ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3539/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Walkers' access in Majorca

Is the Commission aware of landowners closing traditional walkers' routes in Majorca?

If, as is reported, development using EU funds gives rise to these closures, would the Commission consider using its influence to ensure that improved access for road traffic does not lead to closure of access to footpaths?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1997)

The development programme for rural areas of the Balearic Islands under Objective 5(b) of the reform of the Structural Funds includes Community part-finance for regional assistance to restore typical stone walls around agricultural holdings. This measure to develop historical and cultural assets is intended to promote quality tourism in inland rural areas.

The regional authorities in the Balearic Islands responsible for granting this assistance are required to ensure compliance with legal and administrative provisions and with the purpose of the measure: the promotion of rural tourism, which has been found to benefit substantially from the existence of paths for walkers.

The Commission will raise this problem at the next meeting of the programme Monitoring Committee in order to bring to the notice of the regional authorities any undesirable effects of the kind referred to by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3001/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Irregularities in the tendering procedures for the construction of the eastern section of the Rome by-pass and the subway under the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

According to recent press reports the Commission has cancelled the contract for the construction of the new eastern section of the Rome by-pass, which had already been awarded to the State Railways by the City Council for a sum of LIT 7 billion. The apparent reason for all this was the failure on the part of the Rome city authorities to comply with the procedure laid down in European legislation on public contracts, which now means that the call to tender must be repeated.

In the same press report similar doubts are voiced about the contracts for the Castel Sant'Angelo subway, although the Commission, in its answer to Written Question E-1270/97 ((OJ C 373, 9.12.1997, p. 97.)) of 21 March 1997, stated that it was not aware of any infringements of Community regulations as regards public contracts for the project in question.

In view of all this, can the Commission say:

1. whether it can confirm the report that the tendering procedure for the new eastern by-pass has been cancelled;

2. if it has, what the reasons for this decision were and how it was adopted;

3. whether, as regards the Castel Sant'Angelo subway, it can confirm its previous answer and thereby deny the rumours published in the Italian press?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1997)

1. and 2. The Commission does not have the power to cancel decisions taken by national authorities. After receiving a complaint concerning the project for the new eastern section of the Rome bypass, it asked the Italian authorities for information on the procedure followed for awarding the contract. The Italian authorities replied that, together with FS (Ferrovie dello Stato) SpA, they were looking into possible new ways of continuing the project and eventually completing the work.

3. The Commission can confirm that it has received no complaints concerning the awarding of the contract for the Castel Sant'Angelo subway project. The Honourable Member is asked to send the Commission any information she may have on this procedure.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3576/97 by Franco Malerba (UPE) to the Commission (4 November 1997)

Subject: Energy, research and technology cooperation with the Third Mediterranean Countries: the enlargement Femirc network

Since their creation in 1992, the Innovation Relay Centres (IRC) have successfully developed into a strategic European organization for transfer of new technology and innovation between European firms.

This success has been acknowledged in the framework for cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs) and similar new centres - Fellow Member Innovation Relay Centres (Femirc) - have been created in the CEECs to assist locally their enterprises and twinning actions between Femircs and European IRCs have been instrumental to speed up the learning process of the new Femirc organization.

With regard to the Mediterranean Cooperation policy and the MEDA programme, the Commission will have to put in place cooperation and technology transfer actions in areas such as water quality and management, renewable energies, agriculture and environmental preservation, transport and telecommunications systems.

To this end it is apparent that the Commission needs to put in place a strong dedicated organization to support and manage the MEDA projects.

We ask the Commission:

1. If and how they will consider the enlargement of the IRC network to the TMC Mediterranean countries,

2. If they will consider implementing a joint Task Force between DG XII (Innovation) and DG IB in order to rapidly implement the new Femirc organization.

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

The IRC network is not open to the 12 Mediterranean partners and there are no plans at this stage to give them access.

The Commission might envisage extending the network to certain non-Community countries depending on the outcome of the evaluation of projects carried out in the pilot phase under way, and in the light of decisions on the future fifth framework research and technological development programme.

Under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, technological innovation and technology transfer are covered by two types of scheme. Firstly, support for the development of the private sector as part of the MEDA national indicative programmes involves setting up business centres aimed at improving productivity and technologies in the countries concerned.

In addition, regional cooperation aimed at transferring know-how and experience is being developed, notably in the energy sector through the Euro-Mediterranean energy forum and in the water sector through know-how information systems.

A Euro-Mediterranean meeting on technological hubs is due to take place in the first quarter of 1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2896/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Proposal for a Council regulation on denominations and technical specifications of euro coins

After having formally transmitted the above proposal (COM(97) 0247 ((OJ C 208, 9.7.1997, p. 5. )) to both the Parliament and the Council, it appears that the Commission has decided to consult the Scientific Committee for Toxicity and Eco-Toxicity of Chemical Compounds regarding the health implications of the proposal to use a nickel alloy in the 1 and 2 euro coins. It also appears that the Commission is financing further research in this area.

Given the fact that the Commission was aware of the health concerns expressed by both the ETUC and consumer organizations, what was the scientific justification for its original decision?

Does the Commission feel that its failure to consult the scientific committee before reaching agreement is compatible with the new Amsterdam commitment to ensuring 'a high level of human health protection ... in the definition ... of all Community policies and activities'?

If the new research and the scientific opinion echoes the concerns already expressed about the health consequences of using a nickel alloy in the 1 and 2 euro coins, does the Commission intend to modify the existing proposal?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2896/97 and E-2897/97 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1997)

When adopting the proposal, the Commission announced it would be revised in the light of the work of the scientific committee for the toxicity and ecotoxicity of chemical compounds on the risk arising from manipulating coins containing nickel.

The committee has now released its preliminary report which states that there is no evidence to suggest that current coinage is associated with the onset of sensitivity to nickel. On the basis of the very limited information available, the committee has concluded that a very few cases of allergies to nickel affecting either the general public or workers handling coins in a professional capacity, may have been caused by the release of nickel from coins in circulation. In the committee's opinion, it is unlikely that the new coins, even with a similar nickel release rate, would cause a greater risk.

The committee is now carrying out scientific tests to assess the nickel release rate of the new coins. The results of these tests should be available in the next few weeks.

However, regardless the results of these investigations, the Commission, decided, in its proposal, to minimise the nickel content of the new coins by using, when available, nickel-free alloys satisfying technical and security requirements, thereby reducing the overall nickel content in coins from the current 75% to 8%.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3293/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (V) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Market access for least developed countries

How does the Commission intend to implement the Council decision which provides for least developed countries to have parity with the ACP countries? What will be the difficulties in implementing the decision? Do any practical proposals on this subject exist?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3292/97 and E-3293/97 given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

The Council asked the Commission in June this year to table proposals on equivalent treatment of all the least-advanced countries by 1 January1998. The Commission is working on those proposals, taking account of the Community's obligations under the Lomé Convention and the provisions of the generalised scheme of preferences. Given the structural differences between the trade arrangements that the Community has with the least-advanced countries party to the Lomé Convention and with the least-advanced countries which are not parties thereto but beneficiaries of the GSP, a number of technical difficulties do exist and solutions to them are being sought. As soon as they have been found, a proposal will be put before the Council as quickly as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3792/97 by Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (26 November 1997)

Subject: Police action at the demonstration in favour of employment on 20/11/97 in Luxembourg

Police units visited the headquarters of the UGT, CC. OO. and CSIF trade unions in Etremadura on 5 November 1997, demanding information about persons intending to take part in the demonstration which the European Trade Union Confederation has called for 20 November 1997 in Luxembourg.

The Spanish Police Directorate-General said that these visits had been carried out at the request of the EU Office for Coordinating Police Services regarding the gathering of information on the breakdown of those taking part in the demonstration, the routes they would be following, means of transport and accommodation in Luxembourg.

What is the legal basis of this action? Does the Council believe that these actions are compatible with respect for fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of expression and the freedom to demonstrate?

Answer (12 February 1998)

The maintenance of public order in the territory of the Member States of the European Union is the exclusive responsibility of the authorities in each Member State. The Council is not authorized to comment on questions which lie outside the powers conferred on it by the Treaties.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3584/97 by Ilona Graenitz (PSE) to the Commission (6 November 1997)

Subject: Slaughter premium

The Council of Ministers of Agriculture, meeting in Luxembourg, agreed to extend the slaughter premium for young calves up to the age of three weeks until the beginning of December 1998, despite ethical reservations on the part of Germany, Austria, Denmark and Sweden.

What is the Commission's view regarding this premium?

Is the slaughter premium, which has resulted in many calves being transported from Germany to France, compatible with the Directive on the transport of live animals?

Does the Commission see any possibility of prohibiting the transport of such calves, which is done in order to collect the premium?

What measures are under consideration as an alternative to the slaughter premium?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (15 December 1997)

The Council agreed on the introduction of the calf processing premium as part of the reform of the beef market organisation in 1992, to help control the surpluses that threatened to accumulate in the beef sector. However, the measure was only activated, for a transitional period of two years, when the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) problem emerged in March 1996. On an already saturated beef market these calves will not unfortunately find buyers. The Commission does not believe that fattening these calves and building up beef mountains, for which the taxpayer is then asked to pay, is a realistic alternative.

The calf processing premium is fully compatible with Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, as amended by Directive 95/29/EC, OJ L 148, 30.6.1995. )) if the transport of the animals is done in accordance with the provisions of the Directive.

The Commission has examined in depth the possibility of stopping the transport of these calves and the conclusion is that such a measure would encounter serious objections under the concept of free movement of goods if all the Community provisions regarding the transport of animals are respected.

When Member States agreed in October 1996 to measures to redress the beef balance, an early marketing premium was introduced which was designed to reduce red meat production by encouraging veal producers to reduce the final weight of calves used for veal production while at the same time increasing the actual number of calves used. Each Member State can choose to apply either the calf processing or the early marketing premium.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3614/97 by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) to the Commission (6 November 1997)

Subject: Environmental impact evaluation in connection with the implementation of structural assistance in the Land of Brandenburg

1. Is the Commission aware that, in the Land of Brandenburg, the requirements concerning the evaluation of the environmental impact listed in relation to Objective 1 in Article 8(4), third indent of the Structural Fund

Regulation No 2081/93 ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 5. )) are interpreted so that it is sufficient, when ERDF funds are allocated, for the environmental impact to be checked by the Land investment bank, which fills in the notifications of assistance?

2. If so, does the Commission consider that the procedure applied in the Land of Brandenburg adequately fulfils the provisions of the Regulation to the effect that arrangements be made to associate the competent environmental authorities?

3. Does the Commission consider that the Brandenburg Land investment bank is sufficiently qualified to make a proper expert assessment of the environmental impact of projects?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997)

According to information supplied to the Commission by the Brandenburg Ministry of economics, which is responsible for the management in Brandenburg of European regional development fund (ERDF) funding, the Investment bank (Landes-investitionsbank - ILB) is not responsible for the evaluation of the environmental impact of ERDF cofunded actions.

This function is in fact carried out by the Land environmental authorities. In the case of large projects (those with a total eligible cost over 15 or 25 MECU as the case may be), the written agreement of the Regional department of environment (Landesumweltamt) is required befor ERDF support can be given. In the case of smaller projects the ILB may only approve project payments on the basis of prior written approval by the environmental authorities (Landesumweltamt, Bauamt).
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3666/97 by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (10 November 1997)

Subject: Commissioner Franz Fischler's visit to Portugal

On 3 November 1997, Commissioner Franz Fischler visited Portugal to participate in meetings with representatives of the various national associations representing the agricultural sector.

During his visit, the Commissioner held meetings with the Prime Minister (Secretary-General of the Socialist Party) and with the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party; Commission President Jacques Santer, visiting Portugal on 7 October 1997, likewise held meetings only with the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party.

I imagine that the Commission knows that five political parties occupy seats in the Portuguese Parliament, and that representatives of four of the five parties sit in the European Parliament. The attitude to the full spectrum of Portuguese political life adopted by various Commission representatives visiting Portugal begins, therefore, to look very odd, not to say discretionary.

How does the Commission justify this attitude? Does the Commission intend to make immediate changes to this manner of proceeding whenever one of its current Members visits Portugal or not?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1997)

The members of the Commission take pleasure in meeting a wide range of people, but are not able to meet all political parties on the occasion of all their journeys, in particular in the absence of any request.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2908/97 by Kenneth Collins (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Portugal - VAT discrimination

In its response given on 7 December 1994 to Question E-2086/94 ((OJ C 75, 27.3.1995, p. 17. )) concerning Portugal's application of VAT within the alcoholic beverage sector, the Commission advised that it is currently examining the question with a view to taking the appropriate decision.

Will the Commission say whether it took such a decision and whether steps have since been taken to bring Portugal's VAT rate in line to at least the 12% minimum required since 1 January 1993 or to the 17% rate which applies to all other alcoholic drinks?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1997)

The Community VAT legislation governing the taxation of alcoholic beverages is still the same as described in the Reply to the Honourable Member's question E-2086/94. At present, alcoholic drinks are generally taxed at the standard rate of 17% in Portugal. However, Portugal continues to tax wine at the reduced rate of 5% which in the Commission's view is a breach of the above Community legislation. An appropriate infringement procedure is currently under way.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3760/97 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (21 November 1997)

Subject: Psychological aspects of unemployment - EU funding of research

Under existing provisions, direct European funding for employment initiatives cannot be used for health-related (mental or physical) schemes. This precludes EU funding of research into the psychological aspects of unemployment, and specifically of how the long-term unemployed can be helped to cope with the transition back into the workplace.

As the long-term unemployed make up a disproportionately high number of those out of work across the EU, it seems that this is one area in which research could usefully be conducted with EU funding.

What are the guidelines for determining eligibility for European funding of employment initiatives, how are these arrived at, and will the Commission undertake to review them in the light of this clear omission?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1997)

It is true that in the past, it has been difficult to fund research on this area from the budget line dealing with labour market analysis and policy (B3-4010). However, the heads of state and government agreed in Luxembourg in November 1997 that Member States should adopt preventive and employability-oriented strategies built on early identification and early action. This has been strongly supported by the Parliament in its report on the employment guidelines and the Commission expects that employment guidelines will now be adopted before the end of the year. To the extent that it reflects this policy strategy, it could be expected that the commentary on this budget line would be suffiently flexible to allow for the funding of research into the psychological aspects of unemployment, which clearly come under the heading of employability.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3294/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (V) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: EU trade policy

Which of the topics referred to in the Commission's report on trade policy are to be discussed in the framework of the WTO in Geneva? Has the Commission made an assessment of the question of how much its trade policy contributes to job creation and guarantees equality of opportunity also for unskilled workers and women?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

A wide range of trade policy topics are discussed in the framework of the World trade organisation (WTO) in Geneva. Most of the agreements negotiated during the Uruguay Round contain revision clauses or expressly provide for further negotiations. These form the so-called built-in agenda.

The built-in agenda was added to by the WTO ministerial conference in December 1996. Ministers approved a plan of action for least developed countries and preliminary discussions on regional trade preferences, transparency of government procurement, facilitation of trade rules and procedures, trade and investment and trade and competition.

The Commission is firmly convinced that the Community established trade policy, as reflected in approval of the outcome of the Uruguay Round and subsequent ministerial decisions, contributes strongly to job creation within the Community. The Commission is also firmly committed to equality of opportunity for unskilled workers and

women. Within the Community, these issues are covered by existing Community legislation. In third countries, the Commission would look to the International labour organisation (ILO) to help ensure such equality. The WTO ministerial in Singapore in December 1996 agreed that the ILO was the competent body to set and deal with internationally recognised core labour standards. WTO ministers affirmed their support for the ILO's work in promoting those standards.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3554/97 by Petrus Cornelissen (PPE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Tourist tax

Concern has arisen in the Netherlands tourism sector over the growing number of local authorities that wish to introduce or increase tourist taxes to compensate for revenue shortfalls.

1. Can the Commission state whether higher local-authority tourist taxes are compatible with a policy aimed at strengthening the competitive position of the tourism industry in the EU and promoting the level playing-field considered desirable on the market in that industry?

2. Does the Commission see a task for it to accomplish in this connection?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1997)

The Commission is aware of the importance of a favourable business environment for tourism and the need for competitiveness. Taxation at whatever level is an important factor in that context. While increasing local tourist taxes could normally be expected to have some impact on the competitiveness of tourism, the objectives of the increases and the utilisation of the corresponding revenue are factors to be taken into account in assessing the impact locally.

While local taxes do not fall within the Commission's competence, it will continue to draw attention to the need to promote an environment favourable to the creation of greater competitiveness in European tourism.