be amplified under the fourth the Gulf contains levels of chlorine beyond WHO limits and framework programme of research and technological there is therefore a risk that anyone consuming such seafood development in line with the importance which the Treaty over a long period may contract cancer . The Macedonian on European Union attaches to research , technological capital is the centre of the chlorine industry in Greece and development and innovation for the purpose of promoting 130 000 tonnes of chlorine products pass through its port the competitiveness of European industry . each year . Does the Commission think it should call for an investigation into this very serious matter ?
Under the Sprint programme and other Community measures , the Community provides financial support each year for a number of international events for the promotion of innovation and technology transfer in Europe . The Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas Commission therefore takes the view that the annual on behalf of the Commission designation of a European capital of innovation should be (22 September 1993) considered in the light on its potential impact of existing events . The Commission has contacted the competent authorities to obtain the necessary information, in particular concerning With regard to the setting up of a permanent Community the implementation of Directive 76/464/EEC on dangerous documentation centre for technical innovation, the substances discharged into the aquatic environment and Commission would point out that this task is currently Directive 82/176/EEC on limit values and quality objectives carried out in part, in the case of protected innovations , by for mercury discharges by the chlor-alkali electrolysis the European Patent Office . Private initiatives also exist in industry . some Member States to register innovation, e.g . the Science Policy Research Unit database in the UK, that of the Maastricht Economic Institute on Innovation and Technology ( MERIT ) and the work of the Foundation for Economic Research of Amsterdam University in the Netherlands . However, these initiatives are complex and costly and their extension throughout Europe is therefore not foreseeable in the short term . However, the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2951/92 has set up a European innovation observatory under the by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Sprint programme to provide a better understanding of the to the Commission of the European Communities mechanisms and processes involved and to monitor the (24 November 1992) activities and trends of companies with regard to innovation . 94/C 140/10
Subject: Management of the Community's financial Within this framework, national surveys of innovation resources carried out in cooperation with the Statistical Office of the European Communities receive financial support from the Community to set up a Community innovation database . The German periodical Spiegel reports that most consultancies in Athens and Thessaloniki that decide which Greek companies should receive Community funding — (M OJ No L 112, 25 . 4 . 1989 . frequently not used for the purpose intended — are run by the sons of ministers and by party officials . Spiegel claims that its article about the mismanagement of Community financial resources by the Member States is also based on a report by Court of Auditors' experts . Does the Commission intend to respond to this ? 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/7
Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber the IMO deliberations expected in the near future and is not on behalf of the Commission planning to investigate the problem further for the (14 September 1993) moment.
The Commission has sent a reply to the editors of Spiegel and transmitted a detailed note to its national offices , providing elements for replying to the various press articles criticizing the Commission's management of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-3041/92 Community's financial resources . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities The documents were distributed at the joint meeting of the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Committee on (14 December 1992) Regional Policy and the Committee on Social Affairs held in ( 94/C 140/12 ) Parliament on 25 November 1992 as part of the ordinary working meeting of the first mentioned Committee . The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to Subject: Aid for Mount Athos document PE 203.041 of 11 November 1992 for further information on this matter . A sum of Dr 1 billion was recently granted to the monasteries, sketes and monastic cells on Mount Athos as a contribution towards their upkeep costs . However, monks have alleged that these State and EC funds were divided among 20 monasteries only which received Dr 50 million each, while the monastic cells, many of which are in a pitiable state , received nothing at all . Does the Commission intend to look into this matter ? Does it see any possibility of WRITTEN QUESTION E-3027/92 granting aid to the monks inhabiting cells on Mount Athos by Georgios Romeos ( PSE ) in the immediate future ? to the Commission of the European Communities (14 December 1992) ( 94/C 140/11 ) Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission Subject: Contamination of fuels during transport to third (2 August 1993) country ports The Commission would point out that in 1993 the According to shipping associations and the press, various Community is to grant ECU 300 000 in subsidies, under problems have arisen in ports in Singapore and elsewhere budget heading B3-2000 , for conservation and restoration involving the contamination of fuel during its storage and work on Mount Athos . This financial support will be transport . granted to Kedak ( Thessaloniki ), the Greek organization responsible for the work . European companies also appear to be partly responsible for contamination of ships' bunkers with residues and dirty The Dr 1 billion referred to by the Honourable Member was fuel . Since the Victims' are mainly Community vessels and apparently disbursed by the Greek Government as part of its shipping companies, what steps will the Commission take in annual subsidies for restoration work . response to this problem ? It should be added that the Commission has asked a team of independent experts to carry out an assessment of all aid granted as a symbolic contribution in support of the architectural heritage ( Acropolis and Parthenon , Mount Answer given by Mr Matutes Athos, Chiado and Coimbra ). on behalf of the Commission (2 September 1993) The purpose of these assessments is to generate suggestions as to how the impact and efficiency of Community action might be improved . Under no circumstances is it the The problem of contamination of fuels during storing and Commission's intention to interfere with the choices and transport by sea-going vessels was put on the agenda of priorities established by the competent authorities in the IMO recently, mainly for reasons of health protection of the Member States, who exercise sovereign rights in the field of crew . Discussions are going on to establish quality criteria conservation and restoration . for bunker fuel and sampling possibilities of the fuel as it is being stored . The Commission is waiting for the outcome of No C 140/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 126/92 from importing such waste from the Community or from by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE ) any other country into their territory . to the Commission of the European Communities Furthermore , the Commission has recently been informed (6 January 1993) by the Nigerian authorities that, according to 1988 ( 94/C 140/13 legislation, the import into that country of waste of any description is banned and punishable by life imprisonment . Subject: Export of chemical waste to ACP countries 3 . If exports of hazardous waste from Member States to Nigeria were effected, the Commission would apply the 1 . Is the Commission aware of reports that the Nigerian measures envisaged by Community legislation on the matter Company, Precious Consult Universal Ltd , is offering land and — if necessary — start an infringement procedure for sale or rent to European Community undertakings in the against the Member State involved . province of Abia ( Nigeria ) for the dumping of toxic chemical waste ? 4 . The Commission is aware of the resolution adopted by the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly on the ratification of the Basel 2 . Does the Commission agree that such activities Convention, which calls for a monitoring system to infringe Article 39 of the Lomé Convention prohibiting the supervise exports by Member States and imports by ACP export of hazardous and radioactive waste from states of hazardous waste . Community Member States to ACP countries and the import by ACP countries of 'dangerous waste' as defined by 5 . The Commission has the task under Article 1 15 of the the Basle Convention ? EEC Treaty of monitoring the application of Community legislation . It will carry out its task in this field , as pointed 3 . What steps will the Commission take to prevent the out under point 3 . possible export of chemical waste from the EC to Nigeria and to bring to an end the import of chemical waste by From 6 May 1994 onwards, Council Regulation ( EEC ) Nigeria ? No 259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the Community will apply . 4 . Does the Commission recall , in this connection, the Article 18 of this Regulation , in accordance with Article 39 resolution adopted by the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly on the of the Lomé IV Convention, states clearly that all exports of ratification of the Basle Convention calling for a reliable waste to ACP States shall be prohibited . Article 26 obliges monitoring system to supervise the export by EC Member Member States to take appropriate legal action to prohibit States and the import by ACP states of hazardous and and punish any shipment in contravention of the provisions radioactive waste and recommending the creation of a panel" of the Regulation . of experts ( paragraph 3 )?
5 . In view of the activities of Precious Consult Ltd will the Commission take steps to implement the measures called for in the above resolution ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3291/92 by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 January 1993) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission ( 94/C 140/14 (3 September 1993) Subject: Pregnant workers
1 . The Commission has been informed that the Nigerian On 19 October 1992 the Council adopted Directive company Precious Consult Universal Ltd offered land in the 92/85/EEC O on the introduction of measures to encourage province of Abia ( Nigeria ) for sale or rent to Community improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant undertakings for the disposal of toxic chemical waste . workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding . 2 . The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that such activities, when resulting in actual Article 1 ( 3 ) states that the directive 'may not have the effect export/import of hazardous waste, infringe Article 39 of the of reducing the level of protection afforded to pregnant Lomé Convention which prohibits the export from Member workers' as compared with the situation which exists in States to ACP countries of ' dangerous waste' as defined by each Member State on the date on which this Directive is the Basel Convention, as well as prohibiting ACP States adopted . 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/9
1 . What are the legal implications of this clause ? are drawn up not only in French and English but also in German ? 2 . Does it create rights which can be exercised directly by the workers themselves ? Could they bring an action 3 . What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that before the Court of Justice of the European Community departments and sections mainly concerned with Eastern on the basis of this directive ? Europe and the CIS do not carry out negotiations exclusively in English, French and even Russian, but also in 3 . Does this mean that Member States may in no case German, which is the most widely spoken language in the reduce the level of protection they provide or can they do countries concerned ? so for other reasons ?
(!) OJ No L 348 , 28 . 11 . 1992 , p . 1 . Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Delors (4 October 1993) on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1993) 1 . By agreement with the press , the use of French as the working language for press briefings given by the Spokesman's Service was decided on by an Italian As the measure cited by the Honourable Member was clear spokesman with the backing of a German President of the and without condition, it will create rights for the workers Commission in 1958 . concerned which can be directly exercised — after the final date for implementation of the directive — and on which At press conference given by Members of the Commission, they can rely in actions before the national courts . which are a prime source of official information, arrangements are made for interpreting into the nine official As far as the legal implications are concerned , the languages . Commission's opinion is that Member States will be prohibited from reducing the level of social protection 2 . It is not true that the documents referred to by the available when the directive comes into force initially. The Honourable Member are drawn up only in French and Member States could however, in a strictly legal sense , English . reduce their level of social protection after the implementation of the directive , in the framework of their 3 . As regards dealings with outside bodies , it is standard overall social policy, for justified reasons which have no Commission practice to make whatever linguistic direct or indirect connection with the implementation of the arrangements are best suited in the circumstances . directive . Pragmatic arrangements are likewise made as regards the working languages for negotiations , where, in each case, the The Commission nevertheless considers that the Member language chosen is that which is most readily understood by States are politically bound to promote the improvement of all participants and therefore offers the best conditions for conditions in this area having set their harmonization as an collaboration . In some cases , that language may certainly be objective in Article 118a of the EEC Treaty . German . The Commission considers that the interests of smooth cooperation with its outside negotiating partners would not be served by the unilateral imposition of specific languages for its dealings with particular partners .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3358/92 by Gerd Miiller ( PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION E-89/93 ( 25 January 1993) by Panayotis Roumeliotis ( PSE ) ( 94/C 140/15 ) to the Commission of the European Communities (9 February 1993) Subject: Use of German as an official language at the ( 94/C 140/16 Commission of the European Community
1 . How does the Commission justify the fact that daily Subject: Agreement between the EC and the USA on press conferences are held, and questions from journalists distilled alcoholic beverages permitted , in French only ? What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that, in future, English and German receive In the agreement shortly to be concluded between the EC equal treatment as working languages ? and the USA on distilled alcoholic beverages the US negotiating team have agreed to protective measures in 2 . What steps will the Commission take to ensure that, in respect of five Community products on US territory but has future , minutes of negotiations and Commission documents refused to accord the same treatment to Greek Ouzo ; this is No C 140/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 expected to lead to a considerable fall in Greek exports of — the Nature Protection Act No 76-629 of 10 July this product . 1976 i 1 );
How does the Commission intend to tackle this — Decree No 77-1141 of 12 October 1977 implementing problem ? Article 2 of the Nature Protection Act No 76-629 of 10 July 1976 ( 2 );
— Decree No 77-1133 of 21 September 1977 Answer given by Mr Steichen implementing Act No 76-663 of 19 July 1976 on on behalf of the Commission installations classified with a view to environmental (22 November 1993) protection ( 3 );
— Decree No 85-453 of 23 April 1985 implementing Act The difficulties with the United States of America No 83-630 of 12 July 1983 on the democratization of concerning ouzo stem from the fact that, according to the US public enquiries and on environmental protection ( 4 ); authorities , ouzo is already being produced in the United States . However, the Commission would like to reassure the — Decree No 93-245 of 25 February 1993 on impact Honourable Member that every effort will continue to be studies and the scope of public enquiries and amending made to obtain recognition and protection for all Decree No 77-1141 of 12 October 1977 implementing Community designations , including ouzo . Article 2 of the Nature Protection Act No 76-629 of 10 July 1976 and the Annex to Decree No 83-453 of The draft Exchange of Letters between the Community and 23 April 1985 implementing Act No 83-630 of 12 July the United States contains an undertaking to continue 1983 on the democratization of public enquiries and on negotiations to extend the list of designations covered by the environmental protection ( 5 ). Agreement .
The Commission has given the references to these acts in the Official Journal of the French Republic, in order that the Honourable Member may consult them .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-99/93 (!) OJFR, 13 . 7 . 1976 , p . 4203 . by Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V ) ( 2 ) OJFR, 13 . 10 . 1977, p . 4948 . ( 3 ) OJFR, 8 . 10 . 1977, p . 4897 . to the Commission of the European Communities ( 4 ) OJFR, 24 . 4 . 1985 , p . 4753 . (10 February 1993) ( 5 ) OJFR, 26 . 2 . 1993 , p . 3032 . ( 94/C 140/17 )
Subject: Implementation by France of the Directive on environmental impact assessment
Article 12 ( 2 ) of Council Directive 8 5/3 3 7/EEC O on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment states that 'Member States shall WRITTEN QUESTION E-100/93 communicate to the Commission the texts of the provisions by Kenneth Stewart ( PSE ) of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this to the Commission of the European Communities Directive'. (10 February 1993) Can the Commission forward to the questioner a copy of the ( 94/C 140/18 text communicated by France ?
0 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . Subject: House of Lords report on ship safety
What action does the Commission intend to take on the recommendations of the House of Lords Science and Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas Technology Committee report on ship safety, from a on behalf of the Commission European basis ? (19 November 1993) Does the Commission share the view of the report Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of emphatically warning the British Government of the certain public and private projects on the environment has extinction of the 'Red Ensign' fleet, and what progress has been transposed into French law by the following acts : been made to encourage a move to Euros ? 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/11
Answer given by Mr Matutes What are the Commission's comments and what steps have on behalf of the Commission been taken to correct the flaws in the open (23 November 1993) procedure (*)?
(!) OJ No C 328 , 17 . 12 . 1991 , p . 16 . The recommendations of the 'House of Lords select committee on science and technology report on safety aspects of ship design and technology' were examined with the greatest attention by the Commission . Indeed they ♦ provided valuable contributions to the preparation of the Answer given by Mr Bangemann Commission's policy paper on 'A common policy on safe on behalf of the Commission seas' (*), which was discussed with the Council of (29 October 1993) ministers .
On 8 June 1993 the Council adopted an action plan to The Commission is not aware of criticisms voiced by up-grade safety in shipping and the protection of the professional circles with regard to the procedure for environment . On 13 September 1993 the Council adopted a drawing up the list of experts and consultants selected by directive on minimum requirements for vessels bound for or means of invitation to tender Comex-1 ( 1 ), which was leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or published in the Official Journal of the European polluting goods ( 2 ). A proposal for the second phase of this Communities . directive, including vessel traffic management systems, is under preparation . In the meantime the Commission has put The procedure used to examine and selected tenders forward proposals on the training of seafarers ( 3 ) and the conformed to the Commission's rules of procedure . inspection of ships ( 4 ), and is preparing proposals on port State control and segregated ballast tankers . The list of the select tenders was submitted to the Committee for the Value programme ( Specific programme for the The Commission is concerned about the continuing decline dissemination and utilization of scientific and technological of the Community fleet . A proposal to stem this decline was research results ) made up of representatives of the Member presented to the Council on 3 August 1989 ( 5 ) and on States, which endorsed it on 27 April 1992 . A report 12 December 1990 ( 6 ). It also aimed at avoiding distortion containing the list of selected tenders was also submitted to of competition between Member States merchant fleets . The the Advisory Committee on Procurements and Contracts amended proposal , centred around the creation of a which delivered a favourable opinion No 379/92 at its Community ship register ( EUROS ), followed a suggestion meeting on 22 June 1992 . of the Parliament . The Council has not yet been able to accept the principles laid down in this proposal . As the correct procedure was followed and the list of selected tenders was approved by the competent advisory (!) COM(93 ) 66 final . bodies, the Commission is not planning to take any steps to ( 2 ) OJ No L 247, 5 . 10 . 1993 . change the outcome of this invitation to tender . ( 3 ) COM(93 ) 217 final . ( 4 ) COM(93 ) 218/2 final . ( 5 ) COM(89 ) 266 final . (!) OJ No C 328 , 17 . 12 . 1991 . ( 6 ) COM(9Q ) 483 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-178/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-162/93 by Diego Santos López ( ARC ) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (17 February 1993) (17 February 1993) 94/C 140/20 ( 94/C 140/19 ) Subject: Maritime transport of dangerous or toxic substances Subject: List of experts and consultants for the Comex 1 programme The recent tanker disasters which occurred in Galician and Scottish waters have highlighted the danger of maritime Criticism has been voiced in professional circles of the transport of certain substances . Andalusia is situated in manner in which the list of experts and consultants for the what is considered as a high-risk area and accidents have Comex 1 programme was drawn up . occurred fairly regularly in its waters, for example, in No C 140/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
August 1990 , when its coastline was polluted by over 7 000 prevented by vaccination . However, doctors say that the tonnes of fuel oil from ' Sea Spirit' with disastrous economic meningitis vaccine is not available in all Member States of and environmental consequences . the Community ( for instance, in Greece ) and this poses a daily threat to human health and particularly to children . The Community is planning to introduce rules governing Does the Commission intend to look into this matter ? the maritime transport of dangerous or toxic substances . However, the Member States still have 24 months to implement these provisions . Answer given by Mr Flynn Can the Commission say how many tankers pass through on behalf of the Commission the Strait of Gibraltar ? (8 July 1993) Does it not consider that it should take a firmer line with regard to inspection procedures and sanctions in this Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges , which may sector ? be caused by a microbe ( meningococcus, tuberculous bacillus, syphilitic treponema , etc.), a virus, a toxin ( lead ) or What urgent measures will it adopt with regard to oil tanker even a physical agent ( insolation). traffic pending full application of the directive ? Vaccination is possible only in respect of certain forms of meningitis caused by infection; it is too early to say whether these vaccinations should form part of an official public Answer given by Mr Matutes health strategy . on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1993) On the other hand, there is an effective antibiotic prophylaxis for use during epidemics of cerebrospinal meningitis ( due to meningococcus). Approximately 7 600 tankers pass through the Strait of Gibraltar each year . As regards workers, the Commission has submitted to the Council a proposal for a Council Directive amending In the communication 'A common policy on safe seas' ( l ) the Directive 90/679/EEC (*) on the protection of workers from Commission outlines a policy, including an action risks related to exposure to biological agents at work . An programme , to enhance safety at sea and prevent pollution annex to this proposal contains a list of biological agents for from ships . The communication was presented to the which effective prophylaxis or treatment is or is not Parliament. available .
The Commission is working with Member States to (!) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1990 . establish the infrastructure required for the implementation by Member States of the draft directive concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods . The Council is at present reconsulting the Parliament on the draft directive presented with the communication . WRITTEN QUESTION E-238/93 (!) COM(93 ) 66 final . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (23 February 1993) ( 94/C 140/22 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-205/93 Subject: Fulfilment of undertakings made by Fujitsu when by Sotiris Kostopoulos (PSE ) it acquired 80 % of the British company ICL to the Commission of the European Communities At its sitting of 26 October 1990 Parliament debated the (17 February 1993) consequences of the purchase by the Japanese company ( 94/C 140/21 ) Fujitsu of 80 % of the share capital of the British company STC International Computers Ltd, otherwise known as ICL . As the then Vice-President of the Commission, Mr Pandolfi , Subject: Meningitis vaccine explained, the president of Fujitsu had given written assurances on three points : firstly, that the British company It is widely known that meningitis, a serious microbial would continue to be run by a European management disease which causes inflammation of the meninges , can be whose areas of responsibility would include the research 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/13 tasks carried out by ICL; secondly, that at least 25 % of ICL — in particular vertical market areas such as retail stock would be offered to European investors through the ICL is amongst the top three IT suppliers in the London stock exchange ; and thirdly, that ICL would world; continue to participate in Community R&D — personal computers where ICL has significantly programmes . reinforced its position in Europe through the acquisition of Nokia Data . Now that over two years have passed, can the Commission say whether these guarantees have been totally fulfilled ? Finally ICL has demonstrated an understanding of how to Can the Commission also give an assessment of how the adapt to the current turbulent market place and remain takeover has affected the impact of the European computer comparatively profitable . industry in the sector developed by ICL and Fujitsu ?
Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-249/93 (10 November 19.93) by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (23 February 1993) The question consists of four sub-questions : { 94/C 140/23 ) — whether ICL would continue to be run by European management whose responsibilities would include Subject: 'Le Pensec' recovery plan for the French research tasks . This is fully the case . Thç operational département of Guadeloupe management of ICL continues to be European and ICL continues to conduct major programmes of R&D funded from its own sources and carried out in Europe In its 31 December 1992 issue , the newspaper France ( R&D expenditures have been running in excess of Antilles published an interesting extract from a letter sent to £ 200 million per year since the takeover in 1990 ); the Mayor of Abymes by Mr Le Pensec, the Minister for the Overseas Départements and Territories . The letter refers to — whether at least 25 % of ICL stock would be offered to plans to revive the construction and public works sectors in European investors through the London Stock Guadeloupe . Exchange . The Commission understanding of the undertaking was that such a flotation would be made I should like to know to what extent the Structural Funds within a period of five years from the date of the are involved in this programme or project, not only on vital takeover . At this point no flotation has been made but all socio-economic grounds , but also on political grounds , in public statements from the Company confirm the the light of the post-Maastricht call for the département to intention to fulfil the undertaking subject to satisfactory be given specific status outside France ? market conditions;
— whether ICL would continue to participate in Community R&D programmes . This undertaking has Answer given by Mr Millan been fulfilled . ICL has continued to participate in such on behalf of the Commission programmes . R&D awards have been won specifically in the call of Esprit in 1991 ( Scientific research and (19 October 1993) technological development programme in the field of information technology), by consortia of which ICL is a The Commission is not acquainted with the intentions member . In addition ICL has continued work arising ascribed to the French Government in the newspaper France from awards made in previous calls; Antilles in connection with plans to revive the construction and public works sectors in Guadeloupe . — concerning the assessment of impact . In this regard the following points can be noted : As regards Community programmes for structural — the market share of ICL in Europe is relatively small assistance to Guadeloupe and in accordance with the (2—3% ) although the position particularly in the provisions of the reform of the Funds, the Commission is market for personal computers , has now been prepared to examine any request by the French authorities strengthened by the ICL acquisition of Nokia to adapt the content of such programmes . Data; The Commission is not moreover aware of the — ICL has demonstrated a number of valuable post-Maastricht call referred to by the Honourable strengths including : Member. — capabilities in the area of Open Systems where ICL is comparatively strong; No C 140/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-252/93 meeting is due to take place shortly between the two parties by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) concerned to discuss a subsequent application for joint EDF-ERDF funding in order to implement the project. to the Commission of the European Communities (23 February 1993) Following the answer to Written Question No 2104/91 , no 94/C 140/24 other specific application has been made . However, a study was jointly financed by the EDF and the ERDF to draw up a Subject: Lack of cooperation between the French and list of joint projects in various sectors ( transport, Dutch authorities on the island of St Martin environment, trade , agriculture , human resources, etc ) of potential benefit to the OD and OCT alike . Discussions are currently in hand, the conclusions of which should become In the light of my Written Questions Nos 2280/90 (*) and available before the end of this year . 2104/91 ( 2 ), can the Commission answer the following questions : 3 . No Community funding has been provided for 1 . What progress has been made with the feasibility study reconstruction work on the port of Philipsburg . concerning the construction of a water purification station, in line with the request made by the two parties ? 4 . The events mentioned do not fall within the competence of the Commission . 2 . What is the situation regarding the projects for the incineration of refuse ? Have any other projects been 5 . It is not for the Commission to express opinions submitted since the answer given to my Written regarding the 1648 Treaty or the provisions of the French Question No 2104/91 ? and Netherlands constitutions concerning the status of Guadeloupe and the Netherlands Antilles . 3 . Did the Commission not fail to mention the aid granted for the reconstruction work on the port of Philipsburg ? When was this aid supplied , and how much ? 4 . In 1991 the generator block intended for Electricité de France and offloaded in the deepwater port of Philipsburg had to be returned to Guadeloupe and then to Marigot by barge , the Dutch authorities having refused to allow a French haulage company to transport WRITTEN QUESTION E-299/93 the block on the island . In what way is this attitude, by Herman Verbeek ( V ) quoted here as an example, consistent with the various declarations advocating cooperation, for example the to the Commission of the European Communities joint text issued on 11 November 1968 by the prefect of (1 March 1993) Guadeloupe and the Dutch Governor, or the ( 94/C 140/25 ) inscriptions on monuments such as that erected in 1948 to commemorate three centuries of 'harmonious' joint possession of the territory ? Subject: Use of hormones by Portuguese beef cattle breeders 5 . Should the 1648 Treaty not be reviewed in order to take into account the specific characteristics of the island as a whole and the principle of reciprocity ? In December 1992 a number of cattle breeders stated on the Portuguese television programme 'Report' that commercial f 1 ) OJ No C 94 , 11 . 4 . 1991 , p . 39 . slaughterhouses in Portugal only accept cattle which have ( 2 ) OJ No C 126 , 18 . 5 . 1992 , p . 18 . undergone hormone treatment.
1 . Can the Commission confirm from its own sources whether these statements are true ? Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission 2 . In a reaction to the programme , the Portuguese Ministry (12 October 1993) of Agriculture is alleged to have said that only safe hormones were involved . Can the Commission state what hormones are used in Portuguese cattle breeding, 1 . The feasibility study concerning the construction of a for what purpose, and to what extent they are in fact safe water purification plant has not received final approval for and permitted ? Community funding since, in spite of the meetings held to discuss the matter, no application in this regard has been 3 . The cattle breeders claim that the hormone preparations made by the two parties concerned . are supplied to them by the slaughterhouses . In the same month, the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture called for 2 . With regard to the refuse incineration joint project, a stronger EC measures to counter the use of hormones in preliminary study has already been carried out and a agriculture . Will the Commission take action against the 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/15
slaughterhouses in question, or instruct the national with those of the Commission authorities involved in authorities in Portugal to impose penalties on granting aid under the Structural Funds ? slaughterhouses which perpetrate such practices ? In this respect will the Commission examine the decision of the EIB to grant a loan of £200 million to assist the building of the Enron Gas-Fired Power Station on Teesside ? In this respect will it take into account the allegation of a rigged Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission market favouring gas-fired rather than coal-fired capacity in the UK and the fact that only 100 jobs will be provided at the (22 September 1993) Enron plant while 2 500 mining jobs are threatened in East Durham alone ?
1 . The Commission is not in a position to confirm the statements of the cattle breeders on Portuguese television. According to its own sources, 95 % of the cattle slaughterhouses in Portugal are simply establishments providing a service, and there is consequently no benefit to Answer given by Mr Van Miert be derived for them from bovine animals being treated with on behalf of the Commission hormones . (30 September 1993)
2 . Following the Portuguese television broadcast of 'Report', the Portuguese health authorities issued a press The Commission confirms that before granting the loan the release stating that when controls were carried out as part of European Investment Bank, in keeping with its Statute the national plans for monitoring residues, cases were ( Article 21 , 2 ) which is a protocol to the EEC Treaty, asked identified where hormones or substances having a hormonal the Commission's opinion on the investment concerned . action had been used or where residues of authorized The Commission's opinion on the Teesside gas-fired power veterinary medical products had been found, and that legal station was favourable . The EIB's Board of Directors proceedings were in progress . With the exception of specific approved the £ 200 million loan to the power station after uses for therapeutic or zootechnical purposes provided for the EIB's staff had carried out a rigorous appraisal of the in Community legislation ( Directives 81/602/EEC (*) and economic, technical and environmental merits of the 88/146/EEC ( 2)), all uses of hormonal substances are project . prohibited in livestock farming . According to information made available by the EIB to the 3 . In its communication to Parliament and to the Council Commission in the context of the procedure under of 21 April 1993 , the Commission stated clearly that it Article 21 2 , the EIB was satisfied that the power station intended to amend Community legislation so that would contribute to the rational use of energy, having a high slaughterhouses would have to cooperate without efficiency compared with conventional power stations . It reservation in the detection of illegal substances, failing will have a low impact on the environment and will help which they would lose all entitlement to Community or meet the requirements of the large combustion plant national aids and have their licences suspended by the Directive in terms of emissions . The power station will Member State's appropriate authorities . provide a competitively priced long-term source of power and steam, particularly for the cost sensitive local chemical 0 ) OJ No L 222, 7 . 8 . 1981 . industry, which is of major importance to the economy of ( 2 ) OJ No L 70, 16 . 3 . 1988 . North East England .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-300/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 12/93 by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) by Barry Desmond (PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 March 1993) (1 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/26 ) ( 94/C 140/27 )
Subject: Employment impact of grants and loans from Community institutions Subject: Safety of oil tankers with double-walled hulls
Can the Commission confirm that the European Investment In view of the recent ecological disasters following oil spills Bank is required to coordinate its activities in granting loans off the coasts of Spain and the Shetland Islands , will the No C 140/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
Commission seek with renewed urgency, a solution to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-335/93 problems and environmental hazards posed by vessels ( with by Reimer Bôge ( PPE ) double-walled hulls or otherwise ) transporting known pollutants by sea ? to the Commission of the European Communities (2 March 1993) (9AIC 140/28
Subject: EC fisheries agreements
Answer given by Mr Matutes The European Community has concluded a number of on behalf of the Commission fisheries agreements with third countries . (3 September 1993) Can the Commission say :
1 , what fisheries agreements currently apply, The Commission is concerned at the recent disasters with oil tankers and other vessels carrying hazardous goods by 2 , what the costs were in 1989, 1990 , 1991 and 1992 sea . respectively, and
3 , how many additional jobs were secured in the European On 8 December 1992 agreement in principle was reached in fishing fleet as a result of these agreements ? the Council of Ministers of Transport on the first phase of the directive concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for or leaving Community ports carrying dangerous or polluting goods (*). This agreement was confirmed by the Council on 15 March 1993 , but it decided to reconsult the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas Parliament . On 13 July 1993 , the Parliament agreed on the on behalf of the Commission draft directive and the Council can now proceed to (17 November 1993) adoption . In the communication 'A common policy on safe seas', which was adopted by the Commission on 24 February 1993 ( 2 ) and which was discussed both in 1 . There are 21 fishery agreements currently in force : Parliament and in the Transport Council , the Commission puts forward a policy, including an action programme , to — 15 agreements with ACP African and Indian Ocean reduce further the threat to the marine environment . At its countries : Angola, Cape Verde , Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire , meeting of 7 and 8 June 1993 the Transport Council Equatorial Guinea, Gambia , Guinea Bissau, Guinea , endorsed the action programme and agreed on priorities to Madagascar, Mauritania , Mauritius , Mozambique , Sâo upgrade maritime safety and prevent pollution . Tomé e Principe, Senegal and Seychelles;
— five agreements with northern countries : Canada , The Commission, taking into account the results of the Faeroes, Greenland, Norway, Sweden and the United recent meetings of the Councils on Environment and States; Transport, will when sufficient information has been received from the Member States, come forward with — the agreement with Morocco . concrete proposals which will be discussed in the group of experts on ecologically sensitive areas . An agreement with Argentina is due to enter into force before the end of 1993 . An agreement with Canada has yet to be implemented by the Council . The Commission has presented to the Council a proposal on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey 2 . The actual cost of the agreements to the Community organizations ( classification societies ( 3 )) and on the budget has varied as follows : minimum level of training for maritime occupations ( 4 ). These proposals were welcomed by the Council on 7 and (in ECU) 8 June 1993 and will be further discussed in the autumn .
1989 115 876 666
(!) OJ No C 147, 14 . 6 . 1992 and OJ No C 294 , 24 . 11 . 1990 . 1990 163 396 367 ( 2 ) COM(93 ) 66 . ( 3 ) COM(93 ) 218 final/2 . 1991 158 135 343 ( 4 ) COM(93 ) 217 final . 1992 195 621 022
3 . The Commission estimates that approximately 10 000 jobs have been secured for nationals of the Member 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/17
States as a result of the fishery agreements which the intra-Community trade in and imports from Third countries Community has concluded with African and Indian Ocean of fresh poultrymeat. What was the overall situation as at countries . The large majority of such jobs derive from the 31 December 1992 agreement with Morocco . H OJ No L 268 , 24 . 9 . 1991 , p . 35 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-427/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-388/93 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) by Paul Staes ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) (5 March 1993) 94/C 140/31 ( 94/C 140/29 ) Subject: Non-compliance with Spain by the Directive on animal health conditions governing intra Subject: European subsidies for Schonberg ( Germany ) Community trade in and imports from Third countries of poultry and hatching eggs With regard to the answer to my Written Question No 1432/92 ( 1 ), I note that a reply was given to the first part The Spanish government is failing to comply with Directive of my question, particularly with reference to the European 90/539/EEC i 1 ) on animal health conditions governing Regional Fund and the regional authority . intra-Community trade in and imports from Third countries of poultry of hatching eggs . What was the situation as at Would the Commissioner also answer the second question 31 December 1992 ? contained in my question to the Commission, viz.: (!) OJ No L 303 , 31 . 10 . 1990 , p . 6 . 'Does Schonberg benefit from, or has it benefited from , other European funds or subsidies , either directly or indirectly?' WRITTEN QUESTION E-428/93 (!) OJ No C 317, 3 . 12 . 1992, p . 56 . by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) Answer given by Mr Delors ( 94/C 140/32 ) on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1993) Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with the directive on nutritional labelling for foodstuffs In reply to the second part of the question, the Commission confirms that Schonberg has not benefited from other funds The Spanish government is failing to comply with Directive or subsidies from the Community . 90/496/EEC O on nutrition labelling for foodstuffs . What was the situation as at 31 December 1992 ?
( x ) OJ No L 276 , 6 . 10 . 1990, p . 40 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-425/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-429/93 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/30 ) ( 94/C 140/33 )
Subject: Non-compliance with Spain by the Directive on Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with directives on animal health conditions governing intra telecommunications , the information industries • Community trade in and imports from Third and new technology countries of fresh poultrymeat The Spanish government is failing to comply with a number The government of Spain is failing to comply with Directive of Community directives on telecommunications , 91/494/EEC C ) on animal health conditions governing information industries and new technologies including : No C 140/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
— Directive 90/544/EEC ( ) on the frequency bans — Directive 91/357/EEC ( ) on labelling compound designated for the coordinated introduction of feedingstuffs for animals other than pet animals, pan-European land based public radio paging in the Community . — Directive 91/496/EEC ( 7 ) on veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third What was the general situation in this sector at the end of countries, 1992 ? — Directive 91/499/EEC ( 8 ) on bovine brucellosis and (!) OJ No L 310 , 9 . 11 . 1990, p . 28 . enzootic bovine leukosis, — Directive 91/681/EEC ( 9 ) on the marketing of compound feedingstuffs,
WRITTEN QUESTION E-430/93 — Directive 91/684/EEC ( 10 ) on the production and the by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) placing on the market of egg products . to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) What was the overall position in this sector at the end of 1992 ? ( 94/C 140/34 )
i 1 ) OJ No L 224 , 18 . 8 . 1990, p. 62 . Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with the directive ( 2 ) OJ No L 363 , 27 . 12 . 1990 , p. 51 . relating to insurance against civil liability in respect ( 3 ) OJ No L 85 , 5 . 4 . 1991 , p. 37 . of the use of motor vehicles ( 4 ) OJ No L 184, 10 . 7 . 1991 , p. 27 . ( 5 ) OJ No L 185 , 11 . 7 . 1991 , p. 31 . ( 6 ) OJ No L 193 , 17. 7 . 1991 , p. 34 . The Spanish government is failing to comply with Directive ( 7) OJ No L 268 , 24 . 9 . 1991 , p. 56 . 90/61 8/EEC i 1 ) relating to insurance against civil liability in ( 8 ) OJ No L 268 , 24 . 9 . 1991 , p. 107 . respect of the use of motor vehicles . What was the situation n OJ No L 376 , 31 . 12 . 1991 , p. 20 . as at 31 December 1992 ? : 10 ) OJ No L 376 , 31 . 12 . 1991 , p. 38 .
(!) OJ No L 330, 29 . 11 . 1990, p . 44 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-432/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-431/93 by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/36 ) ( 94/C 140/35 ) Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on agriculture agriculture The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various Community directives on agriculture, including the Community directives on agriculture , including the following : following : — Directive 90/44/EEC ( ) on compound feedingstuffs , — Directive 90/429/EEC ( ) on intra-Community trade in and imports of semen of domestic animals of the porcine — Directive 90/167/EEC ( 2 ) on medicated feedingstuffs in species, the Community,
— Directive 90/667/EËC ( 2 ) on the disposal and processing — Directive 91/132/EEC ( 3 ) on undesirable substances and of animal waste, products in animal nutrition, — Directive 91/174/EEC ( 3 ) laying down zootechnical and pedigree requirements for the marketing of pure-bred — Directive 87/328/EEC ( 4 ) on pure-bred breeding animals animals, of the bovine species, — Directive 91/334/EEC ( 4 ) on labelling compound — Directive 88/657/EEC ( 5 ) on the production of, and feedingstuffs for pet animals, trade in, minced meat, — Directive 91/336/EEC ( 5 ) concerning additives in — Directive 89/437/EEC ( 6 ) on the production and the feedingstuffs, placing on the market of egg products , 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/19
— Directive 89/608/EEC ( ) on the correct application of WRITTEN QUESTION E-434/93 legislation on veterinary and zootechnical matters , by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities — Directive 90/423/EEC ( 8 ) on foot-and-mouth disease, intra-Community and the importation of bovine (8 March 1993) animals and swine, ( 94/C 140/38 )
— Directive 90/427/EEC ( 9 ) on intra-Community trade in equidae, Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the internal market and industrial matters — Directive 90/42 8/EEC ( 10 ) on trade in equidae intended for competitions . The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various Community directives on the internal market and industrial What was the situation in this sector at the end of 1992 ? matters , including the following :
— Directive 89/686/EEC ( ) on personal protective No L 0 ) OJ 27, 31 . 1 . 1990, p. 35 . equipment, ( 2 ) OJ No L 92, 7 . 4 . 1990, p. 42 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 66 , 13 . 3 . 1991 , p. 16 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 167, 26 . 6 . 1987, p. 54 . — Directive 88/379/EEC ( ) on the classification, ( 5 ) OJ No L 382, 31 . 12 . 1988 , p. 3 . packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations, ( é ) OJ No L 212, 22 . 7 . 1989 , p. 87 . ( 7) OJ No L 351 , 2 . 12 . 1989 , p. 34 . — Directive 90/492/EEC ( 3 ) on the classification, ( 8 ) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990, p. 13 . packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations, ( 9 ) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990 , p. 55 . ( 1° ) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990, p. 60 . — Directive 91/155/EEC ( 4 ) on the system of specific information relating to dangerous preparations,
— Directive 89/106/EEC ( 5 ) on construction products ,
WRITTEN QUESTION E-433/93 — Directive 89/392/EEC ( ) on machinery, by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities — Directive 8 9/6 1 7/EEC ( 7 ) on units of mesurements, (8 March 1993) — Directive 90/396/EEC ( 8 ) on appliances burning gaseous (9A!C 140/37 ) fuels ,
— Directive 91/368/EEC ( 9 ) on machinery, Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the internal market and industrial matters — Directive 91/422/EEC ( 10 ) on the braking devices of certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers, The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various — Directive 91/441/EEC ( n ) on measures to be taken Community directives on the internal market and industrial matters, including the following : against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles,
— Directive 89/594/EEC ( ) on the recognition of — Directive 91/542/EEC ( u ) on the emission of gaseous qualifications ( doctors, nurses, dentists and pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles . midwives),
— Directive 89/595/EEC ( 2 ) on the recognition of What was the overall situation in this sector at the end of qualifications ( nurses responsible for general care ), 1992 ?
— Directive 90/658/EEC ( 3 ) amending certain Directives (!) OJ No L 399, 30 . 12 . 1989 , p . 18 on the recognition of professional qualifications ( 2 ) OJ No L 187, 16 . 7 . 1988 , p . 14 . consequent upon the unification of Germany . ( 3 ) OJ No L 275 , 7 . 10 . 1990, p . 35 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 76 , 22 . 3 . 1991 , p . 35 . ( 5 ) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989 , p . 12 . What was the overall situation in this sector at the end of ( 6 ) OJ No L 183 , 29 . 6 . 1989, p . 9 . 1992 ? ( 7) OJ No L 357, 7 . 12 . 1989, p . 28 . ( 8 ) OJ No L 196, 26 . 7 . 1990, p . 15 . ( 9 ) OJ No L 198 , 22 . 7 . 1991 , p . 16 . (!) OJ No L 341 , 23 . 11 . 1989, p . 19 . ( 10 ) OJ No L 233 , 22 . 8 . 1991 , p . 21 . (2 ) OJ No L 341 , 23 . 11 . 1989 , p . 30 . ( n ) OJ No L 242, 30 . 8 . 1991 , p . 1 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 353 , 17 . 12 . 1990, p . 73 . ( 12 ) OJ No L 295 , 25 . 10 . 1991 , p. 1 . No C 140/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-435/93 What was the overall situation in this sector at the end of by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE) 1992 ? to the Commission of the European Communities 1 1 ) OJ No L 147, 12 . 6 . 1991 , p . 37 . (8 March 1993) ( 2 ) OJ No L 185 , 17 . 7 . 1990, p . 16 . ( 94/C 140/39 ) ( 3 ) OJ No L 313 , 13 . 11 . 1990, p . 30 .
Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on the environment, nuclear safety and civil protection WRITTEN QUESTION E-437/93 by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various Community directives on the environment, nuclear safety to the Commission of the European Communities and civil protection, including the following : (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/41 ) — Directive 90/219/EEC (*) on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms, Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on — Directive 90/220/EEC ( 2 ) on the deliberate release into financial institutions and company law the environment of genetically modified organisms , The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various — Directive 91/325/EEC ( 3 ) on the classification, Community directives on financial institutions and packaging and labelling of dangerous substances, company law, including the following :
— Directive 90/517/EEC ( 4 ) on the classification, — Directive 89/298/EEC ( ) on the requirements governing packaging and labelling of dangerous substances, prospectuses to be published when transferrable securities are offered to the public, What was the overall situation in this sector at the end of 1992 ? — Directive 90/21 1 /EEC ( 2 ) on the mutual recognition of public-offer prospectuses,
(*) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990, p . 1 . — Directive 89/667/EEC ( 3 ) on single-member private ( 2 ) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990, p . 15 . limited-liability companies . ( 3 ) OJ No L 180, 8 . 7 . 1991 , p . 1 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 287, 19 . 10 . 1990, p . 37 . What was the overall situation in this sector at the end of 1992 ?
(!) OJ No L 124, 5 . 5 . 1989, p . 8 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 112, 3 . 5 . 1990 , p . 24 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-436/93 ( 3 ) OJ No L 395 , 30 . 12 . 1989, p . 40 . by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/40 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-438/93 by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with directives on (8 March 1993) energy ( 94/C 140/42 ) The Spanish Government is failing to comply with various directives on energy, including the following : Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with the directive on television broadcasting — Directive 91/296/EEC (*) on the transit of natural gas through grids, The Spanish Government is failing to comply with Directive — Directive 90/377/EEC ( 2 ) on the transparency of gas and 89/552/EEC (*) on television broadcasting activities . electricity prices charged to industrial end-users, What was the situation on 31 December 1992 ? — Directive 90/547/EEC ( 3 ) on the transit of electricity through transmission grids . (!) OJ No L 298 , 17. 10 . 1989, p . 23 . 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/21
WRITTEN QUESTION E-439/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-442/93 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/43 ) ( 94/C 140/46 )
Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with the directive on Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with the EEC Treaty the coordination of procedures on the award of and Directives on the right of establishment of public supply contracts dentists in Spain and Latin American nationals
The Spanish Government is failing to comply with Directive The Spanish Government is not complying with Directives 88/295/EEC i 1 ) on the coordination of procedures on the 78/687/EEC i 1 ) and 78/686/EEC ( 2 ) and Article 5 of the award of public supply contracts . EEC Treaty on the right of establishment of dentists in Spain and Latin American nationals . What was the situation at What was the situation on 31 December 1992 ? 31 December 1992 ?
(!) OJ No L 127, 20 . 5 . 1988 , p . 1 . (!) OJ No L 233 , 24 . 8 . 1978 , p . 10 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 233 , 24 . 8 . 1978 , p . 1 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-440/93 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-444/93 to the Commission of the European Communities by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) (8 March 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/44 ) ( 94/C 140/47 )
Subject: Failure by Spain to comply with the directive concerning coordination of procedures for the Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with the EEC Treaty, award of public works contracts with regard to difficulties for imports of frozen fresh meat into Spain The Spanish Government is failing to comply with Directive 89/440/EEC (*) concerning coordination of procedures for The Spanish Government is not complying with Article 30 the award of public works contracts . What was the situation of the EEC Treaty as it is restricting the import of frozen on 31 December 1992 ? fresh meat into Spain . What was the situation at 31 December 1992 ? H OJ No L 210, 21 . 7. 1989, p . 1 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-445/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-441/93 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 March 1993) (8 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/48 ) ( 94/C 140/45 )
Subject: Non-compliance by Germany with the EEC Treaty Subject: Non-compliance by Spain with the Directive on air and the Directive on sterile clinical instruments : quality limit values and guide values for sulphur labelling and preparation of products dioxide and suspended particulates The German Government is not complying with Directive The Spanish Government is not complying with Directive 83/189/EEC ( 1 ) and Articles 30 and 36 of the EEC Treaty 89/427/EEC (*) on air quality limit values and guide values with regard to the labelling and preparation of sterile clinical for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates . What was instruments . What was the situation at 31 December the situation at 31 December 1992 ? 1992 ?
H OJ No L 201 , 14 . 7 . 1989, p . 53 . (M OJ No L 109 , 26 . 4 . 1983, p . 8 . No C 140/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
Joint answer to Written Questions E-425/93, E-427/93 distorting competition and affecting trade between Member to E-442/93 , E-444/93 and E-445/93 States, the Commission decided on 5 May 1993 that, having given by Mr Delors regard to the purpose of this scheme , to the fact that it could on behalf of the Commission have only limited distortive effect on competition and to the (7 December 1993) provisions of Article 92 ( 3 ) ( c ) of the EEC Treaty, it would not raise any objections to the scheme, cf. state aid case No NN 93/B/92 and SEC(93 ) 676 . The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its Tenth annual report on Commission monitoring of the application of Community law C ), which describes in detail the situation at 31 December 1992 .
(!) OJ No C 233 , 30 . 8 . 1993 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-469/93 by Henry Chabert (PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (11 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/50 WRITTEN QUESTION E-450/93 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC ) Subject: Possible locations for the headquarters of to the Commission of the European Communities European Community and third-country organizations (11 March 1993) ( 94/C 140/49 ) How many Community or third-country organizations have yet to be given a permanent seat ?
Subject: Discrimination in Danish law Can the Commission give details about each of the Community or third-country organizations concerned In Denmark there is a system known as 'Ivaerksaetterydelse' ( agencies, bureaus, committees , foundations , institutes, under which unemployed people can receive a start-up observatories or offices ) — specifying in each case and for allowance to begin a self-employed occupation . This each country the location envisaged or at least the names of allowance can amount to Dkr 66 000 per year for three and the countries and towns which have offered to a half years . accommodate one or other of these organizations ? The provisions of this law are drawn up in such a restrictive way that it is practically impossible for an EC citizen who is not Danish to benefit from this allowance . Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission Does not the Commission think that restrictive provisions of (24 September 1993) this kind constitute a distortion of competition ? What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that this measure can be of practical benefit to other EC The Commission must remind the Honourable Member citizens ? that it does not always receive official applications for headquarters locations . It cannot, therefore, produce an exhaustive table setting out all the applications received.
Answer given by Mr Flynn It will send the information that it does have direct to the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member and the Secretariat of Parliament. (15 September 1993)
The purpose of the scheme to which the Honourable Member refers is to reduce unemployment in Denmark. It is WRITTEN QUESTION E-605/93 available to people with their place of residence in Denmark, who have been registered as unemployed in Denmark for a by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) certain period of time . The scheme is available for all to the Commission of the European Communities fulfilling these objective conditions; it does not contain any (1 April 1993) conditions of nationality. It is equally available for citizens from other Member States as well as Danish citizens offering ( 94/C 140/51 ) their services on the Danish labour market. Subject: East of England Community Support The Commission has recently examined the scheme under Framework the state aid rules of the EEC Treaty ( Articles 92—94). While the scheme could be considered as constituting state Is the European Commission confident that Article 26 of aid within the meaning of Article 92 ( 1 ) and capable of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253/88 (*) has been strictly adhered 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/23 to by the East of England Community Support Framework obtain the minimum marks in the eliminatory tests were Secretariat ? re-admitted to sit tests ( d ) and ( e ).
(!) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 , p . 1 . 1 . How many candidates were admitted to sit the tests scheduled for 10 April 1992 ?
2 . How many candidates were admitted to sit the tests Answer given by Mr Millan which took place on 19 June 1992 ? on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1993) 3 . Why did the Selection Board decide to re-admit candidates previously excluded ? The operations covered by the Eastern England CSF for the period 1989 to 1991 have now been completed . The 4 . What type and what number of candidates should have regional offices of the Department of the Environment and been admitted to tests ( d ) and ( e ) according to the Notice the Department of Trade and Industry, as the competent of Competition ? authorities within the region, have informed the Commission that they are in the process of undertaking 5 . Was the Selection Board entitled to depart from the evaluation studies to assess the effectiveness of the provisions of the Notice of Competition ? operations . Their initial assessments will be carried out at the programme level . Thereafter, they will use the (!) OJ No L 52 , 28 . 2 . 1991 . information and findings from this exercise to gauge the impact of the operations in the context of the CSF.
Six operational programmes are concerned . An interim evaluation of the Yorkshire and Humberside Steel Area RESIDER programmes has already been completed . A final Answer given by Mr Van Miert evaluation of both programmes will be undertaken at the on behalf of the Commission end of this year. The regional authorities are currently (21 October 1993) discussing terms of reference with the Commission and examining bids from potential applicants to undertake the assessment of the other four operational programmes ( Bradford, Humberside, Mid Yorkshire and East Under Article 3 of Annex III of the Staff Regulations , Midlands ). The assessments are expected to begin shortly recruitment selection boards are composed of an equal and , when completed, will be discussed within the number of elected staff representatives and members framework of the partnership . appointed by the administration and their independence from the Commission must be protected . Although it is not The Commission is satisfied that the progress made to date therefore involved in the working of the selection boards for is consistent with the requirements of Article 26 of the competitions in question, the Commission can supply Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253/88 . the following information which has been provided by the boards themselves .
1 . 394 candidates were initially admitted to the written tests for COM/A/720 and 435 for COM/A/721 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-634/93 2 . 2 405 candidates from COM/A/720 and 2 522 by Alexander Langer ( V ) candidates from COM/A/721 were finally admitted to to the Commission of the European Communities the written tests which took place on 19 June 1992 .
(S April 1993) 3 . The board's decision to admit candidates who were ( 94/C 140/52 ) initially excluded was founded on its concern to rectify certain errors of judgement which occurred when the Subject: Open competition COM/A/720 ( general eliminatory tests were first marked . administration ) 4 . The notice of competition did not specify the maximum In the course of the above competition which went on for an number of candidates to be admitted to tests ( d ) and ( e ), unusually protracted period of about two years after the but only the marks needed . publication of the Notice of Competition ( 1 ), a strange incident occurred. Following the correction of eliminatory 5 . The board is bound by the notice of competition and the tests ( a), ( b ) and ( c ), which were held on 13 December 1991 , decisions it has taken have been for the purpose of giving a number of candidates were admitted to sit the other proper effect to it. written tests, ( d ) and ( e), on 10 April . Shortly before that date, the tests were postponed until 19 June 1992 and some of the candidates previously excluded for having failed to No C 140/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-666/93 minimum landing size for North Sea haddock has been set at by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) a level compatible with the mesh size legally in use . Both these measures are complementary in the sense that the to the Commission of the European Communities enforcement of one of them ensures that the other is better (6 April 1993) observed . Therefore, any increase in minimum landing size ( 94/C 140/53 ) would only lead to an increased discarding of dead fish, and it would have very little effect on conservation . Conservation can only be achieved by an improvement of Subject: Structural funds : programme partnership the selectivity of trawls , allowing undersized fish to escape through the meshes in good condition to survive, combined with an appropriate increase in minimum landing size if Is it the Commission's intention to regionalize the operation required . of all structural fund programmes and Community initiatives ? Whiting, however, is a slightly different case . The stock of North Sea whiting is not in a bad state and the mesh in use for roundfish ( 100 mm ) does not permit its exploitation, due to the elongated shape of whiting which facilitates its Answer given by Mr Millan escape through the meshes . Taking this into account, a on behalf of the Commission derogation has been set in order to permit fishing for this (6 October 1993) species with 90 mm mesh . In addition, as adult whiting is considered one of the most important predators of young cod, it was felt that the protection of juvenile whiting was Programmes of structural assistance are initially defined in not required, and the minimum landing size was lowered to regional development plans and Community support 23 cm . No further changes are envisaged so far . frameworks . The national plans are drawn up by the Member States at the geographical level deemed to be most appropriate . Community support frameworks are then drawn up at the relevant geographical level in agreement with the Member State concerned within the partnership structure .
The revised Regulations adopted by the Council on 20 July 1993 contain no changes to these procedures . WRITTEN QUESTION E-790/93 by Enrico Falqui ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/55 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-783/93 by Peter Crampton ( PSE ) Subject: Priority for high speed railways in the framework to the Commission of the European Communities of the EC programme of action for transport (19 April 1993) infrastructures ( 94/C 140/54 ) Concerning the recent adoption on 1 December 1992 of a Subject: Fishing : minimum landing sizes Community regulation on a programme of action for transport infrastructures for which ECU 280 million have been earmarked from the current Community budget : Given the current surfeit of small haddock and whiting, will the Commission consider raising the minimum landing size for haddock to 35 cm and for whiting to 30 cm ? 1 , what are the real priorities contained in this programme of action concerning the high speed railway programme ?
2 , what priorities are being given to Italy in particular, is Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas the Milan-Naples high speed train included in the on behalf of the Commission programme ? (27 October 1993) 3 , does the amount of ECU 280 million earmarked for transport infrastructures under the 1993 Community The Commission does not intend to propose an increase in budget include the new cohesion fund adopted in minimum landing sizes for haddock or whiting . The current Maastricht ? 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/25
Answer given by Mr Matutes WRITTEN QUESTION E-824/93 on behalf of the Commission by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez ( NI ) and Alonso Puerta ( NI ) (20 December 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 Aprile 1993) 1 . The priorities established for High-Speed Rail ( 94/C 140/56 ) Infrastructures are those included in Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3359/90 of 20 November 1990 for an action programme in the field of transport infrastructure with a view to the completion of an integrated transport market in Subject: Directive on the protection of the Eo estuary 1992 f 1 ). ( Galicia-Asturias, Spain )
It has to be noted that the validity of this Regulation expired on 31 December 1992 . A proposal for its extension has been The Eo estuary, which forms the border between the adopted by the Council of 7 June. The list of priorities has Autonomous Communities of Galicia and Asturias, was not been modified . designated a special protection area under Directive 79/409/EEC ( 1 ) on the conservation of wild birds . The people living near to the estuary are currently concerned at 2 . The Italian railway lines included in the high-speed rail the fact that a breakwater is being built in Ribadeo, which, priority actions on the grounds of the abovementioned because of its nature , is having a detrimental effect on this Regulation are the following : very beautiful and ecologically important place . — Lyons—Torino Under Directive 79/409/EEC , the Spanish authorities are — Milano—Venezia responsible for the preservation of this protected area and are required, in particular, to take appropriate steps to avoid — Venezia—Tarvisio/Trieste pollution or deterioration of this habitat or disturbances affecting its ecosystem . It is worth adding that, besides the action plan, another exercise is being carried out with a view to establishing a European network of high speed trains . The Commission In view of the harmful environmental effects of these works addressed a communication to the Council regarding the developers presumably carried out an environmental a European high speed train network ( 2 ). This impact assessment before they were carried out, as required communication included a proposal for a Council decision in such cases by Directive 85/337/EEC ( 2 ). concerning the establishing of a network of high speed trains . 1 . Can the Commission guarantee that the Regional Government of Galicia will correctly apply the An outline plan for a European High Speed Train Network, abovementioned directives ? to be realised by the year 2010, is annexed to the proposal for a Council decision. Several Italian lines, including the 2 . Has the Regional Government of Galicia received any Milan—Naples section, have been integrated in the outline financial aid from Community funds for the plan . At the same time, 14 priority actions have also been construction of this breakwater ? identified, consisting in the completion of certain key links . The Italian lines included in this package are : ( Lyos )—Modane—Turin; Milan—Chiasso— ( Basel ); The (!) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979, p . 1 . Brenner link; Tarvisio— ( Vienna ). ( 2 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7. 1985 , p . 40 .
The Council welcomed this communication but, at the same time, considered that further study was necessary to ensure a thorough evaluation of the socio-economic, environmental and commercial impact of the proposed network . The Council, in its resolution of 17 December 1990, invited the Commission to pursue its work in the light of the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas abovementioned needs . on behalf of the Commission (22 November 1993) 3 . The 1993 allocation for transport infrastructures ( ECU 185 million ) does not include the financial contributions provided by the Cohesion Fund . Within the framework of the first operational programme for Galicia , approved by Commission Decision of (!) OJ No L 326 , 24 . 11 . 1990 . 27 February 1990 , aid was granted to the 'Muelle MirasoP ( 2 ) SEC(90 ) 2402 final . project referred to by the Honourable Members . The project will cost a total of PTA 1 84 million, the ERDF contribution being PTA 92,1 million. No C 140/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
The Commission has asked the Spanish authorities for mainly from plant substances and consist of grape juice and information so that it can check that the jetty construction vitamins, proteins, amino acids , zinc and a whole range of project conforms to Community law . other substances combined in various ways so as to produce the 'right' effect. Given that the US Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of such substances on the grounds that mixing proteins and amino-acids may pose a health threat, what measures does the Commission intend to adopt to prevent the health of young people being WRITTEN QUESTION E-837/93 damaged by 'smart' drugs ? by Sotiris Kostopoulos (PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (26 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/57 ) Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) Subject: Development programmes in the prefecture of Lasithi There is no evidence available to the Commission that Will the Commission say what programmes the Greek would allow it to conclude that beverages legally placed on Government has submitted for approval in respect of the the market and properly consumed constitute a health risk development of the prefecture of Lasithi in Crete , and for the consumer . Ingredients such as those mentioned by whether the Prefecture in question has been included in the the Honourable Member, i.e . herbal extracts , proteins, INTERREG ( 1991—1993 ) Community programme ? Can it aminoacids, vitamins and metals, can be found in various also say what amounts the other prefectures in Crete have foodstuffs and beverages legally placed on the market. As received as part of this INTERREG programme ? regards pre-packaged foodstuffs and beverages, such placing on the market is governed by Community or national provisions .
Answer given by Mr Millan Measures against the illicit preparation and sale of on behalf of the Commission beverages , such as the 'smart narcotic drinks' referred to by (13 October 1993) the Honourable Member, are dealt with by the Member States concerned . The Commission does not have information available to it on measures taken by the The Regional Programme for Crete which is financed in the Member States to prohibit such drinks . context of the Community Support Framework ( 1989—93 ) for Greece covers the area in question . A copy of this programme should be available on request from the General However, in the case where beverages legally placed on the Secretary of the Region . market in certain Member States are prohibited in others, the Commission may, upon consideration of all relevant The Community initiative INTERREG is not organized on a factors, propose measures deemed necessary for the regional basis in the sense of specific amounts being reserved approximation of the provisions laid down in Member for specific regions within Member States . Individual States, taking as a base a high level of protection . projects in eligible regions are selected within the limits of the programme . To date 12 projects have been selected for co-financement in Crete with a total cost of ECU 41 million. None of these is located in the nomos of Lassithi .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-861/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION E-858/93 (26 April 1993) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) ( 94/C 140/59 ) to the Commission of the European Communities (26 April 1993) Subject: Industrial plants on the Thriasian Plan (9AIC 140/58 ) Given that the environment of the Thriasian Plan is being Subject: Measures to combat 'smart' drugs badly damaged by the presence of a large number of 'dirty' industrial plants and that the agricultural sector in the The fashion for 'smart' drugs has now reached Europe from region had shrunk over the last few years, can the the USA. Some bars in Athens are already offering these new Commission say whether the Community can provide products alongside the usual cocktails : they are prepared financial support for a policy seeking to replace some of the 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/27 plants in question with agricultural holdings ( especially not conform to the principle of sustainable development those using environmentally friendly methods )? i.e . that development should satisfy present needs without restricting future generations' ability to satisfy their own needs . ( Recommendation 1130 , text of the European Charter and European Treaty on the environment and sustainable development). Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1993) In view of this, will the Commission act to enforce Community law ?
It is the responsibility of the Member States to make i 1 ) OJ No C 289 , 5 . 11 . 1992 , p . 38 . proposals for assistance from the structural funds to ( 2 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . projects or programmes designed to deal with regional problems such as those described by the Honourable Member. The Commission is willing to examine any such proposal for the Thriasian plain made by the Greek authorities . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1993)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-873/93 The Commission would thank the Honourable Member for by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) the information on possible procedural irregularities in the to the Commission of the European Communities application of Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of (23 April 1993) the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, in respect of the construction of an industrial ( 94/C 140/60 ) park at Tsikalaria, Crete .
Subject: Monitoring the industrial installations at On the basis of this data, the Commission has approached Tsikalaria the Greek authorities for further information.
Further to my Question No 1016/92 (*) and the Commission's answer requesting that it be kept informed of progress with the construction of the industrial complex in Tsikalaria , I would provide the following information : 1 . Experts have submitted a document to the Ministry for the Environment Regional Planning and Public Works containing their views and observations as to whether WRITTEN QUESTION E-883/93 the industrial complex at Chania complies with the by Birgit Cramon Daiber (V ) provisions of Directive 86/337/EEC ( 2 ); no answer has yet been received . to the Commission of the European Communities (23 April 1993) 2 . All the measures taken to date by the Greek authorities ( 94/C 140/61 ) have been without the participation or expression of an opinion by the local authority or the public, in breach of Article 6 ( 2 ) of Directive 85/337/EEC which stipulates that the Member States shall ensure that Subject: The German Leader programme ( a ) any request for development consent and any information gathered pursuant to Article 5 are Has the Commission received from the German authorities made available to the public and a request for approval under the Leader programme to co-finance for DM 3,8 million an extensive DM 10 million ( b ) the public concerned is given the opportunity to water project in Wallenfels and has this request been express an opinion before the project is initiated . accompanied by the results of the EIA, the opinion of the local authority on the modified proposal and the 2000 3 . Consent has already been granted in the area for major signatures of local opponents to this scheme ? industrial installations, e.g. building permit No 817 of 15 November 1990 for the construction of a chemicals and distilling plant. If not, would it not in future be more efficient to transfer directly the total sum to which this region is entitled, due to 4. It is therefore clear that the project is undermining rather the lack of proper information on which decisions should be than improving the quality of life in the area and does based ? No C 140/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-884/93 For its part, the Commission reserves the right to ask the by Birgit Cramon Daiber ( V ) Bavarian authorities for any information which will enable it to judge whether the Community legislation has been to the Commission of the European Communities complied with . (23 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/62 )
Subject: Leader programme in Germany
One of the Leader programme's aims is to promote and WRITTEN QUESTION E-904/93 co-finance environmentally friendly projects . by Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG ) Does the Commission agree that in approving projects to the Commission of the European Communities under this programme based on other targets, these projects (27 April 1993) should , at least, not be to the detriment of the environment ( 94/C 140/64 as is the case in the proposed dam project in Wallenfels , Germany ? Subject: Development programmes in Portugal
Whereas the Portuguese Government has just announced WRITTEN QUESTION E-885/93 two 'development programmes' estimated to cost ESC 600 by Birgit Cramon Daiber ( V) billion, one for the construction of the Alqueva ( 290 billion ) to the Commission of the European Communities and the other for council housing ( 310 billion). (23 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/63 ) whereas these 'programmes' are only viable with Community support, which has in fact been promised in the case of the Alqueva, Subject: The Wallenfels dam project whereas this announcement was made with a great fanfare Does the directive on obligatory EIA apply to major at a time when the government's popularity was clearly infrastructural projects within the area of a nature reserve slipping and on the eve of the local elections campaign, partly paid for under the Leader programme, like for example in Wallenfels, Germany ? If not, why not ? mindful of the absolute need for social measures, in the housing area by dealing with the causes of the problem,
Joint answer to Written Questions whereas , despite the size of the amounts mentioned , there is E-883/93 to E-885/93 nothing really new in the measures announced and whereas, given by Mr Steichen it should be stressed, they were adopted without any on behalf of the Commission discussion with the local authorities that will have to take the lead in carrying them out and with a disregard for the (28 October 1993) proclaimed ( and vaunted ) principle of subsidiarity,
Under the Community Leader initiative, which aims to whereas those who are 'not' Portuguese may not benefit promote rural development, Community financing can be from these programmes and in view of the fact that many, if granted for rural tourism and the encouragement of tourist not the majority, of citizens who live on the outskirts of centres in rural areas . cities and in makeshift accommodation, can the Commission say whether it had prior knowledge of these The Wallenfels project which is included in the Bavarian programmes , to what extent it has been involved and what programme for Kronach is in keeping with these Community resources will be allocated to them ? objectives .
In accordance with the programming principle governing the Community Leader initiative , a first tranche of Community financing for the Bavarian programme was Answer given by Mr Millan freed after the programme had been adopted . Whether on behalf of the Commission projects are financed in full depends on whether they (20 October 1993) comply with Community legislation, including legislation on the environment. A study on the Alqueva multi-purpose investment project According to the information received from the Bavarian was financed by the Commission in 1 992 . The report on this authorities ,- the environmental impact assessment carried study provided basic information enabling the Portuguese out for the Wallenfels project is the subject of legal action. authorities to take a decision . 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/29
The said authorities presented the regional development The following procedures were applied : plan ( RDP ) for 1994—99 in July 1993 . The plan indicates the lines of development, the priorities for development and 1 . Invitation to tender published in the local newspaper of the applications for financing by the Funds . The application the Varese area and in a national newspaper. for part-financing of the Alqueva dam was included . 2 . Compliance with the principle of confidentiality ensured through the obligation to reply in one sealed The RDP also includes an urban renewal chapter which envelope placed inside another . contains actions to renovate areas of makeshift accommodation, rehabilitation of areas in decline and 3 . Additional technical information provided infrastructure linked with EXPO 98 . simultaneously to all enterprises that had expressed an interest in the tender . Under the new regulations, housing as such is not eligible for Structural Fund assistance . 4 . Tenders received opened and the following particulars checked by an ad hoc committee made up of representatives of the service concerned, the contracts The Commission is currently examining the plan . The final unit of the Joint Research Centre and staff decision will be taken in six months time under the representatives : partnership provided for in the legislation on the Structural Funds . — the financial terms proposed , — experience in the business sector in question, — bank references .
5 . The successful tenderer was selected on the basis of the criteria in the invitation to tender, in accordance with the principles of the Financial Regulation, with due WRITTEN QUESTION E-908/93 regard to sound management practice and in the desire by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to open up this type of contract as far as possible to to the Commission of the European Communities competition . (27 April 1993) The Commission therefore considers that the procedures ( 94/C 140/65 ) applied guarantee the possibility of widespread participation in the invitation to tender and that the latter was conducted in accordance with the principles of Subject: EEC regulations on tendering confidentiality, fairness and transparency .
According to some of those who tendered, the normal procedures were not followed in the case of tender No 599-93-01 TD ISP concerning the contract for managing the club house at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra and consequently they have felt compelled to contest it . This is because they believe that the EEC regulations on tenders WRITTEN QUESTION E-924/93 were not followed . by Klaus Wettig ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Can the Commission say what supervisory measures it is (27 April 1993) adopting to ensure that this kind of tender is in accordance ( 94/C 140/66 ) with the regulations it has drawn up and whether it does not consider, leaving aside the outcome of this particular tender, that these regulations are not sufficiently clear ? Subject: Approximation of rules concerning private recordings ( audiovisual and audio works )
In its 1 977 Green Paper on copyright the Commission called for a uniform levy system on recordings in the form of a Answer given by Mr Ruberti percentage supplement on the sale price of equipment and on behalf of the Commission material, together with a user fee on copying equipment for (6 December 1993) public use . Such a system is already operational in France, Italy and Germany with the proceeds from the levy being paid to the authors . In 1990, proceeds amounted to The invitation to tender in question, which in no way approximately DM 136 million in Germany and, in 1989, involves Community funds, was the subject of the normal FF 438 million in France . procedures and controls already applied to all previous contracts relating to the clubhouse of the Joint Research With the completion of the internal market and the removal Centre in Ispra . of borders , these systems can no longer be guaranteed to No C 140/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 operate . Distortion of competition occurs between those Pass for the Elderly ? Does the Commission not believe that Member States which operate such a levy system and those the introduction of such a pass would be a good example of which do not . a concrete measure emerging from the Year of the Elderly 1993 ? Objections expressed until recently in the Council of Ministers on grounds of subsidiarity have been officially Could the Commission inform me whether, in the context of lifted . travel concessions for the elderly, they are aware of the fact that French, German and Irish transport companies ( SNCF, In its legislative programme for 1993 the Commission has Deutsche Bundesbahn and CIE ) are restricting travel accordingly announced plans to propose rules in this area , concessions for former workers in their companies, in the without stating exactly when. same year as the Year of the Elderly 1993 ? Would the Commission be prepared to ensure that these companies 1 . Is the Commission aware that further delays in maintain as many concessions as possible for the elderly as a introducing such an arrangement could result in major gesture for the Year of the Elderly 1993 ? considerable financial losses for authors ?
2 . In which quarter does the Commission plan to make such a proposal ?
Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi (12 October 1993) on behalf of the Commission (9 November 1993) The Commission considers that the question of travel concessions granted by employers to their workers should As the Commission stated in its 1988 Green Paper on be dealt with directly by the parties concerned . Copyright and the Challenge of New Technology (*), the Member States remain free to maintain or introduce levies The Commission will , however, continue to pursue on the sale of recording equipment or media in the audio and the matter of the European Over-Sixties' Card audiovisual sectors ( paragraph 3.12.1 ). This situation ( recommendation 89/350/EEC of 10 May 1989 ) (*) in order continues to apply pending any action by the Community to increase awareness in the field of concessions to older which might limit the existing discretion of the Member States in this area . people travelling to other Member States. The planned Travel Guide showing special advantages available to older people travelling in Europe has been prepared ; a first edition The Commission is still examining the extent to which the of the Guide was issued at the beginning ofMay. At the same introduction of harmonization at Community level in the time , a report on 'Travel and culture : access to concessions area of national levies on the sale of recording equipment by older people in Europe' was also issued . and media in the audiovisual and audio sectors could affect the sums received by authors . 0 ) OJ No L 144 . No decision has yet been taken on the timing of any possible Commission action on private copying .
(M COM(88 ) 172 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-378/93 by James Ford ( PSE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-929/93 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mary Banotti (PPE ) (3 March 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 94/C 140/68 (29 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/67 ) Subject: Amendment of the Air Carrier's Liability Act
Subieet: European Travel Pass Since the opening of internal frontiers this year, does the Commission agree that the Air Carrier's Liability Act must Could the Commission inform me what is the present be amended so that it does not apply to internal travel within situation regarding the introduction of a European Travel the EC ? 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/31
WRITTEN QUESTION E-930/93 intra-Community travel . Since the checks referred to impede by Mary Banotti ( PPE ) the free movement of individuals, the Commission is looking into the problem in the context of the measures to be to the Commission of the European Communities taken to ensure that Article 8 a of the Treaty is fully (29 April 1993) implemented . ( 94/C 140/69 )
Subject: Practice of airlines to continue to check passports WRITTEN QUESTION E-956/93 On a recent flight between Brussels and London, the British by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) Midland staff informed me that they continue to check to the Commission of the European Communities passports because the British Immigration authorities will charge them £ 2 000 if they were to allow someone travel on (.29 April 1993) their flights who subsequently sought asylum in the UK . As 94/C 140/70 the flight is within the EC, such a third country national obviously would have had to originally deal with the Belgian authorities . Could the Commission inform me whether they Subject: Impact of mini-mill technology on the European are aware of this practice by airlines to continue to check steel industry's production capacity, markets and passports ? Are the airlines not hiding behind the cloak of the profitability British immigration authorities ? Is the practice of the British immigration authorities not contrary to the SEA and should A new technological revolution is under way in the USA ( in they not find ways of their own to stop people seeking the NUCOR company in Charlotte in North Carolina , for asylum in the UK without ultimately denying EC citizens instance ) which allows steel to be produced in works which freedom of movement in the Single Market ? Could the are a quarter of the size of normal steelworks and uses Commission inform the UK authorities that their practices different methods of supply and production . This represents are contrary to the articles of the SEA ? a very serious threat to steel production elsewhere .
Japan is currently switching to this new technology but in the Community only northern Italy seem to be taking this threat seriously; meanwhile, the Community steel industry Joint answer to Written Questions is planning to reduce capacity by 30 million tonnes ( one a E-3 78/93 and E-930/93 total of 190 million tonnes ) and to axe some 100 000 jobs given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi ( out of a total of 370 000 ). on behalf of the Commission By comparison, imports from the East represent 'only' 5 (16 November 1993) million tonnes, i.e . 4 % of total EC production .
Will the Commission express its views on the problem of A number of Member States impose penalties on transport mini-mills ? operators carrying passengers who are not in possession of the travel documents required for entering their territory . Since these rules date from before 1 January 1993 , it is only natural that they should apply to all travellers, whether they come from inside or outside the Community . Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission As far as the situation after 1 January 1993 regarding (3 September 1993) penalties for carriers is concerned, the logic of the single market would seem to preclude carriers from continuing to carry out embarkation checks on intra-Community The thin slab casting technology is a new process which has travellers at a time when public authorities should no longer been developed separately by three European groups . The be carrying out checks at internal borders . Community has participated in the finance of one of these processes in its R&D phase .
In line with that logic , both the draft convention between the At the present time there are only three plants — two in the Member States on the crossing of external frontiers and the USA and one in northern Italy — in existence using this Convention implementing the Schengen Agreements require technology but these have already demonstrated that they the adoption of national measures concerning transport are capable of producing coil of a quality sufficient to meet operators only in respect of travellers coming from the demands of approximately one-third of the coil non-member countries . market .
The Member States have not so far made any official A further dozen projects including expansions of two of the comment on the matter of penalties for carriers in the case of existing plants are at various stages of development . Most of No C 140/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 these projects are in the USA but there are also projects in of energy but only relatively limited funding is provided . several Member States . Under these conditions, and in view of the serious energy problems affecting the Community islands, what is needed is a generous Community initiative aimed at exploiting The US has a large deficit in coil both nationally and renewable sources of energy on Community Islands, and regionally due to the concentration of the steel industry in particularly on frontier and very remote islands . What view the North East of the country. The thin slab process is the does the Commission take of this proposal ? ideal technology to fill this deficit, both because of its smaller dimension and because these local markets do not require such high quality.
In contrast the Community is a large exporter of coil with a Answer given by Mr Millan few regional deficits . The existing integrated mills in the on behalf of the Commission Community are, although almost all fully depreciated, highly efficient and modern and capable of meeting the (10 November 1993) highest quality standards . Further it has been estimated by the steel producers themselves that there is an excess of 4—8 million tonnes of capacity for coil production in the The Community initiative Valoren has provided substantial Community . funds for the development of renewable energy sources in the regions of the Community lagging behind in their development ( Objective 1 ), including the islands which are Thus, in the short term, there has been less interest in the part of them . Regis appropriations for the most remote thin slab process in the Community but there is little doubt regions have been added to these funds, as in the case of that in the longer term this technology could play an Guadeloupe . important role in the restructuring of the Community steel industry, in particular if the present quality constraints of the process are reduced or eliminated . For 1994—99 the Commission considers that the promotion of renewable energy may be financed under Community support frameworks if Member States apply If the 15 or more thin slab process plants currently planned , for this . With regard to Community initiatives the each with a capacity in the region of 1 million tonnes , were Honourable Member should refer to the Commission to be constructed over the next few years the impact on the communication of 16 June 1993 ( J ) presenting the scrap market could by quite significant . The consequent Commission's thoughts on the subject, which are being increase in the price of its primary raw material could reduce debated by Parliament . the economic attraction of the thin slab process . NUCOR, the first producer in the field, have just announced the (!) COM(93 ) 282 final . construction of a direct reduction plant to produce iron carbide as an alternative high quality raw material in order to avoid the vagaries of the scrap market . The Commission will follow closely the development of the situation in respect of raw materials and in particular of scrap .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-978/93 by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-958/93 ( 94/C 140/72 ) by Filippos Pierros ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1993) Subject: Irresponsible deregulation of the world financial system ( 94/C 140/71 ) In November the International Federation of Commercial , Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees ( FIET ) sent Subject: Specific Community programme to tap renewable the Commission a letter which said : sources of energy on Community islands in very remote or frontier areas 'The volume of short-term capital which passes through the exchange markets every day far exceeds the One of the Community's principal energy policy objectives industrialized world's monetary reserves . The constant is to exploit and market renewable sources of energy and the search for improved yields has now reached a point Community islands have a considerable potential for where it is sapping the effort made in the real economy by development in this respect . Of course, the Thermie and governments, employers and workers to meet real needs Altener programmes deal , inter alia, with renewable sources by producing goods and services . . . As a result of the 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/33
events of recent weeks the European Commission should Can the Commission clarify what the object and the urgently carry out an examination into the operation of circulation of this Newsletter are ? The Newsletter is not sent the international capital markets in the light of the to members of the European Parliament's Committee on transition to monetary union . . . Accordingly, it is Culture as I myself can testify . essential to look critically at the effects of the free movement of capital , to see how this freedom of movement is distorting economic policy and to Can the Commission explain why this very lavish determine what reforms would make it possible to publication, funded from the EC budget, does not report on maximize the advantages of capital movements while at European Parliament cultural activities ? The report the same time minimizing the costs and the opportunities promoting books and reading which had already been for speculation'. adopted by the Committee on Culture in April , was totally ignored in the December issue in an article on books and As the Commission has announced its intention of carrying reading ( page 9 ). out a study into the problem, could it give a progress report and indicate the conclusions — provisional or otherwise — of the work which it has begun ?
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (14 Tuly 1993) (18 November 1993)
The free circulation of capital is one of the fundamental The special issue of the Newsletter 'Culture' was published freedoms enshrined in the EEC Treaty . It is a necessary at the end of 1992 to inform those responsible for culture condition for the completion of the single market and in and the general public of the Community's activities and particular for the creation of an integrated European discussions in the cultural sphere, and notably of the Financial Area . This simply reflects the overwhelming and statement of 29 April 1992 and the conclusions of the growing importance of investment decisions and banking Council and the Ministers on guidelines for cultural activity in the optimal allocation of scarce resources . activities in the Community adopted on 12 November 1992 . It does not conceal the fact that Parliament was the first Without full capital mobility, neither the liberalization of institution to call upon the Community to commit itself in financial services nor the establishment of conditions for an the cultural sphere . effective monetary policy at Community level is possible. The Commission is not therefore of the opinion that Parlament is also mentioned as the initiator of various restrictions on the free movement of capital , which came cultural activities in the Community such as the Youth into effect for the majority of Member States well before the Orchestra and protection of the cultural heritage . But work currency crises last year and this year, are the appropriate done in January and February 1993 ( Mr Barzanti's report measures to deal with difficulties on the foreign exchange on new perspectives for Community activities in the cultural markets . The various safeguard clauses included in sphere; Mrs Larive's report on the promotion of books and Community legislation are intended to provide against different risks in the form of serious difficulties for the reading in Europe; Mr Galle's report on the return of cultural goods unlawfully removed from a Member State; balance of payments or for the functioning of the Economic and Mr Laroni's report on preserving the architectural and Monetary Union . heritage and protecting cultural assets ) was not mentioned in the December 1992 issue . It will feature in the next issue .
5 000 copies of the December edition of the Newsletter were WRITTEN QUESTION E-986/93 published in three languages ( French, English and German). The total cost amounted to approximately ECU 30 000 . by Jessica Larive ( LDR ) Distribution was based on a mailing list comprising the to the Commission of the European Communities Ministers for Culture of the Member States, various cultural (29 April 1993) organizations, professionals and individuals . Within the Commission itself the Newsletter was also distributed to (9AIC 140/73 ) Members, to Directors-General and to all departments concerned . And in January it was sent to the President of Subject: The Newsletter — Commission DG X Parliament and to all Member of the Committee on Publication Culture .
Can the Commission specify exactly what the budget for 'The Newsletter' is ? No C 140/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1001/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1005/93 by Mihail Papayannakis ( NI ) by Nicole Fontaine (PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (3 May 1993) (3 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/74 ) ( 94/C 140/75 )
Subject: Abolition of the Stylida—Lianokladi—Athens rail link Subject: The fiscal treatment of leasing contracts relating to movable property Many of the residents and political and professional organizations in Stylida, together with the mayor of the Leasing contracts relating to movable tangible property town, are protesting strongly against plans to abolish the other than means of transport are governed by Stylida—Lianokladi—Athens rail link, as the Transmark Article 9 ( 2 ) ( e ) of the Sixth Council Directive and are liable Surveying Company is proposing . to VAT in the Community country where the lessee liable to tax is established . The European Community is financing the modernization of the rail network in Greece . Would the Commission Such long-term leasing contracts generally include a clause therefore say : requiring the lessee to pay compensation if the property leased is stolen or destroyed . 1 , whether there is a plan to abolish the line in question, which is in fact profitable ? 1 . Can the Commission confirm that, if the compensation paid to the lessor is equal to the value of the property at 2 . what exactly the company involved surveys and with the time it is stolen or destroyed , it is not liable to VAT as what objective ? defined in Article 4 of the Directive ? 3 . how exactly it interprets the term 'modernization' of the Greek rail network ? Is it possible, for example, to As such compensation makes good the damage suffered interpret the direct line between Athens and as a result of the loss of the property leased, it cannot be Thessaloniki alone as the 'network'? construed as consideration for a service rendered by the lessor ( see the judgment of the European Court of 4 , whether it has approved or intends to approve any such Justice of 1 July 1982, Case 222/81 , Reports , 1982—7, proposals, and on precisely what economic and page 2527). environmental grounds ? 2 . Assuming that the compensation is fixed at a flat rate and at an amount higher than the value of the property at the time of its loss : Answer given by Mr Matutes — is the lessor required to give a breakdown of the on behalf of the Commission compensation, VAT liability being limited to the (12 November 1993) amount of compensation in excess of the current value of the property,
The Commission understands that the study referred to by — what happens if the lessor does not make this the Honourable Member concerns the efficiency of the breakdown, Greek railway system as a whole . The Commission has not — is the territoriality criterion still as defined in been involved with the work and is not in a position to make Article 9 ( 2 ) ( e ) of the directive, or is this an any detailed comments . operation that can be dissociated from the initial contract and is therefore governed by Article 9 ( 1 ) of It is understood that the closure of the Stylida—Lianokladi the directive ( VAT liability in the country where the route was among the proposals put forward by the supplier is established )? consultants . However, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, it is for the Greek authorities to decide whether any particular route should continue to be operated .
As regards the overall Greek rail system, the Commission is working on the basis of a network which represents a Answer given by Mrs Scrivener component of the Trans-European networks called for by on behalf of the Commission Article 129 of the Treaty on European Union . This network (12 November 1993) involves the Athens—Thessaloniki line as well as certain other rail routes in Greece . In the example given by the Honourable Member, it is likely that the leasing contract will be cancelled if the property 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/35 being leased is stolen or destroyed . Article 1 1 . C of the Sixth would not be a problem to prepare the instruments of Directive ( 77/388/EEC i 1 )) stipulates that the taxable ratification or approval by 31 December 1993 . amount is reduced accordingly in such circumstances . This is because payments of rental or, even more so, compensation no longer constitute consideration for a service rendered .
However, the Directive allows the Member States in the circumstances referred to in Article 20 ( 1 ) ( b ) to ask the lessor of the stolen property to pay an amount of tax WRITTEN QUESTION E-1036/93 equivalent to the tax deducted when the property in by Alex Smith ( PSE) question was purchased . to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1993) (M OJ No L 145 , 13 . 6 . 1977 . ( 94/C 140/77 )
Subieet: Tacis programme
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1018/93 What progress has been made in the establishment of energy advice centres to develop energy savings, energy efficiency by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) and energy conservation in the New Independent States to the Commission of the European Communities under the Tacis programme ? What has been the cost of (4 May 1993) establishing the energy centres ? What library and ( 94/C 140/76 ) documentation resources will be made available by the Commission to assist their operation ?
Subject: Convention on climate change
Following publication of the Rio de Janeiro Framework Convention on Climate Change (*) Article 3 of the relevant Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan proposal for a Council decision lays down two deadlines for on behalf of the Commission action by the Member States . (1 October 1993)
On the date on which this question is answered, what is the state of ratification of the Framework Convention by the In the field of energy saving, Tacis has allocated ECU 10 Member States and what information have they forwarded million to strengthen the four Energy Centres in Moscow, St to the Commission on their plans and expectations in this Petersburg, Kiev and Minsk, established under the regard ? Community's Thermie programme . The centres form the initial nucleus of an NIS-wide network . They will stimulate (!) OJ No C 44, 16 . 2 . 1993 , p . 1 . energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy and facilitate the transfer of European energy technology. Consultants are already at work in the field and have been engaged for a period of three years . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission The main tasks of these Energy Centres are to participate in (12 October 1993) market and technology assessments carried out in industrial energy efficiency, to provide advice and assistance in the preparation of technical assistance actions in energy The Commission proposal for a Council decision on the efficiency, to organize and implement industrial energy conclusion of the Framework Convention on Climate audits , to prepare and implement a general information Change by the Community has been agreed in principle at campaign, to prepare training programmes for NIS experts the Environment Council of 23 March 1993 . As part of this in all energy efficiency matters , to prepare and implement decision it has been agreed that the Member States will take energy planning in cities and regions and implement fuel measures necessary to permit as far as possible management for transport fleets , to establish reliable simultaneously and not later than 31 December 1993 the statistics on energy consumption and to assist in gathering deposit of the instruments of ratification or approval of the data . Member States and the Community. The formal adoption of the Decision by the Council is expected to take place during The documentation of the Commission is at the disposal of the course of the year . the consultants in charge of these projects . Ministers generally indicated at the above mentioned Environment Council that, from a legal point of view it No C 140/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1070/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1083/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (6 May 1993) (10 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/78 ) ( 94/C 140/79 )
Subject: Development of poor Greek régions Subject: Removal of tanneries from Tabakika
Community data show that Upper Bavaria in Germany was The residents of Palaia Kokkinia , Kaminia and Rendi are the most prosperous region in the Community in 1990 , with protesting that tanneries still continue to operate in a GNP of 46 % higher than the Community average . It is Tabakika in residential areas . The firms in question have clear that the prosperous regions have become more been 'in the process of relocating' since 1976 , while since prosperous since in 1988 the figure was 37% higher than 1986 the EEC has approved the allocation of many millions the Community average . However, over the same period the of drachma for their 'relocation and modernization'. Is it poor regions of the Community have become poorer, possible for the Commission to look into this matter ? notably in Greece : in eastern Macedonia and Thrace , the GNP is only 43% of the Community average compared with 56 % previously . The same trend can be observed on the Aegean islands . Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission What means does the Commission have to persuade the Greek authorities that these poor regions urgently need to be (21 October 1993) incorporated in the development programmes ? Although it is true that the Commission under Greek Law 1892/90 is part-financing an aid scheme to help move polluting industries outside Attica, it is for potential Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission investors to make the necessary applications to obtain such aid and for the Greek authorities to grant it . (22 October 1993)
The Commission recognizes that the forthcoming CSF for Greece must give special priority to the two Aegean Sea regions and to Eastern Macedonia and Thrace . WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 103/93 This particular priority has already been recognized in the by Virginio Bettini ( V), Maria Santos ( PSE ) and Antonio CSF in progress, which incorporates a special development Coimbra Martins ( PSE ) programme for Thrace, and in December 1992 the to the Commission of the European Communities Commission adopted a report on the Aegean islands (*) in which it informed the Community institutions of a work (10 May 1993) programme it had established for these islands . This ( 94/C 140/80 ) includes a component entitled 'Reinforcement of structural measures' in two stages, the present period and the next programming period, 1994 to 1999 . Subject: Hare coursing
Under the present CSF appropriations have been transferred In various Community countries , including Portugal, the from the national to the regional side to help the Aegean United Kingdom and Ireland , hare coursing is still organized islands and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace . for recreational purposes . The hare has virtually no chance of escaping and is killed in a barbaric fashion — a source of The Commission's report was accompanied by a proposal sick fun for the lovers of this 'sport'. for a Council Regulation on specific measures covering certain agricultural products . These measures are What action does the Commission propose to take to put an threefold : end to this barbaric practice , which has already been condemned by animal welfare organizations ? — aid for the supply of certain basic goods, — aid in support of certain local agricultural production, Answer given by Mr Steichen — waivers from restrictions in the structural aid on behalf of the Commission provisions . (3 December 1993)
(!) COM(92 ) 569 . The Commission is aware that hare coursing takes place in several Member States . The Commission deplores all forms 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/37 of cruelty to animals and has , in its proposals concerning the 2 . How would the Commission react towards a national welfare of animals, consistently sought to provide for the ban on short-haul flights ? highest possible standards of welfare . While the Community has introduced common rules on 3 . What is the Commission's view of the relationship animal welfare pursuant to agricultural and environmental between the rules on competition ( Article 85 EEC Treaty ) policy, there are no plans to introduce such rules in the area and Article 1 3 Or ( Community objectives in respect of the of hare coursing. environment ) in this context ?
4 . Does the Commission give any priority to encouraging short-haul means of transport ? If so , why ? If not, why not ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1 109/93 by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1993) ( 94/C 140/81 ) Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission Subject: Operational programme for the south-eastern area (14 December 1993) of the Province ofJaen and the northern area of the Province of Granada
What stage has been reached in implementing the 1 . In its Green Paper on the impact of transport on the operational programme for the south-eastern area of the environment: A Community strategy for 'sustainable Province of Jaen and the northern area of the Province of mobility' ( 1 ) the Commission drew the conclusion that Granada , which is scheduled to be completed at the end of transport, in its different forms , is never environmentally 1993 ? neutral and hence emphasized the need to opt for a strategy based on a global approach aimed at the different impacts of all modes of transport on the environment . Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission This strategy was endorsed by the White Paper on the future (28 October 1993) development of the Common Transport Policy : A global approach to the construction of a Community framework On 31 December 1992 , the operational programme to for sustainable mobility ( 2 ). Moreover, such a strategy which the Honourable Member refers had been should also ensure that transport continues to fulfil social implemented to the extent of 23% . and economic functions under the most favourable environmental conditions, while safeguarding the freedom The Commission would point out that the decision to grant of choice for the user . Community aid to this programme was taken in December 1991 . That decision stated that financial commitments At the moment, the available environmental and transport would be made no later than 31 December 1993 and that statistics do not allow the Commission to present reliable payments in respect of those commitments could be made statistical data on the environmental impact of short haul up to the end of 1995 . flights . The Commission hopes that this programme will be fully implemented by these deadlines . 2 . Short haul flights fall within the scope of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2408/92 ( 3 ) which provides for the general principle of free access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes . Any restriction of such flights for - reason of environmental protection would be WRITTEN QUESTION E-1114/93 compatible with that principle only if it complied with one by Heinz Köhler ( PSE ) of the safeguard clauses contained in Articles 8 ( 2 ) and 9 of to the Commission of the European Communities the Regulation . Article 8 ( 2 ) opens the possibility for Member States to introduce at national, regional and local (29 April 1993) level operational rules in order to meet environmental ( 94/C 140/82 ) concerns . Article 9 allows Member States temporarily to limit or refuse the exercise of traffic rights in case of serious Subject: The Commission's attitude towards short-haul environmental problems , in particular when other modes of flights transport can provide satisfactory levels of service . Both provisions explicitly empower the Commission to verify 1 . Does the Commission consider that short-haul air whether the conditions for their application are fulfilled traffic in the Community presents environmental problems , and, if necessary, to take a formal decision on the and can it provide figures on the subject ? subject. No C 140/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
3 . Articles 8 and 9 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) a permanent system of self-evaluation at EC level . The No 2408/92 reflect the objective of environmental Commission readily accepted this recommendation . protection enshrined in Article 1 3 Or of the EC Treaty . In particular, the conditions attached to Article 9 require that any action under this provision shall be non-discriminatory The system began in 1992 . It is a unique and voluntary and shall not unduly distort competition between air development. It involves visits to faculties by veterinarians carriers . With the insertion of those conditions , Article 9 from different Member States to evaluate the training given reflects the general policy principle that different and to suggest changes . It unites schools , the committee and Community objectives shall be balanced and no objective the Commission in a collective exercise of improvement. shall be pursued at the expense of any other objective . The first cycle extends to 1999 , by when every school in the Community, and possibly the EEA, will have been evaluated . It will achieve international comparability which In this context, it should be recalled that Article 85 of the EC could not possibly be achieved by purely national measures, Treaty prohibits agreements between undertakings which i.e . by subsidiarity . restrict competition, subject to the possibility of an exemption pursuant to paragraph 3 of that provision . For an exemption to be granted the agreement must offer certain In March 1991 the Commission formally told Member objective economic benefits and allow consumers a fair States that it would assist substantially with the cost of the share of those benefits . In that context Article 130r is first cycle . On 11 March 1993 , in a brief letter to the relevant, in that it confirms that environmental protection is committee chairman, the Commission said that its support a component of the Community's other policies . Protection would cease at the end of 1993 . There was neither warning of the environment would therefore be likely to qualify as a nor consultation . The Commission is being unrealistic if it benefit warranting an exemption . However, it should be thinks that the profession can take over the system entirely kept in mind that an exemption also requires that the by 1994 . agreement does not include restrictions which are not indispensable for the stated benefits and that it does not Will the Commission please make a statement on this whole eliminate competition. matter, to explain the principles behind the decision, its abruptness and lack of consultation, and whether the 4 . In its abovementioned Green Paper the Commission Commission will continue its support for, say, four years to indicated that high speed train services could serve as an allow the profession a proper chance to take over ? The alternative to short haul flights . However, this will require a goodwill of this profession should be harnessed , not case-by-case approach taking into account all aspects of destroyed . transport demand and supply. (!) OJ No L 362 , 23 . 12 . 1978 , p . 10 . I 1 ) COM(92 ) 46 final of 20 February 1992 . ( 2 ) COM(92 ) 464 final of 2 December 1992 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 240, 24 . 8 . 1992 .
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (4 October 1993)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 188/93 by Mary Banotti ( PPE ) The Commission fully acknowledges the contribution made to the Commission of the European Communities by the voluntary system of visitation of veterinary schools towards ensuring comparably high standards of training . (13 May 1993) However, the Commission's involvement can no longer ( 94/C 140/83 ) continue in view of an increase in its tasks, budgetary constraints and the decision taken at the Edinburgh Council to simplify the functioning of the older directives concerning Subject: Self-evaluation of veterinary training in the the mutual recognition of professional qualifications . All of Community — withdrawal of the Commission's these led to the Commission's decision to withdraw material support for the international system financial and administrative support for the system of operated by the Advisory Committee on visitation earlier than originally envisaged . Veterinary Training The Honourable Member correctly refers to Council The Advisory Committee was set up by Community law in Decision 78/1028/EEC which set up the Advisory 1978 ( Council Decision 78/1028/EEC (*)) with the task of Committee on Veterinary Training. There are six other helping the Commission to achieve a comparably high similar Advisory Committees . It should be borne in mind standard of training throughout the Community . After a that these Committees perform an advisory function and detailed pilot study, 1986—89, the committee were set up as expert bodies to advise the Commission in recommended that this task could only really be fulfilled by relation to the quality of training concerning the respective 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/39 professions . The Commission endeavours, as far as is Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan possible , to provide the necessary secretariat services, due on behalf of the Commission regard being had to all its priorities, including those arising (3 September 1993) from the new general systems for the recognition of qualifications . The Europe Agreements signed with Poland , Hungary, the The Commission has received representations from then Czechoslovak Federal Republic, Romania and Bulgaria members of the Advisory Committee on Veterinary include rules on competition and commitments by these Training and is examining the help ( referred to in the letter countries on approximating their legislation to that of the of 11 March 1993 ) which it may extend, in order to enable Community . The environment is one of the areas explicitly the veterinary profession at the European level to take over mentioned for approximation of laws . Anti-dumping and visitations to veterinary schools, after the end of 1993 . The safeguard rules are also included . The agreements further Advisory Committee may, of course , in the interests of provide for co-operation in the areas areas of social security helping to ensure comparably high standards of veterinary in order to help adapt these countries to the new economic training in the Community, continue to be informed of any and social context . results of such future visitations . The competition rules are basically the same as those applying in the Community, even though implementing rules are to be defined within a period of three years . Moreover , for an initial period of five years, the Central European Countries are considered as areas described under Article 92.3 ( a ) of the EEC Treaty, i.e . 'areas where the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1208/93 standard of living is abnormally low or where there is by Karl-Heinrich Mihr ( PSE) serious underemployment'. State aid to promote economic development in these areas is however subject to strict to the Commission of the European Communities conditions . (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/84 ) It should be noted that the Europe Agreements are meant to support the Central European Countries in their political and economic reforms and that they aim at bringing these Subieet: Association agreements countries gradually closer to the Community so that they can eventually be integrated . Can it be consistent with the spirit of association agreements and fair competition between the Community and Eastern The Honourable Member is also invited to refer to the reply European countries that such a country can be defined as to Written Question No 3073/92 by Mr Mitolo 0 ). one 'where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment' pursuant to (!) OJ No C 145 , 25 . 5 . 1993 . Article 92 ( 3 ) ( a ) of the EEC Treaty, but at the same time offer Western investors incentives such as
— long-term tax exemption
— free land on which to build WRITTEN QUESTION E-1235/93 — the building of motorways near factories, by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) particularly since labour costs in these countries are so low to the Commission of the European Communities that such practices can be equated with social dumping ? (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/85 ) The situation is only made worse by the lack of environmental and safety requirements such as those laid down in the Community . Subject: The public's dislike of time changes in the EC .
These incentives prompt EC firms to switch production and Community measures should be evaluated in depth and planned investments to Eastern Europe and close plants in detail before implementation . They must then be explained Member States . to the general public . Failure to do this results in total rejection of the Community and its institutions . A good example of this is the change from winter to summer time This is financially viable only because the Community and vice-versa . The general public does not understand why grants millions of ECU in restructuring aid . this should be regulated by the EC . Opposing arguments, as voiced in the media, take the following form : Should the Community not, in its own interests , take note of these distortions of competition and incorporate suitable 'As citizens of the European Community, we have had to guarantees into its agreements with these countries ? put our clocks forward for the umpteenth time early this No C 140/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
morning, although many experts have shown that such a WRITTEN QUESTION E-1242/93 change in biorhythms is harmful to health. But the most by Ernest Glinne (PSE ) exasperating aspect is that bureaucrats — particularly those residing in Brussels — should believe themselves to the Commission of the European Communities entitled to govern time, play around with people's lives (18 May 1993) and even change the pace of history itself. Moreover, ( 94/C 140/86 ) specialists have admitted that there is no proof that this twice-yearly change actually saves any energy at all. Yet we are saddled with this nuisance every six months, Subject: The cement industry and pollution of the owing to the obstinacy of the Eurocrats, and it leaves all environment of us disconcerted and-perplexed. How much longer do we have to allow a few bossy civil servants even to lay down the law on how we should set our clocks?' In the United States, firms such as the Lafarge Corporation, French ( notably in Algena, Michigan; in Fredonia, Kansas, and in Demopolis, Alabama ); River Cement's Festus ( thirty Can the Commission justify this decision on the part of the miles south of Saint Louis and owned by the Agnelli family); EC ? I should like to make it clear that I intend to forward the Ash Grove Cement in Chanute, Kansas; Southdown Cement reply in full to the media . in Lyons, Colorado; Holman, controlled by Holderbank Financier Glaris, Switzerland, in Tijeras in New Mexico; Blue Circle, under British control in Harleyville, South Carolina, etc., are the subject of complex and embarrassing investigations by the Environment Protection Agency ( EPA). Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (14 December 1993) The reason for this is that they are making enormous profits, not only through cement production but also through the disposal of industrial and other waste, Lafarge having been fined £ 1,8 million in September 1992 for having violated The Commission does not as a rule comment on press safety regulations at its Demopolis factory . The common reports, but agrees with the Honourable Member that it is reason for complaints brought at federal and state level was : important for the Community to explain the reasons for its dangerous pollution caused by incineration of waste actions. With regard to summertime, it would point out that ( including plastic substances, used oil and solvents etc.) in the decision to apply these arrangements is one for the the production of cement and cement powder etc . that the Member States themselves . Most Member States introduced temperature of 200° associated with iron, aluminium and summertime in the 1970s; today the system is applied by all other materials does not render free from polluting residues of them. The point of the Community legislation, which such as the toxic product known as furan and even came into force in 1981 , was to bring about a gradual plutonium. The EPA and other services suspect 114 cement alignment of the dates on which the clocks were moved factories of producing impure cement and 'fertilizer' dust forward and back throughout the Community. which is unsuitable for use in agriculture and which is dangerous to the food chain and to its final consumer. Community legislation was needed to remove any barriers to the free movement of goods, services and people arising 1 . Is the same waste disposal technique used in the from discrepancies in national summertime arrangements . Community, notably by European holding The Commission organized a hearing in January 1993 with companies ? representatives of the various interest groups affected by this question, including transport, agriculture and industry 2 . If so, is it permissible ? federations, consumer associations and various pro- and anti-summertime lobbies . The great majority ofthose taking 3 . Has any cooperation with the EPA been implemented, part in the hearing accepted the principle of summertime and with what results ? and favoured complete alignment of the dates.
In view of the Member States' intention to continue with summertime arrangements at the national level and their desire to have the clocks moved forward and back on the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas same dates, the Commission adopted a proposal on on behalf of the Commission 27 September 1993 for a seventh directive, covering the (27 October 1993) years 1995 to 1998, which it will submit to the Council and to Parliament (*). The incineration of hazardous waste to provide fuel may be (*) OJ No C 278, 16. 10. 1993 . advantageous in every energy consuming process and in particular for cement works. As far as the Commission knows cement works are very selective in choosing these wastes because they require a high calorific value and lower 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/41
chlorine contents . This implies that not all hazardous waste has not as yet contemplated using such links in any specific is accepted by these plants because it cannot be used as a fuel way for the purposes of the Community's own relations in an appropriate manner . with its latin American partners . Any consideration of this matter would be facilitated by practical suggestions from the The Commission forwarded a proposal for a directive on the various parties involved . incineration of hazardous waste to Council and Parliament in early 1992 . The Parliament has given its opinion in March, and the June 1993 Environment Council reached an agreement . As a matter of principle the draft directive does not exclude other plants e.g . cement works from incinerating hazardous waste on condition that the exhaust gas volume resulting from sûch incineration meets the stringent emission limit values as set out therein . The WRITTEN QUESTION E-1254/93 limitation also covers dioxin and furan emissions . The by Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) Commission does not know whether hazardous waste to the Commission of the European Communities containing radioactive material is being incinerated in cement works in the United States . Radioactive waste is (18 May 1993) subject to special Community legislation and therefore ( 94/C 140/88 ) excluded from the scope of Directive 91/156/EEC on waste on which the draft incineration directive is based . Subject: Obstacles to the execution of building work in Any co-incineration of radioactive waste in cement kilns France by non-French undertakings would constitute a clear infringement of Community law . No such case as yet been brought to the attention of the Belgian contractors wishing to carry out building work in Commission. France are meeting with refusals based on what is known as the 'qualification system'. Belgium, on the other hand , There is no specific cooperation with the Environment where the 'approval system' is the rule , complies with the Protection Agency in the field of incineration of hazardous spirit which should prevail in the Community, without any waste . dirty tricks indeed, on the presumption that such a system is a right .
In Belgium, approval is granted by the minister responsible on the recommendation of a committee on which administrative bodies and the two sides of industry are represented, on the basis of legal texts and regulations to WRITTEN QUESTION E-1251/93 which everyone has access . by Isidoro Sánchez García ( ARC ) to the Commission of the European Communities In France, on the other hand, 'qualification' is granted by the (18 May 1993) Professional Organization for the Qualification and ( 94/C 140/87 ) Classification of Buildings ( OPQCB ), a body set up by the construction sector, whose operation is supervised by the state under a protocol dating back to 3 November 1949 Subject: The Canary Islands as a platform for relations ( well before the Treaty of Rome ). It is extremely difficult to between Europe and Latin America bring an action against the OPQCB, a private body . As far as the OPQCB is concerned, Belgian candidates aspiring to a As the Canaries have played and continue to play an 'qualification' must have a head office in France , be listed in important role in relations between Europe and America , the French Register of Commerce and register their staff particularly the Spanish-speaking countries, has the with the company insuring paid holidays for the Commission considered using them as a platform for construction sector and pension funds , and take out an cultural, political and economic relations between the insurance policy for liability over a ten-year period and civil liability. Community and Latin America ? If so, what action could , in its view, be taken ? The rule on the head office, which is exasperating and, in my view, in contravention of EC law, clearly imposes the greatest constraint, since social conditions should be consistent with freedom of movement for EC workers . The Answer given by Mr Marin OPQCB goes as far as to claim that this is not a hindrance on behalf of the Commission because 'qualification ' is merely 'recommended' rather than (30 November 1993) compulsory as far as the public authorities are concerned . The reality is that 'qualification' is practically inaccessible to non-French EC contractors, who are thus excluded from the The Commission is aware of the traditional links between public markets in the widest sense and even from very the Canary Islands and some Latin American countries . It considerable private markets . The Belgian 'approval No C 140/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 system', on the other hand, does not discriminate in any way Member to report to it any conduct on the part of against non-Belgian undertakings, not even against French contracting authorities which might prevent firms from enterprises. other Member States from taking part fairly in public contract award procedures. What is the Commission's position on this matter ?
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi WRITTEN QUESTION E-1262/93 on behalf of the Commission by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop (PSE) (29 October 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/89 ) The Commission would like to make it clear at the outset that it is still studying the new system of approval operating in Belgium in order to establish whether it is compatible Subject: The historical and architectural heritage of the with Article 28 of Directive 71/305/EEC concerning the countries of Central and Eastern Europe coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, as amended by Directive 89/440/EEC, and with On 12 February 1993 the European Parliament adopted a Article 59 of the EEC Treaty. report drawn up by its Committee on Culture on preserving the architectural heritage and protecting cultural assets As the Honourable Member says, there is no official system ( A3-0036/93 ). of approval or qualification for contractors in France . The certificat de qualification which may be issued by the In the resolution contained in the report, the European OPQCB to interested contractors merely records their Parliament expressed concern at the particularly critical situation for the benefit of clients both private and public. A situation facing the historical and architectural heritage of French contracting authority is entitled to ask for OPQCB the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and called on certificates only on the express condition that it makes it the Commission to launch as a matter of urgency, in clear that it will accept any certificate delivered by an cooperation with other countries and with Unesco and the equivalent body and any other proof of the contractor's Council of Europe, a series of measures to remedy the technical knowledge or ability of the kind specified in situation. Articles 23 to 26 of Directive 71/305/EEC as amended by Directive 89/440/EEC . The forms of proof which are Can the Commission state which Community measures acceptable are in fact set out in full in model tender notices have been carried out so far, what kind of cooperation is which must be followed by all French contracting being undertaken with Unesco and the Council of Europe authorities; these were laid down by an order (arrêté ) of and what are the prospects for future action ? 12 June 1992 ( published in the Journal officiel de la République Française, 28 July 1992). Can it also list, where appropriate, the projects that have been financed, the framework used and the amounts of aid Article 28 ( 3 ) of the Directive stipulates that certified allocated thereto ? registration by the competent bodies in official lists of recognized contractors is, for the authorities of other Member States awarding contracts, to constitute a presumption of suitability only as regards Articles 23 to 26 of the Directive . Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1993) The Commission is aware of the potential danger of discrimination, and of the differences which currently exist between qualification procedures both official and The Commission is aware of the critical state of the cultural unofficial; acting through the Standing Committee set up by and architectural heritage in Central and Eastern European Directive 83/189/EEC on technical standards and countries . regulations, it has asked the European Committee for Standardization ( CEN ) to carry out a study of the The Commission has a special budget item ( B3-2003 in recognition of public works contractors (M/009), in order 1993, formerly B3-2020 ) to finance cultural cooperation to provide a basis for standardized recognition requirements with non-member countries. However the allocation is very in the Community. small; this item was reduced from ECU 1,5 million to ECU 1 million in 1993 . The Commission will be drawing the French Government's attention to the OPQCB requirements to which the The Commission uses the funds available to give Central Honourable Member refers. It would ask the Honourable and Eastern European countries which have signed Europe 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/43 agreements access to the existing programmes on cultural 1 , whether it intends to approve the proposal by the south action by the Community . In 1992 it granted a total of ECU Aegean region and incorporate it within the Delors II 240 000 to three preservation projects in three Central package ? European countries . 2 , whether it intends to provide additional funding for maintaining these buildings from the Community's The countries in question could use the Phare programme by budget appropriations for the preservation and granting priority status to projects for the preservation of promotion of the European cultural heritage ? the cultural and architectural heritage where these contribute to the restructuring of their economy . 3 , what other measures it intends to take to restructure the economic and manufacturing base of the island and to It should be noted that the Council of Europe and Unesco tackle the problem of industrial decline which is not only have their own role but also specific commitments . threatening Syros ? The Council of Europe gives priority to technical assistance to Central and Eastern European countries but it does not have any means of funding preservation work . In the communication on the cultural heritage which it intends to submit to Parliament and Council in 1994 , the Commission Answer given by Mr Millan will make proposals designed to strengthen cooperation on behalf of the Commission between international institutions . In doing so it will pay (29 November 1993) due regard to their mandates and commitments and endeavour to make projects complementary . The Commission is aware of the problems referred to concerning the island of Syros .
It is ready to examine any proposal by the Greek authorities likely to improve the situation through possible part-financing in the context of the future Community Support Framework . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1280/93 by Alexandros Alavanos ( CG ) Budget Item B3-2000, currently designated for the funding to the Commission of the European Communities of Community initiatives for cultural heritage conservation, (19 May 1993) does not, however, permit ad hoc assistance other than the measures already embarked upon following initiatives by ( 94/C 140/90 ) the European Parliament, except where the historical and cultural integrity of the monuments concerned is endangered ( for example , as a result of a natural disaster or Subject: Preservation of the architectural heritage of comparable occurrence ). There is, therefore, no scope for Syros additional assistance in 1993 to safeguard neo-classical buildings on Syros . On the island of Syros , and particularly in Ermoupolis , an important town in the 19th century, there are hundreds of buildings erected between 1830 and 1870 which are a unique combination in both Greece and Europe of the architecture , sculpture and art of that period . It is extremely expensive to maintain these neo-classical buildings and the owners cannot afford to do so, with the result that many are WRITTEN QUESTION E-1285/93 falling into disrepair . by George Patterson ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Given : (19 May 1993) (9AIC 140/91 ) — that the plans for the shipyards at Neorion, and the Piraiki-Patraiki company will create surplus labour, Subieet: Channel Tunnel rail link — that the work of maintaining the buildings will create new jobs and aid tourism on the island , and Could the Commission state what its general view is of the — that the region of the south Aegean has submitted a proposals recently made by Union Railways for a high-speed rail link between the Channel Tunnel and London, and in proposal for a study into surveying and restoring the neo-classical buildings on Syros to be included in the particular : Delors II package, 1 , whether it considers the proposal to be in full accord with the Community's strategy for a European will the Commission say : high-speed rail network; No C 140/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
2 , whether it is satisfied that adequate provision is being line ), guarantees for loans ( the future European Investment made for rail freight; Fund ) and loans ( EIB and ECSC ).
3 , whether the proposal and consultation procedures announced are in conformity with Community environmental objectives, and with Community law;
4 , what possibilities exist for Community finance for the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1286/93 link, either from the Community budget, or the EIB or from other loan facilities ? by Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 May 1993) ( 94/C 140/92
Subject: Balance between the Community tuna production Answer given by Mr Matutes and tuna processing sectors on behalf of the Commission (12 November 1993) The Commission has repeatedly stated that, as regards the market policy for tuna , it has always sought to strike a balance between the production sector and the processing sector . However, while the Community genuinely applies a In its outline plan for a European High Speed Rail Network, system of absolute freedom of trade as regards imports of welcomed by the Council of December 1990, the whole tuna and tuna slices , involving a total suspension of Commission showed the Channel Tunnel rail link as a key the duties of the Common Customs Tariff, canned tuna link in the high-speed rail system, and pointed out the from third countries is subject to quotas and customs interest of this link not only for the United Kingdom but for duties . the Community as a whole . Can the Commission therefore state :
The proposal made by Union Railways to build a new line Why the arrangements laid down for the canning sector are between London and the Channel Tunnel is in accord with not applied to the production sector ? the outline plan of the Commission . If this is related to the GATT, can it explain the reasons and , The intended use of this line for both passengers and freight where appropriate , suggest what alternative system should conforms to the Commission's views . Some countries like be established to prevent such discrimination ? Germany have already such lines in service .
As far as the environmental aspect is concerned in this Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas project, the UK authorities are in phase with Directive on behalf of the Commission 85/337/EEC concerning the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . An (11 October 1993) environmental appraisal of the Union Railway project has been conducted by a reputable firm . As far as the Commission is aware, development consent has not yet been 1 . The balance between the tuna production and granted for the project, and there can therefore be no breach processing sectors results from Council decisions , in of the Directive . particular the decision at the end of 1992 to :
( a ) maintain the unilateral suspension of customs duties on Finally, the Commission expressed its interest by giving tuna as a raw material intended for processing; assistance ( budget line B5-700 ) for feasibility studies in 1991 and 1992 ( ECU 5 and 12 million respectively). Further ( b ) compensate for the inconvenience caused to producers assistance ( ECU 10 million ) will be given this year to finalize by maintaining the compensatory allowance the feasibility studies . arrangements .
2 . There is no suspension of tariff duty on loins of tuna When the final project has been defined and if the United imported into the Community. However , under agreements Kingdom makes a request, the Commission will examine the such as the Lomé Convention or the GSP, these products are possibility of helping to complete the financial package subject on a generalized basis to the application of tariff using interest subsidies ( Trans European Network budget reduction measures . 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/45
3 . The customs duties on canned tuna ( 24 % ) are bound The Commission would point out that numerous measures under GATT . As from 1 January 1993 and for a transitional taken by non-member countries support the Community's period of four years, canned tuna originating in countries arguments . that have not concluded a preferential agreement with the Community are subject to a quota rule which replaces It is expected that the conclusions of the Panel will be made existing national rules, which are to be abolished in due public during autumn 1993 . course . The quota rule may not be transformed into a definitive measure without contravening international obligations contracted by the Community .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1288/93 by Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 June 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1287/93 ( 94/C 140/94 ) by Miguel Arias Cañete ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Community tuna production (1 June 1993) (9AIC 140/93 ) Regulation ( EEC ) No 3759/92 of 12 December 1992 on the common organization of the market in fishery products (*) lays down in the 26th recital and subsequent articles that Subject: American embargo on European tuna exports application of Common Customs Tariff duties should be totally suspended for tuna since Community production of tuna is inadequate . The aim is to maintain a sufficient supply The US administration applied a secondary embargo with for food-processing industries . effect from 1 February 1992 on tuna exports from 40 countries, including some Community Member States ( UK, Figures supplied by the sector show that Community tuna Italy, France and Spain ), as a result of those countries having production totalled 380 000 tonnes in 1991 , while the tuna purchased and imported tuna from countries subject to the canning industry's requirements for that year totalled primary embargo which captured dolphins along with 335 224 tonnes ( 164 761 tonnes caught by the Community yellowfin tuna . At the same time , the US penalized fishing fleet and 170 463 tonnes by third countries). Community shipowners whose vessels fish in the Atlantic and Indian oceans where tuna-fishing does not involve the Can the Commission state whether it agrees with the capture of dolphins . abovementioned figures ?
As the measures implemented by the US administration are In view of the crisis which has afflicted the sector for over 48 unfair and unlawful and are seriously penalizing months , does the Commission not agree that the report Community producers , can the Commission state what requested by the Council on 19 October 1992 on the market representations the Community has made to the situation for tuna should be presented as soon as possible , appropriate GATT panel to resolve this matter ? that is to say, before the deadline of 30 June 1994 and, if so, when does the Commission intend to complete it ?
H OJ No L 388 , 31 . 12 . 1992 , p . 1 .
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (19 October 1993) After fruitless bilateral consultations with the United States on this issue, the Community has initiated a proceeding with In 1991 , supplies to the Community tuna canning industry the competent GATT authorities, challenging the validity of amounted to about 290 000 tonnes ( approximately the embargo measures arising from the Marine Mammal 190 000 tonnes from the Community fleet and 100 000 Protection Act and certain provisions of the Dolphin tonnes from imports ). Conservation Act of October 1992 . The Commission does not intend to make an early reply to The Community's action is based both on the rules laid the Council's request . down by the General Agreement and on certain principles of international law . No C 140/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1298/93 Total exports in 1992 (live animals, meat, preparations and by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) preserves ) were of the same order of magnitude as in 1991 , working out during the two years to 1 323 million tonnes to the Commission of the European Communities expressed as carcase weight. (1 June 1993) ( 94/C 140/95 ) The Commission closely monitors the trend of exports to third countries . It is true that exports of frozen beef from Subject: Sewage system in Monemvasia in the intervention fell off in the first few months of 1993 but it is Peloponnese too early to draw conclusions for the whole year .
According to newspaper reports in the Peloponnese, e.g. 'Proia tis Spartis' of 15—31 January 1993 , the sewage system in Monemvasia has been built on a makeshift basis . Can the Commission say whether the entire project was funded by the Community and whether it intends to investigate the matter ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1319/93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE) Answer given by Mr Millan to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1993) (21 October 1993) ( 94/C 140/97)
The sewer construction project in Monemvassia is indeed financed by the Community under the integrated Subject: Measures to ensure decent living conditions for Mediterranean programme for western Greece and the children and the elderly Peloponnese . Given the need for measures to ensure that children and the According to the information available to the Commission elderly are able to live under decent conditions, especially the project is nearing completion and until now no problem since the austerity measures practised by a number of has occurred or been announced officially. The Commission Community countries bring hardship to many people in will not fail to verify the matter on the spot at one of the next these age groups, what does the Commission intend to do to meetings of the monitoring committee for the ensure that necessary measures are taken ? programme .
Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-1301/93 on behalf of the Commission by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) (8 November 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 June 1993) The Commission is concerned about the phenomena of 94/C 140/96 social exclusion which affect or threaten a large number of European citizens, including elderly people and children . Subject: Veal exports In its communication of 23 December 1992 'Towards a Last year Community exports of veal fell by 12 % compared Europe of solidarity: intensifying the campaign against with 1991 . It is estimated that exports will also fall in 1993 social exclusion and promoting integration' ( 1 ), the by 22% . What measures will the Commission therefore Commission emphasized that the policies and measures to take to support the Member States' exports of veal to third be implemented in this domain are first and foremost the countries ? responsibility of the Member States, but that the Community could and should contribute, within the limits of its powers and resources, to the endeavour . Hence it proposed perspectives for Community action which are Answer given by Mr Steichen currently being discussed. on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1993) In line with the subsidiarity principle, Community action in this domain is designed to supplement and support Veal accounts for only a very small proportion ( 0,2% ) of initiatives in the Member States . The measures adopted in the Community's bovine meat sector ekports to third the context of the Poverty 3 programme ( Council Decision countries. of 18 July 1989 ) ( 2 ) and the support provided to the 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/47 non-governmental organizations involved in the campaign Answer given by Mr Matutes against social exclusion contribute to stimulating public on behalf of the Commission debate and the policies implemented . (23 November 1993)
It should also be noted that on 24 June 1992 the Council adopted a recommendation on common criteria concerning For a number of years the Commission has been sufficient resources and social assistance in social protection encouraging technologies designed to promote a bioclimatic systems ( 3 ), which invites the Member States to recognize approach to architecture . R&D activities have been carried the basic right of a person to sufficient resources and social out under the various non-nuclear energy programmes , and assistance to live in a manner compatible with human are continuing under the Joule programme . In addition , dignity . Clearly the scope of this recommendation extends Community demonstration programmes and the Thermie to the elderly . Children are also concerned, because the programme have invested not inconsiderable sums ( around recommendation recognizes that this right applies to ECU 15 million since 1989 ) into developing bioclimatic everybody . Moreover, the Council recommendation of architecture . Finally, the Altener programme will enable the 27 July 1992 , on the convergence of social protection Commission to adopt measures to complement these objectives and policies requires the Member States , in its tchnological programmes . Particular attention will be paid 'family' section , to develop benefits paid to families with the to training and informing architects with regard to the use of greatest child-related costs, for example because of the passive solar energy in construction . number of children, and the most disadvantaged families . Given the wide range of climatic conditions which exist within the Community, the Commission feels that tax The first Community action programme in favour of the incentives for bioclimatic architecture should be a matter for elderly and solidarity between generations was established the national authorities . Moreover, the technological by Council Decision of 26 November 1990 . It culminated in know-how is not yet sufficiently advanced to enable precise 1993 , which was declared the European Year of the Elderly architectural and climatic parameters to be laid down which and of Solidarity between Generations . The objective of this could be used as a reference for applying a system of energy programme , through awareness campaigns and the or environmental labelling for buildings . promotion of measures designed to encourage the exchange of information and experience , is to contribute to a better strategy for dealing with all the challenges resulting from population ageing and in particular those concerning the purchasing power of the elderly and their living conditions .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1327/93 (!) COM(92 ) 542 final . ( 2 ) OJ No L 224 , 2 . 8 . 1989 . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) ( 3 ) OJ No L 245 , 26 . 8 . 1992 . to the Commission of the European Communities (3 June 1993) ( 94/C 140/99 )
Subiect: Water distribution
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1320/93 It is important to ensure that available water supplies are distributed carefully and fairly, especially for the purposes by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) of irrigation, particularly now that the consequences of the to the Commission of the European Communities drought are making themselves felt . In view of the many (3 lune 1993) disputes that have arisen between both individuals and areas ( 94/C 140/98 ) of the same country over the distribution of water, for example water from Etolia-Akarnania to Thessalia and Attica , what view does the Commission take of the situation ? Subject: Incentives for the construction of ' bioclimatic' buildings
If measures were taken to promote the construction and purchase ' bioclimatic' buildings, this could contribute Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas towards saving a large part of the energy costs needed to on behalf of the Commission regulate the temperature as desired . In view of this, does the (20 October 1993) Commission tend to prevail on the Member States to approve incentives , mainly financial and tax incentives , regarding the implementation of 'bioclimatic' technologies The Commission is fully aware of the importance of in buildings ? ensuring the availability of water for all users on a No C 140/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 sustainable basis. Its position is set out in the Community's a request for financing of a study by Paseges on the subject of fifth action programme for the environment entitled the reorganization of Greek agricultural cooperatives . 'Towards sustainability' (*). Financial involvement of the Greek authorities in the (!) OJNo C 138 , 17 . 5 . 1993 . restructuring of agricultural cooperatives would need to be notified to and examined by the Commission under the provisions of the EEC Treaty governing state aids.
To nhe extent that the problems of the cooperatives concerned relate to accumulated debts or lack of working capital the Commission does not see any basis for direct WRITTEN QUESTION E-1 330/93 financial assistance being granted by the Community . by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (!) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 . (3 June 1993) ( 94/C 140/100 )
Subject: Need for cooperatives to settle their debts through WRITTEN QUESTION E-1331/93 talks with the Greek authorities by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) The Greek Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives to the Commission of the European Communities ( PASEGES), the principal body representing Greek (3 June 1993) agricultural cooperatives, is seeking to achieve the economic ( 94/C 140/101 ) rationalization and development of cooperatives in Greece and has criticized the Greek authorities for their 'inflexibility' concerning settlement of cooperative debts. It Subject: Announcement that builders can move in on Greek takes the view that, in this connection, the following forest areas conditions must apply : The Greek newspaper Pondiki reported on 24 March 1993 — the need to start at zéro, that the Greek Prime Minister had announced that hundreds of hectares of Greek forest or forest areas would cease to be — a programme of modernization and adaptation with the classified as forestry land so that dozens of building participation of the cooperation and, companies could start work and buildings in those areas could be legalized . The newspaper is particularly concerned — flexible and effective procedures . at the Greek Prime Minister's references to rapid procedures for building in Greek forest areas without making provision Can the Commission help to initiate the necessary talks for : between the Greek authorities and the cooperatives on the above questions, since, in the absence of effective dialogue, — public amenitities ( streets, squares, parks, etc. ), no solution to the problems facing the Greek agricultural — studies and plans to ensure that the towns and sector, now represented by 7255 cooperatives, will be neighbourhoods thus created will comply with basic found ? standards and constitute a pleasant environment to live in, — the necessary sewerage systems, water and electricity supplies, telephone networks, etc . Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission What steps will the Commission take on this important (13 October 1993) matter in order to avoid environmental disasters and wholesale criminal destruction of forests which have practically disappeared ? The Commission has not up to the present time received any formal request for assistance in this domain from the Greek Government. Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas The Commission in formulating its policies is generally on behalf of the Commission supportive of the development of agricultural cooperation throughout the Community. (3 November 1993)
In the context of the present developments in Greece the Forested areas are protected by Community law if they are Commission is indeed presently examining within the classified as special protection areas under Article 4 of framework of Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC) No 4256/88 ( l ) Directive 79/409/EEC ( M. 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/49
In the absence of more detailed information as regards the benefits of the internal market and the European economic location of the forested areas referred to in the area to Cyprus , will the Commission state whether it intends announcement by the Greek Government, the Commission to devise machinery for cooperation by which Cyprus will is at this stage unable to conclude that Community law has be enabled to benefit as soon and as fully as possible from been infringed . the new legislative framework set up with the implementation of the Single European Act and the (!) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . establishment of the European Economic Area ?
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek WRITTEN QUESTION E-1340/93 on behalf of the Commission by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) (1 October 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (3 June 1993) Relations between the Community and Cyprus are (9AIC 140/102 ) governed by the 1973 Association Agreement and the 1987 Protocol providing for the establishment of a complete Subject: The Aliakmonas river delta customs union for manufactured products by 1998 . Progress towards this objective is satisfactory . The 'Movement for the Protection of Olympos' has expressed concern about ecological disaster in the In the field of cooperation, the third EEC-Cyprus Protocol is Aliakmonas river delta . The movement claims that the due to expire at the end of 1993 ; thus the Community and Greek authorities are failing to comply with the Cyprus will be required to define and implement an International Ramsar Convention and Directive appropriate cooperation policy for the five-year period 79/409/EEC (*), and are allowing the abovementioned river 1994—1 999 . delta to be destroyed by the 'motor-racing track' built by speculators . Does the Commission intend to take any steps to protect the Aliakmonas river delta ?
(!) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1368/93 Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas by José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (15 November 1993) (4 June 1993) ( 94/C 140/104 ) Greece has classified the Aliakmonas delta as a special protection area in accordance with Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds . Subject: Interpretation of acquiescence by Community administrative authorities On the basis of the information available to it, the Commission is of the opinion that the full and effective application of the abovementioned Directive in the delta Acquiescence by administrative authorities is interpreted raises certain problems . It is currently discussing these with differently in the various legal systems of the Community the Greek authorities . Member States, being deemed to have positive or adverse effects depending on circumstances and the different results which ensue .
There is now an astonishing change of attitude in some Member States with the result that, from being deemed to be WRITTEN QUESTION E-1351/93 negative, and hence damaging to the interests of citizens, by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) acquiescence on the part of administrative authorities is to the Commission of the European Communities now felt to have a positive impact and hence to be favourable for citizens . (4 June 1993) ( 94/C 140/103 ) Given that acquiescence on the part of the Community administrative authorities also occurs , can the Commission Subject: Cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus specify what interpretation should be given to such acquiescence in respect of actions which concern In view of the desire of the Republic of Cyprus for accession Community citizens and whether it should be deemed to to the Community, and wishing gradually to extend the have negative or positive effects and hence to be No C 140/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94 unfavourable or favourable for the person involved ? Can it continue their work in the matter of public access to also specify the legal basis for the Community's position on information so that all the necessary measures could be this matter ? introduced by the end of 1993 .
H COM(93 ) 258 final . ( 2 ) OJ No C 63 , 5 . 3 . 1993 . ( 3 ) COM(93 ) 191 final . Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (19 October 1993)
1 . Under Article 214 of the EEC Treaty, members of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1369/93 institutions and officials and other staff of the Communities by José Lafuente Lopez ( PPE ) are bound not to divulge any information which, by its nature, is covered by professional secrecy . to the Commission of the European Communities (4 June 1993) This requirement is clearly of particular importance in the (9AIC 140/105 ) case of the Commission . For one thing it often has to deal with individual cases; for another, its activities in relation to generally applicable legislation lie both upstream and Subject: Purchase and registration of vehicles in a downstream of the actual decision-making process Community Member State which is not the ( upstream as regards its preparatory work on proposals and purchaser's country of residence downstream in monitoring Member States' implementation of Community rules ). The provisions on the entry into force of the single European market are continuing to puzzle Community citizens — and certain administrative authorities — who are still uncertain 2 . However, there is a real need for transparency and access to administrative documents . It is part of the about the identity of and objectives pursued by the single increasingly widespread concern for more democracy in the European market . Community process . The Treaty on European Union accordingly contains a declaration on the right of access to At the risk of being repetitive, I should like to raise the information recommending that, by the end of 1 993 at the question of the rights of Community citizens as regards the latest, the Commission present a report to the Council on possibility of buying a motor vehicle in a Community measures to increase public access to information held by Member State which is not the country of residence and the institutions . registering it in the country of purchase .
It is for this reason that, in its communication to the Can the Commission indicate which Community provisions Council, Parliament and the ESC of 2 June 1993 on allow for the possibility of a Community citizen purchasing openness in the Community O , the Commission not only a motor vehicle in a Community Member State which is not details action taken further to its communication of his country of residence and registering it in the country of 2 December 1992 on increased transparency in the work of purchase and which legal provision can oblige the purchaser the Commission ( 2 ) but also refers to its communication of to re-register that vehicle when he returns with it to his 5 May 1993 ( 3 ) on public access to the institutions' normal country of residence, that is to say, the country in documents . In this communication, the Commission states which he lives for at least 182 days a year ? that, in the light of a comparative survey of the laws of the Member States and non-member countries , the accessibility of documents should be the rule and classified documents should be the exception, only permissible on grounds of Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi confidentiality . The Commission also considers that the on behalf of the Commission other institutions should share this approach in their own areas and conclude an interinstitutional agreement to this (14 October 1993) effect. By virtue of the principle of the free movement of goods , 3 . An approach of this type would ensure that the which is enshrined in the EEC Treaty, a citizen may purchase concept of administrative secrecy works essentially to the a vehicle in the Member State of his choice . benefit of the citizen in that the requirements of confidentiality should be invoked only in order to protect With regard to registration of that vehicle, it follows in legitimate interests, i.e . individual and personal privacy and particular from the Commission notice on procedures for business secrets and the Community public interest . the type-approval and registration of vehicles previously registered in another Member State (*) that the vehicle must, 4 . The Copenhagen European Council ( 21 and 22 June in principle, be registered in the Member State in which the 1993 ) called on the Council and the Commission to owner has his normal residence, registration being regarded , 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/51
under the tax laws applicable, as the chargeable event for vaccinated against foot and mouth disease ( see Article 6.2 of taxes on motor vehicles . Directive 72/462/EEC ). In this respect, transitional measures laid down by Commission Decision This does not, however, rule out the possibility of registering 92/105/EEC 0 ) ended on 31 December 1992 . Furthermore , a vehicle in a Member State other than that of normal the Commission does not intend to propose any relaxation residence . In the absence of harmonization at Community of this rule, which is important for the maintenance of the level , reference should in this respect be made to the national disease-free status of the Community . provisions governing the various types of registration since the provisions allowing a vehicle to be registered by a In general, the Commission attaches great importance to non-resident may differ from one Member State to another . checks on imported animals , as laid down by Council Registration is, of course , not always of the 'standard' type; Directive 91/496/EEC ( 2 ). Additionally, the Commission it may, for instance, be temporary for tourism purposes . has adopted Decision 93/242/EEC of 30 April 1993 concerning the importation into the Community of certain The Commission is not at this stage planning to harmonize live animals and their products originating in certain national legislation on registration; it does, however, take countries of Eastern Europe, in relation to foot and mouth care to ensure that the procedures in force in Member States disease ( 3 ). Under its provisions , countries authorized to are in keeping with the rules on the freedom of movement of export to the Community must carry out pre-export testing, goods ( Article 30 of the EEC Treaty ). which will eliminate animals which have been vaccinated . Other measures, involving pre-notification of (!) OJ No C 281 , 4 . 11 . 1988 . consignments, have been introduced to help prevent false or incorrect certification .
Directive 91/496/EEC lays down in Article 11.2 that
'Member States shall take the appropriate administrative WRITTEN QUESTION E-1378/93 or penal measures to penalize any infringement of by Lord Inglewood ( PPE ) veterinary legislation by natural or legal persons where it is found that Community rules have been infringed , in to the Commission of the European Communities particular where it is found that the certificates or (8 June 1993) documents drawn up do not correspond to the actual (9AIC 140/106 ) state of the animals'.
The question of responsibility of those involved falls within Subject: Foot and mouth disease national rules, adapted to correspond with this general provision . Could the Commission reaffirm its intent to prevent the import of live cloven foot animals which have been vaccinated against foot and mouth disease ? 0 ) OJ No L 41 , 18 . 2 . 1992 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 268 , 24 . 9 . 1991 ( 3 ) OJ No L 110 , 4 . 5 . 1993 . Could they also state what further measures they intend to take :
1 , to prevent the seemingly widespread practice of incorrect certification of non-vaccination in animals imported from third countries , 2 , to ensure that importers are fully recompensed by the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1383/93 exporting country which has incorrectly issued such by Wilfried Telkàmper ( V ) certificates , for any consequential liability incurred ? to the Commission of the European Communities Could the Commission also give an undertaking that if (8 June 1993) adequate compensation is not directly forthcoming, the 94/C 140/107 ) Commission will make equivalent deductions from * legitimate Community aids paid to these third countries ? Subject: Structural Fund appropriations for the building of a golf course
Answer given by Mr Steichen There are plans to build a golf course, together with a large on behalf of the Commission hotel complex, at a cost of about DM 160 million in (19 October 1993) Schônborn ( Buch am Wald, Bavaria, Germany). The 27-hole golf course, together with the hotel and other buildings will cover an area of about 170 hectares . It appears The Commission can confirm that it is currently against that an application has been made for Community funding Community rules to import animals which have been for the project under Objective 5b . No C 140/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 21 . 5 . 94
1 . What amount was requested by the Bavarian Land agricultural products, handicrafts , catering for leisure Government for the Schônborn project from EC activities to complement the golf ( horse riding, angling, Structural Funds earmarked for the development of bicycle hire etc .) and the hotel industry . rural ( 5b ) areas ? Are these funds to be provided as grants, loans or in some other form ?
2 . In the Commission's view, to what extent and how does this project contribute to improving the economic situation of the local residents ? Does the Commission consider the creation of 250—280 new jobs to be a WRITTEN QUESTION E-1413/93 realistic prospect ? Does the siting of a golf course of the planned dimensions, together with such an ambitious by Dieter Rogalla ( PSE ) hotel and holiday apartment complex in this relatively to the Commission of the European Communities remote area constitute a sound and sustainable (9 June 1993) investment ? Do other, comparable projects exist in ( 94/C 140/108 Europe ? Are there precedents which provide a reliable basis for assessment of the financial risks ? Subject: Retex — Support for textile regions 3 . To what extent has the Commission taken account of environmental factors, in particular : 1 . Is it the case that the relevant directives in the Retex — Does the Commission consider the siting of a golf programme ( IV/6 'Notice to the Member States laying down course in this area to be a sound and justifiable guidelines, etc.', 92/C 142 (*)) do not give scope for decision from the climatic and ecological point of independent support for textiles but only for support linked view ( sprinkling required all year round since the to or as an appendix to Objective 2 support ? area has little water )? 2 . Does the Commission agree that this is contradictory, — Does the Commission consider the resulting since needy regions will have to forego support in the textiles encroachment on the natural landscape , for example sector because, in accordance with the concentration the creation of an artificial wetland and lake principle ( Objective 2 — Regional ), they are ineligible for landscape, to be ecologically acceptable ? support ? — What does the Commission estimate will be the impact on the region of the drastic increase in the 3 . Does the Commission agree that the textiles sector's number of private vehicles , for example the own measures to convert factories and production, which at inevitable covering of the landscape with large times have been quite impressive, will , because of this carparks and additional roads and the effect on the contradiction, be unreasonably curtailed in all Member population of rising levels of noise and pollution States ? caused by exhaust gas ? — Is the Commission concerned at the impact of the 4 . Can the Commission indicate ways in which to project on fauna and flora in the region and the promote industrial changes in the textiles sector if the last additional pollution of groundwater ? two indents of point IV/6 mentioned above are fulfilled ( at least 2 000 jobs in the textiles and clothing industries and greater than 10% of overall industrial employment in a 4 . When can a decision be expected on the granting of local authority)? appropriations from Structural Funds earmarked for the development of rural ( 5b ) areas ? 5 . Is the Commission prepared to take over these initiatives from the EP, so as to facilitate the new admission of local authorities concerned in accordance with point 4 above ? If so, when might it do so and under which existing or future Community programme ? Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission (!) OJ No C 142 , 4 . 6 . 1992, p . 5 . (18 October 1993)
It is not accurate to say that Community funding under Objective 5b will be used to build a golf course and a hotel . Answer given by Mr Millan Should the project referred to by the Honourable Member on behalf of the Commission go ahead , the Community funding will go towards the (28 October 1993) creation of approximately 250 jobs in the vicinity of the complex and economically linked to it . These jobs , which will go to inhabitants of the rural area, and in particular to The Commission notice concerning the Retex initiative farmers , will be related to the direct marketing of states that from 1 January 1994 zones heavily dependent on 21 . 5 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 140/53 the textile and clothing sector which are not eligible under The Commission would point out to the Honourable Objectives 1 , 2 or 5(b ) of the Structural Funds could become Member that, as it stated in its Notice, the aim of the Retex eligible for that initiative if flexibility for the Community programme is 'to accelerate the diversification of economic Initiatives were extended by the new legislation governing activities in regions heavily dependent on the textiles and those Funds . clothing sector so as to render them less dependent on this sector and to encourage the adjustment of commercially Since the new regulations i 1 ) contain the flexibility viable businesses in all sectors of industrial activity.' requested by the Commission, it will give its decision on the The Commission would also point out that the Parliament extension of Retex following the debate on its was consulted on the Retex programme prior to its final communication on the future of Community initiatives adoption and that the Parliament expressed its views in a under the Structural Funds ( 2 ), which will include resolution adopted in the April 1992 part-session . Parliament and take place early in autumn 1993 . This flexibility is intended to make limited ERDF assistance (!) OJNo L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . available to ineligible but fragile regions . ( 2 ) COM(93 ) 282 final .