ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4028/98

by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Subject: The cost of introducing the euro

1. Is the Commission aware that following the introduction of the euro banks are charging their customers Fl 5 per transaction for electronic cash transactions outside the Netherlands?

2. Is the Commission also aware that the banks are also charging FL 0,5 for electronic cash transactions in the Netherlands?

3. Does the Commission realise that the FL 5 per transaction in other countries is forcing customers to withdraw larger sums in order to reduce costs? A single withdrawal of FL 500 costs FL 5, whereas five transactions of FL 100 cost FL 25.

4. Does the Commission agree that this does not increase personal safety, given the larger sums of money withdrawn abroad to cut costs?

5. In view of the fact that all the banks charge the same rate, is the Commission prepared to examine whether the banks have established a monopoly or have abused a monopoly position?

6. If so, what action will the Commission take?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3930/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Emission limit values for motorcycles

The European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ACEM) recently submitted to the Commission a research study on motorcycle exhaust gases.

Can the Commission please tell me what consideration this report has received, briefly describe what other evidence has been submitted for consideration in the debate on ELVs for motorcyles and indicate its current thinking on this issue?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 1999)

The European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ACEM) submitted the final report on its programme of research into pollution from motorcycles to the Commission on 18 March 1998.

This report, which was drawn up at the Commission's request, indicates the cost and effectiveness of various technologies enabling emissions from motorcycles to be reduced by 2002/2005 with a view to the application of Article 5 of Directive 97/24/EC of 17 June 1997 on certain components and characteristics of two or three-wheel motor vehicles(1).

At the request of the Commission, the ACEM presented the results of its work to a group of experts in May/June 1998, following which the Commission decided to carry out further investigations so as to be able to use the raw data from the programme to develop a number of scenarios for future regulation and compare them under the Auto/Oil II programme with other measures taken to reduce atmospheric pollution from other motor vehicles.

The Commission plans to complete this preliminary work at the beginning of 1999 to enable it to present a proposal in the course of the year.

(1) OJ L 226, 18.8.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3206/98

by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission

(16 October 1998)

Subject: Scotland-Northern Ireland Electricity Interconnector

I am aware that a report is being prepared by DG XVI for the next meeting of the SPD Monitoring Committee which will be held in late November in Belfast. Will the Commission ensure that the SPD Monitoring Committee for the Scotland-Northern Ireland Interconnector delay taking any decision on the Interconnector until the Northern Ireland Regulator OFREG report has been published? Will the Commission ensure that no ERDF grants be released until all parties are satisfied with the latest economic analysis of the Interconnector?

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

(11 November 1998)

The electricity interconnector project forms part of the single programming document (SPD) for Northern Ireland (1994-1999) agreed between the Commission and the Northern Ireland authorities. The motivation for including the interconnector project was primarily strategic, rather than economic. It features in priority 3 of the SPD: "Reducing the effects of peripherality", and is designed to improve the security of electricity supply in Northern Ireland, to help diversify Northern Ireland's energy sources, to end the isolation of Northern Ireland's electricity system and to overcome the effects of peripherality in the provision of energy in Northern Ireland.

This project has been recognised by the Parliament and the Council as a project of common interest under the Trans-European energy networks, aimed at strengthening economic and social cohesion and increasing the reliability and security of the Community's energy supplies by Decision No 1254/96/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 1996(1).

With regard to the contribution of the Director general of electricity supply for Northern Ireland (the regulator), it may be noted that the results of the initial economic appraisal were published in June 1995 and concluded that Northern Ireland Electricity, in proceeding with the project, would not be in breach of its economic purchasing obligation. The regulator commenced work on a second economic appraisal of the interconnector project in January 1998, in order to check whether that conclusion is still valid. The regulator is independent and it is up to him when and how he makes his conclusions public.

The final decision on whether the interconnector project goes ahead does not lie only with the Commission. It will be taken in partnership with the Northern Ireland authorities, in the context of the SPD monitoring committee. The monitoring committee will assure itself that all relevant procedures have been complied with (e.g. that planning permission has been granted in both Scotland and Northern Ireland) and that all relevant factors are taken into account, among which the regulator's views will be important. However, as stated above, this project cannot be judged purely in economic terms. While it is certainly hoped to provide economic benefits to the Northern Ireland consumer, other factors enter into the equation.

(1) OJ L 161, 29.6.1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3717/98

by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Methyl bromide and the Commission proposal on substances that deplete the ozone layer

The proposal for a Council Regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer seeks to phase out the agricultural fumigant, methyl bromide, by the year 2001. This provision would bring the ban forward from 2005, the date provided for in the Montreal Protocol of September 1997.

In Europe the authorised use of methyl bromide is restricted to undertakings registered specifically for that purpose and specialist users, 95 % of which, in 1996, expressed the wish to employ the most suitable and advanced techniques available in order to reduce emissions released into the environment to a bare minimum.

The most recent research by the institutions has revealed that a 95 % cut in methyl bromide emissions could be achieved by means of more suitable techniques such as the use of waterproof plastics.

Given that the decision to bring forward the phasing-out would have sizeable implications for many farmers in the EU and an adverse economic impact on many poor agricultural regions, has the said decision taken account of the fact that producers have proposed employing more suitable techniques in order to cut emissions and reduce the impact of the use of methyl bromide on the ozone layer, and that in certain local conditions land cannot be fumigated with alternative products?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

The Commission proposal to phase out the use of methyl bromide(1) includes in Annex V a requirement that, where methyl bromide continues to be used after phase out under the critical use exemption, it should be applied using best available technology to reduce emissions. A similar requirement can also be found in Article 16, paragraph 2, which deals with the precautions to be taken to prevent leakage during methyl bromide fumigation. Both of these requirements reflect the availability of virtually impermeable plastics to reduce emissions, as advocated by the fumigators and users of methyl bromide.

The use of these plastics by themselves would not be sufficient to achieve the complete phase out of production and consumption of methyl bromide required by the Montreal Protocol. While the use of all available means to reduce emissions is to be encouraged as an interim measure, full protection of the ozone layer requires that methyl bromide be replaced by ozone-friendly alternatives.

Where certain local conditions, perhaps of soil, slope or climate, render the use of alternatives to methyl bromide technically or economically impossible, the Commission proposes a critical use exemption under which methyl bromide could continue to be available until a viable alternative is identified. This exemption will also be available after the phase out in 2005 mandated by the Montreal Protocol, subject to the agreement of all parties that a particular use of methyl bromide remains critical because adequate alternatives have not been identified.

(1) COM(98) 398 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3291/98

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission

(9 November 1998)

Subject: Domestic violence

Abuse and violence perpetrated against women in the domestic context represent a fast-growing problem. In some Member States, the problem is now the subject of substantial discussion in society, whether taken on its own or considered alongside other forms of domestic violence (e.g. violence against children).

What initiatives (analysis or action) is the Commission taking/does the Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Ms Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 1999)

The Commission is aware of the situation with regard to violence against women and children in both public and private life. According to certain national statistics in particular, it is aware that the phenomenon is widespread and is assuming alarming proportions. The Commission regards it as a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights.

In national legislation, particular account should be taken of the fact that domestic violence against women and children tends to be systematically repeated. Some Member States have already adopted measures specifically concerning violence in the family, including the phenomenon of conjugal rape.

In keeping with the subsidiarity principle, the Commission supports the effort to combat violence against women by a policy promoting equal opportunities for men and women, and seeks to integrate this aspect into all Community policies, programmes and actions to enable women to exercise their rights, including the right to live in an area of freedom and security.

Specifically, on the basis of the Daphne programme, the Commission supports a number of transnational projects dealing with this problem, and seeks to encourage measures to prevent violence, especially domestic violence, and to support victims through the appropriate exchange of information and experience.

The Commission has adopted a multiannual programme, Daphne 2000-2004(1), designed to step up studies and activities in close cooperation with the associations and local and national authorities concerned.

The Commission, together with Parliament and the Member States (in particular those holding the presidency of the Council) and the parties concerned, is also planning to organise special events in 1999 along the lines of a zero tolerance campaign against violence. A first conference took place in Vienna on 1 to 4 December 1998 on the role of the police in combating violence against women. Another conference is due to take place in the spring. It will be organised by the German Presidency of the Council in cooperation with the Commission.

(1) OJ C 259, 18.8.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3761/98

by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Fisheries agreement between the EU and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

The fisheries agreement between the EU and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania runs until 31 July 2001.

In order to gain a picture of the agreement's progress, can the Commission provide the following information:

1. How many licences for the various types of vessel and fish does the agreement earmark for allocation to Portugal?

2. How many licences have been applied for by Portuguese vessels to date, and under what procedures?

3. What quantity of fish (in tonnes) has been landed under the licences actually applied for?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 1999)

The fisheries agreement between the Community and Mauritania entered into force on 1 August 1996. It comprises a system of quarterly licences. The fishing possibilities granted to Portugal (expressed in gross registered tonnes (GRT) and vessels (vess.)) have been used as follows:

>TABLE>

For the agreement's second year of application (1.8.1997/31.7.1998) the vessels which obtained licences have notified catches of 217,65 tonnes of crustaceans with the exception of spiny lobster, 317,20 tonnes of demersals other than black hake with gear other than trawls, and 4,58 tonnes in the case of pole-and-line vessels and surface longliners.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3790/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(4 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects aimed at SMEs and the tourist sector in Catalonia

In view of the Commission's policy of openness about its own expenditure, can it indicate which of the projects carried out in Catalonia during the period 1994-1999 received all of the different types of aid available for SMEs and the tourist sector?

Furthermore, can it state exactly how much money was finally allocated to each of those projects?

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

(18 January 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3984/98

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Council

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara

In his most recent visit to the Western Saharan refugee camps in early December 1998, the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, succeeded in removing one of the obstacles affecting the preparations for the referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, after the Polisario Front agreed that several thousands of people could opt to be included on the electoral register for the referendum, scheduled for 1999.

In spite of this significant breakthrough, however, the Moroccan Government has once again raised objections which could jeopardise the progress and success of Mr Annan's initiative.

Does the Council not believe that, given its interest in developing a Mediterranean policy, the European Union ought to become far more closely involved in cooperating actively to overcome the obstacles and difficulties, so that the referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara can go ahead on schedule in 1999?

Reply

(29 March 1999)

The Council is already closely involved in the ongoing activity by the United Nations relating to the preparations that could allow for the referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara to take place during 1999.

The Council has been following and monitoring developments both through its Member States action in the area and in the UN in New York; within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular in the competent working party, it has regularly debated UN initiatives in the area.

In line with its continuing support for the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) to achieve a fair and lasting solution for Western Sahara and following UNSG's visit to the area, the Presidency issued a declaration on 29 December 1998 on behalf of the European Union:

- supporting the settlement plan for Western Sahara proposed by the UNSG;

- taking note of the completion of the identification of more than 147 000 applicants entitled to take part in the referendum while regretting the divergences on the issue of three contested tribal groupings;

- welcoming the arbitration presented by the UNSG in order to move the identification process forward.

The declaration also encouraged parties to formalise the presence of the UNHCR in the territory and to conclude the refugee repatriation protocol; it finally called for a prompt signing of the status-of-forces agreement on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

The European Union has, therefore, learned with great interest that the Moroccan Government has meanwhile signed the status-of-forces agreement on MINURSO and hopes that this step will lead to further progress towards holding the referendum on self-determination. The EU stands ready to support the UN process in this critical phase.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3346/98

by Kyösti Virrankoski (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 November 1998)

Subject: Bull premiums and lost notifications

In Finland farmers are required to keep a cattle register on their farms. This register must include the time of birth of every calf born and the numbers of their earmarks. In addition farmers must send information to the Agriculture Ministry's computing centre. No reply is sent acknowledging receipt of the notification.

A year ago in January a Finnish farmer sent a letter to the computing centre which went missing. In March he applied for the bull premium, but his application was rejected in October because the statistics centre had no information about these animals, since the letter had gone missing. An inspection was carried out on the farm, at which it was noted that the animals did exist, and that they had been duly listed on the farm's cattle register. The cattle have since been sold, but the bull premium has not been granted, and the farmer has received no subsidy. A complaint on the matter is pending.

In the light of the above, I should like to ask:

Is the bull premium paid because beef is produced on a farm or because a letter of notification has been received by the computing centre?

Do the cattle register required to be held on farms and the inspection carried out on the spot, carry no weight at all?

What does the Commission propose to do to guarantee legal certainty for Finnish farmers, even when the post office or the computing centre has lost the letter of notification?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 1998)

In accordance with Community legislation in both the veterinary and bovine premium field, producers must keep up to date registers of their bovine stock and movements on to and from their holdings. Births and movements of cattle must be notified to the national database. These requirements are intended to provide assurance regarding the health and premium eligibility of bovine animals.

Compliance with the rules is ensured by controls conducted by the authorities in each Member State. With a view to establishing eligibility for bovine premium, such controls would include an examination of herd registers and commercial documents. Naturally, given the need to combat fraud and irregularity, Community legislation also envisages sanctions and penalties for cases of non-compliance, but these are designed to be proportionate to the offence committed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3860/98

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Construction of hospital in woodland in area of archaeological importance in municipality of Vari

The Greek Ministries of the Environment and Health have authorised the construction of a large medical research facility covering an area of 5 010 square metres in the municipality of Vari, Attica, which will house the Central Public Health Laboratory, the National Research Centre and the Health Service Institute for Research and Quality Control. Obviously, this is a facility at which biological and chemical research will be carried out, producing hazardous toxic and chemical waste. The entire complex, which is EU-funded, is to be built in woodland in an area of archaeological importance. In fact, 8 000 square metres of woodland have already been cleared in one night. The scheme has provoked an outcry from the local residents and authorities in the area, while the antiquities department of the Ministry of Culture is opposed to it unless the requisite excavations are carried out to determine whether or not the work can go ahead without endangering the important antiquities in the area.

In the light of these circumstances, will the Commission say:

1. whether it is aware of this situation; whether all provisions and procedures have been complied with and whether the Greek authorities have furnished the Commission with all the necessary supporting documents to obtain the Commission's authorisation for funding the construction of the complex,

2. whether, in particular, an environmental impact assessment has been carried out, as required by Directive 85/337/EEC, and whether there are studies to certify that there is no risk to the surrounding archaeological area,

3. what action it will take to ascertain whether these allegations are correct and whether the Greek authorities have complied with all the necessary provisions and procedures, and

4. in the event of ascertaining that local residents' allegations are correct, what possibilities there are of repairing the damage already done, particularly to the surrounding woodland?

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

(16 February 1999)

This project is part-financed under the "Health and welfare" operational programme of the current Community Support Framework for Greece. The programme Monitoring Committee agreed to its part-financing after receiving the information and documents required under the procedures in force.

According to the information received from the national authorities, the laboratory will not generate toxic or dangerous waste. Hence Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(1) does not apply to the project.

The Greek authorities have also stated that all permits and authorisations required by Greek law in respect of archaeological sites, forested areas, etc. have been issued.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.