ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3956/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Compliance with the code of conduct on arms exports

A recent study by the holder of the Unesco-sponsored chair of peace and human rights studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona on compliance with the EU code of conduct on arms exports states that Spain has sold weapons, to the value of Ptas 23 bn, to twenty-three countries which do not meet the standards of the code.

Is the Commission aware of this report? Can it state whether other Member States are similarly failing to implement the code of conduct? Does it intend to take action to make the Member States aware of the need to abide by the undertakings they entered into by signing the code?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 1999)

The Commission has no knowledge of the report mentioned by the Honourable Member.

The Commission has no direct responsibility concerning arms exports licensing by Member States. However, the Member States, having recently adopted the code of conduct on arms exports, are committed to the rigorous implementation of its criteria, principles and procedures. The Commission will continue to contribute in the appropriate fora so as to encourage Member States in this direction.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3506/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Common organisation of the market in bananas (Agenda 2000)

With reference to the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) 404/93 on the common organisation of the market in bananas (COM(98) 4 final - 98/0013 CNS)(1), there is a need to ensure that certain aspects of the common organisation of the market in bananas are adapted to meet international commitments (especially those of the WTO) and it should also be pointed out that amending the procedures for the issue of import licences might have negative repercussions on the income and employment situation of Community and ACP producers.

Can the Commission therefore take action to guarantee fair prices to both producers and consumers, given that the new arrangements for issuing import licences to be established will then have to guarantee fair competition between all commercial operators so as not to disturb the equilibrium of supply in the Union between all the regions of origin without exception?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 1999)

When amending(2) Council Regulation (EEC) 404/93 of 13 February 1993 on the common organization of the market in bananas(3) to meet the requirements of the World trade organization (WTO) ruling the Commission was cognisant of its other international commitments under the 4th Lome Convention in respect of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and its duties towards European producers.

The allocation of licences under the new regime is based on proof of actual imports. There is also a provision within the new regime for an increase in the compensatory aid for Community producers. Effects on ACP producers by the new regime have been taken into consideration through a proposal for a Council regulation(4) to establish a special framework of assistance for traditional ACP suppliers.

(1) OJ C 75, 11.3.1998, p. 6.

(2) COM(98) 4 final.

(3) OJ L 47, 25.2.1993.

(4) COM(98) 5 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2138/98

by John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Animal welfare and the Belgian Blue breed of cattle

Because of their size Belgian Blue calves can be born only by Caesarean section. The breed can however be raised in the European Union so that in Denmark 7 000 Belgian Blue calves are born by Caesarean section. A case is currently pending between a Swedish farmer and the EU Court of Justice about whether Sweden can maintain its ban on imports of semen and animals of this breed.

1. Can the Commission confirm or deny that it is dangerous for cows repeatedly to have calves by Caesarean section?

2. In view of the animal welfare protocol adopted in the common agricultural policy, will the Commission take the initiative to draw up specific animal welfare criteria?

3. Will the Commission take the initiative to ban this breed if Sweden wins its case in the EU Court of Justice?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1998)

1. All surgical operations carry a certain risk, but if performed correctly by a veterinarian, caesarian section is a safe procedure, even if performed repeatedly.

2. and 3. The Community has legislation covering various aspects of the rearing, transport and slaughter of farm animals. Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes(1) includes amongst other things a special paragraph on mutilations and breeding procedures.

The Commission has no plans at present to propose additional legislation concerning any particular breed of cattle.

(1) OJ L 221, 8.8.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3878/98

by Philippe De Coene (PSE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Abolition of duty-free

A decision was taken in 1991 to abolish duty-free shopping within the European Union with effect from 1 July 1999. Only travellers to destinations outside the Union would be able to continue to benefit from duty-free.

However, I learn that even after 1 July 1999 the members of the Commission will retain the right to buy a number of goods duty-free: 20 000 cigarettes, 400 litres of alcohol of less than 21 % proof, 90 litres of whisky or vodka, 5 000 litres of cheap petrol for their first car and 2 000 litres for their second car.

Does the Commission not feel that its members should be subject to the same rules as ordinary citizens of the Union and that they should therefore no longer be entitled to duty-free goods?

Does the Commission intend to do away with this derogation?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 1999)

Up to 30 June 1999, exemption from VAT and excise duty on intra-Community duty-free sales is granted under Article 28k of Directive 91/680/EEC of 16 December 1991 and Article 28 of Directive 92/12/EEC of 25 February 1992 respectively.

Belgium treats the Members of the Commission as diplomats and accordingly they enjoy certain financial benefits like any diplomat from another country serving in that Member State and any other persons afforded similar treatment. One of these privileges is the right to purchase duty-free goods for personal use provided that the total bill is at least BEF 10 000 (VAT not included) and within the annual purchasing limit for the following products (1998 figures: purchasing conditions are laid down each year by the Belgian Ministry of Finance).

>TABLE>

Tax provisions relating to diplomats are to be found in particular in Article 34 of the Vienna Convention of 18 April 1961, which lays down that " A diplomatic agent shall be exempt from all dues and taxes, personal or real, national, regional or municipal, except: (a) indirect taxes of a kind which are normally incorporated in the price of goods or services..." As a rule, however, it is customary for all countries to grant such exemptions in international relations.

At Community level, the tax benefits in question are covered by specific provisions: VAT by the first indent of Article 15(10) of Directive 77/388/EEC; excise duties by the first indent of Article 23(1) of Directive 92/12/EEC; customs duties by Article 133(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EEC) 918/83. As the Honourable Member has stated, there is no time limit set by the legislation. Thus, if the relevant Community legislation is not amended, it will remain in force even after 1 July 1999.

The Commission has asked itself whether the tax exemptions (VAT and excise duties) granted to Member States' diplomats serving in the Union and persons treated in the same way, such as Members of the European Commission, are compatible with the Union's progress towards integration. The Commission has decided to make an in-depth evaluation of the situation with a view to identifying what legislative initiatives would be appropriate.
91999E0146

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 146/99 by Brigitte LANGENHAGEN to the Commission. EU aid to Stade



Official Journal C 182 , 28/06/1999 P. 0142
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0027/99

by Marco Formentini (NI) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: Increased charges introduced by TIM and OMNITEL for fixed-to-mobile telephone traffic

In light of the new charges introduced on 6 January 1999 by the two mobile telephone companies (TIM and OMNITEL), which entail substantial increases (up to 153 %) for calls from fixed to mobile telephones, can the Commission say:

- whether it considers that the agreement between the two operators to introduce equivalent price rises was drawn up in accordance with the rules on free competition on the market;

- whether it does not consider that, by virtue of this agreement, a cartel has been set up to manage the market, an unlawful practice as far as free competition is concerned and detrimental to the interests of the consumer;

- whether the agreement could be seen as taking advantage of consumers' good faith, since it was implemented immediately after the Christmas holidays, when a large number of new mobile telephone contracts were concluded, in particular "family" contracts;

- whether it does not consider, in the light of this latest event, that the Italian economy is still dominated by monopolies or, at best, duopolies, which end up acting much like rigid monopolies;

- what steps it intends to take to safeguard free competition on the market and, above all, the interests of users?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0135/99

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Subsidies to the wine industry

I refer to the answer given by Commissioner Fischler (E-3429/98)(1) with regard to the additional subsidies, over and above any in the Agenda 2000 package, to the wine industry.

In view of the bleak economic circumstances facing the Scotch whisky industry, could the Commission outline any plans to help alleviate the hardship facing this indigenous industry?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1999)

To supplement the answer already given to Written Question E-3429/98 from the Honourable Member about the financial aspects of the reform of the common organisation of the market in wine as part of the Agenda 2000 package, and in particular in response to his final question about possible support measures for the whisky industry, the Commission would like to state the following:

The common organisation of the market in wine as currently in force includes the possibility of granting aid to rationalise the table-wine market through the distillation of surpluses. The existing regime has not modified in any fundamental way the balance among the various products of distillation. In fact, the market share for distilled wine has shrunk somewhat.

The draft reform of the wine market organisation is designed to maintain this fundamental balance by supporting a traditional outlet (distilling of wine to alcohol products for human consumption) without which this balance would be compromised.

Spirit drinks, however, because they are not listed in Annex II to the EC Treaty, cannot be given direct agricultural support.

The Commission wishes to point out, finally, that whisky does qualify for export refunds under the common organisation of the market in cereals.

(1) OJ C 182, 28.6.1999, p. 84.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0319/99

by John McCartin (PPE) to the Commission

(19 February 1999)

Subject: Beef and veal imports into the EU

Can the Commission state how much beef and veal will be imported into the European Union under GATT and other agreements in the current year, how much of this has already entered the market and what the amount of the import levy is?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 1999)

The Commission does not have statistics for the quantities of beef which have been actually imported under preferential arrangements for the current year.

However, the quantities for which import licences have been issued in January 1999 under the different quotas and the corresponding customs duties which are payable, are as follows:

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1139/99

by Arthur Newens (PSE) to the Commission

(27 April 1999)

Subject: Students from China

Will the Commission look at the possibility of increasing the number of scholarships and the like available to students from China until it is close to the number currently offered by the United States?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

President Santer announced during his visit to China at the beginning of November 1998 the intention of the Commission to prepare a new and comprehensive programme on scholarships for China. The programme, called Scholarships 2000, will allow 2000 Chinese to benefit from the support of the Community to study or carry out research in Europe.

The programme is currently under preparation (experts visiting China, negotiation with the Chinese authorities, submission of the proposal to the committee of the Member States), in order to be operational in the year 2000.

The Commission also believes that to encourage a significant increase in academic cooperation between the Community and China structural cooperation must be targeted which prepares the teaching and learning communities of both partners
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0700/99

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1999)

Subject: Structural Funds

The regions whose level of income per inhabitant is less than 75 % of that which corresponds to the average Community inhabitant are classed as "Objective 1 regions" and are entitled to substantial Community aid.

In order to work out whether this threshold has been crossed or not, the draft Council Regulation, COM(98) 0131 final(1), laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds, stipulates that the figures corresponding to the last three years on which Eurostat has information will be taken into account.

The Director-General of the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat) disclosed at the meeting of Parliament's Subcommittee on Monetary Affairs of 17 February 1999 that the statistical data corresponding to the financial years 1994, 1995 and 1996 already included the data corresponding to the hidden economy of the regions analysed, although he did not say exactly what criteria had been followed in order to estimate or assess this type of activity.

What proportion of the regional income corresponds to the "hidden economy" and what proportion to the "regular economy" in Aragon in each of the years in question?

(1) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0440/99

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Subject: Lobbying regulations

Does the European Commission have any plans to ask companies within the European Union to include in their annual reports details of who they lobby and how much money they spend? This would bring the European Union in line with the US Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 1999)

The obligation for American companies to declare their lobbying activities, including the amount they spend on such activities, derives from the registration system which applies to all organisations lobbying US federal bodies.

This registration system is not compatible with the Commission's approach, which is based on openness to all interest groups and guarantees them equal treatment while recommending that they apply a system of self-regulation.

This being so, the Commission has no plans to adopt measures which would require a radical change of policy.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0743/99

by Yves Verwaerde (PPE) to the Commission

(9 March 1999)

Subject: NGOs subsidised under the EU's external policy

What criteria have been laid down with a view to determining the NGOs which are to be selected to receive Community subsidies so that they may participate in observer and training missions relating to elections as part of the EU's external policy designed to encourage the development of the democratic process?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1999)

The Commission awards Community funding to NGOs to participate in observer and training missions for elections according to their experience and professional capabilities and the quality of the projects proposed.

Another important criterion in selecting NGOs as election observers is their impartiality in the electoral process. This is crucial where electoral support outside the EU takes the form of assistance and training for local NGOs for capacity building in the country where the elections are to be held. In many cases Community funding is used to promote partnerships between European and local NGOs.

The Commission chooses NGOs which have the professional capabilities, experienced personnel, a knowledge of working languages and an effective methodology to observe the media in elections. On the training side the Commission is providing aid to academic institutions in the Member States which have undertaken recognised scientific work in this area.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0524/99

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(8 March 1999)

Subject: Fish product canning industry and aquaculture in the European Union

At its June 1998 part-session the European Parliament debated and adopted the own-initiative report on the fish product canning industry and aquaculture in the European Union (A4-0137/98)(1), in the conclusions to which, inter alia, it called on the Commission "to draw up a study on the situation in the fish product canning industry and aquaculture in the European Union, covering companies, trends in the industry in the last few years in the various Community countries, data on production, origin of raw material, volume of exports and imports, employment, technical and health standards, tariff arrangements and, in general, on the law applicable to the industry and codification of that law".

Can the Commission say what measures it has taken to comply with Parliament's request as regards drawing up the requested study and codifying the law applicable to the fish product canning industry?

(1) OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 295.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0363/99

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Cloning in Spain

The first Spanish Committee of Experts on Cloning, composed of scientists, jurists and sociologists, is finalising a report which supports legislative reform to lift the existing ban on cloning and allow it to go ahead in Spain for purely medicinal purposes. The committee, set up at the Bioethics Institute at the Foundation for Medical Science, has virtually completed its study, which is due for official release in June or thereabouts, pending completion of the legal proposal and a resolution of the sociological problem; its findings will be submitted to those in the Spanish Government and the European Union with responsibility for this issue and to other international institutions involved in the cloning issue. The report stresses that, when used for suitable purposes, cloning can be a tremendously useful technique, insofar as findings suggest that cloning techniques can be employed in creating tissue to cure certain diseases. However, it also takes the view that, when understood as an attempt to create identical human beings, cloning poses serious problems and cannot be readily endorsed.

Despite the fact that the contents of the report currently being finalised by the Spanish Committee of Experts on Cloning have not yet been released, can the Commission give its view on the extremely complex and controversial issue of cloning?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 1999)

In February 1997, the Commission consulted its Group of advisers on the ethical implications of biotechnology which issued in May 1997 an opinion on ethical aspects of cloning techniques (Opinion No 9). This examined the different forms of cloning techniques and came to the conclusion that "any attempt to produce a genetically identical human individual by nuclear substitution from a human adult or child cell (reproductive cloning) should be prohibited".

The Commission's position is in line with the above mentioned opinion and, thus, clearly condemns human reproductive cloning. To this end, human reproductive cloning has been excluded by co-decision of the Parliament and the Council from both the fourth and the fifth framework programmes on research and technological development.

It should also be recalled that the European Council in Amsterdam (June 1997) adopted a declaration which emphasized the determination of the Member States to take all measures necessary to prohibit human cloning.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0030/99

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(20 January 1999)

Subject: Suspension of Commission official

Mr Paul van Buitenen, an official in the Commission's Financial Control section, has been suspended on the grounds that he passed on to the European Parliament a report revealing financial irregularities by some Commission services in the management of European taxpayers' money; this led incidentally to Parliament's refusal to grant discharge to the Commission for the 1996 financial year.

This Dutch official has been refused access to his office, and the Commission spokesman has confirmed the imposition of this disciplinary measure.

Will the Commission say how it was decided to impose this draconian punishment on Mr van Buitenen, whether this decision is in keeping with the objective of transparency which is supposed to govern the actions of all Community institutions and what measures will be taken to ensure that European taxpayers' money is properly managed?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0730/99

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Structural Funds

The regions whose level of income per inhabitant is less than 75 % of that which corresponds to the average Community inhabitant are classed as "Objective 1 regions" and are entitled to substantial Community aid.

In order to work out whether this threshold has been crossed or not, the draft Council Regulation, COM(98) 0131 final(1), laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds, stipulates that the figures corresponding to the last three years on which Eurostat has information will be taken into account.

Currently, only the figures corresponding to the financial years 1994, 1995 and 1996 are available.

What regions in Austria does the Commission expect not to be classed as Objective 1 regions for this three-year period?

(1) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998, p. 1.