ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 33/174

(2004/C 33 E/176)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1825/03

by Laura González Alvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(23 May 2003)

Subject: Environmental impact study on the Puente del Arco to El Condado section of the AS-17 highway (Asturias, Spain)

In its answer to Written Question E-1801/02 (1) on the same subject the Commission said that Annex IV of Directive 85/337/EEC (2), as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 (3), on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment lists the information to be provided by a developer, including an outline of the main alternatives studied and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects.

Since 5 August 2002, when the answer was received, has the Commission contacted the Spanish authorities to find out about the possible alternatives to the route concerned?

Is the Commission aware of the irreparable damage that may be caused by a route which does not take account of an alternative whose environmental impact would be minimal?

Since this is an urgent matter, what steps will the Commission take vis-à-vis the Spanish authorities in order to obtain the relevant information?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2003)

As indicated in the answer to Written Question E-1801/02 by the Honourable Member, the road building projects are not, in principle, covered by Annexes I and II to Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985, as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997, on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.

In any event, it appears that the project has undergone environmental impact assessment. It should be noted, however, that Directive 85/337/EEC does not specify the criteria by which a project is to be selected from among the alternative solutions which have been examined, provided the chosen project has been properly assessed.

In the absence of more specific indications of an infringement of Community law, the Commission did not feel it was expedient to contact the Spanish authorities in this instance.

Nonetheless, if the Commission receives additional evidence that Directive 85/337/EEC has not been properly enforced, it will ensure that Community law is complied with.

(1) OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 137.

(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.

(3) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997, p. 5.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/277

(2004/C 88 E/0281)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1039/04

by Daniel Cohn-Bendit (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 March 2004)

Subject: Commissioner Reding standing in the European elections

Commissioner Reding will be standing in the European election, without taking any leave, for the duration of her electoral campaign, from her current duties, as agreed with former Employment Commissioner Mrs Diamontopolou.

Why is there no general rule that applies during electoral campaigns within the College of Commissioners? Is it because the Commission does not think it appropriate to draw up an unambiguous rule within its college because it wishes to avoid conflicts of interest between the Commissioners' duties and the candidates' interests?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 2004)

Current practice within the Commission requires Members to give the President sufficient notice of their intention of standing for elective office and of their intended level of participation in the electoral campaign. If their intention is to play an active part in the election campaign, they must withdraw from the work of the Commission for the duration of the campaign (1). This avoids the risk of conflicts of interest and ensures that the Member of the Commission concerned can speak and act as freely as possible, while respecting the principle of collective action by the Commission.

As regards the situation of Members of the Commission who appear on an electoral list but do not participate actively in the electoral campaign, Members must decide, in consultation with the President, and taking account of the particular circumstances of the case, whether this is compatible with their participation in the work of the Commission.

Since Ms Reding agreed with the President not to participate actively in the election campaign, it was felt that her standing for office would not interfere with her availability to work with the Commission and that there would be no conflict of interests. Her undertaking means that there is no reason why Ms Reding should not continue her duties at the Commission during the period in question.

This conclusion is compatible with the Code of Conduct for Members of the Commission, which provides that Members of the Commission may be active members of political parties provided that such activities do not affect their availability to carry out their duties as Members of the Commission.

The future President of the Commission will be able to decide whether, in light of experience, is necessary to lay down general rules governing election campaigns by Members of the Commission.

(1) See answers to Written Questions No 124/68, OJ C 83, 23.8.1968, No 858/76, OJ C 70, 21.3.1977 and No 2752/94, OJ C 88, 10.4.1995.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/226

(2004/C 88 E/0230)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0798/04

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 March 2004)

Subject: Amfilokhia and the Ramsar Convention

According to complaints from local organisations, 120 eucalyptus trees over one hundred years old have been cut down at the entrance to the town of Amfilokhia in Arta, following a decision taken by the town's Forest Inspectorate. Since the area is protected by the Ramsar Convention, can the Commission say to what extent such action is consistent with the obligations incumbent on the Member State concerned under that Convention?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 2004)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Ramsar Convention does not contain explicit provisions on the prohibition of cutting down old aged trees in areas listed under the Convention. The Convention, fully known as ‘The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat’, reflects its original emphasis on the conservation and wise use of wetlands primarily to provide habitat for waterbirds. Over the years, however, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. Under the Convention there is a general obligation for the Contracting Parties to include wetland conservation considerations in their national land-use planning. They have undertaken to formulate and implement this planning so as to promote, as far as possible, ‘the wise use of wetlands in their territory’ (Article 3.1 of the Convention). The Wise Use Guidelines' emphasize the benefits and values of wetlands for sediment and erosion control; flood control; maintenance of water quality and abatement of pollution; maintenance of surface and underground water supply; support for fisheries, grazing and agriculture; outdoor recreation and education for human society; and climatic stability.

The Commission understands that the permits for the felling of the eucalyptus trees in the city of Amfilokhia have been issued by the regional office of the Forestry Service, which is the competent authority for providing permits for this action. The Commission assumes that the responsible authority has examined the designation status and the existing management plans for the site before issuing the permit and has followed the national legal procedures that apply.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/205

(2004/C 84 E/0250)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0388/04

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(6 February 2004)

Subject: Terni steelworks: closure of the Thyssen-Krupp plant

Thyssen-Krupp Electrical Steel, a German multinational producing electrical steel, has announced its decision to discontinue production at the AST plant in Terni.

The site, which currently also produces stainless steel, since it can split the cost of the melting apparatus with the electrical sector, was separated from the company about three years ago, after the privatisation of the State-owned company ILVA, which caused enormous job losses, reducing the workforce from 7 000 to 3 000.

This closure would now cause 900 workers to be laid off, including the company's own employees and others working in related industries, lost turnover of EUR 140 million and the loss of 90 000 tonnes of ‘grain-oriented’ electrical steel — a very high quality product — per year, the end of the largest industrial group in Terni and the whole region and the discontinuation of an industry which, by virtue of the workers' high level of professional skills, has a significant national strategic value.

The loss of some portions of the market, in some cases owing to obvious errors in commercial and production activities, led Thyssen-Krupp to take the decision — with the backing of the findings of a market survey which seem to be misleading — to transfer this branch of the business to France or Germany and to reject any possibility of selling the business, since this would encourage and provide production capacity for competition in Italy, a country which buys 60 % of all European electrical steel production and would in the future be obliged to obtain it from abroad.

In view of the serious consequences on both the job front and for the regional and national economy, the fact that Thyssen-Krupp's closedown of this activity in Italy may seriously upset the established equilibrium of competition on the European market, and in view of the high levei of excellence of this plant's steel production at European level,

can the Commission say:

1. how the EU might intervene to safeguard the future of the workers in Terni and the region's economy;

2. whether the decision taken by Thyssen-Krupp is lawful within the meaning of European legal provisions concerning the social impact of industrial restructuring, including Directive 98/59/EC (1) on collective redundancies, Directive 2001/23/EC (2) on transfers of businesses, Directive 94/45/EC (3) and Directive 2002/14/EC (4) on informing and consulting employees;

3. whether this action is also lawful within the meaning of competition law, in particular as regards concentrations between undertakings and the abuse of a dominant position, within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (5) and Article 82 of the Treaty, as interpreted by the Court of Justice (C 85/76 and C 70/89)?

(1) OJ L 225, 12.8.1998, p. 16.

(2) OJ L 82, 22.3.2001, p. 16.

(3) OJ L 254, 30.9.1994, p. 64.

(4) OJ L 80, 23.3.2002, p. 29.

(5) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/917

(2004/C 78 E/0969)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0028/04

by Philip Bushill-Matthews (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 January 2004)

Subject: Age discrimination

Could the Commission confirm whether it intended the Age Discrimination Directive (Council Directive 2000/78/EC (1) of 27 November 2000) to outlaw the giving of long-service awards or celebratory parties for employees of say 25 years' service?

Has the Commission had any queries from any Member State in this regard?

Given that some employers in the UK are concerned that younger workers might regard such rewards as discriminatory and could sue, would the Commission agree that official clarification would be helpful to avoid such an eventuality?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(13 February 2004)

Council's Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 puts in place a framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and prohibits discrimination on grounds of age, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation. The Directive covers access to employment, pay, working conditions, dismissal, training, etc. and both direct and indirect discrimination are covered. The Member States had to transpose the Directive by 2 December 2003, and once it is transposed people must take their case before the national courts under national law.

The Commission considers that the giving of long-service medals or other methods of celebrating long service would not be considered as discriminatory as they are awarded on the basis of seniority rather than age as such.

(1) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/636

(2004/C 84 E/0715)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0607/04

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 February 2004)

Subject: Seasonal work

The freedom of movement within the EU has been providing EU citizens looking for work with a great degree of mobility. Today thousands of workers emigrate in order to take advantage of job shortages in seasonal work sectors, particularly in agriculture.

Through the press and workers' associations, I frequently hear of situations in which seasonal workers have been recruited under false pretences and find themselves facing unacceptable working and living conditions, without any legal or social protection.

Given that this situation has existed for many years, is there any Community legislation to regulate work of this kind? What measures has the Commission been taking or does it intend to take to protect the rights and interests of seasonal workers?

Answer given by Mr Dimas on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2004)

Community legislation governing working conditions applies in the same way to seasonal workers as to other workers.

Depending on the precise context in which a seasonal worker is employed, he will be covered either by the provisions of Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (1), or by Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community (2).

(1) OJ L 18, 21.1.1997.

(2) OJ L 257, 19.10.1968.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/905

(2004/C 84 E/1000)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0895/04

by Jan Andersson (PSE) to the Commission

(19 March 2004)

Subject: Dispute concerning port dues in Helsingborg

The Helsingborg port company and SweFerry AB have been in dispute over port dues since 1997. The issue was referred to the Commission in the same year. In 2002, I asked the Commission when it would state its position. Now, in the spring of 2004, the Commission has still not stated its position. When does it intend to do so?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 2004)

The Honourable Member refers to complaints by two ferry-operators alleging an abuse of a dominant position by the Port of Helsingborg concerning excessive and discriminatory pricing. Since the previous written question E-3064/01 (1) by the Honourable Member on this matter, the Commission has progressed noticeably in its examination of these very complex cases.

In February 2003, the Commission informed the complainants in writing of its preliminary position, in respect of which the complainants have submitted their comments. The Port of Helsingborg has also presented its views on the Commission's preliminary position and on the comments of the complainants. In addition, the Commission has requested and obtained further data from the parties as well as from third parties. On the basis of all this information, the Commission is now preparing the final decision which is expected to be adopted before the end of 2004.

(1) OJ C 147 E, 20.6.2002.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/434

(2004/C 84 E/0505)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0601/04

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(27 February 2004)

Subject: Firearms licensing

Can the Commission advise as to whether there are any initiatives to harmonise firearms licensing laws across the enlarged European Union?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2004)

The provisions governing the movement of weapons (other than weapons of war) within the EU are contained in Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (1).

This directive forms part of the Community acquis and therefore has to be transposed on the day of the new Members' accession. The Commission will make efforts to ensure that this transposition is correct.

The directive in question being a minimum directive, it does not make provision for harmonising firearms licensing laws, focussing mainly on defining the particulars by which firearms may be identified and the procedures for their movement.

The rules which apply to the current Member States will apply in the same way as of 1 May 2004 to all countries which are part of the EU.

(1) OJ L 256, 13.9.1991.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/443

(2004/C 84 E/0516)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0656/04

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject: Mobile neutering units

Does the Commission recognise the value of mobile cat neutering units in the context of controlling animal disease and the rise in the number of feral cats in Member States? Is the Commission aware of a new law in Italy to ban the use of mobile neutering units for domestic cats?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2004)

The neutering of cats, notably as a way to deal with the problems of feral animals or for other veterinary reasons, is not a matter which falls within the scope of Community law.

It follows, therefore, that Member States have the exclusive competence to decide the conditions under which such neutering may take place within their territories including the imposition of restrictions on the use of mobile units.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/199

(2004/C 88 E/0206)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0665/04

by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject: Safety standards for image editing of scanned banknotes

The latest versions of Adobe Photoshop CS and Paint Shop Pro do not allow images of banknotes to be imported or edited. The mechanism involved, which has been developed by the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG), a consortium of central banks from around the world, is a major step forward in preventing the counterfeiting of banknotes.

1. Is the Commission aware of this mechanism?

2. Is the Commission planning to introduce this mechanism as a mandatory safety standard?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the efforts of the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG) to develop counterfeit deterrence technology aimed at preventing the digital reproduction of banknote images.

The Commission considers it important that the counterfeit deterrence technology be applied.

The Commission has been in contact with the European Central Bank (ECB) on the issue of initiating legislation making mandatory the use of the counterfeit deterrence technology in products capable of handling digital images.

In agreement with the Commission, the ECB is currently preparing a preliminary assessment directly with the industry.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/409

(2004/C 84 E/0475)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0467/04

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(23 February 2004)

Subject: Mission expenses

What were the mission expenses for (i) Members and (ii) staff of the Commission in respect of their attendance at part-sessions of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg (a) during 2001 and (b) during 2002?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 2004)

The breakdown of mission expenses necessitated by attendance at part-sessions of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg in 2001 and 2002 and by category was as follows:

(in euro) Year Category Total Cabinet staff Other Commission staff Members 2001 209 245,01 340 794,65 1 089 143,59 1 639 183,25 2002 311 144,85 355 632,28 1 114 182,32 1 780 959,45

The above expenses relate to measurable and billed costs of transport, accommodation, meals, and other expenditures such as telephone and fax use for work purposes.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/167

(2004/C 88 E/0175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0049/04

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

(20 January 2004)

Subject: EU aid to Iran to tackle the tragic consequences of the Bam earthquake

What is the nature of the EU's relations with the Iranian government following the major disaster at Bam? How much aid has the EU sent to Bam? What will the EU contribute to enable the cities and villages affected to resume normal life as far as possible? Does the Commission have the resources required to aid communities affected by such disasters, commensurate with the Union's economic capacity?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2004)

The EU has for many years explored ways of developing wider political and economic relations with Iran. To that effect, the EU launched negotiations in December 2002 on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement as well as on an Agreement on Political Dialogue and the Fight against Terrorism. Almost simultaneously, a dialogue on Human Rights was established with Iran. Working groups on trade and investment, and energy, exist since 1999. The EU continues to base its approach towards Iran on the global concept of Comprehensive Dialogue, introduced in 1998.

Following the tragic earthquake on 26 December 2003, the Commission through its Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) promptly reacted by allocating, on 27 December 2003, EUR 2,3 million for the most urgent humanitarian needs. The funds have been channelled through the Red Cross movement and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Already on 26 December 2003, the EU Civil protection and Monitoring and Information Centre, hosted by the Commission, dispatched and coordinated the Search and Rescue teams' response of Member States, the European Economic Area (EEA), Candidate and Acceding Countries.

On 18 February 2004 the Commission adopted a follow up decision of EUR 6,2 million for continued humanitarian aid. As before, funds will be disbursed through the Red Cross and international NGOs, as well as through the United Nations agencies. The sectors targeted will be health, water and sanitation and psycho-social care with a focus on the most vulnerable, in particular children.

The Commissioner in charge of development and cooperation visited Iran 18/19 February 2004. He had talks with the government, the Iranian Red Crescent and United Nations organisations in Teheran and visited Bam where he met the organisations working in the field.