ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3419/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002)

With reference to the proposal for a Council decision adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002) and connected measures (COM(97) 0550 final 97/0302(CNS))(1), it is regrettable that the framework programme does not provide a general overview of all measures taken in the energy sector but covers only programmes having financial implications for Directorate-General XVII; surely this criterion for inclusion should have been clearly indicated in the document.

Would the Commission promote the further integration of energy policy measures?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1999)

The multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector does indeed concentrate on existing programmes with a view to guaranteeing the transparency, consistency and effectiveness of the actions undertaken under those programmes. However, in adopting the proposal in question, the Commission has decided that special emphasis should also be placed on the coordination of the energy components incorporated under other Community policies. To this end, the Commission has set up a network of Directors-General involved in energy matters which will be responsible, in particular, for periodically submitting a report on the progress of all actions incorporating an energy component.

The Commission would also point out that, as a result of its communication entitled "An overall view of energy policy and actions"(2), there is now available, for the first time, a complete inventory, including details of financial resources allocated, of all energy actions undertaken at Community level. This effort to achieve transparency has been followed through with the transmission to the Council and to Parliament, in April 1998, of the communication on "financial assistance by the European Communities to the energy sector from 1995 to 1997"(3).

(1) OJ C 46, 11.2.1998, p. 7.

(2) COM(97) 167 final.

(3) COM(98) 244 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3560/98

by Klaus Lukas (NI) to the Commission

(1 December 1998)

Subject: European Training Foundation and missing EU funds

The member undersigned has been given information according to which funds of the European Training Foundation were said to be "missing" following the bankruptcy of a Polish-French secondary school in Poznan. It appears that payments continued to be effected following the bankruptcy.

Could the Commission answer the following questions:

- can the Commission provide any information with regard to the fate of approximately ECU 2 million which were invested by the European Training Foundation, which the Commission controls and finances, in a bankrupt Polish-French secondary school in Poznan?

- why did payments continue to be effected following the bankruptcy of the school?

- what amounts were paid?

- was any effort made to recover the funds?

- if so, with what success?

- if not, why not?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 1999)

The Commission draws the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that no funds have gone missing in connection with the bankruptcy of the Franco-Polish School to which he refers.

This school, as an association of French and Polish partners eligible for financial assistance under the Tempus-Phare programme, submitted four joint European projects between 1994 and 1996, which were funded on the basis of the annual procedures and in conformity with the selection criteria applicable to that programme. The total amount allocated was [fmxeuro] 1,5 million. The four projects concerned were implemented in line with the agreed schedule, until the dissolving of the association led to the bankruptcy of the school, which went into liquidation on 30 September 1996.

The Commission, in exercising its monitoring prerogatives, became aware of this situation on 3 January 1997. A fund recovery procedure was initiated, after checking with the partners in the association, in the light of the financial analysis of implementation of the projects and on the basis of additional information provided by the European Training Foundation, in cooperation with the Polish liquidator.

The Commission is thus in the process of recovering the amount of [fmxeuro] 471 000 corresponding to sums transferred but not used, together with an amount of [fmxeuro] 143 000 separately identified by the liquidator as payments made in September and December 1996, i.e. after the date of bankruptcy and before the Commission became aware of the facts. In addition, income from the sale, to the highest bidder, of materials transferred to the Franco-Polish School in the context of implementation of the projects will also be transferred to the Commission.

Consequently, the liquidation process has not involved the disappearance of funds, and the Commission has done everything possible to protect Community interests by taking all the necessary measures once it became aware of the facts.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3636/98

by Peter Truscott (PSE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Rights of the disabled in the Member States

Are disabled people treated equally in all Member States in respect of disability living allowances? In particular, do totally deaf people qualify for disability allowances in every Member State?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 1999)

The allocation of disability allowances falls within the competence of Member States. These allowances therefore vary between Member States. In many Member States, deaf people receive government support in one form or another, for example to obtain a text telephone and to have a sign language interpreter to assist with communication in certain situations such as work and school. The criteria for obtaining this support and the level of provision differ from one Member State to another.

A list of the invalidity benefits available in each Member State can be found in the comparative tables of the Missoc information system (mutual information system on social protection in the European Union). Missoc consists of representatives of the ministries and authorities responsible for social protection in the fifteen Member States, who work in close cooperation to collect information and prepare it for publication on the Internet.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3413/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(17 November 1998)

Subject: "Tuscia Qualità" consortium

The "Tuscia Qualità" provincial consortium was set up by a number of public authorities, cultural associations, credit institutions and businessmen in the province of Viterbo for the purpose of selecting, promoting and publicising high-quality food and craft products, tourist services and cultural events in the Viterbo area by means of the "Tuscia Qualità" label.

In view of the size and characteristics of this area just north of Rome, almost all of which has Objective 5b status, and since the consortium's objectives are to promote the policies being pursued by the EU in that field, would the Commission state:

1. whether it would be possible to publicise the initiative at Community level and establish links with similar initiatives such as the "Culinary heritage" project?

2. whether there is any possibility of the Commission providing this admirable initiative with guidance and support?

3. whether more appropriate Community channels and programmes exist to supplement those set up at national or regional level?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Under Objective 5(b) and the Community Initiative Leader II, the Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund can part-finance measures relating to promotion, labelling and investment in local and regional quality agricultural and forest products. The national and regional authorities are solely competent for considering projects with a view to part-financing. The Lazio Region Assessorato Economia e Finanza (Department of the Economy and Finance) has the task of coordinating the implementation of Community structural measures in the Lazio Region under Objective 5(b) and the Community Leader II Initiative.

Identifying partners and exchanging experience in the field covered by the project could be fostered through the Leader European Observatory.

The Commission points out that agricultural products and foodstuffs laying claim to a particular quality linked with a specific geographical name and identified with that geographical name by a label should be registered under the Community system provided for in Regulation (EEC) 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs(1).

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3473/98

by Yves Verwaerde (PPE) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Monitoring producer organisations in the processed vegetable sector

Producer organisations have a central role in the new common organisation of the market in the processed vegetable sector.

The scrutiny of contracts is to be stepped up. The role of producer organisations will consist of centralising payments, negotiating and signing contracts, ensuring a balance between supply and demand, determining the sown areas required under a given contract, and carrying out the relevant checks.

It would appear, however, that certain manufacturers, especially in the Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais regions, currently exercise control over structurally defective producer organisations and that the utilisation of the subsidies allocated under the EAGGF does not always comply with the spirit of European regulations.

What means does the Commission have of exerting pressure on these less-than-transparent producer organisations?

Will it inform them directly that because of their conduct they risk seeing assistance to them under the EAGGF withheld?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1998)

Under Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables(1) Member States are responsible for granting recognition to producer organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector and for monitoring their internal operation. The Commission can, however, make representations to the national authorities asking them to examine any problem arising as a result of the defective structure of the producer organisations. The Commission can also propose that this examination be undertaken during the checks on the application of the Community rules carried out at regular intervals by the departments responsible for the clearance of accounts.

Information concerning this matter must be sent to the French authorities. A request for information in this connection has been presented to them. If necessary the matter will be considered during the checks to be carried out in France for the clearance of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) accounts.

(1) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3935/98

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Imprisonment of three Cuban journalists

The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), meeting in Punta del Este (Uruguay), has called on the Cuban Government to review the sentences passed on three Cuban journalists, Bernardo Arévalo Padrón, Lorenzo Paez Núñez and Carlos Recio Martínez, who are to serve prison terms of six years, one and a half years and one year respectively.

The IAPA has stressed once again that the Cuban Penal Code still refers to offences such as "giving false information" or "any other form of criminal censure", which are used as a pretext for banning freedom of information in a country where the State is, moreover, the sole owner of all the mass media.

What is the Council prepared to do to cooperate in the review and, if possible, annulment of these sentences, as well as to promote freedom of information in Cuba?

Reply

(26 April 1999)

The European Union adopted a common position on Cuba on 2 December 1996. The EU's major objective remains to encourage and facilitate a process of peaceful transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In June 1998 the EU and the ACP States agreed to admit Cuba as an observer at the negotiations for the successor Lomé Convention. In this context, the EU reminded Cuba of the stringent human rights standards that will be attached to any membership of the new agreement.

In 1998 the Union made several representations to the Cuban authorities, particularly to secure the freeing of dissidents.

At the last evaluation of the common position, on 7 December 1998, the Council noted that in the last six months the EU had intensified its dialogue with the Cuban authorities, in particular regarding human rights. The Council repeated that the European Union's objective as regards Cuba remained the encouragement of a process of peaceful transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Council is aware of the imprisonment of Mr Arévalo Padrón, director of the independent press agency "Línea Sur Press", who was arrested in November 1997. Mr Paez Núñez, president of the "José de la Luz y Caballero" association, was arrested in July 1997. As regards Mr Recio Martínez, a journalist with the independent press agency "Cuba Press", who was imprisoned in September 1997, the Council's information is that he has recently been freed.

The Council will keep the European Parliament informed of developments and will continue to press the Cuban authorities for full observance of human rights and freedom of information.

In conclusion, the Council would point out to the Honourable Member that it is following with concern the acts of persecution carried out over the last few months in Cuba in respect of journalists in the independent press. The cases of the three journalists previously mentioned are well known but we should not forget the case of Mr Joel Díaz, who has been detained for having exercised his right to freedom of information.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3112/98

by Thomas Mann (PPE) to the Commission

(16 October 1998)

Subject: Implementation procedures for the Leonardo programme

In practice it can happen that, once a Leonardo project is up and running, the previously agreed number of participants eligible to receive funding is reduced. The organizers are then no longer able to finance the action which is already underway with the anticipated resources.

1. Potential organizers of European traineeships are deterred by the prospect of the financial risk involved.

2. The complicated application procedure prevents the pool of potential applicants from being extended.

3. In view of the protracted selection procedures, various forms of one-year vocational training are de facto excluded from European work experience projects.

4. The need to involve a national body (such as the Carl Duisberg foundation) makes the whole procedure more time-consuming and costly.

What does the Commission intend to do to remedy these defects?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 1998)

1. Once a Leonardo da Vinci project has started, the approved number of participants will not be reduced. Where the actual number of participants is smaller than envisaged when funding was awarded, the national coordination unit (NCU) responsible for managing placement and exchange programmes under strand I reduces the approved funding by the appropriate amount. There are no financial risks for programme promoters provided they administer their allocated funds correctly.

2. The procedure adopted is intended to provide the national authorities and the Commission with guarantees that the organisation and quality of in-company training will be properly monitored. Promoters are selected by the competent authorities (these are designated by the participating States, and the Commission informed). Selection must follow precise procedures. Practice has shown that the number of promoters and trainees has increased since the start of the Leonardo da Vinci programme and that this number is sufficient for the global grant allocated to each participating country to be expended.

3. The selection process timetable adopted for the placement and exchange programme under strand I allows young people following a one-year basic training course to participate in a short-duration Leonardo da Vinci programme. It is in fact possible to submit applications before the start of basic training courses, and promoters do make use of this possibility in practice.

4. The Leonardo da Vinci programme has introduced decentralised management of strand I mobility programmes in (at the moment) 24 countries. This arrangement has been operating satisfactorily for several years. It is not a question of organisations playing an intermediary role; it is the NCUs themselves which are responsible for managing mobility programmes.

The Commission's proposal for the establishing of the second phase of the Leonardo da Vinci programme from the year 2000 includes simplification and further decentralisation of programme management and measures in order to improve access to the programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4089/98

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(14 January 1999)

Subject: Women in senior posts in the Commission

I have the regrettable impression that not very many women are employed at the Commission, which could convey a negative image of the Commission as a male-dominated institution. I hope that the Commission can dispel this impression by answering the following questions.

How many senior posts in the Commission are occupied by women? How many women in total are employed at the Commission in categories A, B, C and D? Is there a policy of equal opportunities for the employment of men and women in the Commission? What effort is being made to place more women in senior posts in the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(2 February 1999)

1. At 31 December 1998, the Commission employed a total of 7 600 women, or 47,6 % of staff paid from the administrative budget.

This total breaks down as follows by category:

>TABLE>

2. Decision-making posts can be broken down by sex as follows:

>TABLE>

3. In 1997, the Commission adopted its Third Action Programme on equal opportunities for men and women - 1997-2000. As part of this programme, the Commission instructed the Directors-General and Heads of Departments to draw up specific measures to promote equality. Most directorates-general have internal monitoring committees and DG IX (Administration and Personnel) is responsible for preparing regular reports and for informing the group of Commission Members on equal opportunities.

In parallel with these measures, since 1995 the Commission has each year set targets for the recruitment of women to Category A posts and for the appointment of women to decision-making posts. These targets take account of enlargement requirements and the women available on reserve lists. Every quarter a check is made to see if the targets are being met.

Over the last four years, the number of women in Category A and in decision-making posts has increased. Between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1998, the number of women in grade A2 posts increased from 4 to 19 (10,6 %), while the number of women in middle management posts (A3, A4, A5 - heads of unit and advisers) increased from 8,3 % to 11,4 % in Category A and 28,2 % to 38,7 % in Category LA. At present, the percentage of women in the starting grades (A6, A7, A8) is 26,1 % while four years ago it was 19,6 %. During that time the percentage of women in Category A increased from 14 % to 18,7 %. It should be noted that the proportion of women recruited to Category A stands at 42 % (346 women/471 men) for these four years.

4. The Commission intends to continue its efforts to increase the number of women in decision-making posts.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3394/98

by Marco Cellai (NI) to the Commission

(17 November 1998)

Subject: Non-compliance by Italy with directives laying down the ratio of firemen to population

The geology of Italy is such that a large part of it is deemed to be subject to the risk of earthquakes. Forest fires, especially those started maliciously, follow an annual dramatic ritual entailing the destruction of hundreds of hectares of forest and scrub. Disastrous floods occur every year, resulting in landslides which are often attributable to deforestation and neglect. The fire protection systems of many public structures and buildings forming part of Italy's cultural inheritance (Turin Cathedral and the Petruzelli and Fenice Theatres) are outdated and obsolete.

This situation is made worse by the lack of coordination between the Fire Service, which comes under the Ministry of the Interior, and the Department of Civil Protection, which comes under the authority of the Prime Minister.

Finally, there are 25 000 firemen for a population of 60 million; this ratio is markedly below that laid down by Community directives (one fireman per 1 000 population), and this limited manpower is insufficient to ensure the complete safety of Italians and Italian territory.

Will the Commission state for how much longer it will accept Italian non-compliance? Does it not intend to call upon the Italian Government to show greater responsibility with regard to damage which could, at least in part, be avoided if the established rules were complied with and, in particular, to direct it to provide for an increase in the number of firemen in accordance with Community legislation?

Answer give by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 1999)

On the basis of Council Decision 98/22/EC establishing a Community action programme in the field of civil protection(1), the Commission supports actions on public information for those responsible for and involved in civil protection. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, this Community cooperation, taking the form of a series of actions proposed by the authorities of the Member State, supports and supplements national policies on civil protection in order to enhance their effectiveness. Coordination between national services and the level of these services fall within the competence of the Member States.

(1) OJ L 8, 14.1.1998.