ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Equal opportunities for women and men in the EU

What means will the Commission be using in future to put an end to violence against women, particularly sexual exploitation in the form of pornography and prostitution?

Will the Commission be involving NGOs in its work in future?

What initiatives will the Commission be taking to achieve a balance between men and women recruited to posts in the European institutions?

How many women of Austrian nationality are currently employed in these institutions (Council, Commission and Parliament)? How well is Austria doing in comparison with the figures for Finland and Sweden, which also joined the EU in 1995?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1997)

The Commission is aware of the seriousness of the patterns of violence against women, and in particular sexual exploitation, about which the Honourable Member is concerned. As part of the Daphne initiative, it has allocated ECU 3 million from the 1997 budget to support a series of measures to combat violence against women, adolescents and children. A call for projects might be renewed in 1998 depending on the 1998 budget and the priorities set out in it.

The Commission is particularly interested in encouraging cooperation between non-governmental organisations and the relevant authorities, in particular with a view to establishing or strengthening networks to support and coordinate European-level information and projects with a bearing on measures to prevent violence and protect women.

The imbalance in the breakdown of posts to which the Honourable Member refers is reflected in the Commission in the under-representation of women in Category A posts and men in Category C posts, although the overall figure evens out (46% women). It is linked to the number of applications from women and the number of successful candidates on the reserve lists from general competitions. In 1995 the Commission sought to reduce this structural imbalance by adopting annual targets for recruitment of women to category A and for the appointment of women to management and senior management posts. The strategy consists in recruiting an equal number of men and women at the starting grade in Category A on the basis of the number of successful candidates in the reserve lists. With regard to the readjustment of the balance between men and women in Category C, the Commission will give fuller descriptions of the various tasks carried out by officials in that Category, with special emphasis on the new technologies in office automation, in order to attract more applications from men.

The general total of Austrian officials recruited by the Commission up to September 1997 (excluding the language service) is 223, including 119 women, i.e. 53%. During the same period the number of Finnish women officials recruited by the Commission (still excluding the language service) represented 61% of the total (161 women and 105 men) and the number of Swedish women officials represented 64% of the total (190 women and 105 men).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2585/97 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Council (29 July 1997)

Subject: Credibility of the new paragraph on education in the preamble to the EC Treaty

At the Council of Heads of State and of Government in Amsterdam, it was decided to incorporate the following new paragraph in the preamble to the EC Treaty: 'Determined to promote the development of the highest possible level of knowledge for their peoples through a wide access to education and its continuous updating.'

A few days previously the Education Council had increased the appropriations for the Socrates programme by only ECU 25 million with a view to its extension to the applicant countries. Yet Parliament had called for ECU 100 million as the bare minimum required to meet the set objectives, while the Commission had proposed ECU 50 million. The Council's Budget Committee will even propose to the Budget Council on 24 July 1997 that Socrates' annual budget for 1998 be effectively reduced (from ECU 189.6 million to ECU 177.5 million).

As it must be assumed that the Council knows what it decides, the question arises as to what is the purpose of financially starving a successful programme like Socrates so that it can no longer attain its objectives? Are the reasons purely budgetary, or are there other grounds as well?

Answer (7 November 1997)

The Council position to which the Honourable Member refers is part of the common position which the Council will be adopting formally in the near future on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision amending Decision 819/95/EC establishing the Community Socrates programme.

Pursuant to Article 126 of the EC Treaty, which, together with Article 127, constitutes the legal basis for the above proposal for a Decision, the Council is required to act in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty.

Consequently, since the first stage of the aforementioned procedure has not yet been formally completed, it seems premature to draw definitive conclusions as to the Council's attitude.

However, when giving its agreement to an increase in the Socrates financial package in spite of the major budgetary restrictions being experienced in all Member States at national level, the Council wished to demonstrate the importance it attached to a programme which has, over the years, proved to be very important for the European citizen. The economic constraints are, however, an unavoidable obstacle and should accordingly be taken into account in seeking a balanced solution.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2073/97 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (19 June 1997)

Subject: Community environmental grant

Under budget heading B4-306, subsidies are granted for environmental protection. A list of organizations which have received such subsidies was published in OJ C 148 of 16 May 1997.

What project was submitted by 'Van Rossum & Partners'?

Can the Commission supply more information about this organization? Can it supply a copy of the organization's articles of association and a recent list of the members of its board?

To what extent has the Commission verified that the funds have been spent correctly?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

The project submitted by Van Rossum and Partners (Den Haag) B.V.) involves the organisation and management of the 'European better environment awards for industry 1998', an on-going awards scheme for environmental good performance and development in industry. National organisers hold annual competitions, and, every two years they select and submit national entries for the European awards, which individual national organisers take it in turns to run. The Netherlands have undertaken to do this for the 1998 awards.

Van Rossum & Partners were selected by the Netherlands government to run the Dutch national competitions for environmental prizes for industry. A copy of their articles of association and the names of their directors is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat.

The work is still under way, and will not be competed until late in 1998. Upon completion of the project, the project operator is required to submit a final report on the work done, and final accounts showing all appropriate expenditure, and a final financial balance. This information will be checked by the Commission, to ensure that the work has been done properly, and that the total expenditure involved has been correctly reflected.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2673/97 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Council (1 September 1997)

Subject: Free trade in burglars' tools

On Saturday, 12 July 1997, the Dutch daily newspaper 'De Telegraaf' ran an article on the firm of Adalbert Wendt in Bergheim (Germany), which is selling anyone interested the latest equipment needed for burglaries and robberies. The article referred, for example, to instruction videos on breaking into cars and safe-cracking, for which the necessary equipment was also on offer. The equipment includes the most advanced technical devices that can currently be supplied to the underworld - thermal lances, electronic safe-cracking equipment, Auto-Killer cases, etc., etc. and also instruction books and videos.

Is the Council aware of this and, given this shocking information, is its President considering proposing in the near future ways of controlling and monitoring this trade within the European Union?

Answer (7 November 1997)

The Council has no knowledge of the information quoted by the Honourable Member. In any event, the Council does not comment on articles in the press.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2746/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Independent assessments of projects in which assistance from the Cohesion Funds was sought

Can the Commission list projects throughout the EU where it sought an independent assessment of their merits before deciding whether or not they should be granted the assistance under the cohesion Funds which the relevant authorities had applied for?

In each case, can the Commission state on what grounds it sought such independent assessment?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1997)

In accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1164/94 establishing the Cohesion fund ((OJ L 130, 25.5.1994. )), the Commission takes full responsibility for the evaluation of projects submitted for assistance.

The Commission does not keep a systematic record of the cases where, in considering Member State requests for assistance from the Cohesion fund, it seeks an independent assessment of the project concerned.

Expert advice is almost routinely commissioned in those cases where the Commission has doubts on the technical solutions proposed by the Member States, where the application proposes advanced technical solutions and, in particular, when the Commission has doubts with respect to the environmental impact or in relation to the proposed compensating and corrective measures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3085/97 by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission (2 October 1997)

Subject: Free gifts in foodstuffs

Has any legislation been passed on the inclusion of free gifts in foodstuffs aimed at children?

If not, does the Commission intend to take any action in this respect?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (5 November 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-2479 by Mr Whitehead ((OJ C 82, 17.3.1998, p. 89. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2718/97 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: UK banking practice

Many UK banks and building societies do not accept European credit references, and refuse to open accounts for people from other EU Member States, or UK nationals who have been resident in another Member State. Such barriers continue to hamper the mobility of European Union citizens.

How does the Commission view such practices, are they legal, and will it take action to remove such barriers in the near future?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

The Commission is aware that some UK banks and building societies are reluctant to accept customers not resident in the United Kingdom. According to the information available to the Commission, it would appear that this reluctance on the part of a minority of credit institutions is based on the costs involved in meeting the legal and tax obligations associated with non-resident customers. These credit institutions take the view that, given the circumstances, it is not worthwhile for them to have non-resident customers.

Although the Commission's view is that these practices are regrettable in the context of the internal market and in the run-up to the single currency, they are not incompatible with Community law. Under current Community law, there is no obligation on banks to accept a customer or to provide a given service, such as opening a bank account, irrespective of whether the customer is resident in the country. This is a choice made on commercial grounds and based on the legal principle of contractual freedom.

As it stated in its Communication of 26 June 1997 on follow-up to the Green Paper entitled 'Financial Services: Meeting Consumers' Expectations' ((COM(97) 309 final. )), the Commission supports all initiatives taken at national level to improve access by the greatest possible number of Community nationals to basic banking services. Although studies are currently being carried out on access to banking services, the Commission does not, at present, envisage taking measures in this area at Community level.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3220/97 by Antonio Graziani (PPE) to the Commission (9 October 1997)

Subject: Earthquake in Central Italy

On 26 and 27 September an earthquake devastated Central Italy, in particular the regions of Umbria and the Marches, killing around ten people and causing serious damage not only to houses but also to buildings of architectural, historic and religious significance. The town of Assisi, with its churches dedicated to St Francis, which contain priceless frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, amongst other things, was seriously damaged.

Thousands of people are homeless and an initial estimate indicates that the damage is difficult to calculate, in particular because of the serious damage done to priceless works of art.

What does the Commission intend to do to meet the needs of the population and to restore the damaged works of art, which are not only part of Italy's heritage but belong to the whole of mankind?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-3220/97 and P-3286/97 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1997)

The Commission wishes to express its fullest sympathy for the victims of the earthquakes that have been devastating the Italian regions of Umbria and the Marches since the end of September. It is aware of the exceptional scale of the damage inflicted on Europe's citizens living in these regions and of the destruction suffered by its incomparable cultural heritage.

Regarding Community emergency aid for disaster victims, the Commission would remind the Honourable Member that in the 1997 budget the relevant item (B4-3400) contains no appropriations that could be used for immediate measures of solidarity with the citizens who have sustained losses.

Regarding structural aids, the earthquakes have affected highly rural areas to which Commission attaches great importance; they are virtually all objective 5b areas.

The Presidents of the two regions concerned have asked the Commission to adjust the objective 5b programming to take account of new priorities and needs generated by the earthquakes.

The Commission confirms that its is fully ready to launch the procedures, the partnership context, for boosting the objective 5b single programming documents by adding specific reconstruction measures. This would provide an opportunity to consider the value of action to support the artistic and architectural heritage, production potential and the reconstruction of rural villages.

Regarding restoration of the cultural heritage, the Commission announced on 1 October 1997 it would grant emergency aid of ECU 100 000 from the funds allocated for the preservation of cultural heritage. This emergency aid is intended to cover some of the costs of restoration of the church of St Francis of Assisi, and in particular for the restoration of the frescos damaged during the recent catastrophic earthquake.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2818/97 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Marine science and technology projects

According to the Agence Europe bulletin of 7 July 1997, the Commission has approved funding for 56 projects under the marine science and technology research programme.

What Portuguese projects, if any, are included among the above?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1997)

On 26 March 1997 the Commission decided to finance 55 shared-cost projects, one concerted action and two demonstration projets in the context of the marine science and technology programme (1994-1998) ((OJ C 262, 20.9.1994. )).

Portuguese institutions participate in 11 of these projects. They are listed in a table which is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3144/97 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Commission (30 September 1997)

Subject: Blue flag award and the marking of beaches

During the summer season the physical safety of bathers is seriously threatened by the careless way in which speedboats and other vessels are operated in bathing areas.

Does the Commission not therefore think that the awarding of a blue flag should also include the requirement for the beaches on which such a distinction is bestowed to be marked by buoys?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1997)

The blue flag campaign is administered by a non-governmental organisation called Foundation for environmental education in Europe (FEEE) located in Copenhagen. Associated organisations in the Member States assess the beaches which are candidate for a blue flag. This assessment is made for four major issues, for which both imperative and guideline criteria are established: environmental education and information, environmental management, water quality and safety and services. The Commission is only connected to the blue flag because the water quality criteria for a blue flag are based on the guideline values of the Directive 76/160/EEC concerning bathing water quality ((OJ L 31, 5.2.1976. )).

One of the major attractions of beaches in general is the combination of different recreational activities such as water-sports, beach volleyball, horse riding. It is in this sense that one of the imperative criteria on the issue of safety and services is that: 'recreational activities in the beach area must not endanger any beach user'. If there is therefore reason to believe that at certain blue flag beaches the landing of motorboats near or on the beach endangers bathers, then this should be reported to local authorities and the national operators of the blue flag. If there should be no satisfactory solution from these parties, then the FEEE in Denmark should be contacted. But in general, a solution is found at the local or the national blue flag level.

It is also interesting to know that the FEEE in co-operation with the International life saving federation Europe, is about to present its safety guidelines for blue flag beaches, in which the issue of the risks of combined recreational use of beaches is tackled.

Further information on the blue flag campaign may be obtained from the FEEE.

Foundation for environmental education in Europe Friluftsrådet Scandiagade 13 DK-2450 Copenhagen tel +45-33-79 00 79 fax +45-33-79 01 79 e-mail: friluftsraadet@inet.uni-c.dk
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2969/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Anti-dumping investigation into imports of unbleached cotton fabrics from China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Turkey

On 11 July 1997 the Commission decided to open a new anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of unbleached cotton fabrics from 7 non-EU Member States, in spite of the fact that EU cotton weavers have twice before failed to have definitive anti-dumping duties imposed.

Can the Commission explain why it has accepted a third complaint, so soon after the previous complaint was rejected?

Will the Commission confirm whether it intends to impose interim duties while the third complaint is being investigated? If it does impose interim duties, is not the Commission concerned that, in repeating its investigations, it is encouraging serial complaints by interested parties?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1997)

An anti-dumping investigation on imports of unbleached cotton fabrics originating in Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, China and Turkey was opened on 11 July 1997.

Although the Council did not impose definitive measures in the previous case concerning cotton fabrics, the Commission is obliged, under the Community's anti-dumping legislation, to open an anti-dumping proceeding when a major proportion of Community producers lodges a complaint showing prima facie evidence of dumping and resulting injury. This was the case here. There is no provision in this legislation that would allow the Commission to reject a sufficiently substantiated complaint on the basis that the Council had previously decided against the imposition of definitive duties on imports relating to a different investigation period. In this respect, the opening of the current investigation is fully in line with the World trade organisation rules governing anti-dumping.

At this early stage in the proceeding, it is impossible for the Commission to indicate whether or not provisional duties will be imposed. It is currently collecting the requisite information concerning the different aspects of this case (dumping, injury and Community interest). In any event, the Honourable Member can be assured that this proceeding, like all others, is conducted on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2118/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Authorization of varieties



Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0015



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2118/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 June 1997) Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Authorization of varieties Will follow-on products of plants already covered by variety authorization needed to be tested and authorized individually pursuant to the novel food regulation ((OJ L 43, 14.2.1997, p. 1. )) (FN)? Answer (31 October 1997) Regulation No 258/97 does not specifically take into account whether a plant is a follow-on product or not.