ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2136/98

by Mireille Elmalan (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 July 1998)

Subject: Creation of a European "handiplage" label

In 1995 the Commission recognised the value of an experiment carried out in Hendaye under the Helios II programme to improve access for disabled persons to the beach.

Other local councils and associations have created "handiplage" sites. In order to help improve access to beaches, with information campaigns and the provision of the necessary infrastructure, is the Commission also prepared to propose the creation of a European "handiplage" label alongside the blue flag for bathing-water quality?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 1998)

In the context of promoting equal opportunities for disabled people the Commission attaches great importance to the elimination of all obstacles which can hamper their access to public places, including those for leisure purposes.

Accordingly, in 1995, within the competition organised annually by the Helios II programme to promote the integration of disabled people, the Commission supported an experiment designed to improve access for disabled people to the beach. The Commission encourages and applauds the proliferation of similar initiatives launched by other councils in cooperation with associations for the disabled.

As part of its future integration strategy for the disabled, the Commission intends to look actively at the question of eliminating the obstacles that disabled people encounter in their everyday lives.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1824/98

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Article 102

Does the Commission consider that the powers conferred on it by Article 102 of the EU Treaty are of importance? if so, under what circumstances would it consider exercising them? If not, does it then accept that Article 102 has fallen into desuetude and has no effect?

If the Commission considers that Article 102 still has effect, would it consider exercising those powers if a Member of the European Parliament were to draw its attention to examples of national measures which have led to distortions of cross-border trade?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 1998)

The Commission does consider that Article 102 still has effect and would consider exercising its powers under it in the appropriate cases and would invite the Honourable Member to forward all information detailing examples of national measures which could lead to distortions of competition.

The Honourable Member will be aware that if a proposed provision on which the Commission gives a recommendation under Article 102 is not adhered to by the Member State (and the distortion of competition is caused not only to itself), then the Commission can propose to the Council to issue the necessary directive under Article 101 of the EC Treaty. Furthermore, under Article 101, the Council would act by qualified majority (unlike Article 100).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2179/98

by Marie-Noëlle Lienemann (PSE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Access to beaches for persons of restricted mobility

The beach is a unique and universal meeting-place which breaks down all barriers because it brings together persons of all ages, social categories, nationalities and races. At present only persons of restricted mobility are excluded from it.

What does the Commission propose to do to remedy this unfair situation?

Should not the Commission be considering the possibility of creating a "European label" to promote accessibility to beaches for persons of restricted mobility (the elderly, the physically handicapped etc.)?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1370/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Restructuring of Greek postal services

In view of the fact that the Greek Government has announced its intention to restructure Greek postal services (ELTA), can the Commission say how the Second CSF funds earmarked for the ELTA have been used so far and how the relevant development programmes can be squared with the Greek Government's plans? Can the Commission confirm that the restructuring plans will take into account the recommendations made by the European Parliament?

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

(11 June 1998)

A work plan for the Greek postal service (ELTA) was drawn up in 1995 with the help of European Regional Development Fund part-financing. This document served as the basis for preparing an operational programme on the postal services as part of the second Community support framework for Greece.

The launch of this operational programme is imminent. An international consultancy has been engaged to assist ELTA in implementing the projects and undertaking its own reorganisation. A special unit has been created within ELTA, consisting of the consultancy and various specialists, to carry out the projects in the operational programme. It is intended to begin the programme proper at the end of May, which will involve setting out an action plan and completing the staffing of the special unit.

As far as Community legislation is concerned, the Greek authorities will have to introduce a new regulatory framework, and this is another of the objectives of the operational programme. Accordingly, technical assistance will be provided to help finance support activities (studies, analyses, seminars) in order to ensure that the appropriate legislation is brought in in time.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1662/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Proceedings against Greece for non-compliance in the prefecture of Chania with directives concerning waste disposal

Pursuant to Article 171 of the Treaty, the Commission has asked the Court of Justice to fine the Hellenic Republic ECU 24 600 per day for failure to comply with its obligations under Directives 75/442/EEC(1) and 78/319/EEC(2) concerning the disposal of solid toxic wastes in the Chania area.

Is the Commission aware of any proposals or measures formulated by the Greek authorities with a view to complying with the above directives, particularly as regards the disposal of solid toxic wastes in the Chania area?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 1998)

In its judgement of 7 April 1992, the Court of Justice held that by failing to take the necessary measures to ensure that, in the Chania district, waste and toxic and dangerous waste is disposed of without endangering human health and without harming the environment, and by failing to draw up for that district plans or programmes for the disposal of waste and toxic and dangerous waste, Greece had failed to fulfil its obligations under Articles 4 and 6 of Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste and Articles 6 and 12 of Council Directive 78/319/EEC of 20 March 1978 on toxic and dangerous waste.

The Commission, noting that Greece had still not taken the necessary measures to comply with the Court's judgment, instituted further proceedings before the Court on 17 November 1997, on the basis of Article 171 of the EC Treaty. The case is now pending before the Court of Justice. By letter of 10 March 1998, the Greek authorities sent the Commission a study which they had carried out with a view to drawing up waste management plans for the Chania region. The Commission is now examining the Greek notification.

(1) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.

(2) OJ L 84, 31.3.1978, p. 43.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1420/98

by José Barros Moura (PSE) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Guide to Community funding - 1997

Can the Commission provide an explanation and plausible justification for the fact that this useful guide does not contain a single line on human rights and, in particular, on the European Initiative for Democracy and the Protection of Human Rights, or even a reference to some other publication, even though the entire fourth section is devoted to the topic Europe and the world?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

The Commission welcomes the interest shown by the Honourable Member in its Guide to Community funding. The Guide explains how to gain access to Community funding under various policies. Human rights are not covered under a specific chapter, as is the case with a number of other policies, but they are mentioned in all contexts where they are relevant (e.g. pp. 148, 149, 153, 168 and 169). The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that they should be highlighted in the next update.

The Commission would nevertheless inform the Honourable Member that its Collected texts and commentary on Community resources to finance action by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government organisations and/or decentralised agencies of civil society working in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, contains a specific section dealing with the possibility of granting Community resources for the protection of human rights and democracy.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1912/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Council

(17 June 1998)

Subject: The European Spatial Development Perspective and the Structural Funds

Parliament, in its report A4-0206/98, has pointed out that, although the Treaty provides for no specific competences in the field of regional planning, it appears from certain the provisions that the Commission is empowered to monitor and coordinate the regional effects of the Community policies (see Articles 129b, 130a, 130b, 130r and 130s) in the context of its powers of legislative initiative and implementation. The same report also recalls that, following the informal Council of Noordwijk, the Commission undertook a series of internal consultations of its departments, as a result of which it was concluded that it should be possible to set up permanent mechanisms for the monitoring, assessment and coordination of the regional effects of the various fields of Community activity.

Can the Council state its position on the way in which this mandate has been taken into account in the proposals for reform of the Structural Funds adopted by the Commission on 18 March 1998?

Reply

(19 October 1998)

As the Commission proposals on reform of the Structural Funds are currently under discussion, the Council is unable at present to assess their content.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2588/98

by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Unpublished declarations to minutes of Council meetings

Are there any declarations to the minutes of Council meetings that were not published in 1997 and 1998 and, if so, how many and on what subjects?

Reply

(9 November 1998)

1. In 1997, 361 statements for the minutes of Council meetings at which legislative acts were adopted were published.

However, on 20 January 1997 when the Council adopted Directive 97/3/EC amending Directive 77/93/EEC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community(1), one statement was not published.

2. In the first six months of 1998, 170 statements for the minutes of Council meetings at which legislative acts were adopted were published.

However, on 23 March 1998 when the Council adopted:

- a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the Community of the Convention on Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, one statement was not published;

- a Council Decision on the conclusion by the European Community of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution on further reductions of sulphur emissions, two statements were not published.

As the Honourable Member can see, 99,72 % of statements were published in 1997 and 98,24 % in the first half of 1998.

(1) OJ L 27, 30.1.1997, p. 30.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2806/98

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 September 1998)

Subject: The Misteri d'Elx

The city of Elx (Elche) is seeking to have Unesco include one of its secular traditions, the staging of the Misteri o Festa d'Elx (Mystery Play or Feast of Elche), on its World Heritage List. The origins of the Festa date back to the late 14th century, since when it has been staged on 14 and 15 August each year to commemorate the Feast of the Assumption. The writer Joan Fuster spoke of the Festa as a vibrant popular feast drawn entirely from scholarly tradition which, together with the joyful piety of the local inhabitants, one of the most telling signs of a resilient culture, and the remnants of ancient liturgies blended into everyday working life, is enveloped in the security, both ambiguous and eloquent, provided by the great episodes in community life.

Does the Commission intend to support this initiative to gain recognition for a valuable part of European culture dating back centuries, in accordance with the provisions of Article 128 of the Treaty on European Union?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(20 October 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to his oral question H-865/98 during question time at Parliament's October 1998 part-session(1).

(1) Debates of the Parliament (October 1998).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2949/98

by Ludivina García Arias (PSE) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Delays in the recognition of higher-education diplomas

Does the Commission not think that, if the Member States are unaccountably delaying the recognition of higher-education diplomas for periods of over a year, they are in effect restricting the professional recognition of qualifications as regulated by Directive 89/48/EEC(1) and therefore limiting people's freedom of establishment within the European Union? If this is the case, does the Commission not believe that the recognition or validation of qualifications gained at higher-education establishments in the EU should also be covered by Community law?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question E-529/98(2).

(1) OJ L 19, 24.1.1989, p. 16.

(2) OJ C 402, 22.12.1998, p. 14.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2788/98

by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Commission

(9 September 1998)

Subject: Misleading tourist advertising

The public is inundated with tourist brochures that claim to promote idyllic resorts or islands in the Mediterranean, using photographs suggesting an unspoiled and virtually undeveloped natural habitat, which can easily mislead. The reality is another matter altogether, with mushrooming apartments and hotels, piles of rubbish, sound pollution, water shortages, deficient infrastructures, etc.

1. What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure awareness and observation of Directive 84/450/EEC(1)?

2. Has the Commission any plans to make it compulsory for advertising material for tourist accommodation to give an accurate picture of the actually existing environmental condition of the location concerned?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(9 October 1998)

All the Member States have transposed into their national legislation Council Directive 84/450/EEC of 10 September 1984 relating to the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning misleading advertising.

The Community legislation applies to all areas, including tourism and the environment.

Article 4 of the Directive provides that all the Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist for the control of misleading advertising. The Commission is of the opinion that the means and procedures implemented by the Member States make it possible to take effective action against specific cases of misleading advertising.

(1) OJ L 250, 19.9.1984, p. 17.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2364/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(27 July 1998)

Subject: Improved forestry protection and fire fighting resources in Greece

Recent fires in Greece have revealed that the country is disastrously ill-equipped, lacking in modern forestry protection and fire-fighting resources. In particular, its airborne firefighting fleet is inadequate and outdated, with the result that fires cannot be rapidly and effectively extinguished and vast areas of forest land are destroyed, with incalculable consequences for the development of the country.

1. Has the Greek Government requested funding for the purchase of firefighting aircraft, and helicopters and other logistical and infrastructural resources as part of the measures to protect the physical environment provided for under the 1994-1999 Community Support Framework (second Delors package)?

2. Can the Commission provide funding for this purpose?

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

(9 October 1998)

The Community has already part-financed firefighting equipment intended for the fire services in Greece, in particular under the integrated Mediterranean programmes, the Community Support Framework (CSF) for the period 1989-1993, the special measures for the Greek Aegean islands, the CSF for the current period (1994-1999) and the Cohesion Fund. The equipment consisted mostly of purpose-built land vehicles.

The Greek authorities have not submitted a request to the Commission for the purchase of aerial firefighting equipment under the current CSF. If such a proposal were to be made, the Commission would consider it in the context of the programmes under that CSF, in relation to other priorities and available budget funds. The Commission would point out, however, that part-financing this type of investment would have no sense unless it were part of an integrated and coherent measure which took account of the Greek forest fire protection plan, on which it delivered a favourable opinion on 7 March 1994, under Regulation (EEC) 2158/92(1).

(1) OJ L 217, 31.7.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2116/98

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: EU wine subsidies

How does the Commission justify increased subsidies for EU wine producers in the context of its consistent opposition to state aid for airlines, steel, textiles, etc? Is wine a special case deserving protection from competition?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-2113/98, E-2115/98 and E-2116/98 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

The Honourable Member puts three questions concerning Community expenditure under the common organisation of the market in wine. She should refer to a table indicating expenditure in the wine sector from 1989 to 1998 and to the financial statement accompanying the new reform proposal for the common organisation of the market for the period 2001 to 2005, which are being sent to her directly as well as to Parliament's Secretariat.

The proposal for reform of the wine sector (submitted to the Council on agriculture of 20 July 1998) envisages an increase in expenditure in relation to the average for recent years. This increase is due basically to the introduction of restructuring measures financed by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) Guarantee Section under the market organisation. Restructuring was previously financed by the EAGGF Guidance Section.

The proposed restructuring is in the Commission's view essential for the long-term balance of the sector. It involves producers whose production is not sufficiently adapted to the market. The aim of restructuring is primarily qualitative. It is believed that the better quality thus achieved will be accompanied by a limitation of yields and therefore of wine production and, moreover, will help to halt or even reverse the fall in consumption which is the principal cause of the difficulties in the sector. If the process of adjustment to the new market situation succeeds, it is obvious that in the long term expenditure can only be influenced favourably.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2569/98 by Graham WATSON to the Council. Human rights in Indonesia



Official Journal C 096 , 08/04/1999 P. 0115



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2569/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Council (1 September 1998) Subject: Human rights in Indonesia Following numerous human rights violations by Indonesian troops during the pro-democracy demonstrations held in Irian in May, June and July of this year, what action does the Council intend to take to ensure that human rights are respected in the region? Joint answer to Written Questions E-2555/98 and E-2569/98 (3 November 1998) The Council is aware of the disturbances which have occurred in Irian Jaya in July 1998. Regarding these particular incidents, it has already been conveyed to the Indonesian authorities that the European Union expected that utmost restraint would be exercised and that new force would not be used. Furthermore the EU has welcomed the announced investigation of the incidents in Irian Jaya and expressed hopes for an early release of arrested persons.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2476/98

by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Pirate production in the music industry

1. Is the Council aware of the difficulties encountered by the music industry as a consequence of pirate production through the Internet, which is depriving the industry of income estimated at some ECU 4,5 billion worldwide?

2. Is the Council aware that existing copyright legislation is much too weak to deal adequately with the problem of illegal copying of sound recordings?

3. What action is the Council prepared to take in the short term to put a stop to unlawful copying practices in the music industry?

4. Will the Council instruct the Commission to put pressure on countries in Central and Eastern Europe to take legal action against pirate producers?

Reply

(3 November 1998)

The Council is aware of the problems resulting from piracy in the music industry, including through the Internet.

With regard to the adaptation of copyright legislation in the Community to take account of the new digital environment, the Council has begun its examination of the Commission's proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the Information Society, and looks forward to receiving the European Parliament's Opinion at first reading on this proposal in the near future.

As far as music piracy in Central and Eastern European countries is concerned, the Council would point out that under the terms of the Europe Agreement, countries of Central and Eastern Europe with which such an Agreement has been concluded are obliged to improve the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights in order to provide for a level of protection similar to that existing in the Community, including comparable means of enforcing such rights. The Council is satisfied that the Commission is making every effort to ensure adequate protection of intellectual property rights by Central and Eastern European countries. The Council notes that the primary objective of the Europe Agreement and the enhanced pre-accession strategy is to ensure that countries which have applied for membership of the European Union arrive at a position in which they have adopted in full, and can implement effectively in all areas, the Community "acquis", including intellectual property rights.