ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2958/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: HIV/AIDS in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

Can the Commission give details of its HIV/AIDS programmes in the above countries and of any plans it has for expanding any current projects?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997)

The Commission has a strong commitment to reproductive health programmes in Asia. Since 1991, MECU 365 have been allocated to the sector.

More specifically the B7-6211 budget line instrument focusing on the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has financed programmes in the four countries to which the Honourable Member refers.

India

- Support to non-governmental organisations (NGO) for HIV/AIDS/sexually transmissible disease (STD) activities in India1994-1998 ECU 556 000

- Support to STD prevention programmes among prostitutesfrom 1995 ECU 15 000

- Support to AIDS sensitisationfrom 1996 ECU 10 906

The Commission's strategy in India was mainly to support local and European NGOs in implementing prevention campaigns against HIV/AIDS and other STD transmission. It should also be noted that a larger project, dealing with health and family welfare and therefore including the HIV/AIDS issue has also been developed and amounts to MECU 200.

Pakistan

- Promotion of reproductive health among poor urban communities in Karachi1994-1996 ECU 320 000

- Continuation of STD health educationin preparation ECU 1 100 000

Bangladesh

- Support for community based HIV/STD initiatives1994-1997 ECU 700 000

- Support to AIDS prevention and education campaignfrom 1996 ECU 12 273

Nepal

- Reproductive health projectfrom 1995 ECU 920 000

- STD training and education1994-1997 ECU 625 000

- Support to integral rural programmes which includes components such as family planning (FP) and reproductive health (RH)from 1995 ECU 105 337

The Commission's HIV/AIDS programme supports since 1992 the ministry of health, local institutions and NGOs to provide improved STD management and to carry out interventions to prevent STD and HIV transmission. During the first phase, national STD management guidelines were developed, laboratory equipment was purchased and some training of core staff was carried out. The purpose of the second phase is to develop training methods and to establish a national structure able to implement these actions and facilitate co-operation between relevant national partners.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3021/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Improving the production and marketing of honey

The Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey (COM(96) 596 final - 96/0282 CNS) ((OJ C 378, 13.12.1996, p. 20. )) follows up a consultation paper on European apiculture issued in 1994. Its main aim is to use ECU 15 million a year in Community funds to promote national programmes for technical assistance, laboratory analyses and other measures to fight diseases which afflict bees, along with studies, conducted at national level, on the production and marketing structures in the sector.

Will the Commission insert in its proposal measures regarding the circulation of honey on the internal market, including curbs on the vast imports of honey from third countries and quality standards for honey produced in the European Union?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3019/97, E-3020/97, E-3021/97 and E-3022/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (29 October 1997)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that Council Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey ((OJ L 173, 1.7.1997. )) was adopted on 25 June.

One of the specific priorities of the Regulation is technical assistance to beekeepers. This includes training of young farmers interested in apiculture. The Regulation's aim is improvement of the production and marketing of honey, i.e. it is not a disease eradication programme. It provides for Community part-financing of national programmes and is intended to cover all beekeepers without distinction.

On imports and on quality standards for honey marketed within the Community, Council Directive 74/409/EEC on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to honey ((OJ L 221, 12.8.1974. )) applies. A proposal for amendment of it is at present before Parliament and the Council.

Under Council Directive 89/397/EEC on the official control of foodstuffs ((OJ L 186, 30.6.1989. )) honey from third countries is subject to the same control rules as that produced in the Community. It is up to the national authorities to take all necessary action to effect control in conformity with that Directive.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2278/97 by Luigi Moretti (NI) to the Council (18 July 1997)

Subject: Employment

In December 1993 the Brussels European Council expressed its support for a new economic and social strategy designed to fight the scourge of unemployment. In 1994 the Corfu European Council, and later the Essen summit, confirmed the commitment to adopting specific measures, including the encouragement of regional and local initiatives to create new jobs.

In its proposal COM(95) 250 final of 13 June 1995 ((OJ C 235, 9.9.1995, p. 8. )) the Commission sought to give fresh impetus to this effort by introducing a new programme entitled Essen, designed to promote new sources of employment.

Will the Council say why this programme has been blocked and what measures it plans to take?

Answer (7 November 1997)

The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council on 19 June 1995 on Commission activities of analysis, research, cooperation and action in the field of employment (OJ C 235/95).

That proposal was amended by the Commission in September 1996 (OJ C 342/96 and it is this latter proposal which is now being examined by Council bodies.

The Honourable Member should know that, in the light of the outcome of the European Council in Amsterdam, all delegations said they could support in principle the establishment of the proposed action. If indeed there was a blockage at some point, consideration of the actual text of the Decision resumed under the Luxembourg Presidency in July 1997. There is every reason to hope that a Council Decision on the matter can be adopted shortly.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3014/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: ERDF projects

On 30 November 1995 the Commission published itsthe invitation to tender urban pilot projects under ERDF Article 10 on innovatory measures.

Will the Commission state how many projects were submitted by Italy?

Answer given by Mrs. Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1997)

Following the call for proposals ((OJ C 319, 30.11.1995. )) under Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund Regulation ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993. )) the Commission received 503 projects of which 119 were from Italy. The final choice was the result of application of a rigorous selection procedure to the large number of proposals submitted. Using the criteria set the Commission selected a total of 26 projects, 4 of which are in Italy, in Brindisi, Milan, Naples and Turin.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3000/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Building of power lines for the Rome-Naples high-speed railway line

On 14 February 1997 the local authority of San Cesareo (in the province of Rome) received the project for changing the route of the power lines for the main track of the Rome-Naples high-speed railway line.

The local authority opposed the execution of the project, which would involve an area already used for a number of public works. According to the project submitted, the power lines would run alongside two areas protected under law No 413/85 - the ditch in the village of Vetrice and the wood called the 'Macchiarella' used as a public park.

Furthermore the high-speed train power lines would, over large stretches, run alongside the existing ENEL power lines, which might create critical levels of electromagnetic waves. Finally, on 28 February 1997 the San Cesareo local authority sent a statement in the form of a letter to the consortium IRICAV UNO, which is carrying out the work, the Prefect of Rome, the Region of Lazio and the Province of Rome, outlining the problem.

In view of all this, can the Commission say:

1. whether it does not consider it necessary to ascertain, in this critical situation, compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.)), in particular as regards the involvement of the various levels of local government in the environmental impact assessment procedures;

2. whether, if an infringement is ascertained, the work may be suspended if it has already begun, or whether at least the whole procedure may be reviewed, in order to bring it into line with European legislation?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3000/97 and E-3106/97 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question E-2351/97 ((OJ C 82, 17.3.1998, p. 62. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2875/97 by Kenneth Coates (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (11 September 1997)

Subject: Freedom of movement

Mr Alan Howarth CBE MP, speaking for the British Government, says that, ' ... in general, legislation does not allow Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) to be paid for periods when jobseeker's are absent from Great Britain. This is because JSA is payable to people who meet certain labour and market conditions ... Absence abroad prevents people from being able to meet these'.

Do these provisions of the Jobseeker's Allowance contravene the Treaty on European Union, Article 8a(1), which states that 'Every citizen shall have the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ...'?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2873/97 and E-2875/97 given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997)

The social security systems of the Member States are coordinated by Council Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 and 574/72 ((Updated by Regulation (EEC) No 118/97 (OJ L 28, 30.1.1997) lastly amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1290/97 (OJ L 176, 1.7.1997). )). These Regulations foresee the right to export certain social security benefits to people residing in another Member State. It must be noted, however, that under Article 69 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 the right to export unemployment benefits is limited to a period of three months and only if the aim is to look for a new job in another Member State.

This system has been upheld by the Court of justice on the grounds that entitlement to unemployment benefits is linked to availability for work and that the beneficiary should be available for work in the competent Member State. In attaching conditions to the facilities granted to the unemployed who are actively seeking work, the Community legislature has made correct use of its discretionary powers in respect of the implementation of freedom of movement of workers ((Judgment of 8.4.1992, Case C-62/91, Gray, ECJ law reports, 1992, I-2737. )).

However, the Commission is of the opinion that the period of three months should be extended, taking into consideration that as a result of the situation of the employment market, a much longer time is needed to find a job. Therefore, it already proposed in 1980 to extend this period ((OJ C 189, 9.7.1980 )). This proposal has been re-tabled under an amended version in January 1996 ((OJ C 68, 6.3.1996 )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2887/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Council (16 September 1997)

Subject: Religious persecution in Sudan

Is the Council aware of the lack of tolerance shown by the Sudanese government towards non-Islamic religious groups within the country?

What actin is the Council taking to pressure the Sudanese authorities into halting these abuses of human rights?

Answer (26 Novembr 1997)

The Council notes with regret that for several years now Sudan has not been respecting the United Nations Conventions on Human Rights, inter alia regarding religious freedom. This was moreover confirmed by Resolution 51/112 of the United Nations General Assembly of 5 March 1997. In its contacts with the Sudanese authorities, the European Union has always urged them to halt the intolerance and violence towards non-Islamic sectors of the population. In this context, the Union has frequently reaffirmed its support for the efforts made to bring peace to Sudan and in particular for the initiatives taken by the IGAD countries. The Union remains prepared to contribute in every way possible to the peace process and the conclusion of an agreement which allows all Sudanese to live freely together.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2696/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Noise pollution and sport

Regarding the proposals set out in the Green Paper entitled 'Future noise policy' (COM(96) 0540), the measures aimed at reducing noise emissions from two-wheeled vehicles could restrict, or even jeopardize the existence of, motor cycling as a sport.

To avert this threat and bring the sport of motor cycling into line with environmental protection requirements, thereby ensuring its survival, will the Commission:

1. determine whether the noise limits applying to moto-cross races could be based on the regulations issued by the sports authorities?

2. call on the national sports federations concerned to harmonize the noise standards to be observed in motor-cycle races?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1997)

Parliament and Council Directive 97/24/EC of 17 June 1997 on certain components or characteristics of two or three-wheel motor vehicles ((OJ L 226, 18.8.1997. )) is aimed, in particular, at regulating the permissible noise level of such motor vehicles (Chapter 9).

That Directive applies to all of the vehicles covered by Council Directive 92/61/EEC of 30 June 1992 on the type approval of two or three-wheel vehicles ((OJ L 225, 10.8.1992. )).

However, vehicles intended for competitions, whether on the road or cross-country, have been excluded from the scope of Directive 92/61/EEC for the reasons mentioned by the Honourable Member. They are therefore not subject to the Community's requirements concerning permissible noise level.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3413/97 by Joaquim Miranda (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (28 October 1997)

Subject: Visit by the President of the Commission to Portugal

The President of the Commission travelled to Portugal on 7 October 1997 to take part in a seminar, organized by the Jacques Delors Information Centre, on 'Europe's future - a model for the 21st century'.

As was widely reported in the media, meetings took place with the Portuguese Prime Minister (who is also Secretary-General of the Socialist Party) and the chairman of the Social-Democratic Party.

Does the Commission not consider that it would have been a basic courtesy to arrange for its President to meet all the Portuguese political parties represented in the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1997)

The President of the Commission takes pleasure in meeting a wide range of people, including members of the Parliament, but is not able to meet all political parties on the occasion of all his journeys.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2565/97 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Framework water directive - missing annexes

The European Parliament and Council have both criticized the absence of essential annexes to the framework water directive. The Commission has meanwhile put this down to too short a deadline set by the Council and Parliament for the submission of the framework water directive.

It is understood that the Council has set up a further working group to draw up and add to the annexes in collaboration with the Commission.

Before the Environment Committee the Commission representative promised that the European Parliament would be 'appropriately' involved in this work and that it would be ensured Parliament was able to undertake its second reading 'in full knowledge of all the texts'.

How does the Commission intend to keep this promise without submitting an officially amended version of its proposal for the framework water directive?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1997)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the environment committee has now appointed its rapporteur for the proposal for a Council directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy and the committee at its most recent meeting laid down a schedule following which a report on the proposal will be presented to the committee before its meeting in December 1997.

The Honourable Member will also be aware that the rapporteur at that meeting was asked to prepare proposals which would amend and improve the proposal, worked out with the necessary advice from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Commission and other sources. The representative of the Commission at that meeting expressed the Commission's intention to continue to associate the committee as closely as possible to ensure that any necessary technical detail may be added to the proposal and welcomed any proposal the committee may have for improvements of annexes or other parts of the proposal where precision and clarity of the provisions may be sharpened.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2621/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Council (1 September 1997)

Subject: Cost of the new annual 'Euro tax disc'

According to reports in the Greek press, the cost of motorway usage, i.e of a 'Euro tax disc', for the whole of the EU is determined by whether or not the motor of the vehicle is 'Euro'- standard and the number of axles.

The cost of the 'Euro tax disc' for lorries with up to three axles will be ECU 990 for vehicles not fitted with 'Euro'- type motors, and ECU 840 and ECU 690 for 'Euro I'- type vehicles and the even 'cleaner' 'Euro II'- type vehicles, respectively. For vehicles with four and more axles, the cost of the 'Euro tax disc' will be ECU 1 650, ECU 1 400 and ECU 1 150, respectively.

It is clear from the above information that the charge for vehicles not fitted with 'Euro'- type motors will be extremely high, and the situation will be exceptionally difficult for vehicles from EU countries which are very remote from the rest.

Will the Council say whether it intends to provide for a reduction - and, if so, on what scale - for heavy vehicles from the particularly remote countries of the EU which have to bear the cost resulting from this geographical distance, given that the idea of replacing the present stock of lorries with new, up-to-date and 'clean' lorries is unrealistic, owing to the lack of incentives, an argument that applies with particular force to Greek road hauliers?

Answer (10 November 1997)

The Council cannot prejudge the outcome of the ongoing discussions on the proposal for a Directive on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures ("Euro tax disc¨) which is intended to replace Directive 93/89/EEC, which was declared void by the Court of Justice on 5 July 1995.

The Council would like to point out, however, that the derogation from the user charges set out in Directive 93/89/EEC only allows for a temporary reduction in the rates of user charges to be granted to certain Member States which are disadvantaged because of their limited economic development and their particular geographical situation, aggravated in some cases by political conflicts in certain third countries.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2855/97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE) and Raphaël Chanterie (PPE) to the Commission (11 September 1997)

Subject: Homeopathic medicinal products

1. What is the position regarding evaluation of EC directives 92/73 ((OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 8. )) and 92/74 ((OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 12. )) on the registering of homeopathic medicinal products?

2. Is it true that the aim of these objectives - the harmonization of homeopathic medicinal products in the EU - has not been achieved because of failure to implement them properly or consistently in the Member States?

3. Is an evaluation report available and, if so, will the Commission forward it to Parliament?

4. On the basis of the evaluation will the Commission propose a change in legislation and, if so, when?

5. What are the main points in respect of which legislation might need to be changed?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1997)

On 14 July 1997 the Commission forwarded to the Parliament and Council its report on the application of Directives 92/73/EEC and 92/74/EEC on homeopathic medicinal products ((COM(97) 362 final. )).

All questions raised by the Honourable Members are answered in this report which, in its conclusions, also asks the Parliament and Council to express their view on particular problems raised in the report and to consider whether certain amendments to the directives on homeopathic medicinal products should be envisaged.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2676/97 by Inger Schörling (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: EU arms exports

A report published by the Swedish peace movement on arms exports from EU Member States notes that between 1989 and 1995, EU Member States conducted arms deals with 32 countries involved in armed conflicts. This means that heavy weapon systems from the Member States could be found in most armed conflicts around the world. The report also points out that, since 1989, agreements on arms exports have been concluded between EU Member States and 27 countries which repeatedly and flagrantly violate human rights.

Has the EU taken any initiatives to restrict international arms exports or required the member States to tighten up their policies on arms exports?

Has the Commission drawn up its own report on arms exports or devised a plan with proposals on how arms exports may be restricted?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997)

At their June 1991 meeting the Heads of State and Government agreed that it should be possible to establish a common approach leading to the harmonisation of national arms export policies and identified certain criteria on which such an approach could be based; in June 1992 the Lisbon European Council added to the list of these criteria.

In Amsterdam in June 1997 the Heads of State and Government decided that work should be started rapidly within the Community to develop a coherent and responsible policy on the control of arms exports.

Community initiatives in this area over recent years have already produced general guidelines on how the above-mentioned common criteria should be interpreted and implemented. At present particular attention is being devoted to the question of what practical measures can be taken to tighten up the procedures relating to end-use accompanying documentation, to ensure that arms are not diverted to another end-use and that exporters comply with the conditions under which they were granted an export licence.

The Community will be implementing as soon as possible the programme adopted at the end of June 1997 to forestall and combat illegal trafficking in conventional weapons.

In January 1996 the Commission presented a Communication to the Council and the European Parliament on 'The challenges facing the European defence-related industry, a contribution for action at European level' ((COM(96) 10. )) which included suggestions about arms export policies. The Communication puts forwards a number of points for consideration on action the Community could take, and several of these are being analysed by the Council. During its May 1997 plenary sitting Parliament adopted a report by Mr Titley and a resolution broadly supporting the Commission's suggestions.

The debate on the Titley report gave the Commission the opportunity to confirm that it intends to continue making an active contribution to initiatives aiming to give the Community a coherent policy on this matter.