ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1852/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(12 June 1998)

Subject: Threatened extinction of orang-utans following the forest fires in Borneo

According to information distributed by the WWF the widespread fires deliberately started in Indonesia have already destroyed 800 000 hectares of rain forest in Borneo, killing thousands of primates which lived in the forest and threatening the species with extinction.

With human help young animals which were orphaned or burnt are being cared for in a specialist centre, but after months of treatment they must be reintegrated into their natural habitat, where they need more than 400 species of plants in order to feed themselves. Drought, the absence of trees, which have been burnt or cut down because they are the source of valuable timber, and the lack of fruit, which makes up 80 % of the diet of the orang-utan (which in Malay means "people of the forest") are preventing them from continuing to live and threatening the survival of the species.

There are organizations and foundations working worldwide to safeguard the important natural balance between the forest and its population. One of these organizations, the Orang-utan Foundation, has organized an international conference which will be held from 3 to 6 July in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, in order to launch a worldwide appeal to put an end to the deliberate fires in Borneo and return the forest to its population.

In view of the above will the Commission consider some form of collaboration with the Foundation in order to ensure that Europe does not ignore this tragedy but takes an active part in safeguarding the world's forests and this species of primate, which is facing extinction?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1998)

The Commission is greatly concerned by the forest fires in South-East Asia and the effects on both humans and animals in the region.

Through its forestry programmes in both Malaysia and Indonesia, the Commission is funding several projects aimed at ensuring a sustainable management of natural forests and prevention of forest fires.

The Commission has also been having a dialogue on endangered species with members of the Association of South-East Asian nations (ASEAN) in the Community-ASEAN forestry committee.

In addition the Commission is presently funding emergency aid projects to humans affected by fires and drought in Borneo/Kalimantan. This emergency funding can, however, only be applied to humans.

Notwithstanding, the Commission remains open to support non governmental organizations working to protect endangered species of wild fauna and will also continue its dialogue with ASEAN countries on this subject.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1619/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(27 May 1998)

Subject: Disqualification from CSF funding

Following the Irish Government's decision to ignore the advice of the European Commission, its own consultants' report and the parties of the Opposition and go ahead with an underground option for the LUAS light-rail system in Dublin, can the Commission confirm that the £114 million in Community Support Framework Funding promised for the project has been definitively withdrawn?

As the option which the consultants' report predicted would "bring about a significant deterioration in the inner-city environment" was chosen by the Irish Government, can the Commission also confirm that the CSF funds will not be diverted to road-building projects, which would further exacerbate an already disastrous situation?

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

(14 July 1998)

On 8 July 1997 the Irish government commissioned an independent study to assess the option of putting the Dublin light rail system underground in the city centre. This study was completed at the end of April 1998. On 5 May 1998 the Irish authorities announced their intention to proceed with putting the city centre section underground.

As a result of this decision, the Irish government concluded there was a risk that the deadline of 31 December 1999, by which legally binding commitments must be entered for use of the structural funds of the current programming period, would not be met. Consequently, at the recent monitoring committee meeting for the Irish operational programme for transport, the Irish authorities stated that they would be withdrawing the construction element of the light rail project from the current operational programme.

As the project will no longer be constructed under the current programming period, decisions concerning reallocation of the LUAS funds were made by the Community support framework (CSF) monitoring committee at its meeting on 25 June 1998. The savings from LUAS, which include funding allocated in the mid-term review of the CSF for the planning and design of the Ballymun line, amount to a total of 150 MECU.

The proposed reallocations are a continuation of the mid-term review approach that sought to address development gaps. As regards transport, national roads were identified as a priority during the mid-term review of the Irish CSF and have benefited from the provision of 40 MECU. However, the structural fund reallocations decided on give strong support for alternative public transport projects and implementation of the DTI strategy in particular. This is evidenced by the reallocation of 107 MECU specifically to public transport projects including mainline rail, Dublin suburban rail and DART services, as well as the DTI strategy to speed up provision of more cycle lanes, traffic calming measures and quality bus corridors.

Overall, these measures should help ease Dublin's traffic congestion and will complement investment in the revised LUAS project.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1522/98

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Funding for the Marches and Umbria following the earthquake

Italian legislation provides for financial measures in support of the "stricken and damaged areas" of the Marches and Umbria following the earthquake of 26 September 1997.

In circular No 234425 of 29 December 1997 the Italian Ministry for Industry laid down the arrangements for drawing up two further special categories for the acceptance of applications for the aid to businesses referred to in Law No 428/1992, subject to approval by the European Commission.

When does the Commission intend to issue the directives concerning aid to the Italian regions hit by the earthquake?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 1998)

The Commission is able to inform the Honourable Member that it is in the process of investigating the aid scheme for businesses in Marche and Umbria introduced by Law No 364/97, which was notified on 23 December 1997, amending Law No 488/92. In its investigation, it asked for the scheme's detailed implementing rules to be notified. To date, no notification has been made but it is probable that those rules are in fact set out in the Circular referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission must therefore await the information it has requested before it can decide whether the scheme is compatible with Articles 92 et seq. of the EC Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1789/98

by Viviane Reding (PPE) to the Council

(11 June 1998)

Subject: Postponement of the ban on testing on animals

Given that Directive 93/35/EEC(1) provides for a ban on testing on animals in the cosmetics industry and lays down that such testing must be replaced by alternative methods of testing as from 1 January 1998,

that some EU Member States (the Netherlands and Germany) have introduced such a ban but that most have not done so,

that the cosmetics industry already has available thousands of ingredients which have been tested on animals,

that alternatives to most, frequently cruel, tests on live animals exist but are not being used and that research into new alternative methods of testing finds very little support,

and that the Commission has still not taken any action in respect of the promised directive on a ban on testing on animals for finished cosmetics products,

why is the Council postponing the ban provided for in the Directive which was due to enter into force in 1998? In the Council's view, does commercial policy take precedence over animal welfare? On what grounds does the Council keep postponing decisions on this issue?

Reply

(24 September 1998)

The Council would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the answer given by the Commission to Written Question No 1790/98 on the same subject. The decision to defer until 30 June 2000 the implementation of the ban on testing on animals was taken by the Commission on the basis of Directive 97/18/EC, bearing in mind the aim of protecting public health and the lack of satisfactory progress made in developing methods to replace such testing.

(1) OJ L 151, 23.6.1993, p. 32.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2006/98

by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Obligations for cable operators (must-carry)

In most European countries obligations exist for cable operators to distribute television and radio programmes. These obligations normally concern a limited number of public broadcasts. There now seems to be a trend to extend these obligations to include:

1. national commercial programmes,

2. pay television programmes and

3. new thematic channels of public broadcasters.

The effects of this extension might have an adverse effect on the functioning of the internal market and more particular the freedom to provide services.

Could the Commission outline its views on the acceptability of (the extension of) such obligations in the light of the rules on the internal market and especially Article 59 of the Treaty?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 1998)

The Commission has received complaints alleging that the establishment of certain must-carry rules by Member States creates obstacles for the free circulation of broadcasting services in the internal market. The Commission is evaluating these complaints, and has opened infringement proceedings in one case.

In view of the assessment of the complaints the Commission will consider whether specific interpretative rules are required concerning the proportionality of any such national measures and their objectives (with regard to Council Directive 89/552/EEC 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(1) and Article 59 of the EC Treaty). In addition, the Commission is preparing a questionnaire which will be circulated shortly to all interested parties.

(1) OJ L 298, 17.10.1989.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2004/98

by Hartmut Nassauer (PPE) to the Council

(29 June 1998)

Subject: Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90 of 26 June 1990 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin

Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90(1) lays down a procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin. The implementation of this regulation in practice raises the following questions:

1. Does it follow from the Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits that medicinal products for animals generally lose their licences if they are not tested or if those limits are exceeded?

2. Has account been taken of the fact that, because medicinal products for horses constitute such a small market, it is not worthwhile for manufacturers to conduct expensive pharmacological studies in order to renew their licences for such preparations, with the result that an increasing number of medicinal products are losing their licences?

3. Is the Council aware that, consequently, non-food-producing horses are also being deprived of necessary medical treatment?

4. Should not such animals be excluded, therefore, from the scope of the regulation, so that they can continue to be treated with medicinal products that exceed the permitted residue limits?

5. Is account taken of the fact that, in some countries, it is only very rarely that horses are intended for consumption?

6. Is it not necessary to distinguish between horses used for sport or recreation, the medical treatment of which should not be subject to restrictions, and horses for slaughter, the treatment of which should be so restricted?

7. Would it not be possible for every horse to be classified either as a riding horse or a horse for slaughter?

Reply

(24 September 1998)

The procedure established by Regulation (EEC) 2377/90 does not provide for withdrawal of authorisation for the veterinary medicinal products concerned, control being regulated in the context of the national plans to be submitted in application of the Residues Directive (Directive 96/23/EC)(2).

As for the other questions concerning problems linked with the absence of authorisations for the placing on the market of all medicinal products concerning horses in particular, the appropriate Council bodies have recognised the truth of the facts cited by the Honourable Member and have instructed a Working Party to examine a working document submitted by the German delegation on the subject.

This question should be able to be solved in the framework of the amended proposal for a Regulation which the Commission undertook to submit to the Council following the proposal to extend the time limit laid down in Article 14 of Regulation (EEC) 2377/90, adopted on 20 February 1997(3).

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10.

(3) OJ C 85, 17.3.1997, p. 127.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1951/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Energy saving in existing buildings

What examination has been undertaken of the figures contained in the report presented to the Commission by EuroACE on 27 April and 12 May entitled "Assessment of the potential for the saving of carbon dioxide emissions in the European building stock" prepared by CALEB Management Consultants? Does the Commission accept its premise that almost 450 million tonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved per annum in this sector? If so, what steps are being taken to ensure early implementation of policies designed to achieve this desirable objective?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 1998)

The May 1998 report on potential savings of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the European building stock has been carefully studied.

Consumption of energy in buildings represents a high proportion of total Community energy consumption and accounts for a significant proportion of the Community's carbon dioxide emissions. The reference to the building sector accounting for 40 % of total Community energy consumption mentioned in the report is based on certain assumptions concerning the definition of energy use in relation to buildings. It is generally recognised that there is significant potential for energy saving and thereby emission reductions in the building sector. It is evident that if the Community and its Member States are to meet their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, measures will be necessary to improve energy efficiency in the building sector.

The possible saving of 450 million tonnes of CO2 by 2010 set out in the report, is probably the upper technical potential. However, in developing appropriate measures at both national and Community level, other criteria such as cost effectiveness also need to be taken into account in order to establish the economic potential. This dimension was not presented in the report.

A list of some possible actions that could be appropriate for the building sector is contained in the recent Commission communication "Energy efficiency in the Community. Towards a strategy for the rational use of energy"(1).

(1) COM(98) 246 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1194/98

by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Professional activities of property managers

The Professional Association of Property Managers, which has been legitimately set up in accordance with the relevant Spanish law as a professional association and which is duly registered with the appropriate Ministry, has legally been carrying out management and mediation tasks in the property sector since 1993.

Despite the fact that the professional activity concerned satisfies all the conditions laid down in the second and third paragraphs of Article 1(d) of Directive 89/48/EEC(1) and the second and third paragraphs of Article 1(f) of Directive 92/51/EEC(2), the Spanish Government refuses to treat it as a regulated activity as defined in those directives and to include the professional qualification in question amongst the qualifications to which the directives relate. This contravenes the directives themselves and goes against the objectives laid down in Article 3 of the EC Treaty concerning the free movement of persons and services and Article 52 concerning the freedom of establishment for self-employed persons, since the association is not recognized as such at European level.

In view of the fact that the Commission is the guardian of the Treaties and must ensure that the basic Community principles are complied with (such as the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services), for which purpose a number of directives have been issued concerning the recognition of the professional qualifications awarded, and the professional activities pursued, in the various Member States, how does the Commission intend to prevent the Spanish Government from engaging in this kind of discriminatory action, which restricts Community freedoms? The Spanish Government may have incorporated the directives concerned into national law but it has prevented some of the professional sectors covered by those directives from enjoying the rights which they confer.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 1998)

An initial examination of the question put by the Honourable Member indicates that it is a matter falling within the remit of the Member State concerned since it relates to the taking-up and pursuit of a profession for which the decision whether or not to regulate is a matter for the national authorities.

(1) OJ L 19, 24.1.1989, p. 16.

(2) OJ L 209, 24.7.1992, p. 25.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1774/98

by Ernesto Caccavale (UPE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Banking cartel in Italy

According to a number of newspapers and reports from certain consumers associations, Italian banks that are members of ABI, the association of Italian banks, ask clients to sign banking contracts containing clauses that are oppressive, obscure and/or not comprehensible to those who subscribe to them. In many mortgages for first-time buyers the banks set interest rates that are much higher than under the so-called Italian anti-usury law. Following the lowering of interest rates, these reports indicate the existence of a powerful banking cartel organized by the ABI.

In some cases these are reportedly secret reciprocal agreements that distort competition and limit the operations of other European banks that obviously are not members of ABI.

1. Does the behaviour of the banks not violate the Treaty of Rome as regards agreements, secret pacts or agreed practices that have the effect of violating the rules of competition?

2. Is the ABI not abusing its dominant position?

3. Is the Treasury Ministry, the Italian anti-trust authority or the Bank of Italy responsible in some way for negligence vis-à-vis the Italian banking system that prevents access to the Italian market by other competitors, in other words new European banks?

4. Is it possible to open an inquiry into the alleged agreements between the ABI and the main European banking associations to divide the market geographically, to the grave detriment of clients who remain subject to contracts with their banks?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 1998)

1., 2. and 4. The Commission is aware of the problems that have arisen in Italy in connection with requests for the renewal of bank loans (in particular mortgage loans) by customers wishing to take advantage of lower interest rates and is monitoring developments. Article 3 of Council Regulation No 17/62 of 6 February 1962(1) empowers the Commission to bring infringements of Articles 85 or 86 of the EC Treaty to an end. The Commission is currently looking into the facts of the matter.

3. The Commission is not aware of anything that would indicate that the Treasury Ministry, the Italian antitrust authority or the Bank of Italy have impeded access to the Italian market by new competitors. It is in contact with both the Bank of Italy and the antitrust authority in connection with this matter.

(1) OJ 13, 21.2.1962.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1994/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: EU/Asia environmental measures

What specific measures is the Commission taking to develop environmental capacity-building in the government sector in the countries of South Asia?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 1998)

A number of actions to help develop environmental management capacity for South Asian governments were launched by the Commission in the past years. More are however needed. The Asia-EcoBest project was launched in 1997. Designed to operate in South and South-east Asia, for both the private and the government sector, it serves to build environmental capacity in the Asian countries and to facilitate environmental co-operation between Europe and Asia. Elements of the project seek to facilitate a greater involvement of government, and therefore the development of the capacity to manage the environment, by promoting the transfer of Community best practice in the field of the environment and sustainable development. This is expected to lead to stronger bilateral ties between South Asian countries and the Community and the further development of environmental co-operation at the policy level, with corresponding improvement in overall performance in the longer term. Asia-EcoBest operates through RIET (www.riet.org).

The Asia-Urbs programme (www.asia.urbs.com) covers South and South-east Asia. It targets European and Asian local authorities and helps the joint implementation of projects in the field of urban environment improvement. Its main aim is to provide local operators with a better knowledge of the conditions needed to empower a sustainable urban economic development. Private and public partners on both sides will promote durable and sustainable activities. The programme should have an important and beneficial bottom-up effect on the capacity to develop urban environmental policy at central government level. Asia-Urbs is also expected to bring about a considerable sharing of environmental expertise across a range of local authorities in different regions. This will reduce the need for an extensive, central government-inspired urban environmental policy, given that the latter is likely to take longer to develop than the urgency of some of the problems in the mega-cities and other conurbations will allow.

Environmental co-operation with the Indian government has lagged behind the development of co-operation in other areas for a variety of reasons, including the lack of emphasis that India has placed on a bilateral environmental dialogue. The Commission has started to map out the priorities for bilateral co-operation on environment and sustainable development with India. These are expected to feature the development of capacity at government level. The weaker focus on the Indian government's environmental capacity building contrasts with the actions the Community has financed in the environment field (reforestation, watershed management, rehabilitation of degraded lands, shared forest management, energy, alternative energy and energy efficiency).