ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0781/03

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 March 2003)

Subject: Trade in horses

With reference to the Commission's answer to question P-1386/02(1) on the trade in horses issue, could the Commission detail the outcome of the follow-up mission to Ireland, which was planned by the FVO for the second half of 2002.

And could the Commission indicate the result of the inquiries undertaken by the Commission services in charge of public and animal health and animal welfare, with the competent authorities in the UK and Ireland, on the controls within the framework of Council Directive 90/426/EEC(2), and provide me with a copy of the findings.

(1) OJ C 229 E, 26.9.2002, p. 212.

(2) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 42.

Answer given by M. Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 2003)

With reference to the question raised by the Honourable Member, the Commission would like to provide a follow-up to its reply to Written Question P-1386/02.

Between 25 and 29 November 2002 the Food and Veterinary Office carried out the mission in Ireland referred to in the above reply. However, the mission could not, as initially planned, investigate the movement of equidae, but had to concentrate on long distance international transport of cattle.

Nevertheless, as regards equidae, from the Commission's inquiries with the competent authorities in Dublin and London it would appear that the transposition of Decision 2000/68/EC of 22 December 1999 amending Commission Decision 93/623/EEC and establishing the identification of equidae for breeding and production(1) into Irish and British law respectively is well advanced but not completed. The consultation with stakeholders has been or will be completed and agreement has been reached on the organisations designated for issuing passports for equidae for breeding and production.

The Commission, taking into account the discussions in the Parliament and in the Council on a Commission proposal(2) for an amendment of Directive 2001/82/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products(3), has prepared a draft modification of Decision 2000/68/EC providing more details on the operation of this identification system. This aims to achieve a systematic and complete identification of equidae. However, this new draft requires further discussion because identification of equidae not only has public and animal health implications, but is also affected by Community legislation on breeding and competition.

(1) OJ L 23, 28.1.2000.

(2) OJ C 75 E, 26.3.2002.

(3) OJ L 311, 28.11.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1166/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(1 April 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the Tempus III programme by the municipality of Macerata

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Macerata, urgently need to use European funds to help promote cooperation between university students across Europe, and to foster cultural and scientific exchange in higher education,

Can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Macerata has submitted projects for the Tempus III programme?

2. whether the municipality of Macerata has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0827/03, E-1164/03, E-1165/03,E-1166/03, E-1167/03, E-1168/03, E-1169/03 and E-1170/03given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2003)

As a rule, a project funded under the Tempus programme will involve several universities both in Member States of the Union and in the partner countries.

It is very difficult to identify the amounts retained by universities in Europe which, for project reasons, were granted to universities in the partner countries.

However, to give an indication, please find below the amounts granted under Tempus III to establishments in the municipalities of Frosinone, Ancona, Florence, Macerata, Perugia, Pesaro, Pisa and Siena. Additional information has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat.

1. The University of Ancona received EUR 1 739 in 2002 for a Tempus project (grant).

2. The establishments in Florence obtained funding of EUR 832 014,98 for Tempus projects in 2002 and 2003.

3. The University of Macerata obtained funding of EUR 112 257,80 for a Tempus project in 2002.

4. The University of Perugia obtained funding of EUR 546 452,10 for Tempus projects in 2002 and 2003.

5. The University of Pisa obtained funding of EUR 285 178,80 for Tempus projects in 2002 and 2003.

6. The University of Siena obtained funding of EUR 63 050 for a Tempus project in 2002.

7. There are no Tempus III projects in Frosinone and Pesaro.

The Honourable Member might also wish to contact the above-mentioned local authorities for more information.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0700/03

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 March 2003)

Subject: Doping in amateur sport

On 15 May of last year Commissioner Reding presented a study on the use of drugs by amateur sportsmen and -women attending the ca 23 000 fitness centres in the European Union. One of the recommendations made by the authors of the study was the introduction of quality labels for such products and systematic checks on their composition. This was motivated above all by the fact that (harmful) products of this kind can be ordered via the Internet.

Has the Commission since taken protective measures specifically relating to such products with a view to protecting European consumers?

What steps has the Commission since taken in order, if not to completely stop illegal trade via the Internet, at least to make it extremely difficult?

Does the Commission intend to stop harmful products of this kind at the EU's external borders and, where necessary, what steps does it intend to take to that end?

Answer given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(14 April 2003)

The Commission was interested to read the conclusions of the study mentioned by the Honourable Member. This study was carried out under the pilot measures financed by the Commission in 2000 and 2001 concerning the combating of doping in sport.

The conclusions of the study informed the Commission's thoughts on the combating of doping. They were used, among other things, to begin work on drawing up a Commission proposal for a Community anti-doping programme focusing on information, education and prevention. In the end, this initiative had to be suspended for budgetary reasons.

Since the publication of this study, there has been an important development, namely the adoption in 2002 of Directive 2002/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to food supplements(1).

The Commission raised the issue of special labelling for doping products at the 53rd meeting of the Community's Pharmaceutical Committee on 14 May 2002. This meeting examined the experience of the Member States in this area and the feasibility of an early warning system at European level. However, the discussions in the Pharmaceutical Committee revealed the difficulties of implementing a system of this kind, and the Commission currently has no plans to follow up this idea.

Finally, the Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that it has an obligation to act strictly within the limits of its powers and that, in the combating of doping, a number of measures can only be considered at national level.

(1) OJ L 183, 12.7.2002.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0856/03

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(20 March 2003)

Subject: Answers to parliamentary questions

1. Will the Commission describe the procedures by which a Member of the European Parliament may proceed against it in the light of a series of unsatisfactory answers to simple questions?

2. For example, is the Member able to complain to the Ombudsman?

3. Will the Commission state the number of such complaints, or complaints to other bodies, in each of the last five years?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2003)

The Commission answers on average around 3 800 written and oral parliamentary questions per year and would like to assure the Honourable Member that it attaches the highest priority to the quality of the replies given. However, as the Honourable Member might understand, questions of a very technical nature or those requesting consultation of different information and statistical sources might require a more lengthy treatment. In such cases, in order to avoid inevitable delays also due to translations and internal processing, it may be convenient to refer to factual information from sources already available to the Parliament.

Other than the normal ways and means of parliamentary control of the Commission by the Parliament bodies and individual Members of Parliament, there are no specific procedures to apply in cases of unsatisfactory answers.

According article 195 of the EC Treaty, the Ombudsman can establish instances of administrative malpractice. The Commission has no knowledge of any direct link between the political processes of parliamentary control and complaints to the Ombudsman.

In year 2002, the Commission has received 32 written questions (out of a total 3 962 written and oral questions) raising issues related to the quality of the replies. Relevant figures for the years 1998-2001 are currently being established and will be sent direct to the Honourable Member as soon as they become available.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0939/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(26 March 2003)

Subject: Resurfacing of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere

Rome city council has recently published a booklet entitled Città Storica which lists a series of restoration projects that are to be carried out at sites in the historic centre of Rome. One of the projects envisaged is the resurfacing of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is a square of great historical value.

The square is to be resurfaced using new cobblestones. However, these will not be laid in the pattern traditional to Rome and will therefore be out of keeping with the city's characteristics and traditions.

Much of the restoration work already carried out in the squares and streets of Rome's historic centre (e.g. Piazza Mastai) has in fact been unsuccessful, and has actually had a detrimental effect on the physiognomy of its thoroughfares and the aesthetics of its urban landscape.

Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is already largely pedestrianised and in the main its paved surface is well preserved. This is due to the cobblestones themselves, which have lasted well because they have remained untouched, and to the techniques used to lay them, which enabled a primary incline and a series of secondary inclines to be created using a series of repeated motifs. The contours of the square as it is today, which derive from the original layout, allow rainwater to run off towards four large drains, thereby preventing flooding in the square, which is built on alluvial soil. This is also aided by the fact that the long-forgotten techniques used to lay the vast majority of the cobbles did not require them to be embedded in cement. The resurfacing of the square using modern techniques would therefore have an adverse effect on its architectural physiognomy.

Can the Commission indicate whether there are any directives or recommendations which, in order to prevent the deformation of the old quarters of European cities, safeguard historical and artistic heritage in the event of major alterations being made to monuments, as is the case with the resurfacing of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere?

Answer given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2003)

The responsibility for the specific case raised by the Honourable Member remains strictly with the Member State concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1026/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(28 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the 2000 City Twinning Programme by the municipality of Pistoia

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that EU subsidies include a support programme to foster the twinning of European cities and that many Italian cities, including the municipality of Pistoia, would be particularly appropriate for events of this kind,

Can the Commission say:

1. whether the municipality of Pistoia has submitted projects to benefit from funding under the 2000 City Twinning Programme?

2. whether the municipality of Pistoia has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0864/03, E-0886/03, E-1017/03, E-1018/03,E-1019/03, E-1020/03, E-1021/03, E-1022/03, E-1023/03, E-1024/03,E-1025/03, E-1026/03, E-1027/03, E-1028/03 and E-1029/03given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2003)

Twinning is funded centrally.

The grants are awarded by the Commission on the basis of projects presented by local authorities or twinning committees.

The grants are not paid until after the event, following submission of supporting documents.

The participation of local authorities in town-twinning activities is arranged via the publication of an annual call for proposals in the Official Journal of the European Union.

With regard to the Honourable Member's questions the municipalities of: Fiumicino (E-0886), Frosinone (E-0864), Ancona (E-1017), Florence (E-1019), Livorno (E-1020), Macerata (E-1021), Perugia (E-1023), Pesaro (E-1024), Pisa (E-1025) Pistoia (E-1026) Siena (E-1028) and Terni (E-1029) did not obtain funding for the organisation of twinning events in 2000.

The municipalities of Carrara (E-1018) Massa (E-1022) Prato (E-1027) received funding for twinning in 2000. These funds were used.

The Honourable Member might wish to contact the local authorities for further information.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0886/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(21 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the 2000 City Twinning Programme by the municipality of Fiumicino

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that EU subsidies include a support programme to foster the twinning of European cities and that many Italian cities, including the municipality of Fiumicino, would be particularly appropriate for events of this kind, can the Commission say:

1. whether the municipality of Fiumicino has submitted projects to benefit from funding under the 2000 City Twinning Programme?

2. whether the municipality of Fiumicino has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0864/03, E-0886/03, E-1017/03, E-1018/03,E-1019/03, E-1020/03, E-1021/03, E-1022/03, E-1023/03, E-1024/03,E-1025/03, E-1026/03, E-1027/03, E-1028/03 and E-1029/03given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2003)

Twinning is funded centrally.

The grants are awarded by the Commission on the basis of projects presented by local authorities or twinning committees.

The grants are not paid until after the event, following submission of supporting documents.

The participation of local authorities in town-twinning activities is arranged via the publication of an annual call for proposals in the Official Journal of the European Union.

With regard to the Honourable Member's questions the municipalities of: Fiumicino (E-0886), Frosinone (E-0864), Ancona (E-1017), Florence (E-1019), Livorno (E-1020), Macerata (E-1021), Perugia (E-1023), Pesaro (E-1024), Pisa (E-1025) Pistoia (E-1026) Siena (E-1028) and Terni (E-1029) did not obtain funding for the organisation of twinning events in 2000.

The municipalities of Carrara (E-1018) Massa (E-1022) Prato (E-1027) received funding for twinning in 2000. These funds were used.

The Honourable Member might wish to contact the local authorities for further information.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1238/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(2 April 2003)

Subject: Benzodiazepine drugs dependence

The Commission will have noted the recent request by the European Parliament for a Council recommendation on the risks associated with addictive prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, and best practice treatment of, and support for, patients suffering long term withdrawal symptoms or permanent impairment. (Resolution on the proposal for a Council Recommendation on the Prevention and Reduction of risks associated with drug dependence Malliori report A5-0021/2003).

Medical misprescription of benzodiazepines has led to many cases of addiction and severe mental problems amongst patients, but the drugs are also stolen and sold extensively for use in association with illegal drugs.

Will the Commission give consideration to the preparation of guidelines and recommendations as requested?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2003)

The Commission has noted Amendment 55 on point 2 of the Commissions Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the prevention and reduction of risks associated with drug dependence(1) which recommends a Council Recommendation on the risks associated with addictive prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, and best practice treatment of, and support for, patients suffering long term withdrawal symptoms or permanent impairment. The Commission's view that it could agree with this amendment has been communicated to the Council.

The Commission is aware that addiction to legal pharmacological products is a large and complex problem. The Work Plan of the Community Action in the field of public health for year 2003(2) states that preparatory work involving an inventory of existing studies in this field will be undertaken.

(1) COM(2002) 201 final.

(2) OJ C 62, 15.3.2003.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0136/03

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 January 2003)

Subject: EU-Comoros international fisheries agreement and development cooperation

In the context of the current EU-Comoros international fisheries agreement, can the Commission indicate:

1. how much the EU has earmarked for the development of the fisheries sector in the Comoros?

2. how much the EU pays by way of a financial contribution in exchange for fishing rights for the Community fleet?

3. how much Community shipowners have to pay in fees for fishing licences and fishing rights?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2003)

1. Article 2 of the Protocol in force for the Fishery Agreement between the EEC and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros(1) sets the financial contribution at EUR 350 250 per year. Of this EUR 210 250 is for financing action to develop the Comorian fisheries sector as indicated in Article 3 of the Protocol.

2. The above financial contribution is the amount paid in exchange for the fishing opportunities granted to the Community fleet. It covers a catch volume of 4 670 tonnes a year in Comorian waters. If the fleet's tuna catch exceeds this the contribution is raised in proportion.

3. The fees charged to shipowners are set in the Annex to the Protocol.

The licence fee is EUR 25 per tonne of tuna caught in Comorian waters. Licences are issued on advance payment to the Comoros of an annual sum of EUR 2 250 per tuna seiner, EUR 1 375 per surface longliner of more than 150 gross register tonnes (grt) and EUR 1 000 per surface longliner of 150 grt or less.

(1) OJ L 193, 17.7.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0828/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(18 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the action programme for migrant workers by the City of Frosinone

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the City of Frosinone, urgently need to use European funds to support migrant workers, including those from outside the Community, in order to guarantee them the best conditions in which to live and integrate with the local community, in terms of both work and social conditions, can the Commission state:

1. whether the City of Frosinone has submitted projects for the action programme for migrant workers?

2. whether the City of Frosinone has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0828/03, E-0894/03, E-1126/03,E-1127/03, E-1128/03, E-1129/03, E-1130/03, E-1131/03, E-1132/03,E-1133/03, E-1134/03, E-1135/03, E-1136/03, E-1137/03 and E-1138/03given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 2003)

There is currently no Action Programme for Migrant Workers at Community level. The Commission recalls that funding for measures to promote the integration of migrant workers, under Budget Line B3-4110, was suspended in 1998 following the judgement of the European Court of Justice in Case C-106/96. No funding has been awarded in this field since that date.

A new programme to promote the integration of third country nationals, under Budget line B5-815, will be launched by the Commission (Directorate General Justice and Home Affairs) in May 2003.