ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/02

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(3 July 2002)

Subject: Urban vehicles powered by compressed air

What representations has the Commission received about urban vehicles powered by compressed air, in relation to their potential for zero pollution in towns?

Will the Commission agree to an official evaluation of the project to construct an air car/taxi at Carros, France, in conjunction with the science and technology experts of the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2002)

A European research project entitled Automotive Drive Using Pneumatic Batteries with oil/hydraulic interface and fast refilling performances addressed this topic in 1997 under the contract number BRST-CT97-5084. This project failed to reach the stated objectives, namely a zero emission pneumatic driven vehicle.

The Commission is aware of the compressed air powered vehicles being developed in the South of France by Mr Guy Negre and the company MDI. A presentation of Mr Negre's work and vision for compressed air vehicles was made to the Commission services as early as 1999. It has also been informed that the first homologation test initially planned for the first half of 2000 has not taken place yet.

The Commission can only contribute to the costs of a demonstration project provided a consortium submits a proposal in line with the rules of participation stipulated in the Community Framework Programme for Research and Development. All eligible proposals submitted in response to a call are evaluated by the Commission according to clearly established rules guaranteeing impartiality and transparency. The Commission is assisted in this task by independent experts, competent in the relevant field and selected from a database drawn up as a result of a call for candidature. The first call for proposals under the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is expected to be published in November 2002.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2032/02

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) and Massimo Carraro (PSE) to the Commission

(9 July 2002)

Subject: Research funding

Formal adoption of the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development took place recently.

In accordance with the views expressed by Parliament, fundamental research is to be given a central role and thus to be allocated sufficient resources to be able to produce the innovations that will then be applied in industrial activities.

It is not by chance that the countries which have understood the importance of fundamental research, namely the United States and Japan, are now leading the field in this area.

However, the current Italian Government has decided to go against both the policy pursued by its predecessor and the current trend in the other EU Member States by cutting funding for fundamental research, thus seriously jeopardising the development of research in general.

What means does the Commission intend to suggest the Member States use to raise the profile of and develop fundamental research, with a view to preventing decisions such as those taken by the Italian Government from widening the gap the gap already existing between the European Union and the United States and Japan?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2002)

The Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development will support activities, that cover the full spectrum from basic to applied research, with all instruments at its disposal. Among them, the new instruments of Networks of Excellence and Integrated Projects appear particularly suitable for addressing fundamental research topics in accordance with their objectives. Furthermore, a series of other means, such as coordination actions, support to research infrastructures and Marie Curie fellowships, are set to help the movement of ideas and researchers that habitually foster fundamental research.

The Commission is currently preparing a communication about the relationship and synergies between research, education and innovation in Europe. A particular focus will be on the essential role of the universities in the economy and in the creation of a knowledge-based society. In this context, particular attention will be paid to fundamental research and its contribution to excellence.

The Commission follows closely the situation in Member States in the area of research and development and is content to note any efforts that help in the creation of a European Research Area. Among others, it aims to assist the Member States to achieve the goal of committing as much as possible on research towards the goal of 3 % of their gross domestic product (GDP), financed mainly by private means, by the year 2010 (as decided by the Barcelona European Council in March 2002).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1633/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(10 June 2002)

Subject: Violent video games

Video games now represent a thriving market within the computer games sector, one characteristic of which appears to be the exponential growth in sales of violent video games. At the same

time, newspapers are full of reports concerning juvenile crime. Psychiatrists are examining a possible link between habitual exposure to violence and the perpetration of crime. Traditional institutions (schools and families) are unable to educate against violence if society lacks suitable antibodies to counter the epidemic of violence which is sweeping through it and which is being spread partly by video games.

In response to this disturbing situation which is affecting the younger generations as never before, self-discipline in the video cassette and video games sector currently consists merely in stamping products with the word hard. It has been demonstrated that this scheme serves only to encourage sales to minors.

Has the Commission any information on the scale of the phenomenon?

Does the Commission not consider that such material helps to feed an addiction to violence and leads to the acceptance of violence (including sexual violence and violence against minors) as something normal?

Is the Commission willing to propose to the EU governments that the sale of violent video games to minors be made an offence?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2002)

A prerequisite for the development of the audiovisual and information services sector in the EU is not only that a number of favourable economic and political conditions should exist, but also that a certain degree of protection be provided for the general interests of Europe's citizens.

Following the publication of the Green paper on the protection of minors and human dignity(1), which set off a broad debate on the intersectoral problems of protecting minors and human dignity in the context of all audiovisual and information services irrespective of how they are disseminated, the Commission in 1998 submitted a proposal for a Recommendation on the protection of minors and human dignity in audiovisual and information services, which was adopted by the Council on 28 May 1998(2). The Recommendation provides guidelines for the implementation of self-regulation at national level.

After two years' implementation, the results have already been encouraging, as can be seen from the Commission's evaluation report(3).

The question of the legality of certain video games and their distribution is a matter for the Member States.

At the same time, the video games industry is, by way of self-regulation, in the process of drawing up a classification system for video games at European level, which should be operational next year.

(1) COM(96) 483 final.

(2) OJ C 189, 17.6.1998.

(3) COM(2001) 106 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1575/02

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

(4 June 2002)

Subject: Nitrogen dioxide emissions from large-scale existing power plants in Spain

In reply to my written question (P-3645/01(1) on Spain exceeding the nitrogen dioxide emissions limits for large-scale existing power plants laid down in Directive 88/609/EEC(2), the Commissioner said on 6 February 2002 that she had no data later than 1966. The Commission undertook to provide me with data on the emissions in question, and referred to Directive 2001/80/EC(3) which extends the scope of its predecessor and lays down stricter conditions regarding emissions. The group which had protested, Ecologistas en Acción (Ecologists in Action) has recently written me again providing fresh proofs of the government's failure to comply with the legislation.

What has the Commission done in connection with this complaint?

What measures does it intend to take, within what time scale, to prevent these Regulations from being breached, and thus guarantee respect for Community law?

Has the Commission replied to Ecologistas en Acción?

(1) See page 13.

(2) OJ L 336, 7.12.1988, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2002)

Spain has submitted new data concerning the emissions of nitrogen oxides from existing large combustion plants in accordance with Council Directive 88/609/EC of 24 November 1988 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants.

The data submitted showed the following emissions:

- 1997: 270 kilotonnes (kt);

- 1998: 231 kt;

- 1999: 268 kt;

- 2000: 284 kt;

From the above it is clear that emissions of nitrogen oxides have increased above the emission ceiling foreseen for 1998 (277 kt) further to Article 3 § 2 of Directive 88/609/EC and Annex II to that Directive. It should be noted that the Directive does not foresee any emission ceilings for the other years.

The facts raised by the Honourable Member have been assessed by the Commission. As a result of this, the Commission has addressed a letter to the Spanish Authorities in order to request further information concerning this case. The Commission will ensure that the provisions of the above mentioned Council Directive are taken into account by the Spanish Authorities.

As soon as the Commission adopts a decision on this case, the complainant will be duly informed.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1341/02

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 May 2002)

Subject: Access to information on fisheries policy

Publication of the first package of legislative reforms of the Common Fisheries Policy is currently delayed for at least another month. However, copies of the proposals under discussion have been circulating freely for the some weeks. Many NGOs and industry organisations apparently have access to drafts but MEPs cannot officially obtain copies even of those parts of the package not still under negotiation. In the interests of a level playing field for information and meaningful consultation with MEPs will the Commission formally review its procedures for providing draft copies to interested parties, including MEPs?

Joint answerto Written Questions P-1319/02, P-1325/02 and P-1341/02given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2002)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Members that it has not given access to or sent out copies of its draft proposals on the Common Fischeries Policy (CFP) reform to non-governmental organisations (NGO's), industry organisations or to any other stakeholders.

The CFP reform proposals will be published upon adoption by the Commission, in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1807/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Ineffective implementation of a supplementary teaching programme in Greece

Funds are being provided under the common support framework for a supplementary teaching programme for secondary schools. In view of complaints regarding the effectiveness of the programme, can the Commission say whether it is satisfied with the way in which the secondary school supplementary teaching programme is being implemented?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2002)

The activity referred to by the Honourable Member is part of measure 1.2 Combating school failure and drop-out and introducing alternative forms of learning in the Operational Programme Education and initial vocational training under the Community Support Framework (CSF) 2000-2006 for Greece.

The budget for this measure amounts to EUR 191 395 million for the whole of the period. The activity in question relates to pupils at under-performing secondary schools and technical colleges (TEEs), who can profit from supplementary teaching programmes designed to prevent school failure, dropping out and exclusion from the labour market.

The overall failure rate in pan-Hellenic examinations in the second year of secondary school was nearing 20 %, and in some regions was as high as 50 % of all pupils.

As a result, owing to the extent of the problem, this activity is one of the Operational Programme's priorities. The aim is for 35 000 pupils at secondary schools and TEEs to benefit from it each year.

Under the rules in force for the 2000-2006 period, the Member State must report annually to the Commission on the implementation of each Programme. The Commission is thus provided with an initial source of information on the OP as a whole and on this activity in particular.

Furthermore, a mid-term evaluation of the programme, which should provide firm indications of the effectiveness and impact of these activities, is due in 2003, when the Commission, in cooperation with the national authorities, will examine the effectiveness of the activity on the basis of the results achieved and in relation to the objectives laid down in the Programme and its programme complement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1235/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 April 2002)

Subject: Recognition of the Dolomites as part of the World Heritage

The answer given by Commissioner Wallström on behalf of the Commission to the Written Question E-1560/01(1) states that the Community is not a party to the World Heritage Convention.

Would it then not be advisable for the EU to become a party to the Convention?

The European Union is a signatory to the Alpine Convention. Could the EU not promote recognition of the Dolomites as part of the World Heritage?

(1) OJ C 364 E, 20.12.2001, p. 147.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2002)

As indicated in the reply to written question E-1560/01 by Mr Ebner(1) any request to include the Dolomites on the Natural Heritage List would benefit most from official support by those Member States, Parties to the Convention, which are directly affected.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, does not allow for a Regional Economic Integration Organisation, such as the Community, to sign or ratify this Convention. According to its Articles 31 and 32, only States can become parties to this Unesco-Convention.

The suggestion from the Honourable Member for the Community to become Party to the Convention, would thus necessitate the adoption of an amendment Protocol to the Convention by all of its 167 current State Parties (Liberia, being the 168th signatory, has not yet deposited its instrument of ratification, and is thus not yet a Party). Subsequently all 167 would need to ratify such an amendment before the Community could become Party.

Therefore, the Commission is not considering at this stage initiating steps to become a Party to the Unesco-Convention.

(1) OJ C 364 E, 20.12.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1317/02

by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 April 2002)

Subject: Fish imports to Poland

The fishing industry in the UK, and in particular in the Shetland Islands, is currently being denied an equal level of access to the Polish market for their fish products in comparison to their Norwegian counterparts. Import tariffs on British imports of fish remain in place, while Norway receives favourable access under a bilateral agreement with Poland.

The Commission has recently, on behalf of the Community, agreed an additional protocol to the EU/Poland Europe Agreement phasing out import tariffs on fish products. Will the Commission outline the measures agreed and confirm the date on which they will definitively enter into force?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 2002)

The Commission confirms the situation described by the Honourable Member. The Additional Protocol laying down reciprocal trade concessions for fisheries products between the Communities and the Republic of Poland has been adopted by the Council. Pending the completion of the Polish internal procedures, the specific provisions regarding tariff reductions will be implemented through autonomous measures. Poland will on its side also apply the trade concessions contained in the Protocol through autonomous measures, without awaiting the conclusion of its lengthy internal procedures leading to the formal entry into force of the Protocol. It is expected that both parties will set the autonomous measures into force on 1 July 2002 on the condition that the necessary procedures have been completed.

The measures agreed are reciprocal and can be outlined as follows:

- For all fisheries products, except herring products, both parties will grant each other three step equal tariff reductions: one third of the most favoured nation (MFN) tariff at the entry into force, an additional one third reduction one year later, and free trade two years after the entry into force of the measures.

- For herring products, both parties will grant each other three step tariff reductions: 30 % of the MFN tariff at the entry into force, an additional 30 % reduction one year later, and free trade two years after the entry into force of the measures.

- The existing tariff quotas, already granted by the Community to Poland, shall remain valid. Imports into the Community above the quota quantities shall be subject to the agreed tariff reductions as outlined above.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1765/02

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(19 June 2002)

Subject: Weight loss supplements

The availability and use of weight loss supplements has increased considerably in Europe in recent years, and has generated substantial income for the companies which manufacture them.

The advertisements for these products are often misleading and send out an uninformative message on dietary matters, through the illusory promises they make concerning slimming timescales and methods. One should also point out that erroneous dieting often triggers serious psychophysical illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia.

Can the Commission therefore:

1. state whether there are any guidelines, studies or research regarding this issue;

2. indicate whether it intends to take any initiatives in this area to prevent the proliferation of products whose nature is uncertain and whose effects cannot be scientifically proven;

3. give its general view on this matter.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2002)

1. The Commission has not prepared specific guidelines and has not carried out studies or research on these products.

2. The Commission is currently drafting a proposal to regulate the use of nutrition, functional and health claims made on foods in order to

ensure that the possible beneficial nutritional or physiological effects of foods are scientifically proven and correctly communicated to the consumer. The provisions of the proposed legislation will apply to all foods, including the products in question provided they are marketed as foods.

3. The Commission shares the concerns of the Honourable Member regarding the proliferation of weight loss supplements and their dubious marketing practices. Current Community legislation on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foods (Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs(1)) clearly states that the labelling and advertising of foods must not be misleading, in particular by attributing to the food effects or properties it does not possess. However, the responsibility to control the correct application of the provisions laid down in this Directive lies with the competent authorities of the Member States. Furthermore, the Parliament and Council Regulation on the General Principles of Food Law(2) states that the food business operators shall ensure that the foods they place on the market are safe.

(1) OJ L 13, 26.5.2000.

(2) Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, OJ L 31, 1.2.2002.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0937/02

by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(9 April 2002)

Subject: Contact points for OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises

For the budget lines B7-300, B7-310 and B7-320 (Financial and technical cooperation with Asian and Latin American developing countries and with the countries of Southern Africa, including South Africa) the following remark has been adopted in the 2002 budget:

It also covers the creation and operation of contact points for the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises in the EU delegations of those countries where European companies operate.

In the EU delegations of which countries does the Commission intend to start with these contact points and when will they begin to function?

By which means will the EU or the EU delegation make their existence known in each of the countries concerned, and what are the intended activities for these contact points?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2002)

The Commission intends designating a correspondent(1) for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines in each of its Delegations.

With this in mind, the Commission intends to make the Delegations aware of the importance of promoting the OECD guidelines in contacts with the authorities of the countries concerned, with companies established there or planning investment and with civil society at large. An opportunity to do this will be the annual training seminar for the Delegations to be held at the beginning of July.

Initially, a trade adviser (within each Delegation having one)(2) will designated correspondent; they will have the double role of giving out information and promoting the guidelines. For the record, these cover all areas of a company's social responsibility, namely child labour and forced labour, relations with the workforce, environmental protection, consumer protection, transparency and communication information, the fight against corruption, technology transfers, competition and taxation.

In a second phase, correspondents will be appointed in all the other Delegations. In this area the Delegations will work in close cooperation with the Commission.

(1) The term contact point or national contact point is reserved for States party to the OECD or countries adhering to the Declaration relating to the guidelines for multinational enterprises. The Commission, though playing a central role in the OECD and in implementing the guidelines, is not strictly speaking a national contact point and so the term correspondent is more appropriate.

(2) The Delegations having a trade adviser are: South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Korea, Egypt, the United States, Geneva, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Nigeria, Paris, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Senegal, Tanzania, Czech Republic, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and Vietnam.