ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0755/98

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

(18 March 1998)

Subject: PVC toys

The EU's Scientific Committee for Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment has confirmed that toys made of soft PVC contain and release large amounts of toxic substances (phthalates).

Does the Commission intend to adopt measures on the lines indicated by the Committee in respect of PVC toys?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1913/98

by Francis Decourrière (PPE) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: Practical arrangements for the Eurovignette

Under Belgian law the Eurovignette is a tax, which means that only tax offices approved by the Belgian Ministry of Finance are authorized to sell the Eurovignette to Belgian nationals and foreigners on Belgian territory. In Germany, however, the Eurovignette is a charge on the user and is sold in various forms - daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.

In practice, the differences in arrangements for selling the Eurovignette mean that users do not enjoy equal treatment since Belgians are obliged to buy their Eurovignettes in tax offices whereas Germans can buy them at petrol stations in Germany at any time. With a view to harmonization and equal treatment, might the Commission not consider harmonizing the way in which the Eurovignette is sold?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 1998)

In accordance with Council Directive 93/89/EEC of 25 October 1993 on the application by Member States of taxes on certain vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road and tolls and charges for the use of certain infrastructures(1), foreign hauliers in Belgium can pay the road user charges (i.e. the Eurovignette) by day, week, month or year. However, this Directive allows Member States to require vehicles registered in their country to pay the annual rate. Belgium has chosen to use this option. Belgian vehicles are also subject to the annual vehicle taxes (taxe de circulation). The payment for both the (annual) Eurovignette and the annual vehicle taxes is due at the same time. This is why the public administration services (recettes des contributions directes) responsible for collecting the vehicle taxes also collect the Eurovignette payment.

Other Member States, also in full compliance with Community legislation, such as Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, allow both domestic and foreign hauliers the possibility to pay the Eurovignette every time they actually use the motorways and, therefore, to pay by day, week, month or year. That is why a large number of sale points are needed and established on the territory of Germany (and the other two Member States).

The Commission is so far satisfied that the way in which the Eurovignette is paid in the different Member States adequately meets the needs of both domestic and foreign hauliers and it does not therefore consider the harmonisation of payment practices in the six Eurovignette Member States to be necessary.

(1) OJ L 279, 12.11.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1689/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Reporting to the European Parliament on the enlargement negotiations

The enlargement negotiations have taken on a more concrete form thanks to the screening process. As the negotiations progress, the European Parliament has been promised a role and a voice in the dialogue.

How does the Commission propose to keep Parliament informed of the progress made in the screening process?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 1998)

As during the previous enlargement negotiations, the Commission will keep the Parliament orally informed of progress in the screening exercise. This includes regular presentations by high level officials to the relevant Parliament committees, joint parliamentary committees and delegations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1731/98

by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Inter-regional cooperation in the European Union to promote mutual cultural understanding

The University of Granada (Spain) has become the first in Andalusia to include Galician language and culture as an optional subject in its curriculum, with the idea of its becoming a subject which cements the ties between the two autonomous regions.

In addition, under an agreement it signed with the regional government of Galicia, since this year the University of Granada has played host to a Galician Cultural Centre promoting the region's culture and customs.

An agreement of this nature between two regions of the European Union on cultural cooperation is evidently an example to be followed in promoting mutual cultural understanding amongst Community regions. Can the Commission say, then, how it might participate in encouraging and consolidating this type of inter-regional cultural agreement, to enable regions to engage in mutually beneficial cultural exchanges?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 1998)

As part of the cultural activity it has developed under Article 128 of the EC Treaty, the Community has a mandate to encourage cooperation between the Member States while fully respecting the subsidiarity principle. Internal Spanish initiatives aiming to promote knowledge of the language and customs of Galicia do not, therefore, fall within the Community's cultural remit, however interesting they may be.

However, under its cultural programmes, particularly the Ariane(1) and Kaleidoscope(2) programmes, respect for regional diversity is one of the factors in the Commission's support for cultural cooperation projects, including the translation of contemporary literature written in national and regional languages.

The Commission has now, for the first time, launched inter-regional pilot projects for culture as part of the programming under Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund Regulation(3) for the period 1994-1999. However, it should be stressed that the main reason why these pilot projects are being launched is to help capitalise on a cultural heritage that is sometimes poorly exploited by disadvantaged areas in the Community, by helping these areas set up networks with other local and regional authorities for the purposes of sharing knowledge and experience, and promoting economic development. The pilot inter-regional cultural cooperation projects are part of this cohesion policy. None of the 32 projects currently running involves a language exchange.

(1) OJ L 291, 24.10.1997.

(2) OJ L 61, 12.3.1996.

(3) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1796/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Council

(11 June 1998)

Subject: Linguistic discrimination

For some weeks "linguistic cleansing" has been carried out along the mountain paths of southern Tyrol: signs in Italian have been removed from 5000 km2 of mountain tracks so that all that remains are place-names in German on Italian territory to inform tourists from throughout Europe of peaks, refuges, paths, railways, waterways etc.

For the sake of the German minority there is a specific requirement of bilingualism in the statute of special autonomy which the southern Tyrol region enjoys. Will the Council intervene as a matter of urgency vis-à-vis the Italian authorities so that they put pressure on the Alpenverein Südtirol (AVS, the equivalent of the Club Alpino Italiano) to put an end to this absurd and anachronistic discrimination against Italian citizens?

Reply

(24 September 1998)

It is not for the Council to intervene vis-à-vis a Member State regarding the application of national rules issued by the authorities of that State.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1973/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Council

(15 June 1998)

Subject: Murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi in Guatemala

What action is the Council taking to ensure that a full, thorough and just investigation will be carried out into the murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi, Auxiliary Bishop of Guatemala, on 26 April 1998?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-1567/98 and P-1973/98

(24 September 1998)

On 4 May 1998 the European Union issued a declaration on the murder of Bishop Gerardi appealing to all Guatemalans not to allow this cowardly and foul murder to distract them from the full implementation of the peace accords.

The European Union urged the Government of Guatemala to continue to take all steps necessary to ensure a full investigation of the murder in order to bring those responsible to justice and also called upon the Government of Guatemala to support the work of the "Truth Commission" and to take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of its members.

At present, the EU continues to monitor the development of the peace process and the human rights situation in Guatemala in view of the second Consultative Group Meeting scheduled for the autumn of 1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1543/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(19 May 1998)

Subject: Pollution and lack of security on the Rome underground

A recent survey carried out by myself and other Italian politicians at stations on the "A" line of the Rome underground revealed serious shortcomings as regards health and safety.

In particular, it seems that the company Cotral, which operates the line, has taken steps to remove asbestos from only 10 out of the 70 subway cars, exposing passengers and workers to the danger of contamination, a situation made worse by the inadequate ventilation systems. The suspicion that asbestos pollution may be a risk is confirmed by the fact that the company pays its workers a monthly "asbestos allowance" (trade union agreement of 4 September 1995).

The survey of the "A" line also revealed the existence of excessive temperatures and serious overcrowding of trains during rush hours.

In addition there are no proper safety systems to deal with emergencies, partly because of the many architectural obstacles.

Does the Commission not think it appropriate to intervene in order to ensure compliance with Directives 83/477/EEC(1), 91/382/EEC(2) and 90/394/EEC(3) and the provisions transposing these directives into Italian law?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(4 August 1998)

The directives quoted by the Honourable Member have been implemented by Italy.

The information supplied by the Honourable Member does not permit the Commission to conclude that the Italian authorities have failed in their obligations to put in place adequate enforcement in the Metro in Rome.

The Commission would however be glad to receive and examine any further information that the Honourable Member can supply.

(1) OJ L 263, 24.9.1983, p. 25.

(2) OJ L 206, 29.7.1991, p. 16.

(3) OJ L 196, 26.7.1990, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1944/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(17 June 1998)

Subject: Assassination attempt against Akin Birdal in Turkey

In a topical and urgent resolution on the assassination attempt against Akin Birdal adopted on 14 May 1998, the European Parliament called on the Turkish authorities "to ensure that the material and intellectual authors of this, and other similar crimes, are brought to justice" and stressed that "the existing impunity for those responsible for attacks against other members of human rights organisations and journalists has contributed to such an attack taking place".

It also reminded Turkey of its commitments "under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights". Will the Council say what measures it is taking to ensure that the assassination attempts against Akin Birdal and others are cleared up? What measures is it taking to ensure that Turkey complies with the declarations and treaties on the protection of human rights?

Reply

(28 /29 September 1998)

The Presidency issued on 13 May 1998 a declaration on behalf of the EU expressing shock and dismay at the shooting in Ankara on 12 May 1998 of Akin Birdal, Chairman of the Human Rights Association. The Council condemned that cowardly attack. It strongly supported statements by the Turkish authorities that every effort would be made to bring to justice those responsible. The Council will continue to follow this case closely, involving as it does a prominent human rights activist.

The European Council meeting in Luxembourg on 12 and 13 December 1997 recalled, in line with the Council position expressed at the Association Council with Turkey on 29 April 1997, that strengthening Turkey's links with the EU also depended on Turkey's alignment of human rights standards and practices on those in force in the EU as well as respect for and protection of minorities.

In the spirit of the Parliament's request made to the Council in the context of the EP's assent to implement the final phase of the customs union, the Council monitors human rights and democratic developments in Turkey. The Commission's report to the Council in March 1998 on developments in relations with Turkey since the entry into force of the customs union concluded that no substantial progress had been achieved as regards human rights and the democratic reform process in Turkey.

These issues feature prominently in any Council discussion about Turkey and are raised regularly with the Turkish authorities. However, the Council regrets that following the Luxembourg European Council Turkey has refused to conduct political dialogue with the EU, including on human rights questions. Cooperation in the field of human rights and humanitarian issues also form part of the European strategy set out for Turkey in Luxembourg.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1675/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Utilization of PHARE funds in Estonia

A great deal of attention has been paid in the Member States to environmental problems in the Baltic States and the pollution of the Baltic Sea region. Funding for the protection of the region's environment and the reduction of pollution has come from many quarters.

What proportion of the PHARE appropriations intended for Estonia was utilized in 1997 to repair and prevent environmental damage, and how was it allocated?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1950/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: White asbestos

Does the Commission intend to bring forward a proposal for an immediate ban on white absestos in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 1998)

There already exists a significant body of Community legislation to protect the health of workers and the public from the health effects of asbestos. All types of asbestos fibres, except white (or chrysotile) asbestos, are already banned by Community legislation. In addition, there is a ban on fourteen categories of products containing chrysotile, and there are strict Community controls on exposure of workers to asbestos and on the release of asbestos fibres to the environment.

Even though much has already been accomplished, more needs to be done to tighten up Community legislation on the marketing and use of asbestos-containing products. There are now nine Member States which have introduced national bans on chrysotile going beyond the current Community legislation. This represents a significant disruption to the internal market and requires a solution at Community level.

The Commission is therefore preparing a draft proposal for a European wide ban on the marketing and use of chrysotile asbestos and asbestos-containing products (with some exceptions and temporary derogations), which will be discussed with Member State experts in the near future. The details of the final draft will of course depend on those discussions, and on contacts with the Parliament, interest groups and on the outcome of continuing scientific considerations.

However, it is important to mention that a new ban would not lead to a lower risk of exposure to existing asbestos for workers, nor would it reduce the number of deaths from past exposure to asbestos. Possible contamination from asbestos in existing buildings (e.g. in relation to maintenance activities and asbestos removal operations) will remain an important cause of exposure to workers for many years. For this reason, the Commission also intends to strengthen existing controls on the exposure of workers to asbestos, and to encourage better information and training of workers who might come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1632/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Road safety

Having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Promoting road safety in the EU: the programme for 1997-2001 (COM(97) 131 final) and to the application of the principle of subsidiarity, will the Commission, with the aim of promoting road safety and harmonization of conditions of competition, take the following action:

1. adopt at community level provisions, checks and coordinated penalties with regard for example to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles, the issue and withdrawal of drivers licences, road signs and signals and driving and rest times for professional drivers; pay very great attention to excessive speed and speed inappropriate to the circumstances and to driving under the influence of alcohol, which are listed amongst the main causes of accidents;

2. do the utmost, given the importance of human factors, to encourage safety-conscious driving and other factors likely to influence the behaviour of drivers such as checks, campaigns and financial incentives?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(1 July 1998)

All the points raised by the Honourable Member are addressed in the Community road safety programme for 1997-2001. They have been considered, not only by the Commission in its original Communication, but also during the debate which followed it. The Parliament itself adopted a Resolution on the programming emphasizing some of the points which the Commission will be taking into account when implementing the programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2038/98

by Klaus Hänsch (PSE) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Allocation of EU resources to the city of Oberhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia

Regarding the allocation of EU resources to the city of Oberhausen in North Rhine-Westphalia, can the Commission indicate:

1. the sum of EU structural resources received and their breakdown by Funds and the various Community programmes and initiatives and of EU resources allocated to Oberhausen from other budget lines since 1994 for pilot projects, measures or - as direct allocations - universities, research establishments, undertakings and other bodies,

2. the number of jobs created or preserved with the aid of these resources?

Supplementary answer

given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(25 September 1998)

Further to its answer of 6 July 1998(1), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E-2036/98(2).

(1) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 130.

(2) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1340/98

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: The euro and 1999

On page 110 of the Commission's report of 25 March 1998 (state of convergence and recommendations for the transition to the third stage of EMU), it is stated: "over recent years governments cut their extension of loans and accelerated the reimbursement of outstanding loans [and] also reduced their liquid working balances held on bank accounts and increased operations which allow for the consolidation of claims and liabilities within the government sector".

Can the Commission explain what type of operations it is referring to?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 1998)

The definition of debt retained for the monitoring of budgetary convergence is that of general government gross debt, consolidated between and within the sectors of general government.

Thus, only government indebtedness towards the rest of the economy is taken into consideration, while those government liabilities which correspond to financial assets held within the government sector are excluded. To establish figures for government debt in accordance with this definition, government debt held within the government sector itself is netted out.

In recent years, Member States have limited their government debt through recourse to increased consolidation, by inducing those government agencies which hold significant portfolios of financial assets to invest a growing proportion of their assets into government paper. For example, social security funds in Denmark and Finland have been restructuring their portfolio towards increased holdings of government debt over recent years. In Finland, such consolidation operations amounted to 4.5 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1502/98

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

(13 May 1998)

Subject: The information society and social and economic cohesion

In her appearance before Parliament's Committee on Regional Policy on 23 January 1997 in connection with the presentation of the Commission Communication on cohesion and the information society (COM(97) 7 final of 22 January 1997), Mrs Mathies, Commissioner, mentioned that ten information society projects would be financed under interregional cooperation.

Could the Commission provide information regarding all the projects relating to the information society which have so far been co-financed by the Commission under the Community initiatives and also those which will be co-financed between now and the end of the current planning period, specifying the regions concerned, the total cost of implementation and the extent of Community co-financing?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-1500/98 and E-1502/98 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

A list of the information society projects launched as part of the innovative measures referred to in Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regulation(1) for the 1994-99 programming period is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

The "information society" aspect comprises two types of measure:

- RISI 1: regional strategies for the information society

- RISI 2: multiregional pilot applications.

These measures have been launched in collaboration with the European Social Fund, which part-finances eight RISI 1 projects and two RISI 2 projects.

The nine (and not ten) pilot projects cited in the Honourable Member's written question 1502/98 are the so-called RISI 2 applications financed under Article 10 of the FEDER Regulation. They do not concern Community initiative (CI) activities. However, an estimate of information society-related measures within the framework of the 1994-99 CI is given in the following table, expressed in million ecus.

>TABLE>

(1) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993.