ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2278/01

by Herman Schmid (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: Rules governing EU passports

On inquiry the National Police Board in Sweden has told me that I am not allowed to have the fact that I am a Member of the European Parliament entered in my Swedish EU passport. Is this a correct interpretation of the rules in force?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(14 September 2001)

By Resolutions of 23 June 1981(1), 30 June 1982(2), 14 July 1986(3) and 10 July 1995(4), the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting in the Council established a uniform model passport and decided on the adaptations needed following the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union.

In the uniform passport the following items of information are to be entered: name, forenames, nationality, date of birth, sex, place of birth, date issued, date of expiry, authority, bearer's signature.

There is basically no requirement for the bearer's occupation or status to be entered.

But the Resolutions leave the Member States with considerable scope for discretion. For example, it is for the Member States to determine whether they will issue this kind of passport to persons other than their own nationals. And in certain situations they may issue passports of a different kind, such as diplomatic or service passports.

(1) OJ C 241, 19.9.1981.

(2) OJ C 179, 16.7.1982.

(3) OJ C 185, 24.7.1986.

(4) OJ C 200, 4.8.1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0639/01

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 March 2001)

Subject: Funding of text books

1. Please could the Commission confirm whether any EU funds have been used to fund the following textbooks:

- Our Arabic Language Third Grade-Fifth Grade Part 2

- Islamic Education Grades 3-9

- Reader and Literary Texts Grades 4-8

- Modern Arab History & Contemporary Problems

- Palestinian National Education Third Grade

- Islamic Culture Grades 5-8

- Geography of the Arab

2. If so, which budget line was used to fund these projects?

3. Will the Commission please undertake to ensure that no EU funding is used to fund textbooks which contain anti-Semitic statements?

Examples of such language, included in the above textbooks includes:

- In many cases these Jews acted according to their known cunning and deceit and they incite wars Islamic education, 9th grade, p. 78.

- What can we do to rescue Jerusalem and to liberate it from the thieving enemy? Reader and Literary Texts, 8th grade, p. 99.

- I learn from this lesson: I believe that Jews are the enemies of the Prophets and the believers. Islamic education, 4th grade, Part one, p. 67.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2001)

The Commission rejects any attempt to use the educational system as a vehicle to promote intolerance and to hinder the efforts achieved so far by the different parties committed with peace in the Middle East. In this context, it is particularly regrettable that school children may be exposed to intolerance and mutual incomprehension in any of the parties involved in the conflict.

The Commission has always focused its assistance to promote a culture of peace, tolerance and human rights in the Middle East. In this regard, Article 2 of the Community-Palestinian Interim Association Agreement clearly states that mutual co-operation between the Parties has to be based on the respect of democratic principles and fundamental human rights as set out in the universal declaration on human rights, which guides their internal and international policy .

None of the projects in support of the Palestinian Authority financed by the Commission have supported the production or distribution of school textbooks. Assistance to the educational system has focused mainly on infrastructure, equipment for schools and libraries and direct assistance for current school expenses (salaries, dining rooms, etc. ).

No request has ever been made by the Palestinian Authority to finance curricula and textbooks. When a request for assistance is submitted to the Commission, an assessment is made on whether the proposal falls under the scope of the Community strategy and principles in that particular policy area. On that basis the Commission decides whether or not to fund the relevant project. In addition, the Commission - through the relevant mechanisms established under the MEDA regulations is fully involved in the programming, preparation, implementation and monitoring of assistance projects to the Middle East Peace Process in general, and to the Palestinian Authority in particular.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1454/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 May 2001)

Subject: Missing children in Cyprus

Protests have been made on numerous occasions within the European Union's institutions and in other international bodies about those persons who have been missing since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Sporadic attempts have been made to resolve the problem, which ultimately meet with the refusal of the Turkish Cypriot regime to cooperate despite some occasional minor progress. On 25 April 2001, the matter was raised in the Council of Europe. Complaints were put before the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe concerning 27 children between the ages of 4 months and 14 years who were abducted by the Turkish occupation forces and, although some of those children are rumoured to be living in the occupied territories, they are still missing.

Given that this is a purely humanitarian issue which transcends political and national differences, will the Commission say:

1. whether it is aware of these complaints, and

2. whether it will take steps to enable relatives to obtain information about the fate of the missing members of their families, especially children?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2001)

The Commission shares the humanitarian concerns expressed by the Honorable Member. The Commission is aware that in April 2001 the Secretary General of the Council of Europe received a Cypriot delegation which presented a four-volume publication with 68 000 signatures demanding an investigation into the whereabouts of the 27 children, missing since the 1974 invasion. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe pledged to offer all assistance to help determine the fate of the missing persons.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-0506/01 by Mr Davies(1).

(1) OJ C 261 E, 18.9.2001, p. 130.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2198/01

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(23 July 2001)

Subject: Transport and slaughter of animals in Greece

The Commission has recently published a report on a mission it carried out in Greece in November 2000. The report concludes that, since previous missions, the Greek authorities have made no progress

in achieving effective enforcement of Community laws on transport and slaughter. Enforcement was very poor at two ports used for intra-Community trade. At one the inspector failed to detect serious deficiencies on animal vehicles, such as dead animals, a moribund animal, an injured animal, overcrowding and incomplete route plans. At the three abattoirs visited several animals were ineffectively stunned in that they were not completely unconscious before bleeding. Other problems include electrical stunning tongs being placed in the wrong head position and animals receiving several pre-stun electric shocks.

Does the Commission plan to continue with the existing infringement procedure against Greece?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

The existing infringement procedure was opened on the basis of evidence obtained during previous missions of the Food and Veterinary Office and certain information provided by animal welfare societies.

Although Greece claimed to have taken certain action to rectify the deficiencies initially alleged in the infringement proceedings, the inspection report mentioned by the Honourable Member concluded that serious deficiencies in implementation and enforcement of the relevant Directives remained.

In such cases the Commission normally pursues the infringement proceedings unless it is satisfied that the Member State in question has, after issue of the report, taken adequate action to ensure satisfactory compliance with its obligations under Community law.

The Commission will take a further decision on this matter in the near future.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2190/01

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(23 July 2001)

Subject: Fisheries agreement with Morocco

What scope is there for re-opening the negotiations on a new fisheries agreement with Morocco, now that representatives of the fisheries sector in Galicia have stated that they are prepared to accept one of the four offers made by Morocco (and are even willing to land their catch in Moroccan ports), and bearing in mind the fact that Morocco has an objective interest in maintaining a social and economic link of this nature with the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2001)

During its meeting of 25 April 2001 and following a report by the Commission, the Council concluded that under existing circumstances it had not been possible to arrive at a mutually beneficial Fisheries Agreement between the Community and Morocco.

Since that date the Commission has not received any formal offers from Morocco concerning the relations in the fisheries area. Should such an offer be forthcoming, the Commission would examine its merits thoroughly and swiftly.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1650/01

by John Cushnahan (PPE-DE) to the Council

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Nigeria's participation in peacekeeping duties

The US has recently announced its wish to include Nigeria as a member of the peacekeeping mission in West Africa. In the light of the ongoing human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces, does the Council believe that this is an appropriate course of action?

Reply

(8 October 2001)

The Council takes the view that by virtue of its political and economic influence, population and size, Nigeria plays an important international and regional role. Accordingly, a Council Common Position on Nigeria(1) was adopted on 14 May 2001 stipulating, inter alia, within the framework of its policy on conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa, the European Union would support and encourage strengthened peace-keeping capacities.

The Council would remind the Honourable Member that following problems that have arisen in the past when Nigeria has taken part in peace-keeping operations in West Africa, re-professionalisation of the Nigerian army was singled out as being a key area for EU monitoring and support.

(1) OJ L 132, 15.5.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1564/01

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 May 2001)

Subject: The suspension of bilingualism in Istria

On 9 April 2001 the Regional Council of Istria adopted the Statute of the Region which provided for the equality of the Italian and Croatian languages in all regional institutions and in all administrative proceedings.

On 23 April 2000 the Ministry of Justice in Zagreb suspended the provisions of this statute.

Can the Commission confirm that this is true? Does it not consider the suspension to be an obstacle in the negotiations with Croatia (economic cooperation)?

Lastly, how does the Commission intend to react to this violation of EU principles?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(20 July 2001)

The Commission confirms the information that the Croatian Ministry of Justice has suspended 10 provisions of the new Istrian Statute, adopted on 9 April 2001 by the Istrian County Assembly.

As a result, the Croatian Government has decided to ask for a legal opinion from the Croatian Constitutional Court on 13 articles of the Statute, including the provisions introducing a full bilingual regime Croatian/Italian. This procedure is now pending.

The Commission has been following these developments. Protection of minorities, in terms of non-discrimination, access to education on minority language and preservation of minority cultures, has always been an important element of conditionality in the Union/Croatia relations. This aspect has also been reiterated and formalised recently in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Croatia, initialled on 14 May 2001.

In the bilateral contacts with the Commission, as well as in the acceptance of the obligations created by the SAA, Croatia has renewed its commitment towards the protection of and respect for minorities. A Law on the official use of minority languages and a Law on education in minority languages had been adopted by the new Croatian Government already in May 2000. A new comprehensive Constitutional Law on protection of minorities should also be proposed soon.

The Commission will continue to stress the importance of the full protection of minorities in its bilateral contacts with Croatia and will monitor the full implementation of the relevant legislation.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2674/01

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 September 2001)

Subject: Fraud against the EU

63 people have been arrested in Calabria (Italy) for engaging in fraud against the EU. They include businessmen, military personnel from the Guardia di Finanza and members of the Mafia. In addition to this, there have been press reports that 43 employees and officials of the Calabria Region have been arrested. The amount involved is believed to be ITL 6 billion (amount already in the hands of the perpetrators).

What inspection measures were taken by the Italian Ministry of Finance, the Calabria Region, OLAF, the European Union in general and the Department for Community Policies? What provisions have been adopted by the Department for Community Policies and the Department for the Regions? Was negligence involved? Is it possible for 43 people all employed by the Region to be involved in fraud without the relevant aldermen, regional officers or supervisory bodies noticing the slightest thing? Who will now provide the Italian government, the EU and the Calabria Region with financial compensation? Have the European Union, the Region or the Ministry of Finance adopted adequate provisions to protect the public interest? Does the regional alderman with responsibility in this field intend to tender his resignation?

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2001)

The Commission and the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) (which brought the matter to the Commission's attention) are aware of the case referred to by the Honourable Member.

To judge from the press reports referred to by the Honourable Member, this case concerns the guarantee section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and more specifically aid for citrus fruit.

The Commission has contacted the national authorities with a view to obtaining more detailed information and deciding what course of action to take.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2180/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(23 July 2001)

Subject: Traffic accidents and motorcycles

Traffic accidents are the main cause of death for the age group between 18 and 44 and for motorcyclists, according to the On the Road 2001-2005 Programme of the Greek Ministry of Health. This programme also states that Greece is the country with the highest percentage variation in the number of deaths on the road between 1980 and 1997, namely 60 %. Despite all this, Greece has no special training programmes or special training grounds for motorcyclists. Furthermore, the age at which licences are issued is higher in the case of motorcycles than of cars, even though motorcyclists tend to be younger. Will the Commission say whether the third Community Support Framework will contain actions to cover the training requirements of motorcyclists and measures to prevent traffic accidents?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 2001)

During the 2000-2006 programming period, the Greek Community Support Framework provides for the preparation and implementation of an integrated action plan for road safety improvement. This plan provides for interventions in identified black spots, the installation of anti-skid surface layers, improvement of signs, marking and lighting, new driver training, training in schools and in special parks, the reinforcement of police controls and the enhancement of emergency help in case of accidents. This integrated action plan will also be implemented through actions and projects to be co-financed mainly under the Road axes, Ports, Urban Development and Railways, Airports, Urban Transports operational programmes which include specific measures for the improvement of road safety.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2168/01

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: Invitation to tender for the provision of ambulance services in Norrland

An invitation to tender for the provision of ambulance services in Norrland was organised some years ago. In Lycksele, rival bids were submitted by the armed forces and a civil firm (Norrlandsflyg). In the end, the armed forces won the contract, but Norrlandsflyg argued that they had not competed on a level playing field. The case was notified to the Commission. The last time we looked into this matter, in May 1999, the investigation had not been completed. Can the Commission state what progress has been made with this case?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2001)

Since 1995, in response to complaints by private Swedish companies operating helicopter air services, the Commission has been examining, under the rules of the EC Treaty on State aid, the conditions in which helicopter transport contracts have been awarded to the Swedish army within the framework of invitations to tender.

After a thorough examination of this case, the Commission has not found any elements of State aid as defined in Article 87(1) (ex Article 92) of the EC Treaty. That said, the Commission is still looking at whether the Swedish State can benefit from an operating licence as provided for in Article 4 et seq. of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992, on the licensing of air carriers(1).

(1) OJ L 240, 24.8.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1624/01

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Proposal on the promotion of the use of biomass fuels

The Commission has repeatedly announced its intention to encourage greater use of renewable raw materials. Oilseeds actually constitute an important source of biomass fuels. If production thereof were stepped up, the benefits would be many and varied: the use of clean energy and the availability of protein-rich grist as a by-product from the manufacture of biomass diesel fuel from oilseeds, and it would also have a positive impact on current world oilseed prices which might be used at international level as an instrument for achieving market balance.

Can the Commission indicate why it has not, to date, adopted a specific proposal on the promotion of the use of biomass fuels?

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(19 October 2001)

The Commission maintains its intention to promote the use of biofuels in transport.

A communication is being prepared on a medium- and long-term strategy for alternative fuels, together with two proposals for Directives, one on a minimum level of biofuels in the total in the total volume of fuels sold on the European market, and the other on the possibility of a tax reduction for biofuels.

According to its work programme for 2001, the communication should be adopted by the Commission by the end of October 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2626/01

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(27 September 2001)

Subject: Council meeting of 16/17 July 2001

Will the Commission state whether any votes were taken in the General Affairs Council on 16/17 July 2001 and if so, how many and on what matters?

Will it further record the votes of all those who voted on each issue during the meeting?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-2620/01, E-2622/01, E-2624/01, E-2626/01 and E-2628/01given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2001)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that, under Article 9 of its Rules of Procedure, it is for the Council to make public the results of votes and explanations of votes by its Members.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2155/01

by Mario Borghezio (TDI) to the Council

(20 July 2001)

Subject: Compensation from Germany for former Italian military internees (I.M.I.)

A satisfactory outcome is in sight in the long-running matter of compensation for former internees and workers detained in Germany during the Second World War.

However, because of the incorrect legal definition of their status and the related failure to allow for the fact that they, as prisoners forced to work in German factories, were not covered by the Geneva Convention, Italian military internees are in danger of suffering unfair discrimination compared with other former internees and may thus be completely debarred from receiving the compensation being offered.

Not least in the light of Parliament's resolution B2-1475/86/rev. on compensation for persons formerly employed as slave labour in German industry(1), can the Council say what representations it will make to the German Government to help resolve this delicate issue and prevent unwarranted discrimination against the former I.M.I.?

(1) OJ C 36, 17.2.1986, p. 129.

Reply

(27 November 2001)

The Council is not competent to give an answer to the question raised by the Honourable Member of Parliament.