ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2922/97 by Klaus Rehder (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Development of the fruit and vegetable in the European Union

According to the union of consumer associations (AgV), since 1990 (as at 1994) a total of nearly DM 15 billion has been spent in the European Union on the production and disposal of fruit and vegetable surpluses; DM 4.5 billion of that sum came from the German taxpayers' pocket. In the 1993-94 financial year alone some 2.5 million tons of fruit and vegetables were bought in and destroyed using taxpayers' money (direct cost in the EU DM 1.2 billion, 360 million of which in German taxes). This destruction would probably be costing the German taxpayer a further DM 4-5 billion.

1. How much has been paid out, on the Commission's calculations, between 1990 and today on the destruction of surpluses and withdrawals from the market in the individual Member States and by the European Union?

2. In that process, what quantities of intervention stocks have been processed into alcohol, used as animal feed or dumped?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1997)

1. Tables are being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat showing the amounts, by Member State and budget year, paid out since 1990 in compensation for withdrawn fruit and vegetables.

2. They also show, for the 1970/71 to 1992/93 marketing years (the last for which figures are available) the quantities withdrawn and give a percentage breakdown of what was done with these.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2590/97 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Commission (29 July 1997)

Subject: Possible legal proceedings concerning fixed book prices in the German-speaking area

The Austrian chain of bookshops which is currently pursuing a complaint to the Commission concerning the fixing of book prices in the German-speaking area is threatening to bring legal proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Communities.

What will happen to fixed book prices in the German-speaking area between the bringing of such proceedings and a possible decision by the Court? How long are such proceedings likely to take, in the light of past experience?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1997)

According to the third paragraph of Article 175 of the EC Treaty, any natural or legal person may complain to the Court of Justice that an institution of the Community - such as the Commission - has failed to address to that person any act other than a recommendation or an opinion. The complainant can bring an action in respect of the Commission's failure to reach a decision on the complaint. However, according to the second paragraph of Article 175, the action is admissible only if the institution concerned has first been called upon to act and has not defined its position within two months of being so called upon. The action may then be brought before the Court of Justice within a further period of two months. The Court of Justice itself is not required to pass judgment within a given period. However, under Article 186 of the EC Treaty, it may prescribe any necessary interim measures in any cases before it.

Another possibility for which the EC Treaty makes provision is that set out in Article 177. Under this Article, a court or tribunal in one of the Member States to which a question on the interpretation of the Treaty is submitted and which considers that a decision on the question is necessary to enable it to give judgment can refer the matter to the Court of Justice for a ruling. However, it is the national court or tribunal which decides whether the question is to be submitted to the Court of Justice; parties in the proceedings at national level cannot oblige it to refer the matter to the Court. It is not possible to say, on the basis of the facts supplied in the Honourable Member's question, whether this possibility could be relevant to the present proceedings.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2500/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (18 July 1997)

Subject: Fire safety in hotels

Further to my Written Question E-1423/97 ((OJ C 45, 10.2.1998, p. 29. )), why has the study not yet been published in English? Is the Commission happy with the low response rate to the questionnaire issued by the group carrying out the study (ceten-apave) i.e. 1 213 returns from 20 000 questionnaires covering only eight EU countries?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1997)

The Commission can provide further information to complement that given previously in reply to the Honourable Member's written question E-1423/97.

It is true that the investigative study on fire safety was available only in French. This was due to its length including annexes (more than 750 pages). It can be used as a basis for information and action by the Commission without it having to be translated.

The enquiry was managed on a large scale. The response, of more than 1 000 replies, was considered as being sufficiently representative to consolidate and analyse the information collected from private and public official bodies.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2816/97 by André Sainjon (ARE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Boeing - McDonnell Douglas merger

The Commission's acceptance of the Boeing - McDonnell Douglas merger poses fundamental problems:

1. What industrial policy should the Union adopt in response to American provocation?

2. Can it encourage the large European groups to come together, and how?

3. Can it give new momentum to aeronautical and space research in the context of the Fifth Framework Programme?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1997)

In July 1997 the Commission announced that it would be presenting a communication on the future of the aerospace industry to Council and the Parliament in the autumn. This document was adopted by the Commission on 24 September 1997 'The European aerospace industry meeting the global challenge' ((COM(97) 466. )) and covers the points raised by the Honourable Member.

The Commission agrees that in the face of mounting international competition it would be in the aerospace industry's interest to be able to benefit from the economies of scale and synergies which larger European industrial groups could provide. The Commission also believes that any industry consolidation effort must be industry-led and be based on sound economic and commercial criteria which would allow the aerospace industry to be a dynamic and flexible player in the international aerospace market.

As far as the fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) ((COM(97) 142. )) is concerned, acknowledging the importance of technology acquisition in the aeronautics sector, the Commission has proposed a key action 'New perspectives in aeronautics'. Within this the Commission will implement co-ordinating actions to support the strategic objectives of the European aerospace industry. Similarly, in the domain of space technologies and space applications the Commission will ensure a coherent approach in its Community research and technological development (RTD) actions under the different specific programmes of the 5th framework programme, as well as synergy with other policies relating to space applications. Such co-operation stimulates synergy between applied and fundamental research in the many interrelated aerospace disciplines and increases the impact at all levels of the supply chain. Also the Commission has put into operation a reinforced co-ordination with the European space agency in general and its RTD programmes in particular.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2882/97 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Dumping - Potash industry

When Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan met the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Anatoly Chubais, in Moscow in June 1997 to discuss trade issues between the EU and Russia, in particular problems relating to anti-dumping duties, did the Russian Minister raise the issue of the current anti-dumping measure with regard to potash and, if so, what was the Commissioner's response?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1997)

At the meeting between the member of the Commission in charge of common trade policy and the Russian deputy prime minister, in June 1997 in Moscow, the issue of the anti-dumping proceeding concerning potassium chloride was not discussed.

However, the review investigation concerning the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of potassium chloride from Russia is now coming to its conclusion and the Commission will submit a proposal to the Council shortly.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2779/97 by Luigi Florio (UPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: The justice system in Italy

1. Is the Commission aware of the serious deterioration in the system of justice - civil, penal and administrative - in Italy?

2. Is it aware of the unacceptable length of proceedings, the increasingly obvious politicization of a substantial section of the magistrature and the feuds between certain legal offices?

3. Does it not consider that this situation, which has led to almost universal distrust in the State's ability to ensure that justice is done, is creating serious problems for Italy, even in the economic sphere, entailing undoubted disadvantages and greater risks for anybody operating in Italy, and thereby also jeopardizing the proper functioning of the single market?

4. Does it consider it should put forward proposals aimed at reestablishing a more 'neutral' and rapid justice system, more in line with that in other EU countries, since the Union's objectives under the Maastricht Treaty include the development of close cooperation in the sphere of justice?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1997)

The Commission has noted the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member.

As the Honourable Member mentions, judicial cooperation between the Member States is a matter of common interest under Article K.1 of the Treaty on European Union. Once the Amsterdam Treaty comes into force, judicial cooperation in civil matters will be covered by Article E of a new Chapter in the EC Treaty entitled 'Progressive establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice'.

However, the Commission would point out that the aim of judicial cooperation is to enable the national legislative systems in the Union to operate in a coordinated and harmonious way. It is not intended to remedy shortcomings in the administration of justice or politicisation of the judiciary. These matters fall within the competence of the Member States and the Commission does not intend to put forward the proposals suggested by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3011/97 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Granting PDO to Terra di Bari oil

Will the Commission say why it called off the meeting at which Terra di Bari extra virgin olive oil was to have been granted protected designation of origin (PDO)? This meeting, and the award of PDO, had been fully expected by the Italian Farmers' Confederation whose provincial president, Antonio Barile, had even arranged a special meeting with traders and the press in Bari in July 1997 to announce the good news.

The author not only appeals for this recognition to be granted but points out that the entire 'operation' has now been ready and adequately documented for three years; that Bari's 'green gold' is of prime quality and is already prized on international markets; and finally that any further delay would amount to sabotaging a sector employing 60 000 firms in the Bari region, which produce some 80 m kilos, create a turnover of LT 500 billion and account for virtually 20% of Italy's olive production and 50% of the olive production in Apulia.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997)

The Commission is pleased to be able to inform the Honourable Member that the designation 'Terra di Bari', referring to an extra virgin olive oil, has already been included on the list which it has proposed registering as protected designations of origin (PDO) under Article 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 ((OJ L 208, 24.7.1992. )).

The draft Commission Regulation containing the 'fifth list' of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications was tabled for discussion at the meeting of the appropriate regulatory committee held on 17 September 1997. The Commission currently plans to propose its approval at the next meeting of this committee. A favourable committee opinion on the 'fifth list' will permit the Commission to decide to register the designation 'Terra di Bari' as a PDO and publish it in the Official Journal as part of that list as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2519/97 by Klaus Lukas (NI) to the Commission (22 July 1997)

Subject: Reorganization of competition - reform of national regional aid schemes

Press reports (eg Der Standard 4 June 1997) suggest that as part of the reorganization of European competition the Commission is intending to carry out a thorough reform of national regional aid schemes.

1. Are these press reports true? If so, what stage have the deliberations on the reform of national regional aid schemes reached? Who has responsibility for adopting such reforms?

2. When are these reforms to be implemented? Does the Commission consider they are overdue? If so, why? If not, why consider reform at all?

3. What is the purpose of such reforms? Do they involve an increased or reduced financial burden on the EU? Are transitional aids planned for regions which may no longer be given national aid after the reform?

4. What will be the nature of the reforms? What effects would the implementation of the proposed reforms have on Austria?

5. What is the Commission's basic position on national regional aid schemes?

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

1. The Commission is currently drawing up guidelines on state aid for regional purposes, reviewing all the various existing rules and practices and consolidating them into a single text. The EC Treaty confers broad responsibility for implementing Articles 92 and 93 on the Commission.

2. A Commission decision on the new guidelines is expected in the second half of 1997. The guidelines are to enter into effect as from 1 January 2000.

3. and 5. The purpose of the consolidation and revision of the rules and practices is to make the Commission's decision-making practice in this area more transparent and thus to increase legal certainty. It is thus in line with the wishes expressed on many occasions by Member States and other actors. The guidelines are intended in particular to concentrate national assisted areas, an objective whose necessity has also been emphasised in the Commission's 'Agenda 2000' ((COM(97) 2000 final. )) and in the Commission's fifth survey on state aid ((COM(97) 170 final. )). No expenditure from the Community budget is involved.

4. It is not yet possible to specify what the effects would be for Austria in particular.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3108/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Contract for the construction of the new ring road to the east of Rome

Despite the fact that the Commission opposed the commune of Rome's decision to award the contract for the construction of the new eastern ring road to the Ferrovie dello Stato spa (national rail company), last August the commune approved a new decision whereby the design of the project was entrusted to Sta spa, a company belonging to the commune, while the construction project was awarded to Ferrovie dello Stato.

This openly disregards the Commission's opinion, and presents the same difficulties as before. Moreover, making Sta spa responsible for the design of the project raises many questions, given that although, under the terms of its statute, it is a public transport undertaking, in the new decision adopted by the Rome municipal council it is described as an engineering company. The council decision also makes provision for Sta to involve outside consultants in its work, without properly specifying the procedure for and limits of any such arrangement.

In view of the foregoing,

1. Is the Commission aware of the Commune of Rome's new decision?

2. Did that decision take full account of comments previously made by the Commission?

3. Was the recent award of contracts conducted in accordance with Directive 92/50/EEC ((OJ L 209, 24.7.1992, p. 1. )) on the award of public service contracts?

4. If it transpires that the rules have been broken, does the Commission intend to take action against the Commune of Rome?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1997)

The Italian authorities have not yet officially informed the Commission of the decision referred to by the Honourable Member. It cannot, therefore, give an opinion at this stage as to whether the decision complies with Directive 92/50/EEC of 18 June 1992 on the award of public service contracts. If a breach of legislation were identified, the Commission could bring proceedings against Italy under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, but it could not under any circumstances take action against the municipality of Rome.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3019/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Improving the production and marketing of honey

Will 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. )) make vocational training programmes for young farmers one of its priority aims?

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-2358/97 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Failure to implement the EU regulation on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora (338/97) in Germany

The new EU Regulation on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora (338/97) ((OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1. )) came into force on 1 June 1997. Article 16 of the Regulation calls on the Member States to introduce sanctions, seizure and confiscation in the event of infringements of the new regulation. Germany has as yet failed to do so although it has had adequate time and warning before the regulation came into force. Species of fauna and flora considered by the EU to need special protection may therefore from now on be imported or exported scot-free. Nor are the purchase, offer to purchase, acquisition for commercial purposes, use for commercial gain, display to the public for commercial purposes, or the sale, keeping for sale, offering for sale or transporting for sale of the species listed in Annexes A or B of the regulation subject to sanctions, as they should be under the Regulation. In all these cases the German Customs have not been given the power to act.

1. Is the Commission aware of this failure by Germany to comply with the Regulation on the protection of wild species?

2. If so, how does the Commission intend to improve the situation?

3. Will the Commission be starting proceedings against the German Government before the Court of Justice for the breach of the Treaty involved in this failure to act?

4. Have there been similar failures by other Member States to implement this Regulation? If so, what difficulties have there been, in which countries, and how does the Commission intend to put the matter right?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (11 September 1997)

As the Honourable Member states, Article 16 of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein ((OJ L 61, 3.3.1997. )) obliges Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure the imposition of sanctions for a range of infringements of that Regulation. According to its Article 22, Article 16 shall apply from the date of entry into force of the Regulation, that is 3 March 1997. According to Article 20, Member States shall notify the Commission of the provisions which they adopt for the implementation of the Regulation and of all legal instruments used and measures taken for its implementation and enforcement.

Germany and all the other Member States have not yet notified legal instruments and measures concerning the Regulation. The Commission therefore will urge the Member States to do so as soon as possible and, if need be, will open infringement proceedings against those Member States which fail to comply with their obligations.