ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1249/00

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission

(14 April 2000)

Subject: Turkish green passports

In spite of representations from various European governments to date, Turkey is continuing to issue green passports to Turkish nationals who are travelling abroad, especially to Europe. These passports enable Turkish citizens to avoid obtaining a visa for countries which they are about to visit and are usually issued to high-ranking Turkish state officials and members of their families.

Estimates put the total number of these passports at the excessively high figure of 1,5 million (see the Turkish newspaper Milliyet, 14 March 2000). The most worrying aspect of the Turkish green passport industry is the fact that many of these passports are held by individuals with direct links to the Turkish mafia, organised crime, drug trafficking, espionage and the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. Contrary to the assurances it has given on various occasions, Turkey has not stopped issuing green passports or set about recalling them to the Turkish issuing authority.

What action does the Commission intend to take to tackle the issue of Turkish green passports, with the additional aim of preventing the backdoor entry of individuals who have links with international smuggling and organised crime?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2000)

The Commission is aware that the Turkish authorities issue green passports to people such as senior officials and their families. The special passports are recognised by several Member States, which exempt holders from the visa requirement for entry in to their countries, whereas the holders of ordinary Turkish passports need a visa to cross the external borders of the Member States.

This practice is in conformity with the law as it stands, since Article 4 of Council Regulation No 574/1999 of 12 March 1999 determining the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the Member States(1) states that a Member State may exempt nationals of third countries subject to visa requirements mldr from such requirements. This shall apply in particular to mldr holders of diplomatic passports, official duty passports and other official passports.

It is not for the Commission to give an opinion on the character of holders of Turkish green passports, and it has no information on alleged unlawful acts by such persons on the territory of the Member States.

(1) OJ L 72, 18.3.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1519/00

by Roberto Bigliardo (TDI) to the Commission

(12 May 2000)

Subject: Town twinning in the European Communities

Can the Commission say whether the statement made by Commissioner Kinnock to Franco Papitto, journalist on the newspaper La Repubblica, that we need to ask ourselves whether town twinning is an essential task of the Commission indicates that this important institution might be abolished?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1366/00, P-1446/00, E-1467/00 and E-1519/00 given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2000)

In the interview in La Repubblica mentioned by the Honourable Members, Vice President Kinnock was asked about the review of all tasks and resources which was then being proposed in the Commission and has since begun, as publicly announced. The Vice President referred inter alia to the fact that there are some activities undertaken by the Commission which could not formally be regarded as core activities in terms of the Treaty, but which are nevertheless considered to have value for the development of the Union. In response to a request for examples of such activities he referred to town twinning.

The reference was factual and implied no decision or intended decision to withdraw commitment from town twinning.

Support for town twinning activities across the Union has been provided from the Community budget for several years. In the current year, 10 million is provided for that purpose. The finances are administered by two grade A officials in the Directorate general for Education and culture.

The comprehensive review of all tasks and resources is being undertaken as a requirement of responsible management by the Commission and with the intention of improving and increasing the transparency of the relationship between Commission activities and the staff available to provide them efficiently. A report based on the review will be compiled and presented to the Commission and, subsequently, to Parliament and Council, later this year.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0644/00

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Council

(25 February 2000)

Subject: The behaviour of Belgium and France towards Austria

For a number of days now Belgium and France have been pursuing an offensive policy of isolating Austria because of their fear that the FPÖ's participation in the government could pose a threat to human rights and the protection of minorities in Austria. At the same time, Belgium and France are the only countries, apart from Turkey, which have neither ratified nor signed the Council of Europe's framework agreement on the protection of national minorities.

1. Is there any justification for France's and Belgium's behaviour given that the two countries have still not ratified or signed the Council of Europe's framework agreement on the protection of national minorities and that the two countries do not guarantee the minimum European standard of protection of minorities?

2. Does every country, regardless of its own political history or circumstances (for example, France's empty chair policy in the 1960s or Great Britain's veto policy), have the right to isolate without any legal basis a trustworthy member of the European Union?

Reply

(2 May 2000)

It would not be appropriate for the Council to take a view on actions which have been taken by one or more of the Governments of the Member States and which have no direct bearing on the work of the Council. Any such action is a matter for the Governments of the Member States concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0452/00

by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Subject: Turkish free zones and textile exports

On 8 July 1997 the Commissioner responsible for External Relations, Mr Hans van den Broek, notified the European Parliament (Answer to Question E-1965/97)(1) that a Community team had gone to Turkey in October 1996 to ascertain that the functioning of Turkish free zones complies with that country's obligations under the Customs Union. This statement came in the wake of international press reports voicing suspicions that textile exports from third countries were passing through the Turkish free industrial zones of Istanbul and Mersin and appearing on EU markets as Turkish products, thereby benefiting from the provisions of the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement and displacing similar Community products.

Mr Hans van den Broek also stated that the Community and Turkey agreed as part of the recommendations adopted by the Community-Turkey Association Committee on 24 April 1997) to keep a constant watch on this matter in order to prevent any evasion of the rules of the Customs Union. Will the Commission say how many Community monitoring teams similar to that of October 1996 have been dispatched since then and what their findings have been?

(1) OJ C 45, 10.2.1998, p. 131.

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2000)

Since the Commission's inspection mission to Turkey of October 1996, no further missions took place. No evidence of actual fraud was found. Since the inspection mission there have been no indications of fraud, whether by complaints by Community industry or otherwise. The Commission therefore does not intend to make any periodic inspections, but will raise the matter immediately with the Turkish authorities if the need arrises. Any suspicion of fraud can be directly communicated to the Director of the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1181/00

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 April 2000)

Subject: Conservation of the district of San Lorenzo in Florence

Is the Commission aware that the district of San Lorenzo in Florence is deteriorating and suffering neglect?

How does it intend to safeguard the artistic, historical and cultural heritage of this district, whose market attracts millions of tourists from all over Europe every year?

How does the Commission intend to guarantee the safety of tradesmen, itinerant salesmen and tourists and ensure that trading can be carried on normally, thereby preventing the deterioration from gradually discouraging craft industries and driving people away from Florence's historic centre?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Article 151 (ex Article 128) of the EC Treaty gives the Community responsibility for encouraging cooperation between the Member States in the area of culture. The question raised by the Honourable Member does not come under the responsibility of the Community but, on the basis of the principle of subsidiarity, is the sole responsibility of the Member State.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0564/00

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 February 2000)

Subject: Tax on profits

Will the Commission indicate the percentage rate on company profits in each Member State and also indicate any estimates that have been made recently of the effective rate of such tax after allowing for exemptions and allowances in each Member State?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2000)

At the moment, the Commission is not able to cite the data requested by the Honourable Member.

However, following a mandate of the Council, the Commission is currently undertaking a study on the effective level of company taxation in the Member States. This study will be finalised in the second half of the current year. The report will contain information concerning the effective levels of corporate taxation in the Member States. These rates will be compared to the statutory rates.

As far as other recent estimates are concerned, the Dutch government commissioned three studies in 1999 on the effective tax burden in the Community. These studies contain tables concerning the statutory rates and the effective rates and are available through Internet at http://www.minfin.nl/,select British flag, select tax competition in the European Union.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2011/00

by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 June 2000)

Subject: Tax payable on entering Greek waters

According to a report in the 21/2000 edition of the German magazine Der Spiegel, the Greek Government is introducing a tax on foreigners, including EU citizens, entering Greek waters in private yachts, a tax which does not exist anywhere else in Europe. For example, yachts longer than 7 metres must pay a special tax amounting to the equivalent of DEM 12 per metre. Anyone wanting to cruise Greek waters for longer than 30 days must pay a second levy of the same amount.

The Commission:

- does it feel that this new Greek entry tax is in conformity with EU law?

- does this [Greek] legislation breach [Community] legislation prohibiting discrimination?

- what measures does the Commission intend to take to against this legislation before the summer holiday season starts?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written E-1062/00 by Mr von Wogau(1).

(1) OJ C 26 E 26.1.2001, p. 150.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1293/00

by Paul Rübig (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 April 2000)

Subject: Limited companies annual accounts on the Internet

In Austria it is compulsory for limited companies (GmbH) to publish in the Official Journal supplement to the Wiener Zeitung a notification of submission of their annual accounts to the company accounts court.

An entry such as XY-GmbH has submitted its annual accounts to the company accounts court costs ATS 1 500 annually, an amount that has to be paid into the company accounts court.

Since more than 8 000 small limited companies out of Upper Austria's total of 8 500 limited companies are affected by this requirement, a distortion of competition might well be said to exist by comparison with undertakings from other Member States.

Where does the Commission stand on this competitive disadvantage, and does the Commission not consider that, instead of these notifications having to be published in the Official Journal supplement to the Wiener Zeitung, it would be sufficient for them to be published free of charge on the Internet?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2000)

Article 3(4) of the First Council Directive 68/151/EEC of 9 March 1968 on co-ordination of safeguards which, for the protection of the interests of members and others, are required by Member States of companies within the meaning of the second paragraph of Article 58 of the EC Treaty, with a view to making such safeguards equivalent throughout the Community(1) requires limited companies to disclose certain documents and particulars related to the company (including the annual accounts) by publication in the national gazette appointed for that purpose by the Member State. In Austria, the national gazette appointed for that purpose is the Official journal supplement to the Wiener Zeitung. This requirement to publish affects limited companies in all Member States, therefore the requirement does not in itself constitute a distortion of competition.

Following recommendations made by the Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market (SLIM) working group, which is composed of representatives of Member States and of the Commission, the Commission is currently looking at ways of amending the First Directive to make use of technological advances. Although Article 3(4), as it stands, does not prevent Member States from moving to modern forms of disclosure, clarification is needed, particularly with regard to issues such as electronic filing and the use of the Internet.

(1) OJ L 65, 14.3.1968.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0388/00

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(15 February 2000)

Subject: Genetic tests on immigrants in Switzerland

On Sunday the Mise au Point programme broadcast by the Swiss French-language television channel TSR broke the news about a draft law which is already in the hands of the Federal Councillor Ruth Metzler.

According to the programme, would-be immigrants wishing to enter the country in order to join other members of their family will in future (if the law is adopted) be required to undergo genetic tests in order to establish kinship.

In view of the fact that an Agreement exists between the European Union and Switzerland:

1. What is the European Union intending to do about disturbing evidence of a xenophobic attitude towards foreigners which, in this particular case, brings Nazi practices to mind?

2. What will the Commission do in the light of the fact that many foreign nationals live in Switzerland, including nationals from a number of EU Member States?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 2000)

At present the Commission is not in a position to act vis-à-vis Switzerland as regards the draft law in question.

However, the Commission is well aware of the unsatisfactory legal situation of Community nationals working in Switzerland. It therefore negotiated a wide-ranging agreement on the free movement of persons with Switzerland to align the Swiss provisions with the acquis communautaire in this area, including that on social security and pension rights.

The agreement was signed on 21 June 1999 and will come into force after the Parliament has given its assent and it has been ratified by the contracting parties.

Once the agreement has come into force, the Commission will closely monitor its implementation by Switzerland and raise any difficulties in the joint committee to be established under the agreement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0916/00

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(25 March 2000)

Subject: Stock of EU legislation

What is the total stock of EU legislation (directives, regulations, decisions) in each year for the last ten years (taking end of year numbers)?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2000)

>TABLE>

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0540/00

by Marialiese Flemming (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 February 2000)

Subject: WTO agriculture, environment

As the negotiations on a comprehensive WTO Round in Seattle were unsuccessful, it is certain that the issues on the built-in agenda agriculture and services will at least be discussed. On the other hand, there is uncertainty about how the negotiations on a new WTO Round will continue.

Does the comprehensive approach adopted by the Commission in Seattle retain its validity for the new WTO Round?

How does the Commission intend to meet the need for the issue of the environment to be included in the new WTO Round?

What steps will the Commission initiate with a view to involving NGOs in the WTO context?

Will the Commission forward to the European Parliament all information relating to the negotiations?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2000)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Community's approach with regard to a new World trade organization (WTO) Round was reconfirmed, both by the Council and by the Parliament in its resolution of 15 December 1999. The overall approach with regard to a new Round therefore remains valid.

This includes the need to make sure that the WTO is responsive to legitimate trade-related concerns, such as in the area of environment. Although this is still a controversial issue, the Commission is convinced that the basic objectives remain valid. It is currently reflecting on how to take this particular theme forward in its continued efforts to launch the New Round, for instance through intensified efforts to explain more clearly the objectives, to engage in a confidence-building exercise to alleviate concerns of some trade partners, particularly developing countries, and to evaluate the means to achieve these basic WTO objectives.

It is also continuing, as part of the preparations for the launch of future negotiations, the sustainability impact assessment, which includes an examination of the potential impact on the environment of further liberalisation and changes to WTO rules. The Parliament has been kept informed of the progress of this project and members have been invited to meetings with Member States and civil society on it.

The Commission has sought to involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations both at the level of the WTO and at the Community level. The Member of the Commission responsible for trade held a number of consultations with NGOs before Seattle. In the WTO the Commission has made proposals for increased transparency in terms of document availability. It continues to reflect on further means to improve transparency and dialogue with the NGO community, both at the level of the Community, and in the context of the WTO.

Regarding the transmission of information to the Parliament, the Honourable Member is aware of the commitment by the Commission to provide documents and information on a regular basis to the Parliament, both during the preparation and in the course of negotiations, as appropriate.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0481/00

by Alejandro Cercas (PSE) to the Commission

(24 February 2000)

Subject: Funding under the URBAN Community initiative

Could the Commission indicate the amount of funding the Spanish region of Estremedura is likely to receive under the URBAN Community initiative?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(24 March 2000)

The guidelines for the URBAN Community initiative are expected to be approved by the Commission by end of March 2000 or early April 2000. Member States are invited to present programme proposals to the Commission within six months after publication in the Official journal.

The Community initiative will be financed jointly by the Member States from national resources and by the Community from the European regional development fund (ERDF). The total contribution by ERDF to URBAN during the programming period 2000-2006 is fixed at 700 million, at 1999 prices. The appropriation for each Member State is allocated on the basis of urban population, the number of people out of work and the number of long-term unemployed in the urban areas involved. The indicative allocation of the commitment appropriation for Spain amounts to 106 million. Furthermore, the guidelines specify an indicative number of urban areas to be covered by the Community initiative, which is eight in the case of Spain.

The guidelines do not specify any regional allocation of the funds. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, it is the role of Member States to propose the urban areas for support under URBAN, provided that the proposed programmes comply with the conditions, criteria and priorities set out in the guidelines and that they remain in the limits of the financial allocation.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0663/00

by Martin Schulz (PSE) to the Commission

(29 February 2000)

Subject: The Leuna refinery in the Federal Republic of Germany

1. Has the Commission completed all its enquiries into whether the construction of the Leuna refinery in Germany satisfies the requirements of competition law? Does the Commission have no doubts concerning the proper handling and implementation of the procedure by the competent authorities in Germany?

2. Is the Commission aware that documents connected with aid to the Leuna refinery may have disappeared from the Federal Chancellor's office? Has the Commission taken any steps to examine whether such incidents affect the interests of the EU, with particular regard to establishing whether the proper procedures were used for granting licences?

3. Has the Commission contacted the authorities in the Federal Republic to check whether the documents that may have disappeared and the data that may have been deleted include documents or data of which the EU's authorities have copies or which, if found, could be of assistance to the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(21 March 2000)

1. In the framework of its responsibilities for state aid control, pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 (ex-Articles 92 and 93) of the EC Treaty, the Commission is currently investigating whether the cost for the construction of the Leuna 2000 refinery by Elf was artificially inflated. Elf could have received aid payments which go beyond the 35 % aid ceiling permitted in Eastern Germany. As for the investigation of possible fraud in relation to the granting of state aid, it should be noted that such investigations are the responsibility of the Member States. The Commission will study with interest the results of such investigations in order to see whether it has to draw any conclusions.

2. The Commission is aware of allegations that some files have disappeared in the chancellery concerning the Leuna refinery. Such events would not, however, in any way change the obligations of a Member State to submit to the Commission any information necessary for assessing the compatibility of state aid.

3. The Commission is ready to assist the German authorities in their investigations and to provide any Information connected with the existence of acts constituting criminal offences, subject only to the need to avoid obstacles to the proper functioning and independence of the Communities.