ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2247/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Tobacco smoke in the environment

Tobacco smoke in the environment is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, environmental hazard at the workplace and at home. Tobacco smoke contains nearly fifty carcinogenic substances. There are no threshold levels for these substances below which no risk of cancer exists.

And yet passive smoking cannot be avoided. If only because of the cost of the health care to which tobacco smoke gives rise we in the EU have no choice but to take determined action to reduce this nuisance. Although there are standards regulating smoking in certain Member States, these standards are not sufficiently effective in limiting passive smoking.

What more effective measures does the Commission propose taking to protect citizens from unintentional exposure to tobacco smoke at the workplace and in public places? Does the Commission intend to classify tobacco smoke in the environment as a carcinogenic substance?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1997)

Among the priority initiatives in the cancer action plan 1996-2000 ((Decision No 646/96 EEC of the Parliament and of the Council of 29.3.1996 - OJ L 95, 16.4.1996. )) is the protection of non-smokers from the effects of passive smoking. The plan provides for an assessment of the implementation of recommendations on tobacco consumption in public places, particularly on public transport and in education establishments. The plan also includes the promotion of strategies aimed at protecting the most vulnerable groups, in particular pregnant women and children, from the effects of passive smoking. Finally, it is planned to launch a pilot project in the media aimed at combating passive smoking.

Projects covering these priority actions will receive financial support from the 'Europe against cancer' programme.

The Commission has no plans at present to classify tobacco smoke as a carcinogenic agent.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0789/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B7-851 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2448/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (16 July 1997)

Subject: School milk programme

The objective of the school milk programme is to feed growing children with the EU's surplus fats. Many studies have shown that the consumption of full-fat milk starts the process of the hardening of children's blood vessels. In the interests of promoting health the milk programme should support the use of fat-free milk and dairy products and vegetable fat products.

What is the Commission's assessment of the nutritional health problems associated with the school milk programme? What does it propose to do to develop the school milk programme in such a way that it supports the healthy development and growth of children and young people?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1997)

Whilst it is accepted that a general reduction in fat consumption would contribute to public health, this does not require milk fat to be absent from the diet of school children. Against this background, and given that the list of eligible products under the Community school milk scheme includes both whole milk and semi-skimmed milk products, this programme should assist in the composition of a varied and balanced diet for school children.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2756/97 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Euro-Info-Center at the Regensburg Chamber of Commerce

The EC advisory agency at the Regensburg Chamber of Commerce has existed for about 10 years. Indeed, it was one of the first EICs to be recognized by the Commission. In the latest evaluation by the Commission, however, the Regensburg EIC has been downgraded from blue to violet.

1. Why has this downgrading taken place? Can the Commission provide a full explanation?

2. What (formal and qualitative) criteria does the Commission apply when evaluating EICs?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997)

Individual performance appraisals of the Euro Info Centres (EICs) are aimed not only at ensuring that their commitments to the Commission are fulfilled, since these determine payment of the Community contribution, but also at promoting an increase in the quantitative impact of the network as a whole.

The Commission's basic information source for the assessment exercise is the quarterly progress reports forwarded by the EICs. The assessment methodology, which was agreed with the EICs, is based on objective criteria of both a qualitative and quantitative nature.

For the purposes of the assessment, the activities of the Euro Info Centres are analysed from five points of view: their provision of information and assistance/consultancy services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on Community matters; their activities to promote the network; their involvement in intra-network cooperation; the extent and quality of their relations with the Commission, and the conformity of the internal organisation of the Euro Info Centres with their remit. The EICs have been involved in preparing a uniform assessment form setting out the various aspects of these activities.

In applying these criteria, the Regensburg EIC was classified in the 'violet' zone for 1996. This decision does not affect payment of the Community contribution. Its aim is simply to alert the EIC to certain weak points in its internal organisation and in its integration into the network. These weaknesses were set out in a letter from the Commission to the host structure.

The procedure is motivated by the desire to further improve the services provided by the Regensburg EIC as well as those provided by the network as a whole.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2434/97 by Terence Wynn (PSE) to the Commission (11 July 1997)

Subject: VAT on Women's sanitary products

The current EU rate of VAT on sanitary products is 5%.

Does the Commission envisage that this could be reduced to a zero-rate in the near future?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1997)

Under current Community legislation Member States may apply a reduced rate of at least 5% to sanitary protection products (Article 12(3)(a) and Annex H (category 3) of the 6th VAT Directive 77/388/EEC ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977. ))). This arrangement is an option only and in fact most Member States impose the standard rate on sanitary products for women.

The following rates are applied:

>TABLE>

The current situation will be subject to revision in the context of the introduction of the new common system of VAT which will address the question of VAT rate harmonisation. More details on the Commission plans in this area are to be found in the programme adopted in July 1996 ((COM(96) 328 final. )).

Under Community law zero-rating is permitted for a transitional period and for a limited number of items only. Member States are not allowed to introduce a zero-rate on new goods or services. The Commission does not envisage to propose making new zero-rates possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2337/97 by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Implementation of environmental and safeguards sampling at nuclear facilities in the EU

According to a memorandum prepared by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director-General Bruno Pelland concerning a high-level liaison committee meeting between the European Commission and the IAEA in Brussels on December 12/13/1996, Euratom and the IAEA are at loggerheads over the implementation of environmental and safeguards sampling at certain nuclear facilities in the European Union.

Plants in Belgium, Italy and Sweden are said to be excluding IAEA inspectors until Euratom analytical capability to assess samples have been raised to IAEA levels of competence.

Is this an accurate report of current circumstances; and what is the Commission doing to facilitate better cooperation with the IAEA over nuclear inspections?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1997)

The Commission would draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the answer given to written question E-1643/97 by Mrs Bloch von Blottnitz ((OJ C 45, 10.2.1998. )) on the same subject.

The statements cited in the question concerning the taking of environmental samples are not a correct reflection of current circumstances. The Commission and the International atomic energy agency (IAEA) cooperate by drawing samples together, sharing the results and developing the methods further. The Commission has the necessary analytical capabilities to draw independent conclusions. European laboratories are indeed providing the analysis for the IAEA together with other laboratories.

Regarding the concept for the testing and implementation of the new method, the Commission, Member State authorities and operators prefer the scientific and technical approach whereby the experience gained and the results obtained from each sampling influence the next such sampling exercise.

At the last meeting of the high level liaison committee in June 1997 there was complete agreement between the IAEA and the Commission regarding all topics relevant in this field of interest.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2441/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (16 July 1997)

Subject: EU Milk Availability Scheme

How does the Commission promote and guarantee the Milk Availability Scheme in order that every European child who has 'eligible beneficiary status' may receive access to the provision of milk?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1997)

The Community's main role in the operation of the school milk scheme is to provide for the necessary legal framework and for appropriate budgetary resources in order to facilitate the application of the scheme throughout the Community. Whether a child attending a particular school has access to subsidized school milk or not will ultimately depend on initiatives taken by the school, by milk suppliers or by national or local authorities to apply the scheme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2361/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Traditional costumes of EU Member States

There is no doubt that traditional dress forms a crucial part of the cultural heritage of all regions. In many EU regions there are workshops and craft centres specializing in the manufacture of this type of clothing, an activity which makes a great contribution to preserving local customs.

Will the Commission say in what framework and on what scale financial assistance could be provided for these small companies?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997)

The Commission recognises the contribution made by traditional trades and the craft industry to Europe's cultural heritage, and this year it co-financed a conference entitled 'Tradition and modernity: keys for European arts and crafts in the year 2000'.

As provided for in Article 130 of the EC Treaty and the 'Third Multiannual Programme for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the European Union (1997-2000) ((Doc COM(96) 591. )), the Commission launches actions to assist the craft sector and small enterprises. These actions are primarily launched through calls for proposals published in the Official Journal.

The objectives of the latest call for proposals to assist craft enterprises and small enterprises were transnational cooperation, joint participation in trade fairs and shows in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, promotion of the culture and spirit of enterprise, financing and access to credit, vocational training, access to information and services through computer applications, and the training of Euro-advisers.

As part of the Community's regional policy, there are also a certain number of aid schemes aimed at small enterprises and craft enterprises, provided that these are located in regions which are eligible for regional development funds.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2219/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (30 June 1997)

Subject: Cooperation between the European Union and Morocco

Does the Commission believe that the announcement by the Moroccan Government to the effect that it will not be renewing the current EU-Morocco fisheries agreement when it expires at the end of 1999 is linked to an attempt to secure advantages in the agricultural sector during the renegotiation of the cooperation agreement, which also expires in 1999?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2217/97 and E-2219/97 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1997)

The fisheries agreement with Morocco has been concluded on a four-year basis as from 1 December 1995, so that it has been in effect for only about one and a half years. The Commission considers it premature to draw any conclusions yet about fishing relations with Morocco from 1 December 1999.

Before then, it will be necessary to assess whether the goals to which the two sides committed themselves under the current agreements have been attained and to make an evaluation of progress in their cooperation over fishing, which constitutes a key element in future relations between the Community and Morocco.

On the subject of Morocco's fisheries agreements with other countries, the Commission has no information about the intentions of the Moroccan authorities regarding renewal of them.

On the subject of the Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association between the Community and its Member States on the one hand and Morocco on the other, the Commission would like to point out that it has been concluded for an unlimited period. However, it is true that the Community and Morocco have committed themselves to examining, after 1 January 2000, the situation in trade in agricultural and fishery products with a view to arriving at greater liberalisation of mutual trade as from 1 January 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2575/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Staff and Work of the European Environment Agency (EEA)

The nature and the activities of the EEA are very specifically defined, and its duties are purely consultative, as the leaflet 'Putting Information to Work' published by the organisation in 1995 shows. Despite this, there has been a significant increase in the number of staff employed there, and its budget estimates for 1997 and 1998 seem to be high.

Will the Commission - which supervises this service - state why the EEA called for an increase in its staff complement in 1997, and can it give a breakdown of staff by nationality and specify the exact nature of the scientific work it is supposed to carry out?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1997)

The Honourable Member is referred to the answer given by the Commission to his previous written question E-1767/97 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 93. )), wherein it was explained that the European environment agency (EEA) is an independent body with legal personality even though it is funded almost entirely by a subsidy from the Community budget. The Commission does not supervise the work of the agency. The executive director is the legal representative of the agency. He is appointed by the agency's management board and his tasks are defined in Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90 ((OJ L 120, 11.5.1990. )) and these include all staff matters. It is to the executive director that questions on recruitment policy and practice must therefore be posed.

In the preliminary draft budget for 1998, the Commission has made a proposal for an unchanged overall budget of 16.5 MECU and the agency staff complement rests unaltered at 62.

The tasks of the agency are defined in its Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90 and these consist of the provision of objective, reliable and comparable information at European level which the Community and Member States can use both in the assessment and formulation of policy measures to protect the environment. Such information should also contribute to measures to inform the public on the state of the environment.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2633/97 by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission (22 July 1997)

Subject: Freedom of movement of German exchange students in France

German students encounter considerable difficulty when organizing a period of study at a French university and during their stay there. They are, for example, required to pay fees for residence certificates (FF 150 in Bordeaux), to present certified translations of all documents, the validity of which is, moreover, limited to three months, and to name guarantors resident in France. The Amiens prefecture even demanded of one female student proof that she was single. In the hostel of the University of Amiens foreign exchange students pay FF 300 more rent than French students. Although the authorities' administrative practices vary as regards formalities required in France, the mobility of students is hampered by such practices in some départements. It is inconsistent with the objectives pursued with the SOCRATES programme and, where fees are demanded, in direct contravention of Article 8a(1) of the EC Treaty and Directive 90/366/EEC ((OJ L 180, 13.7.1990, p. 30. )) on the right of residence for students.

1. Is the Commission aware of these difficulties encountered by German exchange students in the exercise of their right to free movement? If so, what action has it so far taken against them?

2. If the difficulties referred to have not yet come to the Commission's attention, what action does it intend to take in the future against such French administrative practices?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1997)

The Commission is aware of the difficulties still being encountered by foreign students when organising periods of study and residence abroad outside the framework of organised mobility programmes such as Socrates/Erasmus.

On a general level, as part of its follow-up to the Green Paper on the obstacles to transnational mobility ((Doc COM(96) 462 final. )) the Commission intends to develop, within the limits of its authority, legal instruments which will enable it to eliminate the obstacles to the free movement of students, teachers and researchers.

With particular regard to the supplement that foreign students are required to pay in university hostels in France, the Commission has taken the matter up with the French government, specifically with the Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS), with the result that the circulars relating to these supplementary charges have been amended in line with the applicable Community legislation. If the Honourable Member is aware of any specific cases where the amended circular is being ignored, he should notify the Commission, which will take the necessary steps immediately.

Finally, as regards the residence costs that foreign students are required to pay, these are covered by the legislation of the Member States and the Commission has no jurisdiction in this matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1133/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: New NATO Research and Technology Organization

NATO's new R& T Board, which held its first meeting at the end of November 1996 as the governing body of NATO's Research and Technology Organization, replaces the previous management bodies of the Defence Research Group and AGARD (Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development).

Given the desire to continue emphasizing aeronautical technology in the fifth framework programme and the growing need, within the Community framework, for technological assessments with a solid scientific basis, does the Council plan to monitor the Technology Coordination Reports, which were first compiled in 1995, and draw conclusions on the possible implications for the development of civil technology of this source of information which is available to most Member States?

Answer (17 October 1997)

Research related to Aeronautical technology has been one of the growing sectors in the Community RTD Framework Programmes. Several projects in this area are at present being funded from resources of the 4th Framework Programme.

Such funding has covered only civil aspects of aeronautical technology since the Community Framework Programme does not give any support for military research, which is not covered by the EC Treaty.

The Honourable Member of Parliament is informed that there does not exist any forum wihtin the Council, nor is one envisaged in the future, for exchanging views with NATO organisations on this subject. It is not, therefore, foreseen that the Council would examine or monitor the reports referred to in the Question.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2522/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Grading of newly-recruited Commission officials by group and step

Given the lack of transparency regarding the method by which the Commission grades newly-recruited officials by group and step, will it say:

1. which criteria are used for grading newly-recruited officials in the Commission?

2. given the vagueness of the rules governing conditions of service on this matter, which documents or publications explain in detail how officials are graded by group and step and whether the public and, above all, those immediately concerned, have free access to these documents?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

The appointing authority takes its decision on classification by grade and step after consultation of the Joint Committee on Grading.

This Committee operates in accordance with criteria applicable since October 1983 and adjusted on 7 February 1996.

A copy of the decision on the criteria applicable to classification by grade and step, which is handed out on request to officials and temporary staff when they take up their duties, is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

The Honourable Member is also being sent a copy of the regulation which makes certain exceptions for nationals of the new Member States.