ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1258/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(26 April 2001)

Subject: Languages used by the European Commission in the Brussels-Capital Region

On 29 July 2000, Commissioner Philippe Busquin acknowledged that the European Commission had made a mistake in using exclusively a French-language address in its correspondence(1). In the European Commission's Research Directorates-General shared-cost RTD CPF Forms Electra A6 for shared-cost R & D projects under the Fifth framework programme (1999/2000), the Commission simply gave the address as Rue de la Loi, Bruxelles (i.e. it used the French spelling of Brussels). That erroneously gave the impression that the nineteen municipalities in Brussels are French-speaking. Pursuant to the Constitution of the Belgian Federation, those municipalities form part of the Brussels-Capital Region, which is bi-lingual.

Commissioner Busquin asked the department involved not to make the same mistake in the subsequent publication. After all, the Commission acknowledges the bi-lingual status of the municipalities which form the Brussels-Capital Region. Accordingly, its correspondence always includes the address in French and in Dutch. That rule applies not only to correspondence but also to all publications and other printed matter. The relevant instructions were given to all departments on 6 March 1995 and were incorporated into a procedure manual.

Despite the instructions of 6 March 1995 and the statement made by Commissioner Busquin, the European Commission is still using exclusively French-language addresses, in correspondence and on the Internet(2).

1. Will the Commission and its departments henceforth use Dutch-language and French-language addresses for their correspondence and publications on the Internet, given the bi-lingual status of the nineteen municipalities which form the Brussels-Capital Region? If not, why will the Commission and its departments not acknowledge the bi-lingual status of the municipalities involved by using both the Dutch-language and French-language addresses in their correspondence and on the Internet?

2. Will the Commission and its departments henceforth use Dutch-language and French-language addresses for their correspondence and publications on the Internet in order to favour neither the Dutch-speaking nor the French-speaking community in the Brussels-Capital Region? If not, why will the Commission and its departments favour the French-speaking community by using only French-language addresses for their correspondence and on the Internet?

(1) OJ C 72 E, 6.3.2001, p. 144.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/01/479|0|RAPID&lg=EN).

Answer given by M. Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2001)

The Commission recognises the bilingual status of Brussels and is reminding its officials to give addresses in Dutch and French in all publications when the text is in a third language.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1279/01

by Pere Esteve (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 April 2001)

Subject: Substitute for feedingstuffs containing animal protein

In view of the need to change animal feed as a consequence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and find a substitute for MBM (meat and bone meal), and given the possibility in the countries of the European Union for the satisfactory cultivation of oilseeds and protein crops (alfalfa, rape, peas and other crops), which require little water and would provide a useful source of vegetable protein, what action will the EU take to promote these crops and thus help make vegetable protein available in Europe for the production of animal feed, thereby reducing Europe's heavy dependency on third countries?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2001)

The Honourable Member is requested to refer to the Commission's communication to Parliament and the Council(1) Options to promote the cultivation of plant proteins in the EU, which is based on a working paper(2).

(1) COM(2001) 148 final.

(2) SEC(2001) 431.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0877/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 March 2001)

Subject: A. Papandreou Avenue in Piraeus

The construction of A. Papandreou Avenue in Piraeus which, according to the original plans, will link up Poseidonos Avenue with Schistou Avenue and began over three years ago has come to a stop, causing enormous traffic congestion, and its future is now in doubt. The Municipality of Piraeus has reacted to the construction of the project by calling for underpasses to be built instead of flyovers, and it will probably ask the courts to issue an injunction.

Given that there are indications at the site that the project is being funded by the EU, will the Commission say:

1. Can it provide information about the progress of the project, the take-up of funds and the timetable for completion?

2. Why have delays occurred?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 June 2001)

The Andreas Papandreou Avenue project is being cofinanced by the regional operational programme for Attica under the Community Support Framework for the 1994-1999 period.

According to information provided to the European Commission by the Greek authorities responsible for the management of the programme, the initial contract was cancelled on 15 September 2000 by decision of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Public Works (MPPPW). The explanations given for this decision concerned problems relating to expropriation procedures and archaeological findings on the site. At that time, 20 % of the project had been completed entailing an expenditure of GRD 1,86 billion.

Attempts to negociate a new contract have been stalled by discussions in relation to technical aspects of the project between the MPPPW the municipality of Piraeus. The Commission has written to the Greek authorities asking them to take the necessary steps to ensure the completion of this project within a reasonable timeframe.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1469/01

by Guido Podestà (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 May 2001)

Subject: Women and society in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan the Taleban introduced an ultra-fundamentalist regime based on religious fundamentalism and sex discrimination.

The civil war, which has been raging in the country for years, has created more than 5 million refugees, more than one million disabled people and widespread poverty.

Women are in a majority in a country which has more than 700 000 widows. Their families live in abject poverty made worse by the edicts of the Taleban forbidding women to work outside the home.

The ban on even elementary education for women is aggravating the already high level incidence of illiteracy and subjugation.

Whilst women are certainly those most affected by restrictions which are tantamount to a continual violation of human rights, the general state of civil society is also extremely bad.

What steps will the Commission take to offer support to the population oppressed by the present regime?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2001)

The Union's objectives in Afghanistan, which the Commission shares are set out in its latest Common Position on Afghanistan of 22 January 2001(1). They are: to bring about a lasting peace; to promote stability and development; to promote respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, including the rights of women and children; to provide effective humanitarian aid; to reinforce the fight against illegal drugs and terrorism; to assist peace building activities; and to support programmes, by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international aid agencies, for Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries.

The Union is active in all of these areas, although the emphasis depends on the circumstances prevailing at any given time. The Union supports peace initiatives, carries out diplomatic initiatives in its own right, forcefully bringing its views on the political, humanitarian and human rights situations in Afghanistan to the attention of the relevant factions in the country and in neighbouring countries.

With regard to activities carried out by the Community specifically targeted at women, it should be noted that all Community humanitarian aid projects in Afghanistan, which are in implementation in all areas of the country, are in favour of vulnerable groups and populations. Women and widows are included amongst these vulnerable groups and benefit from both specific projects as well as gender specific components of health projects, employment projects, particularly medical projects, but also in food for work and shelter projects and programmes.

It is important to note also that the situation of women in Afghanistan differs from region to region in those parts of the country under the control of the Taliban. Local political and tribal leadership attitudes and the determination of women themselves can play a significant role in improving the conditions of women and girls in society.

(1) OJ L 21, 23.1.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1524/01

by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 May 2001)

Subject: Unequal treatment of EU citizens by a Swedish supermarket chain

The Swedish supermarket chain ICA pursues a policy of issuing a shoppers' card to its customers who may then save money by taking advantage of various special offers in ICA supermarkets. A lady who is not a Swedish national applied for such a card but was rejected on the grounds that she did not possess an identity number. ICA claimed that it was obliged to reject her application and referred to Swedish legislation on tax returns and annual statements. According to ICA, the fact that non-Swedish nationals pay taxes (including property taxes) in Sweden and hold a Swedish bank account is immaterial.

1. ICA invokes Swedish tax legislation. Can the Commission indicate whether ICA is correct in so doing? If it is correct, to what extent does the Commission believe that such legislation is in breach of the relevant European Union legislation? Does the Commission agree with me that application of this Swedish legislation results in direct discrimination?

2. If the possession of an identity number is so important under Swedish law, does the Commission agree with me that the Swedish Government is obliged to issue the person involved with such identity numbers, given that she is legally resident in Sweden and pays property taxes there?

3. Does the Commission deem it admissible for non-nationals to be the subject of discrimination in so far as they regularly have to pay higher prices than nationals for the same products?

4. To what extent does this situation apply in other Swedish supermarkets?

5. Is the Commission prepared to point out to the Swedish Government and to ICA that they may be guilty of discrimination?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2001)

The Commission would like to offer the following answer in response to the honourable Member's question:

- On the basis of the information that the Commission has at the moment, the Swedish legislation to which the honourable Member refers does not apparently impose discrimination based on the possession of a personal identity number. It seems that this discrimination stems from the decision of the Swedish supermarket chain, which thus has no valid justification in referring to Swedish legislation. As for the fourth part of the question, the Commission has no information regarding similar practices by other supermarkets in Sweden.

- However, in order to obtain fuller and more accurate information, the Commission has sent a letter to the supermarket chain and to the Swedish authorities requesting further details.

- As soon as the Commission has this information, it will provide the honourable Member with results of its investigation as quickly as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1511/01

by Jeffrey Titford (EDD) to the Commission

(15 May 2001)

Subject: New Banana Import Regime

On 2 May the European Commission adopted a regulation to implement a new Banana Import Regime, following agreements reached between the EU, the US and Ecuador. In view of the great concerns being expressed by British banana importing companies, could the Commission indicate what the effects of this Regime will be on British companies. If the effects on British companies are not currently available, please specify when they will be available.

Please explain why this new Regime has been agreed, despite strenuous objections from many interested parties including the European Community Banana Trade Association, the Banana Plantation Workers' Union (SITRAP) of Costa Rica, The National Chamber of Independent Banana Producers SA, the CSIB (Higher Council of Banana Importers France), the Banana Consultative Committee and many others?

In view of the Banana Consultative Committee's strong objections to the Regime on the grounds that it is seriously damaging the UK/EU banana trade, damaging to Caribbean sources and discriminatory and that the timetable for implementation does not give sufficient time to renegotiate the necessary substantial amendments to fruit purchase and logistical contracts, why is the Commission proceeding with this Regime in such haste and without proper consultation?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2001)

The new regime has been agreed because it resolves the longstanding dispute with the United States and Ecuador on the Community banana import regime and the United States have agreed to suspend sanctions from 1 July 2001. Also, most parties concerned preferred a system based on historical references, although the Commission had, until the Understandings were reached, pursued an approach based on First Come First Served since it had been the only viable option up to that time.

The Regulation adopted by the Commission on 28May 2001 was published on 8 May 2001 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 896/2001 of 7 May 2001 laying down detailed rules for applying Council Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 as regards the arrangements for importing bananas into the Community(1)). This Regulation must apply from 1 July 2001 as required by Council Regulation (EC) No 216/2001 of 29 January 2001 amending Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 on the common organisation of the market in bananas(2). Therefore, following the Understandings with the United States and Ecuador it was necessary to act quickly since it was important that companies were aware of the new requirements in advance of the July 2001 application date. In addition, the Commission has had continual contacts with the banana industry on the new regime.

In the process of developing the Understandings the Commission has taken into account the necessity to maintain an equilibrium in the market particularly between traditional operators and non-traditional operators. It is for this reason that 17 % of the quota is reserved for non-traditional operators.

(1) OJ L 126, 8.5.2001.

(2) OJ L 31, 2.2.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0453/01

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 February 2001)

Subject: Longline fishing

Given that longline fishing is carried out by European Fishing vessels in the North Atlantic, that this form of fishing accounts for tens of thousands of seabird deaths and because of that, these longline fishing techniques, species of seabirds such as the short-tailed albatross and fulmar are seriously endangered that, in all, 26 species of seabirds are in danger of extinction, could the Commission outline what measures it intends to introduce to improve the current situation with regard to longline fishing as part of its wider fishing regulations to promote seabird-friendly longline fishing?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 March 2001)

In respect of the dangers to seabirds from longline fishing, whilst no major problems are envisaged for the fulmar in the North Atlantic, whose large global population (10-12 millions birds) does not place it at risk, the main concerns regard albatrosses and other species, essentially in the Southern Oceans.

To tackle this problem, the Community has already incorporated the following mitigation measures into Community legislation(1):

- Using bird-scaring line with plastic streamers attached;

- Weighting the lines so that they sink faster and pose less risk;

- Prohibiting the discharge of offal at sea, which attracts seabirds to the lines;

- Setting the longlines at night, when albatrosses and other seabirds are less likely to be foraging;

- Using only thawed bait.

These measures, which are compulsory for Community fishing companies, have been drawn up by the Council for the Conservation of Antarctic Maríne Living Resources (CCAMLR), which deals with Antarctic waters, and of which the Community is a contracting party.

In addition, the Commission and Member States have been involved in the preparation of the international plan of action for reducing incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries. This international plan was adopted at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in 1999. This year during the COFI (26 February 2001-2 March 2001) the first step of the national plans of action will be presented. The Community, based on the information sent by Member States, is proposing to start the plan by carrying out an assessment and by collecting data in order to evaluate the extent and nature of the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries where it occurs.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 66/98 of 18 December 1997 laying down certain conservation and control measures applicable to fishing activities in the Antarc repealing Regulation (EC) No 2113/96 (OJ L 6, 10.1.1998) and Council Regulation (EC) No 2479/98 of 12 November 1998 amending Regulation No 66/98 laying down certain conservation and control measures applicable to activities in the Antarctic (OJ L 309, 19.11.1998).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1317/01

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Council

(4 May 2001)

Subject: Directive on the taxation of savings

Could the Council please state what progress has been made in negotiations with the US and key third countries, including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra and San Maríno, with a view to securing the introduction of equivalent measures in those countries before the directive on the taxation of savings is adopted?

Reply

(27 September 2001)

The Council wants, in the first instance, to draw the Honourable Parliamentarian's attention to the fact that, at present, no negotiations with third countries are being conducted in this field.

According to the conclusions of the European Council in Nice, the Commission and the Presidency are currently undertaking discussions with the United States and other third countries in order to encourage the adoption of equivalent measures on the taxation of savings. The Commission and the Presidency have reported on these discussions to the Council at its meeting on 5 June 2001 (Ecofin) and the Council, then, concluded to agree, at its meeting in October, on a mandate for negotiations with third countries, on this topic. This meeting provided an opportunity for the Council to take stock of the progress reached so far in these discussions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1417/01

by Robert Goebbels (PSE) to the Commission

(14 May 2001)

Subject: Award of public contracts

On 24 August 1996 a call for tenders (No 96/S 163-97283/FR) was issued by the Commission and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities for the award of a contract in respect of removal, transport and handling services.

The contract was awarded to an Italian company. However, it now transpires that the company does not have a valid authorisation to operate in Luxembourg, which was one of the preconditions. It is therefore understandable that many of the candidates who did meet all the requirements should feel that the decision was unfair to them.

Can the Commission answer the following:

- Do the relevant Commission services check whether bidders meet all the requirements?

- What measures can the Commission normally take when it is established after the event that a bidder does not meet one or more requirements?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2001)

In accordance with applicable rules on public contracts, when proposals are analysed following a call for tender the Commission checks that the tenderers meet all relevant financial, professional and technical requirements. Once selected according to established selection criteria, the contractor is obliged to respect the legislation of the country in which he operates.

In the case referred to by the Honourable Member, the contract stipulates that the Contractor commits himself to observing the provisions in force in employment legislation applicable in Luxembourg. At the beginning of the implementation of the contract, the Commission noted certain difficulties on the part of the Contractor and it took the necessary steps, in agreement with relevant authorities in Luxembourg, to remedy this situation (registration in the trade register, VAT registration).

If it is found that the contractor has not fulfilled his obligations, the Commission will terminate the contract.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0651/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(8 March 2001)

Subject: Prosecution of citizens from the Veneto region for unlawful defence of a criminal act who showed solidarity with the group which occupied the San Marco bell tower in 1997

A group of citizens from the Veneto region who, in the Cartura area in 1997, peacefully demonstrated their solidarity with a group called the Serenissimi which occupied the San Marco bell tower in Venice as a protest, will be put on trial in the next few days in the Padua courts for the unlawful defence of a criminal act.

According to the state prosecutor, the accused are responsible for displaying placards claiming that the so-called Serenissimi were heroes and patriots, and as a result they risk being found guilty of a crime which could result in them being sent to prison.

This criminal prosecution is, in reality, a trial of the peacefully voiced ideas of citizens of a Member State of the European Union and constitutes a breach of the right to free speech enjoyed by all individuals.

Does the Council not consider that the action taken by the Italian judicial authorities is in breach of one of the most basic of human rights and the right to free speech, as enshrined in the Treaty, international instruments governing human rights and the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights?

Reply

(13 July 2001)

The Council would like to inform the Honourable Member of the European Parliament that the maintenance of law and order as well as the safeguarding of internal security is a responsibility incumbent upon the Member States which is not affected by Title VI of the Treaty on European Union.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0108/01

by Dana Scallon (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 February 2001)

Subject: Failure of Ireland to appoint an ombudsman for farming

Why has Ireland not appointed an ombudsman for farming?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2001)

The EC Treaty only foresees the nomination of a Community ombudsman. A national ombudsman for agriculture is not an issue governed by any Community legislation and is therefore outside the competence of the Commission.

The Honourable Member is requested to address the question to the Irish national authorities.