ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2160/98

by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission

(13 July 1998)

Subject: Discrimination concerning the parents of large families

It is a known fact that the European Union is facing serious demographic problems, particularly in certain Member States, for example Greece, a European country characterized by an ageing population and falling birth rates. Despite this, little is being done to provide incentives to resolve the problem. On the contrary, large families are actually being affected by a particular form of discrimination directed against single fathers.

The mother of a large family receives allowances until her youngest child is 23 years of age and from then on receives a pension for life. However, a father who is widowed or divorced and has custody of a large number of children is not entitled to a pension.

Does such discrimination not infringe the principle of equal treatment for men and women, all the more so when, as in the present case, it affects those generally belonging to the less affluent sections of society?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

The Commission is unable to intervene in the case described by the Honourable Member concerning unequal treatment for fathers of large families in the event of the death of, or separation from, their spouse, compared with mothers in the same situation.

Such discrimination is actually tolerated by Community law on equal treatment for men and women, in particular Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security(1) (statutory schemes).

Article 7(1)(b) of this Directive authorises Member States to exclude from the scope of the Directive the advantages granted to persons who have brought up children.

This means that Member States may limit these advantages to one of the parents, as is the case in Greece.

A proposal for a Directive(2) tabled in 1987 includes a solution to this problem, but is still pending at the Council.

In accordance with its fourth medium-term action programme on equal opportunities for men and women (1996-2000)(3) and the social action programme (1998-2000)(4), the Commission intends to present a new proposal for a Directive to replace the 1987 proposal, taking account of Court of Justice case law and changes in family and social structures.

(1) OJ L 6, 10.1.1979.

(2) OJ C 309, 19.11.1987.

(3) OJ L 335, 30.12.1995.

(4) COM(98) 259 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1751/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: CAP reform and job creation

Has the Commission produced any calculations to quantify the number of jobs which could be created in the following areas:

1. maintenance of landscapes and protection of habitats, wetlands and other high value nature areas

2. sustainable forestry

3. development of new crops in the non-food sector

4. organic farming

and, if so, will it itemise them, preferably by country?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(1 July 1998)

The Commission fully agrees with the Honourable Member that quantifying the creation of jobs in the different areas mentioned in her question would be worthwhile. Although the Commission itself has made no calculations for these areas, figures are sometimes available through other channels.

1. Maintenance of landscapes and protection of habitats, wetlands and other high value nature areas. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have produced some figures.

2. Sustainable forestry. Useful information can be found in several publications, notably in research programme reports. The Commission has recently made available information from the final report on COST action E3 (Forestry in the context of rural development) published by the Danish forest and landscape research institute (ministry of Environment and Energy). Another source is the study "Europe and the forest" published by the Parliament.

3. Development of new crops in the non-food sector. In the white paper on energy for the future published(1) by the Commission, it is stated that in the Community between 500,000 and 900,000 jobs should be created by the year 2010 in the sector of renewable energies as a whole. A detailed breakdown showing the figures for new crops in the non-food sector was not, however, produced.

4. Organic farming. The Commission did not quantify the job creation effects. But at first sight, it seems logical to assume that organic farming needs more manual labour. However, organic farming uses fewer fertilizers and so can cost jobs in this industry.

(1) COM(97) 599.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0825/98

by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: PVC

In the proposal it presented recently for a Council Directive on end-of-life vehicles, the Commission does not propose phasing out PVC in motor vehicles made after 1 January 2002, it being argued that the problem should be resolved horizontally because PVC is to be found in many products.

When will the Commission make its proposals concerning the horizontal approach to PVC, and how can the producer liability principle be incorporated? Will it take other initiatives to achieve a significant reduction in the quantities of PVC in the waste stream?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(20 July 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-1524/98 by Mrs Riis-Jørgensen(1).

(1) See page 51.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0890/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(11 March 1998)

Subject: Refusal by the Irish airline Ryanair to recognize trade unions

Ryanair, the Irish airline, has been involved in a protracted dispute with its baggage handlers. The dispute arises from the company's refusal to recognize or negotiate with the trade union representing these workers. The company has also refused to go through the normal channels for resolving trade disputes, as it will not participate in any arbitration procedure initiated by the Irish Labour Court.

Ryanair's management has been a major beneficiary of the liberalization of air transport within the EU.

Bearing in mind Articles 11 to 13 of the European Social Charter, which deals with the rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining, will the Commission investigate the issues surrounding the Ryanair dispute and issue a report thereon? What other action does it propose to take on this dispute?

When will the Commission be publishing its promised assessment on the social impact of the liberalization of air transport?

Does the Commission have any proposals on how rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be upheld in cases where companies seek to deny these rights?

Supplementary answer

given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(13 May 1998)

The matter mentioned by the Honourable Member does not fall within the competence of the Community. Article 2(b) of the Agreement on social policy annexed to the Social Protocol (new Article 137 (b) of the Amsterdam Treaty) clearly states that its provisions shall not apply to the right of association, the right to strike or the right to impose lock-outs.

However, the Commission is responsible for developing relations between management and labour at European level. The European social dialogue is built on the foundations of co-operation and dialogue at European and national level. If one side of industry refuses even to recognise the legitimacy of the other, then the whole structure of social dialogue and co-operation is undermined.

A study on the social effects of changes in the civil aviation sector is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2065/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Reform of fine arts academies to convert them into higher education institutes

In the countries of the European Union, with the apparent exception of Italy, a diploma from a fine arts academy is equivalent to a degree. In April 1989, in response to this anomaly, the Italian Chamber of Deputies approved a programme commiting the government to reform these academies and to bring them into the university sector so as to bridge the gap between Italian and European legislation in this area. Finally, in March 1997, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously adopted Decree Law 2881, converting the academies into higher educational institutes. Since then, the law has been pending before the Senate's committee on culture, while Article 21(11) of Law 59/97 (known as the Bassanini Act after its sponsor) relegates the academies to the status of secondary education institutes, in breach inter alia of Article 33 of the Constitution.

The Commission:

1. Is the it aware of this anomaly, which penalizes students of these academies?

2. What is its opinion on this de facto discrimination which prevents Italian graduates from these academies securing recognition of their diplomas in other EU countries as equivalent to the qualifications of their European counterparts?

3. What measures will it take vis-à-vis the Italian authorities to speed up the passage of the bill through the Senate so as to bridge the gap once and for all between Italian and European legislation on this matter (as was done for students of the ISEF)?

4. Does it not consider that the trade union action undertaken over a number of weeks by students of the fine arts academies is a legitimate attempt to uphold rights which should be enjoyed under the newly-established European citizenship?
91998E2478

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2478/98 by Jean-Yves LE GALLOU to the Commission. Proceedings against France for infringement of Community tax legislation



Official Journal C 031 , 05/02/1999 P. 0145
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1888/98

by Gianni Tamino (V) , Fausto Bertinotti (GUE/NGL) , Carlos Carnero González (GUE/NGL) , Luciana Castellina (GUE/NGL) , Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) , Luciano Pettinari (PSE) , Luciano Vecchi (PSE) and Luigi Vinci (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: Human rights in Mexico

In the past few days more than a hundred Italian citizens forming part of a delegation made up inter alia of members of Parliament, journalists and members of the "Ya Basta" organization have been expelled from Mexico ( 40 for life and the rest for ten years ), as have other European citizens in the past, for having established, in their capacity as observers in Chiapas, that the human rights situation there was serious ( particularly in Taniperlas, where the lives of 140 women and children are in danger ).This fact has been noted many times in resolutions adopted by the European Parliament.

Does the Commission believe that a trade agreement with Mexico is appropriate when measures of this kind are being taken which, on the one hand, infringe the civil rights of Mexicans and on the other, preclude European citizens from free movement within that state, especially since the trade agreement contains a clause providing for the safeguarding of democracy?

What measures does it intend to adopt to guarantee freedom of movement for European citizens in Mexico and thus to ensure the revocation of the expulsion orders, some of them for life, adopted by the Mexican Government?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 1998)

The Commission has taken note of the recent decisions by the Mexican government to expel Italian nationals and other Community citizens. Though disquieting, these decisions were adopted in accordance with Mexican law.

The Commission and the Member States' ambassadors to Mexico have conveyed their concern to the relevant authorities in an effort to establish the grounds for these expulsion orders. Contacts will be pursued to verify, in the event of further incidents of this nature, that such measures are well-founded and see that the rights of European citizens are respected.

As for the new agreements signed by the Community and the Member States with Mexico on 8 December, including the interim agreement to which Parliament gave its assent in May, they, like every other agreement concluded by the Community with a non-member country, are based on respect for the democratic principles and human rights that inspire the parties' policies and constitute an essential element of their relations.

The Commission considers the entry into force of these agreements important because their clauses on respect for human rights provide a legal framework for the Community to exercise a more effective and constructive influence on the situation in Mexico.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1946/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 June 1998)

Subject: European Language Centres

Two years ago the Monitoring Committee of the Second Community Support Framework approved the establishment of European Language Centres within the framework of the Operational Programme for Education and Initial Vocational Training (EPEAEK). This institution, which will not only promote the learning of foreign languages among young people, but also help disseminate the less widely-spoken languages of the EU and thus foster multiculturalism, has yet to become operational.

Will the Commission say why this institution has not yet got off the ground and what measures it intends to take to change this state of affairs?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-1807/98 and E-1946/98 given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1998)

Measure 1.1c of the operational programme for "Education and initial training" - which was approved by the programme's monitoring committee in May 1996 - pertains to the establishment and operation of European language centres (ELC) in Greece.

The initial planning referred to the establishment of 33 ELCs which should have been put into operation progressively starting in 1997. However, because of numerous problems encountered during the implementation (e.g. lack of a suitable institutional framework, absence of a body responsible for the establishment and operation of the ELCs), the measure never got off the ground. Therefore, the ministry of education intends to propose a drastic reduction of the measure.

As the ELCs are not yet operational, the issue of procedures for awarding language proficiency certificates has not been addressed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1709/98

by Edouard des Places (I-EDN) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Packing and bottling in the region of production

A large proportion of the wine produced in Europe is bottled in the regions of consumption in both producer and non-producer Member States.

We are obliged to note that, pursuant to the principle of subsidiarity, a number of Member States are tending to enact legislation making it compulsory for certain quality wines psr to be bottled in the region of production.

Does the Commission consider that such provisions comply with primary Community law, in particular with Articles 34 and 85 to 90 of the Treaty and with the case-law of the Court of Justice?

What measures will the Commission take in this respect and, more particularly, with regard to the measures to reform the common organization of the market in wine which it intends to submit shortly to the Council?

Given the plethora of false vineyard and château names being criticized increasingly by consumer organizations, does the Commission intend to harden its stance in order to improve consumer protection?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 1998)

With regard to the questions concerning compulsory bottling in the region of production, the Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to written question P-1657/98 by Mr Buffetaut(1).

With regard to the use of the words "domaine" and "château" to describe vineyards, the Commission regrets that it is currently unable to reply, since it lacks the information required for carrying out the necessary research into the multiplication of false names. It therefore asks the Honourable Member to provide further details.

However, the use of these terms in the designation of wines is provided for in Community legislation, i.e. Article 6 of Commission Regulation (EEC) 3201/90 of 16 October 1990 laying down detailed rules for the description and presentation of wines and grape musts(2), and in the judgement of the Court of Justice in case C-403/92.

(1) See page 65.

(2) OJ L 309, 8.11.1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1410/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Opening of a quarry in Pieria

With the consent of the local government authorities, a private company is about to open a marble quarry in the Pieria mountains at a place known as Kteni-Koutoulos, more or less in the centre of the area marked out for proposed inclusion in the Natura 2000 network, coded GR-1250002. In June 1995, when the area had already been proposed for inclusion in the network, a licence was granted to prospect for marble over an area of some 5.5 hectares and to open a quarry on a 26-year lease without prior planning permission being obtained.

The opening of the quarry directly affects the communities of Vria, Ritini and Elatokhorio, the population of which (approximately 2500) is dependent on tobacco-growing as their only source of income. Moreover, at the request of the community of Vria, the ancient quarry located in the vicinity is to be designated an archaeological site and included, together with a number of other projects, in the Leader 2 Programme so that the area can become a centre for mountain environmental tourism.

What is the Commission's view of the forthcoming opening of a quarry in this area which forms part of Natura 2000 and is protected under Directive 92/43/EEC(1)? How does it justify the investment in tourism through the Leader programme if, at the same time, a quarry is being opened which will bring about considerable changes to the landscape and what contribution will it make, in consultation with the relevant Greek authorities, towards revising the plan to open a quarry?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1516/98

by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: Euro campaign and women

At the 1997 meeting of the Commissioners' Working Party on Equal Opportunities, President Santer announced that women would be a priority target group in the euro information campaigns.

Can the Commission say how the President's words have been put into action and to what degree specific campaigns for women have been created as part of other information campaigns under the Prince programme (Citizens first, Building Europe together, etc.)?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1998)

The Commission reaffirms that women are one of the priority targets of the information campaign on the euro. However, women have not been targeted by a specific communication plan in the initial stage of the campaign, which has been mainly directed at business circles.

Women are represented in all the segments of the population targeted by the communication on the euro, and it was accordingly felt that women should be addressed in all sections of the communication. Thus projects presented by civil society organisations with a female bias or involving communication tools geared to a female audience have been supported or cofinanced. Such projects have reached out to women in their professional life as well as in their family and social lives.

This dimension will be emphasised in the new stage of the campaign, which now focuses very much on the general public. Member States with which partnership agreements have been concluded have been requested to include information strategies for women in the communication plans. The Commission is working on a quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify the best ways of communicating information on the euro to women. The Commission follows a coordinated strategy to put all its tools at the service of this objective. A special issue of the September edition of the "Women of Europe" newsletter will be devoted to the euro.

The two other components of the Prince programme ("Citizens first" and "Building Europe together") have likewise supported women-oriented initiatives. Of the six themes developed by "Citizens first", one dealt specifically with the matter of equal opportunities in the Community in a brochure and descriptive leaflets. As in 1997, the call for proposals with regard to "Building Europe together" provides an opportunity for organisations presenting projects devoted to women to ask for financial contributions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1978/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Radioactive waste disposal in Italy

Further to my Written Question No 1948/97 and the answer thereto,(1) can the Commission say what progress has been made to date as regards radioactive waste disposal in Italy, with particular reference to the Caorso nuclear power-station in Piacenza province?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1998)

Radioactive wastes resulting from the use of radioisotopes in medicine, industry and research are collected, treated and stored by Nucleare-Ecologia (Nucleco) S.p.A.. At the nuclear sites, low-level radioactive waste is treated and conditioned by the Italian national electrical energy agency (ENEL) and the European nuclear energy agency (ENEA).

Disposal of short-lived radioactive waste in surface or near-surface repositories is planned, and a list of possible sites has been transmitted to the ministry of Industry. Recently, a parliamentary bill has been introduced dealing with the setting up of a new agency responsible for the description, design, construction and operation of a final repository for low-level waste, as well as for the final decommissioning of nuclear power plants and pilot sites.

Deep disposal of long-lived waste in a clay formation is still under investigation. The option of a centralised interim storage facility for spent reactor fuel, vitrified reprocessing waste and long-lived intermediate-level waste is under study. The particular situation regarding the fuel stored at the Caorso reactor was covered in the Commission's reply to the Honourable Member's Written Question 1948/97(2).

The selection of options and timing for dismantling of installations and for storage and disposal of radioactive waste is a matter of national policy.

(1) OJ C 45, 10.2.1998, p. 128.

(2) OJ C 45, 10.2.1998.