ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 326 Volume 38 of the European Communities 6 December 1995
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
95/C 326/01 E-l 69/95 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Council Subject : The European transport infrastructure scheme 1
95/C 326/02 E-375/95 by Nel van Dijk to the Council Subject : Regulation of the growing and distribution of cannabis in the Netherlands 1
95/C 326/03 E-452/95 by Pat Gallagher to the Council Subject : Audio-visual productions for minority languages 2
95/C 326/04 P-977/95 by Olli Rehn to the Council Subject : Combined/joint funding of projects in the case of Tacis and Interreg 2
95/C 326/05 E-1237/95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Council Subject : The European dimension in higher education 3
95/C 326/06 E-1533/95 by David Martin to the Council Subject : Council Presidency appearances at European Parliament 3
95/C 326/07 E-1618/95 by Gerard Deprez to the Council Subject : Double charge for private parcels from Alaska 3
95/C 326/08 E-1684/95 by Anita Pollack to the Council Subject : EU/Asia Summit 4
95/C 326/09 E-1697/95 by Christiane Taubira-Delannon to the Commission Subject : Environmental pollution by mercury and mercury poisoning of humans 5
95/C 326/10 E-1701/95 by Jacques Donnay to the Council Subject : Differences between Member States concerning the implementation of Community Directives 6
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95/C 326/11 E-l 708/95 by Josu Imaz San Miguel to the Commission Subject : Drift nets 6
95/C 326/12 E-1802/95 by Alex Smith to the Council Subject : Nuclear Energy Agency study of options for spent nuclear fuel management 7
95/C 326/13 E-l 803/95 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Secrecy over details of withdrawals of nuclear materials from safeguards by the United Kingdom Government 7
95/C 326/14 E-l 804/95 by Alex Smith to the Council Subject : Council action on a European Union-wide strategy for radioactive-waste management 8
95/C 326/15 E-1821/95 by Marco Pannella to the Commission Subject : Commission finance for the film 'Underground' by E. Kusturica 8
95/C 326/16 E-l 825/95 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Council Subject : Arrangements for temporary officials 9
95/C 326/17 E-1833/95 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Commission Subject: Convergence criteria 9
95/C 326/18 E-1868/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Legislation on hormones in bovine meat 9
95/C 326/19 E-l 874/95 by Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject : Over-production of farmed salmon 10
95/C 326/20 E-l 886/95 by Angela Sierra González, Laura González Alvarez and Maria Sornosa Martinez to the Commission Subject : Environmental impact of the Ronda de la Laguna ( Lagoon ring-road ) ( Tenerife ) .... 10
95/C 326/21 E-l 896/95 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Citizens First initiative 11
95/C 326/22 E-1903/95 by Bill Miller to the Commission Subject : Report on harmonization of excise duty on alcoholic beverages 12
95/C 326/23 E-1907/95 by Bill Miller to the Commission Subject : Report on harmonization of the taxation of alcoholic beverages 12
95/C 326/24 E-1913/95 by Bill Miller to the Commission Subject : Report on cross-border shopping 12
95/C 326/25 E-1914/95 by Bill Miller to the Commission Subject : Report on cross-border shopping 12
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1903/95 , E-1907/95 , E-1913/95 and E-1914/95 12
95/C 326/26 E-l 9 16/95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Directive on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women 12
95/C 326/27 E-l 91 8/95 by Ana Miranda de Lage to the Commission Subject : Increase in EIB loans 13
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95/C 326/28 P- 1932/95 by Carlo Secchi to the Council Subject : EIB aid for the November 1994 natural disasters in Italy 14
95/C 326/29 E-1935/95 by Christof Tannert to the Council Subject : The right to refuse to perform military service and alternative civilian service, and the cases of the conscientious objectors Alain Cazaux and Pierre Serres 14
95/C 326/30 E-l 952/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject: European Committee for Standardization ( CEN ) 15
95/C 326/31 E-l 95 8/95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : Contributions to the European Union budget 15
95/C 326/32 E-1976/95 by Riccardo Nencini to the Commission Subject : High-speed rail . project 16
95/C 326/33 E-1979/95 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission Subject : Environmental protection : Burning of 'secondary fuels' in cement works 16
95/C 326/34 E-l 986/95 by Karin Falkmer to the Commission Subject : Implementation and incorporation into national law of Directives on public procurement 17
95/C 326/35 E-1997/95 by Antonio Trizza to the Commission Subject: Technical assistance measures and general studies under Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2085/93 17
95/C 326/36 E-2003/95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission Subject : Hop income aid to UK producers 18
95/C 326/37 E-2006/95 by John Corrie to the Commission Subject : Arable Area Payments scheme 19
95/C 326/38 E-20 15/95 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : Liberalization of cabotage in the Union 19
95/C 326/39 E-2018/95 by Anne Van Lancker to the Commission Subject : Trainees on placements ( stagiaires ) 20
95/C 326/40 E-2023/95 by Edward McMillan-Scott to the Commission Subject : Export subsidies for years 1993 and 1994 20
95/C 326/41 E-2049/95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission Subject: Ecofin Council 21
95/C 326/42 E-2050/95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission Subject : Telecommunications 21
95/C 326/43 E-2058/95 by Barbara Dührkop Dührkop to the Commission Subject : Cultural dimension of the 16/9 High-Definition Television Action Plan 22
95/C 326/44 P-2069/95 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Sinking of oil platforms in the Mediterranean 23
95/C 326/45 E-20 8 9/95 by Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject : Budget heading intended to incorporate measures under the ECSC Treaty into the Treaty establishing the European Community 24
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95/C 326/46 E-2090/95 by Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject : Budget heading intended to incorporate measures under the ECSC Treaty into the Treaty establishing the European Community 24 Joint answer to Written Questions E-208 9/95 and E-2090/95 24
95/C 326/47 E-2092/95 by Odile Leperre-Verrier to the Commission Subject : Assistance to the music sector 25
95/C 326/48 E-2095/95 by Jessica Larive , Johanna Boogerd-Quaak, Karla Peijs, Alman Metten and Johannes Blokland to the Commission Subject : Reduced VAT rates 25
95/C 326/49 E-2 103/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Transport of animals 26
95/C 326/50 E-21 11/95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission Subject : EC verification mark 27
95/C 326/51 E-2123/95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission Subject: Meat imports and hormone feeds 28
95/C 326/52 E-21 26/95 by Michael Spindelegger to the Commission Subject : Green Paper on the practical arrangements for the transition to a single currency ... 28
95/C 326/53 E-2133/95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : EU funding for genetic engineering publicity 29
95/C 326/54 E-21 34/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Early retirement pensions for a special category of worker 29
95/C 326/55 E-21 36/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Alternative community service 30
95/C 326/56 E-21 39/95 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Physiotherapists 30
95/C 326/57 E-21 60/95 by Markus Ferber to the Commission Subject : Terms of reference and financing of the 'Car of Tomorrow', 'New-Generation Aircraft' and 'Intermodality in Transport' Task Forces 31
95/C 326/58 E-2168/95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Protection of intellectual property in Europe 32
95/C 326/59 E-2219/95 by Joan Vallve to the Commission Subject : Bluefin tuna catches 33
95/C 326/60 E-2222/95 by Philippe-Armand Martin to the Commission Subject: Allocation of inulin syrup quotas 33
95/C 326/61 E-2228/95 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Inter-regional framework agreement with Mercosur 34
95/C 326/62 E-2229/95 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Red tape hampering the free movement of goods 34
95/C 326/63 E-2257/95 by Wilfried Telkämper to the Commission Subject : Possible misuse of EU development-aid funds — control measures 35
95/C 326/64 E-2263/95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Denied boarding compensation ( airlines ) 35
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95/C 326/65 P-2266/95 by Magda Aelvoet to the Commission Subject : Compliance with the birds Directive and the habitats Directive in connection with the deepening of the Westerschelde 36
95/C 326/66 P-2267/95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject : Environmental impact assessment in connection with the deepening of the Westerschelde 36
Joint answer to Written Questions P-2266/95 and P-2267/95 37
95/C 326/67 E-2280/95 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission Subject : Declaration of Europe Day as a public holiday in all the EU Member States 37
95/C 326/68 E-2283/95 by Armelle Guinebertiere to the Commission Subject: Agricultural policy — cattle-breeding 37
95/C 326/69 E-2287/95 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Asbestos and tumour-related diseases 38
95/C 326/70 E-228 9/95 by Markus Ferber to the Commission Subject : Border controls within the European Union 39
95/C 326/71 E-2291/95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : Community Sport for All programme 39
95/C 326/72 E-2309/95 by Hugh Kerr to the Commission Subject: Iranian writers 39
95/C 326/73 E-231 9/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission Subject : European Forum on Social Policy 40
95/C 326/74 E-2354/95 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission Subject : Discrimination vis-à-vis homosexual citizens 40
95/C 326/75 E-2362/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission Subject : Data used by Eurostat . 41
95/C 326/76 E-23 80/95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Trapping agreements between EU, CIS, Canada and USA 42
95/C 326/77 P-2392/95 by Luigi Colajanni to the Commission Subject : Financing of Palestinian diplomatic missions 42
95/C 326/78 E-2406/95 by Antonio Graziani , Giampaolo D'Andrea, Pierluigi Castagnetti and Maria Colombo Svevo to the Commission Subject : The Leonardo programme 43
95/C 326/79 E-2408/95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject: Commission proposals in respect of the Greek textile industry 44
95/C 326/80 E-24 10/95 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission Subject : Safety of new high-speed ferries 44
95/C 326/81 E-24 11/95 by Brendan Donnelly to the Commission Subject : Commission action against the Greek Government 45
95/C 326/82 E-2413/95 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission Subject : Directive 91/271 /EEC on urban waste water treatment 45
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95/C 326/83 P-24 18/95 by Charlotte Cederschiold to the Commission Subject : Practical exchanges between immigration authorities 45
95/C 326/84 E-2421/95 by Phillip Whitehead to the Commission Subject : Food claims 46
95/C 326/85 E-2436/95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Human rights violations and destruction of the environment in the Central Ranges of Irian Jaya 46
95/C 326/86 E-2473/95 by Werner Langen to the Commission Subject : Anti-dumping duties on imports of soda from the USA 47
95/C 326/87 P-2498/95 by Christian Rovsing to the Commission Subject : Compliance with the Community's rules on competition 48
95/C 326/88 E-25 10/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Safety and health of workers 48
95/C 326/89 E-2527/95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject : Concealed state aid to the RDM shipyard 49
95/C 326/90 P-25 32/95 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Rock carvings discovered in the Coa Valley in Portugal 49
95/C 326/91 P-2544/95 by Richard Balfe to the Commission Subject : 1963 EEC-Turkey Agreement — Greece 50
95/C 326/92 E-2557/95 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Difficulties facing SMUs 50
95/C 326/93 P-2567/95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Threat to producers of oil- and gas-fired warm air heaters 51
95/C 326/94 E-2572/95 by James Provan to the Commission Subject : 'Retenue de Solidarité' in Belgium 51
95/C 326/95 E-25 80/95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : Member States' contributions to the EU Budget 52
95/C 326/96 E-25 8 8/95 by Ben Fayot to the Commission Subject : ECSC social research programmes 52
95/C 326/97 E-2591/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Schengen 53
95/C 326/98 P-25 97/95 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Pension fund in Gibraltar 53
95/C 326/99 E-2622/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Unemployment 53
95/C 326/100 E-2624/95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Commission trainees 54
95/C 326/101 P-268 5/95 by Guido Podestà to the Commission Subject: Trafficking in organs 54
95/C 326/102 E-2755/95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen, Bartho Pronk and Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission Subject : National contributions to the EU 55
EN 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/ 1
I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E-169/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-375/95 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) by Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Council to the Council (22 February 1995) (16 February 1995) ( 95/C 326/01 ) ( 95/C 326/02 )
Subject: The European transport infrastructure scheme Subject: Regulation of the growing and distribution of cannabis in the Netherlands
What account does the Council intend to take of Parliament's proposals for changes to the European The Netherlands Minister of Justice is considering transport infrastructure scheme, which seek to add to the 'regulating' the production and distribution of cannabis for existing priorities the opening-up of the Atlantic Arc by purposes of consumption within the Netherlands in order to means of road links such as Montlu^on-Poitiers-Nantes or reduce the influence of criminals in the field of soft drugs . Limoges-Angouleme-Royan ? Under certain conditions, people growing cannabis in the Netherlands and supplying it to sales outlets ( whose existence is already tolerated under current Netherlands Government policy ) would not be liable to prosecution or to seizure of their stocks . Answer (31 October 1995) Is the Council willing to cooperate in eliminating from Community law any obstacles it may present to such a policy of toleration ? With regard to the opening-up of the Atlantic Arc , the road links mentioned by the Honourable Member were partially Will the Council take measures to enable Dutch growers of taken into account by the Council in its common position on hemp containing a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol, the the Decision on Community guidelines for the development active substance in Dutch cannabis, to obtain the customary of the trans-European transport network . European aid per hectare for hemp cultivation ?
The Council's common position includes the Montlu^on and La Croisere road links . Answer The common position will be examined by the European (31 October 1995) Parliament under the co-decision procedure .
The Council has not discussed the specific subject of the Honourable Member's question . No C 326/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
More generally, the Honourable Member will be aware that WRITTEN QUESTION P-977/95 various Council bodies are currently giving attention to the by Olli Rehn ( ELDR ) Commission communication on the general plan to combat to the Council drug abuse . (21 March 1995) The Council has pinpointed eight proposals for short-term ( 95/C 326/04 ) action, which were submitted to the Cannes European Council , thus making clear the will and unanimous determination of the Member States and the European Union to unite their efforts to combat drugs and drug Subject: Combined/joint funding of projects in the case of dependence . Tacis and Interreg
Given the increasing importance of environmental protection in the border regions of Russia and the CIS , especially environmental technology and the renovation of power plants , and taking into account the similar joint WRITTEN QUESTION E-452/95 funding in the case of Phare programmes, could the Council by Pat Gallagher ( UPE ) explain how a combined funding of projects in border to the Council regions in the case of Tacis and Interreg programmes could be achieved ? (24 February 1995) ( 95/C 326/03 ) Has the Council already decided to implement revised Regulations ? Subject: Audio-visual productions for minority languages
Will the Media 11 Programme incorporate initiatives to assist audio-visual productions for minority languages within the EU ? If so, does that mean that the Answer trans-nationality requirement will not be demanded as a (31 October 1995) prerequisite for European funding for such productions ?
In the pre-accession strategy for the associated countries of Answer central and eastern Europe, adopted by the European Council in Essen on 9 and 10 December 1994 , it was agreed (31 October 1995) inter alia to promote intra-regional cooperation, which would also contribute towards the Stability Pact . It was decieded that a programme of regional cooperation and Article 2 of the Council Decision on the implementation of good neighbourly relations would be drawn up in the Media II Programme — Development and Distribution, accordance with the arrangements agreed upon by the adopted on 10 July 1995 , states that the aims of the General Affairs Council on 31 October, in order to Programme in these fields should, inter alia, work towards encourage multiannual, multilateral cooperation in frontier 'respect for European linguistic and cultural diversity' and and maritime regions between the EU and the CCEE, the 'the development of potential in countries or regions with a CCEE themselves and the CCEE and the CIS in fields such as low capacity for audio-visual production and/or a restricted transport, public services , the environment, economic geographical and linguistic area'. development, human resources and agriculture . That programme will cofinance projects with Interreg in the The actions proposed in the Annex to the Decision enable border areas between the EU and the CCEE. these considerations to be taken into account, either through measures within the Member States concerned or through measures encouraging networking among In the case of the Republics of the former USSR, the present audio-visual production companies, cinema distributors Tacis Regulation stipulates that due account must be taken and television broadcasters from different Member of environmental considerations in planning and States . implementing programmes . It does not however provide for projects for frontier areas to be carried out jointly with Interreg . As to the Media II Programme — Training, the Council's common position adopted on 10 July 1995 with a view to adopting the Decision on that subject is based on the same For the future the Commission has submitted a proposal for principles as those mentioned in connection with the the revision of the Tacis Regulation whereby, as is already Media II Programme — Development and Distribution . the case with Phare, the Community could help to finance infrastructure projects in regions of the former USSR adjoining the Union and the CCEE . 6 . 12 . 95 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/3
The Council bodies are currently examining that proposal, four months of the French Council Presidency, there have and the European Parliament's opinion has been been 21 speeches by ministers in the plenary session, and 21 requested . appearances before Parliamentary committees ( of which three in the Foreign Affairs Committee )'.
Can the Council please supply the figures for ministerial appearances in plenary and committee for each Council WRITTEN QUESTION E-1237/95 presidency from 1989 onwards ? by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Council (8 May 1995) Answer ( 95/C 326/05 ) (31 October 1995) Subject: The European dimension in higher education The information sought by the Honourable Member is On 27 November 1992 i 1 ) the Council adopted various published every year in the Review of the Council's Work conclusions concerning the introduction of a European ( Report by the Secretary-General ). The table below has been dimension into higher education in the Member States . Can drawn up on the basis of those reports . the Council provide information on the initiatives implemented by the various Member States in this field ? Plenary meetings Committees (!) OJ No C 336 , 19 . 12 . 1992, p . 4 . 1989 Spain 4 19 Answer France 12 21
(31 October 1995) 1990 Ireland 4 24 The conclusions to which the Honourable Member refers Italy 6 27 played an important role in the development of the Erasmus 1991 programme as implemented to date . The first chapter of the Luxembourg 19 16 Socrates Community action programme ( which receives Netherlands 16 21 almost half the financial resources of the programme ) deals with inter-university cooperation . Firstly, it provides for the 1992 continuation of the Erasmus programme, under the same Portugal 8 27 name , as a sub-programme ( with the accent being placed on United Kingdom 12 28 inter-university cooperation and student mobility ). 1993 Secondly, new measures are provided for and the accent is Denmark 8 33 placed more on the promotion of the European dimension in Belgium 12 25 higher education : teacher exchange , joint development of 1994 study programmes , intensive courses aimed at students from Greece 9 41 various European countries, transnational projects aimed at bolstering the European dimension in universities and Germany 20 29 intended for students not taking part in exchange programmes .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1618/95 by Gérard Deprez ( PPE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1533/95 to the Council by David Martin ( PSE ) (14 June 1995) to the Council ( 95/C 326/07 ) (9 June 1995) ( 95/C 326/06 ) Subject: Double charge for private parcels from Alaska
Subject: Council Presidency appearances at European A Belgian national has contacted me to express his Parliament indignation at having to pay a fee of BF 340 to the SNCB each time he receives a present from his daughter in Alaska , Mr Juppe, President-in-Office of the Council, stated to although postage has already been paid in the country of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on 24 April that 'in origin . No C 326/4 1 EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Would the Council state : The Council is currently examining a Commission proposal for a complete overhaul of the import reliefs system ( 5 ), in which the Commission proposes raising the limit for relief 1 . Whether this second payment on receipt of the parcel is on small consignments to ECU 175 . the result of a law it has adopted;
(>) OJ No L 105 , 23 . 4 . 1983 , p . 1 . 2 . Whether it considers this double charge legitimate ; ( 2 ) OJ No L 123 , 17 . 5 . 1988 , p . 2 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 366, 28 . 12 . 1978 , p . 34 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 372, 31 . 12 . 1985 , p . 30 . 3 . Whether it would support a proposal to exempt gifts , or ( 5 ) OJ No L 197, 19 . 7 . 1994, p . 1 . parcels for private use , from this double charge ?
Answer
(31 October 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1684/95 by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Council
Without more information on the exact nature of the (16 June 1995) present and of the charge to which the Honourable Member ( 95/C 326/08 ) refers , it is difficult for the Council to give a precise reply . However, it is possible that an import charge is due under Community rules on customs duty and tax reliefs . Subject: EU/Asia Summit
Title VII of Regulation ( EEC ) No 918/83 H , as amended by Regulation ( EEC ) No 1315/88 ( 2 ) on reliefs from customs If this meeting is solely between the EU and Asean countries duty lays down provisions on duty-free entry for small plus China , Japan, South Korea and Vietnam , to the consignments of a non-commercial nature sent by a private exclusion of all the member countries of Saarc ( i.e. South person in a third country to a private person in the customs Asia ) how can it be seen as an EU/Asia Summit ? What steps territory of the Community . Such consignments are is the Council taking to remedy this ? admitted free of import duty if they
— are of an occasional nature, and Answer — contain goods which do not by their nature or quantity (31 October 1995) reflect any commercial intent, and
— consist of goods the total value of which does not exceed In preparation for the Europe-Asia meeting to be held in ECU 45 , and Thailand in the first quarter of 1996 , a preliminary meeting at the level of EU-Asean Senior Officials was held in Singapore from 2 to 4 May 1995 . On that occasion broad — are sent to the consignee by the consigner free of agreement was reached by the Parties that the meeting of payment of any kind . Heads of State or of Government should be informal and should offer an opportunity to broach the main economic and political topics of interest to both parties and that it Parallel provisions concerning tax reliefs are found in should be a matter for each of the parties to choose its Directive 78/1035/EEC ( 3 ), as amended by Directive participants . 85/576/EEC ( 4 ). As far as the title ' Europe-Asia meeting' is concerned , there was a consensus within the EU to use that working title in Consequently, any gift sent as a small consignment and of a view of the evolutive nature of the process , which implies the value in excess of ECU 45 is liable to customs duty and VAT possibility of wider participation at any further meetings . and , if appropriate , excise duty . The sum due may be collected by the customs service or by any service acting on its behalf, such as the postal service or, in this case , the railways . 6 . 12 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/5
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1697/95 Furthermore , because of its great polluting potential , the by Christiane Taubira-Delannon ( ARE ) production of non-ferrous crude metals from ore , to the Commission concentrates or secondary raw materials by metallurgical, chemical or electrolytic processes, ( which includes the (15 June 1995) extraction of gold by mercury ) will require control by means ( 95/C 326/09 ) of best available techniques ( BAT), under the forthcoming Directive on integrated pollution prevention and control ( 3 ). Subject: Environmental pollution by mercury and mercury poisoning of humans Moreover, the Commission is mindful of the problems It has been estimated that, since the beginning of gold posed by the use of mercury to extract gold in French mining in French Guiana towards the end of the last century, Guyana and a large part of the Amazon . In this connection, 300 tonnes of mercury have been discharged into the the Department of Environmental Studies of the University environment . of French Guyana, which receives funding under budget heading 'environment in the developing countries', is The fish forming the staple diet of riverside dwellers in planning to undertake research on the impact of gold mining French Guiana are contaminated by mercury and it is activities on the environment of French Guyana . This presumably through this final link in the food-chain that research will provide useful information on the problems humans are poisoned . Research carried out in 1994 by the encountered which may help to increase awareness among national public health services on a sample of 500 persons the authorities and populations concerned . being monitored in health-care centres indicates that in 12% of the population the concentrations are higher than the maximum acceptable levels established by the World In Brazil , the problems associated with the use of mercury to Health Organization . extract gold were the subject of a study in 1991/92 , funded by the Commission . This study showed up signs of What steps is the Commission taking to combat this contamination among riverside dwellers, gold panners and irreversible pollution, which is affecting large parts of the in a more general way in the aquatic environment . Amazon region and is causing serious public health problems ? Following this study, an ECU 1,5 million action programme was initiated at the end of 1993 thanks to funding under Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard Budget heading B7-5401 'tropical forests'. This programme on behalf of the Commission is headed by the Imperial College of London, in cooperation (15 September 1995) with local institutions and non-governmental organizations . It covers four main areas :
As a department of France , French Guiana is subject to Community legislation . ( i ) assessment of mercury contamination in the catchment areas of two tributaries of the Amazon : the The Commission is aware of the problems of environmental Tapajos and the Madeira, pollution and poisoning of humans caused by the release of mercury and has already put in place legislation to control ( ii ) identification of the clinical effects of exposure to such activities . Council Directive 84/156/EEC i 1 ) lays down mercury and monitoring of those at risk, emission limit values for discharges of mercury and quality objectives for the environment affected by such discharges . The purpose of these standards is to eliminate mercury ( iii ) development and testing of gold panning techniques allowing a reduction in the use of mercury and pollution .
Furthermore , the quality of the waters must be sufficient to ( iv ) introduction of a campaign to educate those at risk . comply with the requirements of any other Council Directive applicable to such waters as regards the presence of mercury . This programme also provides for the organization in 1996 of a regional conference covering the Amazon basin and the In the case of strip mining, where it is difficult to establish Guyanese plateau to which all countries in the region with emission standards , the Member State is required to devise mercury pollution and contamination problems will be specific programmes to avoid or eliminate mercury invited . pollution . The programmes must include the most appropriate measures and techniques , for the replacement, retention and recycling of mercury . The elimination of waste f 1 ) OJ No L 74 , 17 . 3 . 1984 . containing mercury is required to be carried out in ( 2 ) OJ No L 84, 31 . 3 . 1978 . I 3 ) COM(93 ) 423 final . accordance with Council Directive 78/319/EEC on toxic and dangerous waste ( 2 ). Programmes were required to be in place by 1 July 1989 . The monitoring requirements would still apply . No C 326/6 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1701/95 — consider the problem of the penalties applicable for by Jacques Donnay ( UPE ) breaches of Community law in its annual report on the effective application of Community law.' to the Council (16 June 1995) ( 95/C 326/10 ) The latest version of this annual report on monitoring the application of Community law was published on 7 June 1995 ( 3 ). Finally, the Council would refer the Honourable Member to the reply given by the Commission on 1 8 July to Subject: Differences between Member States concerning the same question . the implementation of Community Directives
By Decree No 93-40 of 11 January 1993 , the French I 1 ) OJ No C 168 , 4 . 7 . 1995 . Government laid down provisions implementing Council ( 2 ) OJ No C 188 , 22 . 7 . 1995 . Directive 89/655/EEC I 1 ) concerning minimum safety and ( 3 ) COM(95 ) 500 . health requirements for the use of work equipment, while the other Member States do not appear to have adopted the necessary measures to incorporate the Directive into their national legislation.
As a result, French undertakings are subject to greater constraints than those of other Member States of the Union, and this constitutes an additional handicap in terms of WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 708/95 international competitiveness . by Josu Imaz San Miguel ( PPE ) to the Commission What steps will the Council take to prevent such distortions (21 June 1995) of competition ? ( 95/C 326/11 )
(!) OJ No L 393 , 30 . 12 . 1989 , p . 13 .
Subject: Drift nets
Answer Six North American ecological organizations have lodged (31 October 1995) an appeal with the International Trade Court in New York in an attempt to get the US Government to identify Italy as a violator of the UN regulations banning the use of large drift The Council sets great store by the faithful transposition and nets . These organizations are also studying ways of effective application in all the Member States of Community initiating similar proceedings against countries using these Directives, as is demonstrated by the Council resolution of nets to fish for bonito in the Atlantic . 27 March 1995 on the transposition and application of Community social legislation (*) and the Council resolution of 29 June 1995 on the effective uniform application of US legislation obliges the US Trade Secretary to identify Community law and on the penalties applicable for breaches those nations whose vessels are fishing with drift nets of Community law in the internal market ( 2 ). outwith their territorial waters . If such identification were to be proven, the Department of Trade would ban imports In that resolution the Council particularly asks Member of fish and fisheries products from the guilty countries . States 'to take action to ensure that, when Community acts are transposed into national legislation, Community law is Is the Commission aware of the risk of trade sanctions due duly applied with the same effectiveness and thoroughness as national law and that, in any event, the penalty provisions to the lack of regulations banning the use of these nets ? adopted are effective , proportionate and dissuasive.' What steps is the Commission taking in order to achieve an In the resolution the Council also 'encourages the adequate majority within the Council for a total ban on the Commission, in its role as watchdog of the Treaties and in use of these nets, as called for by the European the framework of its power to act, to : Parliament ?
— ensure that Directives are correctly transposed into national legislation and, more generally, ensure that Since President Santer's speech to Parliament in January Community internal market legislation, including referred to respect for Parliament's decisions , is the legislation in the matter of penalties is effectively and Commission not duty bound to take immediate steps to efficiently implemented, break the current deadlock ? 6 . 12 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/7
Answer given by Mrs Bonino by all the means at its disposal with a view to a constructive on behalf of the Commission solution . (14 September 1995) (M COM(94 ) 131 final — OJ No C 118 , 29 . 4 . 1994 .
Since 1992 , in accordance with the recommendations of the United Nations General Assembly, the Community rules have forbidden all Community fishing vessels to use drift WRITTEN QUESTION E-1802/95 nets of more than 2,5 km length, whatever the waters they by Alex Smith ( PSE ) are fishing in . The only exception concerns the Baltic, which to the Council is subject to special international regulation . (26 June 1995) ( 95/C 326/12 ) In April 1994 , the Commission proposed prohibiting Community ships from using any drift net of whatever Subject: Nuclear Energy Agency study of options for spent length and whatever the fishing zone concernd ( J ). The nuclear fuel management fisheries sub-committee of Parliament supported this proposal , except for the Baltic and inside the territorial waters of Member States ( 12 miles ), where it proposes In June 1994 the Joint Meeting of the Oslo and Paris continuing to permit drift nets of less than 2,5 km in Commissions ( Ospar ) requested the Nuclear Energy Agency length . of the OECD to carry out an assessment of reprocessing and non-reprocessing options for spent nuclear fuel management .
The Commission is aware of the legislation in the United The Council explained in its reply to my Written Question States concerning large drift nets ( the 1992 High Seas E-1854/94 ( l ) of 1 September 1994 that this NEA study Driftnet Enforcement Act ) and of the lawsuit brought by should report progress to Ospar 1995 . several environmentalist organizations . Since Community legislation prohibits the use of these nets, the risk of a What information has been transmitted to the Council on negative outcome is nil unless Member States are not in a developments in this field since June 1994 ? position to check on the proper application of Community law . t 1 ) OJ No C 42, 20 . 2 . 1995 , p . 8 .
The undertaking to respect the decisions of Parliament given by the Commission cannot bind it in areas outside its field of Answer competence . However, the Commission has not spared its (31 October 1995) efforts to improve the effectiveness of inspection activities, which remain the responsibility of the Member States , in order to ensure that the existing rules , which are in line with The Council does not have any further information, as the the recommendations of the international organizations Nuclear Energy Agency has not yet finished considering the concerned , are fully complied with by Community request for an assessment to which the Honourable Member vessels . refers .
The Commission made exceptional efforts in 1994 to supervise and coordinate the controls carried but by the Member States and to ensure the continuous presence of WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 803/95 Community inspectors on board the inspection vessels of the Member States . In 1995 , not only has the Commission by Alex Smith ( PSE ) renewed these efforts but it has intensified them by to the Commission chartering, from 1 June to 30 September 1995 , a vessel (28 June 1995) which will carry Community and national inspectors and ( 95/C 326/13 ) provide them with a platform for controls, initially in the Atlantic in the albacore tuna fisheries and then in the Mediterranean in the swordfish fisheries . Subject: Secrecy over details of withdrawals of nuclear materials from safeguards by the United Kingdom Government Like Parliament, the Commission regrets that the Council has not been able to find a qualified majority for its proposal Further to the reply to my Written Question E-559/95 (*) of and is trying to encourage the attainment of such a majority 7 April 1995 , will the Commission publish : No C 326/8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
1 . the date on which the United Kingdom Government In this resolution on radioactive-waste management, the indicated to the Commission that the information Council takes the view that each Member State is transmitted to Euratom on its intentions to withdraw responsible for ensuring that the radioactive waste nuclear material from safeguards covered by the 1978 produced on its territory is properly managed , and puts the UK-Euratom-IAEA Tripartite safeguards agreement emphasis on continued efforts to reduce the volume and should be kept confidential , radiotoxicity of radioactive waste , establishing suitable facilities for managing radioactive waste, and using them as 2 . an explanation of the reasons given, if any, by the efficiently as possible . UK Government for the confidentiality of this information ? It also refers to the importance of factors including research, information and cooperation, particularly on an (!) OJ No C 179, 13 . 7 . 1995 , p . 35 . international scale , on radioactive-waste management, and calls on the Commission to continue its work in the framework of the resolution .
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (M OJ No C 379 , 31 . 12 . 1994 , p . 1 . (13 September 1995)
Apart from the provisions of Article 194 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to the terms of the safeguards agreement between the United Kingdom, the Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency ( INFCIRC/263 ), the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1821/95 reports on any inventory changes of nuclear material , such as imports or withdrawals , are classified 'safeguards by Marco Pannella ( ARE ) confidential'. The confidentiality provisions must be strictly to the Commission adhered to in all cases . (28 June 1995) ( 95/C 326/15 )
Subject: Commission finance for the film 'Underground ' by E. Kusturica WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 804/95 by Alex Smith ( PSE ) to the Council Can the Commission confirm that the film 'Underground' by Emir Kusturica , winner of the Golden Palm award at the (26 June 1995) Cannes Film Festival, was jointly financed by the ( 95/C 326/14 ) Commission , France and Serbia ?
Does the Commission consider it admissible for the Union Subject: Council action on a European Union-wide strategy to co-finance a cinematographic work with a country for radioactive-waste management subject to an international embargo and , what is more, which is not recognized by the European Union ? Further to its reply of 20 December 1994 to Written Question E-1901/94 0 ), what decisions have now been taken regarding the Commission communication of 2 March 1994 on nuclear-waste management ? Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (!) OJ No C 42 , 20 . 2 . 1995 , p . 9 . (29 September 1995)
Answer After checking the aid granted to the film industry under the (31 October 1995) existing Community support instruments, the Commission can inform the Honourable Member that the film 'Underground ' by Emir Kusturica did not receive any In connection with its scrutiny of the Commission financial assistance from the Community . communication on nuclear-waste management to which the Honourable Member refers , the Council adopted a resolution on 19 December 1994 ( ] ). 6 . 12 . 95 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/9
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 825/95 Furthermore, most of the countries indicated by the by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) Honourable Member have not completed the process of to the Council constructing a fully fledged open market economy, complete with the institutions and policy instruments that would be (26 June 1995) required for participation in a monetary union . Their ( 95/C 326/16 ) performance with regard to the convergence criteria is therefore of limited relevance for the time being . Subject: Arrangements for temporary officials Moreover , the reliability and availability of the required Article 28a(3 ) of the EC Staff Regulations fixes the statistics are poor, and the concepts have not been unemployment allowance, laying down inter alia upper and harmonized; this makes comparisons between countries lower amounts . These have not been updated since 1982 , hazardous . The data given in the table below should be despite successive salary increments which mean that there considered as rough indications ; they have not been verified has been an increase in the total contributions made by with the authorities of the countries concerned . workers .
Does the Council intend to update these upper and lower General amounts in its next annual review ? Gross domestic government Inflation budget product per ( consumer balance ('), as head, 1993 , in price index ) % of gross ECU, at domestic purchasing Answer product, 1 994 power parities (31 October 1995) Bulgaria 96,1 - 6,6 5 453 Cyprus 4,7 - 1,5 9 398 The Council would remind the Honourable Member that, in Czech Republic 10,0 1,5 6 960 accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 28a(3 ) of the conditions of employment applicable to other servants Estonia 47,7 - 0,0 6 337 of the European Communities , any revision of the lower and Hungary 19,1 - 5,7 5 908 upper amounts of the unemployment allowance requires a Latvia . 35,9 - 2,0 4 744 proposal from the Commission . Lithuania 45,1 - 3,0 2 921 Malta 3,9 - 4,3 ( 2 ) 10 127 To date, the Council has received no proposal from the Poland 33,2 - 2,8 5 195 Commission to amend these lower and upper amounts . Romania 137,0 - 4,3 2 756 Slovak Republic 13,81 - 3,1 5 541 Slovenia 19,8 - 0,2 8 076
(') Includes privatization receipts . WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 833/95 ( 2 ) 1993 . by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) Sources: National authorities , International Monetary Fund, Commission estimates . to the Commission (28 June 1995) ( 95/C 326/17
Subject: Convergence criteria WRITTEN QUESTION E-1868/95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE ) Can the Commission provide a comparative table showing to the Commission the current position as regards the convergence criteria of those countries expected to join from the year 2000 (3 July 1995) onwards ? ( 95/C 326/18 )
Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission Subject: Legislation on hormones in bovine meat (26 September 1995) The US Secretary for Agriculture, Dan Glickman, has Convergence criteria apply to Member States , and should be threatened to take the EU legislation banning growth seen in the context of treaty provisions for economic and hormones for cattle to the WTO unless the matter is monetary union . They are not accession criteria . resolved by the end of the year . No C 326/10 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
What steps does the Commission intend to take in view of Answer given by Mrs Bonino these statements , which follow the Commission's setting up on behalf of the Commission of a US-EU joint working party to draw up the agenda for (14 September 1995) the Conference on hormones , which could provide the basis for a possible review of the legislation in question ? The projected increase in production of Norwegian salmon has been discussed at a meeting between the fisheries committee of the European Parliament and the Norwegian Answer given by Mr Fischler authorities . The Commission would also refer the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member to its answers to Written Questions E-1850/95 ( J ) and E-1851/95 ( x ) by Mr Killilea . The (15 September 1995) information at present available to the Commission does not indicate an imminent threat of serious injury .
There is, it is true, strong pressure from the meat industry in the United States on the United States administration to The Commission is continuing to monitor developments and has reminded certain Member States of the need to send convene a panel under the World Trade Organisation in in statistics in order to have a complete picture . relation to the hormones issue . Nevertheless , the Commission feels that there is a level of understanding in the United States regarding the Commission's initiative to The Commission is not at present in possession of any convene a scientific conference on this subject before the end information indicating that Norwegian salmon is being of the year . The conference is being organized under the dumped . responsibility of the Commission — not by a joint EC-USA working group . The agenda for the conference will be set by f 1 ) OJ No C 311 , 22 . 11 . 1995 . a steering committee of independent experts with the aim of giving independent scientists the opportunity to evaluate the latest scientific information available on the subject and to provide their scientific conclusions . The conference should therefore provide guidance on the scientific aspects of this issue , quite separate from any political influences . The Commission would then be in a position to decide on the WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 886/95 best course of action to follow for the future . The only by Angela Sierra González ( GUE/NGL), Laura González revision of Community legislation envisaged at present is the Alvarez ( GUE/NGL ) and María Sornosa Martinez proposals sent to the Parliament and to the Council in ( GUE/NGL ) September 1993 (*), concerning mainly the reinforcement of to the Commission the control measures, which are still under discussion at Council level . (3 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/20 ) ( ! ) COM(93 ) 441 final, modified by COM(94 ) 293 and 294 final . Subject: Environmental impact of the Ronda de la Laguna ( Lagoon ring-road ) ( Tenerife )
The completion of the second stage of the Ronda ( ring-road ) de la Laguna will cause major and irreparable environmental damage to the Vega Lagunera ( Lagoon WRITTEN QUESTION E-1874/95 Water Meadows ), an area of major significance not only in terms of natural beauty but also for agronomic and by Mary Banotti ( PPE ) hydrological reasons . to the Commission (3 July 1995) According to a number of ecological groups in the Canaries , ( 95/C 326/19 ) the environmental impact assessment required by Directive 85/337/EEC (*) has not been carried out in the case of this project . Subject: Over-production of farmed salmon What steps can the Commission take to ensure the proper application of Community law in environmental matters , Is the Commission aware of any flooding of the European particularly Directive 85/337/EEC , which lays down that market with over-produced farmed salmon from projects with major potential implications for the Norway ? environment must undergo an environmental impact assessment ? If so, what is the Commission prepared to do to prevent this dumping in European markets ? f 1 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/11
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard 5 . In planning the initiative , was account taken of the on behalf of the Commission strong influence on modern society of the various media (2 October 1995) such as television, radio and the press ?
The Commission has no knowledge of the facts mentioned Answer given by Mr Monti by the Honourable Members . on behalf of the Commission (26 September 1995) However, as they could constitute an infringement of the provisions of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June The Commission is currently preparing an initiative aimed 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and at bringing the Union closer to the citizen . This initiative, private projects on the environment, the Commission will provisionally named 'citizens first', is designed to ask the Spanish authorities for their comments . demonstrate the benefits of the internal market — the key achievement of Community integration to date — for individual citizens and to underline the Commission's commitment to ensuring that the single market becomes a reality for them .
The first phase of the initiative will consist of a series of information and awareness-raising campaigns which should WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 896/95 be launched during 1996 . Each campaign will deal with a by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) specific theme related to citizens ' lives ( e.g. working in to the Commission another Member State , studying in another Member State, taking up residence in another Member State ). Each theme (3 July 1995) will form the subject of a specific guide which will be ( 95/C 326/21 ) published at the same time as the information campaign on this theme is launched . Each guide will be accompanied by a set of more detailed information sheets describing national procedures to follow in order to exercise the rights described Subject: Citizens First initiative in the guide in each of the Member States and describing remedies in the event of problems or difficulties . A part of the Citizens First initiative, the Commission has The campaigns will be directly targetted at the individual decided to publish a series of guides on citizens' rights in the citizen, whether or not he or she has already made use of his single market and to launch an extensive information campaign on this subject which is to begin in the autumn . rights in the single market ( e.g. a person working or studying This is to be followed by a second phase in which the or retiring in another Member State ). The audience for each Commission will seek solutions to problems highlighted by campaign will vary according to the theme; thus the campaign 'studying in another Member State' would target citizens during these campaigns . students , teachers and adolescents, for example . It is clear that if the aim is to reach the individual citizen it will be Given that bringing the Union closer to citizens is the main necessary to use various media such as television, radio and objective of the Citizens First initiative and bearing in mind the press . The Commission intends to reach the widest the problems this may pose, can the Commission provide possible audience , subject of course to resource information on the following : constraints .
1 . Will the information campaigns which form part of this These campaigns will be conducted by the Commission . A particularly important role will be given to the Commission initiative be focused on the main centres of population in offices in the Member States . The Commission intends to the various Member States, or will there be mobile ask the Member States and the Parliament to be closely campaigns which will reach smaller towns and associated with the exercise . Organizations representing villages ? citizens' interests will also be invited to participate , such as trade unions, family associations, consumer bodies and 2 . How will these information campaigns operate ? professional associations .
3 . Has consideration been given to the possibility of The exact nature of the campaigns has not yet been fixed . focusing on particular groups of people such as teachers, The Commission intends to seek professional advice adolescents , students, the elderly, etc . in their study, through a competitive tendering procedure . The Parliament leisure or work environment, etc.? will be kept informed of the development of the project in the coming months . 4 . Who will be entrusted with the ask of supplying information to the public ? No C 326/12 | EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1903/95 Joint answer to Written Questions by Bill Miller ( PSE ) E-1903/95 , E-1907/95 , E-1913/95 and E-1914/95 given by Mr Monti to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1995) (19 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/22 ) A series of studies were made on the Commission's behalf by Subject: Report on harmonization of excise duty on private consultants on the above subjects during the course alcoholic beverages of 1994 . The reports , copies of which were made available to the Parliament, were intended to provide the Commission with factual information . When will the Commission release the report on the harmonization of excise duty on alcoholic beverages for For its part, the Commission has prepared a report on the consideration by Parliament ? functioning of those provisions of Community VAT legislation dealing with VAT rates and this has been sent to the Council and Parliament for their consideration ( 1 ). A further report on excise duties ( 2 ) was forwarded to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1907/95 Council and Parliament on 13 September 1995 . by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission (M COM(94 ) 584 . ( 2 ) COM(95 ) 285 . (3 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/23 )
Subject: Report on harmonization of the taxation of alcoholic beverages WRITTEN QUESTION E-1916/95 by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) What prevents the Commission from releasing the report on to the Commission the harmonization of excise duty on alcoholic beverages for (3 July 1995) consideration by Parliament ? ( 95/C 326/26 )
Subject: Directive on the application of the principle of WRITTEN QUESTION E-1913/95 equal treatment between men and women by Bill Miller ( PSE ) In view of: to the Commission (3 July 1995) — the Commission report ( ) on the implementation of ( 95/C 326/24 ) Directive 86/613/EEC ( 2 ) on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in Subject: Report on cross-border shopping a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood , When will the Commission release the report on cross-border shopping for consideration by Parliament ? — the expiry of the third Community action programme on the promotion of equal opportunities for women ( 1991—1995 ),
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1914/95 — the fact that Article 7 of Directive 86/613/EEC provides that the Member States shall undertake to examine by Bill Miller ( PSE ) under what conditions recognition of the work of to the Commission spouses may be encouraged and consider any (3 July 1995) appropriate steps for encouraging such recognition , ( 95/C 326/25 ) — the fact that Article 8 provides that the Member States shall undertake to examine the question of granting aid to female self-employed workers and the wives Subject: Report on cross-border shopping of self-employed workers during pregnancy or motherhood , namely by providing temporary What prevents the Commission from releasing the report on replacements or cash payments paid by a public cross-border shopping for consideration by Parliament ? body, 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/13
Will the Commission say : WRITTEN QUESTION E-1918/95 by Ana Miranda de Lage ( PSE ) 1 . whether it intends to draw up in the context of the to the Commission fourth medium-term programme for equal treatment ( 1996—2000 ), a new and more specific Directive (3 July 1995) designed to atain its particular objective and change a ( 95/C 326/27 ) situation which is very prejudicial to women's interests, since no vocational arrangements exist regarding spouses working in family businesses, including farming, and Subject: Increase in EIB loans
2 . whether it intends to make the provisions set out in Articles 7 and 8 of the existing Directive more effective Following the arrival of three new EU Member States the by obliging Member States not merely to examine the European Investment Bank's credit ceiling now exceeds relevant conditions , but also take action to attain the ECU 155 billion . objectives set out therein ?
(M COM(94 ) 163 final . Approximately 10% of lending goes to non-Community ( 2 ) OJ No L 359 , 19 . 12 . 1986 , p . 56 . countries such as the developing countries of Africa and Latin America, South Africa, Mediterranean and eastern European countries , etc .
Answer given by Mr Flynn In view of the fact that the EIB has been so successful , is the on behalf of the Commission Commission willing to support a significant increase — for (8 September 1995) example, a doubling of the current allocation for the developing countries of Africa and Latin America ?
Council Directive 86/613/EEC has to do with the application of the principle of equal treatment for women and men engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and with the protection of Answer given by Mr de Silguy self-employed women during pregnancy . In 1994 , the on behalf of the Commission Commission presented a report on the implementation of this Directive . From a strictly legal point of view, Directive (25 September 1995) 86/613/EEC may be regarded as having been implemented in the Member States, although practical difficulties persist for three main reasons : The Council Decision 93/115/EEC of 15 February 1993 ( ) grants in full the Community guarantee to the European — the actual purpose of the Directive, which touches on a Investment Bank ( EIB ) against losses under loans for number of aspects ( laws governing marriage, companies, projects of mutual interest in certain third countries which social security and taxation); the Community has concluded cooperation agreements . The Decision sets a limit of ECU 250 million per year, for a — the wide range of activities covered ; three-year period, and concerns 30 countries in Latin America and Asia . — the differing circumstances under which the persons concerned may perform the activity in question ( partner, shareholder, employee of spouse , assisting spouse with As far as lending in Latin America is concerned, loans no status ). approved by the EIB in the first two years of activity totalled ECU 135 million and ECU 142 million respectively ( 54% Moreover, the highly general nature of the Directive leaves and 57% of the total available for Latin America and matters largely to the discretion of the Member States . That Asia ). is why the Commission , in the context of the fourth medium-term action programme on equal opportunities for women and men ( 1996—2000 ), will propose measures As foreseen in the Council Decision, the Commission will aimed at promoting the objectives of Directive 86/613/EEC . propose a renewal of the current ceiling before the end of the In particular, it intends to carry out an in-depth assessment three-year period ( February 1996 ). The Commission of the situation and to engage in wide-ranging consultation intends to propose a significant increase in the loan ceiling of all the interested parties, after which it will put forward a within the constraints imposed by the financial perspectives proposal for a new Directive addressing the actual needs in agreed at the European Council in Edinburgh — which this field . regarding the reserve for external loans and loan guarantees ( heading 6 ) remain unchanged in spite of the enlargement — and , in particular, by the guarantee fund Council Regulation ( EC , Euratom ) No 2728/94 of 31 October 1994 ( 2 ). No C 326/14 ΓΕΝΙ Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
The EIB operations in Latin America have to be viewed in WRITTEN QUESTION E-1935/95 the wider context of the relations between the Community by Christof Tannert ( PSE ) and Latin America , which can be qualified as very dynamic . In recent years , the Community has launched several to the Council initiatives with Latin American countries and the EIB plays a (3 July 1995) key role in this context . ( 95/C 326/29 )
H OJ No L 45 , 23 . 2 . 1993 . Subject: The right to refuse to perform military service and ( 2 ) OJ No L 293 , 12 . 11 . 1994 . alternative civilian service, and the cases of the conscientious objectors Alain Cazaux and Pierre Serres
Although the French State recognizes the right to refuse to perform military service, French courts are still handing out prison sentences to some 700 conscientious objectors every year . WRITTEN QUESTION P-1932/95 by Carlo Secchi ( PPE ) Alain Cazaux and Pierre Serres have to appear in court on to the Council 21 June 1995 because they are refusing to perform alternative civilian service , which in France is twice the (23 June 1995) length of military service ( 20 months instead of ten). This ( 95/C 326/28 ) goes directly against European Parliament resolutions on conscientious objection, including the 1994 Bandres/Bindi resolution which called for the length of civilian service to be the same as that of military service . Subject: EIB aid for the November 1994 natural disasters in Italy The fact that, in France, objection must be notified at least 15 days before the call-up date is also incompatible with Parliament's resolutions of 1983 ( Macchiocchi ) and 1989 Under its Statute , the European Investment Bank is required ( Schmidbauer ). to provide financing in all sectors of the economy . However, this principle is now being infringed by the EIB as it is excluding retail undertakings from eligibility for aid . This For these reasons , Amnesty International has adopted the would appear to be confirmed in the case of the Lit 1 200 aforementioned two conscientious objectors as prisoners of billion loan recently granted by the EIB to undertakings conscience . which suffered damage in the floods which occurred in November 1994 in Piedmont, Lombardy and Liguria . Is the Council aware of the above cases ? What is its view of the way they have been dealt with ? What steps will it take to ensure that France , as a Member State of the European Can the Council therefore ask the EIB to explain the reasons Union , respects Parliament's resolutions and introduces behind this decision, given that it is absurd that, even in the civilian service which is not of a punitive nature ? face of natural disasters , the EIB should continue to discriminate against retail undertakings ( mainly SMUs ) which represent one of the sectors hardest hit by the disaster and one of the essential components for the socio-economic Answer recovery of the areas in question ? (31 October 1995)
As the Council has stated on many occasions , it is deeply committed to respecting human rights both inside and Answer outside the Community . (31 October 1995) The Council can assure the Honourable Member that it has also duly noted the European Parliament resolutions relating to conscientious objection, but would, however, The decisions of the EIB are taken by virtue of its powers remind him that this is a matter for the Member States . under the Treaty . The specific question raised by the Honourable Member does not fall within the Council's With regard to the facts recounted by the Honourable responsibilities . Member, it would be neither customary nor helpful for the Council to comment . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/15
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1952/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1958/95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dorfler ( V ) by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (6 July 1995) (6 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/30 ) ( 95/C 326/31 )
Subject: European Committee for Standardization ( CEN ) Subject: Contributions to the European Union budget
The International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) Could the Commission provide the latest statistics as to has prepared a draft guide on the integration of those countries of the Union which are currently net environmental aspects into product standards . contributors in the amounts they are contributing ?
What stage has this draft reached ? When will it be adopted by the European Committee for Standardization ( CEN)? Does this guide concern pollution caused by the finished Answer given by Mr Liikanen product and/or pollution occurring during its manufacture ? on behalf of the Commission On what environmental protection standards is it based ? (27 September 1995)
The Commission does not publish expenditure figures concerning individual Member States . Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 September 1995) In the European Union the Member States jointly pursue economic and political objectives . Progress of the Union benefits the Member States in a variety of ways : their standard of living increases , economic and political stability The Commission has made enquiry of the International improves . The budget, therefore does not represent the total Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) regarding the draft of benefits that each Member State gains from the guide on the integration of environmental aspects into Union . product standards mentioned by the Honourable Member . There are conceptual difficulties concerning the allocation of budget spending and receipts , for example : ISO states that the draft is at the committee draft stage, that is preliminary agreement has been reached within the — from the administrative point of view it is difficult to technical group drawing up the document . The process of allocate spending to multinational consortiums notably editing is under way and it is expected that a draft will be in research , while also administration is difficult to publicly available from ISO about the end of 1995 . In view allocate fully; of its status ( it is intended by ISO as a guide rather than an international standard ) and its current preliminary stage it is not yet known what status the European committee for — by definition spending to non-Member States ( about standardization will give this document . 5 % of the budget ) cannot be allocated ;
— allocation to the territory of the first recipient could be According to information received from ISO and from disputable . For instance, customs duties are levied upon European experts involved in the preliminary ISO work , this entry into the Community which is not necessarily the draft is intended as a guidance document for the country of final consumption . incorporation of environmental considerations in the process of elaboration of standards for products . Questions of pollution caused by finished products or during their The Court of Auditors publishes — under its own manufacture are therefore to be covered by the product responsibility — payments and expenditure per Member standards themselves , drawn up in accordance with the State as part of its annual report ( most recently for 1993 , guide once it is finalised . published in November 1994 ). No C 326/16 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1976/95 before the start of construction . The information available by Riccardo Nencini ( PSE ) to the Commission is that the high-speed train link relating to Florence is in the early stage of planning and has not yet to the Commission reached a level of maturity at which application for (8 July 1995) Community funding would be appropriate . No application ( 95/C 326/32 ) has , therefore, been received .
For more details concerning the state of progress of the Subject: High-speed rail project project the Honourable Member would be best advised to approach the Italian authorities .
The city of Florence and surrounding area have been chosen as transit centres for a high-speed railway line .
The projects submitted do not comply with the European Union's guidelines , which stipulate that, in order to be WRITTEN QUESTION E-1979/95 considered as 'joint projects', projects must meet the by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) requirements set out in the proposal for a Decision on to the Commission trans-European networks in the energy and transport sectors , in particular as regards compatibility with (8 July 1995) environmental standards . Funding of such projects is ( 95/C 326/33 ) dependent on compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC ( environmental impact assessment ) (*), which has in fact been disregarded . Subject: Environmental protection : Burning of 'secondary fuels' in cement works
What is the Commission's view and what information can it supply on this matter ? Have any complaints been received by the Commission about the burning of so-called 'secondary fuels' in cement works, and what investigations have been undertaken as a (M OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . result ?
Has the Commission reached any general conclusions about requirements of environmental law in this area, and what Answer given by Mr Kinnock action does it anticipate taking ? on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1995) Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission The project mentioned to by the Honourable Member is (25 September 1995) related to the completion of the Community high-speed train network and is included in the proposed guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, which , as the Honourable Member will know, are scheduled The Commission in fact received two complaints in 1994 for second reading in the Parliament in the procedure for concerning the incineration of 'secondary fuels' in cement co-decision . It is assumed that in the Honourable Member's kilns : one against the United Kingdom and the other against question the notion of 'joint projects' is equivalent to the Netherlands , Germany and the Flemish region in 'projects of common interest' as identified in these Belgium . In the first case, the Commission has already guidelines . The Commission confirms that the North-South gathered information , but the investigations are not yet high-speed links crossing Florence are identified as projects finished; in the second case, the procedure is in the initial of common interest . stage, the complaint having been lodged in midsummer .
Based on a Commission proposal the Council adopted a With regard to compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC , this new Directive on incineration of hazardous waste in Directive applies in relation to the final routing of such links . December 1994 . Council Directive 94/67/EC (*) includes As part of the project development, the definite routing of measures and standards for the incineration of hazardous the links has to be established and this is normally part of the waste in facilities other than incineration plants ( this is feasibility study of a project . This also implies that the called co-incineration). necessary environmental assessment is undertaken . That is the responsibility of the Italian authorities . On the issue of possible subsidies for such projects from Community funds , (!) OJ No L 365 , 31 . 12 . 1994 . one of the determinants for the provision of construction subsidies is the completion of the necessary assessments 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/17
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1986/95 of 31 December 1994 , although in relation to three of by Karin Falkmer ( PPE ) these , in analysis of the provisions of the texts adopted is still being carried out . Furthermore , in relation to to the Commission Germany, infringement proceedings were begun for (8 July 1995) incorrect implementation of the Directive leading to the ( 95/C 326/34 ) matter being heard before the Court of Justice on 7 March 1995 ( Case C-433/93 ). A judgment in this case is still awaited . Subject: Implementation and incorporation into national ( c ) Directive 93/38/EEC ( utilities ) has not been law of Directives on public procurement implemented , or fully implemented, in four Member States . A decision to send a reasoned opinion under The Commission has on several occasions stressed Article 169 of the EC Treaty, has been taken by the the importance of the Member States' incorporating Commission in each of these cases . Community Directives into national law promptly . However , there are wide variations among the Member It should be remembered , moreover, in relation to this States in the number of Directives that have been duly Directive that three further Member States benefit from incorporated . There are also discrepancies in the a derogation from the obligation which the others have implementation of legislation . to implement it by 1 July 1994 . These are Spain ( until 1 January 1997 ) and Greece and Portugal ( until 1 January 1998 ). In a speech to Parliament on 17 January, the President of the Commission , Mr Santer, said that the Commission would take due responsibility for resolving these problems . He ( d ) Directive 92/50/EEC ( services ) has not been then gave examples of Directives causing problems , which implemented, or fully implemented, in four Member included those on public procurement . States . Five infringement procedures have been begun ( two, dealing with different points, against the same Member State ). In three of these cases the Commission What measures has the Commission taken to ensure that has taken a decision to take the matter before the the Directives on public procurement ( 93/36/EEC ( J ), European Court of Justice and in the other two it has 93/37/EEC ( 2 ), 93/38/EEC ( 3 ) and 92/50/EEC ( 4 )) are been decided to send a reasoned opinion to the Member incorporated into national law and implemented in all the State concerned . Member States of the Union ? In the light of the above , the Commission trust, the ( ! ) OJ No L 199 , 9 . 8 . 1993 , p . 1 . Honourable Member will agree that it is doing its utmost to ( 2 ) OJ No L 199 , 9 . 8 . 1993 , p . 54 . ensure that each Member State respects its obligations to ( 3 ) OJ No L 199 , 9 . 8 . 1993 , p . 84 . implement in national law the provisions of these ( 4 ) OJ No L 209 , 24 . 7 . 1992 , p . 1 . Directives .
(!) OJ No L 210 , 21 . 7. 1989 .
Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (8 September 1995)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1997/95 The Commission reaffirms its determination to ensure that all the relevant Community public procurement Directives by Antonio Trizza ( NI ) are implemented in each Member State . In relation to the to the Commission Directives cited by the Honourable Member , the (8 July 1995) Commission is in a position to give the following ( 95/C 326/35 ) information :
( a ) Directive 93/36/EEC ( supplies ) has not been implemented , or fully implemented, in five Member Subject: Technical assistance measures and general studies States . A decision to send a reasoned opinion under under Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC ) No Article 169 of the EC Treaty has been taken by the 2085/93 Commission in each of these cases . Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2085/93 ( 1 ) laying down ( b ) Directive 93/37/EEC ( works ) is a purely consolidating provisions for implementing Regulation ( EEC ) No 2052/88 text and so does not need to be implemented in national as regards the EAGGF ( Article 8 , first indent ) stipulates that law as such . Its predecessor, Directive 89/440/EEC (*), the Fund may devote part of its annual budget inter alia to had been implemented in each of the Member States as technical assistance measures and general studies . No C 326/18 | EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
In its communication ( 2 ), the Commission sets out The Commission fully agrees with the Honourable the conditions for supporting the pilot projects and Member about the importance of technical assistance for demonstration projects referred to in the second and third the management, monitoring and evaluation of the indents of Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2085/93 for rural development programmes throughout their 1995 . However, it does not set out the conditions for the implementation . It has therefore ensured that the funds submission of the measures and actions referred to in the allocated to these programmes cover a specific measure for first indent of Article 8 . this purpose . Where such a measure was not included in the programme submitted to the Commission, it insisted on an appropriate amendment and the allocation of adequate Does the Commission not consider that it should take steps appropriations for this purpose . This means that the local to lay down the conditions governing technical assistance and regional authorities now have the financial resources measures and general studies, especially in view of the they require to carry out the studies and technical assistance fundamental importance of this type of measure in which are necessary for the correct implementation of the preparing for specific measures put forward by regional programmes . and local authorities aimed at supplementing regional development programmes ?
(M OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 , p . 44 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 303 , 29 . 10 . 1994 , p . 17 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2003/95 by Peter Skinner ( PSE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mr Fischler (8 July 1995) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 326/36 ) (12 September 1995)
Subject: Hop income aid to UK producers The call for proposals to which the Honourable Member refers constitutes the practical implementation of the Each year hop producers in the UK are eligible for hop procedure followed for the selection of the pilot and income aid . Many producers depend upon this financial aid demonstration projects likely to be eligible for Community each year to assure that the harvest is completed . Each year, financing under Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4256/88 , there is a significant delay in payment of this aid and as amended by Regulation ( EEC ) No 2085/93 . The main increasingly aid is arriving after the time when producers points of this procedure are : most need this support . Can the Commission please explain this unnecessary delay and assure me that there will be no delay this year in making these types of payments ? — projects should concentrate on a limited number of priority topics directly connected with the needs of the Community's rural development policy; As I understand, payments are actually paid for a previous year's crop , i.e. the farmer receives payment in 1995 for 1994's harvest . This system, with its delays, means that any — a call for proposals relating to these topics and for which payments arrive usually over a year since the crop was any public or private person may tender published in the collected, which is contrary to the case with other produce Official Journal ; where payments arrive nearer the time of harvest . Can the Commission please explain why this absurd system is not — the selection of the most worthwhile projects after an reviewed and modified so that payments are more punctual evaluation of all the proposals by independent and are paid before the harvest for the year's crop in question, i.e. 1994 payment for 1994 crop , etc.? experts .
Unlike the pilot and demonstration projects , the general studies and technical assistance aim to meet specific needs at Answer given by Mr Fischler a particular time . An example is that the Commission used on behalf of the Commission appropriations for technical assistance as provided for in (25 September 1995) Article 8 for the prior appraisal of rural development programmes by independent experts . This was done when the programmes were submitted by the Member States . Its special features ( implementation when the programmes The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that were submitted ) made it difficult to follow a procedure of the aid for producers should be paid quickly and at the latest the type used for the pilot and demonstration projects which before the next harvest . However , the Commission is will be repeated regularly over the years to come . required to work within the rules applying in this case . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/19
The basic Regulation, Council Regulation ( EEC ) Member States to require environmental measures which No 1696/71 of26July 1971 on the common organization of correspond to the specific situation of the land set-aside . the market in hops ( l ), as last amended by Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3124/92 ( 2 ), stipulates in Article 11 As regards other CAP regimes, provisions exist which enable that 'each year before 30 April the Commission shall submit Member States to apply environmental conditions to the a report to the Council on the situation regarding the payment of beef and sheep premia . The thinking here is that production and marketing of hops'. This report is to be although there are density limits on the granting of premia in accompanied by a proposal for a Council Regulation fixing the beef sector , in some sensitive areas these limits may aid for producers for the harvest of the previous year . exceed what is environmentally desirable . Article 12(7 ) specifies that 'the amount of aid applicable to areas under hops in respect of the harvest of the preceding calendar year shall be fixed in two months following the (!) OJ No L 181 , 1 . 7 . 1992 . submission of the report referred to in Article 1 1 and before 30 June'.
The Commission has taken due note of the suggestion from the Honourable Member that aid should be paid in advance, i.e. before the harvest concerned . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2015/95 by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR ) ( 1 ) OJ No L 175 , 4 . 8 . 1971 . to the Commission ( 2 ) OJ No L 313 , 30 . 10 . 1992 . (8 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/38 )
Subject: Liberalization of cabotage in the Union
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2006/95 1 . Is the Commission aware that the recent positive by John Corrie ( PPE ) developments in the Benelux road transport market are to the Commission largely attributable to the liberalization of cabotage between the Benelux countries ? (8 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/37 ) 2 . Does the Commission have any statistics concerning the proportion of cabotage in the European Union as a whole ? Subject: Arable Area Payments scheme 3 . In view of the highly favourable effect of the Could the Commission comment on the legality of attaching liberalization of cabotage, will the Commission seek to compulsory environmental conditions to subsidy payments expedite the liberalization of cabotage in other European under the Arable Area Payments scheme specifically and countries ? other common agricultural policy regimes ? If so, what measures will the Commission take for this purpose ? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission If not, why not ? (27 September 1995)
Answer given by Mr Kinnock Regulation ( EEC ) No 1765/92 (*) on the arable support on behalf of the Commission system requires Member States to apply appropriate environmental measures with regard to set-aside land only (7 September 1995) ( Article 7(3 )). The thinking behind this legal position is that the reduction in the cereals price following the common agricultural policy ( CAP ) reform, compensated by a per 1 . The Commission feels that liberalization has indeed hectare aid , should itself secure environmental advantage in contributed to the positive developments . encouraging less intensive production . It neither requires nor permits Member States to attach environmental 2 . The Commission relies upon Member States to submit conditions to the payment of arable area payments . The the relevant national data . On the basis of the figures compensation was designed to offset the price reduction . It available it is estimated that for 1994, cabotage operations would reduce the value of the compensation if producers in the transport of goods by road were approximately were subject to additional environmental requirements . As 0,25 % of the national markets for the carriage of goods by regards set-aside, however, it seemed appropriate to require professional hauliers in the Community as a whole . No C 326/20 EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
3 . The Commission observes that the Council agreed in The Commission also appoints unpaid trainees ( auxiliary Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3118/93 of 25 October staff are not part of this programme ). Over the same 1993 (') to 30 000 two-months cabotage authorizations in reference period , 71 % on average of trainees received grants 1994 , with a progressive annual increase of 30% , and while 29 % were unpaid . The number of grants depends on complete liberalization on 1 July 1998 . The Commission the funds available . A substantial number of trainees are not does not intend to propose that the Council bring forward entitled to a grant because they continue to receive this timetable . emoluments from their home country during their training, while others agree to unpaid training . (!) OJ No L 279 , 12 . 11 . 1993 . Trainees are not part of the Commission's work force , since admission to in-service training does not confer the status of official or other servant of the institution . The aim is rather to provide practical training to complement theoretical studies at university . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2018/95 by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) This limited training period gives these young people the to the Commission opportunity to acquire further knowledge which may, once (8 July 1995) their in-service training is over, make it easier for them to ( 95/C 326/39 ) find work .
(!) OJ No C 311 , 22 . 11 . 1995 , p . 5 . Subject: Trainees on placements ( stagiaires )
Each year the Commission appoints a large number of stagiaires who carry out certain duties in one or other of its departments for a limited period , under the supervision and guidance of an official . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2023/95 1 . What is the Commission's policy for these by Edward McMillan-Scott ( PPE ) appointments; in particular, does it respect the principle of equal opportunities for men and women in this to the Commission connection ? (12 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/40 ) 2 . What is the ratio between male and female stagiaires, and how has it changed in the past ten years ?
3 . Does the Commission also appoint unpaid stagiaires or Subject: Export subsidies for years 1993 and 1994 auxiliaries and if so, can it provide any statistics on the subject, including changes which have taken place ? Can the Commission give details of any subsidies , such as export refunds , paid out for live export of cattle and sheep 4 . If the Commission does recruit unpaid staff, what are for the years 1993 and 1994 particularly from Britain and the arguments in favour of this ? Does the Commission Eire ? not agree that, if this is the case , paying them for their work could substantially improve the precarious employment prospects of many well-qualified young people ? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (8 September 1995) Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1995) The common market organization for sheep does not provide for export refunds . Export refunds do exist for cattle and for beef. The level of the refund was at ECU 1 200 On the matter of selection criteria , the Commission would per ton liveweight at the beginning of 1993 and has since refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written then gradually decreased to the current level of ECU 900 per Question E-1587/95 from Mr Stefano De Luca ( J ). ton liveweight . In 1993 and 1994 the Community exported yearly around 450 000 cattle , of which 225 000 from The Commission does respect the principle of equal Ireland . No subsidised exports of live cattle took place from opportunities for men and women when appointing the United Kingdom in those years . trainees . In the last ten years female trainees have actually been in the majority ( 59% compared with 41 % for male trainees ). 6 . 12 . 95 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/21
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2049/95 ( ii ) increasing the employment intensity of growth, by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI ) without a negative effect on the rate of growth itself; to the Commission (12 July 1995) ( iii ) promoting the employability of the work force, ( 95/C 326/41 through increased flexibility and measures to help groups particularly hard hit by unemployment .
Subject: Ecofin Council There is no disagreement on these overall policy recommendations between the Ecofin Council, the The Ecofin Council meeting in Luxembourg on 19 and European Council and the Commission . 20 June 1995 declared that a micro-economic approach must be found to solving the problem of unemployment in Thus the answers to the three concrete questions put Europe . forward are : 1 . Is this view compatible with the Commission White Paper on growth, competitiveness and employment ? 1 . The recommended policy is in line with the white paper on growth , competitiveness and employment . 2 . Does the Commission support the Council's position ? 2 . There is no disagreement between the Council and the Commission . 3 . If so , what specific measures are planned by the Commission ? 3 . As implementation of policies is the responsibility of Member States, the role of the Commission is primarily to monitor the policies aimed for job creation, as set out in the communication of 8 March from the Commission to the Council on the follow-up to the Essen European Answer given by Mr de Silguy Council on employment ( 1 ). on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1995) (M COM(95 ) 74 final .
It is not correct that the Ecofin Council on the 19/20 June 1995 concluded that the solution to the unemployment problem should be founded on a micro-economic approach . The Ecofin Council adopted the broad guidelines of the economic policies . According to these, the solution is to be found by a combined macro-economic and micro-economic WRITTEN QUESTION E-2050/95 policy effort, neither of which will work properly without by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI ) the other . It is a necessary condition that the current to the Commission recovery is transformed into a sustained medium-term growth process , creating permanent jobs . This requires the (12 July 1995) right macro-economic policy mix, that is : ( 95/C 326/42 )
( i ) a stability-oriented monetary policy which is not undermined by inappropriate budgetary and wage Subject: Telecommunications developments ;
( ii ) sustained efforts to consolidate the public finances in On 21 June 1995 the Commission adopted its draft most Member States; proposal for a Directive on liberalizing the mobile and personal communications sector as from 1 January 1996 . ( iii ) nominal wage trends incorporating the price stability objective; at the same time, real wage developments The new Community legislation will enable operators to should take into account the need to strengthen the establish their own infrastructure networks and use existing profitability of employment-creating investment . alternative infrastructure without having to go through infrastructures already installed . The medium-term growth process must be completed by structural policies in the fields of competitiveness and the 1 . Does the Commission intend, through programmes, to labour market . More efficient labour market policies grant financial support for the construction of contribute to increasing employment by : alternative infrastructures in the individual Member States ? ( i ) raising the quality of human capital through promotion of training and education; 2 . If so , what sums will be earmarked for this purpose ? No C 326/22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Answer given by Mr Bangemann specifically states that no funding will be devoted to on behalf of the Commission support manufacturers of receiver equipment for (20 September 1995) consumers . Section 4 of the Annex stipulates that funding will go to broadcasters providing wide-screen television services and to programme producers who The Commission does not have any direct plans to make programmes for such services according to the provide funding to create infrastructure for mobile detailed criteria set out in section 5 of the Annex . These telecommunications . criteria are as follows :
Telecommunications infrastructure projects may, however, be eligible to benefit from certain financial instruments of Criteria relating to the quality of the project, the Community such as the Structural Funds or the Edinburgh facility or from the resources available for the trans-European networks . Each project must satisfy the following criteria :
( i ) before being eligible for Community funds , it must have received a firm commitment of funds from other sources for 50% of the costs falling within the scope of the action plan ( i.e. the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2058/95 additional costs of broadcasting or producing in by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop ( PSE ) 16:9 as compared to 4:3 ). At least 50% of the to the Commission non-Community funding must come from the economic operators . Having met these (12 July 1995) requirements , the project would then become ( 95/C 326/43 ) eligible for Community funding in respect of the remainder of such costs ; Subject: Cultural dimension of the 16/9 High-Definition Television Action Plan ( ii ) it must be submitted by a recognized service provider having a proven track record in the field of television service provision and having the Having regard to the summary submitted by the necessary financial strength required for the new Commission on the HDTV action plan and the cultural and venture or by a group of organizations led by such economic significance thereof, and whereas the summary is a service provider; vague and imprecise, could the Commission give clear answers to the following specific questions : ( iii ) it must propose to provide a service involving at 1 . On what basis are the programmes to be included in the least 5 0 hours of broadcasting per year in the 16:9 16/9 Action Plan selected ? format and using 625 or 1 250 scanning lines;
2 . Is there any kind of corrective to ensure fair access for all ( iv ) it must be based on transmission systems of high European cultures and languages ? Is any kind of quality featuring the 16:9 format including inter 'national quota' applied ? alia MAC/HDMAC , further developments of existing European TV standards such as Palplus 3 . Can the Commission provide information regarding the and fully digital technology standardized by the activities undertaken and the amount of money spent so appropriate European standards bodies ; far ? ( v ) it must propose to provide a service targeted towards a sufficiently large market in order to Answer given by Mr Oreja contribute to the development of the broader on behalf of the Commission market for advanced television services; (18 September 1995) ( vi ) it must comply with Community competition rules . The Honourable Member refers in her question to a working document with no official status , the purpose of which is merely to provide, in summary form, the 'rationale' In addition, the following criteria , while not essential, of the action plan for the introduction of advanced are an advantage : television services in Europe ( Council Decision 93/424/EEC of 22 July 1993 ) ( x ). ( vii ) the project proposes to provide a transfrontier or 1 . The eligibility criteria are set out in some detail in the multilingual service ; Council Decision, and in particular in the Annex on implementation procedures . Article 1 of the Decision ( viii ) facilitates optimal audience ratings . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/23
Criteria relating to spread and balance Criteria for supporting the re-mastering of existing programmes
The basic condition is that the first transmission is in The set of projects funded under the action plan must 16:9 in the framework of a service supported under the satisfy the following criteria : action plan . Priority is awarded to programmes of European origin . ( i ) it must show a fair spread of projects between the entities to avoid undue concentration or the 2 . It can be seen from the above that the criteria do include creation of monopolies or cartels ; correcting factors designed to ensure equitable access for all European languages and culture . There are ( ii ) it must have a wide distribution across Member however no national quotas of any sort. States ' markets in order to ensure the Community dimension taking account of the specific situation 3 . The results of the implementation of the action plan up of Member States with a low production capacity to the end of 1994 are set out in detail in the or whose language covers a limited area ; Commission's first implementation report ( 2 ) adopted on 16 June 1995 , which has been submitted to the Parliament . This shows, in summary, that in the period ( iii ) it must involve, to a reasonable degree, programme covered , the action plan supported 22 wide-screen producers independent of the broadcasters broadcast services in eight Member States , totalling participating in the projects . some 30 000 broadcast hours . The programme section of the action plan supported around 13 000 hours of programming, over half ( 65% ) being 'long shelf life' Criteria for programme support programmes . 7 580 hours were for new productions ( ECU 56,9 million ) and 5 600 for conversion of existing programmes ( ECU 7,1 million ). The first call for Both in-house production by broadcasters and external proposals in 1995 is still being processed . As soon as the production are within the scope of the action plan . results are known, they will be communicated to Community support for programme production and Parliament . conversion is closely linked to the 16:9 services , but aims to benefit the whole sector . (!) OJ No L 196 , 5 . 8 . 1993 . ( 2 ) COM(95 ) 263 final . To qualify for Community support on a programme-by-programme basis , producers of new programmes, and rights holders of certain existing programmes exploitable in 16:9 but requiring re-mastering, must have an agreement to broadcast from at least one of the broadcasters based in the Community which undertakes to broadcast the WRITTEN QUESTION P-2069/95 programme in 16:9 . The technical quality of these by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) programmes must be such as to allow their exploitation to the Commission in 16:9 format in standard also in the medium term . (7 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/44 ) Before being eligible for Community funding, the project must have received a firm commitment of the funds from other sources for 50% of the costs falling Subject: Sinking of oil platforms in the Mediterranean within the scope of the action plan . At least 50% of non-Community funding must come from the economic operators . Having met these requirements , the project Could the Commission say whether or not, following the would then become eligible for Community funding in agreement to prohibit the sinking of oil platforms in the respect of the remainder of such costs . North Sea ( viz . Brent Spar ), this ban will also be extended, as seems logical, to the Mediterranean, despite what was recently agreed in Barcelona ? Criteria for supporting the technical upgrading of new long-life ( stock ) programmes
New programmes supported must be of sufficient Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard technical quality and have an order for their effective on behalf of the Commission transmission in 16:9 from at least one of the (8 September 1995) broadcasters based in the Community . They must be of European origin . At the Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Barcelona on Priority is awarded for programmes produced by 9 and 10 June 1995 , the Contracting Parties to the producers independent of the broadcasters . Barcelona Convention signed the amendments to the No C 326/24 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Protocol for the prevention of pollution of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2090/95 Mediterranean Sea by dumping from ships and aircraft by Ludivina Garcia Arias ( PSE ) ( Protocol on dumping). to the Commission (18 July 1995) Article 4 of the Protocol prohibits the dumping of wastes or other matter except inter alia platforms and other ( 95/C 326/46 ) man-made structures at sea provided that materials which might produce floating wastes or contribute in other ways to the pollution of the marine environment have been removed as far as possible , without prejudice to the Protocol for the Subject: Budget heading intended to incorporate measures protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution under the ECSC Treaty into the Treaty establishing resulting from exploration and exploitation of the the European Community continental shelf and the seabed and its subsoil .
Article 20(1 ) of the latter Protocol provides that 'the Article B3-230 of the General Budget of the European operator shall be required by the competent Contracting Community concerning a Community programme for Party to remove any installation which is abandoned or adaptation , adjustment and investment in the coal and steel disused , in order to ensure safety of navigation , etc . Such sector 'creates the structure whereby measures under the removal shall also have due regard to other legitimate uses of Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel the sea , in particular fishing, the protection of the marine Community can be gradually incorporated into the Treaty environment , etc.'. establishing the European Community'.
The Protocol does not, however, lay down any provisions What action has the Commission taken to give budgetary with regard to the dismantling site . substance to this programme ? What does the Commission think of this budgetary mechanism proposed by Parliament The Commission is also currently considering what action in order to ensure that measures under the ECSC Treaty do should be taken to require the onshore dismantling of not disappear or are not watered down ? disused offshore installations .
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2089/95 and E-2090/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2089/95 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission by Ludivina Garcia Arias ( PSE ) to the Commission (20 September 1995) (18 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/45 ) Both questions deal with the ways in which ECSC activities will continue beyond the year 2002 . Specifically, they ask Subject: Budget heading intended to incorporate measures about the role of Article B2-230 . This article was introduced under the ECSC Treaty into the Treaty establishing on Parliament's initiative for the incorporation of former the European Community ECSC measures into the general budget .
Article B3-230 of the General Budget of the European Community concerning a Community programme for The Commission has repeatedly stated its position on this adaptation, adjustment and investment in the coal and steel matter in writing f 1 ). sector 'creates the structure whereby measures under the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community can be gradually incorporated into the Treaty The Commission's approach is based on the idea that establishing the European Community'. measures which have proved their worth should be continued . The Treaty establishing the European Community will in future be the exclusive legal framework What does the Commission think of this budgetary for financing such measures . Integration into the mechanism proposed by Parliament in order to ensure that instruments of the Treaty of Rome has already begun , measures under the ECSC Treaty do not disappear and are largely in the form of measures financed from the European correctly incorporated into the activities of the European Regional Development Fund , the European Social Fund , Union ? and the Fourth Research Framework Programme . The Commission is working on a report on the state of this What action has the Commission taken to give budgetary phasing-in , in which current experience, up to and including substance to the programme ? 1995 , is evaluated . 6 . 1 2 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/25
The article of the general budget mentioned above is not The Council adopted its common position on this essential for this kind of integration . programme on 21 June 1995 .
(») OJ No C 227, 17 . 8 . 1994 . Parliament, meanwhile , made another proposal on ( 2 ) IP(95 ) 481 . 26 October 1994 , which consisted of setting up a financial ( 3 ) Amended proposal COM(95 ) 373 . mechanism such as a foundation with the ECSC reserves, to be used for financing sector-specific promotion measures beyond 2002 .
The Commission will decide whether it is worth allocating funds to Article B2-230 in future years when it considers this WRITTEN QUESTION E-2095/95 additional proposal . by Jessica Larive ( ELDR), Johanna Boogerd-Quaak ( ELDR), Karla Peijs ( PPE ), Alman Metten ( PSE ) and Johannes Blokland ( EDN ) (M SEC(92 ) 1889 final ; SEC(93 ) 1596 final; COM(93 ) 512 final and COM(94 ) 269 final . to the Commission (18 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/48 )
Subject: Reduced VAT rates
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2092/95 Article 12(4 ) of the Sixth Directive ( 77/388/EEC ) ( ) stipulates that the Council is to review the scope of the by Odile Leperre-Verrier ( ARE ) reduced rates in 1994 on the basis of a report from the to the Commission Commission . (18 July 1995) 1 . Will the Commission explain why, despite repeated ( 95/C 326/47 requests from Parliament, it does not, in its first report, propose amendments to Annex H to the Sixth Directive ( which lays down the maximum scope for the Subject: Assistance to the music sector application of the reduced VAT rates )? 2 . Will it state why it does not take account in that report of In the context of its various cultural programmes , can the the declarations made by the Council and Commission Commission say what assistance is given to the music sector, and by the Netherlands delegation when the Sixth stating which events and instrumental or choral groups are Directive was adopted , to the effect that, when the supported under each programme , and giving details of the scope of the reduced rates is reviewed, particular selection criteria used ? consideration is to be given to environment-friendly and labour-intensive services , provided this does not distort competition , as for example in the case of footwear and clothing manufacture ? Answer given by Mr Oreja f 1 ) OJ No L 145 , 13 . 6 . 1977, p . 1 . on behalf of the Commission (6 October 1995)
Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission With the exception of the European Community Youth Orchestra, the European Baroque Orchestra and the (21 September 1995) Mozart Foundation, which are mentioned in the remarks to Items B3-2001 and B3-2003 of the budget, Commission support for European cultural events , including musical Under Community legislation ( The Sixth Council VAT events , is channelled through the Kaleidoscope programme . Directive as amended by Directive 92/77/EEC ) ( J ), the The 1995 conditions of participation were published in the Council is required to undertake a review of the scope of the Official Journal (*) and the list of projects selected, based on reduced VAT rate , on the basis of a Commission report . The the opinion of a European panel of experts , was published in first such report ( 2 ) was adopted by the Commission at the a press release ( 2 ) on 15 May 1995 . end of last year and was sent to the Council and the Parliament . It reviews the operation of the present VAT rate arrangements in the context of the transitional VAT regime The Commission has also presented new proposals ( 3 ) on currently in force . The approach taken in the report, as in all supporting action under Article 128(2 ) of the EC Treaty to matters of VAT rate approximation, is based on the Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions . criterion set out in Article 99 of the EC Treaty which No C 326/26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
specifies that such approximation must be necessary to Can the Commission say why in these cases Community ensure the establishment and the functioning of the internal legislation has not been complied with and whether it does market. The report's conclusions are that, in present not consider that the Italian Government should be called circumstances and on the evidence available , no distortions upon to increase the numbers of veterinary staff at borders of competition or dysfunction of the internal market have and improve the conditions in stables and stalls at borders , arisen which would call for any change in the list of supplies where animals unfit to travel may be kept ? eligible for a reduced rate .
The Commission must, moreover, bear in mind the need to establish the conditions necessary for the introduction of the Answer given by Mr Fischler definitive VAT regime in 1997 . Accordingly, it considers on behalf of the Commission that it would be inappropriate at this juncture to widen the (12 September 1995) scope of the options available to Member States for application of the lower rate . Whether or not such extensions of the lower rate may be desirable or possible can therefore only be judged in the context of the discussions Community rules on the protection of animals during that will take place on the definitive regime . At the meeting transport are contained in Council Directive 91/628/ of the Council on 10 July 1995 , the great majority of EEC C ), recently modified by Directive 95/29/EC ( 2 ), laying Ministers endorsed this approach . Any changes to down standards for watering and feeding intervals , journey Community VAT legislation would , of course, have to be times and resting periods , as well as for space for the animals agreed unanimously by the Council . Only one Member State on vehicles . These rules apply to transport within, to and supported the idea of extension of the lower rate option to from the Community . labour-intensive services, which would , therefore, with environmentally friendly supplies, continue to be taxable at the standard rate . As far as the import of animals from third countries is concerned, this is subject to Article 11 of Directive 91/628/EEC, which requires all animals imported into the (!) OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992 . Community to be inspected by an official vet on arrival at ( 2 ) COM(94 ) 584 . the Community frontier and to be accompanied by a written undertaking from the importer or exporter that the conditions of the Directive will be observed during the whole transport operation .
Under Directive 91/628/EEC day-to-day enforcement is the responsibility of the Member State concerned . Article 10 of the Directive does however provide for inspection visits by Commission experts . Visits have recently been made to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2103/95 several Member States including Italy, where the frontier by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) posts of Gorizia and Prosecco were visited . The Commission to the Commission experts carrying out the mission to Italy also raised with the Italian authorities matters disclosed in a complaint made by (18 July 1995) an animal welfare organization concerning the treatment of ( 95/C 326/49 ) east European horses passing through these posts .
The Commission has drawn the conclusions from its investigations at these posts and from the evidence supplied Subject: Transport of animals in the complaint that the welfare situation in the past has not been entirely satisfactory . Recommendations have been made , and the Italian authorities have indicated that they According to 1STAT data Italy imports from Estonia each wish to achieve a better enforcement of the Directive in the year 140 000 horses which are transported in very crowded future . The Commission intends to monitor developments conditions and with poor ventilation . closely in the coming months to ensure that a satisfactory level of enforcement of the Directive is achieved at the frontier posts concerned . It also emerges that the journeys are often long and watering stops are insufficient, which results in the animals being exhausted . It has also been reported in the press that at the (!) OJ No L 340, 11 . 12 . 1991 . Italian border posts of Gorizia and Prosecco ( TS ) injured ( 2 ) OJ No L 148 , 30 . 6 . 1995 . animals with broken legs are transferred to lorries to be transported to their final destinations , which are often far away . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/27
WRITTEN QUESTION E-21 11/95 marks'. Other product markings are only prohibited if they by Elly Plooii-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) are 'liable to deceive third parties as to the meaning and form of the CE marking' or if they are 'liable to cause confusion to the Commission with the CE marking'. Quality markings, as opposed to the (19 July 1995) CE marking, are voluntary, address consumers or users , and ( 95/C 326/50 tend to influence their appreciation towards the relevant product . Thus , they have a different function to that of the CE marking . They are therefore acceptable . Subject: EC verification mark
1 . Does the EC verification mark on a product guarantee 4 . Yes . The CE marking is not a quality marking free access to the whole internal market for the product although it is often wrongly perceived as such and then concerned ? compared to other quality marks . The Commission tries to remedy this situation by informing industry as well as the authorities responsible for market surveillance about the 2 . Is the EC verification mark recognized in all countries correct meaning and function of the marking . Furthermore, of the European Union ? the second version of the 'guide to the implementation of Community harmonization Directives based on the new 3 . Is the Commission aware that, in some countries in the approach and the global approach' which the Commission Union, other seals of approval are still in use in addition to is preparing will include a chapter on the marking, clarifying the EC verification mark ? its role .
4 . Is the Commission aware that such national seals of approval are held in higher esteem ? 5 . No . It is true that the Community harmonization Directives which provide for the affixing of the marking 5 . Does this development constitute a real danger to the aimed to remove technical barriers to trade and have as their internal market, bearing in mind that the EC marking is object the establishment and functioning of the single intended to eliminate technical barriers to trade ? market.
6 . Is not this development highly prej udicial to European industry, especially to small and medium-sized However, the free circulation of goods which is assured by enterprises ? the marking does not necessarily mean that people will buy the products . In order to market and sell a product successfully a manufacturer often has to do more than what is required by legislation . Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (28 September 1995) 6 . From a European industrial competitiveness point of view, the existence and retention of voluntary private quality marks at national level can be undesirable because 1 . Yes . The CE marking can be described as a 'passport they can force manufacturers into unnecessary multiple for industrial products' allowing them to circulate freely certification to ensure market access of their products to throughout the European Economic Area ( EEA). It is a each national market . The Commission is aware that the mandatory conformity marking which shows the continuing growth of multiple and incoherent quality compliance of products with all provisions of 16 Directives markings at national level constitutes a particular burden which relate to safety, public health, consumer protection or for small and medium-sized enterprises , both in terms of other essential requirements of Community interest . finance and of man power .
2 . Yes . It addresses the market surveillance authorities of the Member States and aims to facilitate their surveillance In the medium term, the Commission would therefore tasks by visibly demonstrating conformity. Of course, where welcome the conclusion of mutual recognition agreements a Member State ascertains that products bearing the between the different quality and certification schemes in marking do not comply with the requirements of the the EEA so that adhering to one scheme gives the right to directives applicable, it takes appropriate measures to affix the quality label of the affiliated schemes . The withdraw the products from the market, to prohibit the European organization for testing and certification which placing on the market and putting into service and to restrict was founded following a Commission initiative constitutes free movement . an ideal platform for the promotion of such agreements .
3 . Yes . According to Council Decision 93/465/EEC of 22 July 1993 concerning the rules for the affixing and use of In the long term, quality marks should be created at the CE conformity marking, 'a product may bear different European level and replace the national marks . In this No C 326/28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95 respect, the Commission welcomes initiatives already WRITTEN QUESTION E-2126/95 launched at European level, for example in the field of by Michael Spindelegger ( PPE ) lighting equipment where a European quality mark , the to the Commission ENEC mark, has been created . Moreover, the initiative on the part of CEN/Cenelec to set up a European system of (19 July 1995) marking conformity to European standards will no doubt 95/C 326/52 contribute to greater transparency in this area . Subject: Green Paper on the practical arrangements for the However, the difference between mandatory CE marking as transition to a single currency a proof of conformity with law and voluntary quality markings as a proof of specific characteristics should be 1 . With the approach that has been proposed , what clearly recognized . guarantee is there that the exchange rates which are irrevocable do not come under pressure from movements on money markets in third countries before the European currency is introduced ?
2 . Do the services of the Commission have access to studies or estimates of the impact of transition to the third WRITTEN QUESTION E-2123/95 phase of economic and monetary union on the currencies of by Mathias Reichhold ( NI ) those Member States which are not yet able to proceed to the to the Commission third phase ? (19 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/51 ) Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission Subject: Meat imports and hormone feeds (20 September 1995)
During his visit to the USA Commissioner Fischler engaged 1 . In the period after the irrevocable fixing of exchange in negotiations on the import of meat from animals fed on rates and before the final changeover to the single currency, hormones . the participating currencies and the single currency will become perfect substitutes for each other . They will cease to be distinct currencies and become different expressions of What was the Commission's objective in the one and the same monetary reality . The European system of negotiations ? central banks will guarantee total convertibility between the national denominations and the single currency at their respective irrevocably fixed conversion rates .
Answer given by Mr Fischler Movements on money markets in third countries would on behalf of the Commission therefore not change at all the relationship between the (28 September 1995) currencies of the economic and monetary union ( EMU), but would only affect the parity between a third country's currency and the bloc of European currencies once they melt into one . At the request of the United States , the question of hormones in livestock production was among the issues In order to underline further the irreversibility of the raised in the course of the visit to the United States from 2 to conversion rates , the Commission has suggested , in its 6 June 1995 of the Commissioner responsible for Green Paper on the practical arrangements for the agriculture . The discussions provided an opportunity for introduction of the single currency, that a critical mass of both parties to set out their respective positions . The transactions in the single currency be ensured right from the Commissioner explained the background to the present start of stage three . prohibitions on the use of certain substances in livestock production, including the concerns of Community 2 . This question ranks high on the agenda of European consumers , and insisted on the need for measures that policy-makers . This is true both for the exchange rate would satisfy essential health requirements . He repeated his relations in stage three of EMU between the single currency previously announced intention of organizing a scientific and non-participating currencies and for the related issue of conference on growth promotion in meat production so as currency movements in the Community ahead of stage to have a comprehensive, updated evaluation of the three . scientific aspects as soon as possible . The conference will be held from 29 November to 1 December 1995 in Brussels . The European Council in Cannes approved a request by the Ecofin Council to examine, together with the European monetary institute , the future relationship between the currency of the EMU Member States and the currencies of 6 . 12 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/29 the other Member States of the Community . A progress biotechnologies . Neither may be considered to be a form of report will be presented on this question to the Madrid advertising . Council in December 1995 . 2 . Eicos ( European Initiative for Communicators of The European Council in Cannes also requested the Science ) is an initiative by the Max Planck Institute in Commission to carry out a detailed examination of the Martinsried . The Commission subsidized the project launch effects of the recent currency turmoil on the proper by ECU 30 000 in 1993 and ECU 35 000 in 1994 . operation of the single market and to report on its conclusions in the autumn . 3 . Eicos is intended to improve the quality of scientific information on molecular biology in Europe . In order to do this Eicos offers scientific journalists working for the major dailies and television channels in the various European countries the option of pursuing a programme of intensive training in a laboratory . Support is thus given to Eicos WRITTEN QUESTION E-2133/95 against a background of efforts made by the Commission in by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) order to improve public knowledge and understanding of to the Commission science . (19 July 1995) 4 . The support that the Commission gives to Eicos ( 95/C 326/53 represented 30 % of the project's budget in 1993 , and 38 % in 1994 . Eicos has indeed received support from several public and private bodies in addition to that provided by the Subject: EU funding for genetic engineering publicity Commission . For a list of these the Commission invites the Honourable Member to contact the person responsible for 1 . How much is paid out each year, and from which Eicos at the Max Planck Institute in Martinsried . budget line, for the purpose of advertising the genetic engineering industry ? 5 . As shown by examination of its content Eicos is a vehicle for information and training, not of propaganda . 2 . How much funding goes to Eicos ( European Initiative The Commission will send information on Eicos direct to for Communicators of Science )? the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament . 3 . Is funding given to Eicos for the purpose of 'public reassurance' ( Commission communication on Biotechnology and the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment, p. 6 )?
4 . Which companies and research institutes contribute WRITTEN QUESTION E-2134/95 funds and what amounts are involved ? by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) 5 . What is the Commission's view of the accusation of to the Commission unilateral, undemocratic indoctrination in favour of genetic (19 July 1995) engineering ? ( 95/C 326/54 )
Subject: Early retirement pensions for a special category of Answer given by Mrs Cresson worker on behalf of the Commission
(14 September 1995) In the Mandoudion region in the Prefecture of Euboia in Greece the closure of the Magnesite Mining Groups has resulted in dramatic social problems, since no alternative 1 . No Community appropriation has been set aside in employment is available . The unemployment rate has order to promote the genetic-engineering industry . A certain reached 75 % , which is perhaps the highest in the European number of studies have been conducted under the Union . biotechnology research programme on subjects such as the many ways of viewing the possible risks and benefits attached to biotechnology, the factors affecting the Particularly affected are the elderly unemployed who have acceptability of the scientific results , and the part played by no training in any other field and usually have health public policies in this area . Their aim is to help gain a better problems caused by working in mines over many years so understanding of the risks involved and the social aspects of that employers in the rest of Greece refuse to employ them . biotechnological research in Europe . Several aspects of the What programmes can the Commission use to subsidize activities carried out by the Commission in order to promote early retirement pensions for these workers and thereby an understanding of science by the public also relate to alleviate this serious social problem ? No C 326/30 1 EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Answer given by Mr Flynn The draft Europol Convention sets up a police intelligence on behalf of the Commission agency, the objective of which will be to facilitate the (6 October 1995) exchange of information and intelligence relating to investigations of serious organized crime in the Member States . The initial remit will include illegal drug trafficking, The ECSC re-adaptation aid measures allow part-financing trafficking in nuclear and radioactive substances , illegal of early retirement in accordance with precise provisions . immigrant smuggling, trade in human beings and motor-vehicle crime . The way in which Member States However, workers in magnesite mines are not eligible for regulate national military service has no relevance for the such aid because magnesite is not an ECSC product . work of Europol, the establishment of which is in no way connected with any harmonization of national law or policy . Moreover, part-financing of early retirement for unemployed miners in North Euboia does not qualify for funding from the ESF .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2139/95 by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2136/95 by Alexandras Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) (19 July 1995) to the Commission 95/C 326/56 ) (19 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/55 ) Subject: Physiotherapists
The professional organization of physiotherapists needs Subject: Alternative community service Community rules that will afford it legal recognition .
The Schengen Agreement and establishment of Europol Will the Commission draw up a Directive to this end ? have created a new basis for the coordination of the prosecution services of the Member States . How do the relevant authorities tackle the problem that arises in this connection that, whereas most European Union countries Answer given by Mr Monti recognize alternative community service, other EU countries on behalf of the Commission fail to do so, and indeed , prosecute those opposed to (29 September 1995) military service on religious or philosophical grounds ?
Does the Commission not agree that the new Schengen and The Commission would remind the Honourable Member Europol arrangemnts make it necessary to harmonize the that the activity of physiotherapist is governed at legal arrangements obtaining throughout the Community Community level by two texts on the recognition of by the adoption of provisions on alternative community qualifications . service in those countries where it does not already exist, such as Greece, as the European Parliament has repeatedly Where the activity is pursued by a doctor, the recognition of requested ? qualifications and the coordination of education and training are governed by Council Directive 93/16/EEC (') of 5 April 1993 . Article 7 of the Directive, as amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, provides Answer given by Mrs Gradin for the automatic recognition of physiotherapists' on behalf of the Commission qualifications in only twelve Member States since the (27 September 1995) qualification of doctor specializing in physiotherapy is not common to all of them .
The second Schengen Agreement of 19 June 1990 contains Where the activity is not pursued by a doctor, the general articles on improved operational cooperation between system for the recognition of professional qualifications police forces , for example in relation to pursuit over applies . Where the profession of physiotherapist is regulated national borders , and provides for the setting up of an in the host Member State and those wishing to practise it are information system to facilitate external border checks . It required, among other things , to hold a higher-education has no provisions relating to harmonization of criminal or diploma awarded on completion of education and training civil law . It should be noted that the Schengen Agreements of at least three years' duration, Directive 89/48/EEC ( 2 ) will have been drawn up outside the framework of the apply . Where the qualification is not covered by that Community and do not fall within the competence of the Directive, it will be governed by Directive 92/51/EEC ( 3 ) on Commission. a second general system to supplement the first . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/31
The Commission would point out that its overall stance on 5 . How undertakings can be certain as to the amount of the recognition of qualifications is to favour the general assistance they will receive under the task force scheme approach introduced by Directives 89/48/EEC and and when such aid will be paid to them ? 92/51/EEC, which provide for recognition without coordinating education and training and without defining 6 . When and how Parliament will be kept fully informed of the range of professional activity, rather than a sectoral the substance and objectives of the task force approach based on individual professions . initiatives ?
In general , and as it has already indicated in respect of other 7 . Whether, given that the Fourth Framework Programme professions, the Commission therefore intends to propose for research is aimed at promoting basic research at the specific measures for a given profession only where that pre-competitive stage rather than assisting individual profession's specific characteristics are such that the sectors of industry, the creation of the task forces may not be viewed as a first sign of the intention to move abovementioned 'general system' Directives prove insufficient to ensure the effective free movement of the away from pre-competitive assistance to the provision profession's members . Also , the underlying principles and of increased assistance at the competitive stage in main components of any measures proposed would have to individual sectors of the economy ? be based on a sufficient consensus within the profession throughout the Community and among the Member States . Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission H OJ No L 165 , 7 . 7 . 1993 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989 . (15 September 1995) ( 3 ) OJ No L 209, 24 . 7 . 1992 . The Task Forces are responsible for bringing together, in joint projects in the interest of industry, the various efforts being made in the public and private sectors at both national and Community level or under other cooperation schemes . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2160/95 by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) In the first phase, the Task Forces are rallying and coordinating the expertise available to the Commission . to the Commission They are fostering interaction between the various fields of (28 July 1995) research covered by the specific programmes . They are also ( 95/C 326/57 ) engaged in parallel broad-based consultations with industry and users .
Subject: Terms of reference and financing of the ' Car of This approach will identify projects in the interest of the Tomorrow', 'New-Generation Aircraft' and Community with objectives which could extend beyond 'Intermodality in Transport' Task Forces those already set in the specific programmes and which, therefore , could warrant extra funding . The Commission recently set up six new task forces . Commissioner Cresson has announced that ECU 749 Looking beyond this phase, the Task Forces are aiming at million from the resources of the Fourth Framework intensifying the interaction between research and industry Programme for research is to be used to finance them . That and improving coordination with the Member States' amount is to be shared between the six new task forces , in activities . In this way, they will help to make the action taken the form of complementary assistance . Will the Commission by the Community more effective and more visible . state, with reference to the ' Car of Tomorrow', 'New-Generation Aircraft' and 'Intermodality in Transport' Parliament has been kept informed ever since the Task Task Forces : Forces started work on 10 January 1995 . Progress reports were given to the Committee on Energy, Research and 1 . If it is likely that the Council will approve the use of these Technology ( CERT ) on 24 April and 21 June . A appropriations to finance the task forces ? communication on improving relations between research and industry will be submitted to Parliament in the 2 . Which sectors of industry will receive the resources autumn . earmarked for the task forces ? As regards the unblocking of extra funding for the Fourth 3 . How much financial assistance individual sectors will Framework Programme, at the plenary sitting on 11 July receive ? 1995 the Commission stated that it will submit its proposal to Parliament and the Council, which will decide thereon 4 . What percentage of overall costs such assistance will following the co-decision procedure, which applies to the cover ? Fourth Framework Programme . Only then will the No C 326/32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Commission be in a position to supply more detailed The aim of the Green Paper is to invite all interested parties figures . to take an active part in a consultation process which it has initiated . In the light of the outcome of the consultation , the Commission will decide what course of action should be taken and whether or not there is any need for harmonization .
On the other hand , the Commission does not intend to take WRITTEN QUESTION E-2168/95 action at this stage in the field of patent protection . by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE/NGL ) to the Commission 2 . The European Patent Convention signed in Munich on (28 July 1995) 5 October 1973 is open to accession by the States which ( 95/C 326/58 ) took part in the Intergovernmental Conference for the setting up of a European System for the Grant of Patents or were informed of the holding of that conference and offered the option of taking part . This does not include the countries Subject: Protection of intellectual property in Europe of central and eastern Europe . In accordance with Article 166(1 ), the Convention is, however, open to According to the European Patent Office ( EPO ) only one in accession by any other European State at the invitation of three European research and technological development the Administrative Council of the European Patent undertakings apply for protection for their innovations with Organization . the result that more than DM 30 billion ( Commission estimate ) is wasted in the duplication of research work . The Europe Agreements signed and, in some cases, concluded with the central and east European countries Since the European patent does not cover all countries of require them to apply for accession to the European Patent central and eastern Europe and since the protection of Convention by the end of the fifth year following entry into intellectual property is a particularly time consuming and force of the Agreement . Their full accession will , however, costly process , will the Commission state : depend on a decision to be taken by the Administrative Council under Article 166(1 ) of the Convention . 1 . Whether it intends to take action to simplify and speed up the patent protection process , and To smooth the central and east European countries' path to full accession to the Convention, the European Patent Office 2 . Whether it intends to help broaden the European ( EPO ) intends to conclude extension agreements with Convention to cover the countries of central and eastern them . Europe in view of their practical cooperation with the Member States of the European Union and in order to The main provisions of these agreements may be increase Europe's ability to compete with Asia and the summarized as follows : United States ? ( i ) any application for a European patent may include a request that the effects of the patent be extended to one or more of the countries of central and eastern Europe Answer given by Mr Monti with which an extension agreement is in force; on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1995) ( ii ) the application for an extended European patent and the patent itself, if granted, are to have the same effects and are to be subject to the same rules as national applications and national patents; 1 . On 19 July 1995 the Commission adopted a Green Paper on the protection of utility models in the single ( iii ) where an extended patent is granted , extension fees market ( 1 ). The level of protection conferred on technical will be payable to the EPO in respect of each central or inventions by utility models is lower than that afforded by east European country in which it is to apply. These patents : unlike patents, utility models are granted without a will be lower than the fees payable for each Member prior search to establish novelty and inventive step; this State of the European Patent Organization which is means that protection can be obtained more rapidly and designated, and a proportion of them will be set aside cheaply, but that the protection conferred is less secure . The for the country concerned ; system is frequently used by European industry, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises . ( iv ) any national of one of the central or east European countries taking part in the extended patent scheme Some Member States do not grant such protection . Neither may file an application for a European patent which it is a simple matter at present to file a cross-border will have effect in the Member States of the European application for a utility model because of the different forms Patent Organization and the other central or east such protection can take . European countries designated in the application . 6 . 12 . 95 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/33
Extension agreements with Slovenia, Lithuania and Latvia The Commission has appealed to the authorities of the are already in force ; one has been signed with Romania . Member States concerned to reinforce their cooperation on Discussions have begun with Bulgaria and Albania . monitoring fishing activities both in their territorial waters and in international waters . The Commission has also (M COM(95 ) 370 final . chartered an inspection vessel, the 'Northern Horizon', which will patrol in the Mediterranean during September 1995 and this vessel has been placed at the disposal of the Member States as an inspection platform .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-22 19/95 (!) OJ No L 171 , 6 . 7 . 1994 . by Joan Vallvé ( ELDR ) ( 2 ) OJ No L 288 , 11 . 10 . 1986 . to the Commission (28 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/59 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2222/95 Subject: Bluefin tuna catches by Philippe-Armand Martin ( EDN ) to the Commission In the fishing ports of Denia and Gandia along the Valencian (28 July 1995) coast, French fishermen have frequently been seen using nets ( 95/C 326/60 ) several miles long to catch bluefin tuna .
These catches do not meet the minimum weight requirement Subject: Allocation of inulin syrup quotas of 60 kilos , are subject to no controls whatsoever and are made during the spawning season for bluefin tuna . Council Regulation ( EC ) No 133/94 of 24 January 1994 ( J ) and Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 392/94 of All these factors could result in this species becoming extinct 23 February 1994 ( 2 ) include details of the arrangements for in this part of the Mediterranean in the near future . declaration and allocation of quotas for the production of inulin syrup . Will the Commission call on the governments of the Member States concerned to take measures to enforce the In the context of the Commission's inquiry into the relevant fisheries legislation ? allocation of production quotas for inulin syrup for the 1994—1996 marketing year, a check was carried out in France in July 1995 . Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission The results of this inquiry are important for the development of the chicory fructose sector . (14 September 1995) What are the results of this inquiry, which dates back almost Fishing for bluefin tuna is subject to Regulation ( EEC ) a year ? No 1626/94 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean (*), (!) OJ No L 22 , 27 . 1 . 1994, p . 7 . which prohibits the capture of individuals smaller than 70 ( 2 ) OJ No L 53 , 24 . 2 . 1994 , p . 7 . centimetres or 6,4 kilograms in accordance with the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ( ICCAT). The Regulation Answer given by Mr Fischler also lays down limits on the length of encircling nets such as on behalf of the Commission seines and lamparos but these do not apply to tuna seines . (29 September 1995)
In addition, Article 9(a ) of Regulation ( EEC ) An enquiry was carried out by an independent firm on the No 3094/86 ( 2 ) forbids all Community vessels to use initiative of the Commission into the application, by the driftnets of more than 2,5 kilometres total length in the Member States concerned , of Article 24b of Council Mediterranean , and indeed elsewhere . Regulation ( EEC ) No 1785/81 , as amended by Regulation ( EC ) No 133/94 , and of Article 2b of Commission Finally, at its 21st session last May in Alicante, the General Regulation ( EEC ) No 1443/82 laying down detailed rules Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean ( GFCM ) adopted for the application of the quota system in the sugar several resolutions which included a recommendation to sector i 1 ). Following this enquiry, the results of which are prohibit surface long-lining using vessels of more than 24 confidential in view of the commercial implications, the metres overall in the period from 1 June to 31 July each year . Commission asked the Member States in question to review The Member States of the GFCM are to transpose this certain aspects of their procedures for deciding on the recommendation into their national legislation as soon as allocation of their quotas . The Commission has just recently possible . received their replies (June 1995 ). No C 326/34 FÉNI Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
The Commission has also received a number of formal stage in the strategy of bringing the two regional complaints concerning this issue , on which it will be giving associations closer . its position in the near future . The time for opening the second stage will be decided by (>) OJ No L 158 , 9 . 6 . 1982 . both parties according to their own procedures .
Priority objectives of the framework inter-regional agreement on trade and economic cooperation include the extension of trade cooperation between the Community and Mercosur to sectors liable to boost trade between the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2228/95 parties, but without tariff measures being adopted . by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission Under the agreement the Commission will also act to (31 July 1995) analyze the impact, and when necessary examine measures required to alleviate possible adverse effects of future trade (9SIC 326/61 ) liberalization on more sensitive sectors of the European economy, such as agriculture . Subject: Inter-regional framework agreement with Mercosur
Mr Marin , Commission Vice-President, has announced that negotiations with Mercosur are to begin shortly on an inter-regional framework agreement, as a prelude to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2229/95 association . by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission Does the Commission plan to take measures to protect the (31 July 1995) most sensitive sectors of the European economy, especially agriculture, bearing in mind the effects that the gradual 95/C 326/62 ) liberalization of trade with this region will have on them ? Subject: Red tape hampering the free movement of goods
Answer given by Mr Marin I recently wanted to send two cases of wine from Madrid to on behalf of the Commission Great Britain and approached one of the most prestigious (16 October 1995) wine merchants in Madrid for the purpose, where, to my surprise, I was informed of the red tape of all kinds involved in sending two cases of wine . The Council approved negotiating Directives for an inter-regional framework agreement for trade and economic Is the Commission aware of barriers of this kind which cooperation with Mercosur on 12 July . The Commission make it hard for people to believe in the existence of a single was also authorized by the Council to enter into market ? What firm measures will it take to ensure that the negotiations in accordance with those Directives ; these took free movement of goods becomes a reality ? place in Brussels on 14 and 15 September and in Montevideo on 28 and 29 September . The Agreement was initialled by the negotiators on 29 September . Answer given by Mr Monti It must be emphasized that the inter-regional framework on behalf of the Commission agreement for trade and economic cooperation initialled recently makes no provision for trade liberalization as part (9 October 1995) of its implementation . It is a non-preferential agreement which does not imply the adoption of measures calling into question the present tariff conditions for market access The Commission is aware that the principle of charging between the two parties . excise duty in the country of destination creates some difficulties for small consignments of alcoholic beverages . In this context, as the Commission pointed out in its communication to the Council and Parliament 'The The absence of harmonized rates of excise duty means that European Community and Mercosur : an enhanced policy', Member States applying high rates of duty are required to and in the joint solemn declaration signed by the impose strict conditions on incoming intra-Community Community and Mercosur on 22 December 1994, consignments in order to safeguard their national progressive , reciprocal liberalization of trade is the second revenue . 6 . 12 . 95 1 EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/35
The Commission is looking into ways of improving this Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question situation . E-2435/95 by Mrs Van Putten (*) where it states that the project is being reoriented in favour of juvenile delinquents .
Regarding Nicaragua, a co-directorate system for the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2257/95 technical , administrative and financial control requiring double signature has been developed by the Commission, in by Wilfried Telkamper ( V ) addition to external audits regularly carried out according to the Commission to the provisions of financing conventions . (31 July 1995) 95/C 326/63 ) The Commission informs the committee on budgetary control on a regular basis about the implementation of Community development aid ( for instance in the context of Subject: Possible misuse of EU development-aid funds — the discharge procedure ). It is prepared to inform the control measures committee on any case of irregularity specifically raised by the committee . There have been several reports recently in the Central American press on possible misuse of EU development-aid (') OJ No C 311 , 22 . 11 . 1995 , p . 53 . funds, such as
( a ) in Honduras , approximately ECU 160 000 made available to the Supreme Court for renovating a youth rehabilitation centre run by the 'Casa Alianza' organization apparently never reached the centre ; WRITTEN QUESTION E-2263/95 ( b ) in Nicaragua , a former Minister who was obliged to by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) resign when several million US dollar went missing was subsequently appointed President of the national to the Commission development authority; in this post he has (31 July 1995) responsibility for the major part of EU development ( 95/C 326/64 ) aid ; he also tried to take over powers and EU funds from the agricultural development institution, which has links with the Opposition . Concerned press reports Subject: Denied boarding compensation ( airlines ) suggest that, following the earlier accusations , this person is also misusing funds in his new post . Is the Commission aware that Denied Boarding 1 . Is the Commission aware of these accusations ? Compensation does not apply to charter flights and that many people suffer serious delays and inconvenience from 2 . Has it drawn any conclusions with regard to ensuring time to time as a result of problems with charter flights but appropriate use of funds from the Community are unable to claim any compensation ; and does the budget ? Commission think this is an acceptable state of affairs ?
3 . Is the Commission prepared to provide Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control with full and on-going reports on this matter ? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1995) Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1995) Regulation ( EEC ) No 295/91 establishing common rules for a denied-boarding compensation ( DBC ) system in scheduled air transport ( a ) came into force in April 1991 . To date, the Commission has no information which would The DBC system covers all scheduled flights departing confirm the suspicion that Community development aid to from Community airports , of both Community and Honduras or to Nicaragua was subject to irregularities . The non-Community carriers . Honourable Member is invited to submit any substantiated information on irregularities he might have . The Regulation introduced for the first time a compensation system in order to cope with the effects of overbooking . Regarding Honduras , the ECU 200 000 aid made available Overbooking is not illegal , and most airlines overbook their to the Supreme Court was for children of 'Junta Nacional de scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate Bienestar Social' and not for ' Casa Alianza ' for which for 'no-shows'. This particular problem has so far been another action took place . The Commission would refer the specific to scheduled flights and has not occurred in the No C 326/36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95 charter sector . Here problems were of a different nature largest salt marsh area in western Europe — a special since the vast majority of charter flights were part of protection zone under the birds Directive ? package tours . — the excavation work which would continue , after Since 1 January 1993 , consumers are also protected when deepening, in order to keep the fairway at the proper they take a package tour . However, recent years have seen depth ? the increasing tendency of the travelling public to buy seat-only tickets in charter flights . These passengers are — the lack of clarity as to the ecological effectiveness and covered by neither the DBC nor the package tour political feasibility of the measures, and the timescale for regimes . them, such the removal of polders , which should mitigate or compensate for the loss of natural assets ? In this context and considering the problems met by passengers in charter flights , as well as with scheduled Will the Commission initiate infringement proceedings flights , the Commission will examine ways to improve the against the Dutch Government in order to enforce DBC Regulation since, moreover, the entering into force of compliance with the birds Directive and the habitats the third package of air transport liberalization measures Directive ? has removed the distinction between scheduled and non-scheduled flights . At the same time the Commission (') OJ No C 175 , 10 . 7 . 1995 , p . 27 . will take a closer look at other aspects of the contractual ( 2 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . situation of air passengers . ( ? ) OJ No L 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 , p . 7 .
(M OJ No L 36 , 8 . 2 . 1991 . WRITTEN QUESTION P-2267/95 by Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION P-2266/95 (18 July 1995) by Magda Aelvoet ( V ) ( 95/C 326/66 ) to the Commission
(18 July 1995) Subject: Environmental impact assessment in connection ( 95/C 326/65 ) with the deepening of the Westerschelde
Subject: Compliance with the birds Directive and the Has the Dutch Government already acted on the habitats Directive in connection with the Commission's request for more detailed information on the deepening of the Westerschelde plan to deepen the Westerschelde ?
Has the Dutch Government already acted on the In its response , does the Dutch Government still take the Commission's request for more detailed information on the position that this deepening project is not subject to an plan to deepen the Westerschelde ( See the Commission's environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) pursuant to answer of 8 March 1995 to Written Question E-l 51/95 by Directive 85/337/EEC ? Nel van Dijk and Magda Aelvoet)? ( j ) Does the Commission agree that the deepening of the On the basis of that information, does the Commission Westerschelde can be considered a project of the class believe that the deepening of the Westerschelde is referred to in Annex 1(8 ) to Directive 85/337/EEC for which compatible with the Member States' obligation under the an EIA is mandatory, given that it involves works in and at a Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ( 2 ) waterway used by the port of Antwerp which is navigable by and the Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural vessels of over 1 350 tonnes ? habitats and of wild fauna and flora ( 3 ) to take appropriate measures to prevent degradation of habitats of protected If the Commission considers the deepening of the species of birds ? Westerschelde to be a class of project referred to in Annex II to the above Directive , does it then agree that an EIA is In making a judgment on this question, will the Commission necessary because of the type, scale and location of the take account of: project ? — the fact that the 200 hectares of salt marshes and mud flats that would be submerged as a result of deepening In making a judgment on whether an EIA is mandatory for the Westerschelde include parts of the Verdronken Land the Westerschelde deepening project, will the Commission van Saeftinge and the Schor van Waarde, which are take account of its drastic consequences — in particular the protected wetlands under the Dutch Nature excavation work, which would continue , after deepening, in Conservancy Act ? order to keep the fairway at the proper depth — for the ( partly protected ) wildlife areas , flora and fauna on and — that fact that, on 6 July 1995 , the Dutch Government around the Westerschelde and of the possible consequences designated the Verdronken Land van Saeftinge — the for the safety of those living along the Westerschelde ? 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/37
Will the Commission initiate infringement proceedings Answer given by Mr Oreja against the Dutch Government in order to enforce on behalf of the Commission compliance with the EIA Directive ? (27 September 1995)
The date of 9 May is celebrated as 'Europe day', as decided Joint answer to Written Questions by the European Council in Milan in 1985 . The date was P-2266/95 and P-2267/95 chosen because of the so-called 'Schuman declaration', given by Mrs Bjerregaard which was made by the French foreign minister on 9 May on behalf of the Commission 1950 and constitutes the symbolic start of the present (2 October 1995) European Union .
Each year the Commission uses this occasion to organise The Commission has received information from the Dutch the greatest possible number of information and authorities concerning the plan to deepen and widen the communication activities in order to present the goals and Westerschelde Channel in the Netherlands . It is currently activities of the European Union to the general public . In carrying out a detailed examination of the problem raised by 1995 about 1 500 local events were arranged all over the Honourable Members , giving due regard to the other Europe on Europe day . aspects to which they refer . The Commission invites the Member States to closer To this end , it has once again approached the Dutch cooperation in using Europe day to bring the European authorities for further information on the procedures under Union closer to the citizens . The Commission would be way for granting authorization for this project, particularly happy if this also took the form of a public holiday . on the environmental impact assessments that have been Considering that questions of public holidays are national carried out . It will keep the Honourable Members informed competence , the character of Europe day will probably of the results of its enquiries . continue to vary in the different Member States .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2280/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2283/95 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE ) by Armelle Guinebertière ( UPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (31 July 1995) (31 July 1995) ( 95/C 326/67 ) ( 95/C 326/68 )
Subject: Agricultural policy — cattle-breeding Subject: Declaration of Europe Day as a public holiday in all the EU Member States The cattle-breeding sector is undergoing a severe crisis the reasons for which are twofold . The first reason is monetary Giving symbolic form to European integration is one of the in nature ( resulting from the turmoil in the agri-monetary most direct ways of ensuring that the people of the Union system ) but there is also an ongoing drop in European meat identify with the spirit and the ideals which the Union stands consumption and a slowdown in exports ( due to reform of for in its efforts to channel individual endeavour into the the CAP and the GATT agreements ). common task of living together as a community . In view of the disastrous consequences this situation is One of the symbolic acts which would contribute most to already having for them, breeders wish to see the achieving this aim would be commemorate jointly, by means reintroduction within the EU of variable slaughter of a public holiday, the establishment of the European premiums , which the British have been using for some 10 Union, which came about through the signing of the years . relevant Treaties . Would it not be possible in this way for a 'dual price system' Could the Commission therefore say whether or not it to be introduced , comprising : thinks it should be recommended to the various national and Community institutions that the annual — a political guide price for farmers , and commemoration of the establishment of the European Union should be declared a public holiday in all the Member — the market price ( resulting partly from currency States, so that, on one day each year, the people of every devaluations etc.), which the Commission would Member State can identify with the ideals and the notion of undertake to supplement with an internal compensatory co-existence as a community which the European Union amount, to be managed by the joint-trade organization represents ? ( in France by Ofival ). No C 326/38 \~EN~] Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Such an arrangement would have many advantages over the on budgetary discipline and with the international current system , providing : obligations of the Community .
— greater administrative simplicity, rendering fraud impossible because applications would be made by the farmer at the slaughterhouse ;
— complete certainty as to origin; WRITTEN QUESTION E-2287/95 — rapid payments for farmers . by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission To prevent the misuse of Community funds it would be (31 July 1995) possible to set a ceiling on the labour unit, at a fairly high level so as not to penalize farmers , but such as to prevent any ( 95/C 326/69 ) cheating . Subject: Asbestos and tumour-related diseases
Answer given by Mr Fischler Information provided by the relevant bodies shows that, on behalf of the Commission during the period 1990—1993 , deaths from tumours in the (29 September 1995) municipality of Sancasciano Val di Pesa, near Florence, were higher than in other municipalities in the region .
During the first half of 1995 , prices in the beef and veal In view of the fact that water supplies for Sancasciano are sector saw a drop of about 10% . As the Honourable conducted mainly through an asbestos/cement pipe , can the Member says , the principal causes are a decline in Commission confirm or deny, irrespective of the situation in consumption and in exports, in particular because of the Sancasciano , that there is a link between the ingestion of unfavourable price relationship to other types of meat as asbestos molecules and the incidence of tumour-related well as monetary turbulence . However , this internal price diseases ? decline has meant that exports have became more attractive , and in fact since July the market has seen an increase in exports , with even some signs of stabilization and a slight recovery in prices by August 1995 . Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission In the context of the 1992 CAP reform, a gradual reduction (16 October 1995) in institutional prices was planned ; as compensation for producers , there was to be an increase in premiums for suckler cows and in special premiums for the fattening of The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its male animals . However, in the course of 1993 and 1994 answer to her Written Question E-2140/95 ( 1 ). market prices did not follow this reduction and the price reduction programmed under the 1992 reform came in late , during the first half of 1 995 . Under these circumstances , the Council Directive 83/477/EEC ( 2 ) as amended by Council Commission does not consider that the current level of Directive 91 /382/EEC ( 3 ) deals with the protection of prices at 82 % of the intervention price is abnormally low . workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at Indeed , this is a higher level than the one at which optional work . In these Directives it is very clear that in the working support measures are triggered ( 80% ). environment the concern is over the possible health effects of inhaled dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos . However , in order to be able to cushion the adverse effect of over-sudden price drops , in particular caused by monetary movements , the Council has taken various specific measures Current knowledge indicates that exposure to free asbestos and the Commission has increased the advance on the fibres can give rise to four types of cancer which are special premiums for male animals payable as from mentioned in Annex II paragraph 1 of Council Directive 16 October 1995 from 60% to 80% . 83/477/EEC .
With regard to the idea advanced by the Honourable In so far as ingestion of asbestos is concerned both the Member of introducing a system of variable slaughter Scientific Committee for Food and the World Health premiums , the Commission considers that such a system Organization ( WHO ) have concluded that the scientific would involve excessive complications and would carry too evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate that ingested much risk of insulating producers from market signals . It asbestos can cause serious health effects to the population would also result in an open-ended financial commitment involved . The WHO 'guidelines for drinking water which could generate conflicts with the existing provisions quality ( 4 )' state as follows : 6 . 12 . 95 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/39
'Although well studied , there has been little convincing Answer given by Mr Monti evidence of the carcinogenicity of ingested asbestos on behalf of the Commission in epidemiological studies of populations with (17 October 1995) drinking-water supplies containing high concentrations of asbestos . Moreover , in extensive studies , asbestos has not consistently increased the incidence of tumours of The attention of the Honourable Member is drawn to the gastrointestinal tract . There is , therefore , no the three additional legislative proposals sent by the consistent evidence that ingested asbestos is hazardous Commission to Parliament and the Council on 24 August to health-based guideline value for asbestos in 1995 with a view to achieving the objective of Article 7a as drinking-water.' regards the free movement of persons ( 1 ).
(') COM(95 ) 346 to . 348 . For these reasons asbestos is not listed in Council Directive 80/778/EEC ( 5 ) dealing with the quality of water intended for human consumption, or in the recent Commission proposal on the subject ( 6 ). WRITTEN QUESTION E-2291/95 (!) OJ No C 300, 13 . 11 . 1995 , p . 48 . by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) ( 2 ) OJ No L 263 , 24 . 9 . 1983 . to the Commission ( 3 ) OJ No L 206 , 29 . 7 . 1991 . ( 4 ) 2nd edition , Volume 1 , 1993 , pages 42 and 179 . (31 July 1995) ( 5 ) OJ No L 229 , 30 . 8 . 1980 . ( 95/C 326/71 ) ( 6 ) OJ No C 131 , 30 . 5 . 1995 .
Subject: Community Sport for All programme
Could the Commission provide details of the list of projects which will benefit from a subsidy for 1995 under the new Community Sport for All programme within the United Kingdom ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2289/95 by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) Answer given by Mr Oreja to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (31 July 1995) (4 October 1995) ( 95/C 326/70 ) The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the Parliament the Subject: Border controls within the European Union details of projects selected under the Eurathlon action 1995 for the United Kingdom .
Since completion of the single market, the authorities of some Member States are still carrying out unnecessary checks at EU internal borders on persons involved in goods traffic . In this connection , can the Commission say : WRITTEN QUESTION E-2309/95 by Hugh Kerr ( PSE ) 1 . Are such checks on persons involved in cross-border to the Commission goods traffic compatible with completion of the single market pursuant to Article 7a of the Treaty on European (1 September 1995) Union ? ( 95/C 326/72 )
2 . What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that all Subject: Iranian writers checks on persons at EU internal borders are abolished ? Is the Commission aware of the efforts made by Iranian writers to set up an independent writers' guild to fight 3 . Is it likely that checks on the cross-border movement of against censorship ? persons within the EU will be taken out of the intergovernmental area and brought within the What pressure is being exerted on Iran in view of its supranational competence of the EU ? Within what persistent denial of freedom of expression for Iranian timescale could this take place ? writers ? No C 326/40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Answer given by Mr Marin Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (9 October 1995) (30 October 1995)
The Commission is aware of action in October 1994 by a The plan to institute the Forum , which will meet in March group of 1 34 Iranian writers who published an open letter to 1996 , was referred to in the Commission's White Paper on protest at restrictions placed on writers by the Iranian Social Policy (*) and subsequently confirmed in the authorities . Medium-term Social Action Programme 1995—1997 ( 2 ) approved by the Commission on 12 April 1995 . The Community is at present engaged in a critical dialogue with Iran, as requested by the decision of the Edinburgh Council summit of December 1992 . In the context of this The problems relating to Council approval of the new anti-poverty programme would not seem to constitute a dialogue , the question of human rights is one of the most important topics and the question of the freedom of decisive obstacle to convening the Forum . expression of writers in Iran has been raised . The Community has presented a resolution ( resolution In setting up this Forum , the Commission's primary aim is to 1995/68 ), approved by the United Nations commission on help establish a new balance between economic and social human rights on 9 March 1995 , on the basis of the report of aspects of policy . It is thus a question of tapping the energy the United Nations special rapporteur for Iran . In its from new active forces in society, particularly by facilitating resolution, the Community stressed its concern about the exchange of experience and improving day-to-day freedom of expression in Iran . practice .
The Commission agrees that the question of human rights in The fundamental social rights of citizens can be included Iran continues to be important . It will continue to keep the only with the agreement of all the Member States . At this situation under review and to press Iran to respect the stage it is not possible to make any predictions . universal principles of human rights , as developed in many United Nations instruments in this field that Iran has ratified , in particular concerning the liberty of (') Page 57, paragraph 14 . expression . ( 2 ) COM(95 ) 134 , chapter 6 , paragraph 6.04 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 19/95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2354/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (1 September 1995) (1 September 1995) 95/C 326/74 ( 95/C 326/73 )
Subject: European Forum on Social Policy Subject: Discrimination vis-à-vis homosexual citizens
In March 1996 the Commission will hold the first meeting The Municipal Council of Verona has taken decisions which of the Forum on Social Policy, with the aim of launching a discriminate against homosexual citizens in the matter of debate on topics such as social marginalization, racism and rights which all other citizens are recognized as having . the fundamental social rights of citizens . In view of the European Parliament's resolutions and all How is it possible to hold a debate when the Council cannot human Rights declarations banning discrimination on the even approve the new programme to combat poverty and grounds of race, sex, religion or philosophical leanings , can marginalization ? the Commission state what steps it intends to take to ensure that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law and of the What practical results does the Commission expect from public authorities throughout Community territory ? this Forum meeting ? Does the Commission believe that any form of Might the Commission include the fundamental social discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is rights of citizens in the next revision of the Treaties ? compatible with the Community legal order ? 6 . 12 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/41
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek — number of unemployed and active population from the on behalf of the Commission Community labour force survey . These data relate to the (4 October 1995) spring period and are only available with a time-lag of one year . These data are transmitted to Eurostat in application of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3711/91 . They are therefore harmonized data and form the basis The Commission is authorised under the EC Treaty and for calculating unemployment rates . secondary Community legislation to take steps to ensure equal treatment of male and female workers at work and in social security matters and to eliminate discrimination between Community citizens founded on nationality . — number of unemployed and active population from However , the Community has no power to intervene where national labour force surveys . These data are not subject other types of discrimination are concerned , notably those to the same harmonization criteria as the Community affecting sexual orientation . survey results . They are therefore only used as indicators of change ( not as absolute figures ) to update unemployment rates from the Community survey . The fundamental rights of sexual minorities are protected by international instruments, among them the European Convention on Human Rights which all Member States — number of unemployed registered at job offices . These have ratified . data are not comparable between Member States but they have the advantage of being available monthly, with a time-lag of four to six weeks . Like the results of the national surveys , these data are used only as change indicators to update unemployment rates from the Community survey .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2362/95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PPE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) Unemployment rates are calculated from the number of unemployed in relation to the active population in private to the Commission households . (1 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/75 ) The number of registered unemployed is used as a trend indicator for all Member States except Greece Subject: Data used by Eurostat ( non-representative data ), Sweden and Finland ( where the labour force survey produces monthly results with very little The Statistical Office of the European Communities time-lag ). ( Eurostat ) periodically publishes the unemployment rates for the European Union and for each of the Member States . The Community labour force survey is a sample survey of households . It is carried out by the national statistical What data does Eurostat use to draw up these statistics ? institutes, which determine the sampling methods . These methods are described in Eurostat publication 'Labour force Are its rates percentages of the working population ? surveys — methods and definitions — 1992 series'.
Do they take account of the unemployed registered in every country ? Honourable Members of Parliament wishing further information are asked to refer to the replies given by Are the statistics drawn up on the basis of random the Commission to Written Questions E-1042/95 0 ), E-l 827/95 ( 2 ), E-l 948/95 and E-l 949/95 ( 3 ), on the surveys ? measurement of unemployment .
(!) OJ No C 230 , 4 . 9 . 1995 . Answer given by Mr de Silguy ( 2 ) OJ No C 257, 2 . 10 . 1995 . on behalf of the Commission ( 3 ) OJ No C 300 , 13 . 11 . 1995 , p . 31 . (18 October 1995)
Eurostat uses the following components to establish unemployment rates : No C 326/42 \ EN \ Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 80/95 The opinion of the Scientific Veterinary Committee of by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) February 1994 is being duly taken into account in the work of the Commission . to the Commission (1 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/76 )
Subject: Trapping agreements between EU, CIS , Canada WRITTEN QUESTION P-2392/95 and USA by Luigi Colaianni ( PSE ) to the Commission (1 September 1995) Can the Commission confirm reports of an intended ( 95/C 326/77 ) trapping agreement with the United States , Canada and the CIS countries ?
Subject: Financing of Palestinian diplomatic missions If such an agreement is to be reached , what criteria are being used to ensure that the resulting agreement satisfies Article 3 Since the Commission has rightly used part of the ECU 500 of the EC Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254/91 ( x ) that they are million for supporting the Palestinian civil service, in 'internationally agreed humane trapping standards'? particular the police, teachers and some of the staff of ministries , thus enabling the Palestinian civil service to exist, does it not consider it is equally essential to finance diplomatic missions abroad , in particular the missions to the Can the Commission confirm that it will be using the criteria European Union institutions , since for lack of resources they submitted to the ISO Humane Trap Standards Secretariat in are unable not only to work but even to exist ? the Opinion of the EC Scientific Veterinary Committee ( February 1994 ) in establishing that traps are humane traps ?
Answer given by Mr Marin f 1 ) OJ No L 308 , 9 . 11 . 1991 , p . 1 . on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1995)
The Commission acknowledges that Palestinian missions abroad in general , and in Brussels in particular, dispose of Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan limited material resources . This limitation has made it on behalf of the Commission difficult for these missions to make the full contribution to the Middle-East peace process of which they might (6 October 1995) otherwise have been capable . Given the limited finances presently available to the Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO ), the financial situation of Palestinian missions abroad is not likely to improve in the near future . Aware of this problem, and upon Palestinian requests , the Commission The Commission is in contact at expert level with Canada has explored ways in which it might contribute to a partial and the United States to develop the basis for an solution . international agreement on humane trapping standards . Russia could eventually be invited to join in these contacts . The idea of bringing the experts together is to ensure Council Regulation ( EC ) No 1734/94 of 11 July 1994 , that : which provides the legal basis for Community development assistance to the Palestinians, does stipulate that Community funds may be utilised for 'the setting-up and ( i ) any resulting agreement meets criteria established in improvement of institutions necessary for the proper accordance with the best scientific and technical advice working of the public administration'. Thus the available as to what constitutes 'humane trapping Commission has provided finance for technical assistance, standards', through the European Palestinian Economic and Consultancy Unit, based in the Gaza Strip, to the Palestinian Authority for the formulation of development assistance ( ii ) this , therefore , satisfies Article 3 of Regulation ( EEC ) policy in partnership with the institutions of the No 3254/91 . Community . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/43
In order to facilitate day-to-day contacts with the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2406/95 Commission and other European bodies, some of the funds by Antonio Graziani ( PPE ), Giampaolo D'Andrea ( PPE ), provided under this contract are used for the maintenance of Pierluigi Castagnetti ( PPE ) and Maria Colombo Svevo a small office in close physical proximity to the PLO general ( PPE ) delegation in Brussels . The Commission could consider the continuation of this arrangement in the future , by providing to the Commission funds for this purpoe directly to the Palestinian Authority . (1 September 1995) However, this could only be on the firm understanding that ( 95/C 326/78 ) an office thus financed, in Brussels , would not exercise any functions other than the coordination of Community assistance to the Palestinians , and thereby, in line with the declaration of principles signed between the PLO and Israel Subject: The Leonardo programme on 13 September 1993 and subsequent agreements , would not exercise functions in the fields of external relations or Council Decision 94/819/EC (*) of 16 December 1994 defence . established an action programme for the implementation of a European Community training policy .
The question refers to the support otherwise granted to the On 11 March 1995 an initial call for tenders ( 2 ) specified Palestinian Authority administration by the Community, 21 April 1995 as the final date for submission of tenders . and it is worth recalling the scale which this support has Two other calls for tenders followed ( 3 ). The first of these reached to date . Since the declaration of principles , the was subsequently modified ( 4 ) ( the final date for submission Community has financed the following projects, either in of tenders was postponed from 16 to 30 June 1995 ). order to support the recurrent costs of the administration, or to build up its institutions : Since the deadlines for the submission of tenders in all the notices mentioned above were too short, can the Commission say : (MECU
Date Project 1 . Why there was such a short period of time between the publication of the call for tenders and the deadline for 1994 Support for the running costs the submission of tenders ? of Palestinian universities and community colleges 15 2 . What forms of publicity were used ( other than Mid-1994 Support for the recurrent costs of the publication in the Official Journal ) for the Palestinian police force 5 above-mentioned calls for tenders and for the other Mid-1994 Non-lethal police equipment 5 measures envisaged in connection with the programme ? December 1994/ Support for the recurrent costs of the January 1995 Palestinian police force 10 3 . With reference to the calls for tender which have already 1995 Support for the running costs of expired , how many tenders came from Italy and how the Palestinian universities and many of them satisfied the criteria for the award of 15 community colleges contracts ? Spring 1995 Support for the running costs of the Ministry of Education 10 (!) OJ No L 340 , 29 . 12 . 1994, p . 8 . Autumn 1995 Programme of support for the ( 2 ) OJ No C 62 , 11 . 3 . 1995 . ministries of the Palestinian ( 3 ) OJ No C 128 , 24 . 5 . 1995 . Authority 2,5 ( 4 ) OJ No C 149 , 16 . 6 . 1995 .
It should also be noted that due attention is given by the Commission to the institutional aspects of the other Answer given by Mrs Cresson infrastructure projects that the Community is financing . on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1995)
The Commission intends to continue to give priority in the years to come to support to the Palestinian administration, 1 . The period of time between the official call for tenders notably through the ministries of the Palestinian Authority . and the deadline for their submission was nine weeks . There Without a competent administration, it would be difficult to are two reasons for this period being so short : ensure the development objectives of the Commission . — the Commission considered it appropriate to set up a Leonardo Committee and to determine, in consultation with the Member States, the content of the call for tenders prior to its launch; No C 326/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
— constraints under the 1995 budget made it impossible to clothing industry by the new international terms of trade put back the deadline for the submission of tenders . and put forward proposals by the end of the year .
It should , however, be stressed that some Member States On this basis , the Commission has increased its contacts organised conferences to launch the Leonardo programme with both the national authorities and Greek economic for the benefit of future promoters from April 1995 operators in order to obtain a greater understanding of the onwards and that documentation has been available since breadth of the problems facing the textile and clothing then to provide information to tenderers as early as industry in that country . This analysis is now in progress . possible . Once it has been completed , the Commission will be submitting its proposals to the Council . 2 . Apart from the call for tenders published in the Official Journal of 24 May 1995 , information material has In its proposals for the Greek textile and clothing industry, been prepared in order to publicise the programme as a the Commission will also take account of the interests of and whole . This material includes in particular the vademecum, the problems facing the textile and clothing industry the guide for promoters and various publications prepared throughout the Community . and distributed by the national coordination bodies . Photocopied versions of the vademecum and the guide have been available since the end of April 1 995 . In addition, some national coordination bodies had by the same time produced information packs explaining the aims, content and conditions of access to the programme . WRITTEN QUESTION E-24 10/95 3 . Italian promoters submitted 715 tenders . Of these , by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) 507 were sent to the Isfol ( Institute for the Development of to the Commission Vocational Training for Workers ) and 208 came straight to (1 September 1995) the Commission . 95/C 326/80 )
Subject: Safety of new high-speed ferries
There have been a number of high-profile ferry accidents WRITTEN QUESTION E-2408/95 over the past few years . In view of the introduction of by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE/NGL ) high-speed , catamaran-type ferries into northern European waters and the increase in their size , does the Commission to the Commission have any plans for introducing safety regulations to cover (1 September 1995) them, especially in the areas of crew training and ( 95/C 326/79 ) construction ?
Subject: Commission proposals in respect of the Greek textile industry Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission
The Commission of the European Union undertook last (21 September 1995) March to submit proposals to strengthen the Greek textile industry . Why has it been so slow to honour this commitment ? Can it outline the thrust of the proposals it The safety regime for high-speed ferries has been established will be unveiling ? by the high-speed craft code ( HSC code ), developed within the International Maritime Organization ( IMO ). This code will be mandatory for all high-speed craft constructed on or after 1 January 1996 which are engaged on international voyages . Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission It is the intention of the Commission to propose the (18 September 1995) mandatory application of this code to all high-speed craft operating in domestic trade within the scope of its proposal for a Council Directive on common rules and standards for In the joint statement on customs union it put out together passenger ships engaged in domestic voyages . This proposal with the Council, the Commission gave an assurance that it is listed in the common transport policy 1995—2000 action would examine the problems raised in the Greek textile and programme ( J ). 6 . 12 . 95 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/45
Any proposal concerning the training of the crews should be WRITTEN QUESTION E-2413/95 in agreement with Council Directive 94/58/EC ( 2 ), on the by Caroline Jackson ( PPE ) minimum level of training of seafarers and its forthcoming adaptation to the recently adopted standard of training to the Commission certification and watch-keeping for sea-farers ( STCW ) (1 September 1995) Convention ( London, June—July 1995 ). 95/C 326/82 )
(M COM(95 ) 302 . Subject: Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste water ( 2 ) OJ No L 319 , 12 . 12 . 1994 . treatment
Under the terms of Directive 91/271/EEC (*) on urban waste water treatment, the Commission shall carry out a comparison of the Member States' requirements by 31 December 1994 and publish a report . Has the Commission done this ? Where is the report ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2411/95 f 1 ) OJ No L 135 , 30 . 5 . 1991 , p . 40 . by Brendan Donnelly ( PPE ) to the Commission (1 September 1995) Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard {9 SIC 326/81 ) on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1995)
Subject: Commission action against the Greek The urban waste water treatment Directive 91/271/EEC Government requires Member States to establish programmes for the implementation of this Directive, and to submit the programmes to the Commission by 30 June 1994 . The Can the Commission confirm that it has taken legal action Commission is to review and assess the information against the Greek social security authorities in the case of the received , and to publish a report thereon . However, the OGA's failure to pay special child benefit for large families Directive does not specify a deadline of 31 December 1994 to non-Greek European Union citizens , and will the for the Commission . Commission indicate the date of the hearing on this matter in the European Court of Justice ? So far, only 8 out of 15 Member States have submitted national programmes ( Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland , the Netherlands , Sweden and the United Kingdom ). The Commission has started a series of infringement Answer given by Mr Flynn procedures as a result . However , the Commission will now on behalf of the Commission start the review process on the basis of the programmes submitted , and publish its report by mid-1996 . (2 October 1995)
The Commission has already initiated an infringement procedure against Greece for infringement of Regulations WRITTEN QUESTION P-24 18/95 ( EEC ) No 1612/68 ( ! ) on freedom of movement for workers by Charlotte Cederschiold ( PPE ) within the Community and ( EEC ) No 1408/71 ( 2 ) on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to the Commission to self-employed persons and to members of their families (1 September 1995) moving within the Community . ( 95/C 326/83 )
The Commission is currently examining the replies of the Subject: Practical exchanges between immigration Greek Government . If these replies do not prove to be authorities satisfactory, the Commission will move on to the next stage of the procedure , i.e. referral to the Court of Justice . In view of the need for cooperation between the Member States in respect of immigration, there should be grounds for (!) OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968 . stepping up exchanges between the immigration authorities ( 2 ) OJ No L 149 , 5 . 7 . 1971 ( consolidated version, OJ No C 325 , of the Member States, with practical cooperation between 10 . 12 . 1992 ). national officials active in this field . It should also involve a certain degree of training . Exchanges of this kind should be comparable with the cooperation between customs authorities under the Matthaeus scheme . No C 326/46 ' EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Does the Commission have any plans for furthering Commission has looked successively at two different practical cooperation between the immigration authorities approaches to the problem since 1992 . of the Member States with a view to facilitating a common immigration policy ? The first approach, which aimed at setting out detailed regulations concerning claims , came to nothing in a context dominated by the debate on subsidiarity and its implications as regards simplification of Community legislation in the Answer given by Mrs Gradin food sector, and because of technical difficulties concerning on behalf of the Commission the definition of claims . (4 October 1995) A second , more general approach drawn up with The Commission entirely agrees with the Honourable simplification in mind raised problems as regards its Member on the need for exchanges between officials of the consistency with existing law . Member States' immigration services . Given the difficulties encountered in preparing a specific The Commission is currently working on a project which legislative instrument, the Commission is currently looking should go some way towards meeting the Honourable at other ways and means of finding a solution to this Member's concerns . It will be made possible by the entry question, particularly through an amendment to the into force of the joint action on measures implementing legislation in force . Article K.l of the Treaty and by the decision on the financing of these operations adopted by the Council at its meeting of 25 and 26 September 1995 . The first article of the joint action states that in order to achieve the objectives of Article K.l of the Treaty the European Union will introduce measures relating to training, the gathering and exchange of information and experience, seminars, studies and WRITTEN QUESTION E-2436/95 publications , and other operational measures in support of by Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) its cooperation activities . to the Commission (1 September 1995) 95/C 326/85 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2421/95 Subject: Human rights violations and destruction of the environment in the Central Ranges of Irian Jaya by Phillip Whitehead ( PSE ) to the Commission In its response to my earlier question E- 154/95 J 1 ), the (1 September 1995) Commission states that its relations with Indonesia with ( 95/C 326/84 ) regard to development aid are particularly aimed at protecting and ensuring the sustainable management of tropical rain-forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan . Subject: Food claims 1 . Is the Commission aware of reports that in another part In 1992 in its three-year Consumer Action Plan the of Indonesia, the Central Ranges in Irian Jaya , the Commission committed itself to bringing forward a specific environment is being severely damaged by the mining legislative proposal on food claims . So far, there has been no activities of the company Freeport Indonesia , a proposal . subsidiary of the American company Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold ?
Can the Commission therefore give a commitment that it 2 . Is the Commission aware that, according to a report by still intends to bring forward a proposal ? If not, why not and the Australian Council for Overseas Aid, the Indonesian if so, when ? Armed Forces ( ABRI ) used extreme force to suppress protests by indigenous peoples living in the area in the period June 1994 to February 1995 resulting in the death of at least 37 people and forcing hundreds of Answer given by Mrs Bonino people to flee ? on behalf of the Commission (4 October 1995) 3 . Is the Commission aware that, according to a new agreement, Freeport may expand its area of operations by 2.6 ha in the Central Ranges with the result that once As part of the work carried out with a view to drawing up a again thousands of indigenous people must fear for their proposal for a Directive concerning food claims , the land , environment and culture ? 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/47
4 . Does not the Commission agree that it would be 2 . How does the Commission view the imposition of consistent with its policy if the Commission were to anti-dumping duties, and are there any plans to convert ascertain the veracity of these reports and, in the event of the temporary duties into permanent duties ? serious human rights violations and environmental damage in the area concerned , take up the matter with the Indonesian Government even if the European Union 3 . How does the Commission view the call by the has no current projects in the area ? European glass industry for these duties to be lifted ?
(!) OJ No C 139 , 5 . 6 . 1995 , p . 62 .
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1995) (9 October 1995)
The Commission has no direct information concerning the 1 . In Regulation ( EC ) No 823/95 ( ), the Commission matters mentioned in the question, and is indeed not imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of funding projects of the type or in the region mentioned . disodium carbonate from the United States .
The Commission and the Member States have made repeated representations to the Indonesian Government This Regulation shows that the weighted average dumping concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms and margins for the firms concerned were between 0,1 % and should continue to do so . 14,3 % . Analysis of the behaviour of US exporters to the Community market and the Community soda industry led Moreover, the Commission maintains its concern and to the conclusion that the industry had suffered major injury support for actions supporting conservation of the reflected mainly in a drop in market share, poorer financial environment, particularly in the forest sector, paying results and job losses . The causal link between the dumped particular attention to the needs and aspirations of local imports and the injury was established . It was decided that it was in the Community interest to impose measures . populations .
The provisional anti-dumping duties imposed are ad valorem duties ranging from 0 % to 14,3 % of the Community net free-at-frontier price , before customs clearance, depending on the exporting firms . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2473/95 by Werner Langen ( PPE ) 2 . In view of the nature and level of the injury caused to to the Commission the Community industry by dumped imports, if the (1 September 1995) provisional findings of the Commission are largely ( 95/C 326/86 ) confirmed , it will be necessary to levy definitive duties at the same rate as that of the provisional anti-dumping duties .
Subject: Anti-dumping duties on imports of soda from the USA 3 . Since provisional duties were levied, the various parties concerned have notified their points of view and the Commission has evaluated their respective situations, In April 1995 the Commission imposed temporary duties on including that of the Community's glass producers . imports of soda from the USA . According to the European glass industry soda producers within the EU are currently unable to supply the requirements of the glass industry, which therefore has no option but to import North The conclusions of the investigation should shortly be put American soda under unfavourable conditions . by the Commission to the Council for approval .
That being so : (M OJ No L 83 , 13 . 4 . 1995 .
1 . With what justification were anti-dumping duties imposed on imports of soda from the USA in April 1995 , and what precise form do these duties take ? No C 326/48 1 EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2498/95 2 . The joint venture company, Scand-Lines, operating the by Christian Rovsing ( PPE ) Elsinore—Helsingborg ferry service ( notification of to the Commission 11 July 1990 ). The Commission decided on 15 May 1992 to grant an exemption for a period of six years (7 September 1995) from the decision . ( 95/C 326/87 ) The Commission is at present considering in the light of the Mercandia case whether the conditions for granting exemption in Article 85(3 ) of the EC Treaty are still Subject: Compliance with the Community's rules on fullfilled . Article 85(3 ) requires the undertaking competition concerned not to have the possibility of eliminating competition in respect of a substantial part of the services in question . Does the Commission consider that the Community's rules on competition are respected on the crossing between Hesingor and Helsingborg, and does the Commission 3 . A notification from DS0 ( subsidiary of DSB Rederi A/S ) intend to intensify its current work on this matter in the light applying for exemption pursuant to Article 85(3 ) of the of the extensive debate which took place during the summer EC Treaty for its cooperation with the SJ group on the fares policy and the high ticket prices , which are regarding the Dragor—Limhamn ferry service . perhaps a result of the lack of competition on the route ? Since this ferry service provides the only alternative to the ScandLines ferry service for passenger car, bus and lorry traffic between Zealand and Sweden , the Commission is including in its considerations whether Answer given by Mr Van Miert or not to exempt this agreement, the fact that on behalf of the Commission competition is almost eliminated on the 0resund . The (29 September 1995) Commission will shortly publish a notice in the Official Journal inviting all interested parties and Member States to submit their comments to the Commission .
The Commission is currently examining the application of Community competition rules to the ferry services on the 0resund belonging to the DSB and SJ groups . The Commission is concentrating its efforts on the following three cases :
1 . A complaint by Mercandia on 7 April 1992 that the WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 10/95 Danish ministry for transport had refused its permission by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to operate a ferry service from Elsinore port to Helsingborg . to the Commission (15 September 1995) Mercandia has also complained to the Danish ( 95/C 326/88 ) Competition Council, which on 26 May 1993 decided on the matter . Applying Danish competition law, it issued a recommendation to the Danish ministry for transport that : 'To the extent the capacity of the port Subject: Safety and health of workers terminal might already be fully used it recommends that DSB cedes part of the terminal capacity to alternative operators'. However, Danish state bodies are not Taking account of Article 118a of the EC Treaty, the obliged to follow recommendations issued by the Commission has drafted a programme relating to the safety Danish Competition Council and in the present case the and health of workers in the work-place . In the case of 12 ministry for transport has chosen not to do so . Directives , the time limits for transposition into national law have already expired, while in the case of Directive 93/103/EEC ( J ) the time limit will expire in November As Mercandia has not obtained a remedy for the 1995 . problem under national competition law, it is now pursuing the matter under Community competition law . The Commission has received a formal complaint and is Which Directives have so far been transposed into Italian carrying out a full procedure under Article 90 EC Treaty law, and which have not ? The question arises partly because to examine whether the Danish refusal is in accordance certain trade unions have complained in the press of legal with Community competition law, although the uncertainty with regard to safety in the work-place . character of the problem may be such that national authorities are in a better position to find a fully satisfactory solution . (*) OJ No L 307, 13 . 12 . 1993 , p . 1 . 6 . 12 . 95 1 EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/49
Answer given by Mr Flynn Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1995) (10 October 1995)
Italy has notified the Commission of implementing The Commission has investigated the matter further and measures for the following Directives : 89/391/EEC ( J ), understands that in one very exceptional case , because of 89/654/EEC ( 2 ), 89/655/EEC ( 2 ), 89/656/EEC ( 2 ), 90/269/ lack of work, RDM carried out steelwork on sub-contract EEC ( 3 ), 90/270/EEC ( 3 ), 90/394/EEC ( 4 ), 90/679/EEC ( 5 ), for other yards . 91/322/EEC ( 6 ), 91/382/EEC ( 7 ) and 93/88/EEC ( 8 ).
Infringement procedures have been initiated in the case of According to the information made available to the Directives for which the deadline for transposal has expired Commission, there are no plans to continue this and in respect of which the Italian authorities have not sub-contracting work which did not signal that the yard's notified any implementing measures to the Commission , i.e. activities were changing away from military shipbuilding . the following Directives : 92/29/EEC ( 9 ), 92/57/EEC ( 10 ), The Dutch authorities have reaffirmed that the yard is and 92/5 8/EEC ( 10 ), 92/91/EEC ( n ) and 92/104/EEC ( 12 ). remains a military yard .
0 ) OJ No L 183 , 29 . 6 . 1989 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 393 , 30 . 12 . 1989 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 156 , 21 . 6 . 1990 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 196 , 26 . 7 . 1990 . ( 5 ) OJ No L 374 , 31 . 12 . 1990 . ( 6 ) OJ No L 177, 5 . 7 . 1991 . WRITTEN QUESTION P-2532/95 ( 7 ) OJ No L 206 , 29 . 7 . 1991 . by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE/NGL ) ( 8 ) OJ No L 268 , 29 . 10 . 1993 . to the Commission ( 9 ) OJ No L 113 , 30 . 4 . 1992 . 10 ) OJ No L 245 , 26 . 8 . 1992 . (12 September 1995) 11 ) OJ No L 384, 28 . 11 . 1992 . ( 95/C 326/90 ) 12 ) OJ No L 404, 31 . 12 . 1992 .
Subject: Rock carvings discovered in the Coa Valley in Portugal
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2527/95 Replying on 13 June on behalf of the Commission to my by Nel van Dijk ( V ) question E-l 134/95 (*), Commissioner Oreja , while quite to the Cpmmission understandably invoking the subsidiarity principle, indicated that the matter might be considered within the (15 September 1995) framework of the actions envisaged as part of a cultural ( 95/C 326/89 programme , the Raphael programme .
Subject: Concealed State aid to the RDM shipyard In the meantime, the situation has altered and there is now an increased danger that construction of a dam will move In a supplementary answer to my Written Question ahead which would submerge what is held to be a priceless E-149/95 (*), the Commission states 'that the RDM yard is feature of the world's heritage, as has been made clear by certain 'contributions' to the debate made with the obvious engaged exclusively in the construction of military vessels . According to the Dutch authorities , the yard thus falls under intention of justifying the continued construction of the dam Article 223 of the EC Treaty and public assistance measures in that place . granted to it are not subject to the rules of the shipbuilding Directive.' However, the international scientific community is seeking to resist this self-serving 'marketing' operation, in which On 3 January 1995 , the Volkskrant newspaper reported, in facts are loosely bandied about, finance . . . and the relation to RDM, that 'the naval shipbuilding division is unemployment which would be caused by an interruption to building ships for the Amsterdam shipping line the construction work is played up . At the World Congress Spiethoff'. on Rock Art which finished today in Turin, the question of the rock carvings in the Coa Valley was a central issue and Must one conclude from these two statements that Spiethoff the European Archaeology Network has stated that to build is now operating military vessels ? Or is the Volkskrant' s a dam and relegate this unique historical find to a secondary information inaccurate ? Or was the information which the place amounts to extinguishing the past of the European Commission received from the Dutch authorities Union . incomplete ? Having emphasized the final phrase, I insist on asking the (') OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995 , p . 2 . Commission, with no disrespect for the subsidiarity No C 326/50 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95 principle , whether it would not be appropriate to take up a Greece ratified the Protocol and notified the other position on this extremely important issue ? Contracting Parties of its ratification on 10 November 1994 . (!) OJ No C 222 , 28 . 8 . 1995 , p . 44 .
Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2557/95 (6 October 1995) by Joaquin Sisô Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission (22 September 1995) The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the Portuguese authorities' decision took account of the ( 95/C 326/92 ) option of experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, whose views had been sought after the survey had been carried out . Subject: Difficulties facing SMUs
Under Article 128 of the EC Treaty and the subsidiarity Information on Community rules and regulations must be principle , this matter falls within the exclusive competence easy to obtain if SMUs are to be aware of and implement of the national authorities . correctly Community legislation . In the final report submitted by the French Standardization Association ( AFNOR ), based on a series of hearings held with 840 SMUs throughout the Community, the undertakings admit to difficulties in obtaining such information, although the situation varies from country to country .
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2544/95 Given that the report states that the Euro Info Centres are by Richard Balfe ( PSE ) fourth on the list of information sources consulted by SMUs, can the Commission answer the following questions : to the Commission (12 September 1995) 1 . Has the Commission looked into the reasons why SMUs ( 95/C 326/91 ) choose to obtain information mainly through the technical press or through professional channels before turning to the Euro Info Centres ? Subject: 1963 EEC-Turkey Agreement — Greece 2 . What steps does it intend to take to ensure that Euro Info Centres fulfil the purpose for which they were set When did Greece sign the supplementary protocol on the up ? acceptance of the provisions of the 1963 EEC-Turkey Agreement and the subsequent decisions of the EEC-Turkey Association Council ? Has the Greek Parliament ratified it and , if not, what action will the Commission take , if Answer given by Mr Papoutsis necessary before the European Court of Justice, to ensure on behalf of the Commission that the special rights granted to Turkish nationals in almost all other EU Member States also apply in Greece ? (18 October 1995)
The Honourable Member of Parliament refers to the results of the Commission's pilot project 'Euromanagement — Answer given by Mr Van den Broek standards, certification, quality and safety at work'. The on behalf of the Commission Commission had engaged more than 60 consultants to assist (6 October 1995) small and medium sized businesses ( SMEs ) in the abovementioned areas , survey their requirements and inform the European Coordinator, the French Standards Institute ( Afnor ), which is responsible for presenting a final The Protocol to the Agreement establishing an Association between the Community and Turkey consequent on report . Greece's accession to the Community was signed by Greece, the other Member States, the Council and Turkey on As regards the sources of information, the Commission 20 April 1988 . Through this Protocol, Greece became party welcomes the fact that a quarter of SMEs made use of to the Agreement establishing an Association between the Euro-Info-Centres ( EICs ) and regional relay points to Community and Turkey . obtain 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/51 information on European regulations and standards . Given It is true that these enterprises are often late in receiving that all the European standards have been translated into information about the technical requirements introduced to the languages of the Member States and published by improve consumers' safety, reduce energy consumption or national standards institutes in the form of national curb pollution . Other enterprises put off making standards with identification of its European origin, 'EN', it adjustments until the last minute in the hope that they might is quite normal that a large number of SMEs continue to dodge the constraint . In doing so , they too often overlook turn to their traditional points of contact for standards , i.e. the fact that marketing logic argues that compliance with trade organizations and national standard bodies, or new technical requirements bestows a product with features consult press reviews and the specialized press, etc . New superior to those of its competitors , thereby giving it access European standards are published in the Official Journal of to the Community market and perhaps persuading the the European Community, available from the EICs , which consumer to opt for that product, even if it is more act primarily as a first-stop shop . Moreover, the Afnor expensive . report stated that there could be multiple responses, which explains the fact that SMEs often refer to two or more The Commission has no financial instruments for helping sources of information, including the EICs . enterprises faced with this obligation to adapt their production tools to new technical regulations . As the areas of European Regulations and standards are very technical in nature, the Commission has encouraged the The Commission would, nevertheless , ask the Honourable creation of an EIC sub-committee in order to bring this area Member to present it with a more detailed dossier on the up to standard and enable new EICs to become competent in case in point so that it can form an opinion on the scale of the this field . problem . In addition, the partnerships which the EICs have developed with all the parties involved at local level , both in the public and private sectors ( chambers of commerce and guild chambers, regional consultants and bodies for promoting/disseminating technology), enable a more WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 72/95 comprehensive service to be offered to economic operators . It is thus possible for EICs to direct technical dossiers to by James Provan ( PPE ) more specialist bodies . to the Commission (22 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/94 )
Subject: 'Retenue de Solidarité' in Belgium WRITTEN QUESTION P-2567/95 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) Whilst recognizing that 'Retenue de Solidarite' falls under to the Commission social security law rather than tax law, will the Commission (14 September 1995) state clearly whether it is correct for the Belgian authorities ( 95/C 326/93 ) to take state old-age pensions paid by another Member State into consideration when assessing liability for the 'Retenue de Solidarite', which is not a tax and therefore should not Subject: Threat to producers of oil- and gas-fired warm air fall within the scope of the double taxation agreement heaters between Belgium and the UK ?
What assistance is available to small enterprises such as William May of Ashton in my constituency whose Answer given by Mr Flynn likelihood is threatened by new regulations governing their on behalf of the Commission product ? (30 October 1995)
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis The Commission is able to inform the Honourable Member on behalf of the Commission that it is of the opinion that the levying of the 'solidarity tax' (18 October 1995) by the Belgian authorities under Article 68 of the Belgian Law of 30 March 1994 might constitute an infringement of Community law . The Commission is aware that, despite the relatively long transitional periods , adjusting to new technical regulations This would indeed be the case if the tax were deducted from can pose problems for small and medium-sized enterprises pensions and annuities of persons not resident in Belgium ( SMEs ) — particularly the smallest of these — in view of and thus not subject to Belgian social-security legislation their limited financial resources . under the terms of Title II of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No C 326/52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to Dissemination of information should continue at least until employed persons and their families moving within the the full completion of the research projects . We therefore Community ( 1 ). need to know, by the time the Treaty expires, the extent of the Commission's commitment to these programmes . The Commission is currently considering whether it would be appropriate to institute an infringement procedure Could the Commission : against Belgium and on what basis this could be done . 1 . specify the amount earmarked in the ECSC annual t 1 ) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971 ( consolidated version, OJ No C 325 , budget for social research programmes in 1995 , 10 . 12 . 1992 ). 2 . indicate what programmes are intended up to the end of the Treaty and how far they have got, 3 . give an assurance that funding will be made available for the widest possible dissemination of the results of the WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 80/95 programme , by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) 4 . give an assurance that dissemination of the results of the to the Commission Sixth ergonomics programme will continue as before, in (27 September 1995) Luxembourg, under the existing system which has ( 95/C 326/95 ) proved useful not only to health and safety specialists in industry, but also to management and labour . Subject: Member States ' contributions to the EU Budget
Can the Commission provide figures to show both the Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission contributions from Member States to the EU Budget and payments from the Budget to the Member States , as well as (30 October 1995) the net balance for each of the least three years and a projection for the next three years . 1 . The 1995 ECSC budget includes ECU 1 million for ECSC social research .
Answer given by Mr Liikanen 2 . No new ECSC social research programmes are on behalf of the Commission planned before the end of the ECSC Treaty . Five (26 October 1995) programmes are currently in progress : — First joint programme on safety in the ECSC The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its industries answer to his Written Question E-1958/95 (*). — Sixth programme on industrial hygiene in mines (') See page 15 of this Official Journal . — Fifth programme on technical control of nuisances and pollution at the place of work and in the environment of iron and steel works
— Fifth medical research programmes on protection of workers against risks arising from work in the coal and WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 88/95 steel industries by Ben Fayot ( PSE ) to the Commission — Sixth ergonomics programme . (27 September 1995) These programmes are due to be completed by the end of ( 95/C 326/96 ) 1996 .
Subject: ECSC social research programmes 3 . Adequate resources are earmarked under each individual programme for the dissemination of results . The As the Commission will be aware , the ECSC's social Commission is also planning a final symposium to review research programmes have made a big contribution, since the ECSC social research programme , as announced in its the start of the Treaty, to improvements in health and safety communication on a Community programme concerning in mining and steel undertakings in the Member States of the safety, hygiene and health at work ( 1996—2000 ) (*), Union, with considerable spin offs for other industries . This Action 2(iii ) of the Annex . in due, in no small measure, to the actions provided for in these research programmes for the dissemination of existing 4 . The Commission will ensure dissemination of the information . results of the Sixth ergonomics programme until the 6 . 12 . 95 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/53 programme ends , and expects to maintain the level of which is a clear violation of the free movement of workers quality . and the right of migrant workers to social security ?
(M COM(95 ) 282 final . (!) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971 , p . 2 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 74, 27 . 3 . 1972 , p . 1 .
Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-2591/95 on behalf of the Commission by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) (9 October 1995) to the Commission (27 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/97 ) With regard to the question of the dissolution of the Gibraltar Social Insurance Fund , the Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it is to issue a reasoned Subject: Schengen opinion to the United Kingdom if the infringement is not terminated as soon as possible . Now that the intergovernmental agreement concluded between 7 Member States in Schengen has been in force for over four months , would the Commission agree that it should now be extended to all 15 by means of a Directive superseding the intergovernmental accords and applicable to all Member States ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2622/95 by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission Answer given by Mr Monti (2 October 1995) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 326/99 ) (25 October 1995)
The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its Subject: Unemployment answer to Written Question E-2289/95 by Mr Ferber (*). Having regard to the serious news which has recently (*) See page 39 of this Official Journal . appeared in the Italian press concerning Dalmine S.p.A. , a company of the ILVA group led by IRI, which produces continuous pipes in Bergamo province;
Whereas this is a case of false invoicing, unrecorded 'black' WRITTEN QUESTION P-2597/95 accounting and product unreliability attributable solely to the insensitivity of the company management; by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission Whereas the Dalmine plant is viable , the product excellent (19 September 1995) and the 2 500 workers have nothing to do with the legal ( 95/C 326/98 ) inquiry and are in fact highly motivated;
Having regard to the concern that discredit may have been Subject: Pension fund in Gibraltar brought on the company in an attempt to buy it at an unrealistically low price, in view of its imminent The Gibraltar Social Insurance Fund, which provided social privatization; protection for workers through a foreign account in Gibraltar, was dissolved and closed on 31 December 1993 by the United Kingdom and Gibraltar authorities . Having regard to the need to guarantee productivity, the Thousands of Spanish pensioners were affected by this industrial plan and , above all, employment; decision and lost their pension rights . The decision infringed Council Regulations ( EEC ) No 1408/71 (*) and ( EEC ) Will the Commission carry out an investigation into what No 574/72 ( 2 ) and Articles 48 , 51 and 227 of the Treaty of has happened to Dalmine S.p.A. , take action to block the Rome . hasty privatization and sale and also take measures to prevent job losses, which is the most important aspect and Has the Commission taken any action to remedy this unjust which would have negative consequences for the entire iron situation, which has now continued for 18 months , and and steel industry throughout the Community ? No C 326/54 I EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 12 . 95
Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-2624/95 on behalf of the Commission by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) (30 October 1995) to the Commission (2 October 1995) ( 95/C 326/100 ) The Commission is unable to adopt a position on a matter which is the subject of legal proceedings by the Italian Subject: Commission trainees Prosecutor's Office . While the use of trainee contracts as a means of employing temporary staff within the Commission is to be applauded, As far as privatisation of the undertaking is concerned, the there are nevertheless a great many applications and no Commission will examine all the relevant aspects as part of selection criteria apart from the candidates ' curricula , which the authorization procedure required by the ECSC Treaty are all very good . provisions on competition . In order to avoid pointless disputes, will the Commission adopt objective automatic selection criteria which place all As for the Honourable Member's fears of an adverse effect candidates on the same footing ? on the employment of the undertaking's 2 500 workers, it must be emphasised that it is the solidity of the industrial structure, and not a serious but transitory court case, which is decisive for the medium-term viability of an undertaking Answer given by Mr Santer and the safeguarding of jobs . It can therefore be hoped that on behalf of the Commission the high quality of the industrial plant, product and labour (30 October 1995) referred to by the Honourable Member will allow the undertaking to remain viable without cutting back its workforce , particularly as the European steel industry is The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to curently in a more favourable situation, after the serious its answer to Written Questions E-1587/95 (*) and crisis of 1992 and 1993 . E-2018/95 ( 2 ).
(M OJ No C 311 , 22 . 11 . 1995, p. 5 . If the workforce were to be reduced, workers involved in ( 2 ) Se page 20 of this Official Journal . production covered by the ECSC Treaty could claim Community support in the form of ECSC re-adaptation aid as provided for in Article 56 of the Treaty . Furthermore , all workers , without distinction by production sector, would in principle be eligible for assistance from the European social Fund ( ESF ) under Objective 3 ( integration of persons WRITTEN QUESTION P-2685/95 exposed to exclusion from the labour market ) and Objective by Guido Podestà ( UPE ) 4 ( adaptation of workers to industrial changes and to to the Commission changes in production systems ) provided they meet the requirements relating to these Objectives . (28 September 1995) ( 95/C 326/101 )
In as far as the facts described by the Honourable Member reflect the transfer of an undertaking, it is also necessary to Subject: Trafficking in organs take account of Council Directive 77/187/EEC of 14 February 1977, Article 3 of which states that 'the What investigations or action has the Commission transferor's rights and obligations arising from a contract of undertaken at Community level with regard to trafficking in employment or from an employment relationship existing organs ? on the date of a transfer within the meaning of Article 1(1 ) shall , by reason of such transfer , be transferred to the transferee'. Consequently, the transfer of an undertaking cannot in itself constitute grounds for redundancies by Answer given by Mr Flynn either the transferor or the transferee . However , it must also on behalf of the Commission be borne in mind that this provision does not stand in the (16 October 1995) way of dismissals that may take place for economic , technical or organizational reasons entailing changes in the workforce ( Article 4 ( 1 ) of the Directive ). It is up to the Member States to take appropriate measures as regards to monitoring and suppression of organ trafficking . 6 . 12 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 326/55
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2755/95 3 . What is the direct monetary contribution of each by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ), Bartho Pronk ( PPE ) and Member State to the European budget for 1996 ? Petrus Cornelissen ( PPE ) 4 . What will the direct monetary contributions of each to the Commission Member State to the European budget between 1994 (12 October 1995) and 1998 be ? ( 95/C 326/102 ) 5 . How much is this per capita of the population of each Member State in 1996 and between 1994 and 1998 ? Subject: National contributions to the EU
During the general debate on the Netherlands' national budget for 1996 in the Lower House of the Dutch Answer given by Mr Liikanen Parliament, the Prime Minister, Mr Kok, said that he wished on behalf of the Commission a study to be carried out of possible changes in the system of (30 October 1995) national contributions to the European Union by the Member States ( the Own Resources Decision). 1 . Has the Commission received such a request ? The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as 2 . If so, how exactly is it worded ? soon as possible .