ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0425/99

by Mary Banotti (PPE) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Identity cards

Further to its answer to Written Question E-3070/98(1), could the Commission indicate which Member States require their citizens to possess identity cards?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1999)

In complement to the information provided in response to the Honourable Member's written question E-3070/98, to which the Honourable Member refers, and on the basis of the latest information available to the Commission, the following Member States require their citizens to obtain national identity cards: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Further to the information provided in response to the earlier question, and on the basis of clarifications received on this matter in the interim, as regards France, it should be noted that there is in effect no obligation in law to either obtain or carry an identity card. However for most practical purposes, including the accomplishment of administrative formalities, an identity card is a requirement de facto.

With respect to the addition of Germany to the list, it should be noted that while there is an obligation to obtain a national identity card, there is, on the basis of the information available to the Commission, no obligation to carry the identity card on one's person, as is the case with the other Member States mentioned.

(1) OJ C 289, 11.10.1999, p. 21.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0756/99

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Funding by the Commission

Can the Commission say whether it has ever provided funding, through any channel whatsoever, for "organisations" engaged in the "protection of the rights" of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace? If so, exactly how much money was allocated?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 1999)

According to the information delivered by the Member State to the Commission during the meetings of the monitoring committee for the operational programme "Eastern Macedonia and Thrace", no organisation for the protection of the rights of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace has been funded up to now by this programme.
(2000/C 27 E/091) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1449/99
by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Breakdown of Commission staff by grade and Member State
Is the Commission aware that on 27 April 1999 the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) published a
table showing the breakdown of Commission staff by grade and country?
The source given is European Commission, position on 1 March 1999. The statistics published in the FAZ
contain a number of inaccuracies, in particular in the following areas:
A figure of 275 instead of 273 for Austria, 3 884 instead of 4 074 for Belgium, 517 instead of 1 326 for
Germany (!), 1 882 instead of 2 069 for Italy etc. This gives a total of 15 696 instead of the figureindicated: 16 861. Adding up the last column gives a figure of 14 966 instead of the 16 861 shown.
What is the Commissions attitude towards the figures published in the FAZ and towards the obvious
inaccuracies in the light of the source quoted by the FAZ? Can the Commission make available the originalon which the publication is allegedly based?
Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission
(15 September 1999)
The Commission had not been informed that the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung would be publishing the
table to which the Honourable Member refers.
The table is indeed taken from the monthly statistical bulletin on the Commissions staff, produced by the
Commission, which is being forwarded directly to the Honourable Member and to the ParliamentSecretariat.
The table shows the officials and temporary staff paid from the administrative budget.
Without knowing the source of the data proffered by the Honourable Member, the differences between the
two figures could be explained by the fact that those provided by the Honourable Member do not includethe officials in the language services. The correct figure for staff of German nationality is 1 581 (517 refersto Danish staff).
(2000/C 27 E/092) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1451/99
by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Financing of projects in Ischia (Italy)
Three projects on Ischia  two in the port of Ischia and one to do with the untapped medicinal spring of
Nitrodi outside the town of Ischia  are to be supported by the European Union. Construction has not yetstarted.
Can the Commission explain:
1. In what form are these projects being supported by the European Union?
2. How is the overfall financing being planned and what system will be used for the breakdown of
funding between the EU and the region?
3. What is the timescale envisaged for completion of these projects?29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/75 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/99

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Proposal to include city police among the high-risk groups

On Tuesday, 23 February 1999 five Milanese police officers were admitted to hospital with symptoms of exhaust gas poisoning.

In the light of this latest incident, does the Commission believe that city police officers should be counted among the high-risk groups?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(14 April 1999)

Article 2(1) of framework Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work(1) states that the Directive applies to all sectors of activity, both public and private.

However, paragraph 2 of this Article states that certain specific public service activities, such as the armed forces, the police or the civil protection services, may be excluded, but only where "characteristics peculiar to [these] activities inevitably conflict with it". In that event, it is necessary to ensure that the safety and health of workers is guaranteed, insofar as at all possible, in keeping with the objectives of the Directive.

In the light of these provisions, and where characteristics peculiar to the activities carried out by local police officers do not inevitably conflict with the application of the provisions of the framework Directive, the employer must evaluate the risks to which they are exposed and introduce appropriate measures to ensure enhanced protection of the safety and health of these workers. Their identification as a risk group will therefore depend on the type of activity carried out and on the specific conditions under which local police officers have to work.

(1) OJ L 183, 29.6.1989.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0396/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Environmental damage to Gavdos - Gavdopoula group of islands

Environmental organisations in Crete claim that the Gavdos-Gavdopoula group of islands off the south coast of Crete - which has been included in the Natura 2000 network as a priority area - is to be the site for the construction of industrial plants, a heliport, jetties for mooring along the entire coastline of the islet of Gavdopoula, installations for supplying ships and housing for 400 people on the island of Gavdos.

If these claims are correct, this project will destroy an important habitat as well as the cultural and social cohesion of the area as a whole, the Commission:

1. Is it aware of the plans for the above projects?

2. Does it know whether the requisite environmental impact assessments have been carried out and is it aware that the area concerned is protected?

3. Will it ask the Greek authorities to revoke the decisions concerned in order to maintain the ecological balance and the exceptional beauty of the area?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0757/99

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Funding by the Commission

Can the Commission say whether since 1995 it has provided funding, through any channel whatsoever, for "organisations" or "foundations" based in the occupied part of Cyprus? If so, what are they, when were the payments made and exactly how much money was involved?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 1999)

The Commission acting on the invitation of the Council, as stated in the Council conclusions of the 6 March 1995, launched a series of activities to inform the Turkish Cypriot community on the advantages deriving from accession to the Community.

Based on this request, the Commission has sponsored, in consultation with the Cypriot government, bi-communal activities both inside and outside the island that have resulted in a better understanding of the Union and its policies and in reinforcing direct contacts between the two Cypriot communities. The Commission, however, has not financed any "institutions" or "organizations" that have their seat in the north of Cyprus.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0160/99

by Riccardo Garosci (PPE) to the Council

(29 January 1999)

Subject: Additional commissions on euro transactions

In compliance with the provisions laid down by the ABI (Italian Bankers Association) some Italian banks are charging commissions over and above normal bank charges on cheques made out in euros received from euro zone countries, thus treating such payments as foreign transactions.

In so doing, they are failing to adhere to the 'standard of good practice' and negating the purpose of the single currency, thereby showing scant regard for the interests of their clients and the legitimate hopes raised by the euro's launch only a few weeks ago.

Given that the Commission has consistently maintained - firstly in the Regulation of 1997 on the use of the euro and subsequently in the Regulation of 1998 on the transitional phase and the Recommendation of 23 April 1998 on bank charges (with particular regard to Article 2 thereof) - that no foreign exchange commissions or additional fees over and above those normally levied on foreign services should be charged on banking transactions conducted in euros, how does the Council intend to ensure that a stop is put to these unfair practices without delay?

Reply

(26 April 1999)

1. In its recommendation of 23 April 1998 concerning banking charges for conversion to the euro, which was addressed to Member States and to banks and their associations, the Commission considered that banks are not legally entitled to charge for the conversion of incoming payments either denominated in euro or in national currency during the transitional period, for the conversion of accounts from national currency into euro at the end of the transitional period, a different fee for services in euro than that charged for identical services in national currency.

2. According to Article 155 of the Treaty, it is for the Commission to ensure that the provisions of the Treaty and the measures taken by the institutions are applied.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0445/99

by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Subject: Eradicating poliomyelitis

The World Health Organization has set itself the goal of eradicating poliomyelitis before the year 2000, which will require approximately US$ 370 million for the necessary vaccination campaigns.

What cooperation programmes is the European Union engaged on with the developing countries to eradicate this disease?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 1999)

The Community is already providing substantial support to immunisation activities, mostly in Africa, by ensuring the supply of priority vaccines, particularly polio vaccine, and by developing and improving immunisation activities in primary health care (PHC) facilities. There is a special programme "Support to reinforcing of immunisation independence" in 8 sub-saharan countries ([fmxeuro]9,5 million), which aims to improve the immunisation coverage of children and young women as well as to reduce states' dependence on external financing of the Expanded programme of immunisation (EPI), in particular through the promotion of its inclusion as a budget line in the national health budgets.

The Community is actively involved in the financing of the first strategy of the Global polio eradication programme (GPEP), through the support given to PHC facilities in 32 sub-saharan countries (over [fmxeuro]250 million under the 7th European development fund (EDF)) as well as through structural adjustment support programmes, ensuring the funding of priority health budget lines (over [fmxeuro]458 million under the 7th EDF). At the specific request of the national authorities, the Community could finance some additional expenditure linked to the GPEP. In this case, this expenditure must be included in the national health budgets. The Community is also supporting, in close collaboration with the World health organisation (WHO) regional office for Africa, the creation of an epidemiological surveillance network in West Africa (budget [fmxeuro]500 000), which is an important contribution to the fourth strategy of the GPEP. In addition, the Community is discussing further collaboration with the WHO.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1051/99

by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 April 1999)

Subject: Discrimination against foreign construction companies in Germany

In Germany an amendment to the tax legislation entered into force on 1 April 1999 which discriminates against foreign construction companies.

A German client who employs a foreign construction company must retain 25 % of the remuneration and pay it to the Inland Revenue in Germany.

The foreign company receives this sum only after the end of the calendar year if it can prove that it is not liable to taxation in Germany. There is a derogation provision, but at present the German tax authorities are refusing to apply it.

Can the Commission indicate whether this new tax law infringes the principles of the Treaty of Rome and in particular the principle enshrined in the Treaty which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality and the principle concerning the free movement of goods and persons?

If the Commission considers that this tax law is compatible with the Treaty of Rome and the principles referred to above, can it indicate the grounds for its opinion?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its written reply to Oral Question H-332/99 put by Mrs Kjer Hansen during question time at Parliament's May 1999 part-session(1).

(1) Debates of the Parliament (May 1999).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0783/99

by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission

(6 April 1999)

Subject: Acquisition and possession of weapons and ammunition by collectors

Directive 91/477/EEC(1) regulated the possession and transport of firearms in the European Union. This Directive contains provisions on the possession, transport and acquisition of weapons and ammunition by persons involved in target shooting, hunters and dealers. The Directive does not, however, apply to persons owning firearms as collectors' items.

Firearms as collectors' items are still subject to national legislation, which differs widely in the various Member States of the European Union.

1. Does the Commission share this view of the situation?

2. Does the Commission consider it necessary to alter the existing Directive or to submit a new Directive specifically for the acquisition and possession of weapons and ammunition by collectors?

3. If so, when can the submission or amendment of the Directive be expected?

4. Does the Commission consider that the lack of uniformity in the legislation of Member States of the European Union causes problems for collectors of weapons and ammunition?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 1999)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member's analysis that firearms as collectors' items do not fall within the field of application of Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. As a result, the acquisition and transfer of such weapons are currently governed by Members States' legislation, subject to the application of Articles 30 and 36 of the EC Treaty.

The Commission is currently drawing up a questionnaire on the application of Council Directive 91/477/EEC, which will be sent in due course to the Member States and the various parties concerned. On the basis of the answers it receives to this questionnaire, the Commission will - by the end of 1999 - draw up a report addressed to the Parliament and the Council on the situation resulting from the application of this Directive. In accordance with Article 17 of the Directive, the Commission will examine to what extent it is necessary to submit proposals for amendments to the existing provisions. This will be the framework for examining the issue of the acquisition and possession of firearms as collectors' items.

(1) OJ L 256, 13.9.1991, p. 51.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0196/99

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Environmental impact of shrimp farming in Asia

In view of the devastating environmental impact of uncontrolled shrimp farming in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Bangladesh, does the Commission plan any projects to assist shrimp farmers to convert to the "closed" system which recycles and cleans waste-water and is, hence, less damaging to the environment?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(10 March 1999)

Projects which the Commission is undertaking are rarely directly assisting shrimp farmers. Rather, they try to address the totality of the coastal area economic, social and environmental situation. An example of such a project currently under preparation is the coastal habitats and resources management project (CHARM) in Thailand.

The object of CHARM, for which a preparatory mission will be undertaken during the first half of 1999, is to develop a sustainable balance between habitat conservation and economic development in the southern coastal areas of the country.

The project will support integrated pilot actions focusing on the upgrading of coordination, policy formulation, regulatory and service functions of the public sector, the improvement of environmental sustainability of exploitation patterns, the support of alternative mariculture production and marine eco-tourism, and the enhancement of responsible participation of producers and local communities in the planning and management process. The project is being launched with the full co-operation of the Thai government.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0962/99

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(13 April 1999)

Subject: Shrimp farming in Bangladesh and environmental protection

Will the Commission consider discussing with the Bangladesh Government possible means of assistance to shrimp farmers to convert to the "closed" system of shrimp farming which recycles and cleans waste-water and is hance less damaging to the environment than the traditional method.

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1999)

Shrimp farming in Bangladesh is essentially extensive or improved extensive and only a small part is managed using semi-intensive or intensive techniques. It is also seasonal and alternates, depending on the region, with rice cultivation or salt production. The operators involved are mainly small farmers or shrimp growers and the investments required for this activity are relatively low. Modern closed system fish farming eliminates the inconvenience of environmental pollution, but is a high tech system with high start-up investment and production costs requiring sound management expertise. This is why this system has been introduced in such countries as the United States and Thailand, where industrial shrimp aquaculture is competitively pursued.

To have a significant environmental impact, it would be necessary in Bangladesh to convert a substantial part of the present shrimp farming into a closed system. This appears quite difficult for the time being, since closed fish farming is more suited to industrial aquaculture companies than small farm operators who do not have the financial resources nor the technical skills.

Moreover, the Community believes that as long as shrimp aquaculture continues to take place in heavily populated and heavily used coastal environments, shrimp farming should be considered in the context of other coastal needs. Sustainable solutions for specific shrimp aquaculture operators can be meaningless if there is not a wider approach in the entire coastal zone aiming at balancing multiple resources and multiple uses of coastal areas. The problem of aquaculture and shrimp farming is not only environmental but also economic and social and must be faced in its entirety.

The Commission understands the government of Bangladesh is working on the preparation of a comprehensive fisheries policy and a fourth national fisheries project aimed at increasing fish and shrimp production in a sustainable manner, eliminating poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability. Its strategy concerning shrimp farming aims to promote improved traditional farming rather than intensive farming; to stimulate group formation to enable small land owners to produce shrimps; to supply extension services and veterinary control; and to improve the institutional organisation of its services.

If the government of Bangladesh wishes to start a discussion on environmental sustainability, fiscal incentives, and the social, environmental and institutional issues facing the fisheries sector and shrimp farming, the Commission is prepared to engage in a dialogue in order to consider how best to support its activities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0610/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Project in Stemnitsa (Arcadia) as part of the regional operational programme for the Peloponnese

Replying to my Written Question E-2365/98(1) on the damage which the project in question would cause to the traditional architecture of the village of Stemnitsa in Arcadia, the Commissioner responsible, Mrs Wulf-Mathies, stated that: "...the procedures for awarding public contracts and for assessing the environmental impact were followed correctly."

More recent reports - which I believe are now also available to the Commission - reveal that this answer was based on wrong information, because it has emerged that the regional authorities possess documents revoking all the decisions previously authorising the project. According to the Greek Ombudsman, the rules governing the municipal road improvement project in Stemnitsa in Gortynia were probably not followed correctly, since neither a preliminary regional planning authorisation nor an environmental impact study was carried out, the village which is a listed historical site, will be arbitrarily spoilt and information submitted for planning the car park turns out to be flawed.

Does the Commission possess any supplementary information which it wishes to divulge? What measures does it intend to take in view of the above?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(20 April 1999)

The Commission informed the Honourable Member in its letter of 9 February 1999 that, in view of new information received from the Greek ombudsman, it had approached the national authorities once again regarding the project referred to in Written Question E-2365/98(2).

For the time being, pending additional information, the Commission and the regional authorities have agreed to exclude the part of the project relating to the watercourse from Community part-financing.

(1) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999, p. 11.

(2) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999, p. 11.