ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/28

(2004/C 70 E/031)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0419/03

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

(17 February 2003)

Subject: Spanish National Hydrological Plan (NHP): Júcar-Vinalopó transfer scheme

The construction scheme for transferring water from the basin of the river Júcar to that of the Vinalopó was approved as part of the Júcar Basin Hydrological Plan, and ratified in Annex II of the NHP in July 2001. The course to be followed by the transfer channel runs parallel to the existing Tagus-Segura link, and converges with the planned transfer of the Ebro to the Spanish south-east. The water transfer is designed to develop new irrigation areas for heavily subsidised continental crops in the upper and middle reaches of the Júcar, as well as unsustainable tourist and urban development. All this will have increased negative repercussions on the lower reaches of the Júcar and the Albufera, and on the quality of Valencia's water supplies. The scheme's environmental impact assessment did not assess alternatives, nor take account of these and other problems, such as environmental impact on the Natura 2000 Network and areas of ornithological importance.

On 4 October, the Spanish Government asked the Commission to cofund the project (EUR 54 million). The Commission indicated that its reply would be given within three months, i.e. before 4 January 2003. Without waiting for the EU decision, the Spanish Prime Minister laid the first stone of the new channel on 14 November 2002.

Can the Commission tell me what stage has been reached with regard to processing this request for aid?

Has the Commission made any assessment of the project and of the accompanying environmental impact study?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2003)

On 4 October 2002 the Spanish authorities sent the Commission a request for confirmation of the level of cofinancing for the ‘Conducción Júcar-Vinalopó’ project under the integrated operational programme for the Valencia Region (2000-2006). To provide the Honourable Member with accurate information, it should be pointed out that the amount of Community aid requested is EUR 80 121 million, given eligible expenditure of EUR 155 244 million and a total cost estimated at EUR 254 639 million.

Regarding the questions on the processing of the request for aid:

— the Directorate-General for Regional Policy consulted the European Investment Bank (EIB), within the framework of the collaboration agreement with the EIB and the regulatory provisions, to obtain an independent opinion. It asked the EIB for a technical report on the viability of the project. The EIB delivered its report on 1 August 2003;

— the Directorate-General for Regional Policy examined the recommendations of the study and sent them to the Spanish authorities. On 20 October 2003 the Spanish authorities sent the Commission a formal reply, which is now being assessed. In addition to the abovementioned EIB report, the Commission also has the economic assessment and the environmental impact statement of the authority responsible;
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/80

(2004/C 70 E/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2205/03

by Gabriele Stauner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 July 2003)

Subject: Continuation of OLAF's investigations into Eurostat

On 19 March 2003 the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, filed charges with the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office against Planistat Europe SA, and drew the attention of the judicial authorities to the possible involvement of Eurostat Director-General Yves Franchet and Eurostat Director Daniel Byk in fraudulent activities. The charges were filed in France, not least because both Eurostat officials hold French nationality.

Although the Paris authorities had by then already opened proceedings, the Commission called on OLAF, in press releases of 19 and 21 May 2003, to continue with its investigations and take statements from the two officials.

Has the Commission satisfied itself that such parallel investigations will not obstruct or compromise the work of the French judicial authorities?

Was the agreement of the French judicial authorities obtained for continuing with the OLAF investigations in this matter?

How does the Commission respond to the objection that continuing the OLAF investigations in this case, after proceedings had been brought by the Paris Public Prosecutor, served no purpose, because the necessary objectivity no longer applied and the impression could be created that the intention was simply to collect additional proof for accusations that had already been referred to the judicial authorities?

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 2003)

The Datashops file is in two parts: an external part concerning the activities of Planistat Europe SA and an internal part concerning Community officials.

The Commission has been informed by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) that the charges filed with the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office on 19 March 2003 concerned the external part of the file.

Since the internal part of the file was not referred to the French judicial authorities, OLAF was not required to seek the latter's agreement for continuing its internal investigation.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/184

(2004/C 70 E/193)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2979/03

by Carles-Alfred Gasòliba i Böhm (ELDR) to the Commission

(9 October 2003)

Subject: Postal services in the European Union

The main purpose of European Parliament and Council Directive 97/67/EC (1) of 15 December 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service, as amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/39/EC (2) of 10 June 2002 with regard to the further opening to competition of Community postal services, is to complete the internal market for postal services, while assuring the retention of universal service in keeping with the conclusions of the Lisbon Summit.

Article 2(1) and Article 3(4) mean that periodical publications such as magazines, weighing up to 2 0kilogrammes, fall within the scope of the universal postal service.

In Spain, Law 24/1998 of 13 July on the Universal Postal Service and the Liberalisation of the Postal Services, amended by Laws 50/1998 of 30 December and 53/2002 of 30 December, excludes from the scope of the universal postal service periodical publications such as magazines of up to 2 kilogrammes, or imposes unjustified additional requirements. In particular, they need to be packaged or presented in the form of a letter or a postal package.

Does the Commission not believe that this Spanish legislation contradicts the European Directive, and constitutes an obstacle to the universalisation of postal services in the European internal market?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(10 November 2003)

As correctly stated by the Honourable Member, Directive 97/67/EC (3), requires in Article 3, in connection with Article 2.6, that the universal postal service includes the conveyance of items such as newspapers and periodicals within the prescribed minimum weight limits.

The Spanish legislation provides, in Article 15 of Law 24/1998 and Article 27 of Royal Decree 1829/1999, that the conveyance of periodicals is included in the universal postal service under the form of a letter or package.

The Commission cannot, therefore, agree with the Honourable Member that the Spanish Law has excluded periodicals from the universal postal service that Spain is required to guarantee. On the contrary, the Spanish legislation allows that items such as periodicals can be conveyed under universal service conditions, which is the Directive's intended result.

The fact that the Spanish legislation requires that these items be sent under the form of a letter or package falls under Member State's discretion as to the form and methods used to achieve the Directive's objective.

(1) OJ L 15, 21.1.1998, p. 14.

(2) OJ L 176, 5.7.2002, p. 21.

(3) Directive 97/67/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service. Amended by Directive 2002/39/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/148

(2004/C 70 E/154)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2862/03

by Anne Andre-Leonard (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 September 2003)

Subject: Scientology's ‘European Public Affairs and Human Rights Office’

The setting up of the Church of Scientology's European Public Affairs and Human Rights Office in Brussels, and its lobbying activities mean that there is a risk that the work of the European Institutions are confused with that of scientologists.

The latter avoid presenting themselves as members of the Church of Scientology, and use satellite organisations to infiltrate the European Institutions.

In this situation, how does the Commission handle firstly, the arrangements for selecting and accrediting scientologist sub-organisations, and secondly, scientologist lobbying?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2003)

The Commission has always adhered to the principle of open and transparent dialogue with all external parties without, however, entering into any registration or accreditation system.

This has been emphasised in several documents: the Communication ‘An open and structured dialogue between the Commission and special interest groups’ (1), the White Paper on Administrative Reform (2), White Paper on European Governance (3) and, the latest, Communication on general principles and minimum standards for consultation of interested parties (4). The Communication on consultation aims in particular at encouraging greater involvement of interested parties through a more transparent consultation process.

In this open functional framework, the civil society database Coneccs (5) (formerly the lobbies database), provides information on about 700 civil society organisations operating at European level. It is a voluntary information tool, in which the organisations can register themselves and update their information. To be included in the database organisations must fulfil some conditions of transparency and themselves provide information on their statutes and membership. This voluntary information is one basis on which the Commission can assess the civil society organisations asking to be included in the database. As the Coneccs database is intended only for information, inclusion in the directory does not constitute an accreditation or registration on the part of the Commission. Until now, the organisation mentioned in the question has not asked to be included in the Coneccs database.

(1) OJ C 63, 5.3.1993.

(2) COM(2000) 200 final.

(3) COM(2001) 428 final.

(4) COM(2002) 704 final.

(5) http://europa.eu.int/comm/civil_society/coneccs/index_en.htm
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/170

(2004/C 70 E/179)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2938/03

by Philip Claeys (NI) to the Commission

(6 October 2003)

Subject: Commission communication on immigration, integration and employment

In its communication (1), the Commission says on page 10 that ‘the costs and benefits of immigration are not evenly distributed’. On page 11 it goes on to say that ‘this does not exclude adverse effects on particular groups or sectors. Empirical findings point towards the concentration of undesirable effects on blue-collar workers in manufacturing industries and on unskilled labour in services’.

This is a serious problem, not least because of the size of the group concerned. It is primarily the most vulnerable groups in our society that are hardest hit by the negative effects of immigration, not only in socio-economic terms but also in other ways (alienation in whole areas of cities because local people choose to leave, breakdown of social infrastructure, crime and so on. Although the Commission recognises the problem it simply glosses over it.

What measures is the Commission proposing to tackle this problem?

Are any such programmes currently under way?

(1) COM(2003) 336.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/147

(2004/C 70 E/152)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2848/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 September 2003)

Subject: Implementation of Directive 2000/53/EC

Under Directive 2000/53/EC (1) on end-of life vehicles, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that all end-of life vehicles are transferred to authorised treatment facilities to be stored and processed in accordance with national and Community rules on public health and the environment.

Can the Commission say whether the above Directive has been incorporated into national law in Greece? To what extent have the competent Greek authorities set up databases on end-of life vehicles and their treatment, as required by the Directive?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2003)

1. Article 10(1) of Directive 2000/53/EC (2) required Member States to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 21 April 2002 and to inform the Commission thereof immediately. Greece having failed to notify the Commission of its national measures transposing the Directive within the set time limit, the Commission instituted infringement proceedings in accordance with Article 226 of the EC Treaty. The Greek authorities failed to reply either to the letter of formal notice or to the reasoned opinion. Accordingly, as Greece had not brought into force all the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Directive 2000/53/EC, the Commission decided to refer the matter to the Court of Justice. The action is pending before the Court (Case C-246/2003).

2. Since Greece has not notified the Commission of its national measures transposing the Directive, it is currently impossible, on the basis of the information available, to check whether the Greek authorities have set up databases on end-of-life vehicles and their treatment.

(1) OJ L 269, 21.10.2000, p. 34.

(2) Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on end-of-life vehicles - Commission Statements, OJ L 269, 21.10.2000.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/122

(2004/C 70 E/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2629/03

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(2 September 2003)

Subject: Eurostat affair: disappearance of documents from OLAF's offices

According to the German weekly ‘Stern’:

— the minutes of the hearing of a Eurostat official in May 2000 have disappeared from OLAF's file;

— OLAF officials pointed out in an internal report last year that OLAF had failed to take a decision to investigate Eurostat, and also indicated that other documents had ‘vanished’.

In the light of the above, could the Commission state:

— when it was that OLAF opened the investigation into Eurostat and when it closed it, which is to say when did it have the first ‘evidence’ relating to those persons whom it later referred to the courts?

— whether the information provided by ‘Stern’ is correct and when and what action has been taken with regard to the disappearance of documents from OLAF's file?

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2003)

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) launched an initial investigation into one aspect of the activities of the Directorate-General for Eurostat in October 2000 following the presentation of an audit report and an analysis of the other documents. It subsequently launched a number of other investigations into aspects that still concerned Eurostat.

Also according to the information provided by OLAF, it should be pointed out that as of 2001 OLAF has ensured coordination between the different aspects at issue in the Eurostat affair and is devoting substantial resources to the Eurostat investigations. This coordination and the subsequent investigations have resulted in two files being handed over in July 2002 to the Luxembourg Public Prosecutor, who ordered the commencement of judicial proceedings in each case. Both procedures are still pending before the Luxembourg courts. In addition, on 19 March 2003 OLAF notified the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office of facts that could be classified as criminal offences. Judicial proceedings have been opened and are still ongoing.

Furthermore, the Commission has been informed by OLAF that it cannot confirm the disappearance of any documents, particularly documents relevant to a hearing of a Eurostat official in May 2000.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/204

(2004/C 70 E/220)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3046/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(17 October 2003)

Subject: Human rights in Bangladesh

Despite the Commission's continual monitoring of political developments in Bangladesh, through its Delegation in Dhaka and various other initiatives, it has been brought to my attention that human rights violations continue.

Previous cases of politically motivated attacks, reported over a year ago, were understood to be the result of a temporary ‘power vacuum,’ before the new government could fully establish itself. However, such attacks, arrests and torture of human rights activists and opposition politicians persist.

Can the Commission please detail what progress, if any, has been made to address the human rights situation in Bangladesh?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 2003)

The Commission shares the views of the Honourable Member, that Operation Clean Heart has failed to achieve its objectives and that the human rights situation in Bangladesh has deteriorated in the course of 2003. The Commission is particularly concerned about the following developments: the law and order situation is deteriorating, as illustrated by endemic criminality and the inability of the police to respond in an appropriate manner. The nexus between the police, criminals and certain politicians is particularly worrying. Tribal tensions are growing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, in the absence of progress on the implementation of the 1997 Peace Agreement. The situation of minorities, especially in this region, is precarious, as demonstrated by violent incidents in Mahalchari on 26 August 2003. Death sentences have been handed down at disturbingly high rates. There is still little progress on the separation of the judiciary and the executive and the establishment of independent monitoring institutions, notably the Anti Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman.

The Commission has expressed strong concerns about the situation to the Government on several occasions. In addition the Commission's Delegation in Dhaka maintains a continuous dialogue on governance and human rights issues with senior interlocutors in the Government. In its recently established human rights dialogue, the Commission has addressed a wide range of issues including separation of the judiciary from the executive, investigation of custodial deaths, torture, status of the Anti Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, Ombudsman, freedom of press and the situation of the Burmese refugees. The Commission continues to make every effort to maintain the discussion with the Bangladesh Government and hopes to identify areas were it can co-operate jointly on the promotion and improvement of the Human Rights situation. To date, the Commission has supported several Human Rights projects through the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights and intends to continue support in the context of the National Indicative Programme.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/194

(2004/C 70 E/205)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3153/03

by Evelyne Gebhardt (PSE) to the Commission

(20 October 2003)

Subject: EU Info-Points

At the end of September 2003, the Commission informed the EU information centres that from January 2004, under the new Financial Regulation, overheads will no longer be subsidised. This endangers the very existence of the Info-Points and information carrefours that have until now undeniably served citizens, the European Parliament and not least the European Commission well. These Info-Points are essential in building trust between the people of Europe and the European Union institutions.

1. Why did this communication come so late and unexpectedly that those in charge of the Info-Points and carrefours were unable to make the necessary preparations for the new situation when planning their budget for 2004?

2. Why was no arrangement made to guarantee the survival of these valuable Info-Points, even though the Financial Regulation the Commission is referring to has been in existence for over a year (since June 2002)?

3. Is the Commission prepared to introduce transitional measures to ensure the uninterrupted service of Info-Points during 2004?
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/42

(2004/C 70 E/045)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1477/03

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(2 May 2003)

Subject: Refunds on exports from Member States to the Vatican City State of butter and other fats and oils derived from milk, milk products

A table containing data on the quantities and value in euro of products eligible for export refunds was appended to the supplementary answer to question P-3202/02 (1).

Examination of this table shows that, for exports to the Vatican City State of ‘butter and other fats and oils derived from milk, milk products’ (code 0405):

(a) in 1998 exports from Austria totalled 155 kg for a refund of EUR 272 200,57, equivalent to aid of EUR 1 756,13 per kg of butter exported;

(b) in 1999 exports from Italy totalled 0,064 kg for a refund of EUR 402,90, equivalent to aid of EUR 6 295,31 per kg of butter exported;

In all likelihood, 155 000 kg were exported in 1998 and around 230 kg in 2000, at a more credible level of aid of between EUR 1,76 and EUR 1,75 per kg of butter exported.

If one were to make these corrections, total exports would be 174 215,50 kg for 1998, 156 230 kg for 1999, 145 560 kg for 2000 and 146 200 kg for 2001.

Under Regulation (EC) No 419/2002 (2), it should also be possible for the tabular data, extracted from the CATS database, to be used for monitoring and forecasting purposes.

It is specified in the table that the units of measurement, weights or quantities and the amounts in euro are provided by the Member States.

In the light of the above, could the Commission indicate:

— whether the data supplied by the Member States are checked and who is responsible for doing this;

— whether the quantities of butter and other fats and oils derived from milk, and milk products exported from Member States to the Vatican City State were subject to any monitoring, what form that this took, and what forecasts were made in respect of these quantities;

— whether it does not consider the level of imports to the minuscule Vatican City State to be too high, or in other words that it can be assumed these products are sold in Italy?

(1) OJ C 137 E, 12.6.2003, p. 172.

(2) OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 8.