ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 30 Volume 38 of the European Communities 6 February 1995
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
95/C 30/01 E-1659/94 by Kirsten Jensen to the Commission Subject: CFC 1
95/C 30/02 E-l 666/94 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Regional development programme and the creation of wind parks 1
95/C 30/03 E-1668/94 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject: Regional development programme and cooperation with economic and social partners 2
95/C 30/04 E-1669/94 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject : Commission competition and recruitment 2
95/C 30/05 E-1671/94 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Competition COM/LA/761 — recruitment of Portuguese-language assistant interpreters 3
95/C 30/06 E-l 672/94 by Jose Happart to the Commission Subject : Rules governing imports of phytopharmacological products 3
95/C 30/07 E-l 674/94 by Jean-Marie Le Pen to the Council Subject: Purchase of property in Austria by non-nationals 4
95/C 30/08 E-1680/94 by Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Treatment of EU nationals by the British tax authorities 5
95/C 30/09 E-l 684/94 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission Subject : Use of languages at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market ( trademarks, designs and models ), hereinafter known as the 'Trademark Office' 5
Price: ECU 18 ( Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
95/C 30/10 E- 168 8/94 by Wim van Velzen to the Commission Subject: Loss of income incurred by Belgian frontier workers in the Netherlands 6
95/C 30/11 E-1689/94 by Wim van Velzen to the Commission Subject : Recognition of Dutch nursing diploma A in Belgium 6
95/C 30/12 E-l 803/94 by Arie Oostlander to the Commission Subject : Recognition of nursing diplomas 7
95/C 30/13 E-l 865/94 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission Subject : Dutch nursing staff and recognition of qualifications 7
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1689/94, E-1803/94 and E-l 865/94 7
95/C 30/14 E-l 69 1 /94 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject : Unreasonable seizure of lorries in Italy 7
95/C 30/15 E-l 696/94 by Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission Subject: Drift-nets 8
95/C 30/16 E-l 697/94 by Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission Subject: Illegal use of drift-nets by French vessels 8
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1696/94 and E-1697/94 9
95/C 30/17 E-l 699/94 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Insertion of a specific title on tourism in the Treaty on European Union 9
95/C 30/18 E-l 707/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura ( Spain ) 9
95/C 30/19 E-l 708/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Valencia ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/20 E-l 709/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/21 E-l 71 9/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Aragon ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/22 E-l 723/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/23 E-l 725/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/24 E-l 729/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Navarre ( Spain ) 10
95/C 30/25 E-1730/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Murcia ( Spain ) 11 Notice No Contents ( continued ) page
95/C 30/26 E-l 733/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Cantabria ( Spain ) . 11
95/C 30/27 E-l 737/94 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia ( Spain ) 11
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1707/94, E-1708/94, E-1709/94, E-1719/94, E-l 723/94, E-1725/94, E-1729/94, E-1730/94, E-1733/94 and E-1737/94 11
95/C 30/28 E-l 746/94 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Desertification ' 11
95/C 30/29 E-1748/94 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Rights of assignment of market trading rights 12
95/C 30/30 E-1749/94 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission Subject: European coal and steel 12
95/C 30/31 E-l 754/94 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against foreign teachers in French schools 13
95/C 30/32 E-1761/94 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Administrative costs of development aid from EU 13
95/C 30/33 E-l 767/94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Health and safety standards for holiday accommodation 14
95/C 30/34 E-1768/94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Portugal's use of stray dogs in laboratory experiments 14
95/C 30/35 E-l 772/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject : Abuse of stray dogs for vivisection in Portugal — Directive 86/609/EEC 14
95/C 30/36 E-1813/94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject : Portuguese laboratories using stray dogs in experiments . 15
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1768/94, E-l 772/94 and E-1813/94 15
95/C 30/37 E-l 779/94 by Siegbert Alber to the Commission Subject: Implementation of the Council Directive of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment 15
95/C 30/38 E-1791/94 by Anne Van Lancker to the Council Subject : Informal Council meeting to consider the equal opportunities policy 16
95/C 30/39 E-l 794/94 by Anne Van Lancker to the Council Subject: Final approval of the proposal for a Directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons 16
95/C 30/40 E-l 795/94 by Anne Van Lancker to the Council Subject: Approval of the proposal for a Directive on the reversal of the burden of proof with respect to equal pay and equal treatment for men and women 16
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95/C 30/41 E-1797/94 by Anne Van Lancker to the Council Subject: United Nations Conference on Population ( Cairo, September 1994 ) 16
95/C 30/42 E-l 801/94 by Anne Van Lancker to the Commission Subject: UN Population Conference in Cairo 17
95/C 30/43 E-l 802/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Application for Spanish nationality : requirements 17
95/C 30/44 E-l 805/94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Continuation of the NPT and the delicate situation in South-East Asia 18
95/C 30/45 E-l 807/94 by Alexander Langer to the Commission Subject : Risk of pollution in the catchment area of the river Timavo ( TS ) in Italy 19
95/C 30/46 E-1810/94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Discrimination in the insurance industry in Germany 19
95/C 30/47 E-l 8 14/94 by Astrid Lulling to the Commission Subject: Protectionist measures against the export of explosives to Germany and Belgium .... 20
95/C 30/48 E-l 821/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject: The European Disabled People's Parliament 21
95/C 30/49 E-l 960/94 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: Rights for people with a disability 21
95/C 30/50 E-2012/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Disabled People's Parliament (3 December 1993 ) 21
95/C 30/51 E-20 13/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Anti-discrimination legislation for disabled people 21
95/C 30/52 E-2014/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Parliament's resolution B3-0580/93 22
Joint answer to Written Questions E-l 821/94, E-1960/94, E-2012/94, E-2013/94 and E-2014/94 22
95/C 30/53 E-l 824/94 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject: Incompatibility with the Habitats Directive of the current proposed route of the Betuwe line 22
95/C 30/54 E-l 825/94 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject: Possible misuse of an ERDF grant for the construction of a golf course in Brunssum, South Limburg 23
95/C 30/55 E-l 838/94 by Ian Paisley to the Commission Subject: Belfast Harbour 23
95/C 30/56 E-l 839/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject: EIB loans to SMEs 24
95/C 30/57 E-l 846/94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject: Advisory committee on training in nursing . 24 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
95/C 30/58 E-1861/94 by John McCartin to the Commission Subject: Community initiatives 25
95/C 30/59 E-l 863/94 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission Subject: Trans-frontier work and the recommendation on taxation 26
95/C 30/60 E-l 864/94 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission Subject: Impact of legislation on trans-frontier workers 27
95/C 30/61 E-l 867/94 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject: Population awareness training 27
95/C 30/62 E-l 871/94 by Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission Subject : Refund of VAT under the Eight VAT Directive 27
95/C 30/63 E-l 872/94 by Karla Peijs to the Commission Subject : Irish Government subsidy to the Hasbro/Milton Bradley plant in Waterford ( Ireland ) 28
95/C 30/64 E-l 875/94 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Cross-border cooperation in the tourist industry 29
95/C 30/65 E-l 885/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject : Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 29
95/C 30/66 E-l 886/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 30
95/C 30/67 E-l 887/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 30
95/C 30/68 E-l 888/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 30
95/C 30/69 E-l 889/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 30
95/C 30/70 E-l 890/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 31
95/C 30/71 E-1891/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject : Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 31
95/C 30/72 E-l 892/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 31
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95/C 30/73 E-l 893/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject : Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 31
95/C 30/74 E-l 894/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 32
95/C 30/75 E-l 895/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 32
95/C 30/76 E-l 896/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 32
95/C 30/77 E-l 897/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 32
95/C 30/78 E-l 898/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject : Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 32
95/C 30/79 E-l 899/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 33
95/C 30/80 E-1900/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 33
95/C 30/81 E-1902/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 33
Joint answer to Written Questions E-1885/94 to E-1900/94 and E-1902/94 33
95/C 30/82 E-1903/94 by Alexander Falconer to the Council Subject : Council action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels . . < 33
95/C 30/83 E-l 909/94 by Jose Happart to the Commission Subject: Eco-taxes 34
95/C 30/84 E-l 922/94 by Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: Spending of European money on sport in the European Union 34
95/C 30/85 E-1923/94 by Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: Spending of Gutenberg Programme money to promote books and reading 35 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
95/C 30/86 E-l 928/94 by Doris Pack to the Commission Subject: Subsidies granted by the Commission for trade union information and education work 36
95/C 30/87 E-l 930/94 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission Subject: Reneval Programme for Neorio 37
95/C 30/88 E-1932/94 by Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: Registration of foreign vehicles in the European Union 37
95/C 30/89 E-l 945/94 by Carmen Fraga Estévez and Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission Subject: Problems related to fishing licences for the Community black hake fishery fleet 38
95/C 30/90 E-1947/94 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject: The Cohesion Fund in Spain 38
95/C 30/91 E-1949/94 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission Subject: Industrial anxiety in Burela ( Lugo province, Spain ) arising from the use of illegal fishing equipment by French fishermen 38
95/C 30/92 E-l 95 1/94 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject: Tax advantages offered by certain Spanish regions 39
95/C 30/93 E-1955/94 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission Subject: Recognition of medical studies in EU Member States 39
95/C 30/94 E-l 959/94 by Christine Oddy to the Council Subject: Food aid in the Horn of Africa 40
95/C 30/95 E-l 965/94 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: GMB analysis entitled 'Divided by Degrees' 40
95/C 30/96 E-l 975/94 by Alex Smith to the Commission Subject : Import and export of radioactive acids 41
95/C 30/97 E-l 98 1/94 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject: Construction of facilities for the static testing of aircraft outside the planning area at Saarbrücken-Ensheim Airport 41
95/C 30/98 E-l 984/94 by Thierry Jean-Pierre to the Commission Subject: Activities of the Forward Studies Unit 41
95/C 30/99 E-l 985/94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject: Billing in advance for services 43
95/C 30/100 E-1988/94 by Bartho Pronk to the Commission Subject: Pollution of the Meuse by chemical discharges in Belgium 43
95/C 30/101 E-l 990/94 by Freddy Blak to the Commission Subject: State aid to MTW shipyards 43
95/C 30/102 E-l 992/94 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Commission Subject: Albanian authorities' detention of members of the Greek minority party 'Omonoia' 44
95/C 30/103 E-l994/94 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject: Supplies to research reactor FRM II in Garching by the ESA 45
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95/C 30/104 E-1999/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject: Euro-villages 45
95/C 30/105 E-2003/94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject: Institutional aspects of Mediterranean policy 46
95/C 30/106 E-2004/94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject: Need to stop smuggling of nuclear material which may be used for military purposes 46
95/C 30/107 E-2007/94 by Winfried Menrad to the Commission Subject: Distortions of competition caused by State aids 46
95/C 30/108 E-2010/94 by Wilhelm Piecyk to the Commission Subject : EC-aid for Schleswig-Holstein 47
95/C 30/109 E-2015/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Helios Programme • 48
95/C 30/110 E-2016/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Helios Programme 48
95/C 30/111 E-20 18/94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Redeployment of staff who are or become disabled 49
95/C 30/112 E-2020/94 by Paul Lannoye to the Commission Subject : Informing the public of ozone pollution 49
95/C 30/113 E-2021/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject: The situation in the Alentejo and the Enxoé dam 49
95/C 30/114 E-2022/94 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against EU citizens under social security legislation in the Federal Republic of Germany 50
95/C 30/115 E-2024/94 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission Subject : Introduction of an senior citizens' identity card 50
95/C 30/116 E-2027/94 by Kirsten Jensen to the Commission Subject: Danish fish farms' compliance with applicable rules 51
95/C 30/117 E-2028/94 by Thierry Jean-Pierre to the Commission Subject: Seconded national experts 51
95/C 30/118 E-2032/94 by Jean-Marie Le Chevallier to the Commission Subject: EEC/Turkey Association Agreement 52
95/C 30/119 E-2033/94 by Manuel Monteiro to the Commission Subject: Community funds allocated to Portugal since EEC accession 53
95/C 30/120 E-2034/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Council Subject : 'Variable geometry', 'hard core', 'two-speed Europe' 53 Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page
95/C 30/121 E-2035/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject: 'Variable geometry', 'hard core', 'two-speed Europe' 54
95/C 30/122 E-2037/94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Statements opposing the completion of European Union 54
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2035/94 and E-2037/94 54
95/C 30/123 E-2041/94 by Johanna Maij-Weggen, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Bartho Pronk and Jan Sonneveld to the Commission Subject : Use of non-EU labour for short-term work in agriculture and horticulture 55
95/C 30/124 E-2048/94 by Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Commission Subject: 0ver-60s card 55
95/C 30/125 E-2050/94 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject: Trade in wild species 56
95/C 30/126 E-2076/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Use of official languages by the Commission 56
95/C 30/127 E-2081/94 by Lilli Gyldenkilde to the Commission Subject: Equal pay Directive 56
95/C 30/128 E-2091/94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Euro Info Centres 57
95/C 30/129 E-2095/94 by João Soares to the Council Subject: Plight of Portuguese workers in Germany 57
95/C 30/130 E-2119/94 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission Subject: Advertising for slimming products 58
95/C 30/131 E-2120/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject: Activities to enhance the image of tourism for the elderly 58
95/C 30/132 E-2122/94 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against women by Dutch pension funds 59
95/C 30/133 E-2123/94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Free trade unions in Cuba 59
95/C 30/134 E-2129/94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject: Disability rights 60
95/C 30/135 E-2 144/94 by Sérgio Ribeiro, Joaquim Miranda and Honório Novo to the Commission Subject: Attempt to discipline a police association leader in Portugal 60
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95/C 30/136 E-2161/94 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Assistance to the families of the elderly 61
95/C 30/137 E-2165/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject: Infringement of human rights in Tibet through China's continuing occupation 61
95/C 30/138 E-2 192/94 by Maren Gunther to the Commission Subject: Disaster relief operations in Rwanda 62
95/C 30/139 E-2241/94 by Hugh Kerr to the Commission Subject: ESF funding 62
95/C 30/140 E-2249/94 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject: Risks to human health posed by dioxins 63
95/C 30/141 E-2343/94 by Jose Barros Moura to the Commission Subject: Neo-Nazi attacks on Portuguese nationals in Germany 63 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/1
I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1659/94 mentioned and furthermore the actual imports of the by Kirsten Jensen ( PSE) substance over the first six months of this year were much to the Commission lower, notably just over 2 400 ozone-depleting potential ( ODP ) tonnes . (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/01 ) It is important to note that in the admitted feedstock use of carbon tetrachloride in this context carbon tetrachloride is chemically transformed or destroyed, causing no damage to Subject: CFC the ozone layer. It is correct however, as implied in the question, that the need for carbon tetrachloride will be The Commission authorizes the importing of 85 000 tonnes progressively reduced and the Commission is convinced that of carbon tetrachloride each year. Will it please explain the this will be reflected in next year's allocation of import purpose of this substance — since it may no longer be used quotas for the Community. for the production of CFC ? It should also not be overlooked that the production of HCFCs, constituting an important substitute for the more Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas severely ozone-depleting CFCs, may directly or indirectly on behalf of the Commission require carbon tetrachloride as a feedstock . (4 October 1994)
The Commission has not given permission to import 85 000 tonnes of carbon tetrachloride but has issued actual import quotas for importation into the Community of less than WRITTEN QUESTION E-1666/94 43 000 tonnes of carbon tetrachloride for 1994 . by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE ) to the Commission The amount of 85 000 tonnes mentioned corresponds to the (1 September 1994) theoretical amount which would be allowed as imports into the Community, provided the proportion between internal 95/C 30/02 ) production and imports of ozone-depleting substances was not changed ( this has been the policy in Community legislation on this subject, in order to respect the relevant Subject: Regional development programme and the trade policy aspects). creation of wind parks
The Honourable Member is correct in pointing out that the The only environmental measure provided for in the section need for the importation of carbon tetrachloride as a of the Greek regional development programme dealing with feedstock for the production of chlorofluorocarbons energy is the creation of wind parks . ( CFCs ) is already considerably reduced as the use of these chemicals is phased out. This is partly reflected by the fact Given the problems previously encountered by the that the requests for the import quotas of carbon Commission in attempting to finance such parks in Spain, tetrachloride were much lower than the theoretical figure what measures will it now take to prevent actions of this No C 30/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 kind in future and to provide effective protection for authorities have decided that the Monitoring Committees at migratory birds, as required by Community law ? all levels will organize their work so that the economic and social partners are involved on a regular basis .
This mutual commitment should be given concrete form Answer given by Mr Millan through decisions to establish and operate the Monitoring on behalf of the Commission Committees for the CSF and the programmes . (10 October 1994) Furthermore, in many instances ( e.g. the industry programmes, vocational training, combating exclusion In their regional development plan for Greece , as amended, from the labour market ) the economic and social partners the Greek authorities put a clear emphasis both on the are involved as intermediaries in the implementation of rational use of energy and on the exploitation of renewable measures . sources of energy. This priority is shared by the Commission and is reflected in the recently adopted Commission Support Framework ( CSF ) for Greece ( 1994-1999 ) and the corresponding Operational programme for energy approved on 29 July 1994 .
As with other activities being co-financed by the Structural WRITTEN QUESTION E-1669/94 Funds, the Commission will ensure through close by Raymonde Dury ( PSE ) monitoring that, in accordance with the relevant provision in the new CSF, Community legislation on the environment, to the Commission including that relating to the protection of migratory birds, (1 September 1994) is respected by the Greek authorities in the implementation ( 95/C 30/04 of the Operational programme for energy .
Subject: Commission competition and recruitment
Open competition COM/A/730 produced a reserve list on which some names still remain . According to my WRITTEN QUESTION E-1668/94 information, two successful candidates are still waiting for by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE ) posts . DG XXI is nevertheless recruiting generalist to the Commission administrators from the list which resulted from the non-specialists' competition. Would the Commission state (1 September 1994) why officials are not being recruited from a list of candidates ( 95/C 30/03 of proven worth ? Why are people who have passed examinations not being recruited when there are posts available ? Subject: Regional development programme and cooperation with economic and social partners
Article 4 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081/93 (*) requires the Answer given by Mr Van Miert Greek authorities to cooperate closely with all economic and on behalf of the Commission social partners . The regional development programme (25 October 1994) contains no clear provisions on this matter . How does the Commission intend to ensure that such cooperation is achieved ? The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the purpose of its open competitions is to constitute O OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7. 1993, p . 5 . reserve lists .
The Staff Regulations and implementing provisions require Answer given by Mr Millan reserve lists to contain at least twice as many names as there on behalf of the Commission are posts to be filled . Successful candiates, therefore , have no guarantee of being appointed to a post in the Commission; (10 October 1994) their entry on the reserve list simply makes them eligible for appointment as probationary officials . The appointing authority takes appointment decisions at the request of The 1994-1999 Community support framework for Directorates-General, which select candidates whose Greece states that the Commission and the Greek profiles match the specific vacancies they have . 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/3
The reserve list for competition COM/A/730 had 33 names WRITTEN QUESTION E-1672/94 on it — 18 in the customs field and 15 in the indirect by José Happart ( PSE ) taxation field . There is only one candiate in each field left on it. It is valid until 31 December 1994, but it could then be to the Commission extended; proposals for recruitment of the two remaining (1 September 1994) candidates might be made if the budget permits and the ( 95/C 30/06 ) priority needs of DGs, including DG XXI, warrant this .
Regarding the lists from other competitions, DG XXI, like Subject: Rules governing imports of phytopharmacological the other DGs, has a number of posts that do not necessarily products require specialist qualifications, and it is quite reasonable to fill vacancies from the lists of successful candidates Pharmaceuticals marketed in the European Community corresponding more closely to the requirements of such have already been approved in their country of origin . posts . Why, in this case, is it compulsory, once such products have reached Belgian territory, to go through the long and costly process of obtaining a licence from the Belgian Ministry of Public Health before they can be distributed ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1671/94 What is the reason for these protectionist measures in a by Raymonde Dury ( PSE ) single market ? to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/05 ) Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1994) Subject: Competition COM/LA/761 — recruitment of Portuguese-language assistant interpreters The Commission has already had an opportunity to consult Would the Commission state why the published rules ( J ) with the Belgian authorities regarding the legislation were not adhered to in the case of competition applicable to the sale of plant protection products ( and COM/LA/761 ? pesticides for agricultural use ). According to information received from them, the legislation currently in force in Belgium consists of: Although eight compulsory tests were scheduled, the candidates were dismissed after only three of them had been — the Royal Decree of 28 February 1994 on the storage , completed . sale and use of agricultural pesticides, which partially replaces the Royal Decree of 5 June 1975 concerning (!) OJ No C 324, 10 . 12 . 1992 . pesticides and plant protection products, with the latter now applying only to pesticides not intended for agricultural use ;
— the Royal Decree of 29 October 1981 on the Answer given by Mr Van Miert authorization of firms which manufacture, import or on behalf of the Commission package plant protection products, as amended by the (4 October 1994) Royal Decree of 28 February 1994 .
The Royal Decree of 28 February 1994 transposes into The rules published in competition notice COM/LA/761 Belgian law Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the were respected . placing of plant protection products ( and pesticides for agricultural use ) on the market . The Directive provides for the establishment, over a period of some twelve years, of an The candidates who on completion of the first set of tests exhaustive Community list of authorized active substances ; had not obtained the minimum mark or marks as specified it also requires Member States to introduce a procedure for in the competition notice were asked to withdraw from authorizing all possible uses of such active substances, while subsequent tests since they could not hope to succeed in the at the same time obliging them to recognize authorizations competition. granted by other Member States under the terms of the Directive . On examination, the Royal Decree of 28 February 1994 would seem to transpose Directive 91/414/EEC correctly. No C 30/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
The placing on the market of pesticides not intended for This reply is currently being scrutinized by the Commission, agricultural use, which are not covered by the Directive, is which, if appropriate, will be certain to apply the procedure still governed by the Royal Decree of 5 June 1975 . In the laid down in Article 169 of the EC Treaty. absence of Community-level harmonization, this legislation has to be examined in the light of the principle of free movement of goods set out in Articles 30 to 36 of the EC Treaty and as clarified by the relevant case-law of the Court of Justice . As Community law currently stands, and particularly in the absence of harmonized provisions ( even though a draft 'biocides' Directive was adopted in July WRITTEN QUESTION E-1674/94 1993), Member States may therefore, for reasons relating to by Jean-Marie Le Pen ( NI ) protection of human health and of the environment, subject to the Council pesticides to an authorization procedure prior to their being (1 September 1994) placed on the market, provided that they recognize the results of equivalent tests and analyses already carried out in ( 95/C 30/07 other Member States ( see the judgment in Case 272/80 Biologische Producten [ 1981 ] ECR 3277). An examination of the Royal Decree of 5 June 1975 has revealed that it does Subject: Purchase of property in Austria by take account of the mutual-recognition requirement since it non-nationals contains a provision on the recognition of authorizations granted by accredited bodies in another Member State . Austria, which is soon to become a member of the European Union, has no system of dual nationality and certain Lander apparently do not allow non-nationals to purchase property. The Royal Decree of 29 October 1981 requires firms which manufacture, import, package or export plant protection products to seek authorization for these activities . To be This law has resulted in a women married to a French granted authorization, firms must satisfy certain conditions, national being refused the right to purchase her parents' e.g. possession of premises 'suitable' for the exercise of these property. activities, keeping of a permanent inventory of plant protection products that have been imported, 1 . Will Austria's accession to the Union resolve this manufactured , packaged or exported, communication of problem ? any information which the competent Belgian authorities might deem necessary, and presentation of six-monthly 2 . If not, does this not conflict with the spirit and letter of declarations to the Minister for Agriculture regarding the the Treaty of Rome ? quantities of plant protection products imported, manufactured, packaged or exported and any active substances contained in those products . Answer (2 December 1994) The Decree has been examined on the basis of Articles 20 to 36 of the EC Treaty, which relate to the principle of free 1 . The Council would refer to the third indent of movement of goods, and the relevant case-law of the Court Article B of the Treaty on European Union, whereby the of Justice . In the light of this case-law, the Commission Union sets itself the objectives of strengthening the contacted the Belgian authorities to establish whether the protection of the rights and interests of the nationals of its measures concerned were necessary and proportionate to Member States through the introduction of a citizenship of their objectives, i.e. to protect health and the environment, the Union . As from the entry into force of the Treaty of which were in themselves legitimate . Accession of Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden and of the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the new Member States to the Union, these States will have the same position in relation to the general principles of Community In their reply, the Belgian authorities placed the obligations law as the current Member States . These principles include, arising under the 1981 Decree in a wider context . In no way in particular, equal treatment of citizens and the prohibition do they regard the Decree as imposing a considerable burden of discriminatory treatment on the basis of nationality on the traders concerned , and particularly not on importers, within the sphere of application of Community law . who are in any event not required to possess suitable storage premises where they operate a system of direct delivery from abroad . This type of authorization costs just BAR 90, the 2 . As regards the acquisition of immovable property by price of a tax stamp . Obtaining, via the authorization the nationals of other Member States, the general principles procedure , reliable statistics on the sale and use in Belgium mentioned above also apply . However, Article 70 of the Act of agricultural pesticides, which could apparently not be of Accession provides that obtained from Eurostat, was essential and altogether proportionate to the aim of protecting health and the 'notwithstanding the obligations under the Treaties on environment. which the European Union is founded, the Republic of 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/5
Austria may maintain its existing legislation regarding necessary, that the matter is investigated in accordance with secondary residences for five years from the date of the procedure laid down in Article 169 of the EC Treaty . accession'.
Moreover, the Final Act contains the following Joint Declaration :
"Nothing in the 'acquis communautaire' prevents WRITTEN QUESTION E-1684/94 individual Member States from taking national, by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) regional, or local measures regarding secondary to the Commission residences, provided that they are necessary for land-use (1 September 1994) planning and environmental protection and apply without direct or indirect discrimination between 95/C 30/09 nationals of the Member States in conformity with the 'acquis'.". Subject: Use of languages at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market ( trademarks , designs and The Accession Treaty does not otherwise allow Austria any models), hereinafter known as the 'Trademark exceptions from the 'acquis communautaire' as regards the Office' purchase of property by nationals of other Member States . Commissioner Vanni d'Archirafi has provided only a partial reply to my Written Question E-3709/93 ( x ). I therefore 3 . Finally, with more particular regard to the final wish to repeat the unanswered part . question raised by the Honourable Member, the Court of Justice has jurisdiction to rule on the interpretation of the Does the Commission believe that the restriction of the Treaty and the Commission has responsibility for ensuring that it is applied . number of languages at the Trademark Office ( Regulation of 20 December 1993 on the Community trade mark ) is compatible with the letter and spirit of the Treaty of Rome as amended by the Luxembourg and Maastricht treaty ?
Does the Commission not feel that restricting the number of WRITTEN QUESTION E-1680/94 languages will lead to a distortion of competition between by Gijs de Vries ( ELDR ) the firms which have to work with the Trademark Office ? to the Commission (1 September 1994) Does the Commission not feel that firms ( including many ( 95/C 30/08 ) small and medium-sized businesses ) and ( other ) individuals should have the freedom to use the official language of their place of establishment in the European Community when Subject: Treatment of EU nationals by the British tax dealing with the European institutions and their services and authorities organizations ?
A Netherlands national, Mrs B. Crutch nee van der Linden, (!) OJ No C 300 , 27. 10 . 1994, p . 47 . has drawn my attention to the treatment she has received at the hands of the British tax authorities , which in her view is contrary to the article ( Article 7 ) of the Treaty of Rome prohibiting discrimination. For years, the Inland Revenue Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi has been evading the issue of how Article 7 of the Treaty on behalf of the Commission should be interpreted for the purpose of applying British tax (5 October 1994) legislation .
Will the Commission investigate Mrs Crutch's complaint The Commission would recall that the main ingredients for and state whether the action of which she complains is a reply can be found in the reply to the Honourable indeed incompatible with the Treaty ? Member's question No 3709/93 . For the reasons set out in the previous reply, the Commission considers that the language arrangement for Answer given by Mrs Scrivener the Office for harmonization in the internal market, as laid on behalf of the Commission down in Regulation ( EC ) No 40/94, is compatible with the (13 October 1994) EC Treaty, as amended by the Treaty on European Union .
The information supplied with the question has been In this respect, it should be recalled that the Commission registered as a complaint and the Commission will ensure, if noted that the general principles relating to the recognition No C 30/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 of the official languages of the Community are laid down in The situation which the Honourable Member refers to in his Council Regulation No 1 of 15 April 1957 i 1 ). question results from the fact that under Article 13(2 ) of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 ( 1 ), any person in paid The Commission does not have any reason to believe that employment within the territory of a Member State is the language arrangement will have a negative impact on subject to the social insurance legislation of such Member competition between the enterprises that will be dealing State even if they are resident within the territory of a with the Office . different Member State . With respect to income tax, however, the right to tax is governed by bilateral agreements between Member States, and it is often stipulated with Finally, the Commission would underline that it shares the regard to frontier-zone workers that income tax is to be view in the last paragraph of the question . In this respect, it levied in their country of residence; this is also the case under may be useful to recall that applications for Community the bilateral arrangements between Belgium and the trade marks may be filed in any of the official languages of Netherlands. the Community and that, subsequently, these applications will be published in all the languages of the Community . It must be recognized that changes in the level of social insurance and tax contributions may adversely affect (') OJ No 385 , 6 . 10 . 1958 , as amended by later acts of frontier-zone workers' income, especially when an increase accession . in social insurance contributions in a Member State are compensated for by a reduction in income tax. However, it must also be recognized that if the same changes applied the other way round, this could work to the advantage of frontier-zone workers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1688/94 The Commission considers that under Community law as it by Wim van Velzen ( PSE ) stands, the measures taken by the Dutch authorities are unlikely to constitute an infringement of that law. to the Commission Nevertheless, the Commission is currently looking at the (1 September 1994) problem with a view to finding solutions at Community ( 95/C 30/10 ) level .
(!) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971 . Subject: Loss of income incurred by Belgian frontier workers in the Netherlands
Is the Commission aware that Belgian frontier workers have suffered a substantial loss of income in comparison with their Dutch counterparts because of a rise in Dutch social insurance premiums ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1689/94 by Wim van Velzen ( PSE ) Does not this situation violate the principle of equal to the Commission treatment of workers in the same Member State, and if so, what does the Commission intend to do ? (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/11
Answer given by Mr Flynn Subject: Recognition of Dutch nursing diploma A in on behalf of the Commission Belgium (19 October 1994) Is the Commission aware that, although the Dutch nursing diploma A requires more than three years' training, the The Commission is fully aware of the problems which have Belgian authorities do not even regard it as equivalent to the arisen for Belgian frontier-zone workers following a change Belgian 'brevet van ziekenhuisassistent' ( which requires two of the law in the Netherlands whereby on the one hand years' training)? social insurance contributions were increased and on the other hand taxes were reduced . This measure did not have any effect on the net pay of workers employed and resident Does the Commission regard this as a correct application of in the Netherlands . However, Belgian workers resident in Directives 77/452/EEC ( J ) and 77/453/EEC ( 2 ) and if not, Belgium but employed in the Netherlands have been obliged what action does the Commission intend to take ? to pay higher social insurance contributions without being able to profit in return from the tax reduction in the (!) OJ No L 176, 15 . 7 . 1977, p . 1 . Netherlands. ( 2 ) OJ No L 176, 15 . 7 . 1977, p . 8 . 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/7
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 803/94 not regard the 'verpleegkundige A' diploma awarded in the by Arie Oostlander ( PPE ) Netherlands after 29 July 1979 as satisfying the minimum requirements laid down in Directive 77/45 3/EEC for the to the Commission training of nurses responsible for general care . They (6 September 1994) considered that, in order to meet those requirements, the ( 95/C 30/12 training undergone by holders of such a diploma needed to be supplemented by practical courses in psychiatry and home nursing. The Commission subsequently asked the Dutch authorities for information regarding the compliance Subject: Recognition of nursing diplomas of the 'verpleegkundige A' diploma with Directive 77/453/EEC . 1 . Can the Commission say whether the decision by the Flemish authorities not to recognize the Netherlands' 'A' nursing certificate as equivalent to Belgian certificates The Commission would emphasize that, under the system of granting access to the profession of general nurse is lawful recognition introduced by Directive 77/452/EEC by virtue of the rules of Directive 77/452/EEC ? concerning the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of the formal qualifications of nurses responsible for general care, each Member State must give 2 . If the decision by the Flemish authorities is not lawful, the same legal effect in its territory to the other Member when and in what way will the Commission intervene with States' qualifications listed in that Directive — provided that the Flemish authorities in favour of the persons affected ? those qualifications satisfy the minimum training requirements laid down in coordination Directive 77/453/EEC .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 865/94 The matter will be looked into further, on the basis of the by Ria Oomen-Ruiiten ( PPE ) Community legislation referred to above, once the Dutch to the Commission authorities' comments have been received . (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/13
Subject: Dutch nursing staff and recognition of qualifications
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1691/94 1 . Is the Commission aware that, in spite of Directive 77/452/EEC, Dutch nurses wishing to work as nurses in by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR ) Belgium are having to satisfy additional requirements ? to the Commission (1 September 1994) 2 . Has the Commission already taken action in this ( 95/C 30/14 ) connection ?
3 . Will it consider this issue and propose a solution in the Subject: Unreasonable seizure of lorries in Italy near future ?
1 . Is the Commission aware that some Member States ( Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom ) seize transport Joint answer to Written Questions company vehicles which are involved in accidents with E-1689/94, E-l 803/94 and E-1865/94 pedestrians , regardless of who is at fault ? given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission 2 . Is the Commission aware of the letter of 28 March (6 October 1994) 1994 from Koninklijk Netherlands Vervoer to Commissioner Matutes concerning such a case in Italy ?
The Commission is aware of the difficulties encountered by holders of the Dutch 'verpleegkundige A' diploma who wish 3 . Can the Commission imagine how much damage such to have their qualification recognized in Belgium in order to a long period of seizure will have caused to the haulier ? practise there as a nurse responsible for general care . 4 . Does the Commission realize that application of such In response to the Commission's request for their comments a procedure creates a situation entirely at odds with the legal on this matter, the Belgian authorities stated that they did situation in other Member States ? No C 30/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
5 . Does the Commission agree that the need for surety over 2,5 km in length, will apply over the next tuna-fishing where such an accident has occurred could be met more season, as the exemption made for a number of vessels satisfactorily by lodging a deposit or a banker's guarantee , belonging to the French fleet, authorizing nets of 5 km in so as to avoid hampering the carrier's activities for an length, expired on 31 December 1993 . unnecessarily long period of time ?
6 . Will the Commission take measures at an early date to In view of the above, what measures will the Commission ensure that judicial procedure is standardized in all Member take to ensure compliance with the measures in force and to States ? prevent any repetition of the offences committed recently, as recognized by the Commission in its report of 8 April 1994 on the use of large drift-nets under the common fisheries 7 . If so, what measures ? policy ( 2 ), in order to advert conflicts during the present tuna-fishing season — which started in June — like those which recently took place between French and Spanish fishermen over anchovy fishing ?
Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (!) OJ No L 288 , 11 . 10 . 1986 , p . 1 . (31 October 1994) ( 2 ) COMÍ94 ) 50 final .
1 . and 2 . The Commission is aware that in some Member States, the police authorities seize lorries which have been involved in accidents with pedestrians. The Commission is not aware that any such practices discriminate between WRITTEN QUESTION E-1697/94 national lorries and lorries from other Member States. by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission 3 . to 7 . At present enforcement and sanctions are (1 September 1994) primarily a matter for the national authorities . The recent ( 95/C 30/16 ) report of the Committee of enquiry on road freight transport in the single European market ( page 16 ) supports the impounding of vehicles in cases of serious infringements of regulations . In its follow-up to the Committee of enquiry's report, the Commission will consider how to Subject: Illegal use of drift-nets by French vessels develop Community policy on enforcement, including the question of the impounding of vehicles . Parliament's resolutions on drift-nets, particularly the one adopted at the part-session last December, clearly demonstrate its condemnation of the use of drift-nets . Similarly, through its rejection of the Council's request for urgent procedure concerning the proposal amending Regulation ( EEC ) No 3094/86 for the sixteenth time, Parliament has again shown its disinclination to accept WRITTEN QUESTION E-1696/94 another proposal including an extension of the exemption by Miguel Arias Canete (PPE ) for nets 5 km in length for 31 French vessels throughout the to the Commission 1994 fishing season . In his question of 3 May 1994 , the signatory requested information on the measures to be (1 September 1994) adopted to enforce existing Regulations and prevent illegal ( 95/C 30/15 ) practices which, unfortunately, lead only to confrontations between fleets from different Member States . These conflicts emerged between the French and Spanish fleets at the very beginning of the tuna-fishing season and tensions, Subject: Drift-nets far from being allayed, continue to grow.
At its May part-session, Parliament rejected the Council's request for urgent procedure concerning the proposal for a In view of the above, what measures will the Commission Council Regulation to amend for the sixteenth time take as a matter of urgency to put a stop to attacks and Regulation ( EEC ) No 3094/86 (*) on certain technical prevent material damage or injury ? Does it not take the view measures for the conservation of fish stocks , which would that the time has come to ban once and for all the use of large amend Article 9a on the use of drift-nets. This means that drift-nets , given that the control exercised by Member States the Regulations currently in force, which ban the use of nets is non-existent ? 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/9
Joint answer to Written Questions which is still inadequate, can the Commission clarify its E-1696/94 and E-1697/94 commitments in this field ? given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission 1 . When will it submit an overall plan on the matter to the (4 October 1 994) European Parliament, with a view to initiating a Community policy on tourism ?
2 . What stage has the report reached which the In so far as the albacore fishery takes place on the high seas, Commission is to submit to the Council before 1996 to each Member State is responsible for ensuring that vessels ensure the incorporation in the Treaty of a specific title flying its flag abide by the Regulations in force. on tourism ?
The Commission's duty is to ensure that Member States monitor the activities of their vessels, apply Community Regulations correctly and prosecute infringements Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi according to their national laws . The Commission has gone on behalf of the Commission to considerable lengths to ensure that the Member States (31 October 1994) concerned provide sufficient inspection resources both at sea and ashore to control their fleets . 1 . The 1993-1996 Community action plan to assist Throughout the whole of this year's fishing campaign tourism (*) is in the course of being implemented . An Commission inspectors have been present and have assessment of the results will be made within the time laid witnessed the inspections carried out by the national down. authorities on the high seas . The level of control exercised on this year's fishery has reached unprecedented levels and The political future of the programme will depend on those since the re-inforcement of this control, compliance with the results and on the position adopted on the insertion into the Regulations has greatly improved . EC Treaty of a specific title on tourism.
It is regrettable that conflicts arose between different fleets 2 . The Commission is preparing and plans to publish in during July resulting in violent action . The Commission the next few months a Green Paper on possible options as does not accept that there is any situation which justifies regards Community responsibilities in the field of tourism, fishermen of any Member State taking the law into their pending the report requested by 1996 in the Declaration on own hands . Nor does it consider as acceptable the Article 3(t ) of the Treaty on European Union. denunciation of Community law by fishermen who may claim that the limitation on the length of drift-nets of 2,5 The publication of the Green Paper, which will be submitted kilometres, decided by the Council, is unjustified . to Parliament, will be followed by extensive consultation of all interested parties . Any change in the present Regulations with regard to the use of drift-nets will have to be decided by the Council based The results of this consultation will be taken into account upon the communication and the proposal presented by the for the purpose of preparing the report on the place to be Commission earlier this year, taking into account the views given to tourism in the Treaty on European Union, which of all parties and including the opinions of the Economic the Commission must present with a view to the revision of and Social Committee as well as the Parliament. that Treaty in 1996 .
(!) OJ No L 231 , 13 . 8 . 1993 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1699/94 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l707/94 to the Commission by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) (1 September 1994) to the Commission ( 95/C 30/17 ) (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/18 ) Subject: Insertion of a specific title on tourism in the Treaty on European Union Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura ( Spain ) In view of the important role which tourism ought to play in European integration, and the declaration on the matter What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding contained in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, to the Autonomous Community of Extremadura ( Spain ) No C 30/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 over the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final WRITTEN QUESTION E-1723/94 evaluation reports on the matter be made available ? by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/22 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 708/94 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of (1 September 1994) La Rioia ( Spain ) ( 95/C 30/19 )
What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of to the Autonomous Community of La Rioja ( Spain ) over the Valencia ( Spain ) 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final evaluation reports on the matter be made available ?
What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding to the Autonomous Community of Valencia ( Spain ) over the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final evaluation reports on the matter be made available ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1725/94 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 709/94 (1 September 1994) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) ( 95/C 30/23 ) to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/20 ) Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias ( Spain )
Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country ( Spain ) What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding to the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturia ( Spain ) over the 1986-1993 period ? Can the What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding monitoring and final evaluation reports on the matter be to the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country over made available ? the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final evaluation reports on the matter be made available ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1729/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 71 9/94 by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (1 September 1994) (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/24 ) ( 95/C 30/21 )
Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Aragon ( Spain ) Navarre ( Spain )
What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding to the Autonomous Community of Aragon ( Spain ) over the to the Autonomous Community of Navarre ( Spain ) over the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final evaluation 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final evaluation reports on the matter be made available ? reports on the matter be made available ? 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/11
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 730/94 Joint answer to Written Questions E-1707/94, E-l 708/94, by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) E-1709/94, E-1719/94, E-1723/94, E-1725/94, E-1729/94, E-l 730/94, E-1733/94 and E-1737/94 to the Commission given by Mr Flynn (1 September 1994) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 30/25 ) (9 November 1994)
The Honourable Member may wish to refer to the ESF Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of annual reports ( 1986-1992 ) and to the annual reports on Murcia ( Spain ) the implementation of the reform of the Structural Funds ( 1989-1992 ).
What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding These documents have been regularly forwarded to to the Autonomous Community of Murcia ( Spain ) over the Parliament. 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitorng and final evalution reports on the matter be made available ? Information relating to 1993 has already been published in the following documents :
— Background information : 'Country profiles : Spain' ( DG XVI brochure covering the period 1989-1993 ) ( one copy forwarded to the Honourable Member and one to WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 733/94 the General Secretariat of the Parliament); by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) — The collection relating to the Spanish regions and the to the Commission European Union : one text for each region, listing all (1 September 1994) Community operations for this period ; distributed to all ( 95/C 30/26 ) MEPs prior to the last elections .
Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Cantabria ( Spain ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1746/94 by David Bowe ( PSE ) What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding to the Commission to the Autonomous Community of Cantabria ( Spain ) over (1 September 1994) the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final ( 95/C 30/28 ) evaluation reports on the matter be made available ?
Subject: Desertification
1 . What is the outcome of the recently signed International Convention to Combat Desertification ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1737/94
by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) 2 . In view of the UN's estimate that desertification to the Commission threatens the livelihoods of 900 million people , and in view (1 September 1994) of the fact that current expenditures to combat desertification fall far short of what the UN estimates to be ( 95/C 30/27 ) necessary, what steps and measures will the Commission be proposing to help combat desertification ?
Subject: ESF investment in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia ( Spain ) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (26 October 1994) What has been the outcome of the allocation of ESF funding to the Autonomous Community of Catalonia ( Spain ) over the 1986-1993 period ? Can the monitoring and final 1 . The negotiations leading to an International evaluation reports on the matter be made available ? Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought and No C 30/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 four regional Annexes ( Africa , Latin America , Asia and the Itinerant traders conduct their business on markets , which Northern Mediterranean ) were concluded on 17 June in are generally public places subject to the control of national Paris , barely two years after the conclusion of the Rio or local authorities . These places are in most cases Conference on Environment and Development (June 1992 ). temporarily made available for vending purposes against This represents a success , given the long period normally payment of a site fee or specific charge to the appropriate required in negotiations of this sort within the United authority . It is therefore national or local rules applying to Nations framework . The ceremony marking the signing of the use of public places that govern the activities of itinerant Convention took place in Paris on 14 and 15 October . traders, including the assignment of market trading rights . In view of the acknowledgment by the Rio Conference that Africa's priority in terms of desertification and drought In the absence of clear evidence as to the effect of disparities control, its regional implementation Annex is more in this field in the legislative, regulatory and administrative extensive and of a more operational nature than the other provisions of the Member States on the freedom of three . Africa's special circumstances and preferential status establishment and the operation of the Single Market, the were also recognized in a 'Resolution on interim Commission does not plan at this stage to propose arrangements and urgent action for Africa'. harmonization measures . However, the Commission will continue to ensure that such legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions do not infringe the EC Treaty . 2 . The Community was one of the chief participants in the difficult, but ultimately successful, negotiations . The Commission will continue, through on-site practical assistance, to support desertification and drought control programmes within the framework of this new Convention and under the Fourth Lome Convention, which devotes a WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 749/94 separate chapter to this issue ( Title II, Chapter 2, Articles 54 to 57). by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/30
Subject: European coal and steel WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 748/94 by David Bowe ( PSE ) In answer to a question in the British Parliament, a to the Commission government minister has stated that European Coal and (1 September 1994) Steel has provided non-repayable aid under Article 56 of the ( 95/C 30/29 ) ECSC Treaty as follows :
(£ million) Subject: Rights of assignment of market trading rights 1993-1994 8,0 1992-1993 32,2 Rights of assignment of market trading rights from one proprietor to another differ across the EU . These rights do 1991-1992 36,2 not exist in the UK but do in other parts of EU. 1990-1991 17,9 1989-1990 22,3 Has the Commission looked into such disparities between Member States and whether a system of rights could be What details are available to the Commission of the proposed for market traders throughout Europe ? If not, purposes for which applications for these grants were why not ? made ?
Can the Commission provide a detailed breakdown ? Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1994) Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (9 November 1994) The Commission is closely following developments in the itinerant trading sector, a sector which, because it naturally involves geographical mobility, constitutes a vital A detailed breakdown — by company and type of social component of the Single Market. measure — of Article 56 ECSC Treaty re-adaptation aids 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/13 granted to the United Kingdom for the period 1989 to 1993 recognition covers only those forms of education and is forwarded to the Honourable Member and to the training which meet the conditions laid down by the Secretariat-General of the Parliament. Directives. Moreover, provision is made for compensatory measures ( aptitude test or adaptation period at the migrant's choice ) in order to make up for any substantial differences between different forms of professional education and training.
Given that teaching is a regulated profession both in the WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 754/94 United Kingdom and in France, these Directives apply by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) provided that the migrant is fully qualified professionally in to the Commission his Member State of origin, i.e. that he has, in addition to (1 September 1994) obtaining his qualification, completed all the steps and stages necessary to gain full access in his Member State of ( 95/C 30/31 origin to the profession he wishes to pursue .
Subject: Discrimination against foreign teachers in French With regard to the Capes, this is a recruitment competition schools which is the only means of selection in certain branches of State education in France . Directives 89/48/EEC and 92/51/EEC do not prejudice a Member State's right, as an Given the agreed principle that professional people should employer, to impose specific recruitment conditions such as be allowed to practise their profession in any other Member recruitment by competitive examination, unless proof of State of the European Union why is it that the French board disguised discrimination is furnished . Migrants must of education still demands that a qualified British teacher therefore sit the Capes examination even if they are already should sit the Capes before being able to hold a teaching fully qualified in their country of origin, although they must post in a French school ? be completely exempted from the professional training period which follows that examination in the French public Will the Commission please investigate this situation ? service . This is without prejudice to any compensatory measure that may be required . A trial period may also be imposed on any migrant who, after successfully sitting the examination, enters the French public service for the first time . Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission In the case of private education in France, by contrast, the (3 October 1994) value of a qualification, whether national or foreign, is determined purely by market forces . The recognition of teaching qualifications is covered by two (!) OJ No L 19 , 24 . 1 . 1989 . recent Directives which are specifically designed to ( 2 ) OJ No L 209 , 24 . 7 . 1992 . overcome the obstacles to mutual recognition of professional training not covered by sectoral Directives ( Directive on doctors, etc.).
According to the level of studies completed, the Directive applicable is either Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded WRITTEN QUESTION E-1761/94 on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration (*), which took effect on by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) 4 January 1991 , or Directive 92/51/EEC ( 2 ), which to the Commission complements the above Directive and came into force on (1 September 1994) 18 June 1994 . ( 95/C 30/32 )
These Directives apply only to regulated professions but they do not require Member States to regulate the pursuit of Subject: Administrative costs of development aid from the professions which could be covered by them, and they do EU not in themselves coordinate post-university, secondary or technical education and training. They simply constitute a reference standard specifying the necessary and sufficient Has the Commission ever calculated the percentage of its conditions which education and training have to meet to be development aid budget which is spent on administrative recognized in the Member States . The Member States retain costs ? Will it please provide information on these costs in their freedom to define the minimum level of qualifications relation to overall budget allocations for development required for access to and pursuit of a profession, but aid ? No C 30/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Answer given by Mr Marin organizer or retailer may be held liable if the on behalf of the Commission accommodation does not correspond to the (21 September 1994) description.
As regards fire safety, there is a Council recommendation The Commission is gathering the necessary information to ( 86/666/EEC ) ( 4 ) on fire safety in existing hotels . This reply to the question and will transmit the results of its recommendation does not cover the category of research as soon as possible . accommodation mentioned by the Honourable Member . Aware of the importance of tourism for the Community, the Commission has just launched a study on national rules in this domain and on how they are implemented by the competent authorities .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 767/94 Finally, improvement in the quality of tourist facilities and by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) services is crucial for the development of tourism, and so the to the Commission Commission is implementing — in the context of the action (1 September 1994) plan to assist tourism ( 5 ) — measures designed to encourage and stimulate the Member States to develop and improve ( 95/C 30/33 ) their own quality standards in the domain of tourism.
Subject: Health and safety standards for holiday (!) OJ No L 140, 11 . 2 . 1989 . accommodation (2 ) OJ No C 62, 28 . 2 . 1994 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 158 , 23 . 6 . 1990 . ( 4 ) OJ No L 384, 31 . 12 . 1986 . In the light of a complaint from a constituent regarding ( 5 ) OJ No L 231 , 13 . 8 . 1992 . standards in French self-catering accommodation, does the Commission have control of such standards ? If not, in view of the popularity of tourism internal to the European Union, will the Commission consider making one standard for the Twelve ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 768/94 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) Answer given by Mrs Scrivener to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (1 September 1994) (24 October 1994) ( 95/C 30/34 )
The question directly concerns the problem of compliance Subject: Portugal's use of stray dogs in laboratory with hygiene and health rules for buildings and civil experiments engineering works . As mentioned in the recitals to Directive 89/106/EEC (*), it is up to the Member States to ensure that buildings and civil engineering works are designed and Does the Commission intend to take any action with regard executed in a way that does not endanger the safety of to the use of stray dogs in laboratory experiments in persons, while respecting other essential requirements Portugal, given Directive 86/609/EEC which prohibits the relating to health and hygiene . use of stray animals in experiments ( 1 )?
In order to give substance to these principles, several actions (!) OJ No L 358 , 18 . 12 . 1986, p . 1 . are being conducted at Community level :
— Firstly, common standards are being prepared for all WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 772/94 construction products integrated in buildings. The Commission has fleshed out the framework of this by Hugh McMahon (PSE ) programme, notably in its communication of to the Commission 28 February 1994 ( 2). (1 September 1994) — Whenever provision of tourist accommodation is part of ( 95/C 30/35 ) a package, Council Directive 90/314/EEC ( 3 ) on package travel, package holidays and package tours provides that the contract must contain certain terms . Where the Subject: Abuse of stray dogs for vivisection in Portugal — package includes accommodation, information must be Directive 86/609/EEC provided on '. . . its location, its tourist category or degree of comfort, its main features, its compliance with Is the Commission aware that Directive 86/609/EEC the rules of the host Member State concerned . . .'. The appears to be being breached in Portugal in particular, and 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/15 that experiments are being carried out on stray dogs ? If so, WRITTEN QUESTION E-1779/94 what action does the Commission propose to take by Siegbert Alber ( PPE ) concerning this breach of law by a Member State ? to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/37 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1813/94 by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) Subject: Implementation of the Council Directive of to the Commission 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/36 1 . Member States had until 30 June 1993 to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Council Directive 91/271/EEC ( J ) Subject: Portuguese laboratories using stray dogs in concerning urban waste water treatment. Which Member experiments States have not yet done so ?
Investigations into laboratories in Portugal have uncovered 2 . Member States are required to establish a programme serious breaches of Directive 86/609/EEC concerning for the implementation of this Directive by 31 December laboratory animals, for example, pet dogs who are stray or 1993 and provide the Commission with information on the lost are being used in laboratory experiments, animals are programme by 30 June 1994 . Which Member States have to being kept in tiny cages and conditions which are distressing date provided the Commission with the required and filthy, staff are inadequately trained and inspections are information ? inadequate . Will the Commission call for immediate action to stop the use of non-purpose bred animals in experiments, 3 . The definition of 'sensitive areas' is clearly given rise to for closer monitoring of laboratories and for the closure of difficulties in transposing the Directive into national law . establishments which do not meet the required standards Does the Commission take the view that all the relevant within the European Union as a whole ? 'catchment areas' should also be designated as sensitive areas ?
4 . Does the Commission regard the criteria or technical specifications set out in the Annex as legally binding ? In Joint answer to Written Questions other words, do areas meeting the criteria set out in the E-1768/94, E-l 772/94 and E-1813/94 Annex automatically have to be designated as 'sensitive given by Mr Paleokrassas areas' or is this still left to the discretion of the Member on behalf of the Commission States ? (3 October 1994) (M OJ No L 135 , 30 . 5 . 1991 , p . 40 .
The information concerning stray dogs being used for experimental purposes in Portugal has very recently been brought to the attention of the Commission. Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1994) Certainly, the Commission can confirm that such a situation would not be in accordance with the provisions of Directive 86/609/EEC . According to the first report from the Commission to the Council and to the Parliament on the 1 . Denmark and Luxembourg have informed the Commission that Directive 91/271/EEC has been number of animals used for experimental purposes ( 1 ), the transposed completely into their respective national laws . total number of dogs used in Portugal for experiments in 1992 amounts to 123 . 2 . Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands have provided the Commission with information on their national The Commission will bring up this problem at the next programmes . meeting of the competent authorities for the application of Directive 86/609/EEC to be held in Brussels on 3 . The 'sensitive areas' are those water bodies which have 24/25 October 1994. been identified as being polluted according to the criteria in Annex II. Discharges of urban waste water into the sensitive (M COM(94 ) 195 final . areas must meet certain standards ( Article 5.1 to 5.4). However, discharges into the catchment area of a sensitive area must meet the same standards as discharges directly into the sensitive area ( Article 5.5 ). No C 30/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
4 . Article 5.1 requires Member States to apply the Since one delegation upheld its substantive reservation, the criteria laid down in Annex II when identifying sensitive President of the Council noted that the matter remained in areas . deadlock.
The Council noted a Commission statement to the effect that the latter will initiate the procedure provided for in the agreement on social policy. WRITTEN QUESTION E-1791/94 by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) to the Council (1 September 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 795/94 ( 95/C 30/38 by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) to the Council Subject: Informal Council meeting to consider the equal (1 September 1994) opportunities policy ( 95/C 30/40 ) Does the German Presidency of the Council intend to hold an informal Council meeting to consider the equal Subject: Approval of the proposal for a Directive on the opportunities policy ? If so, on what date and with what reversal of the burden of proof with respect to agenda ? equal pay and equal treatment for men and women
Answer When does the Council intend to give its final approval to the proposal for a Directive on the reversibility of the burden (IS November 1994) of proof with respect to equal pay and equal treatment for men and women ? The informal meeting of Ministers responsible for women's issues held in Berlin on 15 September 1994 discussed the development of equal opportunities in the European Union Answer as well as preparations for the Fourth World Conference on Women. (2 December 1994)
On 22 September 1994 the Council carried out a fresh examination of the proposal for a Directive on the burden of proof. This Directive cannot be adopted without WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 794/94 unanimity. by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) As one delegation maintained its substantive reservation, to the Council the President of the Council recorded that no progress could (1 September 1994) be made . ( 95/C 30/39 The Council noted a Commission statement to the effect that it would give consideration to how to deal with the Subject: Final approval of the proposal for a Directive on situation. parental leave and leave for family reasons
Can the Council say what objections remain after ten years of consultation to the approval of the proposal for a Directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1797/94 Can the Council confirm that it is determined to approve this Directive during the German Presidency ? by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) to the Council (1 September 1994) Answer ( 95/C 30/41 (2 December 1994) Subject: United Nations Conference on Population ( Cairo, The Council of 22 September 1994 re-examined the September 1994 ) proposal for a Directive on parental leave and explored the possibility of reaching a compromise. Adoption of the Which body will represent the Council at the UN Population Directive required unanimity . Conference ( Cairo, September 1994 )? 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/17
What common views will be put forward by the European family planning is an essential social service and that men Union Member States ? and women have the right to the fullest possible information on reproduction, the spacing of pregnancies and contraception, and free access to methods and means of spacing out and deciding the number of their children . Answer (15 November 1994) In November 1992 the Council adopted a resolution setting out an action plan based on the Commission's communication. The Council attended this Conference under the usual procedures by which the European Union takes part in international conferences organized by the United Nations . As regard the Cairo Conference itself, in May this year the The German Minister spoke as President of the Council on Commission sent the Council a communication entitled behalf of the Union. 'The European Community and the challenge of population growth : proposed position of the Community at the World Conference on Population and Development, Cairo 5-13 The views presented by the Union were the result of various September 1994' ( 2 ). coordination meetings ( in New York during the three sessions of the Preparatory Committee, in Brussels in an ad hoc Council Working Party and in Cairo during the That communication served as the basis for discussions Conference itself), and of talks and negotiations with a great aimed at formulating the Community's position at the many members of the United Nations . Conference .
(!) SEC ( 92 ) 2002 final . (2 ) COM(94 ) 100 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1801/94 by Anne Van Lancker ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-1802/94 (1 September 1994) by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) ( 95/C 30/42 ) to the Commission (1 September 1994) Subject: UN Population Conference in Cairo ( 95/C 30/43 ) Can the Commission say who will represent the European Union at the United Nations Population Conference in Subject: Application for Spanish nationality : Cairo in September 1994 and what position will be adopted requirements on behalf of the European Union on the issues of women's reproductive health, family planning and women's participation in formulating population policy ? When a Belgian woman who had been living in Spain for 30 . years , is married to a Spanish citizen and has a child having Spanish nationality, applied for Spanish nationality she was asked to adopt a Spanish variation of her Flemish Answer given by Mr Marin forename . on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1994) Does the Commission believe that this requirement is compatible with the spirit and letter of EU legislation ? Does the Commission regard this as acceptable in the light of the The Community was represented at the UN Population Maastricht concept of 'citizenship of the Union' ? Does the Conference in Cairo by the Commission and the Council Commission believe this is compatible with the principle of Presidency . 'freedom of movement of persons'?
With reference to the positions adopted by the Community at the Conference in relation to women's reproductive health, family planning and women's participation in Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi formulating the policies carried out by developing countries , on behalf of the Commission the Commission would refer the Honourable Member in the (13 October 1994) first place to its communication to the Council of 4 November 1992 on population, family planning and cooperation with developing countries (*), which clearly Article 8(1 ) of the EC Treaty states that: 'Every person sets out the Commission's options on the issues raised by the holding the nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen Honourable Member. The communication argues that of the Union.' No C 30/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
That Article is to be read in conjunction with the repercussions does it expect it to have on the on-going declaration, annexed to the Treaty, on nationality of a negotiations for continuing the NPT ? Member State, which states that: 'wherever in the Treaty establishing the European Community reference is made to nationals of the Member States, the question whether an individual possesses the nationality of a Member State shall be settled solely by reference to the national law of the Member State concerned'. Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (19 October 1994) Accordingly, the conditions under which nationality of a Member State is acquired , kept or lost, including those concerning possible changes to forenames , fall solely within the competence of that Member State and are not affected The Honourable Member's question raises two separate by Community law . issues : the problem of North Korea and the situation in South-East Asia .
The Commission has kept a close watch on developments in the nuclear sphere over the last two years in North Korea . The Community, which has maintained steady support for the IAEA, has declared in favour of preserving the integrity WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 805/94 of the international system of safeguards . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission The joint declaration of 12 August by the USA and North (1 September 1994) Korea could be the basis of a workable solution to the ( 95/C 30/44 ) question of safeguards in respect of North Korea's nuclear programme and other obligations arising from the non-proliferation treaty ( NPT). The Commission is hopeful that a final solution will be found that will enable North Subject: Continuation of the NPT and the delicate situation Korea to honour its commitments under the agreement with the IAEA. in South-East Asia
The report adopted by Parliament at the end of the previous In its communication of 13 July on a new Community parliamentary term on energy priorities in the revised strategy for Asia , the Commission underlined the risk Non-Proliferatoin Treaty ( NPT ) calls for the determination factors and the unstable situation with regard to security in of a position, on as collective a basis as possible, within the Asia, including South-East Asia, where the problem of new framework of political union . With regard to nuclear proliferation is of major concern. It therefore South-East Asia it also calls on the Community to support, proposes to step up political dialogue with the countries of by all available means, international actions aimed at this region and welcomes the recent moves towards greater ensuring that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea political cooperation there . responds in an acceptable manner to the need for verification of its undertakings on safeguards . Finally, it calls on the Commission services to exercise maximum The 1995 conference of contracting parties to the NPT will rigour in controlling exports of nuclear material to that thus be an important stage in this dialogue . In this country. connection, the Community on 25 July adopted a joint action decision under the common foreign and security policy ( CFSP ) with regard to preparation for the conference . During the brief period since then various events have The objective is to strengthen the international system of occurred, producing dramatic changes in the prospects for nuclear non-proliferation by promoting the universality of agreement or conflict in the Democratic People's Republic . the NPT and working to bring about its indefinite and There have been missions such as the one by former unconditional extension. President Carter and negotiations between the two Koreas and with the United States and other powers, which are still going on. However, the unexpected death of President Kim In the exercise of its powers and special responsibilities, II Sung has caused a period of great instability, which has particularly in respect of Chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty, paralysed the dialogue in Geneva and led to the army in the Commission always takes account of the global Seoul being put on the alert. objectives of nuclear non-proliferation.
What steps does the Commission intend to take in view of this delicate situation in South-East Asia, and what 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/19
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l807/94 Mindful of the need to protect the region's ecosystem, the by Alexander Langer ( V) Commission is in favour of developing close cooperation between the Community and Slovenia under the LIFE and to the Commission Interreg Programmes . (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/45 ) On 13 July 1994 the Phare management committee approved a project to clean up, and regularize the flow of, the River Timav as part of the Interreg-Phare cooperation Subject: Risk of pollution in the catchment area of the river programme . The programme will cost ECU 1,44 million, of Timavo ( TS ) in Italy which the Community will contribute ECU 1,19 million ( 83% ).
We are informed that the company Phoenix Euro intends to As regards the approximation of laws on environmental build a Formula One racing circuit accommodating 100 000 protection, the Commission can inform the Honourable spectators near Presnica on the Karst plateau in the Republic Member that the Community provided technical assistance of Slovenia close to the border with Italy. The Karst plateau, under the LIFE Programme in 1993 for drafting laws on which is crossed by the river Timavo that flows partly solid waste management . The Slovenian Government has through imposing caves, is a very fragile ecosystem and a site submitted two further projects for 1994 . of major natural and landscape value, which has been canvassed for many years as an International Nature Park .
A project such as the motor racing circuit will cause further pollution in the catchment area ( both surface and underground ) of the river Timavo . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1810/94 by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) As the river Timavo is already highly polluted and is to the Commission undergoing environmental improvements ( at least on that (1 September 1994) part of it which is in Italy), which are being carried out with ( 95/C 30/46 ) the help of EC funds, does the Commission not consider that an attempt should be made to avoid further deterioration in the environmental situation on the Karst plateau as well as additional future costs to the EU ( either as a result of direct Subject: Discrimination in the insurance industry in environmental improvements or because of the indirect Germany effects on people's health ) by taking preventive action and ensuring closer cooperation between the EU and the Slovene In Federal Germany there is serious discrimination in the Republic ? insurance industry based on the nationality of clients.
In particular, with a view to the future accession of Slovenia Is it true that insurance companies claim an increase in the to the EU, does the Commission not consider that Slovenia's premium solely on the grounds that the insured person is not environmental legislation should be aligned on that of the a German citizen, such an increase being termed a EU ( including EIAs). 'supplement for foreigners'? Is the Commission aware that this supplement is claimed even from citizens of the Union ?
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan In particular, is it correct that the insurance company on behalf of the Commission Schweiz Direct ( legally registered in Munich under No HRB 85778 ), in a document for internal use sent to its agents (11 October 1994) entitled 'Rules governing insurance offers ( motor vehicles ), as of 1 October 1993, FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY', expressly forbids agents from signing contracts of any kind with Greek, Spanish, Turkish or Yugoslav citizens, nor may The Commission is aware that the project to build a partly or fully comprehensive policies be drawn up for Formula One motor racing circuit in the Karst region of Italian or Portuguese citizens or for citizens of eastern Slovenia does not comply with the criteria of either Europe ? Slovenia's long-term development plans , or the natural heritage protection project to make the area a protected national park. The latest information available indicates Does the Commission not consider that any kind of that the relevant authorities have rejected the proposal, and discrimination based on nationality infringes the principle that as things stand the construction project will not go of the equal dignity of the peoples of the Union, opening the ahead . way to contemptible racist behaviour, and that it is No C 30/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 something to be condemned primarily on human rights Final authorization will now depend upon inspection of the grounds but also in terms of the Treaties and secondary Luxembourg company by the German Institute for legislation ? Materials Research and Inspection; this comes on top of a move to prohibit the Luxembourg company from transporting explosives in its specially approved vehicle . What action does the Commission intend to take to prohibit this behaviour in a Member State of the Union and to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future in any of 1 . Does the Commission consider that these additional the Member States ? requirements imposed by the German authorities, which are constantly placing new obstacles in the way of the import of these explosives , are in accordance with Articles 30-36 of the EC Treaty ?
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi If not, what steps will the Commission take to guarantee on behalf of the Commission free movement for these products ? (24 October 1994) 2 . Is it true that the Belgian authorities intend to limit the distance authorized for the transport of explosives The Commission does not act as a supervisory or control between the suppliers' storage premises and end-users to authority over insurance companies established in the 75 kilometres, which would obviously preclude the Member States. Consequently, it is not empowered to export of explosives from Luxembourg to various control the activities of such companies or to judge their destinations in Belgium ? behaviour. Does the Commission consider that such measures are in It should be noted, however, that the legislation introduced line with the internal market provisions of the Treaty ? very recently in Germany on compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance is aimed at ensuring that companies authorized to offer such insurance can reject applications or impose higher rates only on objective criteria of increased risk . Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission
The Commission will draw the German authorities' (3 October 1994) attention to the problem raised . They alone are responsible for ensuring that German legislation is observed . 1 . Under Article 5 of the German Explosives Law, As in previous cases , the Commission will examine whether explosives may not be imported , sold , transferred or used the problems brought to its notice constitute an unless they have been approved by the Federal Institute . infringement of Community law . Until Directive 93/15/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses takes effect on 1 January 1995 , the German authorities' basic right to conduct approval proceedings of this type cannot be challenged ( see the judgment in Case 272/80 Biologische WRITTEN QUESTION E-1814/94 Producten [ 1981 ] ECR 3277). Member States' approval bodies are, however, required to take steps to help ensure by Astrid Lulling ( PPE ) that these proceedings do not place a disproportionate to the Commission burden on intra-Community trade . It is important to avoid (1 September 1994) duplication ofcontrols and to guarantee mutual recognition of suitability tests, test documentation and the results of ( 95/C 30/47 ) tests carried out in other Member States .
Subject: Protectionist measures against the export of As the company referred to was unable to produce explosives to Germany and Belgium documentation during the approval proceedings indicating the methods used to test the suitability of explosives which it stocks in Luxembourg and France, it was necessary to repeat A Luxembourg company which has been exporting some of the tests (a successful practical trial was held in explosives for civil engineering purposes throughout the December 1993 ). As far as the Commission is aware, final world since 1906 has been trying for over five years to approval cannot have been given yet as the reports of the obtain authorization to export explosives to Germany . trials relating to all the different explosion types, which the 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/21
German authorities have undertaken to provide as soon as — policies and anti-discrimination legal instruments that possible, are still not available . The final stage in the tests is promote human rights and the equalization of the inspection — mentioned in the question — of the opportunities company by the German authorities . According to information received by the Commission, this inspection — staffing of units in the Commission with disabled has already been successfully carried out . experts and establishment of disability equality training at all levels in the Commission 2 . The Commission's attention has been drawn to the existence of draft legislation intended to limit to 75 — the allocation of 10% of decision-making positions in kilometres the distance authorized for the transport of the Commission to disabled people ( 50% of whom explosives in Belgium . Once it receives an official copy of the should be disabled women ) by the year 2000 draft legislation, the Commission will examine it — if necessary, in conjunction with the Belgian authorities — in order to clarify whether it is compatible with the rules — inclusion of specific references to disabled people in the contained in the EC Treaty . clauses relating to 'Human rights guaranteed by the Union' in the proposed Constitution of the EU
— introduction of a comprehensive disability policy based on the UN's Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1821/94 by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE ) What plans does the Commission have to implement the to the Commission recommendations in the Disabled Election manifesto ? (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/48
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2012/94 Subject: The European Disabled People's Parliament by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) to the Commission On 3 December 1993 the 'European Disabled People's Parliament' was held in Brussels . At this meeting a (22 September 1994) resolution was adopted which is seen as being of great ( 95/C 30/50 ) importance for the consideration of the situation of disabled Community citizens and, above all , in order to ensure that the situation is considered with the active participation of such citizens. Subject: Disabled People's Parliament (3 December 1993 ) Can the Commission say what steps have been taken to set up a new directorate in DG V responsible for developing Will the Commission please outline the steps which it plans initiatives linked to the drawing up of legislation on equal to take in order to give effect to the resolution adopted by opportunities ? the Disabled People's Parliament ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1960/94 by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2013/94 to the Commission by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) (12 September 1994) to the Commission ( 95/C 30/49 (22 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/51 )
Subject: Rights for people with a disability Subject: Anti-discrimination legislation for disabled Is the Commission aware of the Disabled Europeans EU people election special campaign to support :
— policies to ensure the involvement of directly What plans, if any, does the Commission have to introduce a representative organizations of disabled people in legal instrument in relation to anti-discrimination and decision-making at all EU levels disabled people ? No C 30/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2014/94 recently been re-organized and includes organizational by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) arrangements to ensure that it is possible to pursue policy initiatives concerning equal opportunities and other action to the Commission to assist disabled people . (22 September 1994) 95/C 30/52 ) The Commission is working in consultation with the non-governmental organizations represented in the European disability forum to establish a questionnaire for Subject: Parliament's resolution B3-0580/93 completion annually by national councils of disabled people in each of the Member States. The replies to the questionnaire will provide the basis for an annual report on How is the Commission responding to the European violence and discrimination towards disabled people. Parliament's resolution ( B3-0580/93 ) ( l ) on violence and discrimination against disabled people ? (M COM(94 ) 333 .
(!) OJ No C 150, 31 . 5 . 1993 , p . 270 .
Joint answer to Written Questions WRITTEN QUESTION E-1824/94 E-1821/94, E-1960/94, E-2012/94, E-2013/94 by Nel van Dijk ( V ) and E-2014/94 given by Mr Flynn to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (1 September 1994) (17 November 1994) ( 95/C 30/53 )
The White Paper on Social Policy — A Way Forward for the Subject: Incompatibility with the Habitats Directive of the Union ( l ) which was adopted by the Commission on 27 July current proposed route of the Betuwe line 1994 identifies the need to build into Community policies the fundamental right of disabled people to equal The Netherlands Government has decided to build a section opportunities and includes a commitment to : of the Betuwe line straight across the Rijnstrangengebied, an area which lies between the Rhine and Waal Rivers . This is — build on the positive experience of the European the habitat of the Natterjack toad, in which western disability forum to ensure through appropriate Europe's largest known population of the species lives . The mechanisms that the needs of disabled people are taken Natterjack toad, which requires a very specific biotope, is into account in relevant legislation, programmes and afforded the highest level of protection under the Habitats initiatives; and Directive ( 92/43/EEC ) ( l ) ( Annex IV: Animal and plant species of Community interest in need of strict protection). — prepare an appropriate instrument endorsing the UN It is clear that this habitat will be largely destroyed if the standard rules on equalization of opportunities for Betuwe line is built in accordance with current plans. people with disabilities . 1 . Is the Commission aware of the study carried out by the Ravon Foundation revealing the threat posed to this The Commission also states its belief that, at the next habitat ? opportunity to revise the Treaties, serious consideration must be given to the introduction of a specific reference to 2 . Does the Commission share the view that the combatting discrimination on various grounds including overground construction of the Betuwe line, with the disability, and, with this in mind, it will undertake further aforementioned consequences , is incompatible with the work aimed at demonstrating the value-added of specific Habitats Directive ? Community level actions in this field, as a natural complement to what can be achieved at national, regional or 3 . If so, is it prepared to take action to ensure that the even local level . Netherlands Government complies with the habitats Directive ? Action to follow up the White Paper will take account of the specific points referred to in the disabled European 'EU 4. If it is established that other aspects of the planning of election special' campaign and in the resolution adopted by the Betuwe line are incompatible with the Habitats the disabled people's parliament. This includes Directive, is the Commission proposing to prohibit its consideration of existing legislation within the Community construction along the route which endangers , the and in countries elsewhere in the world . However the Natterjack toad ? Commission does not consider it necessary to create a new directorate within DG V. The Directorate-General has (!) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7. 1992, p. 7. 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/23
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas for the extension of a golf course in Brunssum under on behalf of the Commission the 'Europese Stimuleringsprogramma voor Oostelijk (12 October 1994) Zuid-Limburg'. The project concerned the construction of a golf course and a hotel . The total cost of the project was estimated at 13 600 000 guilders . The ERDF contribution The Commission is not aware of the study revealing a threat was fixed at 800 000 guilders . A further 800 000 guilders to this habitat . The Commission would therefore invite the was committed by the local and provincial authorities . A Honourable Member to send it a copy . private sector contribution of 12 000 000 guilders was foreseen.
The Commission recently received the final report for the programme concerned and a request for the final payment. The Commission will examine whether all projects have WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 825/94 been implemented in accordance with the conditions agreed at the time of their approval. In the case of the golf course in by Nel van Dijk (V ) Brunssum, this means that the Commission will verify to the Commission whether the project has been implemented in conformity (1 September 1994) with the decision of 15 March 1989 and whether Community policies ( including those relating to public ( 95/C 30/54 ) tendering ) have been respected.
Subject: Possible misuse of an ERDF grant for the The Commission will reduce or suspend assistance for the construction of a golf course in Brunssum, South project concerned if the examination reveals an irregularity Limburg or a significant change affecting the nature or conditions for the implementation of the operation for which the Commission's approval has not been sought . If necessary, The Limburgs Dagblad of 20 May 1994 carried a report the Commission will ensure that any sum to be recovered is concerning non-compliance with the conditions attached to duly repaid . an ERDF grant. Although the contract had already been awarded, without a public tendering procedure, to SBA, such a procedure was opened after the ERDF had granted Articles 23-26 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253/88 (*) as aid, with the aim of confirming the award of the contract, amended by Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082/93 ( 2 ), lay down and that is what happened . The undertaking by the ERDF detailed procedures for the monitoring and financial control was, moreover, based on private-sector investment of HFL of the actions co-financed by the Structural Funds . The 12 million. That money has not yet materialized. At most, Commission believes that these provisions are appropriate . HFL 5 million will be invested by the private sector . As well as the Commission, the national and regional authorities concerned have responsibility in ensuring their 1 . Is the Commission aware of the improper way in which proper application. the contract for extending the golf course was awarded and of the fact that the promised private-sector (!) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 . investment has not yet materialized, and does it consider ( 2 ) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . that this satisfies the relevant conditions ?
2 . Does the Commission share the view that the abovementioned state of affairs is unacceptable and that any grant already paid out by the ERDF should be recovered ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1838/94 3 . If so, is the Commission in fact prepared to recover the by Ian Paisley ( NI ) grant ? to the Commission (1 September 1994) 4. What action does the Commission intend to take to prevent such impropriety in future in the Netherlands ( 95/C 30/55 ) and other Member States ?
Subject: Belfast Harbour
Answer given by Mr Millan In the past decade Belfast Harbour has benefited on behalf of the Commission substantially from European Regional Development Fund (5 October 1994) grants of normally up to 65 % of project value . It is now proposed that the Harbour should be privatized. Can the Commission state what impact privatization of the Harbour On 15 March 1989 it was decided to approve assistance would have on its eligibility to attract further assistance from the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ) from the ERDF ? No C 30/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Answer given by Mr Millan Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1994) (7 October 1994)
In the event of the privatization of the port of Belfast, In the period 1989-1993 EIB loans in Greece rose steadily, eligibility for future European Regional Development Fund to ECU 1,2 billion, of which ECU 269 million in the form of aid would be subject to compliance with the appropriate EIB global loan allocations were used by the Greek banking conditions namely : sector to finance 335 small and medium-sized investment projects, two-thirds of which were in industry . — the aid must result in an investment to the benefit of the users of the infrastructure; Like the EIB, the Commission agrees with the Honourable — the aid should be pitched at a level reflecting the extent to Member that these figures could be higher. However, as which a subsidy is necessary to ensure the investment is indicated in its annual report on the reform of the Structural undertaken; Funds ( x ), the take-up of EIB financing in Greece is determined by a number of factors, and in particular the — the retention of infrastructure in public use during its high level of public debt, the relatively sluggish rate of gross economic life would normally be required; fixed capital formation, the ceiling controls on credit and financial flows with the rest of the world and, lastly, the — in the event of a sale of the assets during their economic considerable amount of Community resources made life, repayment of all or part of the ERDF grant would be available to economic agents in the form of grants ( from the required . Structural Funds in particular ). It should be pointed out that EIB loans , which are financed out of borrowing, are not subsidized and are granted on terms which, while being The Single Programming Document ( 1994-1999 ) for favourable since they take account of the EIB's 'AAA' rating, Northern Ireland provides that the maximum ERDF are based closely on those obtaining on financial and capital aid-rate respect of investments in private ports will be markets . 50% .
Moreover, following the decision taken by the Copenhagen So far as past ERDF aid to the port of Belfast is concerned, in European Council in June 1993 , global loans totalling ECU the event of the privatization of the port the Commission 1 billion will be made available by the EIB for the financing would consider whether any of the grant should be required of job-creating investment carried out by SMEs in Europe . to be repaid . The loans carry a Community interest subsidy of 2 % over five years .
( x ) COM(91 ) 400 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1839/94 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) to the Commission (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/56 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1846/94 by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission Subject: EIB loans to SMEs (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/57 ) The Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry points out in a memo that one of the problems associated with the very high cost of borrowing for small and medium-sized enterprises is the inability of the Greek banking system to put to good use Subject: Advisory committee on training in nursing the subsidized loans provided for SMEs by the European Investment Bank . A recent EC background report on Adapting Community Legislation to Subsidiarity (*) indicates that a number of What does the Commission think of the uptake rate for the older Directives on recognition of qualifications are proving loans in question, and what will be done to overcome unwieldy in operation and should be simplified or repealed . obstacles to the smooth flow of credit to Greek SMEs ? Does the Commission intend to introduce legislation to 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/25 introduce such changes and will this affect the future of the Following the coming into force of the general system of Advisory Committee on Training in Nursing, which clearly recognition of professional qualifications ( Directives has a broader remit, and the advisory committees for 89/48/EEC (*) and 92/51/EEC ( 2 )), the Commission is dentists , doctors, midwives, and veterinary surgeons ? considering repealing a large number of Directives ( about 40 ) on recognition of professional experience and proofs of (M ISEC/B3/94 . honourability, solvency, etc., and replacing them by one new Directive completing the said general system .
(!) OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989 . Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi (2 ) OJ No L 209, 24 . 7 . 1992 . on behalf of the Commission (4 October 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1861/94 The Commission background report on subsidiarity by John McCartin ( PPE ) ( ISEC/B3/94 25 . 1 . 1994 ) mentions ( page 4 ) that 'the operation of a number of older Directives on recognition of to the Commission qualifications are proving unwinding and should be (6 September 1994) simplified'; it specifies ( page 6 ) that 'as a result of the ( 95/C 30/58 ) extension of mutual recognition, there will be a phased repeal of Directives on the recognition of professional qualifications'. Subject: Community initiatives Under the first round of Community initiatives in Ireland, The Commission does not intend to propose the repeal of will the Commission provide a breakdown by percentage of the Directives which set up the system of automatic the funds committed and payments made, on the one hand recognition of diplomas and of coordination of training, for to government agencies ( central, regional or local ) and nurses and for some other health professions . It considers semi-State bodies, and on the other hand to private the operation of these Directives can be simplified firstly by a bodies ? rationalization of the functioning of the seven advisory committees on training, by a reduction in the number of the meetings, as explained in the answer to Mrs Banotti's oral Answer given by Mr Millan question on the Commission's policy towards the advisory on behalf of the Commission committees ( No 101 , 23 . 6 . 1993 ) and by invitation of members only to the plenary meetings, with alternates (10 October 1994) attending only in place of members who are unable to attend . Financial information on operational programmes ( including the Community Initiatives ) is provided for all the Further, it is intended to simplify legislative procedures for programmes approved by the Commission according to a the updating of provisions relating to diplomas and to some standard format . The participation of the Member State is criteria for training . This step is being prepared, first for the broken down by public and private expenditure . Public doctors Directive and in the longer run will be introduced in expenditure is further broken down by central government, the other Directives on the automatic recognition of local public resources and other . The table below diplomas for health professions, including nurses . summarises ( in percentage terms ) the financial plans for the Obviously, consultation will take place on possible Community Initiatives in which Ireland participated substantial changes . between 1990 and 1993 .
(in %)
Member State Funds EC Funds Central Local Other Private
Envireg 33 — — — 67
Leader 18 — — 55 27
Prisma 7 — 9 17 67
Regen — — 65 — 35 Retex 3 0,2 0,2 44 52,6
Stride 25 — — — 75
Telematique — — 4 41 55 No C 30/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Member State Funds EC Funds Central Local Other Private
Euroform 34 66
Horizon 37 — — — 63
NOW 31 — — — 69
The Interreg I Initiative was operated jointly by the Irish and their legislation on the taxation of non-residents with regard Northern Ireland authorities and the relevant percentages to income tax. For instance, Ireland brought in the Finance are : Central — 2 1 % ; Other — 8 % ; Private — 1 4 % ; and EC Act 1994, which provides that a person non-resident in Funds 57% . Ireland but with his residence in another Member State is eligible for all the personal deductions if he obtains at least More detailed information as to the precise amounts 75 % of his world income in Ireland. attributable to individual beneficiaries such as different agencies, semi-State bodies or private entities is held by the responsible authorities in Ireland. Application for any By the Law of 24 June 1994 on frontier workers further information required could be made to the ( Grenzpendlergesetz ), Germany has improved the tax Department of Finance . regime for frontier workers and other persons not resident in Germany. However, the new legislation is not satisfactory — in the Commission's view — on one key point, the joint assessment for married couples under the splitting WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 863/94 procedure, which is not available to the categories referred by Ria Oomen-Ruijten ( PPE ) to above. to the Commission (6 September 1994) Belgium too is planning to amend its legislation on the ( 95/C 30/59 ) taxation of non-residents shortly. According to the information received by the Commission, the new Subject: Trans-frontier work and the recommendation on legislation will be modelled largely on the principles set out taxation in the Commission recommendation of 21 December 1993 . At the end of 1993 , the Commission submitted a recommendation on taxation. The recommendation came about because the Directive, which was ready as long ago as As announced, the Commission will carry out early next 1979, had no chance whatsoever of being adopted by the year an assessment of the measures taken by Member States Council . The recommendation contains proposals for the to implement the recommendation and will, where introduction by Member States of a uniform system for appropriate, decide on any other measures that are needed people who work in a country other than the one in which inter alia in the light of developments in the Court's relevant they live . case-law. It should be pointed out in this connection that the 1 . Has any further action been taken on the Court is currently examining a case of principle as part of recommendation ? proceedings for a preliminary ruling ( Case C 279/73 Finanzamt Koln Altstadt v. Roland Schumackers). 2 . Is the Commission in a position to prepare the way for the inclusion of a special provision in the Treaty on European Union during the 1996 inter-governmental 2 . The Commission will play a full part in the conference ? preparatory work for the Inter-governmental Conference . However, it is too early to comment on any 'specific 3 . Is the Commission prepared to revise Regulations ( EEC ) provision' as referred to by the Honourable Member. No 1408/71 ( x ) and ( EEC ) No 574/72 ( 2 ) now that Member States are increasingly bringing social security contributions within their tax regimes and there is no 3 . The Commission would point out that Regulations coordination under these Regulations ? ( EEC ) No 1408/71 and ( EEC ) No 574/72 apply to social (*) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7. 1971 , p . 2 . security systems regardless oftheir method of financing. The ( 2 ) OJ No L 74, 27. 3 . 1972, p . 1 . fact that Member States are bringing social security contributions within their tax regimes does not prevent application of these Regulations . Against this, allocation as Answer given by Mrs Scrivener between Member States of the right of taxation in the on behalf of the Commission income tax field is governed by bilateral conventions (4 October 1994) concluded.
1 . According to the information available to the Commission, a number of Member States recently amended 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/27
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 864/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1867/94 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten ( PPE ) by Maartje van Putten ( PSE) to the Commission to the Commission (6 September 1994) (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/60 ) ( 95/C 30/61 )
Subject: Population awareness training Subject: Impact of legislation on trans-frontier workers Does the Commission intend to use the services of a Parliament's resolution on the Green Paper on European specialist consultant to design and conduct training courses social policy refers to the ever-increasing differences in the on population, family planning and reproductive health social security and health insurance systems that apply to issues for desk officers of DG I and DG VIII ? trans-frontier workers . This situation has arisen because Member States have made changes to legislation in the field Does the Commission plan to use the services of a consultant of health care and social security without ever, considering to provide similar training courses for officials in the impact of trans-frontier workers . Parliament has delegations ? proposed that the Commission should call on Member States to carry out an assessment of the impact on trans-frontier workers of any amendments they make to How many officials in delegations are experts in legislation, so that the situation does not need to be population-related issues or have received specific training remedied later by means of the coordinating Regulation. in this area ?
Is the Commission prepared to take action in this connection under the social protocol ? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (18 October 1994)
Answer given by Mr Flynn A seminar on population, family planning and reproductive on behalf of the Commission health issues was held in Brussels earlier this year . Guest (21 October 1994) speakers included representatives of all leading NGOs in the field . One of the objectives of the seminar was to raise awareness of these issues amongst desk officers of DG I North/South and DG VIII, who are responsible for strategic The Commission is inclined to agree with the Honourable planning of country programmes and supervising those Member's analysis that certain changes to national social recruited to undertake detailed project design. This security legislation may have adverse consequences for specialized design work needs to be undertaken by trans-frontier workers, causing problems to which experienced consultants with appropriate qualifications . Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 does not offer a solution . The Additional training of staff in Brussels or in delegations is Commission refers inter alia to its answer to Written not currently foreseen . Question No 1688/94 (*).
The Commission views with interest the Honourable Member's suggestion that the impact on trans-frontier workers of changes to national social security legislation be assessed . However, as emphasised by the Court ofJustice on WRITTEN QUESTION E-1871/94 several occasions ( 2 ), attention is drawn to the fact that the by Petrus Cornelissen ( PPE ) aforementioned Regulation does not affect the freedom of to the Commission the Member States to organize their own social security systems . It is therefore up to the authorities of the Member (6 September 1994) States to carry out such an assessment. ( 95/C 30/62 )
(*) See page 6 of this Official Journal . ( 2 ) See inter alia Judgment of 15 January 1986, Case 41/84, Pinna I, Subject: Refund of VAT under the Eight VAT Directive 1986-1 . 1 . Is the Commission aware that applications submitted for the refund of VAT under the Eight VAT Directive are still not being dealt with by Italy within the prescribed No C 30/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 six-month time limit, in spite of the action promised by the mandatory timetable for the various refunds and, where Commission in . response to various questions by the applicable, for payment of interest calculated according to European Parliament and the finding against Italy by the the date on which the application was made . European Court of Justice in 1992 ?
2 . Is the Commission also aware that the Italian State is still not paying interest on monies which have been outstanding for several years ?
3 . Can the Commission confirm that no payments have WRITTEN QUESTION E-1872/94 yet been made in response to the applications for the refund by Karla Peijs ( PPE ) of VAT for 1990, 1991 , 1992 and 1993 submitted by to the Commission NOB/SCT Transportdiensten in Rijswijk ( an employers' (6 September 1994) organization in the Dutch haulage sector), and that the amount involved is in excess of Lit 4 billion ( approximately ( 95/C 30/63 ) Fl 4 million )?
4 . Is the Commission prepared to conduct through Subject: Irish Government subsidy to the Hasbro/Milton top-level discussions with the Member State concerned into Bradley plant in Waterford ( Ireland ) this unacceptable state of affairs, which is threatening the continued existence of the firms affected and also calling 1 . Is the Commission aware of the proposed into question the credibility of the European institutions, re-organization of the games and jigsaw manufacturers and advise Parliament as soon as possible of the action to be Hasbro International Inc., under which its Dutch plant, MB taken ? Nederland B.V. in Ter Apel is threatened with closure ? The main reason given by Hasbro for the closure is surplus capacity at the three European factories . Closure at Ter Apel will cut the workforce to only 58 % of current levels . Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission 2 . Is the Commission also aware that the Irish (20 October 1994) Government is paying a subsidy of Fl 70 000 per employee to Hasbro/Milton Bradley's Irish plant in Waterford , enabling the factory to reduce its labour costs to Chinese 1 . Having ascertained a failure to comply with the levels ? judgment, based on Article 169 of the EC Treaty, in which it was found that Italy had failed to comply with the Eighth VAT Directive, the Commission has instituted fresh 3 . Does the Commission agree that the subsidy is infringement proceedings on the basis of Article 171 . A distorting competition within the European Union and will letter of formal notice was sent to Italy on 28 May 1993 , ultimately lead to the closure of MB's Dutch plant in Ter followed by a reasoned opinion on 15 July 1994 . Apel and probably, in the longer term, the Spanish plant in Valencia ? 2 . In the reasoned opinion, the Commission pointed out that financial losses were being incurred by taxable persons 4 . In view of the importance to Europe of fair not established in Italy due to the fact that Italian law made competition and the impact on employment, is the no provision for paying interest on refunds of value added Commission prepared to deal with this issue and broach the tax made after the prescribed time limits . subject with the Member States concerned ?
The amount of these losses will be used to determine any lump sum or penalty payment as provided for in Article 171 . Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission 3 . NOB/SCT has not yet informed the Commission of the (18 October 1994) amounts of VAT which its members are expecting to be refunded by the Italian authorities . It would be desirable for it to do so at its earliest convenience . Since Ireland is an area where there is serious underemployment within the meaning of Article 92(3)a ) EC 4 . Yes . The Commission is aware that this state of affairs Treaty, the Commission has decided to allow relatively high is unacceptable and, in addition to resolutely pursuing the levels of aid to new investment and to expansion of existing proceedings initiated against Italy both in and out of Court, plant there . Individual applications of the regional aid expects to bring the matter to the attention of the new Italian regime approved by the Commission need not be notified by Minister for Finance without delay. The solution to the the Irish Government pursuant to Article 93(3 ) EC problem lies in drawing up and respecting a precise, Treaty . 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/29
The Commission is verifying with the Irish authorities All these calls resulted in the selection of projects specifically whether the aid to Hasbro/Milton Bradley in Waterford related to both product diversification and the environment. referred to by the Honourable Member is indeed an In all cases one of the principal criteria was that projects application of its scheme. were trans-national in scope ( i.e. that projects should have partners from at least two Member States ). In 1991 a total of 48 Projects were co-financed and the results were published The company itself is responsible for decisions to in 'Eurotourism Culture and Countryside' which was sent concentrate production or to decrease production directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat capacity . General of the Parliament in reply to her Written Question No 1874/94 (*). In 1992 a total of 23 projects on sustainable tourism were co-financed and a summary document detaling the most successful of these projects will be published in early 1995 . In 1993 a total of 31 projects were co-financed . 14 of these projects relate to transnational actions and 17 relate to the establishment of cultural routes . In general terms all these projects funded over the period 1991-1993 have sought to undertake innovative actions WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 875/94 relating to new product development, quality enhancement, by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) research, improving information provision and increasing pan-European cooperation . to the Commission (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/64 ) With regard to the projects which are trans-frontier in scope ( i.e. where project partners share the same border and implement the project in that border region ) it is apparent that 11 of the 1991 projects and 4 of the 1992 projects were Subject: Cross-border cooperation in the tourist industry of this type and were concerned with either environmental actions or product development work . Precise information on the 1993 projects is not yet available as the projects have Can the Commission supply any information on the not yet been completed . measures carried out since the European Year of Tourism in the area of cross-border cooperation :
(!) OJ No C 24, 30 . 1 . 1994 . 1 . to promote a greater diversification in tourist activity; and
2 . to help ensure that this activity is based on environmentally sustainable development ?
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-1885/94 (31 October 1994) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) Since the European Year of Tourism, which finished in (9SIC 30/65 ) 1991 , the Commission has co-financed a number of pilot projects relating to encouraging new tourism activities and products, and promoting sustainable tourism. Three calls for proposals sought projects in certain fields and these are as follows : Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage , transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels — Reference 91C 128/10 : Rural and cultural tourism
— Reference 92C 51/16 : Sustainable tourism Will the Commission ensure that its replies on actions undertaken by the Commission on each of the 17 — Reference 93C 128/09 : Transnational actions and recommendations of Parliament's report on the cultural tourism . environmental and public health aspects of the storage, No C 30/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by and all nations owning nuclear power stations or nuclear Mr Llewellyn Smith ( x ), are given separately and not weapons to facilitate the joining of the Vienna , Paris and collectively in one reply ? Brussels conventions on nuclear liability ?
(!) OJ No C 255 , 20 . 9 . 1993 , p . 255 .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1888/94 by Alexander Falconer (PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 886/94 (6 September 1994) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) ( 95/C 30/68 ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/66 ) Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels What legislative proposals have been brought forward by the Commission in fulfilment of the requirement upon the Commission under recommendation 15 of the amended What action has the Commission taken to establish a report on the environmental and public health aspects of the complete database of all categories of radioactive waste, by storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, location, in the Community and to make this publicly A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by available to all citizens within the Community and all Parliament on 16 July 1993 , to ensure that no single interested parties outside, as called for in recommendation community within any Member State is forced to accept the 17 of the amended report on the environmental and public storage or disposal of radioactive waste from outside that health aspects of the storage, transport and reprocessing of Member State ? What proposals have been brought forward nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as by the Commission regarding the environmental and supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ? When will this radiological impact upon humans of long-term storage and database be completed and what steps is the Commission disposal of high level radioactive waste ? planning to publicize and distribute the database ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 889/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-l887/94 by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/69 ) ( 95/C 30/67 )
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, Subject: Commission action on Parliament's transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels What action has been taken to implement recommendation 14 of the amended report on the environmental and public What action has the Commission taken to fulfil the request health aspects of the storage, transport and reprocessing of made under recommendation 16 of the amended report on nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 , by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as the environmental and public health aspects of the storage , supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993, requiring the transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Commission to develop proposals for the minimization of Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July the production of nuclear wastes ? Will the Commission 1993 , on conducting negotiations between the Commission make a detailed statement on any research conducted by the 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/31
Commission, Euratom and the Joint Research Centre into transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by the reduction of long-lived radioactive isotopes through Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July transmutation ? 1993 ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 890/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 892/94 by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (6 September 1994) (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/70 ) ( 95/C 30/72 )
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels
What action has the Commission taken to consult with the What action has been taken by the Commission to fulfil OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency and non-governmental recommendation 1 1 on the redeployment of skilled nuclear organizations with a recognized insight and expertise on nuclear hazards and accidents over the development of an reprocessing workforces at EC nuclear reprocessing plants of the amended report on the environmental and public international convention on harmonized liability for damage to people, property and the environment as called health aspects of the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as for in recommendation 13 of the amended report on the environmental and public health aspects of the storage, supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ? When does the transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 , as Commission expect to present the report to Parliament ? supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ? Will the Commission explain why it has not forwarded to Parliament the report on this consultation requested in the recommendation ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 893/94 by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 891/94 (6 September 1994) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) ( 95/C 30/73 ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/71 ) Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels What action has been taken by the Commission to implement recommendation 10 on the proliferation problems posed by reprocessing plutonium of the amended report on the environmental and public health aspects of the What action has been taken by the Commission to meet the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, requirements of recommendation 12 on nuclear insurance A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by and Commission participation in reviews of global Parliament on 16 July 1993 ? When does the Commission conventions on liability and compensation arising from intend to fulfil the request that it report to Parliament on this nuclear accidents of the amended report on the matter ? Can it explain why this request has not been met to environmental and public health aspects of the storage, date ? No C 30/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 894/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 896/94 by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (6 September 1994) (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/74 ) ( 95/C 30/76 )
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels Subject: Commission action on Parliament's recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels What action has been taken by the Commission to implement recommendation 7 on the presentation to the Council of proposals for new legislation to ensure that the agreements made at the 1992 Review Conference on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials are implemented What action has been taken to date to implement across the Community, of the amended report on the recommendation 9 on Euratom-IAEA liaison on nuclear environmental and public health aspects of the storage, safeguards of the amended report on the environmental and transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels , A3-0220/93 by public health aspects of the storage, transport and Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn 1993 ? Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 897/94 by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 895/94 ( 95/C 30/77 ) by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) to the Commission (6 September 1994) Subject: Commission action on Parliament's ( 95/C 30/75 ) recommendation on the report on the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels
What action has the Commission taken to implement recommendation 6(i ), ( ii ) and ( iii ) respectively on the risks posed and safety measures required to transport high-level Subject: Commission action on Parliament's nuclear waste of the amended report on the environmental recommendation on the report on the storage , and public health aspects of the storage, transport and transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ?
What action has been taken by the Commission to implement recommendation 8 on the ad hoc working group WRITTEN QUESTION E-1898/94 on plutonium demand of the amended report on the environmental and public health aspects of the storage, by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by to the Commission Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July (6 September 1994) 1993 ? ( 95/C 30/78 )
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's Which independent experts have been invited to present recommendation on the report on the storage, evidence before this ad hoc group ? When and where has it transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels met to date ? What plans exist for future meetings ? What discussions have taken place with the IAEA over the ad hoc group ? What reports have been made to the Council and What action has been taken by the Commission to Parliament respectively pursuant to recommendation 8 ? implement recommendation 5 ( i-iv ) on the risks of 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/33 plutonium transport of the amended report on the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1902/94 environmental and public health aspects of the storage , by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July to the Commission 1993 ? (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/81 )
Subject: Commission action on Parliament's WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 899/94 recommendation on the report on the storage , by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels to the Commission What action has the Commission taken to include in its (6 September 1994) revision of Directive 92/3/Euratom ( J ) on the prior ( 95/C 30/79 ) notification, supervision and control of radioactive wastes, recommendation 1 of the amended report on the environmental and public health aspects of the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by Subject: Commission action on Parliament's Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July recommendation on the report on the storage, 1993 ? transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels 0 ) OJ No L 35 , 12 . 2 . 1992, p . 24 . What specific action has been undertaken by the Commission's DG-XI and Euratom to implement the full cradle-to-grave environmental audits of alternative nuclear Joint answer to Written Questions fuel-cycle options, including direct disposal, compacting E-1885/94 to E-1900/94 and E-1902/94 and re-processing, as called for in recommendation 4 of the given by Mr Oreja amended report on the environmental and public health on behalf of the Commission aspects of the storage, transport and reprocessing of nuclear (5 October 1994) fuels, A3-0220/93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July 1993 ? What resource commitment has been made to fulfilling this request to the Commission ? The 17 questions put by the Honourable Member refer back Will the Commission explain why the requested to Parliament's resolution ( Doc . A3-0220/93 ) on the environmental audits have not been presented to Parliament environmental and public health aspects of the storage, by May 1994 as requested ? transport and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels in the Commuriity, adopted at the part session of July 1993 .
The resolution has prompted comments from the Commission which, owing to their length, are being sent WRITTEN QUESTION E-1900/94 directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) Secretariat. to the Commission (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/80 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1903/94 Subject: Commission action on Parliament's by Alexander Falconer ( PSE ) recommendation on the report on the storage , to the Council transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/82 ) What action has been taken by the Commission to implement recommendation 3 of the amended report on the environmental and public health aspects of the storage, Subject: Council action on Parliament's recommendation transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by on the report on the storage, transport and Mr Llewellyn Smith, as supported by Parliament on 16 July reprocessing of nuclear fuels 1993 , to ensure that safeguards clauses are fully incorporated into all EC agreements with countries outside What action has been taken by the Council in response to the EU, especially in central and eastern Europe and the recommendation 5 ( i, ii and v ) of the amended report on the Middle and Far-East, involved in nuclear trade with EU environmental and public health aspects of the storage, Member States or with Euratom ? transport and reprocessing of nuclear fuels, A3-0220/93 by No C 30/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Mr Llewellyn Smith (*), as supported by Parliament on 'Commission nationale de suivi' established by the said Law 16 July 1993 ? When were these matters discussed by the and on royal implementing orders, the Honourable Member Council ? What communications has Council had with could usefully obtain information from the national Parliament in regard to implementation of the authorities . recommendations ?
(*) OJ No C 255 , 20 . 9 . 1993 , p . 255 .
Answer WRITTEN QUESTION E-1922/94 (2 December 1994) by Jessica Larive ( ELDR) to the Commission
1 . The Council would remind the Honourable Member (12 September 1994) that the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) has ( 95/C 30/84 ) established a regime, subscribed to by all the Member States, for the transport of nuclear materials and radioactive substances . Subject: Spending of European money on sport in the European Union 2 . Furthermore, the Member States are constantly endeavouring, within the framework of the IAEA's work, to Can the Commission give an overview of sports projects contribute to improving the criteria used to set up that which have been made possible by European financial regime. resources on the basis of budget line B3-305, Europe in sport ?
Can the Commission also explain how it intends to incorporate the Larive report on the European Community WRITTEN QUESTION E-1909/94 and sport adopted by the European Parliament on 27 April by José Happart (PSE ) 1994 into its policy, particularly in the context of the to the Commission forthcoming meeting of the Sports Forum ? (6 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/83 ) Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission Subject: Eco-taxes (20 October 1994) PVC is widely used in the composition of containers or packaging for products used in agriculture ( plant health As regards the first part of the question, budget Article products, etc.). B3-305 ( Sport) carries ECU 2 million in 1994, of which ECU 1,2 million is reserved exclusively for sports activities for the Will these products also be subject to eco-taxes ? disabled . A ' 1994 Sports for the Disabled' programme has been prepared .
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Following agreement by the Member States, the 'European on behalf of the Commission Sports Committee for the Disabled' give its opinion to the (13 October 1994) Commission, at its meeting on 19 November 1993 . This Committee consists of 24 members, two per Member State, one representing the mentally disabled and the other the The question refers to the Interpretation of Chapter V physically disabled. On the basis of the Committee's ( Article 379 et seq.) of Book III ( Ecotaxes ) of the Belgian opinion, 22 projects out of the 35 submitted were Law of 16 July 1993 designed to complete the federal selected . structure of the State ( Moniteur beige, 20 July 1993, second edition). That chapter deals with industrial containers, Of a total of ECU 1,2 million the following amounts have including all those for pesticides, without specifying the been committed to date : materials used for their manufacture . ECU 518 000 : basic projects; Eco-taxes are not among the indirect taxes harmonized at the Community level and consequently are subject only to ECU 175 000 : school sports for disabled pupils; review for compliance with Article 95 of the EEC Treaty . ECU 168 000 : Lillehammer paralympics;
Because, furthermore, the precise application of the ECU 140 000: world athletics championship for the provisions in question depends on proposals from the disabled — Berlin; 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/35
ECU 60 000 : sports network — rehabilitation centres; WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/94 by Jessica Larive (ELDR ) ECU 40 000 : publicity material. to the Commission A total of ECU 1 101 000 has already been committed . The (12 September 1994) remaining ECU 99 000 will be committed before the end of ( 95/C 30/85 ) the budget year in accordance with the criteria laid down . Subject: Spending of Gutenberg Programme money to The ECU 800 000 available for all other sporting activities promote books and reading was distributed as follows : The European Parliament has introduced a new budget line, ECU 140 000 : planning and organization of the Fourth B3-2004, to promote books and reading, the Gutenberg European Sports Forum; Programme, in response to the Larive report ( A3-0159/92 I 1 )). ECU 75 000 : operation of the fair play campaign ( together with the Council of Europe); 1 . Can the Commission say precisely how the ECU 200 000 has been spent ? ECU 40 000 : planning of the Europack campaign, a campaign against doping ( together with the Council of 2 . Can the Commission say whether the wishes expressed Europe ); by the European Parliament in the Larive report ( A3-0159/92 ) have been taken adequately into account ECU 400 000 : subsidy towards the 1994 budget of the in the spending of this money ? European Athletics Federation; in return the Community image was projected at two sporting events which enjoyed 3 . Can the Commission appreciate the rapporteur's wide media coverage, namely : the European Cup in surprise at the apparent establishment of a new Birmingham and the European Championship in programme, Ariane, without the European Parliament Helsinki; or its rapporteur being involved, despite the requirements of Article 128 of the Maastricht ECU 10 000 : feasibility study for the European Schools Treaty ? Games carried out by the International Federation for School Sports; H OJ No C 42, 15 . 2 . 1993 , p . 182 . ECU 135 000 : was divided among smaller scale projects or events but with a European dimension, such as the university table-tennis championships, the European basketball tournament, the secondary schools' trophy Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission etc. (31 October 1994) With regard to the second part of the question, the Commission has decided, having taken note of the conclusions of the Larive report, to forge closer contacts 1 . Following the adoption of the Larive report, the new with the world of sport . budget item B3-2004 ( Promotion of books and reading — Gutenberg Programme ) was endowed with a total appropriation of ECU 200 000 for 1994 . At the third meeting of the European Sports Forum in November 1993, the Commission proposed that a working party be set up to follow up the study on the impact of Use has been made of this appropriation notably for the Community activities on sport . purposes of the 'Reading for pleasure' campaign to promote books and reading, which was launched by the Ministers for Culture in cooperation with the Council of Europe in April The working party, set up in 1994, will study the problems 1993 and culminated in the Frankfurt Book Fair on of restrictions to free movement and the failure to recognize 8 October 1994 . As part of the campaign seven specialist diplomas of sports trainers . At the Fourth Forum to which meetings and symposia were held on various aspects of the Parliament is invited, the Commission will insist on an books and reading on the initiative of the Member States early solution to these pressing problems. and with the support of the Commission. Organized in close cooperation with the relevant bodies in the Member States In order to boost coordination and to facilitate the flow of concerned, they each received a financial contribution of up information between the Commission and the world of to ECU 30 000 . sport, an information desk will be set up in the Sports Unit. This desk will be accessible to the various sports authorities in the Parliament and to individuals . The campaign meetings are listed below: — Books as media : European meeting of literary critics ( Brussels, 15/16 December 1993 ) No C 30/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
— Promotion of cooperation with and between libraries : It is now up to Parliament and the Council to act on this proposal for a Decision and make such amendments as they — conference on libraries and archives ( Lisbon, deem necessary . 28 January 1994 )
— seminar : 'Through books, discover Europe . . . and each other' ( London, 21/22 March 1994 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1928/94 — Promotion of books and reading among young people : European meeting of book trade representatives ( Turin, by Doris Pack ( PPE ) 19-20 May 1924 ) to the Commission (12 September 1994) — Literary translation and translator training : European ( 95/C 30/86 ) meeting of translators and other professionals ( Amsterdam, 9/10 June 1994 ) Subject: Subsidies granted by the Commission for trade union information and education work f — The problems facing small publishers and bookshops in Europe : conference of specialists and professionals Every year the Commission grants substantial amounts of ( Luxembourg 22/24 June 1994 ) money to trade unions for information and education work inter alia for measures to prepare workers for the internal — Conservation of acid paper and use of permanent paper : market and for the implementation of the White Paper on meeting of specialists entitled 'The conservation of Competitiveness, Growth and Employment. Europe's cultural heritage : policy and research solutions concerning the preservation of paper and leather' ( Delft, Can the Commission indicate the level of funding provided 27/28 June 1994 ). in 1992, 1993 and 1994 ? What budget items are the source of this funding ? What proportion of the total provision for 1992 and 1993 was actually spent ? Which national trade 2 . The 'Reading for pleasure' campaign was launched in unions and which trade union umbrella organization at response to the wish of the Member States to take stock of European level, including their national or European the situation in respect of books and reading in the affiliated institutions, received funding in 1992 and 1993 , Community and, through consultations with professionals and how much did they receive ? What is the planned and experts, produce a rapid assessment which could serve allocation of funds for 1994 ? What criteria were and are as a basis for European action in this field . The aim was to used for the granting of assistance ? Which trigger ideas for the development of an extended support Directorates-General and which services deal with the programme in the field of books and reading, which, in time, granting of assistance ? would encompass some of the concerns set out in the Gutenberg Programme .
Answer given by Mr Flynn 3 . The Ariane Programme forwarded to the Council and on behalf of the Commission Parliament for discussion and adoption under the (20 October 1994) co-decision procedure, as provided in Article 128 of the EC Treaty, is designed to step up Community support for translation and, as such, constitutes the first stage in greater Commission funding for trade union information and Community action to promote books and reading . The education work comes under two different budget items : Commission undertook to present these initial proposals budget item B3-4002 concerning support for information rapidly so as to ensure that, as from 1996, the various and training measures for workers' organizations which is measures undertaken under the budget currently available managed by DG V and budget items B3-3010 and 3000 for cultural activities can be underpinned by programmes managed by DG X. adopted in accordance with the new procedures provided for in the EC Treaty . For this reason, it has given priority to The appropriations under budget item B3-4002 are proposals designed to take the place of existing pilot intended to promote measures in connection with measures, with particular reference, as far as books and completing the internal market and the integration of reading are concerned, to those which relate to translation, workers . In 1992 and 1993 the funding totalled ECU 5 an area which has, moreover, been identified as deserving of million and in 1994 ECU 6 million. In both 1992 and 1993 particular attention by both Parliament and Council. The Commission has made provision in the Ariane Programme almost all the appropriations were spent . for the development of support measures relating not only to literary translation but also to works of drama and A detailed list of the national and European workers' cultural reference works as well as of various back-up organizations and institutions supported under budget item measures . B3-4002 in 1992 and 1993 and also this year is being 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/37 transmitted to the Honourable Member and to the As part of the technical assistance measures, a study is being Secretariat-General of the Parliament. The criteria for the carried out to produce a proposal for conversion of the grant of assistance are : the content and objective of the island through alternative development measures, including measure ( which have to comply with the commentary on the infrastructure measures, and measures to re-train and budget heading), its location ( no general information events increase the qualifications of workers either threatened with may be organized where Community institutions are unemployment or who have already lost their jobs. located ) and the representativeness of the national and European organizations concerned . In addition, the 'Continuing Vocational Training' programme in the Greek CSF provides for vocational The appropriations under budget items B3-3100 and 3000 training for workers and the unemployed in areas suffering are used for the purpose of general information for trade from industrial decline . unions, including workers' organizations, on European integration and the European institutions . In 1992 and 1993 the appropriations concerned totalled ECU 600 000 and in 1994 ECU 935 000 . In both 1992 and 1993 all the funds were spent . One third of the sum was granted to European umbrella organizations and two thirds to national trade unions. The same breakdown is being applied this year . The WRITTEN QUESTION E-1932/94 grant of funds depends on the Commission's specific by Jessica Larive ( ELDR ) priorities, the requirements of the applicant and the to the Commission representativeness of the organizations concerned . (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/88 )
Subject: Registration of foreign vehicles in the European Union WRITTEN QUESTION E-1930/94 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) Can the Commission say whether foreign cars towing to the Commission caravans in Spain are required to display a blue plate with a (12 September 1994) superimposed yellow triangle ( as prescribed for Spanish cars)? ( 95/C 30/87 ) If this is the case, does the Commission agree that it conflicts Subject: Reneval Programme for Neorio with the principle that the registration of a vehicle, with or without a caravan, in one Member State is valid throughout the European Union ? Pursuant to Community decisions, the Greek Government has sold the Syros shipyards to the Amber Maritime company. Despite the Greek Government's original commitments, this decision is creating acute social problems Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi for more than 300 workers on an island in severe industrial on behalf of the Commission decline . (20 October 1994) How does the Commission propose to use Renaval, and possibly other Community programmes, to deal with the The Spanish authorities, which have already been consulted major social and economic crisis on the island of Syros ? on this matter, have informed the Commission that Article 239(d ) of the highway code , which required a special sign to be displayed on towing and towed vehicles, ceased to apply to both nationals and non-nationals with the entry into Answer given by Mr Millan force of the general traffic rules approved by Decree on behalf of the Commission 13/1992 of 17 January 1992 ( BOE of 31 January 1992). (17 October 1994) The answer also indicated that instructions to this effect had been sent out to all traffic police and traffic administration The new Community initiatives for the period 1994-1999 departments . do not include a specific programme for the restructuring of areas dependent on shipyards . However, the 'Industry and Accordingly, the matter raised by the Honourable Member Services' programme contained in the Greek CSF for the should cause no further problems . same period includes integrated measures for the restructuring of industrial areas in decline . The island of Syros is one of those areas . No C 30/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 945/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1947/94 by Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) and by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (12 September 1994) (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/90 ) (9SIC 30/89 ) Subject: The Cohesion Fund in Spain
Subject: Problems related to fishing licences for the A part of the Cohesion Fund ( of which Spain is one of the Community black hake fishery fleet beneficiary Member States ) is intended for transport infrastructure projects related to trans-European networks . Fishing for black hake is carried out exclusively by the fleet based in the port of Cadiz ( Spain), which consists of 36 Can the Commission state how many transport vessels ( of some 12 000 GRT ) fishing solely in the grounds infrastructure projects the Spanish Government has belonging to Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal . One of the submitted and what budgetary resources have been main problems affecting this fleet is that of licences; most of allocated in each case ? the vessels have two licences to enable them to engage in their activities as required in those fishing-grounds, and are Can it state which networks and transport modes are thus obliged to take on board a certain number of local involved in each individual project ? sailors pursuant to the terms of the respective fisheries agreements with Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania . In some Can it name the region or regions and localities in which cases, as many as seven third-country sailors have been each project will be carried out, and specify the deadlines taken on board a single vessel ( amounting to 41 % of the proposed ? crew ) — a figure which is surely excessive, especially if one recalls that unemployment in that region of Spain is over 30% . Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission (11 October 1994) Most of the vessel owners concerned also have to make considerable outlays on the fees and administrative expenses In 1994 the Spanish Government submitted 11 involved in obtaining two licences rather than one, where the period of use overlaps two calendar years . trans-European transport network projects for financing by the Cohesion Fund . They are being examined by the Commission . Does the Commission not consider that the necessary representations should be made to the authorities of the The amount of assistance requested for these projects would countries concerned with a view to halving the number of suggest that there will be a balance between environment sailors taken on board where a vessel has more than one projects and transport infrastructure projects for Spain in licence ( recalling that the matter has already been resolved 1994. Nine of the projects concern road building, and two with Senegal )? Does it not consider that licences should be are to improve railway infrastructures . A list of transport issued for four-month periods ( as provided for in the infrastructure projects approved by the Commission in agreement with Mauritania ) and that owners should only 1993 under the Regulation establishing the cohesion have to pay for one licence even where the proposed fishing financial instrument, the predecessor to the Cohesion Fund, is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to period overlaps two calendar years, and is it willing, where Parliament's Secretariat. necessary, to take the requisite action ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1949/94 Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (6 October 1994) (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/91 )
The Commission is collecting the information it needs to Subject: Industrial anxiety in Burela ( Lugo province, Spain ) answer the question . It will communicate its findings as arising from the use of illegal fishing equipment by soon as possible . French fishermen
Serious problems and a high degree of tension are currently in evidence in the fishing community in the coastal area 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/39 around the port of Burela in Lugo province ( Spain), owing in the Basque country introduced by Provincial Laws to the illegal use by France of fishing equipment which is 28/1988 ( Alava ), 8/1988 ( Vizcaya ) and 6/1988 ( Guipuzcoa ) outlawed by Community legislation. are, as regards the measures relating to corporation tax and personal income tax, incompatible with the common What urgent measures has the Commission taken, and what market for the purposes of Article 92(1 ) of the EC Treaty . measures does it intend to take in the forthcoming days, to For further details of the Commission's position of this achieve a lasting solution to this conflict ? matter, the Honourable Member is referred to the above Decision.
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas As regards the tax measures introduced by Provincial Laws on behalf of the Commission 12/93 ( Navarre ), 18/1993 ( Alava ), 5/1993 ( Vizcaya ) and (19 October 1994) 11/1993 ( Giupuzcoa ), the Commission has launched an investigation to verify their compatibility or incompatibility with the common market for the purposes of The Commission deplores the acts of violence between Article 92(1 ). fishermen which marked a period during this year's NE Atlantic albacore tuna season. Such aggression cannot (!) OJ No L 143 , 3 . 6 . 1993 . under any circumstances be justified .
The Commission went to enormous lengths to ensure that those Member States whose fleets where active in this fishery deployed inspection vessels on the high seas to monitor them. WRITTEN QUESTION E-1955/94 The Commission inspectors were continuously embarked in by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) the patrol vessels to witness controls conducted by the to the Commission national authorities. The level and application of control is probably unprecedented . Up to eight national inspection (12 September 1994) vessels simultaneously monitored the high seas tuna fleet . ( 95/C 30/93 )
Subject: Recognition of medical studies in EU Member States WRITTEN QUESTION E-1951/94 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) 1 . Does the following constitute an infringement of to the Commission Directives 75/362/EEC i 1 ) and 75/363/EEC ( 2 )? A medical student in the Federal Republic of Germany fails his (12 September 1994) preliminary medical examination, whereupon he transfers ( 95/C 30/92 to Thessaloniki ( Greece ) to study . His successfully completed German courses of study are there recognized . On successfully completing his studies in Greece, he is told in Subject: Tax advantages offered by certain Spanish Germany that he cannot be registered as a doctor, his studies regions in Greece being irrelevant due to his having failed the preliminary medical examination in Germany . The Spanish autonomous communities of the Basque Country and Navarre offer tax advantages to companies setting up operations within their territory. This has led a 2 . Has the body responsible for the registration of number of institutions and bodies in Spain to lodge doctors in Germany ( here the Bavarian Ministry of State ) complaints against these regions' recourse to tax infringed some other EU Directive, and if so, which ? incentives . (!) OJ No L 167, 30 . 6 . 1975 , p . 1 . What is the Commission's position with regard to the ( 2 ) OJ No L 167, 30 . 6 . 1975 , p . 14 . situation created by these tax incentives in the two Spanish regions concerned ? Is the Commission empowered or obliged to take action against such practices ? Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Van Miert (10 October 1994) on behalf of the Commission (18 October 1994) A national of a Member State of the Community has the right to establish himself and to pursue his medical activities In Decision 93/337/EEC ( ), the Commission concluded a in any Member State . Directive 93/16/EEC (a consolidation substance that the scheme of tax concessions fo investment of Directives concerning the mutual recognition of medical No C 30/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
qualifications from 1975 until 1990 ) obliges the host Under Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3972/86 of Member State to recognize a qualification from another 22 December 1986 concerning food-aid policy and Member State and to treat it, within its own territory, on the management ( J ), it is for the Commission, in compliance same terms on which it treats its own qualifications . Thus with the procedures laid down in that Regulation, to decide the German authorities are obliged to recognize a Greek on emergency food aid action to help vulnerable population medical qualification, set out in the Directive, for purposes groups faced with serious unforeseen food shortage of access to the activity of a doctor in Germany. The fact that difficulties as a result of natural disasters or exceptional he did not succeed at an earlier stage of his medical circumstances . Emergency aid other than food aid is also education in Germany cannot be used as a barrier against decided on by the Commission under existing rules . the right of establishment conferred on a national of a Member State by the EC Treaty. The Honourable Member is also requested to consult the reply given by the Commission on 4 November 1994 to Written Question No 2040 put by Ms MAIJ-WEGGEN .
(!) OJEC No L 370, 30. 12 . 1986 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1959/94 by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) to the Council (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/94 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1965/94 Subject: Food aid in the Horn of Africa by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) to the Commission Is the Council of Ministers aware of the worsening food (12 September 1994) supply situation across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in ( 95/C 30/95 ) the Horn of Africa ?
What measures will it take to contribute to the $ 1 billion Subject: GMB analysis entitled 'Divided by Degrees' aid highlighted by the United Nations Humanitarian Committee as essential to avert a widespread disaster for the 6 million people living in drought-affected areas ? Is the Commission aware that the UK trade union, GMB, has recently published an analysis entitled 'Divided by Degrees' which analyses the 1991 UK census data in relation to race qualifications and employment ? Answer (2 December 1994) Is the Commission aware that the findings of this research show that black and Asian people in the UK are 16 % .more likely than white people to be highly qualified but twice as The Council is aware of the difficult food situation in the likely to be unemployed ? whole of sub-Saharian Africa and in particular in the countries of the Horn of Africa . In the light of these statistics, what remedial steps does the Commission intend to take to reduce unemployment The Council ( Development ) examined the situation in this amongst UK blacks and Asians ? part of Africa at its meeting on 6 May 1994, at which the Commission considered that a large-scale emergency and food aid operation would be necessary in the region over the coming months . Answer given by Mr Flynn Thanks to multilateral as well as bilateral aid , which was not on behalf of the Commission solely food aid but also aid to strengthen the logistical (19 October 1994) capacities of the States concerned, it has been possible to avert the worst . The Commission has not received the analysis in question Recent information from the World Food Programme and cannot therefore comment on its conclusions . indicates that the situation has significantly improved . Abundant rains mean that the 1994 harvest should be the best for many years in all the countries of the Horn of The Honourable Member will know that the principal Africa . financial instrument managed by the Commission in the 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/41 field of employment is the European Social Fund . The WRITTEN QUESTION E-1981/94 Commission takes care to ensure that an adequate portion is by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) directed to the particular needs of disadvantaged groups . to the Commission Thus, for the UK, the recent decision on the use of the Fund under Objective 3 makes explicit reference to the need for (12 September 1994) developing and promoting opportunities for ethnic ( 95/C 30/97 minorities in sectors and occupations in which they have traditionally been under-represented . Subject: Construction of facilities for the static testing of aircraft outside the planning area at Saarbriicken-Ensheim Airport
Is the Commission aware that no environmental impact assessment in accordance with EC-EIA 2.5 was carried out before the facilities for static testing of aircraft were built in WRITTEN QUESTION E-1975/94 1991 , and what will the Commission do about this ? by Alex Smith ( PSE ) to the Commission (12 September 1994) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas ( 95/C 30/96 ) on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1994)
Subject: Import and export of radioactive acids The Commission does not have any information on the construction of facilities for the static testing of aircraft near Saarbriicken-Ensheim Airport . What Regulations cover the import and export of radioactive acids into and from the EU ? Although it is not clear from the information provided in the written question, it is possible that this project falls within paragraph 11(g ) of Annex II to Council Directive 85/33 7/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. Projects Answer given by Mr Oreja listed in Annex II require an environmental impact on behalf of the Commission assessment under the Directive if they are likely to have a (7 October 1994) significant effect on the environment . The Commission will write to the German authorities asking for further information on this project and asking whether the application of Directive 85/337/EEC to the project was The Community provisions applicable to the importation considered prior to the granting of the relevant development and exportation of radioactive substances, including consent. radioactive acids, depend on the particular substance concerned and its intended use.
Imports and exports of radioactive acids containing nuclear materials in solution intended to be used, consumed, WRITTEN QUESTION E-1984/94 treated, processed or shaped are subject to the provisions of the Euratom Treaty, in particular those of Chapters VI and by Thierry Jean-Pierre ( EDN ) VII including the secondary legislation applicable. to the Commission (1 September 1994) However, radioactive acids which contain or are ( 95/C 30/98 ) contaminated by radionuclides and are not intended to be used are, by definition, radioactive waste . Directive 92/3/Euratom on the supervision and control of shipments Subject: Activities of the Forward Studies Unit of radioactive waste (*) applies to the importation and exportation of such radioactive acids . Can the Commission indicate :
1 . What research has been carried out by the Forward (M OJ No L 35, 12 . 2. 1992 . Studies Unit since its creation ?
2 . The size of the Forward Studies Unit's budget since its creation ( annual amounts )? No C 30/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
3 . What studies have been contracted out to external — Shaping factors, shaping actors in Europe 2000 ( in experts and/or institutes and firms ? cooperation with 12 national futurology institutes or centres ); Can the Commission indicate, for each of these contracts, — Comparative study of democratization and economic liberalization in three countries in central and eastern 4 . The name of the contractor(s ), Europe; 5 . The value in ECU of the contract, — Long-term scenarios of trends in countries of the former 6 . The budget item and heading to which this expenditure Soviet Union and their relations with the European has been charged ? Union ( in hand);
— Long-term scenarios of trends in countries in eastern and southern Asia and their relations with the European Answer given by Mr Delors Union ( in hand); on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1994) — Long-term factors of security on the European continent - collective work of six European geopolitical institutes. 1 . The Forward Studies Unit was set up by the Commission in July 1989 . It has 12 members and its general task is to monitor and assess European integration. This 2 . The Forward Studies Unit does not have its own involves three things : collecting and analysing information on an on-going basis; organizing a network of budget . Under internal Commission procedures, it is correspondents inside and outside the Commission; drafting granted annual allocations from various items of the specific reports in response to remits given by the administrative budget. These allocation are used to finance the mission and entertainment and representation expenses Commission . In the latter context it has produced seven studies : of its members, reimbursement of meeting costs and experts, and studies carried out outside the Commission. The following table sets out the alloctions received by the Unit — Europe and demographic movement - study of the since it was set up . consequences for the Community of long-term population movements; (in Ecu) — Promoting lasting economic and social development: the Representation future of North-South relations - study of the future of Mission costs Experts Studies Year costs ( Item 1 300 ) ( Item 2 500 ) ( Item 2 600 ) North-South relations; ( Item 1 701 )
— Environment and development - study of the effects on 1989 30 000 2 000 10 000 100 000 economic development of taking the environment into 1990 40 000 4 000 21 000 50 000 account; 1991 105 000 5 000 20 000 121 700
— Transport and the environment - study of the effects on 1992 118 000 6 000 75 000 208 000
the transport sector of taking the environment into 1993 111 000 8 500 85 000 115 000 account; 1994 120 000 7 700 90 000 130 000 — The future of the biomass - study of the future of this renewable energy source; 3, 4 and 5 . Each study carried out for the Commission is — Environment and employment - study of the synergy analysed and recorded in the Ceres data base . This applies to between the objectives of sustainable development and all the studies commissioned by the Forward Studies Unit. of combating unemployment; Parliament has direct access to the Ceres data base, which provides the information requested by the Honourable — New sources of employment (work in hand ) - study of Member in points 3 , 4 and 5 of the question. the potential for job creation and the obstacles to be overcome, and identification of significant experiments. 6 . All the studies conducted by outside contractors for the Forward Studies Unit were financed from Article 260 of In addition to this work which it carried out itself, the the budget. Unit also coordinates futurology studies conducted in cooperation between European or non-European research institutes on matters relating to the future of European construction : 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/43
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1985/94 is reviewing its policy regarding measures and penalties by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) based on Article 171 of the Treaty on European Union. to the Commission When will the Commission complete this review ?
(19 September 1994) (!) OJ No C 6, 9 . 1 . 1995 , p . 15 . ( 95/C 30/99 )
Subject: Billing in advance for services Answer given by Mr Delors Would the Commission confirm that the practice of billing on behalf of the Commission in advance for provision of a public utility ( that is to say, (17 October 1994) domestic water supplies ) is legitimate ? Is this a common practice within Member States ? The Commission will of course make use of the possibilities offered by Article 171 of the EC Treaty, in particular with Answer given by Mrs Scrivener regard to the penalties to be proposed should the Court of on behalf of the Commission Justice give judgment against a Member State for a second time . (21 October 1994)
At its meeting of 6 July 1994, the Commission decided to Billing in advance for services is a very common practice . It prepare actively for the implementation of this new can be considered either as a fixed price or in advance on instrument available to the Court of Justice in order to consumption . Prima facie, it appears to the Commission ensure compliance with its judgments . Reference will be that this practice is legitimate. made to the Court's power to impose penalties in all formal letters of notice and reasoned opinions to be sent to Member Billing is essentially a matter of contract . The parties States as part of the procedure followed when a judgment of sometimes negotiate terms individually. When however a the Court of Justice is not enforced. party is not able to influence the substance of the terms, as in the case of standard contracts Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 ( ! ) on unfair terms in consumer contracts, The Commission has sent all the Member States a formal makes it the responsibility of the Member States to ensure letter informing them of this . that contracts concluded with consumers do not contain unfair terms . The Directive contains an indicative and Nevertheless, the Commission hopes that in a Community non-exhaustive list of terms which may be regarded as which aspires to be a community governed by law, the Court unfair . A clause providing for payment in advance does not will not have tb exercise this new power . appear in this list .
Nevertheless, this list being of indicative value only, the scope of the terms may be the subject of amplification or more restrictive editing by the Member States in their national laws . Therefore, it is for the courts or administrative authorities of the Member States to decide WRITTEN QUESTION E-1990/94 whether such a clause is to be prohibited in a particular by Freddy Blak ( PSE ) case. to the Commission (!) OJ No L 95 , 21 . 4 . 1993 . (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/101 )
Subject: State aid to MTW shipyards WRITTEN QUESTION E-1988/94 by Bartho Pronk ( PPE ) Will the Commission release the full text of the to the Commission Commission's Decision of 11 May 1994 concerning State (19 September 1994) aid to the MTW shipyards ? ( 95/C 30/100 ) Will it also explain why one Member State can prevent a Commission decision being disclosed to another Member Subject: Pollution of the Meuse by chemical discharges in State ? The background to this question is the Commission's Belgium reply to the Danish Government of 18 July 1994 in which the Commission states that it will only disclose the content In point 5 of his reply to Written Question No of the decision of 11 May 1994 with the German E-3 874/93 ( J ), Mr Paleokrassas states that the Commission Government's consent. No C 30/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Answer given by Mr Van Miert — The spurious charges against them try to implicate the on behalf of the Commission Greek Government in so-called acts of hostility against (10 October 1994) Albania, crudely and provocatively distorting the truth. This unacceptable provocation follows a whole catalogue of other provocative acts by the Albanians affecting religious freedom, freedom of education and After the Commission takes a positive decision in a State aid the right to take part in political activity. case the decision is sent to the Member State concerned in the form of a letter . — It is obvious that the Albanian Government is aiming at systematic intimidation. When on 18 July 1994 the Danish authorities requested the text of the decision of 11 May 1994 concerning aid to the shipyard MTW, the Commission first checked by letter In view of this, will the Commission say : dated 28 July 1994 with the German authorities whether they considered the letter to contain commercially 1 . What information it has about this case which is a confidential information, before providing the full text to flagrant violation of human rights ? the Danish authorities . 2 . Whether it will review the question of economic aid to This check is only made in order to protect commercially this country, which is riding rough-shod over human sensitive information and does not, as indicated by this case, rights and fundamental legal principles ? limit the authority of the Commission to send the text of its decisions to third parties. 3 . What it is doing and what it intends to do to restore respect for international law and human rights in this particular case ?
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek WRITTEN QUESTION E-1992/94 on behalf of the Commission by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) (14 October 1994) to the Commission (1 September 1994) {9SIC 30/102 ) According to the official report circulated by the CSCE Italian Presidency, it appears that no serious infringements of the rights of defence were established in the case in Subject: Albanian authorities' detention of members of the question. Mr van der Stoel, the CSCE's High Commissioner Greek minority party 'Omonoia' on National Minorities, when he visited the prisoners did not say anything to suggest that they were maltreated . The Commission is, however, aware of the existence of other In allowing the Albanian authorities to detain members of reports suggesting that certain infringements were the Greek minority party 'Omonoia' for a period of months committed. now, the Albanian Government is in flagrant violaton of human rights, fundamental civil liberties and the safeguards which should apply in any just and civilized State . The The Commission follows closely the situation regarding following points are of particular note : respect for human rights, democracy and the strengthening of civil society in the countries of central and eastern — The Greeks have been held in custody for months on the Europe, including Albania, and is implementing a number of basis of trumped-up charges (which have only recently projects in these areas within the framework of the Phare been made public ) which make it a criminal offence for Democracy Programme, in close liaison with the Council of 'Omonoia' to take part in political activity and which Europe . provide incontrovertible evidence of the violation of human rights and basic civil liberties . The Commission has proposed a grant for macro-economic assistance to Albania within the framework of a programme — The procedure hitherto followed by the Albanian agreed with the IMF . The implementation of this will take authorities and the conditions in which the prisoners into account the overall situation in Albania . Any further have been held in custody are unacceptable . It is reported appeals by the condemned minority members as well as their that during this long period of detention, the 'omonoia' treatment will form the object of careful observation and all members have been held in appalling conditions which opportunities to recall to the Albanian authorities their endanger their health and lives . Moreover, neither their obligation with regard to question of human rights will be relatives nor representatives of humanitarian used . organizations have been allowed to visit them and they have not been given the opportunity to contact or be represented by lawyers . 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/45
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1994/94 Since the provisions of Chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) apply fully to these supplies, there is no connection with the illegal trade in nuclear materials to which the Honourable to the Commission Member refers . (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/103 )
Subject: Supplies to research reactor FRM II in Garching by the ESA WRITTEN QUESTION E-1999/94 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) According to information from the State of Bavaria's to the Commission Ministry for Education Culture , Science and Art, the Technical University of Munich was made an offer of a (19 September 1994) contract on 17 May 1994 under which a supplier chosen by ( 95/C 30/104 ) the Euratom Supply Agency is to supply 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium for use in the FRM II research reactor in Garching . Subject: Euro-villages
Does the Commission know from which country, which Would the Commission enumerate its activities and specific stocks and which supplier the ESA is obtaining the highly contributions to the launching and encouraging of enriched uranium to be used by the Garching research associative action of a social nature such as reactor ? Euro-villages ?
Has this proposed new arrangement for the supply of highly enriched uranium been agreed with the Euratom Safeguard Agency ? Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission What are the Commission's views on this proposed supply (26 October 1994) contract in the light of the objectives of the European RERTR Programme ( Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors )? The Commission is aware of the European economic interest grouping 'Eurovillages' which involves 10 tourism What are its views on the safety aspects of the proposed new operators from seven countries in the development of social supply arrangements in view of the worldwide illegal trade tourism, offering traditional family holidays in holiday in highly enriched uranium for which Germany is a focal villages at prices that are accessible to families of modest point ? means . The value of initiatives such as this is easily recognised. However, in the main, it is rather through indirect means that resources are being used to encourage initiatives with a social dimension . Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission Within the framework of the Community action plan to (19 October 1994) assist tourism, in order to facilitate access to tourism by groups of people who, for various reasons, but especially for social or health reasons, have difficulty in taking holidays, Although it was kept informed of the offer to supply 400 kg the Commission has focused mainly on improving shared of highly enriched uranium for the FRM II reactor, the information on good practices and the availability of Agency did not select the supplier itself. tourism facilities in this field for widespread dissemination. As a result, a number of projects have either already been carried out or are in progress : According to the information available at present, the material came from surplus Community stock . 1991 : — A study on social tourism by Cetos The provisions of Chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty ( safeguards ) apply fully to these materials. 1992 :
Although the Commission supports the European RERTR — A brochure 'Tourism for All' by the Holiday Care Programme ( Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Service Reactors), it has to be recognized that a limited number of specific reactors must use highly enriched uranium while — A project to the benefits of providing holidays for the waiting for new types of fuel . poorest families in Europe by ATD Quart Monde No C 30/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
1993 : WRITTEN QUESTION E-2004/94 — A transnational project to prepare key tools (a directory, by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) a guide and a map ) to facilitate a European network of to the Commission social tourism facilities located across Europe by (19 September 1994) Cetos ( 95/C 30/106 ) — Two guides to improve the information available to facilitate greater access to tourism by people with disabilities . Both are being prepared by Mobility Subject: Need to stop smuggling of nuclear material which International . may be used for military purposes
The proposed multi-annual programme of work for According to the report recently published in Der Spiegel, 6 cooperatives ,, mutual societies, associations and grammes of high-grade plutonium 239 was found in a foundations in the Community also envisages various garage in the Baden region . This information, and the actions that will do much to assist associations to form contraband found by the German police a few days later in groupings similar to Eurovillage and in this way place them mid-August, have led to considerable alarm, first in in a better position to harness the resources of the Germany and then throughout the world, with German Community more effectively. specialists even being sent to Moscow to examine the issue, which is receiving top-level treatment in view of its implications for the foreign policies of Germany and the CIS and, possibly, for German domestic policy .
Can the Commission state whether it believes that 150 kilos of plutonium could be hidden in the same way ? What new WRITTEN QUESTION E-2003/94 information does the Commission have regarding the large by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) quantities of unsupervised nuclear material for military use within the CIS, which were mentioned during the debate on to the Commission the subject of 'nuclear mercenaries'? (19 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/105 ) Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission Subject: Institutional aspects of Mediterranean policy (17 October 1994) Can the Commission tell me what role it is assigning to possible institutional measures in the guidelines which, at The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission the request of the Council, it is preparing on extending the communication to the Council and Parliament of scope of EU Mediterranean policy, at a time when the 7 September 1994 on the illicit traffic in radioactive Council is considering the possibility of calling a Conference substances and nuclear materials ( 1 ). In this document the of the European Union and its Mediterranean Associated Commission gives details of cases of illicit trafficking and States after the European Council meeting in Essen ? proposes an integrated and coordinated European strategy to deal with the situation .
(M COM(94 ) 383 final . Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1994)
The Commission's proposals for strengthening WRITTEN QUESTION E-2007/94 Mediterranean policy will include institutional matters . For by Winfried Menrad ( PPE) example the Commission is likely to propose a reinforcing to the Commission of the political dialogue and enhanced relations at the parliamentary level. However, these are not matters for the (19 September 1994) Community to decide alone . In the Commission's view, one ( 95/C 30/107 of the purposes of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference in 1995 should be to determine jointly with the Mediterranean partners the institutional framework within which Subject: Distortions of competition caused by State aids cooperation should be intensified . According to Dutch press reports, the Frima company intends to construct a salt production plant at Harlingen in 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/47 the Dutch province of Friesland with the help of State aids . investor who decides whether there is a market for his The plant will be geared to the markets of neighbouring EU additional capacity . countries, since the Dutch market is very largely controlled by the 'monopolistic' AKZO company .
1 . Is it true that Frima intends to use state aids to construct a refinery at Harlingen in the Netherlands producing 1,2 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2010/94 million tonnes of salt p.a .? by Wilhelm Piecyk ( PSE ) to the Commission 2 . Has the granting of various State aids been notifid pursuant to Article 93(3 ) of the EEC Treaty ? (22 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/108 ) 3 . What is the Commission's position on the use of Dutch state aids to create further superfluous capacities in the Subject: EC-aid for Schleswig-Holstein European salt market, the distortions of competition which the financing structure will cause and the threat to jobs in the EU ? In 1992 and 1993 what aid was received by Schleswig-Holstein, and for what individual measures or projects, from the following sources — the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF),
Answer given by Mr Van Miert — the European Social Fund ( ESF), on behalf of the Commission — the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee (17 October 1994) Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee Section,
— the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance Section including 1 . It is true that Frima B.V intends to construct a salt restructuring of, and support for, fisheries and production plant at Harlingen in the Netherlands with a aquaculture, capacity of 1,2 million tonnes a year . The Netherlands Government has decided to award a grant of up to FL — the European Community's research programmes, 11 338 500 for this investment, this sum corresponding to 10% of eligible investment cost. — the European Community's energy programmes,
— the European Community's environmental 2 . The aid referred to above is awarded under the aid programmes, scheme 'Subsidieregeling regionale investeringsprojecten 1991 ', which was approved by the Commission in 1990 . — funds from the ECSC and the EIB, The Netherlands Government is not obliged to notify pursuant to Article 93 ( 3 ) EC Treaty the application of this — the European Community's programmes for supporting approved aid scheme in favour of Frima . The province of education, training and exchanges of young people, Friesland, where Harlingen is located, is eligible for regional aid on the basis of the derogation provided for in Article — the European Community's social and cultural 92(3 ) c ) EC Treaty . programmes, — and any other programmes or budget titles of the The Commission is currently checking with the Netherlands European Community ( such as support for women or authorities whether other planned interventions by local linguisic/cultural minorities)? government and by public enterprises constitute aid or not . If they do constitute aid , they must be notified in advance pursuant to Article 93(3 ) EC Treaty . Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission 3 . Aid schemes with a regional objective are approved by (25 October 1994) the Commission without sectoral distinctions . The only exceptions to this general rule are those sectors to which specific rules or regulations apply : steel, shipbuilding, The figures for years to 1992 can be found in the synthetic fibres, the motor-car industry, as well as parts of Commission's answer to Question No E-2041/93 i 1 ). agriculture and fisheries . New plant in the salt production industry can therefore be aided with the help of approved Grants and loans to Schleswig-Holstein in 1993 were as aid schemes in regions eligible for assistance . It is the follows : No C 30/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
Schleswig-Holstein — 1993 does not include any specific criteria on the membership or elected boards of the non governmental organizations (in million Ecu) which are represented on the European Disability Forum .
ESF 6,52 However the Commission was aware, when the Forum was EAGGF — Guidance Section 15,15 established, of the need to ensure that the interests of ERDF 14,06 disabled people were fully represented . R&D ( DG XII ) 4,85 Thermie The specific information which has now been requested will be sought from the organizations concerned and forwarded TFHRE (*) 1,14 to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General Cultural programmes 0,06 of Parliament as soon as it is available. Loans EIB 32,12 (!) OJ No L 56, 9 . 3 . 1993 . ECSC
0 ) Force : 260 000 ECU Petra : 75 000 ECU Comett : 318 000 ECU Erasmus: 362 053 ECU Lingua: 122 042 ECU WRITTEN QUESTION E-2016/94 Enterprise policy: 2 Euro Info Centres by Hugh McMahon (PSE ) 5 BC-Net-members to the Commission 1 BCC member The aggregate cost of communications and office technology projects in (22 September 1994) 1992/93 was ECU 30,9 million. ( 95/C 30/110 )
(*) OJ No C 234, 22 . 8 . 1994 . Subject: Helios Programme
In relation to the Helios Programme, could the Commission please give the number of people employed within the Helios Team of Experts and of these the number of disabled people WRITTEN QUESTION E-2015/94 who are employed as : by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) — Director to the Commission (22 September 1994) — Senior Experts ( 95/C 30/109 ) — Junior Experts
Subject: Helios Programme — Assistants .
In relation to the Helios Programme, could the Commission please give the number of directly representative disability organizations (where the membership and elected boards Answer given by Mr Flynn comprise 51% or more disabled people ) and disabled on behalf of the Commission people who are on: (24 October 1994) — the Forum
— the Integrated Education Group Thirty four people are employed in the Helios team of experts : — the Working Group on Employment Director 1 , — the Working Group on Independent Living. Senior expert 3 , Junior expert 11 , Assistant 4, Administrator 1 , Answer given by Mr Flynn Others ( administrative ) 14 . on behalf of the Commission (21 October 1994) Three of these ( one senior expert, one assistant, and one other member of staff) are known to have a disability. The Council Decision of 25 February 1993 (*) establishing the Helios II Action Programme to assist disabled people 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/49
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2018/94 To date only Luxembourg and Denmark have transposed by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) this Directive into national law, although the deadline passed almost six months ago . Given the growing to the Commission importance of the problem, due essentially to the explosion (22 September 1994) in road transport, the Commission must, as a matter of ( 95/C 30/111 urgency, use its powers under Article 169 of the EC Treaty to open the procedure to take action against Member States which have failed to fulfil Treaty obligations . When does the Subject: Redeployment of staff who are or become Commission intend to do so? disabled
What is the policy of the Commission as regards the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas redeployment of staff who are or become disabled ? on behalf of the Commission (11 October 1994)
Answer given by Mr Van Miert It should be noted that in the event of the values given in on behalf of the Commission Annex 1 , points 3 and 4 ( 180 fxg/m3 , population (31 October 1994) information threshold, and 360 /ig/m3 , population warning threshold ) to Council Directive 92/72/EEC (*) being exceeded, Article 5 of the Directive provides that the In the unfortunate event of a Commission staff member Member States should take the necessary measures for the becoming disabled through illness or accident, the public to be informed ( for example, by means of radio, Commission will, with the advice of the Medical Service, television and the press), in accordance with Annex IV. make every effort to enable the staff member to continue his service with the Commission. If, however, the disability is The 'ozone' Directive should have been implemented at such that the member of staff is prevented from performing national level in April 1994 at the latest as provided for by the duties corresponding to a post in his career bracket, the Article 9 . Member States who have brought this Directive staff member will be obliged to end his service with the into force should have informed the Commission Commission on the grounds of invalidity but will be entitled immediately thereof. to an invalidity pension . The Commission has already initiated infringement procedings for failure to notify measures to implement this In certain circumstances the period of invalidity may be a Directive at national level against those Member States who temporary one, and the invalidity condition is subject to have failed to fulfil their obligations arising out of the periodic review by the Medical Service . In these abovementioned Directive as well as Article 189 , third circumstances, there is the possibility for the staff member to paragraph, and of Article 5, first paragraph, of the EC resume Commission employment. In such cases invalidity Treaty. pension will cease . All in all, according to the information forwarded by the Member States to the Commission, six of them have transposed this Directive into national law, one has indicated that its existing legislation was sufficient ( Ireland ), four are in the process of transposing the Directive into WRITTEN QUESTION E-2020/94 national law and one has not yet given any response . by Paul Lannoye ( V ) to the Commission (*) OJ No L 297, 13 . 10 . 1992 . (12 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/112 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2021/94 Subject: Informing the public of ozone pollution by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE ) Meteorological conditions during the summer months ( high to the Commission temperatures, maximum sunshine levels and light winds ) (12 September 1994) have been conducive to the development of photochemical ( 95/C 30/113 ) smog, which is known to be dangerous to human health . Ozone levels throughout the European Union have regularly exceeded the 'health protection threshold' ( 110 /xg/m 3 for Subject: The situation in the Alentejo and the Enxoe the mean value over eight hours ) and the 'population dam information threshold' ( 180 jag/m3 for the mean value over 1 hour) as defined by the Council Directive of 21 September Contrary to earlier reports, local councillors from the 1992 ( 92/72/EEC on air pollution by ozone). Alentejo region ( on the left bank of the Guadiana ) were told No C 30/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95 at a meeting with the Minister of the Environment that the security scheme in that country. If these doctors Enxoe dam project was to be redrafted and put forward for subsequently join a special scheme for professional workers Cohesion Fund support during the month of August, and in Germany they can ask for the compulsory contributions then opened to public tender. to the general scheme to be refunded . The German authorities do not, however, refund contributions to As this region ( or sub-region ) has been particularly badly hit doctors who join a special scheme for professional workers by the economic crisis and structural policy decisions, it is in another Member State . dependent on projects like this dam. Can the Commission therefore tell me whether it has received or is awaiting the The Court of Justice has recently given a ruling in a parallel application for funding in question, how the application has case ( 1 ). As the Leguaye-Neelsen case and the case raised by been presented, whether it is acceptable, and what deadlines the Honourable Member are similar — albeit not identical have been set for its implementation ? — and the question is complex, the Commission proposes to have the matter discussed in the near future by the Administrative Committee on migrant workers . Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission ( J ) Court judgment of 16 December 1993 in Case C-28/92 (4 October 1994) ( Leguaye-Neelsen), not yet published .
The Commission has not yet received the amended version of the Enxoe dam project and cannot answer the Honourable Member's question . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2024/94 by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2022/94 (22 September 1994) by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) ( 95/C 30/115 ) to the Commission (22 September 1994) Subject: Introduction of an senior citizens' identity card ( 95/C 30/114 ) Does the Commission intend, in accordance with its recommendation of 10 May 1989, to take measures to Subject: Discrimination against EU citizens under social security legislation in the Federal Republic of introduce a European senior citizens' identity card ? Germany If so, what are they ? Is the Commission aware that, when a Greek national who has worked for less than 60 months as a doctor in the If not, why not ? Federal Republic of Germany, paying compulsory contributions to the Federal Employees' Insurance Scheme ( BfA), returns to Greece and insures himself with the Greek Medical Welfare scheme (TSAY), his contributions to the Answer given by Mr Flynn BfA are not reimbursed even though such contributions are on behalf of the Commission reimbursed to a person who, after a period of insurance with (21 November 1994) the BfA, subsequently insures himself with a German insurance scheme ( e.g. the Bavarian Architects' Welfare Scheme)? A recommendation on the Over 60's Card was adopted Is the Commission aware that this state of affairs results by the Commission on 10 May 1989 ( 1 ). Despite this recommendation not much progress has been made towards from Section 6(1)(1 ) of the German Social Security Code a Senior's Travel Card at European level. Vol . VI, and does it not regard this German legislation as discriminating against EU citizens ? The alternative on which the Commission has been working together with organizations representing older people at European level, is to launch a pilot project through which Answer given by Mr Flynn the feasibility of such a card can be tested in practice in a on behalf of the Commission number of Member States . (24 October 1994) (!) OJ No L 144, 27 . 5 . 1989 . The Honourable Member refers to the position of doctors employed in Germany and covered by the general social 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/51
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2027/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2028/94 by Kirsten Jensen ( PSE ) by Thierry Jean-Pierre ( EDN ) to the Commission to the Commission (16 September 1994) (16 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/116 ) ( 95/C 30/117 )
Subject: Seconded national experts Subject: Danish fish farms' compliance with applicable rules 1 . How many seconded national experts are currently working at the Commission ( by nationality, grade and Directorate-General ) ?
Reports by the Danish environmental authorities reveal 2 . How many seconded national experts were working at numerous infringements of feeding permits for fish farms, a the Commission in 1985 ( by nationality, grade and build-up of sludge drainage of waterways and instances Directorate-General)? where local flora and fauna have been devastated . In the light of this, will the Commission say whether fish farming 3 . How many seconded national experts in category A in Denmark ( both fresh and saltwater ) complies with EU are there in each Directorate-General compared to the legislation and other international agreements and , in number of Community officials in the same category ? particular, will the Commission give its views on the eight saltwater farms situated at the mouth of the Ringkobing fjord, which is also an area covered by the Ramsar 4 . How are these national experts paid ? Convention ? 5 . Which of the allowances paid to officials and other servants under the Staff Regulations of the European Communities do they receive ? It should be noted that information on pollution levels, for instance, can be obtained by scrutinizing county council 6 . To which budget items and headings is this assessments of pollution levels for fish farms . expenditure charged ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas (18 October 1994) on behalf of the Commission (11 October 1994) The total number of national experts on secondment to the Commission and paid for out of the operating budget in 1994 corresponds to 570 man/years, or 15,5% of the number of established officials and temporary staff in The Commission is not aware that fish farming in Denmark grades A8 to A4 and 26,4 % of officials and temporary staff fails to comply with Community legislation and other in grades A4 and A5 ( x ). National experts on secondment international agreements . As regards areas of conservation are not subject to grading rules , but they tend to have the importance, protected under Community law, Denmark has kind of age and experience that would make them the most complete network of Special Protection Areas, comparable to A4 and A5 officials. classified pursuant to Article 4 of Council Directive 79/409/EEC ( ! ). The Danish authorities have recently notified the Commission of a new Environment Ministry In 1985 the number of national experts on secondment Order No 408 of 25 May 1994 on the delimitation and corresponded to approximately 80 man/years . administration of Community bird protection areas and Ramsar areas, which lays down binding rules for the The breakdown by nationality for 1994 and 1985 is as authorities on management of these areas . Ringk0bing follows : fjord, which is a Special Protection Area as well as a Ramsar site, is covered by this order .
(in %)
0 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . Nationality 1994 (M 1985
Belgian 2,65 9,4 Danish 4,07 2,6 German 18,26 6,8 No C 30/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2032/94 Nationality 1994 f 1 ) 1985 by Jean-Marie Le Chevallier ( NI ) Greek 2,83 2,0 to the Commission Spanish 6,73 4,6 (22 September 1994) French 21,45 21,4 ( 95/C 30/118 ) Irish 1,41 9,4 Italian 4,60 12,4 Luxembourgish 0,17 0 Dutch 7,09 4,2 Subject: EEC/Turkey Association Agreement Portuguese 5,49 0,3 British 22,87 25,6 The Association Agreement concluded in 1963 between the Other 2,30 1,3 European Community and Turkey, known as the Ankara f 1 ) As of 14 September 1994 . Agreement, which has already been deferred several times, is due to come into force on 1 January 1995 .
In 1994 the distribution of national experts on secondment by area of Comission activity, as used in the budget, and Can the Commission confirm that this is correct and, if so, these figures expressed as a proportion of staff in category what will be the consequences, with particular regard to the A, is as follows : free movement of persons and goods ?
Experts All staff ( % ) Area of activity ( man/yrs )
1 . Internal market 179 1 094 16,4 Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan 2 . Social area 45 279 16,1 on behalf of the Commission 3 . Flanking policies 71 679 10,5 (21 October 1994) 4 . Economic development and structural measures 65 583 11,1 5 . Common policies 31 274 11,3 The creation of a customs union between the Community 6 . External relations 92 1 226 7,5 and Turkey is the cornerstone of the Association Agreement 7. Horizontal services 99 1 023 9,7 signed in 1963 and supplemented by the Additional Members' Offices 7 124 5,6 Protocol which was signed in 1970 and came into force on 1 January 1973 . Contrary to the information provided by Total 589 5 272 11,2 the Honourable Member, application of the Association Agreement has not been deferred but the transitional period provided for in the Additional Protocol will not terminate The breakdown for 1985 is not available . until 1995 when the final stage of the customs union will commence . During their secondment, national experts continue to depend on their employer for their salary and social security cover ( pension, sickness insurance, etc.). The Commission It is intended that the forthcoming Association Council pays a daily allowance in ecus equal to the allowance scheduled for 19 December 1994 should formalize the payable to an official in grade A4 to A8 for a mission at the transition to the final stage of this customs union, which is same place of employment. Where a national expert does confined to industrial products and entails not only the not transfer his household to his place of employment, the abolition as between the parties of customs duties and Commission reimburses the cost of one journey a month charges having equivalent effect, but also the adoption by from his place of employment to his place of origin. If an Turkey of the Community's commercial policy as well as a expert does move to his place of employment he is entitled to whole complex of Community law concerning inter alia, reimbursement of annual trips home on the same basis as standardization, competition, customs, intellectual and members of staff covered by the Staff Regulations. industrial property that is essential to ensure the free movement of goods and the smooth operation of the customs union . Expenditure relating to national experts on secondment and covered by the operating budget is charged to budget heading A-1520 . The current discussions are not aimed at modifying the existing rules governing the free movement of persons . ( J ) As of 20 September 1994 . 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/53
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2033/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2034/94 by Manuel Monteiro ( RDE ) by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE ) to the Commission to the Council (22 September 1994) (23 September 1994) ( 95/C 30/119 ) ( 95/C 30/120 )
Subject: 'Variable geometry', 'hard core', 'two-speed Subject: Community funds allocated to Portugal since EEC Europe' accession
The statements made by the German CDU/CSU 1 . In order that the Portuguese public opinion may be Christian-Democratic parties concerning 'variable fully cognizant of the facts, would the Commission please geometry' and the 'creation of a hard core', given that they state the total amount of financial assistance received by are moreover the parties of government and currently Portugal since it joined the European Economic constitute the Presidency of the European Union, are of the Community ? greatest political significance; the reactions which they have provoked are entirely justifiable .
2 . Could this information be broken down, if possible , in These declarations and reactions have launched an terms of the various existing Structural Funds and of the Community Support Frameworks ( CSF ) and the single on-the-spot debate on the Community's conception, programming documents ? structure and institutions which is not perhaps all that one could wish for, but which does have the advantage of involving public opinion. For this reason, the positions of virtually all the Governments, of the Member States are known ( unfortunately, that of the Portuguese Government is not, if it has one . . .). Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission However, refusing to allow this debate to be limited to (19 October 1994) discussing which Member State will belong to the first class ( hard core), second class ( first periphery ) and third class ( second periphery), I would ask the Council, as an While appreciating the effort made by the Honourable institution of the European Union, whether it does not believe that in the circumstances, it is imperative that it Member to inform the Portuguese public, the Commission adopt a clear position and tell the public how these ideas — considers that the matter should not be looked at in purely which emanate from so authoritative a source — are budgetary terms because the benefits to Portugal — as to any other Member State — go far beyond the purely compatible with the objective of economic and social cohesion and other objectives which are propagated with budgetary aspects and are difficult to assess . such impassioned demagoguery, with the intention of creating an image of 'European integration' very different A relatively complete picture of Community assistance to from the concrete form which integration is actually Portugal is given in the regional brochure prepared for the taking ? recent elections to the new Parliament.
The Honourable Member is referred to the Vademecum on Answer the reform of the Structural Funds for the contributions by (15 November 1994) the Structural Funds to Portugal .
As regards the period 1989 to 1993 , because of the length of It is not for the Council to give its views on the positions the answer the Commission is sending it direct to the adopted by persons, groupings or parties in the context of Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. their activities within individual Member States.
Furthermore, the Council as an institution is not competent The Community Support Framework for the period 1994 to to enter into discussion as to the substance of matters 1999 was adopted in March 1994 and it includes aid involving revision of the Treaties; it will be for the totalling ECU 13,98 billion. The Honourable Member will Conference of Governments of Member States due to take find more details in the text of the CSF . place in 1996 and the fora responsible for preparing that Conference's work to consider the questions raised by the Honourable Member with regard to the structure and functioning of the institutions of the Union . No C 30/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
The Council would refer the Honourable Member to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2037/94 conclusions of the Presidency of the Corfu European by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) Council concerning preparations for the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference, which specify the operating to the Commission rules for a study group in which two representatives of the (22 September 1994) European Parliament will participate . ( 95/C 30/122 )
The Council would also refer the Honourable Member to the debate held in the European Parliament's plenary session on 28 September 1994 concerning a multi-speed Europe, at Subject: Statements opposing the completion of European which the President of the Council made a statement on the Union subject.
Is the Commission aware of the opinions recently expressed by a German political group on the completion of European Union, which apparently endorse the idea of a Europe of 'variable geometry' consisting of a group of countries led by Germany and France and excluding others such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2035/94 by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE ) What are its views on these proposals, which have sown to the Commission further doubt as regards the implementation of the (22 September 1994) Maastricht Treaty and helped to generate further confusion ( 95/C 30/121 ) in the mind of the general public ?
Does the Commission not agree that the European Union Subject: 'Variable geometry', 'hard core', 'two-speed should function as twelve ( or possibly as sixteen ) Member Europe' States on the basis of the treaties that have been underwritten and the political commitments that have been repeatedly confirmed ? The statements made by the German CDU/CSU Christian-Democratic parties concerning 'variable geometry' and the 'creation of a hard core', given that they are moreover the parties of government and currently constitute the Presidency of the European Union, are of the greatest political significance; the reactions which they have provoked are entirely justifiable . Joint answer to Written Questions E-2035/94 and E-2037/94 given by Mr Delors These declarations and reactions have launched an on behalf of the Commission on-the-spot debate on the Community's conception, (3 November 1994) structure and institutions which is not perhaps all that one could wish for, but which does have the advantage of involving public opinion. For this reason, the positions of virtually all Governments of the Member States are known ( unfortunately, that of the Portuguese Government is not, if As the Commission pointed out in its answer to oral it has one . . .). question H-495/94 by Mr Theonas ( 1 ), it closely follows the various proposals and statements relating to institutional reforms, notably, in the run-up to the intergovernmental However, refusing to allow this debate to be limited to conference planned for 1996 . discussing which Member State will belong to the first class ( hard core), second class ( first periphery ) and third class ( second periphery), I would ask the Commission, whether it The Commission will not fail to express its views on the very does not believe that in the circumstances, it is imperative important questions put by the Honourable Members in due that it adopt a clear position and tell the public how these course. ideas — which emanate from so authoritative a source — are compatible with the objective of economic and social cohesion and other objectives which are propagated with ( l ) European Parliament debates ( September 1994 ). such impassioned demagoguery, with the intention of creating an image of 'European integration' very different from the concrete form which integration is actually taking ? 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/55
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2041/94 relationships ( 2 ), notably concerning temporary work, by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE), Ria Oomen-Ruijten ( PPE), which are still being discussed by the Council . The adoption Bartho Pronk (PPE ) and Jan Sonneveld ( PPE ) of these two proposals for Directives would narrow the gap between the relevant national provisions . At the same time, to the Commission the negotiating autonomy of the social partners and the (22 September 1994) Member States' differing policies on remuneration mean (9SIC 30/123 that there may continue to be major differences in remuneration between the Member States . The Commission would also stress that in 1991 it adopted a proposal for a Subject: Use of non-EU labour for short-term work in Directive concerning the posting of workers in the agriculture and horticulture framework of the provision of services ( 3 ), one of the aims of which is to ensure that businesses which are established in non-member countries and which post their workers to In a number of EU Member States non-EU workers ( e.g. Member States for the provision of services comply with a from Poland ) are employed for short-term work in 'core' of mandatory social standards in force in the Member agriculture and horticulture at harvest time . States .
1 . Can the Commission indicate the conditions of employment for such temporary work in each Member ( J ) Communication from the Commission to the Council and the State ? European Parliament on immigration and asylum policies, COM(94 ) 23 final of 23 February 1994, page 32 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 224, 8 . 9 . 1990 . 2 . Does the Commission not agree that where there are ( 3 ) OJ No C 225 , 30 . 8 . 1991 . large differences in pay and conditions of employment there is distortion of competition, for example when mushrooms are harvested on either side of a border but under different conditions ?
3 . If so, does the Commission intend to propose an appropriate harmonization Directive ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2048/94 by Edward Kellett-Bowman ( PPE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mr Flynn (3 October 1994) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 30/124 (22 November 1994) Subject: 0ver-60s card 1 . The Regulations governing working conditions which are in force in the territory of the Member States apply What progress has been made with the introduction of an generally to migrant workers from non-member countries over-60s card for European citizens which can be used in who legally work there. This is designed to promote the any of the countries of the EU ? integration of legal immigrants . For the Commission, this means "offering migrants and their descendants the opportunity to live 'normally' in the host country"^ 1 ). As far as the Regulations governing working conditions in the Answer given by Mr Flynn Member States are concerned, the Commission is sending on behalf of the Commission the Honourable Members and the Secretariat-General of the (9 November 1994) Parliament a study published by the Commission containing relevant comparative information . As regards illegal immigration, the Commission states in its communication on immigration and asylum policies that the Community Despite the recommendation 89/350/EEC on the Over 60's 'requires an active policy to prevent and combat illegal card adopted by the Commission on 10 May 1989 ( J ) not migratory movements' ( 1 ). much progress has been made towards a European senior's travel card at European level. 2 . It should be remembered that wages and working conditions are only two of the factors determining the The alternative on which the Commission has been competitiveness of businesses . It would therefore be working, together with organizations representing older jumping the gun to conclude that competition between the people at European level, is to launch a pilot project through businesses concerned is necessarily being distorted because which the feasibility of such a card can be tested in practice of differences in workers' rights or wages between the in a number of Member States . Member States . (!) OJ No L 144, 27. 5 . 1989 . 3 . The Commission would point out that it produced two proposals for Directives on certain work No C 30/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2050/94 French versions of the addresses in Brussels to which the by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( RDE ) applicants must report. to the Commission Will it explain why, in doing so, it continues to ignore the (23 September 1994) bilingual status of Brussels ? ( 95/C 30/125 )
Subject: Trade in wild species Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission In view of: (25 October 1994) the increasing risk to the environment posed by the depletion of the ozone layer, It is the Commission's policy to reply in the language used in the application. the fact that, instead of protecting the earth's fauna and flora, man is continually destroying them, As has already been indicated in the reply to the Honourable Member's question No 3772/93 (*) on the use of languages the report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), in letterheads, the Commission has taken the necessary steps to adjust its word processing system so that the Commission's address in Brussels will appear in the the fact that the European Union is one of the largest footer : markets for wild species, while the European Parliament has approved a proposal for new Regulations on such trade, — in French when the letterhead is in French; does the Commission not agree that the European Union — in Dutch when the letterhead is in Dutch; should immediately adopt new legislation on this serious issue ? — in French and Dutch when the letterhead is in a language other than French or Dutch. When does it intend to instigate the necessary procedures ? (!) OJ No C 317, 14 . 11 . 1994, p . 45 .
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2081/94 (24 October 1994) by Lilli Gyldenkilde ( V ) to the Commission The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to its proposal for a Regulation laying (6 October 1994) down provisions with regard to possession of and trade in ( 95/C 30/127 ) specimens of wild fauna and flora (*), as amended in the light of the opinion of the Parliament ( 2 ). Subject: Equal pay Directive This amended proposal is currently under discussion in the Council . Is a situation whereby Member States' finance ministers choose to allow systems of pay which result, direct and demonstrably, in men and women receiving different pay for (M OJ No C 26, 3 . 2 . 1992 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 131 , 12 . 5 . 1994 . the same work compatible with the equal pay Directive ?
Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2076/94 (8 November 1994) by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission The Commission notes that the words 'system of pay' are (3 October 1994) not precise and that it would be preferable to have either a ( 95/C 30/126 more accurate description or even a practical example of what the Honourable Member intends. Nevertheless, the Commission would make the following general Subject: Use of official languages by the Commission observations .
Will the Commission say why, in its correspondence with Under Community law, the right to equal pay for equal applicants taking part in competitions, it only gives the work and work of equal value is ensured by both Article 119 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/57
EC Treaty and Directive 75/117/EEC on equal pay ( 1 ). An charge, in view of the specialized , nature of these services . individual's right to equal pay, as set out in these 60 % of EICs make such charges, but these represent at most instruments, must be respected within the national legal 1 5 % of the cost of obtaining and providing the information, system . which must be reliable and pertinent.
The Directive spells out the obligations of Member States In the case of Lombardy, the Milan EIC does charge for its to remove all discriminatory laws, regulations and services, but its scale of charges is widely publicized and administrative provisions, and to ensure that individuals known to users. have effective recourse to the law in order to enforce their right to equal pay. Lastly, the Commission subjects the EIC network to a permanent independent audit. The Commission's financial The Commission takes the view that a Member State which support to the EICs — which at best covers 10 to 15 % of an has taken such measures has fulfilled its obligations under EIC's operating costs — is granted only if the independent Community law . audit establishes that an EIC has fulfilled its contractual obligations . (!) OJ No L 45 , 19 . 2 . 1975 . ^ The biennial audit reports are forwarded to the representatives of the Member States .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2091/94 by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2095/94 (6 October 1994) by Joao Soares ( PSE ) ( 95/C 30/128 ) to the Council (7 October 1994) Subject: Euro Info Centres ( 95/C 30/129 )
The Commission has always been keen to improve Subject: Plight of Portuguese workers in Germany information on services to the business world . This need has been met by the setting up of the Euro Info Centre network. In Milan three such centres have been set up, and although It is common knowledge that there are several hundred they certainly help to disseminate information to businesses Portuguese workers in Germany who, having been swindled and the world of work, as required by the Commission and by dishonest firms, are in desperate straits and face the European Parliament, they nevertheless fail to provide unemployment, destitution, and even hunger . an efficient service to users . The anomaly is especially puzzling, since it is a well-known Is the Commission aware that users have been asked to pay fact that Portuguese workers have been properly treated and Lit 80 000 for the text of a Regulation ? Is there actually a warmly welcomed in Germany for many decades. going rate for the 'service' provided ? Does the Commission consider that this sort of practice, or perhaps one should say What practical steps will the Council therefore take to tackle this sort of speculation, helps to disseminate information ? this human emergency ? Does the Commission give financial support to Euro Info Centres ? What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure that the Euro Info Centres do not become a money-making business for the corporate bodies which run Answer them ? (2 December 1994)
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi It is not for the Council to give its views on the situation of on behalf of the Commission workers who are nationals of one Member State but who are in the territory of another. (22 November 1994)
The situation of these workers is a matter for the Member The Euro Info Centres ( EICs ) supply free of charge all States concerned and, if appropriate, for the Commission, information emanating from the Commission. which has the task of ensuring compliance with Community law. However, certain EICs which provide 'active' added-value services, advice and assistance to businesses may make a No C 30/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2119/94 In the context of its policy in support of consumers, the by Joan Colom i Naval ( PSE ) Commission has recently carried out a study on products of this type, and is currently evaluating the results thereof. to the Commission
(6 October 1994) (!) OJ No L 250, 19 . 9 . 1984 . ( 95/C 30/130 ) (2 ) OJ No L 228 , 11 . 8 . 1992 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 186, 30. 6 . 1989 .
Subject: Advertising for slimming products
Recently, there has been a startling rise in advertising for WRITTEN QUESTION E-2120/94 products which claim to help users to lose weight and are, . by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) frequently, distributed by mail order or unconventional to the Commission channels . In various cases, the appropriate authorities of the Member States have ruled that the advertising was (6 October 1994) fraudulent, that the products in question did not meet ( 95/C 30/131 ) pharmaceutical requirements, etc. Given that this is a problem which affects all the countries of the European Union and that they are being marketed by means of Subject: Activities to enhance the image of tourism for the European-level media channels, has the Commission elderly undertaken any action to prevent abuses in this area ? Does the Commission not think that it would be appropriate to draw up a Directive laying down certain recreational, cultural, dietary health-care and sanitary norms, and guidelines for exchanges with and getting to know people or Answer given by Mrs Scrivener retired persons' clubs in the area, etc., in order to counteract on behalf of the Commission a highly negative aspect of tourism for the elderly, namely that in certain cases it is a fundamentally economic (23 November 1994) enterprise designed to make the operating of end-of-season tourist facilities profitable and to extend them for as long as possible ? For some time now, products of a certain type have been on sale under the banner of 'miracle products'. These are products which promise certain results to the consumer but Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi which in most cases fail to have the desired effect. The on behalf of the Commission slimming products mentioned by the Honourable Member (22 November 1994) come under this category.
Within the framework of the European year of tourism, in From the legal point of view, these products are covered in 1990 a number of projects demonstrating the potential of general by Directive 84/450/EEC concerning misleading the development of tourism products for older tourists or advertising ( ] ) and Directive 92/59/EEC on general product bringing together young and older tourists were safety ( 2 ). developed.
Other, more specific aspects are covered by sectoral In Council Decision 92/42 1/EEC about an action plan to Directives, in particular Directive 89/398/EEC ( 3 ) relating to assist tourism, adopted on 13 July 1992 ( 1 ), it was decided foodstuffs intended for particular nutrititional uses . Annex I that measures for older people could be appropriately developed within the framework of fields of tourism of this Directive lays down that low-energy and identified in the action plan, such as cultural tourism, social energy-reduced foods intended for weight control must be tourism, that is accessible to all European citizens, and the subject of a specific Directive . tourists as consumers .
In other respects, and in so far as the products in question During the 'European year of older people and solidarity are presented as having properties useful in the prevention between generations' 1993 , support was given to the or cure of human diseases, they come under the category of publication of a study and a conference which looked at the medicinal products for human use . They cannot therefore be importance and potential of the senior travel market, and marketed until their effectiveness, quality and safety have recognized that the tourism industry cannot afford to ignore been demonstrated in accordance with the procedures this significant growth segment of the market. instituted under Community law. The labelling and advertising of medicinal products is also strictly regulated by As a result of this work, the Commission is currently Community law. considering a proposal to research concessions available to 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/59 senior citizens in Denmark, France, Ireland and the United Answer given by Mr Flynn Kingdom, in collaboration with non governmental on behalf of the Commission organizations in the field of ageing and the relevant (17 November 1994) governments. The ultimate aim of this study is to create a seniors card which would bring together advantages of interest to older people travelling and living in these The Commission is keeping a watchful eye on the Member States . application of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes , pursuant to Another study, currently in progress, is looking at the Article 119 of the EC Treaty as interpreted by the Court of mobility of elderly people with particular attention to Justice, with particular reference to its judgment of 17 May tourism by car . The private motor car is the most commonly 1990 ( Barber), and in accordance with Directive used form of transport for all tourists, including older 86/378/EEC . citizens, departing on holidays . Support was given to the 'Alliance Internationale de Tourisme/Federation "With regard to the situation described by the Honourable Internationale d'Automobile ( AIT/FIA)' to prepare this Member, the Commission intends to request further study looking at ways in which additional assistance might information from the authorities in the Netherlands to be provided for this group . enable it to state its position in full knowledge of the facts . The Commission would encourage the tourism industry to give greater consideration to the growing market which older people constitute, putting greater emphasis on the particular demands, interests and needs of the diverse sector of older consumers . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2123/94 (!) OJ No L 231 , 13 . 8 . 1992 . by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission (4 October 1994) ( 95/C 30/133 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2122/94 by Nel van Dijk ( V ) Subject: Free trade unions in Cuba to the Commission (13 October 1994) Given that the Commission has set up an ECO Programme office in Havanna , it must surely now be better informed ( 95/C 30/132 about the situation in Cuba than it was before .
Subject: Discrimination against women by Dutch pension Can the Commission tell me anything about the attack of funds 4 August 1994 on Lazar Corp Yeras and his younger son, an attack which included a full-scale beatrng-up of both victims and was carried out by one of the 'Rapid Intervention 1 . Is the Commission aware of reports in the Dutch press Brigades' set up by the Cuban Government to terrorize ( including Trouw of 26 August 1994 and Financieel dissidents ? As the Commission is no doubt aware, Mr Corp Dagblad of 27 August 1994), from which it emerges that Yeras' crime is to be the chairman of a committee which there are still pension funds in the Netherlands which coordinates six unofficial groups seeking to function as free require employees taking out supplementary pensions to trade unions for independent workers, in an attempt to have main bread-winner status and which apply conditions break the monopoly which the Constitution and the Penal that place women at a disadvantage ? Code currently confer on the Cuban Communist party and its subsidiary, the Single Trade Union Central Office. 2 . Does it agree that such practices constitute direct or indirect discrimination against women, which is incompatible with the fourth Directive on equal treatment for women in occupational social security schemes Answer given by Mr Van den Broek ( 86/378/EEC ) ( x )? on behalf of the Commission (28 October 1994) 3 . Is it prepared to press the Netherlands Government to enforce existing legislation in this area and speed up the introduction of legislation required to put an end to The alleged attack on Mr Lazaro Corp Yeras , discrimination by pension funds against female Secretary-General of the general union of Cuban workers , employees ? and his son on 4 Augsut came to the Commission's knowledge through press reports, which did not go much (!) OJ No L 225 , 12 . 8 . 1986, p . 40 . beyond what the Honourable Member himself states . No C 30/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
The Cuban authorities are aware of the EU's commitment to However, the enactment of legislation in this area is a matter respect for human rights, including union freedom, and of for the Member States . The Commission has no plans to the importance it attaches to this in its relations with other harmonize the relevant national legislation . countries . (!) OJ No L 225, 12 . 8 . 1986 . The coordination unit of the European Community ( 2 ) COM(94 ) 333 . Humanitarian Office, ECHO, which recently opened in Havana , is under the authority of the Head of the Commission Delegation in Mexico City and the Humanitarian Office .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2144/94 ECHO is a Commission department, which prepares, by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE), Joaquim Miranda ( GUE ) and carries out, finances, monitors and evaluates humanitarian schemes in all non-Union countries. The coordination unit Honório Novo (GUE ) in Havana is responsible for on-the-spot implementation, to the Commission monitoring and coordination of the comprehensive (12 October 1994) humanitarian aid plan for Cuba, approved by the ( 95/C 30/135 Commission in July.
Subject: Attempt to discipline a police association leader in Portugal
Jose Carreira, President of the Portuguese police association ASPP ( Associa^ao Socio-Profissional de Policia ), the only WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 129/94 body representing the interests of career police-officers, is by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) on the point of being expelled from the force to which he to the Commission belongs, since he has been accused of, and is currently facing (13 October 1994) disciplinary proceedings for, making public statements at odds with the re-organization of the security forces being ( 95/C 30/134 undertaken by the Portuguese Government.
The Supreme Council for Justice and Discipline, chaired by Subject: Disability rights the police Commander-in-Chief, an army general, has decided by a majority to recommend that the Minister for What are the Commission's plans to harmonize legislation Internal Administration impose the penalty of compulsory promoting employment rights for disabled people ? retirement.
Along with his fellow officers who are likewise the subject of disciplinary proceedings already under way, Jose Carreira Answer given by Mr Flynn spoke out in his capacity as leader of an association, and his on behalf of the Commission public utterances are therefore admissible under Law 6/90 issued by the Assembly of the Republic, which regulates the (4 November 1994) police's right to form professional associations, bearing in mind that officers were previously debarred from joining a trade union . Council recommendation 86/379/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the employment of disabled people in the Community (*) The case has been attracting the attention of and prompting included recommendations for legislative and other action criticism from various walks of Portuguese society and which will provide for the elimination of negative officials such as the Ombudsman and has been unanimously discrimination as well as positive action for disabled condemned by different policy trade unions throughout the people . Community.
1 . Does the Commission know of other cases in which The White Paper : European Social Policy — A way forward for the Union ( 2 ) identifies the need to build into leaders of professional associations or trade unions Community policies the fundamental right of disabled representing the security forces have been victimized people to equal opportunities . This includes policies under similar circumstances, or is there any Community law that countenances or permits a way of proceeding promoting employment rights . such as the one described above ?
It is also planned to produce a series of guides to good 2 . Given that the right of association has been violated in practice within the context of the Helios II Community this instance, will the Commission take any action Action Programme to assist disabled people ( 1993-1996 ). against the Portuguese Government ? 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/61
Answer given by Mr Flynn the family and social environment in which they have spent on behalf of the Commission their lives, instead of vegetating in soulless institutions . (11 November 1994) Could the Commission devise a home care plan providing economic incentives for families who have elderly relatives living under their roof? The Treaties do not give the Community any general authority to ensure that basic rights are respected . Its powers in this areas are restricted to the application of Community legislation which is, in any case, based on the principle of respect for such rights . Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1994) Fundamental human rights in the Member States are ensured internally through domestic channels of appeal and externally through the procedure introduced under the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human The Commission supports the view that older people should Rights and Fundamental Freedom. be enabled to maintain their independence for as long as possible . Their views on the manner in which their housing and care needs are met are fundamental to the debate on the The Community Charter of Basic Social Rights for Workers standard of living of senior citizens . A majority of older covers the freedom of association, collective bargaining and people prefer to remain in their own homes . Sensitive , the right to collective action ( Articles 11-13 ). However, flexible care policies are required and increased support for under Article 14, the internal legal order of the Member this growing sector . The important role of family members is States shall determine under which conditions and to what certainly crucial . extent the rights proved for in Articles 1 1 to 13 apply to the armed forces, the police and the civil service . A range of studies on the provision of care for older people has been carried out inter alia by the European Foundation Rights may therefore be restricted in the police force and for the improvement of living and working conditions . their nature and scope in such cases must clearly be Whilst the financing of care services is clearly a matter for determined by the Member States . national and local authorities, the Commission is currently developing further action in this field and will take into consideration the suggestion of economic incentives for Because there are no Community Regulations in this area , family carers . the Commission cannot intervene to solve conflicts associated with domestic trade union rights .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2165/94 by Alexandres Alavanos ( GUE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2161/94 (10 October 1994) by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) ( 95/C 30/137 ) to the Commission (18 October 1994) ( 95/C 30/136 ) Subject: Infringement of human rights in Tibet through China's continuing occupation
Subject: Assistance to the families of the elderly The European Parliament has repeatedly condemned infringements of human rights due to China's military occupation of Tibet. It has called on China to respect the The sharp rise in average life expectancy in the Community international conventions on human and political rights . has led to a corresponding increase in the numbers of the elderly . China continues to deny the right to self-determination, to encourage policies aimed at demographic change, to attack Given that a high proportion of elderly people are not Tibetan culture and to carry out torture and arrests . entirely able to look after themselves, and many are quite unable to do so, it is only right, from the human and social 1 . What steps has the Commission taken to pressure China point of view, that they should be continue to be cared for in into complying with international rules ? No C 30/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 6 . 2 . 95
2 . Has aid for China been made dependent on respect for Answer given by Mr Marin human rights in Tibet, as requested by Parliament ? on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1994) 3 . What further economic and political measures will it take to ensure respect for human and political rights in Tibet ? The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a table containing the information requested .
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2241/94 by Hugh Kerr ( PSE ) to the Commission Like the Member States, the Commission follows very (18 October 1994) closely the human rights situation in Tibet. The matter is ( 95/C 30/139 ) raised regularly both in bilateral relations with China and in the framework of the UN Commission on Human Rights . Subject: ESF funding
The Commission also considers that it would be appropriate A great deal of concern has been raised about the manner in to go on raising the Tibet issue in the political dialogue which the ESF funding has been allocated and spent in the conducted on the basis of the exchange of letters between Member States and in some cases 'not spent' due to the China and the Community. funding not arriving in a reasonable time frame . Can the Commission give assurances that ESF funding will be allocated and spent in the Essex West and Hertfordshire It should be pointed out that the Commission is financing a East region in a more efficient manner in the future ? number of operations in Tibet that are of a humanitraian or environmental nature or linked with rural development, and that all the projects concerned are of benefit to the Tibetan people . Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1994)
During the period 1994-1 999, Essex West and Hertfordshire East will be eligible for financial support from the European Social Fund . With regard to Objective 3, the Single Programming Document ( SPD ) which sets out the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2192/94 Community aid to be provided was adopted on 5 August of this year. The SPD will be implemented in partnership with by Maren Giinther ( PPE ) the British authorities and in full accordance with the rules to the Commission on structural aid from the Community and the financial (21 October 1994) Regulations governing the general budget of the European ( 95/C 30/138 ) Communities .
When the original Objective 3 plan was submitted by the British authorities in November 1993 , it was incomplete . Subject: Disaster relief operations in Rwanda Considerable additional information was sought from them and negotiations were opened in April this year . The Commission, in partnership with the British authorities, ECHO funds were used for disaster relief operations in sought throughout the process to accelerate what are Rwanda . inevitably, as for all Member States, complete negotiations .
With which NGOs did the Community cooperate in those A new departure in this phase is a level of involvement for operations ? the regions which will allow consultation on the way 6 . 2 . 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 30/63
Objective 3 resources are spent in their areas . This will assist WRITTEN QUESTION E-2343/94 in ensuring that the expenditure in Essex West and by José Barros Moura ( PSE ) Hertfordshire East will be the most effective possible . to the Commission (IS November 1994) ( 95/C 30/141 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2249/94 by David Bowe ( PSE ) Subject: Neo-Nazi attacks on Portuguese nationals in to the Commission Germany (25 October 1994) Is the Commission aware that 33 Portuguese workers were ( 95/C 30/140 ) attacked by gangs of young neo-Nazi thugs in Wurzen, near Leipzig, Germany, on Sunday, 16 October 1994 ? Subject: Risks to human health posed by dioxins How does it view the behaviour of the police, who refused to What action does the Commission propose to take go to the aid of the European citizens being attacked ? following the publication of a report by the US Environmental Protection Agency outlining the risks to human health posed by dioxins ? What steps will it take to uphold European citizenship ?
Answer given by Mr Flynn Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1994) (29 November 1994)
As he Commission has not yet received a copy of the report referred to, no comment can be made at this time . The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned .