ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0519/98 by Ilona Graenitz (PSE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Duty-free shops

The turnover of European duty-free shops amounts to about ATS 60 bn p.a. Intra-Community traffic accounts for more than two thirds of turnover. When the exemption from excise duty ceases, it is feared that, despite the long transitional periods, 300 to 500 jobs in Austria alone will be at risk.

Does the Commission have a study of the impact of the abolition of duty-free sales on the labour market?

If not, does the Commission intend to have a study of this kind carried out?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (6 April 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-272/98 by Mrs Danielle Darras ((See page 67. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0082/98 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council (30 January 1998)

Subject: Information on technology from NATO

In reply to a question (E-1133/97) ((OJ C 82, 17.3.1998, p. 82. )) on the monitoring of NATO reports on technology, particularly with regard to aeronautical research, I received an answer to the effect that 'there does not exist any forum within the Council, nor is one envisaged in the future, for exchanging views with NATO organizations on this subject. It is not, therefore, foreseen that the Council would examine or monitor the reports referred to in the Question'.

As the Council is no doubt aware, the Commission has put forward a European Union strategy and a plan of action for defence related industries. Moreover, the Council recently considered the 'Bangemann Report' on the future of the aeronautical and aerospace industry. The Europe Bulletin (11 December 1997) also reports that 'Bangemann welcomes initiative by Bonn, Paris and London in view of greater integration of the aerospace industry'.

Can the Council say whether it will remain indifferent to technological information from NATO?

Answer (8 June 1998)

The Council confirms that NATO reports on technology have not been brought to its attention and that there is no forum for exchanging views with NATO on this subject. However Member States which are members both of the Union and NATO could, if they so wish, draw on these reports for elements which could be relevant for the discussion, within the Council, of the Commission communication on defence related industries.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0290/98 by Jan Bertens (ELDR) to the Commission (5 February 1998)

Subject: Diplomatic representation of the EU in Malaysia

Is the Commission aware of the fact:

1. That the external trade between Malaysia and the EU is of roughly the same volume as the trade between Mexico, Russia or Brazil and the EU?

2. That Malaysia, from a political point of view, is a core country in South-East Asia?

3. That a large part of the remaining tropical forests are situated in Malaysia and that there are major problems in preserving these forests?

4. That all 15 Member States of the EU have an embassy in Malaysia, which proves that they value the country's importance, and that the Commission, under the Treaty of Maastricht, has a coordinating role to play between these embassies?

5. Is the Commission not of the opinion that Malaysia is at least as important for the EU as countries like Cape Verde, Sri Lanka and Fiji, where the EU has permanent representations?

6. Is it true that the Group of Ambassadors in Malaysia has submitted a written request to the EU that it open a delegation in Malaysia?

7. Can the Commission explain, in the light of the answers to the above six questions, why the EU has no delegation in Malaysia?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (27 February 1998)

1. The Commission is well aware of the fact that Malaysia is an important trading partner with the Community.

2. The Commission is equally aware of the fact that Malaysia is playing an important political role in south-east Asia and acknowledges that Malaysia is a key player in the cooperation between the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and in the region as a whole.

3. The Commission is well aware of the fact that a significant part of the remaining tropical forest is situated in Malaysia and that preserving these forests, in particular in Sarawak and Sabah provinces, represents a major challenge. The Community is active in this field through projects financed on the tropical forests budget line.

4. The Commission is fully aware of the important role it has to play in Malaysia in coordination with Community Member States. The head of delegation of the Commission delegation in Bangkok is also accredited to the government of Malaysia and plays a full part in the meetings convened by the Member States in Kuala Lumpur.

5. The Commission is conscious of the importance of a country like Malaysia. In countries such as Cap Vert, Sri Lanka or Fiji, for many years the Commission has managed important aid development programmes which needed close and permanent supervision.

6. It is true that the group of ambassadors of the Member States in Malaysia expressed the wish that the Commission would open a delegation.

7. In any case, the Commission is presently examining its priorities in the evolution of the network of its external representation which could result in the opening of new delegations and transforming or closing existing delegations within the strict framework fixed by the budgetary authorities. The possible opening of a delegation in Malaysia will be considered in this context.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0208/98 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (11 February 1998)

Subject: Problems facing the olive oil market

The olive oil market is facing serious problems owing to overproduction, both in the Community and worldwide, which has resulted in marketing difficulties and a fall in prices.

Given the risk that the recent decision to stock 30 000 tonnes of Greek olive oil on a private basis may not have the desired results - since it is due to be carried out by producer groups which are not sufficiently organized to implement such a measure -, what action does the Commission intend to take to boost the market and keep prices at levels acceptable to producers and consumers alike? Does the Commission intend to bring forward the beginning of Community intervention which constitutes a safety valve for safeguarding farmers' incomes?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 March 1998)

The Commission is following the difficult situation on the market for olive oil closely. To relieve the market following the drop in prices, it has already proposed the grant of private storage aid for olive oil under Regulation (EC) No 94/98 of 14 January 1998 on olive oil storage contracts for the 1997/98 marketing year ((OJ L 9, 15.1.1998. )). Of the 180 000 tonnes covered by this measure, 30 000 tonnes were authorised for Greece. There appear to be difficulties in applying the measure in Greece owing to the small number of producers' organisations entitled to conclude storage contracts. The Commission is therefore seeking a legal means of helping the Greek authorities to solve these problems and apply the measure.

As for bringing forward the opening of intervention buying-in, the Commission will first evaluate the results of implementing the private storage measures in the various Member States before considering other market relief measures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0625/98 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (9 March 1998)

Subject: COM in raw tobacco: use of the research fund

The current proposal to reform the COM in raw tobacco establishes a Community Tobacco Fund, funded by holding back the equivalent of 2% of the subsidy; the current level is 1%.

1. What is the total amount of funding raised from the subsidy over the first three years?

2. What research programmes or other activities have been carried out in previous years with monies from this research fund?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (27 March 1998)

During the first three years (1995, 1996 and 1997), the Commission made payments totalling ECU 3.26 million from the Community tobacco research and information fund. These payments were for the implementation of the first phases of what are in most cases multiannual projects (extending, in the case of research, over five years). The Commission has approved total funding of ECU 25.88 million for research and information projects, the last of which will be completed in 2003.

The programmes selected for funding from the Community tobacco research and information fund from those submitted in response to the two invitations to tender are given in the table sent directly to the Honourable Members and to the Secretariat of Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0125/98 by Petrus Cornelissen (PPE) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: Research into civil aviation incidents

1. Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the number of serious incidents in civil aviation which have been investigated in the various Member States of the European Union since directive 94/56 ((OJ L 319, 12.12.1994, p. 14. )) of 21 November 1994 entered into force?

2. What authorities have received the incident reports, and what safety measures or other measures have been taken as a result?

3. When does the Commission intend to submit proposals for investigations into other incidents in civil aviation, as promised at the time of Parliament's debate on the abovementioned directive?

4. When it draws up its proposals, will the Commission take account of the wish expressed in the past by Parliament that it should publish the reports not only of accidents but also of incidents?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1998)

A number of the Member States of the Union, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg and Italy have not yet implemented the provisions of Council Directive 94/56/EC of 21 November 1994 establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of civil aviation accidents and incidents. The Commission sent reasoned opinions to the Member States which had not replied satisfactorily to the letter of formal notice sent in May 1997. Even when legal transposition has taken place, there are still practical problems with the investigation of serious incidents due to the different procedures of investigation. The Commission has therefore received very few serious incident investigation reports and, as a result, it has not been possible to take further measures.

The pilot project of a European co-ordination center for aviation incidents reporting systems (ECCAIRS) carried out by the Commission is now deemed sufficiently mature to become operational. A formal presentation of the system will be organised in March and the Commission proposal, which will take account of the comments received after this presentation, will be issued in 1998.

Council Directive 94/56/EC requires publication of accident reports and a more restricted circulation of incident reports in order to take into account the very different nature of these occurrences. The Commission does not intend to change these requirements in the immediate future. However, the Commission intends to examine the whole question of the collection and dissemination of safety data as a preliminary activity before considering a possible proposal for publication of safety information. The legitimate interest of the public will at all times receive necessary attention.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0430/98 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Council (25 February 1998)

Subject: Anti-Semitic radio station in Poland

1. Has the Council heard of the Polish radio station known as 'Maria', which is very popular with Poles?

2. Is the Council aware that that radio station is making fierce anti-Semitic statements while it is on air?

3. Does the Council feel that radio broadcasts of this type incite people to xenophobia?

4. Is the Council prepared, during the forthcoming accession negotiations with Poland, to investigate whether there is any provision in Polish law making xenophobia a criminal offence?

5. If not, is the Council prepared to enter into consultations with the Polish Government to discuss the introduction of such a provision?

Answer (28 May 1998)

Accession negotiations with Poland began on 31 March 1998. The Union's position is that accession entails full acceptance and implementation of the 'acquis'. This applies in particular to the provisions concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia and other related measures. The most important of these provisions are listed below.

i) Joint Action of 15 July 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia (OJ No L 185, 24.7.1996, p. 5).

Title I A (a): In the interests of combating racism and xenophobia, each Member State shall undertake, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Title II, to ensure effective judicial cooperation in respect of offences based on the following types of behaviour, and, if necessary for the purpose of that cooperation, either to take steps to see that such behaviour is punishable as a criminal offence or, failing that, and pending the adoption of any necessary provisions, to derogate from the principle of double criminality for such behaviour:

a) public incitement to discrimination, violence or racial hatred in respect of a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to colour, race, religion or national or ethnic origin.

ii) Council Directive of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities (OJ No L 298, 17.10.1989, p. 23)

Article 12: Television advertising shall not include any discrimination on grounds of race, sex or nationality.

Article 22: Member States shall ensure that broadcasts do not contain any incitement to hatred on grounds of race, sex, religion or nationality.

iii) Council Regulation of 2 June 1997 establishing a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (OJ No L 151, 10.6.1997, p. 1).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0324/98 by Bernard Castagnède (ARE) to the Commission (17 February 1998)

Subject: Supplies of cereals to the remotest regions

For two years representations have been made to the Commission over the substantial reduction in aid for the supply of cereals in particular. What does it intend to do to restore an adequate level of aid to meet the aims set down in the POSEICAN, POSEIDOM and POSEIMA programmes, and in particular the supply of low-price commodities to those regions?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0288/98, E-0289/98, E-0324/98 and E-0400/98 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

The Honourable Members are requested to refer to the Commission's answer to written question P-327/98 from Mr Souchet ((See page 78. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0317/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Council (17 February 1998)

Subject: Commission proposals for third countries' nationals

In July 1997 Mrs Gradin, Member of the Commission, submitted draft proposals on a draft convention for rules of admission for third countries' nationals.

In Europe there are 18 million persons out of work, and the Commissioner's proposals represent the minimum that needs to be done to free European citizens from the constant fear of unemployment. However, these proposals have not yet been adopted, even though they have been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for scrutiny and immediate decision-taking.

Will the Council give the reasons for this delay and say when it intends to adopt a position on this matter which concerns all European citizens?

Answer (28 May 1998)

The Honourable Member refers to the Commission's proposal for a Council Act establishing the Convention on rules for the admission of third-country nationals to the Member States ((OJ C 337, 7.11.1997, p. 9. )). The Council received this proposal on 29 September 1997. It is currently being examined by the Council's subordinate bodies.

The Commission takes a comprehensive approach to the subject of migration, and proposes wide-ranging solutions entailing substantial changes to the existing national provisions which vary considerably from Member State to Member State and which in some cases were adopted only recently. For these reasons, it is expected that work on the proposal will require lengthy discussions.

It has also to be pointed out that, in accordance with Article K.6(2) of the Treaty on European Union, the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council has submitted the proposal to the European Parliament for its views.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0429/98 by Spalato Belleré (NI) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Cuba

Can the Commission say whether there are any relations between the European Union and the Peoples' Republic of Cuba, whether political or commercial or in the form of development programmes?

In addition, does the Commission have any data or statistics or definite monitoring system with regard to the human rights situation, and especially to infringements of fundamental rights and the conditions under which political prisoners are detained in Cuba?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (26 March 1998)

The European Union and Cuba have normal diplomatic relations. A Cuban ambassador resident in Brussels is accredited to the Union and the Commission's Head of Delegation in Mexico is accredited to the Cuban government.

The two parties also conduct normal trade relations without any particular restriction. Cuba is a beneficiary of the Community's generalised scheme of preferences for developing countries.

Political and cooperation ties between the EU and Cuba are governed by the common position approved on 2 December 1996 and extended on 26 June and 8 December 1997. It sets out the key elements of the Union's stance vis-à-vis Cuba, namely:

- promotion of the process leading to a multiparty democracy, observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and a lasting improvement in the Cuban people's living standards;

- opposition to change by coercive measures;

- the Union (Member States plus Commission) is willing on certain terms to grant Cuba humanitarian aid and economic cooperation aimed at supporting reforms and opening up areas of freedom;

- a link between the Cuban regime's progress towards democracy and intensification of cooperation ties between the Union and Cuba, including, where appropriate, the conclusion of a cooperation agreement.

In line with the common position the Community grants assistance to Cuba worth around ECU 15 million a year, the bulk of which is earmarked for humanitarian aid, food aid and microprojects run by European NGOs, with the rest going to measures to support economic reform and boost a European cultural presence in Cuba.

The Commission is keeping a close eye on the human rights situation in Cuba. This task will be taken on more and more by the 'human rights' working party which Member States represented in Cuba set up in 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0346/98 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (17 February 1998)

Subject: Framework for Community action in the field of water policy

The Commission has drawn up a proposal for a Council Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (COM(97)0049 - 97/0067(SYN)) ((OJ C 184, 17.6.1997, p. 20. )). With reference to Articles 13 and 21, will the Directive lay down uniform methods to be used to determine the environmental quality standards required to control water pollution at all levels (Community, national, and so forth)?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0344/98, E-0345/98, E-0346/98, E-0347/98 and E-0348/98 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1998)

The Parliament has scheduled its discussions on the Commission's proposal for a Council directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy ((COM(97)47. COM(97)614. COM(98)76. )) for the March 1998 and April 1998 meetings of the environment committee. The Commission will address the questions raised by the Honourable Member during those meetings.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0229/98 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (5 February 1998)

Subject: Baby-walkers

Despite the fact that articles used by infants are not supposed to put them in additional danger, baby-walkers tend to cause serious accidents. Babies in them can reach speeds of up to 10 km/h. All the tests carried out have shown that these devices do not assist movements connected with the normal development of a baby's walking ability.

1. Does the Commission see a need for action, in view of the fact that baby-walkers do not provide any benefits, but actually constitute a grave danger which has already led to numerous accidents?

2. Is the Commission aware that none of the baby-walkers tested by the consumer organizations complies with the draft European safety standard (pr en 1273) or meets product information requirements?

3. Does the Commission agree that dangerous and completely nonsensical products, especially for babies, should not be approved for sale?

4. How does the Commission feel about a total ban on baby-walkers?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (9 March 1998)

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member. Indeed, the reported facts form part of a study which has been made possible through co-financing provided by the Commission.

Directive 92/59/EEC on general product safety ((OJ L 228, 11.8.1992. )) is intended, among other things, to guarantee the safety of consumers, and in particular of children. To that effect, it requires the Member States to adopt the measures necessary in order to ensure that only safe products are placed on the Community market (Article 2b).

It is therefore firstly the responsibility of the Member States to take action in the face of products which represent a health or safety risk for consumers through the adoption of the necessary measures (including the possible withdrawal of the product from the market), providing that these measures comply with Community law and in particular with Articles 30 et seq of the EC Treaty.

In the present case, the Commission, after having obtained the agreement of the Member States, has already given the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) a mandate to develop a standard which takes into consideration the various hazards presented by baby-walkers, including those revealed by the study mentioned above.

Finally, in order to be sure that the consumer's point of view is taken into account in the process of European standardisation, the Commission supports ANEC, the European association created to co-ordinate and represent consumer interests within the European (and international) standardisation organisations.