ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3826/00

by Massimo Carraro (PSE) to the Commission

(29 November 2000)

Subject: Improper use of the Valpolicella brand name in a publicity campaign against drink-driving

An article published on 12 November 2000 in the Verona newspaper Arena reveals that Valpolicella Consortium advertisements have been used in Ireland in a campaign against drink-driving in an improper and damaging way. The Valpolicella brand name is shown in the campaign with the letters police, which appear within the word, highlighted in red so as to create an obvious connection between the name of the wine and checks by police officers.

Although a publicity campaign against drink-driving is a legitimate and praiseworthy initiative, does the Commission not consider that the use of a specific registered appellation of origin, such as the Valpolicella Consortium, constitutes a defamatory act resulting in considerable commercial damage to the brand name?

What steps does the Commission intend to take to resolve the situation?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2001)

The Commission has no knowledge of the facts referred to by the Honourable Member. It has asked the Member State concerned for information and will inform the Honourable Member of its findings.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1971/00

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Council

(21 June 2000)

Subject: IGC Portuguese Presidency document

The press has reported that on 16 May, at a Brussels meeting of the IGC negotiating group, the Portuguese Presidency submitted a document which:

(a) proposed establishing a new, binding European Union legal form, namely the legislative act;

(b) proposed various ways of calculating the allocation of seats per Member State within the European Parliament.

What is this document, and what are its complete contents? What would this proposal legislative act be, and how would it differ from the directives, regulations and other legal acts? What alternative models were put forward in the document in question with regard to the make-up of the European Parliament to be assessed and debated within the framework of the IGC?

Reply

(10 November 2000)

The Honourable Member will be aware that the Council plays no part in the work of the Intergovernmental Conference and is therefore unable to comment on it. The European Parliament, on the other hand, has two observers who attend meetings of the IGC Preparatory Group. In addition, the IGC document to which the Honourable Member refers, is available on the IGC Internet site (http://db.consilium.eu.int/cig/, where all official Conference documents can be found) under the heading, dated 10 May 2000, of other amendments to be made to the Treaties as regards the European Institutions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1647/00

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) and Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Compliance with the Seveso Directive

The Seveso Directive is important with regard to the environmental protection and safety standards required of undertakings.

1. Does the Seveso Directive lay down the maximum number of potentially hazardous sites which may be located in any one area? If so, how is this limitation defined (standards, density etc)? If not, is there no limit at all to the number of potentially hazardous sites in any one area?

2. Is the Commission aware of any areas in the Belgian Federation where the maximum number of potentially hazardous sites has been exceeded? If so, in which areas and zones in the Belgian Federation? If not, will the Commission investigate whether the maximum number of potentially hazardous sites in any one area has been exceeded in the Belgian Federation?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2000)

1. Council Directive 96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances(1) (the Seveso II Directive) does not contain any provisions laying down a maximum number of potentially hazardous sites to be located in a certain area.

However, the Directive recognises that the danger of an accident and its possible consequences may be increased because of the proximity of certain establishments and the dangerous substances present therein. It therefore contains a new provision on domino effects that obliges the competent authority to identify such establishments or groups of establishments and to ensure an exchange of information and co-operation between the establishments.

Moreover, it contains a new provision recognising that the implications of major-accident hazards should be taken into account in the land-use planning policies of the Member States. These are obliged to pursue the aim of the Directive, i.e. prevention of major accidents and the limitation of their consequences for man and the environment, through controls on the siting of new establishments, modifications to existing establishments and new developments such as transport links, locations frequented by the public and residential areas in the vicinity of existing establishments. In the long term, land-use planning policies shall ensure that appropriate distances between hazardous establishments and residential areas are maintained. Where such establishments already exist in the vicinity of residential areas, the Seveso II Directive calls for consideration of additional technical measures so as not to increase the risks to people, in the context of application of the above mentioned controls. The inclusion of this provision can be regarded as a major step forward in the process of major accident mitigation.

2. No. The Seveso II Directive does not establish explicit concentration limits (or maximum numbers) of potentially hazardous sites in certain areas.

(1) OJ L 10, 14.1.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3312/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Council

(20 October 2000)

Subject: Agenda for the Biarritz summit and the paedophile crisis

The need to bring European citizens closer to the institutions makes it essential for the authorities to tackle those problems that affect people most directly. While the public are, of course, interested in the reform of the institutions and the future enlargement of the Union, the authorities should also focus on day-to-day issues that are of concern to the public. The unfortunate issue of paedophilia, for example, has now assumed worrying proportions. The discovery of paedophile and pornographic sites on the Internet, some of which use the words European Union in their titles, should prompt the Heads of State and Government meeting in Biarritz to take note of the spread of this problem and finally to put in place regulations governing the use of telematics equipment.

Does the Council not consider it necessary to draw the attention of the Heads of State or Government to:

1. The seriousness of the constant increase in paedophile Internet sites, the contents of which contravene the legislation of the Member States,

2. The need for regulations to prevent free access to such sites,

3. The need for regulations prohibiting such sites from using in their titles the names of persons without their knowledge or the names of institutions (Commission, European Union, etc.) as an underhand way of attracting users who do not normally visit such sites?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3285/00 and P-3312/00

(20/21 December 2000)

As already stated in replies to previous questions on the subject(1), combating the sexual exploitation of children, and in particular child pornography on the Internet, is a matter of great importance to the Council, as confirmed by its adoption of a Decision on 29 May 2000 to combat child pornography on the Internet(2).

That Decision is the result of an initiative by Austria, and aims to combat the production, processing, distribution and possession of child pornography material and promote the effective investigation and prosecution of offences in this area.

The Honourable Member will note that when adopting that Decision, the Council made the following statement:

The Council welcomes the opinion of the European Parliament, published as Legislative Resolution on the initiative of the Republic of Austria with a view to adopting a Council Decision to combat child pornography on the Internet. In addition to the amendments which have been incorporated by the Council in the Decision, the opinion raises a number of important issues relating to substantive criminal law and criminal procedure. The Council, mindful of the urgency to take immediate measures against child pornography on the Internet, declares its willingness to examine such questions in the light of the Joint Action 97/154/JHA of 24 February 1997 and on the basis of proposals which are expected in the future.

(1) See in particular the reply to Oral Question No H-0654/00 on illicit use of the internet, put to the Council by Brian Crowley.

(2) OJ L 138, 9.6.2000, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2419/00

by Francesco Turchi (UEN) to the Commission

(18 July 2000)

Subject: Safety of sea shipping

In breach of the provisions of the SOLAS 74 Convention for ships built before 1995 and Presidential Decrees 432/91 and 156/73, the Italian Ministry for Transport and Shipping has not only allowed radio rooms to be shut down, seriously undermining the privacy and safety of radio operators, but has also permitted radio posts to be set up on the bridge of passenger ships, ferries and merchant ships.

In addition, for some passenger ships, ferries and merchant ships, the maritime authority has abolished the RT GMDSS/GOC officer without any form of replacement and without introducing a safety equipment table, while at the same time assigning responsibility for the radio service to the deck officer who is required to fulfil this function during his watch with passengers and crew members on the bridge, in breach of the rules on this matter and with only a five-day course as preparation.

Lastly, international, European Union and national laws do not allow a sovereign state to grant derogations and/or exemptions which result in reduced maritime safety or a danger to the safety of persons and goods. The authorities responsible for this matter, which are aware of these failings, have a duty to adopt additional preventive safety measures in order to avert any danger.

Will the Commission say what grounds might justify the above situation and what measures it intends to take?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(26 September 2000)

It must be noted that the maritime radio communication issue is internationally regulated by the 1974 Solas Convention, the Radiocommunication regulation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 1978 Convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW) as amended.

In accordance with the Solas Convention the traditional radio installations have been replaced, since 1 February 1999, with equipment complying with the international standards as set out in the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS). The traditional post of radio officer may, in line with these new rules, be taken over by another deck officer with the required qualifications.

There are no specific Community provisions on this aspect of the maritime radio communications issue.

The concrete questions of the Honourable Member are related to the implementation of the GMDSS and this specific issue is solely the responsibility of the individual States, as contracting party of the Solas Convention.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2777/00

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Migration of uncured isocynates from laminating adhesives into food

Bearing in mind that the Internet Consumer Alert reports that, in Belgium, more than 40 % of isocyanate-based laminating adhesives used in food packaging are not fully cured at the time of wrapping, that the Internet Consumer Alert reports that uncured laminates can migrate into wrapped foods, that it is suspected that this phenomenon can cause severe allergic reactions and that it is suspected that the uncured isocyanates can combine with moisture in the packaged foods to form carcinogenic aromatic amines, would the Commission comment on the situation and outline its strategy to address the potential dangers to public health posed by isocyanate migration?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2000)

Laminates are composed of various layers of plastics linked together by adhesives, often prepared with isocyanate compounds. The isocyanates, when released into foodstuffs or food simulants, can cause the formation of primary aromatic amines. Commission Directive 90/128/EEC of 23 February 1990, relating to plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs(1) establishes that the plastics cannot contain more than 1 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of isocyanates. No rule exists yet at Community level as regards primary aromatic amines. In Germany, a recommendation establishes that the release of these amines should not exceed the quantity of 0,2 micrograms/100 millilitre (ml) of test liquid.

Following the Internet consumer alert report, the Commission has been informed that the industries mentioned in the report have carried out a series of tests on laminates to check compliance of the release of aromatic amines with the German recommendation. The results of these tests were negative. Moreover the official central Belgian laboratory was charged by the Belgian authorities to check compliance of these laminates not only with the German recommendation for the release of aromatic amines but also with Directive 90/128/EEC for isocyanate content in the finished laminates. The Commission has asked the Belgian authorities for a copy of the results as soon they are available.

The Commission is considering the possibility of introducing into the above-mentioned Directive a provision stipulating that primary aromatic amines should not be detectable in foodstuffs or in food simulants.

In order to avoid that uncured laminates contain quantities of isocyanates exceeding the legal limit and to avoid the formation of detectable aromatic amines, a certain delay has to be respected between manufacture and use of laminates. At the request of the Belgian authorities, the European association representing the food industries again informed its members on the need to respect such delays as recommended by the manufacturers of laminates.

(1) OJ L 75, 21.3.1990, rectified by OJ L 349, 13.12.1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2084/00

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 June 2000)

Subject: Commission's guidelines for the testing and assessment of the safety of GM crops

Has the Commission itself, or working together with Member States, developed a set of guidelines for the testing and assessment of the safety of GM crops, and their impact on human health?

If so:

1. where can this be obtained, and

2. is it available for consumers on a website? If these guidelines exist, how are they enforced?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2083/00, E-2084/00 and E-2086/00 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 2000)

Genetically modified (GM) plants or products derived therefrom, if intended for use as foods or food ingredients are subject to the novel food Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients(1)).

The Commission has provided guidelines for the presentation and assessment of applications under the novel food Regulation (Commission Recommendation 618/97/EC concerning the scientific aspects and presentation of information necessary to support applications for the placing on the market of novel foods and novel food ingredients and the preparation of initial assessment reports under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council)(2).

The assessment of novel foods and novel food ingredients has to be done on a case-by-case basis. The initial assessment is carried out by a Member State's food assessment body. The Commission and the other Member States have 60 days to comment on, or to raise objections to, this initial assessment report. In case of objections, the Commission consults the scientific committee for food (SCF). All opinions of the SCF are published on the internet. The Commission intends to ensure that, in the future, assessments to which no objections have been raised, and thus no SCF opinion has been sought, will also be made available on the internet.

The Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is currently conducting a study,(3) which aims at collecting and analysing information about the consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products derived from GMOs in the short and long term perspective. This report is due to be finished in early 2001 and its results may provide additional information of reference to the matter.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.

(2) OJ L 253, 16.9.1997.

(3) Impact of GMOs on Human Health and the Environment: Mapping of risks coordinated by IPTS-Seville.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1830/00

by Giorgio Lisi (PPE-DE) to the Council

(5 June 2000)

Subject: Council's position on the problems linked with alcohol shipments subject to excise duty

This question has been transformed into an oral question H-0876/00.

Reply

(20 November 2000)

1. The Council would remind the Honourable Member of the conclusions that it adopted at its meeting on 19 May 1998 on fraud in the alcohol and tobacco sectors. At that meeting the Council emphasized the need for the Member States and the Commission to tackle fraud in the field of excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products. It also endorsed the summary of the report of the High Level Group on Fraud in the tobacco and alcohol sectors. Lastly, it underlined the importance, subject to the outcome of the feasibility study proposed by the Commission, of a computerised control system as a long term goal and gave a commitment to work towards the speedy implementation in the meantime of an effective early warning system to be operated on a selective basis. Since then the Commission has worked along these lines in these areas and the Council would invite the Honourable Member to address the Commission itself for further details and for the extent of progress made in the measures quoted above.

2. The current situation in general regarding both direct and indirect tax fraud and the possibility of enhancing administrative cooperation in these areas were discussed by the Ecofin Council at its meeting on 5 June 2000.

At that meeting the Council received a report from an ad hoc Working Party on Tax Fraud which had been set up by Coreper on 8 September 1999. The report showed that tax evasion within the Community had reached a disturbing level. All the Member States confirmed their willingness to step up the fight against fraud both internally and in relations with one another. The Council called on the Commission to submit as soon as possible proposals based on all the recommendations unanimously agreed upon in the course of the ad hoc Working Party's proceedings. This also applied to any measures which could be taken to solve the specific problems relating to excise fraud.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2881/00

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(14 September 2000)

Subject: High-speed rail link between Galicia and Portugal

The Mayor of Oporto (Portugal), Mr Nuno Cardoso, recently declared voicing the feelings of the entire society of northern Portugal that it is essential to build a high-speed rail link between Lisbon and El Ferrol (Galicia), adding that within such a line the section between Oporto and Vigo, in conjunction with the line linking Vigo to the European heartland via Valladolid, would be of vital importance for the Galicia-northern Portugal Euro-region. This view is shared in economic and social circles throughout Galicia, and has been expressed with particular force by the mayors of the northern Portuguese and Galician cities which are grouped together as the Atlantic Axis.

In view of this, can the Commission state whether it has yet taken any decision on or whether it is, at least, aware of the plans of the Portuguese and Spanish governments for a high-speed rail line starting from Oporto and linking northern Portugal with all of Galicia? Have any negotiations with the Commission been initiated by the Galician regional government or its president, via the Galicia-Northern Portugal Association (which the Galician president currently chairs), with a view to obtaining the necessary investment for this project, given the immense benefits which it will bring to the societies of Galicia and Portugal?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(27 October 2000)

As part of its regular contact with the regional authorities, the Commission has noted the discussions and studies relating to the Oporto-Galicia corridor, which is multimodal and links together Portugal and Spain with the heartland of Europe.

The Commission has taken no decisions in this connection. The matter will be examined when the updated TEN guidelines to be put forward before the end of 2000 are revised, since that corridor already forms part of the TEN priority project known as the multimodal link between Portugal, Spain and the heartland of Europe.

The Commission is not empowered to initiate negotiations on the funding of the work referred to. In all instances the Community funding for this type of work is always granted in accordance with the existing legal instruments.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3008/00 by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Electromagnetic fields and telecommunications equipment.



Official Journal 136 E , 08/05/2001 P. 0156 - 0156



WRITTEN QUESTION E-3008/00 by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Commission (26 September 2000) Subject: Electromagnetic fields and telecommunications equipment With reference to Written Question P-1472/99(1) referring to possible harmful effects on public health from electromagnetic fields, has any new research carried out in the intervening period led the Commission to consider proposing any new measures in order to protect the public from these electromagnetic fields? (1) OJ C 27 E, 29.1.2000, p. 84. Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (26 October 2000) In the absence of new scientific evidence accepted by the Commission's Scientific Steering Committee, the text of Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)(1) makes provision for its revision and updating within five years of its adoption, taking account of current research under the 5th framework programme. (1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.