ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0883/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (17 April 1996)

Subject: Opinion polls

In recent times in Greece a great many political opinion polls commissioned by political parties or newspapers have been carried out.

Remarkably, polls conducted over the same period of time produce completely contradictory findings, leaving the public in total confusion and bolstering belief in the need to maintain the two-party system.

1. Will the Commission say what legislation applies in this regard in the Member States of the EU?

2. Is there any European directive laying down how and when polls may be carried out and the conditions which must be fulfilled for the polling organization's findings to be considered valid?

3. If a polling organization is proved deliberately to have published false results, are the parties affected or individuals who consider themselves affected entitled to take their case to Parliament's Committee on Petitions or to the Court of Justice?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1996)

The matter in question does not come within its jurisdiction of the Commission which is unfortunately unable to supply the information requested.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0488/96 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (1 March 1996)

Subject: Application of the Maastricht criteria to the economies of Iberoamerica

The beneficial consequences to the economies of the Community Member States of striving to comply with the Maastricht convergence requirements, above all through economic rationalization, should not remain the preserve of the Community.

It is absolutely essential for the Iberoamerican economies to be restructured to ensure their optimum development. Moreover, they have special ties to the economy of the European Union. They should therefore be encouraged to take advantage of the Maastricht convergence criteria, by seeking to comply with these criteria, in view both of the intrinsic economic benefits and the general advantages of identifying themselves with the Community economy.

Does the Commission believe that it should help any Iberoamerican countries which so request by providing them with the technical assistance necessary to structure their economies in such a way as to enable them to adhere to the Maastricht convergence criteria, since this would help them considerably to balance their economies, following the example of Argentina, which already complies with the above convergence criteria?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (21 March 1996)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that it is essential to support Latin American efforts to promote economic reform and improve international competitiveness, two of the major challenges facing this subcontinent as the end of the century approaches.

The Commission also believes that inflation, public debt and exchange rate objectives are central to any macro-economic stabilization policy. However, such objectives and the means of achieving them have to be tailored to each country's specific situation, and if necessary fleshed out. The criteria defined in the Treaty on European Union are rules of sound economic management which are essential to the success of monetary union. They cannot be automatically transposed unchanged to other contexts.

Because the Commission places considerable emphasis on macro-economic stabilization policies, it will take care to ensure that any action it takes is not only compatible with the stabilization and structural reform programmes being undertaken in Latin America, in some cases under the auspices of the World Bank and IMF, but is also complementary to them.

The Commission is willing not only to give Latin American countries access to its instruments of cooperation but also to consider, on a case-by-case basis, any projects to promote economic reforms and monetary and exchange rate stability in Latin America in accordance with the general guidelines for cooperation between the European Union and Latin America for 1996-2000. ((COM(95) 495 final. ))
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0593/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Agricultural fertilizers

What provision exists at EU level to reduce the cadmium content of fertilizers; if there are none, are any such measures planned?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (11 April 1996)

Community legislation on fertilizers has no provisions concerning the cadmium content of these products. However, the transitional measures concerning the accession of the new Member States (Austria, Finland and Sweden), foresee the possibility of a revision of Directive 76/116/EEC ((OJ N° L 24, 30.1.1976. )) on fertilizers insofar as the cadmium content of fertilizers is concerned. Such a review would be carried out within a period of four years from the date of accession in accordance with Community procedures (by the 1st January of 1999).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0967/96 by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Bullfighting

Is the Commission aware of the deep concern of many people over bullfighting and that it is subsidized by EU funds?

Are there any plans to end the subsidizing of bullfighting?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-546/96 by Mrs Crawley ((OJ No C 185, 25.6.1996. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0660/96 by Martina Gredler (ELDR) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Anonymous bank transactions in France

Council Directive 91/308/EEC ((OJ L 166, 28.6.1991, p. 77. )) of 10 June 1991, on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering, states that in the Member States credit institutions shall 'require identification of their customers by means of supporting evidence'.

In France securities up to any value may be acquired for cash without producing any identification, by acquiring a certificate of deposit for cash.

Is this still possible in 1996?

If so, is it permissible under this directive?

If it is not, how long has the Commission known that the directive has been infringed?

What has the Commission done to ensure that the directive is complied with?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0660/96, E-0661/96, E-0662/96 and E-0663/96 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (12 April 1996)

Article 3(1) of Directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering requires Member States to oblige their credit and financial institutions to demand identification when a customer opens an account. Article 3(2) extends the identification requirement to other non-account holding customers when the proposed business involves an amount of ECU 15 000 or more in a single or series of linked transactions. As a result the Directive does not require the identification of casual customers transacting business of less than ECU 15 000, unless there is already a suspicion of money laundering (Article 3(6)).

The above mentioned provisions of the Directive have been implemented in national law by the Member States mentioned by the Honourable Member. The threshold is fixed in France at FF 50 000, in Italy at Lit 20 million, in Belgium at ECU 10 000, and in Germany at DM 20 000. The Commission has no evidence that these thresholds are not being respected.

Full details of the Member States' implementing legislation is to be found in the Commission report on the application of the money laundering Directive ((COM(95) 54 final, 3.3.1995. )), which is under consideration by Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0767/96 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (1 April 1996)

Subject: Single market - broadcasting quotas

Under a new French law 40% of songs broadcast on French radio must be in French. The Irish Government has introduced a similar 30% quota for Irish material. Meanwhile the Portuguese and Belgian Governments are considering introducing similar quotas.

Does the Commission see a need to take action in relation to the free movement of services in the European Community?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (26 April 1996)

The Commission is examining the French and Irish legislation to see whether it is compatible with Article 59 EC Treaty, since radio broadcasts are services within the meaning of the Treaty. In respect of the French legislation the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-380/96 by Mr Wilson ((OJ C 217, 26.7.1996, p. 31. )). The Commission will consider the need for action in view of the results of its evaluation of the legislation.

The Commission is aware that there is a law in Portugal concerning radio quotas. The Commission has been informed that this law is not enforced. The Commission has no information relating to the possible introduction of such legislation in Belgium.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0757/96 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (21 March 1996)

Subject: Three thousand human embryos to be 'junked' in the United Kingdom

Fertilized human eggs can be kept for up to five years under British law, and there are now some 9000 human embryos stored in hospitals in the United Kingdom.

In the case of at least 3000 of them, the parents can not be traced.

What does the Commission intend to do to save these 'unborn children', and what action does it intend to take to prevent similar situations arising in future?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 May 1996)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0754/96 by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) and Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Construction of the dam at Sela on the River Minho

Around 50 hydro-electric plants have already been built in the basin of the River Minho and a plan to build another at Sela, in Monção, northern Portugal, is being considered.

Environmentalist associations in Portugal and Galicia (Spain), a number of associations of wine-growers and fishermen and several local authorities have for some time been drawing attention to the adverse impact on the environment of such projects. Among those frequently cited are the destruction of habitats needed for the survival of migratory fish species which are both a source of income and rare in Portugal, such as lamprey and shad, and delicate climatic changes which are having a harmful effect on the cultivation of a high-grade wine - Alvarinho - a type which is unique in Portugal and for an increase in the production of which Community funds were recently made available.

Between April and September 1995 an environmental impact assessment was drawn up by organizations with an interest in the construction of the Sela dam (EDP in Portugal and FENOSA in Spain). Since this is a project which may well be supported by Community funds, it is important for a decision to be taken on carrying out the project only after a careful, impartial assessment has been made of the benefits and drawbacks.

Have the governments of the Iberian Peninsula, either individually or jointly, submitted an application for the construction of the Sela dam to be subsidised by the Structural Funds?

Is it acceptable for an environmental impact assessment to be drawn up by organizations with a direct interest in the construction of the dam? What methodology does the Commission believe would be more appropriate to ensure the impartiality of an environmental impact assessment?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1996)

No application for Community funding has been received for the project in question.

According to the information in the Commission's possession there are currently no implementation plans for the project i.e. the Spanish and Portuguese authorities have at this stage still not taken any decision on implementation.

Responsibility for the environmental impact assessment lies with the main customer. However, the environmental impact assessment itself is conducted by the environmental authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0452/96 by James Moorhouse (PPE) to the Commission (29 February 1996)

Subject: EU citizens' eligibility to vote in France

Why has the Commission apparently turned a blind eye to the failure of the French Government to implement Article 8b of the Maastricht Treaty as regards local government elections?

This Article stipulates that a European Union citizen residing in a Member State of which he is not a national, shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in the Member State in which he resides under the same conditions as nationals of that state.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (2 April 1996)

In accordance with the procedure provided in Article 169 of the EC Treaty the Commission has already drawn the attention of the French government to the need to implement in national law Directive 94/80/EC ((JO N° L 368, 31.12.1994 )) of 19 December 1994 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0581/96 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Taxation of European civil servants

Can the Commission give a list of its officials based in Brussels, broken down by income category?

Can it also break this list down by place of residence and nationality of the officials concerned?

How much do these officials pay to the Union in taxes? What compensation do local authorities in which EU officials live receive for the loss of tax income from these officials in respect of whom they nevertheless incur costs?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (22 April 1996)

A table giving the numbers of Commission officials and other staff employed under the Staff Regulations living in the nineteen districts making up the Region of Brussels Capital has been sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown by grade or an indication by district of the amount of Community tax paid by officials.

In 1995, the revenue from tax on remunerations, salaries and allowances of Members of the Institutions, officials, other staff and former staff in receipt of a pension, Members of the bodies of the European Investment Bank, the European Monetary Institute and the European Investment Fund, their staff and pensioners, was ECU 242 million. This revenue, collected from all the people concerned, is paid direct to the Community budget.

Under the second paragraph of Article 13 of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities, officials and other servants of the Communities are exempt from national taxes on salaries, wages and emoluments paid by the Communities. They are therefore also exempt from local taxes on these salaries, wages and emoluments (additional percentages).

On the other hand they are liable for other local taxes such as refuse collection, and the local authority's share of the rates or road tax.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0330/96 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Proposals for the Intergovernmental Conference - citizens' rights

In view of the problems faced in the Council surrounding the use of Article 235 as a legal base for social affairs programmes, does the Commission believe that it is necessary to propose that a new legal base for action in this area be included in the treaty, in its proposals for the IGC to be published in February, and what obstacles does the Commission foresee in achieving such a treaty change during the IGC process?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (29 April 1996)

The Commission's opinion on the Intergovernmental conference stresses the importance which it attaches to the European social model, the need to incorporate the Social protocol in the Treaty and clearer provisions concerning cooperation between Member States on matters of social policy such as the fight against marginalisation or against poverty.

The Commission will play an active role in the conference in presenting its view in line with its opinion and expects to find considerable support.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0228/96 by Konstadinos Klironomos (PSE) to the Commission (9 February 1996)

Subject: Establishment of a laboratory to coordinate fisheries research in the eastern Mediterranean

During the diplomatic conference on fisheries management in the Mediterranean which took place in Crete between 12 and 14 December 1994, a proposal was made to set up a laboratory in Crete with the specific purpose of coordinating fisheries research in the eastern Mediterranean. The establishment and operation of a Mediterranean research centre situated in the eastern Mediterranean would contribute to improving cooperation in fisheries matters between Mediterranean countries - both members and non-members of the European Union alike - and provide an opportunity for discussing the rational management of fish stocks, the development of fisheries activities and the processing of data; Crete is considered the best location for this purpose. The organization and operation of this laboratory would be undertaken by the Institute for Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC), an institute which is considered eminently suited and equipped to undertake this work, as evidenced by the fact that this proposal was very well received at the conference.

Will the Commission say what actions it has taken since then and what specific steps it intends to take in future to implement this proposal which, moreover, falls within the scope, and is in line with, the objectives of Euro-Mediterranean policy, as spelt out at the Barcelona Conference in November 1995?

Answer given by Ms Bonino on behalf of the Commission (14 March 1996)

The Institute of Marine Biology in Crete contacted the Commission in order to arrange a meeting of scientists from the eastern Mediterranean with the aim of acting upon the conclusions of the 1994 Conference in Crete and the 1995 Conference in Barcelona.

The general subject of discussion will be the coordination of research among all the eastern Mediterranean countries by the most appropriate means, with the overall objective of the conservation and rational management of stocks.

The Institute of Marine Biology in Crete will be responsible for arranging the meeting, with back-up from the Commission and, as it is to be held in the second half of this year, its conclusions should be of value to the second diplomatic conference on the management of fisheries in the Mediterranean, to be arranged by the Commission in Venice in November.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0855/96 by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission (2 April 1996)

Subject: Combating fraud

In the 1996 'Fight against Fraud' Work Programme the Commission states that it will consider the possibility of 'extending from agriculture to other areas the system of disallowing finance', as requested by the Madrid European Council.

1. How often has the European Commission disallowed finance in the agricultural field?

2. What amount was disallowed?

3. Were there any differences from one Member State to another?

4. What were the principal reasons for finance being disallowed?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 April 1996)

The Commission advances to the Member States the funds necessary to finance the agricultural expenditure charged to the guarantee section of the European guarantee and guidance fund (EAGGF). Each year, the Commission verifies the expenditure made, the accuracy of the Member States' accounts, and the compliance of the expenditure with Community rules. These verifications are largely undertaken on-the-spot in the Member States' central and regional services, and on the beneficiaries' premises. When its verifications are completed, the Commission takes a decision to clear the annual accounts of the Member States, and to refuse the financing of that expenditure which did not comply with Community rules, in particular when the Member States' controls over expenditure were inadequate to prevent and detect fraud and irregularities. This annual clearance of accounts procedure (Rechnungsabschlußverfahren) is laid down in Council Regulation 729/70 ((OJ L 94, 28.4.1970. )).

The total expenditure refused has ranged from 384 MECU (clearance of the 1989 accounts) to 1 518 MECU (1991 accounts). The 1992 clearance procedure is not yet complete. 843 MECU has been refused by a first decision taken on 10 April 1996.

The annual clearance decision concerns all Member States, and all are treated equally in the procedure. However, the amounts refused differ between Member States according to the relative strengths and weaknesses of their control systems.

The most frequent grounds for refusal of all or part of the expenditure under the different common agricultural policy measures concern deficiencies in control procedures, for example the ineffectiveness of controls, or their insufficient number. The largest sums concern the failures of certain Member States to apply the milk quota regime over the years 1989 to 1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0711/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Canadian seal slaughter

Is the Commission aware that the Canadian government has decided to allow up to 250 000 harp and hood seals to be slaughtered this year, often in a cruel manner and in contravention of conditions laid down in the Canadian Marine Mammal Regulations; despite the fact that many marine biology specialists maintain that overfishing is responsible for depletion of seal stocks?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (11 April 1996)

The Commission is aware of the management measures adopted by the Canadian government in December 1995, which include a total allowable catch of 250,000 harp seals for the 1996 Atlantic seal harvest. The quota for previous years has been 186,000 with the number of seals actually killed around 60,000 annually. The Commission is not aware of an increased total allowable catch of hooded seals.

As far as the reference by the Honourable Member to cruelty is concerned, the Canadian minister of fisheries and oceans confirmed that the harvest will be conducted in a humane and responsible manner in line with existing regulations, which prohibit the commercial harvest of whitecoats and hunting for personal use. Imports into the Community of furs and products of whitecoats have been prohibited since 1983 under Council Directive 83/129/EEC ((OJ L 91, 9.4.1983. )).

The Commission is not aware of a depletion of the seal stock concerned through overfishing. On the contrary, Canadian scientists estimate the seal stock to be 4.8 million animals with an annual increase estimated at 250,000. It is claimed that these numbers are responsible for slowing the recovery of certain fish stocks.