ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4043/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Release of Cuban dissidents

Has the Commission made representations of any kind to the Cuban authorities to secure the release from prison of Cuban citizens Marta Beatriz Roque, René Gómez, Vladimiro Roca and Rélix Bonne, who have been imprisoned merely for joining groups of internal political dissidents in Cuba?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1998)

The European Union made two official representations in July 1997, through the Presidency's representative in Havana, to request the release of the four dissidents mentioned by the Honourable Member. These representations were supported by the Commission and made on its behalf under the Union's common foreign and security policy.

In recent communications with the Cuban authorities, the Commission representatives made it clear that release of the four dissidents and, more generally, a change in the authorities' repressive attitude towards fundamental rights of expression and association are essential if the Union is to consider stepping up its cooperation with Cuba.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3948/97 by Johannes Swoboda (PSE) to the Council (15 December 1997)

Subject: Initiative to resolve the Kosovo question

France and Germany have launched an initiative to resolve the Kosovo question.

To what extent has this initiative been coordinated with the Council, and what are the initial reactions of the various parties involved to this initiative?

Answer (7 April 1998)

1. France and Germany informed the Council of their initiative, including the letter they sent to President Milosevic, following consultation with the other members of the European Union and the Contact Group. In their letter, they made it clear that their initiative should be seen in the context of finding a solution to the problems in Kosovo and ending the international isolation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, both in the interest of stability for the region and for Europe. Unfortunately, as with so many other initiatives by the international community, theirs seems to have fallen on deaf ears for the time being.

2. The Council, for its part, is keeping close track of the situation in Kosovo. Its President made a statement on the subject to the European Parliament at its plenary session on 11 March 1998 and will keep the appropriate fora of the Parliament informed of developments.

3. The Council recently adopted a series of measures designed to put pressure on Belgrade to find a peaceful settlement to the Kosovo problem. These comprise an arms embargo, a refusal to supply equipment that might be used for internal repression or terrorism, a moratorium on export credit and a ban on visas for a list of Serbian officials identified as having clear security responsibilities in Kosovo.

This decision, taken following discussion among Foreign Ministers on 13 March 1998, underlines the seriousness with which the European Union takes recent developments in Kosovo. The European Union intends to maintain the pressure on the Belgrade authorities to launch a meaningful dialogue without preconditions. We expect both them and the Kosovar Albanian leadership to shoulder their responsibilities - the interests of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including Kosovo, and the stability of the region depend upon it.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3245/97 by Rijk van Dam (I-EDN), Frits Castricum (PSE) and Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Guidelines for state aid to ports

In its communication, 'The Development of Short Sea Shipping in Europe: Prospects and Challenges', of 5 July 1995, the Commission envisages 'the establishment of guidelines on how to apply the State aid provisions of the Treaty to the port sector'.

1. Two years on from the publication of the communication, can the Commission say when it will be presenting the guidelines on State aid to ports?

2. How does the Commission check whether the Member States' State aid to ports accords with the provisions of the Treaty?

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

1. The Commission's recent green paper ((COM(97) 678 final. )) on ports and maritime infrastructure, which will address a number of issues relevant to the port sector with emphasis on public financing of infrastructure and state aid. The issuing of state aid guidelines for the port sector will, to a large extent, depend on the outcome of discussions with the other Community institutions, Member States, Parliament and other interested parties following the publication of the green paper.

2. The examination of state aid to ports at present depends largely on the type and purpose of the aid, which may vary from social aid to financial support for infrastructure. As regards the latter, the Commission has always taken the view that public investment in infrastructure does not generally constitute aid within the meaning of Article 92 of the EC Treaty, as long as the infrastructure remains open to all users in the public interest on the basis of normal non-discriminatory access. Public financing of superstructure on the other hand, the use of which is limited to certain companies, would normally fall under Article 92 of the EC Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4007/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Promotion campaign for EU slate production

The production of slate in the EU is, in general, far from adequately promoted. The reputation of the product, as sanctified by tradition, derives from its excellent qualities as a roofing material. However, it is scarcely recognized as a building material in those countries where it has not traditionally been used. As a result, many architects and builders are unaware of the technical characteristics of slate and do not know how to put it in place, how long it will last or what purposes it serves; it thus has the general image of an expensive product suitable only for historic buildings or luxury constructions. The slate produced in the EU lacks a profile to differentiate it from the products of third countries, and there is insufficient awareness in society at large of the importance of the industry.

In view of the above, does the Commission not consider that the EU must establish guidelines for the promotion of slate production in the EU?

Has the Commission adopted, or does it intend to adopt, any measures to promote and publicize the EU's slate production?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4006/97, E-4007/97 and E-4010/97 given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1998)

In its report to the Council on the implementation of the Council conclusions of 18 November 1993 on the non-energy extractive industry ((SEC(96) 852. )) the Commission established that, as such, Community law only occupies a subsidiary position in the set of problems concerning environmental costs as compared with national or sub-national regulations. Although it does not rule out any regional appeal of that sector and the availability to it of structural funds, the Commission does not have any financial instruments to hand in order to compensate for those costs.

The Commission does not have any means available for directly promoting slate products and feels that this is primarily a job for the trade associations. It would, however, point out that vocational training activities shared with other parts of the building trade, or indeed research, could help to achieve that aim.

The implementation of Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products ((OJ L 40, 11.2.1089. )) in which this area is involved via standardisation activities, is likely to have a favourable effect on the products' image and on the international competitiveness of Community producers. Indeed, after the Standing Committee on Construction had delivered a positive opinion the Commission, on 20 November 1997, adopted a decision (97/808/EEC) on the conformity certification of such products where these were members of the 'flooring' product family ((OJ L 331, 3.12.1997. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4168/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Research funding in the EU for radiotherapy damage resulting from radiotherapy treatment, and 'best practice' in other EU countries

I recently received a letter in my constituency in the UK from an organization striving to improve access to information designed to alert women to all the possible side-effects, both short-term and long-term, of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

What research funding is available within the EU for research into radiotherapy damage resulting from radiotherapy treatment?

What research is being undertaken within the EU into radiotherapy damage resulting from radiotherapy treatment?

What is the 'best practice' approach taken in other EU countries with regard to radiotherapy treatment?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1998)

Research into the side-effects of radiotherapy is supported by the Community within research area 'cancer research' of the specific research programme 1994-1998 in the field of biomedecine and health - Biomed 2 ((OJ L 361, 31.12.1994. )). The indicative programme allocation for all cancer research is 33.5 MECU. The bulk of cancer research funding is made available on the level of Member States.

The Commission is supporting one research project dealing with tissue damage following radiotherapy under the Biomed 2 programme. The project, with a budget of 410,784 ECU, brings together 14 research groups in Europe to develop methods by which patients most at risk of radiotherapy complications can be identified. The main aim is the individualisation of dose prescription. Tissue and blood specimens are taken before treatment begins and subjected in the laboratory to a series of tests aimed at achieving the best possible prediction of normal-tissue tolerance to radiation therapy. This approach will improve patient management by reducing risk of damage while improving on the patient treatment. One of the aims of the project is to develop 'best practice' approach which could be applied in the participating centres.

Moreover, the Commission programme 'Europe against cancer' supported several studies on quality assurance and other measures to improve the standards of radiotherapy treatment in Europe. All these studies are conducted by the European society for therapeutic radiology and oncology (ESTRO) ((ESTRO, Av. E. Mounier 83, 1200 Brussels - Tel.: 02/775.93.40. )). In 1995, a quality assurance document in radiotherapy was published in the book 'Radiotherapy and oncology' ((Radiotherapy and oncology 35 (1995) 61-73 - Ed. Elsevier. )). At present ESTRO provides, with the support of the Commission, international training courses to raise the quality of education for radiotherapy in Europe.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3751/97 by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission (21 November 1997)

Subject: The Austrian ecopoint system

Is the Commission aware that there are problems with the introduction of the electronic ecopoint system in Austria, as a result of which Dutch hauliers will face difficulties next year because of a shortage of the old eco-vouchers?

Can the Commission say how it is kept abreast of developments in Austria's electronic ecopoint system?

If so, will the Commission take measures to reduce to a minimum the adverse impact of the Austrian system on Dutch hauliers, bearing in mind, inter alia, that the Dutch licensing authority (NIWO) is having to invest in a new computer system and it is anticipated that the Austrian ecopoint system will cease to exist on 1 January 2001?

Is the Commission aware whether and how the Member States of the European Union are kept informed of developments with regard to Austria's electronic ecopoint system?

If so, does the Commission know what reactions there have been in other EU Member States to the problems associated with the introduction of this electronic ecopoint system?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1998)

The Commission has been regularly kept informed by the responsible Austrian ministry - the Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Verkehr - about progress with the installation of the electronic ecopoint system. The latest information was given to the Commission on 10 November 1997 when the Austrian authorities confirmed that the new system would be fully operational, as scheduled, on 1 January 1998.

As far as the impact that the system will have on Dutch hauliers is concerned, the Honourable Member is reminded that the ecopoint system will only cease to exist on 1 January 2001 if the aim of the system - a 60 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by trucks transiting Austria - has already been achieved on a sustainable basis by that date. If this target is not achieved the system will continue until 31 December 2003.

The Commission would like to point out that no investments in new computer systems are required as a result of the electronic ecopoint system. The system has been designed in such a way that each Member State needs no more than a standard office personal computer and an Internet connection.

Member States have been kept informed of developments through the meetings of the Ecopoint Management Committee which has met on average 3-4 times per year.

Certain Member States have expressed concerns about switching from the bureaucratic and inadequate paper-based ecopoint system to a telematics-based electronic system. However, the Honourable Member is reminded that Member States voted unanimously in favour of this system when the issue was discussed in detail during the Austrian accession negotiations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3462/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (31 October 1997)

Subject: JRC in Ispra

There have been reports that a firm has been set up in England, with a branch office in the small town of Ranco, not far from the JRC in Ispra. The alleged purpose of this firm is to recruit staff who are then employed in various capacities at the JRC.

Are these worrying reports true?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (20 January 1998)

In the Lombardy region, and in particular the province of Varese, there has always been a close network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). If they meet the requirements, these companies may respond to invitations to tender launched by the Commission. Should these SMEs win the contract, they must carry out the work under their own responsibility and with their own staff.

It is true that a company having the geographical characteristics mentioned (set up in the United Kingdom with a branch in Ranco) exists. It must be noted that companies set up in other Member States and operating in the North of Italy are on the increase.

However, Contractual agreement exists with this or any other company for recruiting staff to take up posts with the JRC.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4218/97 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL), Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NGL) and Alonso Puerta (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Lack of information supplied to European Works Councils

Ericsson, a Swedish multinational, produces technology for the leading sector of the world economy - telecommunications. It has most of its resources in Europe, mainly in Sweden and its main market is the European Union itself.

This company has concluded agreements with two US companies whereby the latter are to take over totally the manufacture of Ericsson public communications equipment worldwide. This decision may have serious consequences for thousands of Europeans working for the Ericsson group and the implementation of the plan in Spain would mean the transfer of many workers to other companies. The operation does not ensure industrial stability or employment in the new company and, furthermore, endangers other jobs in auxiliary and service industries which now work for Ericsson in Spain.

In view of the fact that the European Works Council of Ericsson employees was neither informed nor consulted about this decision and the trade union representatives in each country received the news through unofficial channels after the decision had been implemented, can the Commission say:

1. whether it knows about this situation;

2. whether it knows that Ericsson's main world market is the EU and that after this policy is implemented there will be no coherence between the responsibilities that the multinational will have as regards maintaining jobs, generating business, etc., and the volume of profit which Europe brings it;

3. whether it considers that the abandonment of industrial activities by major companies will lead to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in a sector of great importance to workers in the EU who are not highly qualified;

4. whether it considers that Ericsson has infringed workers' right to be informed and consulted as laid down in Directive 94/45/EEC? Can it guarantee that Ericsson will comply with this Directive on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting workers?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4141/97 and E-4218/97 given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (25 February 1998)

No complaint or request for action has been made to the Commission by the interested parties concerning the facts described by the Honourable Members.

At present the Commission is carrying out a global evaluation of the transposition into national law of Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees. Infringements by firms of the rules laid down in this Directive must be assessed in the light of the national provisions transposing the Directive into national law. It is first and foremost for the national authorities to ensure compliance with these provisions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3541/97 by James Moorhouse (PPE) to the Council (14 November 1997)

Subject: Transexual citizens in the European Union

In the light of the Council of Europe Recommendation 1117 and the great disparity in the legal status and treatment of transexual European citizens in the various Member States, are there any plans to introduce proposals to improve civil rights for this group of disadvantaged and discriminated against citizens?

Is the Council aware of the extent of discrimination in employment, passport rights, rights in prison, rights concerning adoption and marriage and how these differences are having a serious detrimental effect on the well-being, economic prosperity and happiness of many European Union citizens?

Answer (17 March 1998)

The Council has taken note of the judgment of the Court of Justice on the interpretation of Directive 76/207 in the case of access to employment and working conditions for a transsexual ((Court Judgment of 30 April 1996, P v. S and Cornwall County Council, Case C-13/94, ECR p. I-2143. )).

The Council would inform the Honourable Member that it is not currently examining the issue of transsexual citizens of the European Union. Nor has it received any proposals on the matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3822/97 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (28 November 1997)

Subject: Sign language

There is a need for a common sign language to ensure that Europe's deaf and dumb citizens are able to communicate wherever they are in Europe. At present a different sign language is used in each country, which creates serious problems with regard to communication and to training people to work with the deaf and dumb.

What action does the Commission intend to take to solve this problem while taking into account both the Member States' respective cultural traditions and the need to facilitate communication with and between the deaf and dumb?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1998)

In 1995, the Parliament allocated the amount of 500 000 ecus for measures related to sign languages in the Community.

The Commission then took steps to ask the non-governmental organisation, the European Union of the deaf, to set up sign language projects in 1996 and 1997 which had to take into account the 1988 Resolution of the Parliament to help promote the right of deaf people to use sign language. The results of the 1996/1997 projects were examined at a special conference on sign languages, held in Brussels in September 1997. This conference aimed inter alia, at harnessing public support for deaf people to use their chosen medium, sign language, to participate on an equal basis in society. That is an aim which the Commission shares.

However, given that there are as many, or perhaps even more, sign languages than spoken languages in the Community and that deaf people are educated in the sign language of their region, which reflects that region's particular history and culture, there are no plans to propose a common sign language for the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3921/97 by Paul Lannoye (V) to the Commission (11 December 1997)

Subject: Contamination by Mancozeb

In October 1995 a store of 475 tonnes of Mancozeb (fungicide) caught fire in the garden of the EDF compound in Kigali.

Eleven months later (in September 1996) a team of experts under the auspices of the FAO examined the problem on site and recommended a certain number of urgent measures and solutions to neutralize this store and the contaminated land.

According to our information there has been no movement in the situation over the past months despite the urgency (Mancozeb, stored in poor conditions rapidly converts into ETU (ethylenethiourea) which is known to be carcinogenic). Tests carried out in France showed that the 85% of the Mancozeb had converted into ETU. An unspecified amount of ground around this store has already been contaminated by ETU, and also, very probably, sources of drinking water.

We understand that a sum of ECU 500 000 has been set aside in the budget to rehabilitate the site.

Can the Commission indicate what action it has taken over the past two years to deal with the problem?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about the risk to public health posed by the fire involving a consignment of Mancozeb for a food security project stored in an industrial area of Kigali, if the site is not quickly cleaned up.

When it learnt of the accident in September 1995 the Commission immediately ordered a report. Its conclusions were accepted by the Rwandan authorities and the Commission on 3 October 1995.

A further study was carried out with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) on the Commission's initiative following disagreement between the ministries concerned about how to clean up the site. The conclusions and recommendations were accepted by all sides and the clean-up operation began in July 1997 after the work had been put out to tender.

The Commission is closely monitoring the situation and will do its utmost with the Rwandan authorities' approval to use all available capacity on the ground to swiftly dispose of the waste.