ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1728/98

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Car-pooling

As the Commission is aware, besides being convenient, car-pooling is an alternative means of reducing traffic levels in towns, saving money and caring for the environment.

Thirty-seven thousand people in Europe, using 1800 vehicles under shared ownership and 800 car parks in 300 towns in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands, have already opted to join cooperative-run car-pools, and their numbers are rising.

Can the Commission say whether there is an initiative to encourage car-pooling in the European Union?

If so, what results has the initiative achieved? If not, does it intend to promote this system of travel?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 1998)

The Commission is in favour of initiatives promoting the reduction of air pollution and traffic congestion. Car sharing can be an effective way to achieve this objective and, in recent years, the Commission has supported the promotion of car sharing in the Community through the Car Free Cities network.

As a result of the work carried out by the Task Force on Transport Intermodality, the Commission intends to give financial support, through the research and technological development (RTD) programmes for transport and for telematics applications in transport, to a car-sharing project in Bremen. The project will last two years and will develop, demonstrate and evaluate an integrated payment system for car-sharing and other transport modes.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1157/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Postal Market dispute

In the last days of February 1998, the Italian press reported the possible closure of five telephone central offices in Bari, Cagliari, Napoli, Catania and Rome operated by "Otto Versand", the German company that owns Postal Market, in line with a restructuring plan aimed at centralizing the service. That could cause the indiscriminate dismissal of over 100 female employees, which would be a severe blow to regions such as these in southern Italy, where unemployment rates are higher, particularly for women.

In view of the foregoing,

1. does the Commission believe that it would be appropriate, without prejudice to the principle of free competition, to ask the Italian Government to intervene to take any measures necessary to ensure that the restructuring operation takes into account the need to maintain employment in areas suffering from serious economic depression?

2. What Community measures exist, and might possibly be used in the case in question, to protect the jobs of the 100 female employees who are in danger of being dismissed?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1998)

With regard to the collective redundancies which may occur following restructuring of the company Postal Market, Article 2(1) of Council Directive 75/129/EEC of 17 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies(1), amended by Council Directive 92/56/EC of 24 June 1992(2), requires an employer contemplating collective redundancies to begin consultations with the workers' representatives in good time with a view to reaching an agreement.

In accordance with paragraph 2 of the above article, these consultations must, at least, cover ways and means of avoiding collective redundancies or reducing the number of workers affected, and of mitigating the consequences by recourse to accompanying social measures aimed, inter alia, at aid for redeploying or retraining workers made redundant.

(1) OJ L 48, 22.2.1975.

(2) OJ L 245, 26.8.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2586/98

by Riccardo Garosci (PPE) to the Commission

(29 July 1998)

Subject: Murder of Erika Lehrer Grego: injustice caused by the loophole as regards extradition arrangements between Sri Lanka and Italy

On 21 March 1998 an Italian national, Erika Lehrer Grego, was killed in Italy by a Sri Lankan national. The murderer, Pereira Nishantha Sudath, immediately fled from Italy to his home country after admitting the crime.

Because Italy has no bilateral extradition agreements with Sri Lanka, the Italian authorities cannot have the murderer extradited, and he is now going calmly about his business in his own country.

The fact that no diplomatic means can be brought to bear is giving rise to a grave injustice and once again demonstrates the need for joint diplomatic representation to safeguard the interests of Community citizens (as Parliament pointed out in an earlier report (A4-0193/97)).

What progress has been made with the plan to establish joint diplomatic representation?

Acting through its Delegation in Sri Lanka, will the Commission exert every form of pressure required to resolve this serious case of murder by a self-confessed culprit and ensure that justice can be done?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 1998)

The matter in question does not come within its jurisdiction of the Commission (which is unfortunately unable to supply the information requested).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1429/98

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Intercepting data on the Internet

As reported by the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties and Internal Affairs, the American intelligence service in Europe routinely intercepts e-mails, telephone calls and faxes. According to the committee's report, the illicitly obtained information is transmitted by satellite to Fort Meade in Maryland (the headquarters of the intelligence service). According to a report by the German television company ARD, the European Union's telecommunications networks are also tapped constantly by the United States intelligence service (NSA).

1. Is the Commission aware that the NSA has hacked into the EU data network and in this way come into possession of confidential information relating to the GATT negotiations?

2. If so, what technical precautions and steps have been taken to block access to confidential information?

3. Does the Commission know what other classes of information or data networks the US secret service has accessed?

4. Does the Commission know whether the European Parliament is directly or indirectly affected by these activities by the US secret service?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 1998)

1. Apart from press claims the Commission possesses no evidence on any of these allegations.

2. The Commission nonetheless remains vigilant in defence of Community interests and continues to make stringent efforts to improve the security of its data networks, especially as regards e-mail communications. The Commission condemns any and all attempts to breach the confidentiality of information held or transmitted by the Community institutions.

3. and 4. The Honourable Member is referred to the answer above.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1693/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Finland's alcohol policy and the European Union

Finland has received a complaint from the Commission about its alcohol policy as regards import restrictions. Finland has also been granted a transitional period to bring its imports into line with the level normal in the Union by the end of 2003.

How will the Commission monitor that the Finnish Government takes the proper measures to effect the transition to the normal European Union alcohol policy?

How does the Commission view the fact that Finland's alcohol policy does not comply with the basic principles of competition law?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 1998)

In 1996, Finland unilaterally introduced, for travellers from third countries (in particular the Baltic States and Russia), restrictions on the quantity of alcoholic beverages which travellers arriving in Finland may bring with them.

Community legislation, however, does not permit such restrictions. The Commission, therefore, shares the Honourable Member's view that, in applying these national measures Finland has failed to comply with Community law, and that there are other ways of combating forms of abuse that, according to the Finnish authorities, have an adverse impact on public order and public health.

Hence, on the basis of the powers conferred to it under Article 155 of the EC Treaty, the Commission has initiated an infringement procedure under the terms of Article 169 of the EC Treaty to oblige Finland to comply with Community law and abolish the restrictions in question.

As regards the restrictions on alcoholic beverages from other Member States, accorded by the Council for a transitional period, to which the Honourable Member refers, the Commission will monitor closely the harmonisation process due to be completed in 2003 and will take any measures required at that time, if appropriate.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2498/98

by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Community aid for tourism undertakings investing abroad

One of the objectives which will have a major impact on the Community tourism sector is its internationalisation, both in terms of attracting tourists to the European Union and selling services or operating facilities abroad.

A dual objective can be achieved in this way, by exporting the technological capacity of Community tourism undertakings and contributing to development in a large number of developing countries, in addition to the support provided to Community tourists visiting the countries concerned.

Can the Commission list the Community programmes which supply aid for Community tourism undertakings investing abroad, and can it provide information on the experience gained in this respect and any changes which it considers necessary in order to strengthen the presence of Community tourism undertakings outside the EU's borders, particularly in developing countries?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 1998)

The Commission shares the honourable Member's point of view regarding the growing internationalisation of tourism in the Member States and its major contribution to international trade, especially with non-member countries. Indeed, for the Member States tourism accounts for a third of all imports and exports of services, while direct investment by Community undertakings in non-member countries in 1995 amounted to ECU 4 700 million in the hotel and catering branch alone(1).

Although the Community does not have any specific programme to foster tourism investment by European undertakings in non-member countries, there are several Community programmes and schemes of a horizontal type that can help. This applies, for example, to actions as part of the new European strategy for market access and improving the process for liberalising services.

Also, as part of talks at the World Trade Organisation, and more especially as part of the GATS agreement on services, the Community is playing a prominent role in securing commitments to open third countries' markets and improve the terms governing investments and ventures by European undertakings in the sector of tourism.

As part of policies for development and cooperation with non-member countries, financial instruments such as ECIP, EBAS and Alinvest can promote the internationalisation of European tourism undertakings outside the Community and make it easier to export their knowhow.

The latest reports on Community measures affecting tourism(2) contain a review of the main actions that have benefited tourism undertakings in this context.

(1) Eurostat, Balance of Payments - Quarterly Statistics 2-98, p. 70; European Union Direct Investment - Yearbook 1997, p. 73.

(2) COM(97) 332 final and SEC(97) 1419.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1560/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 May 1998)

Subject: Sixth Directive Article 10

Will the Commission make a statement on the interpretation of, and current practice in the various Member States in complying with, the 6th Directive (77/388/EEC(1)) Article 10 of which states that the date of issue of a tax invoice may only be used as the "chargeable event" for "certain transactions or for certain categories of taxable person"?

Will the Commission comment on current UK practice since the removal of the Standard Method of Gross Takings and say whether this still complies with Article 10?

What method is employed by other Member States?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 1998)

The general principle laid down in the first paragraph of Article 10(2) of the sixth VAT Directive is that the tax is chargeable at the time the goods are delivered or the services are performed. However, by way of derogation from this general principle, the third paragraph of Article 10(2) permits Member States, in respect of certain transactions or certain categories of taxable person, to defer the date on which the tax becomes chargeable. In the case of supplies of services or retail sales, for example, Member States may find it more appropriate to provide that VAT is chargeable at the time of issue of the invoice or the time of payment. In different Member States and under different circumstances, such practices exist.

The standard method of reckoning gross takings, which was introduced in the United Kingdom on the basis of this provision, allowed retailers to account for tax at a later date where they were not paid in full at the time of the supply. This "method" was only permitted, however, where the supplier himself financed the debt, and could not be used where the payment in respect of the goods was received from a third party, such as a finance house.

The decision to withdraw the "method" was taken by the United Kingdom in the November 1996 budget for a number of reasons. Firstly, the rationale behind the introduction of the scheme in 1978, which was to alleviate the bad debt problem faced by retailers who financed their own credit, had largely disappeared since the introduction in the United Kingdom of specific relief for VAT on bad debts. In addition, there was concern over the use of the "method" for tax avoidance purposes.

The situation in the United Kingdom since the withdrawal of the "method" marks a reversion to the application of the general principle of the first paragraph of Article 10(2), i.e. chargeability at the time of the supply.

(1) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2701/98

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Registration fees

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the registration fees payable in the fifteen Member States of the European Union on the purchase of real estate?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 1998)

Registration taxes on immovable property are a matter for the Member States, and there is no plan to harmonise them at Community level.

The Commission does not, therefore, possess the detailed information sought by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1840/98

by James Moorhouse (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 June 1998)

Subject: The human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

What measures have been taken, or are planned, by the Commission to encourage the Democratic Republic of Congo to respect human rights, release political prisoners and commit itself firmly to democratization?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 1998)

Direct cooperation between the European Union and the former Zaire was suspended in early 1992 owing to the regime's obstruction of the democratic process. Since then the Union has maintained a cautious, step-by-step approach designed to encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in developing democracy. This approach was confirmed by the General Affairs Council's conclusions of 15 September 1997, which stated that cooperation would be re-established according to the progress made in human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Commission, in coordination with the Member States, is following the situation in Kinshasa closely and with concern. A critical, constructive dialogue based on the step-by-step approach referred to is being maintained with the Government. Accordingly, the Commission is taking part in overtures to the Congolese Government through European troika missions and representations by its delegation in Kinshasa.

Against this background, the measures being taken or planned by the Commission in coordination with the Member States in the field referred to by the Honourable Member - respect for human rights, support for justice and assistance in the democratic process - are as follows:

- A financial commitment of ECU 30 million is available for a programme to assist the preparation of elections. The aims of the programme are to conduct a census of and register the electorate and take other steps to facilitate the holding of elections and a possible constitutional referendum.

- ECU 4 million is to be allocated towards setting up a European Electoral Unit to supervise the elections. This measure has not yet been implemented, although some ad-hoc missions have been organised pending the launch of a proper electoral process.

- In April and May a mission visited Kinshasa to identify a programme to support human rights and the overhaul of the judicial system. The possibility of implementing such a programme is currently being studied by the Commission.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2171/98

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Castor shipments in breach of EU law

Can the Council say what action it will take following the violation by Member States of EU legislation on radiation protection, namely Council Directives 92/3/Euratom(1) of 3 February 1992 and 96/29/Euratom(2) of 13 May 1996, in the case of the Castor shipments?

Reply

(19 October 1998)

Article 21 of Council Directive 92/3/Euratom on the supervision and control of shipments of radioactive waste between Member States and into and out of the Community(3) and Article 55 of Council Directive 96/29/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation(4) stipulate that Member States are forthwith to inform the Commission of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions which they have adopted to comply with those Directives.

It is therefore for the Commission to ensure that Member States comply with the provisions laid down in those Directives.

(1) OJ L 35, 12.2.1992, p. 24.

(2) OJ L 159, 29.6.1996, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 35, 12.2.1992, p. 24.

(4) OJ L 159, 29.6.1996, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2693/98

by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Papua New Guinea, hit by an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale

The tidal wave which struck the northwest coast of Papua New Guinea killed thousands of people, many of them children. The waves, some of them 10 metres high, flattened completely a 30 kilometre stretch of coastline, wiping out several villages.

Is the Commission aware of the gravity of the situation? Has it undertaken an emergency humanitarian relief operation of any kind? If not, has it formulated a strategy to provide relief to the areas hit by the tidal wave?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 1998)

Immediately after the tidal wave struck Papua New Guinea on 17 July 1998, the Commission forwarded to the affected area emergency relief items that were on their way to the island of Bougainville under another relief operation. This first aid included medicine and reconstruction packs, clothes and other articles of primary necessity.

In addition, the Commission made available humanitarian aid worth ECU 500 000 for the victims of the disaster. The aid was to enable European non governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide further emergency relief items such as medicines, food and clean water.

There was, however, a quick and overwhelming international response to this natural disaster from governments (in particular Australia, New Zealand, France and Japan), non-governmental organisations and private individuals. In a report published at the end of July, the United Nations Office for the co-ordination of humanitarian affairs and their team that was sent to Papua New Guinea declared that all immediate relief needs had already been met. This information was confirmed by many other sources.

In view of the changing circumstances as a result of the extraordinarily generous international response, and after consultation with the NGOs that were to implement the Community financed assistance, with the relevant United Nations bodies and with its delegation in Papua New Guinea, the Commission decided to reallocate the funds that had been made available to other, more urgent crises elsewhere in the world.

Regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction work to be carried out in the area hit by the tidal wave, the Commission will give due consideration to any concrete request that may be made by the government of Papua New Guinea.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2321/98

by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission

(22 July 1998)

Subject: Interreg Community Initiative

With reference to the principle of social and economic cohesion and the unmistakeable impact thereof on regional policy, can the Commission say to what extent Portugal's inland areas are actually taken into account under the Interreg initiative? What resources were made available during the 1994-1999 period and what are Portugal's prospects under Interreg for the 2000-2006 period?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(15 September 1998)

The funding available to the Portuguese and Spanish authorities under the Interreg II Community Initiative for 1994-99 is approximately ECU 570 million.

Of this amount, some ECU 208 million has been allocated to the subprogramme for Portugal and ECU 363 million to the subprogramme for Spain.

Concentrating funding in the inland regions became an established principle when the Initiative was adopted because it was decided that it would cover only the border regions (at NUTS III level: Minho-Lima, Cavado, Alto Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Beira Interior Norte, Cova da Beira, Beira Interior Sul, Alto Alentejo, Alentejo Central, Baixo Alentejo and Algarve).

As regards the prospects for 2000-2006, the Commission proposes reducing the Community Initiatives to three, one of which would cover interregional cooperation. The Commission also proposes that 5 % of the financial resources be allocated to the Community Initiatives. It is not possible at this stage to say how much will be allocated to each Member State.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2429/98

by Frédéric Striby (I-EDN) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: EU aid to Alsace, particularly the Department of Haut-Rhin

1. What has been the total amount of EU aid to Alsace since January 1995, and to the Department of Haut-Rhin in particular?

2. For what projects and from which Funds has this aid been granted?

3. What specific projects have been funded in the following areas and how much did the aid amount to in each case:

- youth

- training

- employment promotion

- universities

- R& D

- culture

- twinning

- cross-border cooperation

- economic development

- citizen information?

Supplementary answer

given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 1998)

Further to its answer of 22 September 1998(1), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

(1) OJ C 50, 22.2.1999.