ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2876/97 by Olivier Dupuis (ARE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Radio broadcasting of information for Tibetans

In the 1996 and 1997 budgets the European Parliament adopted item B7-702 'Human rights and democracy in the developing countries', the remarks for which contained the following: 'this appropriation ... is also intended to cover the financing of activities connected with monitoring respect for human rights ... and information promotion, in particular radio broadcasting, by Tibetans, both exiles and those living in Tibet, in support of any non-violent initiative to secure the defence and promotion of human rights and of democracy and freedom in Tibet together with the initiatives taken in that connection within the European Union'.

Can the Commission explain the reasons for its delay in adopting a decision on the projects submitted for the 1996 financial year, which were not followed up, and the projects submitted for the current financial year, in respect of which no reply has yet been received, these being projects for the making and broadcasting of Tibetan-language information programmes intended for exiled Tibetans in India and Tibetans living in Tibet in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the budgetary authority?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997)

Between 1994 and 1996 the Commission financed two projects in support of the Tibetans. One of these was a media project implemented by the organisation 'Droit de parole - Observatoire Maongpa' [The right to speak - Maongpa Observatory]. This project ended in 1996. At the end of 1996 two new media projects were submitted, one from the same organisation.

As part of its work to develop a more coherent intervention strategy on human rights, in June 1997 the Commission sent two consultants to Tibet to identify worthwhile projects. At the beginning of August they submitted a report accompanied by details of about twenty projects involving different sectors, among them media projects which include those referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission will study the projects received and recommended by the consultants and make its selection in line with its broader policy for the region as a whole.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3255/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (9 October 1997)

Subject: Modification of second CSF for Greece

According to Greek press reports the Ministry of National Economy is supporting a proposal that DR 700 billion from CSF appropriations allocated to Greece be redistributed among the structural funds and programmes in order that they do not remain unassigned, since it will not be possible to utilize them by the year 2000 for the objectives for which they were earmarked. As a result of this redeployment of funds the appropriations earmarked for the 'Ignatia' road and the National Land Register, which are of the utmost importance for the development of Greece, will be halved.

According to the same reports, the Ministry of National Economy maintains that 'the proposal does not mean abandoning programmes or cancelling projects but merely transferring appropriations to speed up work on major public projects co-funded by the Community without affecting the future of individual programmes or preparations for the 'Santer Package'.

This reduction of funds for accounting purposes does not absolve the Greek Government of its responsibility for failure to resolve the problems affecting these projects and their completion within the framework of the priorities established under the second CSF is by no means guaranteed.

1. Is it true that reductions in the appropriations earmarked for these major projects have been proposed?

2. What is the truth of the assertion that the Commission can, as of now, undertake to provide the necessary funds from the Santer package, independently of the priorities emerging when the substance of the package is agreed?

3. How does the Commission believe that acceptance of these proposals will affect the extent to which the objectives of the second CSF can be achieved?

4. Have any other countries proposed modifications on such a scale for purely accounting purposes?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1997)

1. The Greek Ministry of National Economy did put forward proposals for far-reaching modifications of the Community Support Framework (CSF) II under which, among other things, the appropriations envisaged for the 'Via Egnatia' and the National Land Register would be reduced by DR 100 000 million (about ECU 330 million) (*40%) and DR 30 000 million (about ECU 99 million) (*57%) respectively.

2. The Commission cannot as of now undertake to allocate appropriations under CSF III, the so-called 'Santer package'.

3. The extent to which the objectives of CSF II can be achieved as a result of the proposals put forward must be carefully looked at on a case-by-case basis, the underlying principle being that the objectives must as far as possible be attained under CSF II.

4. The scale in budget terms of the proposals submitted (ECU 2 400 million in public expenditure and ECU 1 600 million in contributions from the Structural Funds) and their practical implications outstrip those of proposed modifications so far received by the Commission from other Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2760/97 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Directive 89/686/EEC 7 my question of 15 May 1996

In its answer to my question E-1173/96 of 15 May 1996 ((OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 36. )) the Commission says that fire brigades are not 'forces used in the maintenance of law and order' within the meaning of the above directive. A forthcoming meeting of the Working Party would accordingly be discussing how to assess the fact that Bavaria does classify professional fire services as such forces and is therefore endeavouring to exclude them from the directive.

Has the Commission now raised this matter in the Working Party or some other forum? If so, with what result? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1997)

At its meeting on 24 February 1997, the Working Party concerned did indeed discuss the question of whether fire brigades may be considered as forces used in the maintenance of law and order within the meaning of Directive 89/686/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment (PPE) ((Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 (OJ L 399, 30.12.1989), as amended by Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July 1993 (OJ L 220, 30.8.1993), Council Directive 93/95/EEC of 29 October 1993 (OJ L 276, 9.11.1993) and Council and European Parliament Directive 96/58/EC of 3 September 1996 (OJ L 236, 18.9.1996). )).

The experts from the Member States took the view, as expressed in the answer given to the Honourable Member's written question E-1173/96 ((OJ C 345, 15.11.1996. )), that fire brigades cannot be considered as 'armed forces' or 'forces used in the maintenance of law and order' and that, consequently, the equipment covered by Directive 89/686/EEC and used by fire fighters is not excluded by the Directive.

The Commission will therefore take all necessary steps to ensure that the Member States apply the Community law in a uniform manner.

The Commission wishes to remind the Honourable Member that Directive 89/686/EEC provides for the free movement of the products it covers and is not concerned with the use made of products already in service. The various fire brigades may therefore continue indefinitely using the equipment they have and to which they are accustomed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2667/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Survival and protection of the Cretan tracker dog

The 'Cretan tracker' is a Cretan dog to which there are countless references in ancient literature as well as pictorial representations testifying to its presence on the island since Minoan times. These descriptions together with later accounts written by travellers to the region are highly admiring of the dog's tracking ability, its relationship to people and its unique appearance.

As this species of dog - which is part of the historic fauna of Crete - is falling in numbers day by day and is liable to die out, will the Commission say:

1. what measures could be taken to classify the Cretan tracker dog as an animal in danger of extinction, and

2. what other measures could be taken to provide funding to protect the dog and help it survive?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997)

Council Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992. )) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora lists habitat types and species, including animal species in danger of extinction, requiring special management and conservation actions. The Cretan tracker dog is not included in these annexes which only refer to wild species.

Work on protection and preservation of the Cretan tracker dog would not be eligible for support under Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture ((OJ L 159, 28.6.1994. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2989/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Arbitrary measures by Turkey in the Bosphorus

According to statements by Turkish officials, Turkey has started taking unilateral measures to monitor shipping in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, which has caused an outcry even among Turkish shipping agents, who are in favour of an international solution to this issue.

The IMO, moreover, has already expressed disapproval of the Turkish Government's actions which will inevitably lead to a major crisis in the region.

Another indication of the destabilizing tactics of the Turkish authorities is the introduction of checks on ships going through the Bosphorus to determine whether they are carrying the Russian S-300 defence system ordered by the Republic of Cyprus, which is to be installed on the island to protect it from Turkey's insatiable greed.

What are the Commission's views on Turkey's arbitrary actions, which are aimed at changing the status quo in the Bosphorus, and what steps does it intend to take should Turkey actually go ahead with such an unlawful measure?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1997)

According to the Commission's information, the Turkish authorities have no plans to change the control of navigation in the Bosporus and the Dardanelles.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2602/97 by Ludivina García Arias (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Transition costs for the move towards increased competition in the Spanish electricity sector

The Spanish Government has come to an agreemnt with the electricity companies on the regulations governing this sector. The agreement has resulted in a draft law which has initiated the necessary procedure.

The draft law provides for aid of around Ptas 2 billion to be granted to the electricity companies towards transition costs for the move to increased competition.

Does the Commission believe that the granting of such aid complies with the principles and procedures concerning the transitional arrangements provided for in Article 23 of the directive on the internal market in electricity?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997)

Directive 96/92/EEC of 19 December 1996 on common rules for the internal market in electricity ((OJ L 27, 30.10.1997. )) states in Article 24 that 'those Member States in which commitments of guarantees of operation given before the entry into force of this Directive may not be honoured on account of the provisions of this Directive may apply for a transitional regime which may be granted to them by the Commission'. This permits Member States to derogate temporarily from the requirements of some of the provisions of the Directive in order to prevent stranded investments, committed in the past, causing major difficulties to companies when adapting to the new competitive market. It should also be noted that, prior to the introduction of any such measures, the Member State must apply and gain acceptance of the proposed measures by the Commission.

The system foreseen in the latest Spanish draft law of implementation, however, sets out the so-called system of transition to competition of the electricity undertakings in order to ease their evolution to a competitive environment. This scheme does not contemplate any exemption from the application of the provisions of Directive 96/92/EEC to the electricity undertakings but the mere possibility of granting them an additional payment above those they can obtain in the market during a fixed period so as to ensure their financial stability. Thus, it does not appear, at the present stage, that the measures fall within the scope of Article 24.

Notwithstanding this, the Commission is following closely the process of implementation of Directive 96/92/EEC in Spanish law, in order to guarantee an exact application of its principles and provisions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2763/97 by Karla Peijs (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Commission proposal for a ban on colourants and aromatic substances in paraffin under implementation of Council Directive 76/769/EEC

1. To what extent does the Commission proposal concerning paraffin involve adaptation to technical progress within the meaning of Directive 89/678/EEC ((OJ L 398, 30.12.1989, p. 24. )) amending Directive 76/769/EEC ((OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 201. ))?

2. Has the Commission sufficiently researched the hazards actually existing in this area? If so what were its findings?

3. Has the Commission sufficiently investigated the effectiveness of the proposed measures with a view to reducing such hazards? If so, what were its findings?

4. Is the Commission aware that such health hazards occur chiefly as a result of unsafe paraffin lamps? What measures has it considered with a view to reducing this hazard?

5. To what extent can the Commission justify the proposed measure in view of its major financial implications for certain companies within the European Union, given that other effective measures could be taken, resulting in a considerably smaller burden on these companies?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997)

1. Council Directive 89/677/EEC ((OJ L 398, 30.12.1989. )), amending for the eighth time Directive 76/769/EEC, restricts the use of liquid substances and preparations which are dangerous in the meaning of Community legislation. The proposed adaptation to technical progress restricts, in line with Article 2a of Directive 76/769/EEC, the use of a subset of these liquid substances and preparations, that is certain coloured or perfumed liquid dangerous substances which can be used as fuels in decorative lamps.

2 The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its joint answer to written questions No 2302/97, 2377/97 and 2415/97 by Ms Jackson and Mr Cassidy ((OJ C 60, 25.2.1998, p. 122. )).

3. and 4. The proposed Commission directive is one element of a package of measures to reduce the risks to small children of poisoning by lamp-oils. The package consists of four elements:

- bottles containing lamp-oil must in accordance with Directive 88/379/EEC be labelled and have child resistant fastenings as the lamp-oils present an aspiration hazard;

- coloured and perfumed oils must not according to the proposed Directive be placed on the market in quantities of less than 15 litres

- a standard for the safe design of oil-lamps is to be prepared by the Comité européen de normalisation;

- an information campaign alerting parents to the dangers of lamp-oils is underway

This strategy addresses the risks arising from both the oils and the lamps and includes measures aimed at reducing the risks posed to children in all situations.

5. The proposed strategy will serve to protect the health of children effectively without totally banning the substances used as fuel in lamps. It is the least onerous package of measures that ensure the necessary high level of protection for consumers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2319/97 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Council (18 July 1997)

Subject: Fighting international crime and guarding the European external borders against the transit of cocaine via the Netherlands by the Surinamese drugs cartel

1. Does the Netherlands Presidency of the Council realize that the suspension of the Hague Public Prosecutor, Charles van der Voort, who was also head of the CoPa team, has done serious damage to the investigation into the activities of the Surinamese drugs syndicate and the preliminary judicial examination concerning the former dictator of Surinam, Desiré Delano Bouterse?

2. Has the Presidency given any thought to the fact that compliance with the duty assumed by the Netherlands Government in the framework of the Schengen Agreement, namely that of guaranteeing safety by guarding the external borders, is seriously hampered by the suspension of the Hague Public Prosecutor, C.V. van der Voort, because of the large quantities of cocaine from Colombia/Surinam which are smuggled to other European Member States via the Netherlands?

3. In view of the strong public interest in the dismantling of the Surinamese drugs syndicate and ensuring that the preliminary judicial examination concerning the ex-dictator of Surinam, Bouterse, continues, will the Presidency instruct Mr Van der Voort to resume his duties immediately in order to halt the smuggling of cocaine to the European Member States via the Netherlands? This should be viewed, inter alia, in the context of the precedent set when the former head of the Netherlands Foreign Intelligence Service, K.M. Meulmeester, and the former Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, R.J. Hoekstra, were excused of their misconduct in having destroyed all the files of the former Netherlands Foreign Intelligence Service, including those on Surinam?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2251/97, E-2319/97 and E-2320/97 (7 November 1997)

The questions raised by the Honourable Member fall out with the Council's sphere of competence.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2824/97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Textile recycling

Recently the Council adopted a resolution on a Community strategy for waste management. This resolution suggests that used textiles are not waste.

Does the Commission share the Council's view that used textiles, collected old clothes and used clothing and products obtained from them (eg cleaning cloths and recovered fibres) do not constitute waste and the textile recycling industry depots are therefore not waste dumps?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1997)

With regard to the Council Resolution of 24 February 1997 ((OJ C 76, 11.3.1997. )) on a Community strategy for waste management, the Commission is not aware of any reference to the legal status of used textiles.

Description of items as waste has to be made in the light of the definition of waste as laid down in Article 1a) of Directive 75/442/EEC on waste ((OJ L 194, 25.7.1975. )). On the basis of this provision waste is any substance or object in the categories set out in Annex I which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard. As Annex I contains a catch all-entry (Q16 'any materials, substances or products which are not contained in the above categories') every substance or object might be waste.

Accordingly, the notion of discarding is decisive for the status of used textiles. The notion of discarding comprises both disposal and recovery operations as well as operations leading to disposal or recovery. Consequently, used textiles destined for textile recycling have to be described as discarded. Therefore these textiles are waste under Article 1a) of Directive 75/442/EEC. Storage of these materials constitutes storage of waste. However, a recycling industry deposit for the storage of waste can not be described as a waste dump.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2884/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Mutually recognized training qualifications

What progress has been made towards achieving harmonization of training standards and qualifications across Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1997)

Under the terms of Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, the harmonisation of training systems and vocational qualifications is outside the Community's competence in the field of education and training.

In Europe, there are 'regulated' professions * in other words, those whose exercise in a given Member State is subject, by law, to possession of a specific qualification - and non-regulated professions, which can be exercised freely.

With regard to regulated professions, the principle of the mutual recognition of qualifications was introduced by a series of Community directives adopted for the completion of the internal market. The transposition of these texts by the Member States has enabled certain legal obstacles to mobility to be removed and has substantially reinforced the transnational recognition of vocational qualifications.

For more than ten years now, the Commission has actively supported the transparency of qualifications in the non-regulated sphere. It also recently published a Green Paper on obstacles to mobility.

The Council Resolution of 3 December 1992 on transparency of qualifications ((Council Resolution of 3 December 1992 on transparency of qualifications, OJ C 49, 19.2.1993. )) defines a practical approach, aimed not at equivalence but at greater transparency of qualifications. A pilot European portfolio of skills has been developed and tested among employers and jobseekers. The Leonardo da Vinci programme supports high-quality transnational projects in this field, some of them in fact stemming directly from earlier pilot projects such as the portfolio.

On 15 July 1996, the Council adopted a new Resolution on the transparency of vocational training certificates ((Council Resolution of 15 July 1996 on the transparency of vocational training certificates, OJ C 224, 1.8.1996. )), calling on the Member States to increase the transparency of such certificates by incorporating information on the content of the training received and the skills acquired. The issuing of multilingual certificates is also encouraged.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2934/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Unacceptable 'non-paper' Commission reports concerning the Cyprus problem

The Greek 'Tempo Newsweek' periodical refers to secret 'non-paper' Community reports recommending the immediate commencement of proceedings with a view to dividing Cyprus definitively into two communities, since it has to date been impossible to reach any agreement with Ankara concerning the Cyprus question. These unacceptable reports, which are being circulated in the Commission in the form of 'working documents', indicate that the Greek Cypriot representatives will be required to recognize the unacceptable Turkish Cypriot pseudo-State as it now stands - the result of the 1974 invasion and, furthermore, to encourage its European outlook.

This is a particularly serious matter, affecting the already weakened credibility of EU efforts to resolve the problem concerning the invasion and occupation of the island. In view of this what is the Commission's official position regarding these 'non-paper' reports which have now been made public and faithfully echo official Turkish policy on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (17 October 1997)

The Commission has no knowledge of the secret non-paper reports on Cyprus cited by the Honourable Member and is therefore not in a position to comment on them.