ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2256/01

by Richard Balfe (NI) to the Council

(3 August 2001)

Subject: The return of the Aksum Obelisk to Ethiopia

Given that Article 37 of the Italian Peace Treaty, which became effective in September 1947, specified that Italy should return within 18 months all loot taken from Ethiopia, and given that the Italo-Ethiopian Agreement of 1997 laid down that the Aksum Obelisk, looted on Mussolini's personal orders in 1937 and erected in Rome to commemorate the March on Rome, would be returned during 1997, will the Council raise with the Italian Foreign Ministry the matter of the return of the Obelisk and ask it to indicate when the promised return can in fact be expected?

Could the Council also ask the Ministry to make a statement on the return of other articles looted from Ethiopia and, in particular, when the Ethiopian pre-war National Archives, currently incorporated in Italian state archives, and the pre-war Ethiopian aeroplane Tsehai, currently held in the Italian Aviation Museum, will be returned?

Reply

(17 December 2001)

The particular questions raised by the Honourable Member regarding the Aksum Obelisk and other Ethiopian cultural goods in Italy are outside the Community's sphere of competence and would be better dealt with bilaterally between the Ethiopian and Italian authorities.

However, the Council is aware of the importance of cultural issues in the context of cooperation between Africa and the European Union. Specific reference is made to the problem of restitution of cultural goods in the Cairo Plan of Action that emerged from the Africa-Europe Summit held in Cairo on 3 and 4 April 2000:

We pledge to accord importance to cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe as an integral aspect of development.

With regard to cultural goods stolen or exported illicitly, we have taken note of the concerns of African States and request senior officials of the bi-regional group to examine the legal and practical consequences of further action in this area and prepare a report for assessment at ministerial level in the framework of the follow-up mechanism, within reasonable time(1).

The issue of stolen or illicitly exported cultural goods in general was raised again at the mid-term EU-Africa Ministerial Conference in Brussels on 11 October 2001. The Conference forms part of the process initiated in Cairo in April 2000.

(1) 7678/00, point 125, page 15.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2587/01

by Juan Naranjo Escobar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 September 2001)

Subject: European information campaign on the European Code against Cancer

In this day and age individuals are taking increasingly active responsibility for their health but in order to do so they need information. Prevention and education are vital to enable diseases to be diagnosed early, but this cannot happen unless people know that the means are available. The European Code against Cancer adopted in 1988, for example, consists of 10 recommendations which, if observed, could reduce the incidence of the disease by 15 %, equivalent to thousands of human lives. A recent survey showed that out of a group of 600 people, only 9 % knew about the code and what was in it.

Does the Commission believe that in its European cancer prevention and education campaign, it should endeavour to bring such useful aids as the code to wider public notice, thereby helping to disseminate its 10 recommendations that could save so many human lives?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2001)

The Honourable Member supports the Commission's longstanding efforts to prevent cancer through information to the European citizen, known as the 10 commandments of the European Code against Cancer. Over the years, since its first publication in 1988, the European Code against Cancer has been widely promoted and disseminated by almost every Member State organisation involved in the fight against cancer.

For the prevention of cancer the source of the code is less important. It is however important that the preventive measures of the code are playing an active role in the life of European citizens. The European Code against Cancer is an important element of the overall strategy of the Community's action plans against cancer. In the area of health promotion for the European citizen through public information, the Community also supports two networks aiming at the reduction of smoking.

After a two year extension, in 2002, the third action plan to fight cancer will finally come to an end. Then the Commission will report to Parliament and Council on the outcome of all actions supported under the plan. It is envisaged that the 10 commandments of the European code will receive special attention regarding their public perception as well as their impact.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2413/01

by James Nicholson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 September 2001)

Subject: Repressive laws against Christians in Turkmenistan

Given the continuing persecution of Christians in Turkmenistan would the Commission indicate:

1. What representations have been made to the relevant authorities?

2. What assurances have been received that repressive laws will be repealed?

3. What action Turkmenistan proposes to take against its security officers who have been seizing private and church property?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2001)

The Commission is fully aware of deteriorating conditions of religious minorities including Christians, in Turkmenistan.

The Commission is worried about the lack of commitment of the Turkmen authorities to improve the situation. Turkmenistan does not apply freedom of religion as enshrined in the Turkmen constitution and accepted by the government of Turkmenistan in its international commitments, for example in the framework of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The Commission regularly raises this question with the Turkmen authorities through its bilateral meetings and it will continue to do so. In addition, the Union has made several demarches towards the Turkmen authorities on this subject, both on the spot in Ashgabat and in the framework of the OSCE permanent council in Vienna. However, it has never received any information about measures taken by the government of Turkmenistan against offenders, in particular security officers who have been guilty of seizing private and church properties.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2698/01

by Mario Mauro (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 October 2001)

Subject: Funding from Health and Consumer Protection DG

Will the Commission provide a list of the projects which, in 2000 and 2001, were submitted by the Italian Regions of Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta for financing from the funds administered by the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General, and the names of those which were subsequently approved?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2002)

Financial support from the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) can be obtained from the two activity areas health and consumer protection (in addition, DG SANCO also manages credits which mainly relate to compensations for animal disease eradication in the veterinary and phytosanitary area; Chapter B1-33 of the budget):

- first, financial support can be granted to organisations within the framework ofthe individual Public Health Programmes;

- second, in accordance with Articles 2b) and 2c) of Decision No 283/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 25 January 1999, establishing a general framework for Community activities in favour of consumers(1), SANCO also supports the projects and activities of consumer organisations and other appropriate bodies.

In both cases above, the financial support is only allocated in response to a call for proposals and following official procedures for submission and selection. The financing criteria are laid down in the individual legal bases. In selecting the projects to be funded, the Commission is assisted by several Programme Committees with representatives of the Member States.

Public Health

There are currently eight Public Health Programmes. A new Action Programme on Public Health is currently under discussion in the Parliament and the Council. When adopted, the current eight programmes will be repealed.

An annex containing information on the number of projects submitted in 2000 and 2001 from the Regions of Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta financed or to be financed is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat.

General information as well as information on projects financed up to 2000 under the eight individual Public Health programmes can also be found on DG SANCO's web pages(2)

Consumer Protection

Another annex containing information on the number of projects submitted and the projects financed in 2000 and 2001 from the Regions of Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta is also sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

General information as well as information on projects financed up to 2001 can also be found on DG SANCO's web pages(3)

(1) OJ L 34, 9.2.1999.

(2) http://europa. eu. int/comm/dgs/health_consumer/index_en. htm.

(3) http://europa. eu. int/comm/dgs/health_consumer/index_en. htm.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2892/01

by James Fitzsimons (UEN) to the Commission

(12 October 2001)

Subject: Imports of meat from Argentina

Can the Commission indicate the scale of meat imports from Argentina into the EU Member States in the last year?

Can it also indicate whether or not these imports are accompanied by medical and health certificates and the checks which are carried out on such imports?

Can it state, on the basis of its own information, whether and to what extent foot-and-mouth disease is present in Argentina? Should foot-and-mouth disease be present in Argentina, will it ban such imports?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2001)

According to data available (Eurostat), the amount of meat imported into Member States from Argentina in 2000 was 52 361 tonnes.

Meat exported from Argentina to the Community should fulfil certain animal health conditions, which have been laid down in Commission Decision 93/402/EEC of 10 June 1993 concerning animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from South American countries. These conditions include freedom from disease, de-boning and maturation of the meat.

The animal health certificate and a public health certificate as laid down in the annex to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat from third countries must be completed, signed and accompany the meat to the border inspection posts of the Community. These border inspection posts carry out import controls on consignments comprising 100 % documentary and identity checks; physical checks are also carried out on a percentage of these consignments.

The Argentinean authorities confirmed outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) on 23 April 2001 in Buenos Aires and suspended their export of meat from the whole country. Member States were immediately informed and Commission Decision 2001/276/EC of 4 April 2001 amending Decision 93/402/EEC(1) concerning animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from South American countries was taken to enforce this suspension.

(1) OJ L 95, 5.4.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2636/01

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(2 October 2001)

Subject: A European approach to trafficking in young footballers

In its answer to written question E-1712/01(1) by Max van den Berg on trafficking in young footballers, the Commission does not indicate, as requested, if it will investigate whether, and if so what, additional European measures are called for. The Commission refers mainly to Directive 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work, the new FIFA rules on players' agents and its recent agreements with FIFA, though it also points out that it does not have the authority to flesh out the detail of such framework agreements.

In a letter to the Netherlands parliament, the Netherlands Minister for Justice states that, although he considers Dutch legislation on the admission and employment of young players to be adequate for combating abusive conditions, the situation in the Netherlands could indeed be affected by different rules in other Member States, referring primarily to the possibility that footballers under the age of 18 could be parked in other Member States. He therefore considers that it would be a good thing if the Commission looked into the possibility of adopting a common European approach.

Does the Commission, in the light of the letter from the Netherlands Minister for Justice for instance, intend to investigate the prospects for a common approach to possible trafficking in young footballers?

(1) OJ C 364 E, 20.12.2001, p. 186.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2001)

The Commission has taken note of the additional information provided by the Honourable Member, who refers in particular to a letter from the Netherlands' Minister for Justice to the Dutch Parliament. The Commission feels that it is highly useful for the national authorities to take initiatives in the area of trafficking in young footballers and illustrate their commitment to putting an end to such practices.

As indicated in its reply to the Honourable Member's Written Question E-1712/01(1), the Commission believes that the national level continues to be the most appropriate level for action. The Commission does not therefore currently envisage a new Community initiative to prevent trafficking in young footballers.

The Commission also believes that Council Directive 94/33/EC of 22 June 1994 on the protection of young people at work plays a part in ensuring the protection of the young people concerned. The aim of this Directive is to prohibit child labour, to regulate and protect work by adolescents and in general to ensure that all employers guarantee that young people have working conditions suited to their age. Its main objective is therefore to improve young people's working conditions; instead of absolutely prohibiting child labour, it allows for the possibility of derogations for Member States.

(1) OJ C 364 E, 20.12.2001, p. 186.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2491/01

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 September 2001)

Subject: Radiation emissions from mobile telephones

Replying to my question No H-0012/2001(1) concerning radiation emissions from mobile telephones, the Commission stated among other things that in order to take account of all the latest scientific findings and ensure that the Council's recommendation is authoritative, the Scientific Coordinating Committee will deliver an informed opinion in June 2001. Can the Commission say what the conclusions of that opinion are? Has an initial European standard for safe exposure levels been established, as provided for, and what is that standard?

(1) Written answer of 13.2.2001.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2001)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it is not possible at present to indicate the conclusions of the Scientific Committee's opinion as it is now expected to be adopted on 30 October 2001 and will be published on the Internet (http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/sct/outcome_en.html

opinions) immediately thereafter.

As regards the question on safety standards, attention is drawn to the fact that a number of standards have to be developed, covering various classes of products. The standards for mobile phones are ready. European Standard (EN) 50360:2001 contains the safety limits, whereas EN 50361:2001 contains standardised testing methods. Other standards will be completed during the coming year and will cover other types of radio devices, including the global system for mobile communications (GSM) base stations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2612/01

by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission

(27 September 2001)

Subject: The EU institutions' own energy policy

Given the advances being made in energy-saving and renewable energy technologies, I am receiving increasing numbers of queries regarding the EU institutions' own energy policy.

1. How many vehicles do the individual EU institutions use? Is fuel consumption one of the selection criteria when they purchase vehicles? What are the energy consumption and CO2 balances for these vehicles?

2. If low-viscosity engine oils and fuel-saving tyres are used, savings of up to 5 % can be achieved, especially on long-distance trips. Are such factors already taken into account in relation to the institutions' vehicles? If not, does the Commission plan to introduce the use of low-viscosity engine oils and fuel-saving tyres for such vehicles?

3. Courses on fuel saving are run for professional drivers. Do the EU institutions' drivers ever attend such courses?

4. The use of biomass, solar thermal energy and fuel cells could make a considerable contribution to improving the CO2 balance. How much use do the EU institutions make of such technologies?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2001)

On questions relating to the vehicle fleet of the other Institutions the Honourable Member is advised to contact those Institutions directly.

1. As at 1 January 2001 the Commission's service vehicle fleet in Brussels numbered 105, including 2 trucks, 2 buses and 15 vans for mail transport. The average consumption of current vehicles is 15 liters per 100 kilometers.

Vehicle selection is based on new price/quality ratios and vehicles correspond to the most recent standards on emissions (EURO 3 and 4) as well as best practice on fuel consumption.

2. The tyres of Commission vehicles are changed every six months (depending on the season); this measure substantially reduces fuel consumption. Vehicles that are purchased are equipped with fuel-saving tyres.

3. The Commission's drivers receive regular and systematic professional driver training at an approved driving school, which includes a specific module on economically efficient driving.

4. In the context of its Green Housekeeping policy the Commission encourages recourse to alternative methods of transport (provision of service bicycles, promotion of bicycle use by adapting Commission car-parks, an agreement with the Brussels public transport authorities (STIB) for a route between Commission buildings and Zaventem national airport, purchase of electric vehicles intended for mainly urban use etc.).

5. To date, the Commission fleet does not include vehicles run on biomass, solar thermal energy or fuel cells. The Honourable Member will be aware that these technologies imply considerably higher surveillance and maintenance cost. Moreover, at least as far as Belgium is concerned, climatic conditions are not favourable for the use of solar thermal energy. However, the Commission has, for the purpose of movements between offices and other premises in Brussels, purchased four electric powered zero-emission vehicles and is planning to purchase another two.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3138/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 November 2001)

Subject: Ban on drift nets in the EU

Can the Commission confirm that drift-net fishing within the EU will be banned with effect from 1 January 2002?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 December 2001)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98 of 8 June 1998 amending Regulation (EC) No 894/97 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources(1) bans from 1 January 2002 those driftnets targeting certain species, including tunas, tuna-like fishes, swordfish, all cephalopods and some pelagic sharks.

As from 1 January 2002 the Commission will be taking the necessary steps to verify that Member States are adequately enforcing Community legislation banning the use of driftnets on highly migratory species. If this is not the case, the infringement procedures available to the Commission will be applied against the relevant Member State.

(1) OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/01

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 September 2001)

Subject: Environmental assault on the Los Tilos nature reserve (Gran Canaria, Spain)

The Los Tilos nature reserve was established by Law 12/1994 on Canarian open spaces. The fauna and flora consist of a laurel forest and indigenous plants and animals (more than fifty plants and a large number of invertebrates), some of which are endangered species.

In recent years, and using European funds, the water which irrigated the forest has been piped to enable it to be exploited intensively. At times private parties have appropriated public water resources.

In general, projects partly financed by the EU have to conform to Community environmental legislation.

This case raises the following questions:

- Has Directive 85/337/EEC(1) on environmental impact assessment been duly observed?

- Have the proper authorities been acting in accordance with Community nature conservation commitments and especially with the Water Framework Directive?

- Has Directive 92/43/EC(2), which classes the nature reserve as a priority habitat, been implemented correctly?

What steps can the Commission take to ensure, in the case referred to in this question, that Community law is enforced and Community funds are used to promote conservation of Los Tilos?

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.

(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2001)

The site Los Tilos de Moya, ES7010005, of an area of 83 hectares has been formally proposed by Spain as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) for the Natura 2000 Network, according to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (hereafter the Habitats Directive).

The site hosts representations of the following habitats of Community interest: Fields of lava and natural excavations (8320); Macaronesian laurel forest (9363) and Endemic macaronesian heaths.

Member States are advised to ensure that sites on their national list of proposed SCIs are not allowed to deteriorate before the Community list of SCIs is adopted.

Article 6,3 of the Habitats Directive states that: Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or project, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives.

The Commission has no information related to this project, that is why a letter will be sent to the Spanish Government requesting further information in relation to the project of canalisation within the site ES7010005.