ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2157/02

by María Rodríguez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(11 July 2002)

Subject: ERDF funding for the destruction of three medieval water mills

The work involved in executing the project measures affecting various stretches of the river Duero, partly funded by the ERDF, has led to the unjustified and unsupervised demolition of the water mills of Cabañales (Zamora). These buildings feature in the above-mentioned project, according to which they were supposed to be restored and converted to house nature study centres.

The public prosecutor at the Zamora Provincial Court has initiated proceedings and Zamora town council has ordered that the work be suspended.

Irrespective of the measures being carried out in the Member State concerned, and taking into account the harm done to the Commission's image by a project receiving European funding being executed in a manner contrary to that intended, does the Commission intend to impose any kind of sanction on those responsible for this aggression against the cultural heritage, once it has been established who they are?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2002)

According to information received from the Spanish authorities, the project Actuaciones en varios tramos del río Duero, Zamora is included for co-financing at 70 % by the European Regional Development Fund under measure 6 (Protection and regeneration of the natural environment) of the third priority of the Integrated operational programme Castilla y León for the 2000-2006 programming period.

The Spanish environmental authorities competent in the area have certified that the works do not affect any site classified as a Natura 2000 protected area and that this project is not required to follow an Environmental Impact Assessment procedure.

The project has been the subject of a complaint for possible incorrect application of Community legislation relative to the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. Where the Commission identifies any breach of Community legislation regarding the development of the project, it will take the appropriate measures. These include a possible suspension of financial support for the project as long as all the legal requirements are not met.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1611/02

by Pernille Frahm (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(5 June 2002)

Subject: State aid to agriculture

I thank the Commission for its answer to question P-0744/02(1). Once it has concluded its deliberations concerning the possible revocation of the Council's decision on the destruction of wine, will the Commission inform me of the outcome of those deliberations, the background to that outcome and the basis in the Treaties for its decision?

(1) OJ C 205 E, 29.8.2002, p. 210.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 2002)

The Commission decided on 9 April not to ask the Court of Justice to quash the Council's decisions of 28 February 2002 on behalf of French and Italian winegrowers.

The Commission will continue to voice its disapproval of such Council decisions. But after analysing those in question in the light of previous Court findings relating to the matter it considered, given the costs and risks involved, that referral would be inopportune.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1224/02

by Terence Wynn (PSE) to the Commission

(29 April 2002)

Subject: Ilois people of the Chagos Islands

Is the Commission aware of the situation of the Ilois people of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean?

If so, can the Commission assist those people now living in Mauritius and the Seychelles to return to the Chagos Islands?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2002)

The Commission is aware of the Chagos Islands issue and of the situation of the Ilois, most of whom have lived in Mauritius generally in conditions of exclusion and poverty since their expulsion from the Chagos Archipelago in the 1960s and 1970s.

It is aware that, following the November 2000 ruling of the British High Court that the expulsion of the Ilois (who are British subjects) had been illegal, the British government was ordered to find a solution to enable the islanders to return to their country. The British government is reported to have written to the Mauritian Government on 18 March 2002 setting out their proposals on the Chagos issue. It is understood that a Trust Fund is to be established and that compensation will be paid and other help particularly in the form of training will be given to them.

Under the circumstances, it is considered unlikely that the Commission would be asked to assist in returning the Islanders to Chagos.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0929/02

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(5 April 2002)

Subject: Investigation into a cartel of plasterboard manufacturers

Almost one year ago, it was announced that Commissioner Monti had begun an investigation into the possibility that price agreements had been concluded between European plasterboard manufacturers. These manufacturers were said to include Etex (Belgium), British Plasterboard (United Kingdom), Knauf (Germany) and Lafarge (France). In mid-April 2001, the Commission informed the undertakings concerned that an inquiry into their operations had begun.

Can the Commission indicate the results of its investigation? Has any conclusive evidence of the conclusion of any price agreements actually been found? What penalty will the Commission impose if that is the case?

If the Commission is not able to indicate any results, why can it not do so? What stage has been reached in the investigation, and when may we expect concrete results? What other aspects of the investigation has the Commission still to carry out?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2002)

As stated by the Honourable Member, the Commission, following press reports and subsequent press inquiries, confirmed on 23 April 2001 (MEMO/01/149), that since the autumn of 1998 it had been investigating the existence of a suspected price-fixing cartel in the market for plasterboard (a plaster product used in the construction industry). In April 2001 the Commission sent a statement of objections to five companies. This followed a thorough investigation, which included inspections in the course of 1998 and 1999 at the premises of several plasterboard producers. The Commission indicated that it would not at that stage reveal either the identity of the companies concerned or the details of the objections raised against them.

The Commission's investigation in the case is on-going. There is no fixed deadline for the conclusion of its antitrust investigations, the duration of which is determined largely by the complexity of the case in question, the exercise by the undertakings concerned of their rights of defence and by the internal procedures of the Commission.

The Commission is, however, able to inform the Honourable Member that the parties involved have already had access to the Commission's file and have made use of their right to reply to the Commission's objections, including being heard orally at a formal hearing. The Commission expects to be in a position in the near future to decide what further steps (if any) should be taken in the proceedings.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1553/02

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Taxation of music CDs

For some years now in Italy the rate of VAT on intellectual works such as books has been 4 %, rather than the general rate of 20 % which applies to all other goods, the aim being to protect such works of intellectual production. However, if books and magazines are considered cultural goods, this is not the case for music CDs and cassettes or CD-ROMs, which are considered luxury goods and are therefore subject to the 20 % VAT rate. This presupposes that words automatically become a product of major cultural importance as soon as they are written down on paper. In addition, certain CDs qualify for the 4 % VAT rate simply because they are sold in a joint package with magazines at newspaper kiosks. It is obvious that a lower rate of VAT on CDs would create a remarkable development opportunity for undertakings in that sector, especially given their problems in the face of the current Europe-wide CD pirating epidemic. To give CDs and other forms of musical reproduction the status of intellectual products would also be a suitable gesture of recognition for an important industry which must be considered part of the cultural production sector.

Can the Commission state whether any studies or documents exist or are in preparation on the possibility of reducing taxation rates on musical products and bringing those rates into line with those applying to books?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2002)

In accordance with the Community legislation concerning VAT rates at present in force, and in particular Article 12 of the sixth VAT Directive 77/388/EEC(1), the standard rate applies as a rule to all taxable transactions.

Member States who so wish may nevertheless apply a reduced rate of not less than 5 % of the taxable amount, but solely for goods and services in the categories included in Annex H of the above Directive. Books, newspapers and periodicals are covered by this Annex, but not CDs, cassettes or CD-ROMs.

Some provisions of this same Directive derogate from these rules (Article 28(2)) and allow the Member States to continue applying a lower rate than the minimum rate of 5 %, under certain conditions, during the period of application of the transitional arrangements. Such a rate had to be in force already on 1 January 1991. That is how Italy managed to maintain a rate of 4 % on books.

Owing to the dangers of distortions in competition, the scope of these temporary derogations cannot be extended. Consequently, the only possibility which could reasonably be envisaged would be to extend the scope of the reduced rates in order to include these cultural goods. This question of extending the scope of the reduced rates to other goods forms part of the more general revision of certain aspects of the arrangements, scheduled for 2003.

(1) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977; Directive last amended by Council Directive 2002/38/EC of 7 May 2002, OJ L 128, 15.5.2002.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1103/02 by María Valenciano Martínez-Orozco (PSE)and Anna Terrón i Cusí (PSE) to the Council. Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings.



Official Journal 309 E , 12/12/2002 P. 0083 - 0083



WRITTEN QUESTION E-1103/02 by María Valenciano Martínez-Orozco (PSE)and Anna Terrón i Cusí (PSE) to the Council (18 April 2002) Subject: Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings Trafficking in human beings is a serious problem in Europe. The main reason for the unsuccessful implementation of the specific objectives of the Joint Action of February 1997 concerning action to combat the trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children is the lack of common definitions, charges and sanctions in the criminal law of Member States. Moreover, political agreement within the Council on the definitive text already appears to have existed since autumn 2001. When does the Council foresee the formal adoption of the Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings(1) and what are the factors blocking its final adoption? (1) COM(2000) 854 final, OJ C 62 E, 27.2.2001, p. 324. Reply (30 September 2002) As the Honourable Members rightly state in their question, political agreement was reached on the draft Framework Decision at the Council meeting on 27 and 28 September 2001, without prejudice to the parliamentary scrutiny reservations of several Member States not all of which have yet been withdrawn.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2100/02

by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Commission

(16 July 2002)

Subject: Call for the European Union to save the glaciers in the Alps

The startling news of the enormous accumulation of water in the Alps caused by the melting of the Monterosa glaciers is a serious emergency and symptomatic of dangers which the European Union will have to tackle in the future.

The glaciers of the Alps make up a natural landscape unique in Europe and constitute the shared heritage of all the Alpine peoples. It is now under threat of destruction, not least because inadequate steps have been taken to safeguard the equilibrium of the climate.

Does not the Commission intend to take appropriate protection measures, monitor the situation and use its influence in international politics to ensure the adoption of the necessary provisions to avert or at least reduce the imminent danger of the glaciers disappearing from the Alps?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2002)

The Commission is very aware of the serious situations that could result from changes in our climate, including the melting of the glaciers.

The Commission considers climate change as an environmental problem that requires a global solution to which we are actively contributing. The Community and all its Member States are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and they all ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 31 May 2002. The Kyoto Protocol requires that all the Member States develop and implement national climate change strategies. They are being complemented by actions at Union level.

The European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) is the basis for a range of cost-effective emission reductions measures, including the Commission's proposal on emissions trading and other measures in the areas of energy, transport, industry and agriculture.

Other measures foreseen include legislation on fluorinated gases, on minimum efficiency requirements for end-use equipment, on energy demand management, on the promotion of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and two transport packages on shifting the balance between modes of transport and improvements in transport infrastructure use and charging.

The Commission believes that the Union is showing leadership in the fight against climate change so as to participate in the limitation of damages.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1356/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Council

(14 May 2002)

Subject: History books

With reference to the answer to Written Question E-3634/01(1), I am aware that the Member States are themselves responsible for curriculum content.

It would, however, seem sensible to prepare a common version of our controversial history. Does the Council agree? Would it care to comment?

(1) OJ C 160 E, 4.7.2002, p. 156.

Reply

(30 September 2002)

The Council is aware of the interest of such an initiative but can only confirm what it said in reply to question E-3634/01.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2073/02

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(12 July 2002)

Subject: Obligatory number plates for bicycles throughout the EU

Many Austrian towns are faced with the problem of the unauthorised use of public facilities and areas by cyclists.

It is not unusual for cyclists to use paths or areas where cycling is forbidden. This breaking of the law means that other road-users, passers-by and residents suffer, and accidents occur quite frequently.

It is, in general, difficult to call cyclists to account in such situations. Unless the cyclists stop, the absence of number plates on bicycles makes it almost impossible for their identity to be established.

Since this is probably not just an Austrian problem:

1. Is the Commission aware of the problem outlined above?

2. Is it considering presenting a proposal for a directive on obligatory number plates for bicycles throughout the EU, in order to improve the chances of the identity of cyclists who break the law being established?

3. If not, why is it taking no action in this connection?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(28 August 2002)

The local bye-laws and regulations are, in accordance with the principle of susidiarity, the responsibility of the urban, regional and national authorities. Accordingly, the Commission has no intention to present a proposal for a directive on obligatory number plates for bicycles.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0714/02

by Fernando Fernández Martín (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 March 2002)

Subject: Death of Jonas Savimbi

Recent events in Angola, with the removal of Jonas Savimbi from the Angolan stage, could determine future developments in the country ravaged by decades of warfare.

What is the Commission's assessment of Mr Savimbi's death, and what initiatives is it planning to take to encourage the peace process and speed up the reconstruction of the country?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2002)

The Commission welcomes the signing, on 4 April 2002, of an official ceasefire between the Angolan army and UNITA, which comes six weeks after the death of Jonas Savimbi. The Commission, in conformity with the Union Common Position on Angola of 19 June 2000 (2000/391/CFSP)(1), will continue to encourage

national reconciliation and the organisation of free and fair elections as soon as conditions allow, respect for human rights and the rule of law, the involvement of civil society in the peace process and, first and foremost, a resolution of the desperate humanitarian situation.

The Commission urges the Angolan authorities to take measures to facilitate humanitarian activities and access to all in need of assistance and welcomes the Government's announcement to relieve the country's very serious humanitarian situation with an emergency programme that permits social reintegration and resettlement of the displaced four million people in the immediate future.

In this connection, and in close co-ordination with the Angolan authorities, Community support will continue to target humanitarian assistance to displaced populations with a particular emphasis in the heavily war affected Central and Eastern Provinces. Furthermore, the Commission intends to continue to provide support in all areas of the country, as soon as the security conditions improve sufficiently to allow it. It will accompany humanitarian assistance with support for transition to rehabilitation and development. The re-establishment of local administrations and the re-opening of road access appear to be particularly critical to the improvement of the livelihoods of population.

The Commission is currently discussing with the Government its future strategy for Angola in the framework of the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) programming process. That strategy closely examines the link between relief, rehabilitation and development, and emphasises support to food security, health and education, as well as to peace-building and good governance measures. In all these areas, the involvement of civil society is crucial.

(1) OJ L 146, 21.6.2000.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0916/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(5 April 2002)

Subject: Reform of the Council

At the Barcelona summit the leaders of the 15 Member States decided, on the basis of proposals made by the Secretary-General of the Council, Mr Solana, that a team of special representatives of the leaders of the Member States would draw up a document on the forthcoming reforms of the Council.

Will the Council state the purpose of this document which will be drawn up by the team of special representatives of the Member States and say what relation there is between this document and the European Assembly?

Reply

(3 October 2002)

The European Council embarked upon a process of reform at Helsinki in December 1999, when it adopted a set of recommendations, and then in Göteborg and Barcelona, where it took note of the reports from the Secretary-General/High Representative, focusing on four main subjects: the European Council, the General Affairs Council, the Presidency of the Council, and the legislative activity of the Council and transparency.

The European Council instructed the Presidency, in close cooperation with the Council Secretary-General, to make all appropriate contacts with the members of the European Council and with the correspondents they nominated, with a view to submitting a report to the Seville European Council proposing specific measures for adoption. The report was examined by the Council in the context of preparations for the Seville European Council.

In the light of a summary report accompanied by detailed proposals, the European Council meeting in Seville held a detailed discussion on the subject and gave its agreement to a series of specific measures applicable, without amendment of the Treaties, to the organisation and functioning of the European Council.

The Council would refer the Honourable Member to paragraphs 3 to 7 of the Seville European Council conclusions and to Annexes I and II which give an exhaustive list of the decisions taken by the Heads of State or Government.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1183/02

by María Izquierdo Rojo (PSE) to the Commission

(22 April 2002)

Subject: Amina Lawal sentenced to death by stoning

What information has the Commission concerning Amina Lawal, who has been accused of adultery and sentenced by an Islamic court in Katsina State (Nigeria) to death by stoning?

According to the Commission's information, what other women are currently condemned to death by stoning?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2002)

Amina Lawal, a 30 year old Nigerian woman from Kurami village in Bakori, Katsina State, Northern Nigeria, was divorced in June 2000, and gave birth to a baby girl in November 2001. Amina has been charged with adultery and under Sharia criminal law, adopted by 12 northern states including Katsina State, she has been sentenced to death by stoning. The execution is to be carried out six months after the birth. The man charged with her, and alleged to be the father, has been acquitted after swearing that he did not have a relationship with Amina.

Amina has appealed to the Sharia Court of Appeal and the date for the hearing will be announced on 15 May 2002. Amina said that she had not been given the chance to defend herself and her appeal has been filed with the assistance of an international women's organisation. If this appeal fails she has the right to appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal, and eventually to the Supreme Court.

A similar sentence imposed on Safiya Huseini in Sokoto state was dismissed by the Sokoto Sharia court of Appeal on 25 March 2002 on technical and procedural grounds. At the time the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Kano Agabi made a statement that Moslems should not be discriminated against by being subjected to punishments more severe than would be imposed on other Nigerians for the same offence. The implication that Sharia criminal law should be modified led to a dispute over the right of the Federal Government to insist on changes to state laws.

In the case of Safiya, the Commission launched a number of appeals to the Nigerian Government as well as a Troika démarche on the application of the death penalty in Nigeria. The Commission, through its Delegation in Abuja, will follow the evolution of the Amina case attentively.

At present the Commission is not aware of any other women sentenced to death by stoning, but there may be cases of women accused of adultery but awaiting sentence.