ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1743/02

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

(19 June 2002)

Subject: Positions publicly stated by various Commissioners regarding the reform of the common fisheries policy proposed by Commissioner Franz Fischler

Various Members of the Commission, such as Mrs Loyola de Palacio, Mrs Margot Wallström and Mr Neil Kinnock, have expressed their views on the content of Commissioner Franz Fischler's proposal concerning the reform of the CFP. None of them, nor Mr Fischler himself, and not even those particularly concerned about the state of resources, have publicly stated a position regarding the need to review or eliminate the principle of relative stability, which favours some countries and fleets and discriminates against others, and allowing a substantial proportion of the catch rights to be used by certain States in the north of the EU to be used to catch species for the manufacture of fish meal. What are the prevailing views in the Commission regarding this discriminatory principle and its impact on the state of fish resources and on territorial and social equilibrium inside the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2002)

The Commission has expressed, in the framework of the roadmap on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, that fishing possibilities will still be allocated through relative stability for the foreseeable future.

The current situation is characterised by a structural imbalance between available fisheries resources and the size of power of fishing fleets, the continuing dependence of certain coastal communities on fisheries and the absence of similar conditions of competition for operators in different Member States, due to different national attitudes towards public aid to the sector. This situation does not favour the application of normal economic conditions in the Community fisheries sector.

The Commission's proposals for reform aim at addressing the issues mentioned above in order to help create an environment more favourable to the elimination of barriers to normal economic activity such as national allocation of fishing possibilities, based on the principle of relative stability.

The Commission has also announced that it will launch a debate in the course of 2003 on alternative management systems that could replace relative stability in the future once the structural problems of the fisheries sector have been addressed and the economic and social situation in the sector has become more stable.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1688/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 June 2002)

Subject: Incentives to reverse the downward trend in the birth-rate

Low birth rate is a major problem in Europe and, in Greece, the situation is particularly acute. It is estimated that from 2015, the country's population as a whole (which in any case is showing only marginal upward movement) will begin to fall. In Greece, a family is defined as large if it consists of four or more children. Such a family qualifies for a small monthly allowance per child from the Greek state, though this is added to the family's total taxable income, thereby taking it into a higher tax bracket and increasing its tax burden.

Are there countries in the Union where families with fewer than four children are defined as large? Are there countries in the Union in which the monthly child benefit is not added to the total family income, thereby avoiding paradoxical situations such as those which arise in Greece? Is there any possibility of promoting common Community legislation to tackle the problem of the low birth rate at EU level as a whole, setting two children as the threshold above which Member States should provide generous financial incentives to encourage young Europeans to have larger families?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2002)

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member in relation to the low fertility levels observed over recent decades in the Union, and in particular in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. However, the setting up of policies regarding family and fertility issues remains the responsibility of Member States, the Commission does not have a legal basis to develop policies in this domain. The Commission is focusing on the study and monitoring of demographic trends, including fertility trends, as they have an important impact on Community policies.

In this context, the Commission is undertaking the following activities:

- the Commission publishes each year a report on the Social Situation in the European Union, in which the evolution of fertility and other demographic trends, as well as their consequences in the social field, are analysed;

- at the same time, the Commission (co)finances every year studies analysing the main demographic and social trends, including the causes of low fertility;

- finally, the Commission finances the European Observatory on the Social Situation, Demography and Family in order to monitor the related policies in the Member States. More information can be found at the following website: (http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/family/observatory/home.html).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0178/02

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(5 February 2002)

Subject: Transfer of foreign reserve assets on joining the Euro

If Sweden joins the Euro, some of its foreign reserves will have to be transferred to the ECB.

Has the Commission calculated how many billion Euro Sweden will have to transfer to the ECB's foreign reserves if it joins the EMU? Are there any provisions that foreign reserve assets may be returned to a Member State of the EMU if it subsequently decides to leave it?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2002)

The provisions regarding transfer of foreign reserve assets to the European Central Bank (ECB) can be found in Article 30 in the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (hereafter Euro-System) and of the European Central Bank(1). Here it stipulates that the ECB shall be provided by the national central banks with foreign reserve assets () up to an amount equivalent to ECU 50 000 million (Article 30.1). Furthermore, in accordance with Article 30.2, the contributions of each national central bank shall be fixed in proportion to its share in the subscribed capital of the ECB. The key for capital subscription is regulated in Article 29.1 of the same protocol. Sweden's share amounts to 2,65 %, which represents a contribution to cover the operational costs incurred by the ECB in connection with tasks performed for the non-euro area National Central Banks (NCBs). The non-euro area NCBs are not required to pay up any capital subscriptions beyond the amounts already decided until they join the Eurosystem.

There are no provisions about leaving Economic and Monetary Union.

(1) Origin: Treaty of Maastricht. Protocol annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1087/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 April 2002)

Subject: Progress of the Regional Operational Programmes in Greece

It is clear from the progress made to date that there are teething problems in starting implementation of individual measures and programmes included in the Regional Operational Programmes of the third CSF in Greece. This delay is linked both to the two years that have elapsed since the theoretical start of the third CSF and the implementation of the national (sectoral) programmes, where progress is less slow.

1. What are the reasons for this delay?

2. When does the Commission believe that the situation will be resolved?

3. Does the Commission not believe that because of this delay there may in the future be problems regarding the overall progress of the third CSF in Greece?

Supplementary answergiven by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2002)

Most of the operational programmes (OPs) under the Community support framework (CSF) for Greece during the 2000-2006 period were adopted at the beginning of 2001. It was only at that point in time that the new management structures, in particular the relevant managing authorities required by the regulation(1), were in place and operational.

A first series of projects were approved by the managing authorities some six months later, following the publication of a call for proposals. In the period since then, further calls for project proposals have been issued.

The financial plan for the OPs were rescheduled to take account of their effective date of commencement, the contribution from the Structural Funds remaining unchanged.

The services of the Commission, in partnership with the Greek authorities, will continue to monitor progress in an effort to ensure full use of the resources available.

(1) Règlement CE No 1260/1999 du Conseil du 21 juin 1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2347/02

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 July 2002)

Subject: Vinyl 2010 Voluntary Commitment by the European PVC industry

The PVC industry has made a number of voluntary commitments to improve the safety for humans and the environment of the production and use of PVC. These commitments have been set out formally in Vinyl 2010, which develops the earlier Voluntary Commitment. A second progress report (2002) on progress within the framework of the Commitment has just been published.

According to the PVC steering group, the European Commission has still not answered the question how, in practice, the PVC industry can build upon the initiatives already taken. Can the Commission indicate what it thinks of the Voluntary Commitment by the PVC industry and say how this commitment can be incorporated into PVC policy?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2002)

The Commission has studied the voluntary commitment of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry (Vinyl 2010) with great interest and believes that it is a worthwhile initiative. Improvements regarding some elements of the voluntary commitment could nevertheless still be envisaged, and the Commission has met with representatives of Vinyl 2010 to respond informally to the commitment.

One of the fundamental demands of the Parliament in the framework of the discussion on the PVC Green Paper has been that the Commission should present a proposal for a framework on environmental agreements.

On 17 July 2002 the Commission adopted a Communication on Environmental Agreements at Community Level(1).

In this Communication, the Commission states that an early candidate for an environmental agreement could be the PVC strategy. The Commission will propose a Communication on this PVC strategy in the near future.

(1) COM(2002) 412 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2713/02

by Seán Ó Neachtain (UEN) to the Commission

(20 September 2002)

Subject: Collection of agricultural statistics

Would the Commission outline what measures it is taking to simplify the procedures for the collection of agricultural statistics so as to reduce the amount of paperwork and administration which farmers are obliged to carry out in order to comply with the requirements of the various schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy: what efforts are being made to avoid duplication of effort through using existing databases, making systems compatible and sharing information between administrations?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(14 October 2002)

A distinction should be made between information collected for statistical purposes and that collected for administrative management of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Nevertheless, it is clear for the Commission that the use of administrative information for statistical purposes is not only possible but even desirable in order to avoid duplications and reduce the burden for the farmers. However, there are frequently limitations to what can be achieved due to practical and legal constraints. Work to overcome these limitations is a continuing preoccupation as is the study of successful experiences in some Member States and elsewhere.

As far as the statistical aspects are concerned, the Commission takes full account of the requirement imposed on it by Article 285 of the EC Treaty that the production of statistics shall not entail excessive burdens on economic operators. In particular, as far as the Farm Structure Surveys are concerned, it has taken steps to authorise Member States to use information from sources other than statistical surveys. The TAPAS(1) programme has supported Member States in initiatives to improve the efficiency of Community agricultural statistics while the LUCAS(2) project seeks to provide reliable statistics at Community level from a reduced and less intrusive sampling design.

The Commission reviews continually the information transmitted by the national authorities for the purposes of statistics and for administrative management of the CAP. One of the objectives of this review is to reduce the burdens for both the Member States and the economic operators from whom data are collected.

As part of the simplification programme this review is examining whether data transmitted continue to be necessary for management purposes and, if so, whether they may be available through other sources. It has already achieved positive results in a number of sectors where it has been possible to identify and eliminate duplication and collection of data which are no longer required. It should, however, be pointed out that in the majority of cases data transmitted are shown to be necessary for management purposes and that the instances of duplication are considerably fewer than is often suggested.

(1) Technical Action Plans for Agricultural Statistics.

(2) Land Use/Cover Area frame Sampling.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0881/02

by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(2 April 2002)

Subject: Algeria's refusal to issue visas to an EU technical committee

Algeria has signed Articles of Association with the European Union, Article 2 of which states that: the respect of democratic principles and respect for basic human rights constitute an essential part of this Accord. Only weeks after signing this, the Algerian State has refused to issue visas to a technical committee of the EU (under the EIDHR programme) to oversee civil society representation in Algeria.

What is the Council's opinion on the fact that this has happened?

Does it intend to rescind the EU Association Agreement unless visas are granted to EU officials to oversee the fulfilment of this Agreement?

Reply

(30 September 2002)

It was brought to the Council's attention that a mission of experts to Algeria, with the participation of Commission officials, was scheduled for February in the framework of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. However, the Embassy of Algeria in Belgium did not issue the visas requested by the Commission officials, as the Mission of Algeria to the European Communities wanted more time to prepare them.

Although originally scheduled for February, a mission of experts to Algeria in the framework of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights took place, with the participation of Commission officials, at the end of April. It confirmed the willingness of the Algerian authorities to cooperate with the EU in the field of human rights.

The Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Algeria was signed on 22 April 2002 in the presence of the President of the Council, Mr Aznar, and of the Algerian President, Mr Bouteflika. The Agreement will enter into force after receiving the assent of the European Parliament and being ratified by the parliaments of the Member States. It will enable the Council to examine Algeria's application of international human rights standards in the bodies set up under the Agreement, namely the Association Council and the Association Committee.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1970/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 July 2002)

Subject: Sale and marketing of tobacco products

Has the Commission made, or does it intend to make, any assessment of the effectiveness (in terms of discouraging smoking or raising public awareness of health issues) of the use in Canada since 1 January 2001 of colour illustrations and warnings on cigarette packs?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 2002)

In the course of the preparatory work for the Commission's Decision on the rules for the use of colour photographs, the Commission will evaluate the research assessing the effectiveness (in terms of discouraging smoking and raising public awareness of health issues) of the Canadian system in use since 1 January 2001. The Canadian regime calls for the inclusion of colour photographs or other illustrations inside the health warning areas covering 50 per cent of the display surface.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2180/02

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

(18 July 2002)

Subject: The priorities for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy

The conclusions of the Commission Communication on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy(1), after mentioning the regulations and action plans covered by the first package of reform proposals, specify, inter alia, legislative proposals and measures to counter the social, economic and regional consequences of the restructuring of the fishing industry; management of fisheries; improvement of scientific advice for fisheries management; discards; stock evaluation in non-Community waters and the Joint Inspection Structure.

All these proposals are supposed to be given priority, which means that their adoption and implementation should precede the regulations and plans in the first package, which are intended to regulate decisive aspects such as conservation of fishery resources, the scrapping of fishing vessels or the use of the structural funding now allocated to modernising the fleets, without the benefit of the information and instruments in the second package. What are the reasons for this strange and irrational order of priority?

(1) COM(2002) 181 final.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2002)

The Commission's proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), as outlined in its Communication Roadmap(1) are not only numerous but also technically complex. Therefore, it would be practically impossible to present simultaneously three regulations and 13 Communications/Actions Plans.

The Commission has therefore decided to present a number of proposals during the first semester of 2002 and the rest during the second semester of 2002.

In the so-called first package of proposals the Commission has included all the legally binding proposals (draft regulations) whose adoption is a pre-requisite for the entry in force of the new CFP from 1 January 2003.

The other proposals foreseen for the second semester 2002, in non-legally binding form, are not less important but require further technical analysis and preparatory work, including, for example, discussion with each Member State on the possible economic and social impact of the proposed measures.

The Commission will endeavour to ensure that these proposals are presented to the Council and Parliament as soon as possible and in any case before the end of 2002.

(1) COM(2002) 181 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2125/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 July 2002)

Subject: Road building in Dhonoussa

EU funds have been made available to the Greek island of Dhonoussa (part of the Cyclades group) to build a road around three quarters of the island from the port of Stavros to the village of Kalotaritissa. It is claimed that the road was only partially completed in a rough state.

Can the Commission confirm that the road has now been completed, and if not, why not? What was the reason for the lengthy delay in its completion, and is the Commission aware of similar situations occurring on other Greek islands, namely Amorgos, Iraklia and Serfios?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2002)

Under the subsidiarity principle selection of the projects to be part-financed and their implementation is a Member State responsibility.

We are informed by the Greek authorities that under the South Aegean Operational Programme 1994-1999 some EUR 370 000 was spent in part-financing the project Road network on the island of Donoussa: construction and improvement.

The contract signed in 1997 was for construction of a road 3,1 km long avoiding the hamlet of Donoussa, a 3,9 km link between that road and Mirsini and a 6,7 km link between Mirsini and the agricultural settlement of Kalotaritissa. The contract for the missing 2 km section between the latter two places was signed at the end of 1999 following a specific technical study on the nature of the terrain.

These are properly constructed roads protected at appropriate points against rainwater damage but as for most country/agricultural roads in Greece asphalting was not included in the contracts. The light traffic on Donoussa (163 inhabitants) can be served by an unasphalted but well hardened road. The question of asphalting will be examined in the context of availability of funds and the region's other priorities.

The following island road projects have also been part-financed (1994-1999 programming period) by the European Regional Development Fund:

- Amorgos: improvement and asphalting on 26,5 km of road linking Arkesini, Khora and Egali; a 1,9 km road linking Potamos and Egali;

- Iraklia: improvement and asphalting of 4,2 km of the road network

- Serifos: asphalting of 8,7 km of the road network.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0819/02

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

(25 March 2002)

Subject: Military action on the part of the United States and Russia in the Pankisi Gorge in Georgia, on the frontier with Chechnya

The media have recently reported Russia's intention to extend the war against terrorism to Georgia, and the fact that the United States has sent troops to the Caucasus, the purpose being, in both cases, to take action in the Psankisi Gorge on the Chechen border.

What is the Council's position with regard to these decisions, which directly affect a region situated in an area of strategic interest for the European Union and which was directly affected by the conflict in Chechnya, a country destroyed by the Russian army?

Reply

(30 September 2002)

The Council's position with regard to developments in the Pankisi Gorge is based on the principle of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as an independent State. The EU has consistently sought to support this goal, notably through the substantial assistance that it has given to the Georgian Border Guards working with the Border Monitoring and Observation mission of the OSCE along parts of the borders with Russia.

No country may consider itself safe from the threat of terrorism and in this context Georgia clearly faces particular problems but also responsibilities resulting from its proximity to the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. It is clear that Georgia will have to take particular measures to counter these threats which question its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The task of the US military experts (who entered Georgia with the full agreement of the Georgian authorities) will be to train and equip Georgian security forces in support of this. For the EU, the Council welcomes all measures which support Georgia in this aim. Meanwhile, President Putin of Russia has also welcomed US assistance to Georgia in combating common threats to regional stability.

It is the recognition of its strategic interests in the Southern Caucasus that has led the EU to play a more active political role in the region over the past year. An essential complement to this policy has been a stronger EU role in conflict resolution, notably in South Ossetia, as well as an intensified political dialogue about the region with Russia and the United States, as well as with Turkey and Iran. The EU will continue to consult closely with its partners on all developments, with a view to promoting its stated goals of peace, stability, prosperity and regional cooperation.