ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1680/96 by Renzo Imbeni (PSE) to the Commission (24 June 1996)

Subject: The single currency and blind people

Has the Commission taken account of the special needs of blind people in the information campaign on the introduction of the new European currency (the EURO) and is it planning to produce it in a form that blind people can recognize?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1996)

The Commission has been in contact with the organizations representing the partially sighted and blind people since the preparation of the Green Paper on the practical arrangements for the introduction of the single currency ((COM(95) 333. )) and has taken account, and will continue to do so, of their concerns in preparing for the changeover to the single currency, including the communication campaigns.

Preparations for euro notes and coins are a matter respectively for the European Monetary Institute and for the Working Party of the Member States' Mint Directors, acting under a mandate from the Ecofin Council.

The Commission has drawn the attention of these two bodies to the recommendations issued by the European Blind Union. Meetings have taken place between representatives of the two bodies, and the European Blind Union is consulted regularly on the work in hand.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2068/96 by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission (12 July 1996)

Subject: Aid for nut producers' organizations in Portugal

The process of setting up organizations of producers of hard-shelled nuts and carob nuts encountered certain difficulties in Portugal up to 1995, although these have now been overcome thanks to the political commitment of the national authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture's regional bodies. However, under the new COM for fruit and vegetables, these specific measures are to be discontinued.

What is to be the transitional policy on aid for organizations of producers of hard-shelled nuts and carob nuts? What is the deadline for recognition and what is the duration of the aid measures envisaged in the improvement programmes?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (1 August 1996)

The Community regime for support for nuts based on Title IIa of Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 ((OJ L 118, 20.5.1972. )) is not included in the proposals for the reform of the common market organization for fruit and vegetables. Nonetheless, all rights acquired by recognized producer organizations under Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72, including all specific measures for nuts, will be maintained. Thus, improvement plans will be able to continue to run for the full duration of ten years.

Nut producer organizations will be eligible for recognition under Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 until the entry into force of the new common organization of the market. Under the current proposal, recognized producer organizations will be able to benefit from support in particular from operational funds.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2378/96 by Christa Randzio-Plath (PSE) to the Commission (27 August 1996)

Subject: Information on the amount of EU resources allocated to Hamburg from 1993 to date

Under what projects and funds have Community resources been allocated to Hamburg? What amounts have been earmarked to finance the following:

1. Measures to promote employment in Hamburg:

(a) under the European Regional Development Fund,

(b) under the European Social Fund,

(c) under the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) or funded from other sources;

2. Measures to combat long-term unemployment;

3. Aid for research and development:

(a) for the University of Hamburg,

(b) for the Hamburg College of Advanced Technology,

(c) for the Academy of Economic and Political Science,

(d) for Hamburg firms;

4. Promotion of relations and trade with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe;

5. Measures under energy and environmental programmes;

6. Measures under youth programmes (PETRA, Youth for Europe, FORCE, etc.);

7. Measures under educational programmes (Erasmus, Lingua, Comett, etc.);

8. Women's projects;

9. Cultural projects:

(a) under the MEDIA and Kaleidoscope programmes,

(b) under other programmes or on specific occasions?

To what extent does the EU judge the above measures to have been a success?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (23 September 1996)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1243/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (23 May 1996)

Subject: COM - fruit and vegetables

Title V of the proposal for a regulation on the COM in fruit and vegetables (COM (95)434 final ((OJ C 52, 21.2.1996, p. 1.))) on trade with third countries contains only one addition compared with Regulation (EEC) No 3290/94. Article 31(2) now allows the entry price of products imported for processing to be verified by a procedure other than calculating the flat-rate import value. In order to avoid trade with third countries having negative consequences, will the Commission:

1. make effective and clear checks of entry prices;

2. make quality checks and provide information on the production and conservation methods used;

3. ensure that the labelling of products meets the requirements for similar products in the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1996)

The proposal for the reform of the common organization of the market in the fruit and vegetable sector allows the entry price of products imported for processing to be verified by special procedures which may differ from those used for imports destined for the fresh produce market. In particular, the fruit and vegetables in question may be classified using a direct price recording mechanism rather than the flat rate import value.

Import prices are checked in accordance with existing customs procedures. In setting the reduced entry prices for sour cherries and cucumbers intended for processing (Regulation (EC) No 1306/95 ((OJ L 126, 9.6.1995. )) and Regulation (EC) No 1740/95 ((OJ L 167, 18.7.1995. ))), the Commission provided for the same control procedures as applied under the end-use rules laid down in Articles 291, et seq. of Regulation (EC) No 2454/93 ((OJ L 253, 11.10.1993. )) laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 ((OJ L 302, 19.10.1992. )) establishing the Community Customs Code.

Furthermore, fruit and vegetables imported for processing in the Community must be accompanied, before being released for free circulation, by a 'processing certificate' in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 2251/92. ((OJ L 219, 4.8.1992. )) This obligation also applies to Community products.

Community legislation does not require information to be provided on production and storage methods for these products, nor special labelling for fruit and vegetables intended for processing.

However, a certificate detailing production methods is required for organic produce imported into the Community under the procedure laid down in Article 11(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91. ((OJ L 198, 22.7.1991. ))
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1399/96 by Bartho Pronk (PPE) to the Commission (6 June 1996)

Subject: Computer programs and the 21st century

According to experts the clocks which many computer programs use are not able to cope with the change of century. After 1 January 2000 this may lead to problems with many programs.

1. Does the Commission know how large this problem is considered to be?

2. To what extent are the programs which the Commission itself uses able to cope with the change of century? Can the Commission guarantee that its own programs will make the transition?

3. To what extent can it ensure that other users are made aware of the problems of this possible computer time bomb?

4. Through its contacts with the Member States and industry can it suggest solutions to the problem described above?

5. Is it aware of the level of investment which Philips has had to make in this connection?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (12 July 1996)

The Commission is aware of this technical problem. For its own part, it has already taken all necessary precautions with the industries concerned to ensure that information is encoded in such a way as to preclude any problems relating to the change of century.

The question was also raised at the Telecommunications Council of 27 June 1996, where it was agreed that a group be set up (to be chaired by the Commission) to discuss and draw up possible solutions to the problem.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2029/96 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (PPE) to the Council (15 July 1996)

Subject: Refund of tax on property sales in Spain

Spanish law requires that a foreign national who sells his property in Spain must pay 10% of the proceeds to the tax authorities. This sum is refunded in principle within a period of 3-6 months, if the seller can prove that the amount of money was spent on maintenance and other works which are allowable against the deduction.

As a rule, however, the prescribed period is never adhered to and runs into years with no prospect of a solution, causing unnecessary additional legal expense to those who once owned property in Spain.

What measures does the Spanish Government intend to take in order to put an end to this untenable situation?

Reply (10 October 1996)

The Council is not competent to reply to the Honourable Member's question, which would be better addressed to the authorities of the Member State concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2014/96 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (17 July 1996)

Subject: Peer-review system and the Internet

A recent conference held by the OECD in Denmark under the heading 'The Global Research Village' has raised a number of questions about the future of the peer-review system as a means of selection for publication in leading scientific journals.

The growing expansion of the Internet has the potential to counter the slowness of the conventional process and open up alternative channels such as open peer commentary.

Are there any European projects similar to the Los Alamos Physics Information Service (which, according to The Economist of 22 June 1996, puts into the archive 70 preprints a day and is 'visited' by over 40 000 physicists a day)? What, in the Commission's view, is the best way of ensuring quality in the publication of scientific research?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (13 September 1996)

As far as the Commission knows no database exists in Europe that ressembles that of Los Alamos referred to by the Honourable Member. Within the United States itself this project is now in the form of an isolated experiment on which the views are far from unanimous.

Despite these constraints and restrictions the 'peer-review' system currently applying to scientific publications is indeed the best guarantee of quality. In order to reconcile these advantages with those offered by electronic publication in terms of, in particular, cost and speed, several research workers have suggested that, rather than leaving articles to be assessed by means of 'free comment' by research workers, a peer-review system should be set up for electronic publications.

The Commission is confident that the scientific community will develop a system enabling quality and efficiency requirements to be met in scientific publishing. It is closely following the developments taking place in this area and is prepared to associate itself with any thoughts devoted to these matters at national and international level. Commission representatives also attended the conference mentioned by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2404/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (6 September 1996)

Subject: Information on the amount of EC aid granted to the Saarland between January and December 1995

What amounts of Community aid were granted, and for what measures, to the Saarland in 1995 under:

1. the European Social Fund,

2. the Fourth Research Framework Programme,

3. the European Regional Development Fund,

4. Community programmes in the environment and energy fields,

5. the EAGGF, Guidance and Guarantee sections,

6. other Community programmes?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (4 October 1996)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2104/96 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (26 July 1996)

Subject: Equal opportunities training courses

The Commission has devised a number of courses to familiarise its officials with the positive action programme on equal opportunities.

Why are these courses given only in English and French? Is this not incompatible with a policy designed to give equal opportunities to officials of fifteen different language backgrounds?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1996)

Measures to familiarize staff with equal opportunities are an integral part of the training given by the Commission when officials take up duty.

The aim of these courses is to encourage the harmonious integration of new Commission officials and other servants on taking up their duties.

These courses are organized in five modules which are repeated regularly. Each include several introductions thereby enabling each participant to select those which suit him best in accordance with the requirements of his department.

The language options proposed result largely from the needs expressed by the officials and other servants and they ensure that in all cases all participants have a sound active or passive knowledge of the languages used.

In order to optimize the use of the limited budgetary and human resources available to the Commission for training, courses can be offered only when there is an adequate critical mass; they cannot be organized in all the Community languages.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2791/96 by Jörn Svensson (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (14 October 1996)

Subject: Derogation from EU rules concerning alcoholic beverages

In the membership negotiations between Sweden and the EU in 1994, Sweden secured a derogation from the EU's rules concerning alcohol imports. For Sweden, the derogation means that any person arriving in Sweden may import only 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of fortified wine, 5 litres of ordinary wine and 15 litres of beer. Recent reports in the Swedish media have suggested that the Commission has adopted an unreasonable attitude towards extending this agreement and that the derogation will not be allowed to become a permanent arrangement.

Is it the Commission's view that a derogation in this area can also have legal validity as far as Sweden is concerned after 1 January 1999?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-479/96 by Mr Gahrton ((OJ C 217, 26.7.1996. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2138/96 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (3 August 1996)

Subject: Requirement in Italy to provide a bank guarantee to benefit from ADAPT, Community initiatives on employment (NOW-Horizon-Youthstart) and the European Social Fund

In Italy, organizations providing training that wish to obtain Community funding for training projects falling within the scope of the European Social Fund, ADAPT and Community initiatives on employment (NOW-Horizon-Youthstart) are required to provide a bank guarantee.

This requirement, which applies only in Italy, causes problems and impossibly high costs for training organizations and other bodies, particularly if they are non-profit-making organizations.

Is this requirement imposed by Community rules or by the Italian authorities alone?

Does the Commission consider that it should approach the Italian authorities to change this requirement?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (9 October 1996)

The Commission has asked the Member State concerned for information regarding the facts raised to by the Honourable Member. It will inform him of its findings.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1897/96 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (11 July 1996)

Subject: Use of languages and language requirements

The Commission will be aware that I take an interest in the use of all the official languages and especially of Dutch. Despite my various questions and comments and despite the many assurances given by the Commission, I continue to detect numerous breaches of its own rules. In the English-language Notice of Vacancy COM/R/A/180, for example, the address to which applications are to be submitted is given only in French; in OJ C 151 A applicants are required to have a very good command of English and French.

What sanctions are imposed for these breaches of Community law? If the Commission does not consider imposing sanctions, how does it account for the fact that its own instructions (as explained on several occasions in answers to parliamentary questions) are being so blatantly ignored?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (13 September 1996)

The Commission acknowledges that by mistake its address appears in French only in the English version of the notice of selection COM/R/A/180. It agrees that this mistake is regrettable, but does not feel that it is an infringement of Community law.

With regard to the notice of competition mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission would draw attention to the fact that Article 28(f) of the Staff Regulations imposes a general condition of eligibility that the candidate must have 'a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Communities and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Communities to the extent necessary for the performance of his duties'. Since that article imposes only a minumum requirement, there is nothing to prevent stricter conditions from being laid down in the notice of competition in line with the specific requirements of the posts or category of posts which candidates are expected to fill.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2315/96 by Martina Gredler (ELDR) to the Commission (27 August 1996)

Subject: Trends in the labour market for women

Recent developments could have an unfavourable effect on the labour market situation for women. As a result of the transformation of jobs following the development of new technologies and the redistribution of work there is a risk that a disproportionate number of women's jobs will be lost.

Has the Commission already investigated the extent to which women's jobs are at risk?

Which occupational groups are particularly affected?

What strategies does the Commission intend to use to interest schoolgirls in training which is not specific to women and is adapted to the technology?

Are female workers in particularly high risk occupations made aware of the situation or warned of impending unemployment?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the commission (9 October 1996)

The Community Initiative Employment-Now (New Opportunities for Women) includes a measure which concerns the provision of training, including training to qualify candidates for employment in sectors and professions where women are under-represented, at management and executive level, and in new jobs.

The Community Initiative 'Adapt' helps both women and men by improving workforce qualifications and the internal and external flexibility of workers and by promoting job mobility.

Since the 1980s the Commission has supported policies to stimulate the interest of girls in technology-oriented training that is not specifically feminine. The first Community action programme on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (1982-1985) ((Doc. COM(81) 758 final. )) urged Member States to take measures designed to diversify the job choices made by schoolgirls and help them master new technologies, notably in the field of vocational guidance and initial and continuing education. In 1985, the Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers of Education on an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education ((OJ C 166, 5.7.1985. )) also emphasised educational and vocational guidance as a service to all pupils to encourage girls and boys to diversify their career choices.

In the fourth medium-term Community action programme on equal opportunities for women and men (1996-2000) ((OJ C 306, 17.11.1995. )) the Commission proposes encouraging girls and boys to acquire skills traditionally associated with only one of the two sexes, both through its initiatives and its action programmes in this area (Socrates, Leonardo, Media) and in its White Paper 'Teaching and Learning - Towards the Learning Society' ((Doc. COM(95) 590 final. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1762/96 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE) to the Commission (3 July 1996)

Subject: Storage of radioactive material in border areas

The increasinguse of temporary storage of radioactive material in facilities near borders is leading to growing insecurity among the population in the neighbouring Member State.

1. Will the Commission indicate which Community legislation gives the citizens, environmental groups and local authorities concerned the opportunity genuinely to exercise their right to a healthy environment?

2. Will it state whether current Community legislation provides adequately for the exercise of those rights?

3. Does it consider that it makes sense to strengthen cooperation between the Member States politically and legally?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1762/96, E-1763/96 and E-1764/96 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1996)

All Member States operate interim storage facilities for radioactive waste, pending availability of final disposal facilities for certain categories or all types of waste. Member States are responsible for licensing and control of these installations, but protection of the population in the Member State and the Member States has to be in line with the provisions of the Basic radiation protection safety standards (Council Directives 80/836 and 84/467 Euratom). Permissible doses have been lowered in the recently adopted standards (Council Directive 96/29/Euratom) which has to be implemented in national regulations before 13 May 2000.

Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty requires that each Member State provides the Commission with data relating to any plan of disposal of radioactive waste when implementation may lead to contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State. In its recommendation of 7 December 1990 (91/4/Euratom) on the application of Article 37, the Commission proposes to include storage facilities in this procedure.

The proposed revision to Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )) not only includes interim storage facilities but also incorporates more detailed procedural requirements on transboundary consultations where a project proposed in one Member State is likely to have a significant effect on the environment of another Member State. If adopted in their present form by the Council, however, these new provisions will still only apply to applications for development consent submitted to a competent authority on or after the date for transposition by Member States set out in the revised directive.