ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2763/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) and Peter Pex (PPE) to the Commission (21 October 1996)

Subject: Footwear from China, Indonesia and Thailand

Has the anti-dumping committee of the European Union recommended to the Commission a punitive levy on footwear from China, India and Thailand?

Did France, Spain and Portugal, for example, argue for this measure on protectionist grounds?

What will be the impact of this measure on employment in the exporting countries?

What will the consequences be for Dutch shoe-importers and consumers?

Can the Commission state why it does not consider the proposed measure to be in breach of the WTO?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1996)

Two anti-dumping proceedings concerning footwear are currently being dealt with by the Commission. One concerns certain footwear with leather and plastic uppers originating in the People's Republic of China, Indonesia and Thailand, while the other concerns certain footwear with textile uppers originating in the People's Republic of China and Indonesia. There is no anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of footwear from India.

Both proceedings have been discussed within the advisory committee of 17 September 1996. The opinions of delegations in the advisory committee do not prejudge the decision by the Commission on whether to impose provisional anti-dumping duties or not. It is not the Commission's policy to comment on any alleged positions taken by Member States, the consultation of which is covered by confidentiality.

The Commission did not study the effect of any measures on employment in the exporting countries as it is the employment situation within the Community which has to be taken into account for the purposes of examining whether injury has been caused to the Community industry.

As far as the effect of any duty on importers is concerned, several importers have submitted that anti-dumping measures would have an adverse effect on their business. Before deciding, however, on the imposition of any anti-dumping duty, the Commission will give careful consideration to the interests of importers and consumers as well as the Community producers before deciding whether it is in the Community's interest to take measures.

Injurious dumping is condemned under Article VI of the General agreement on tariffs and trade (GATT) and remedial measures, such as the imposition of anti-dumping duties, are permitted in such circumstances. The anti-dumping proceedings on footwear have been conducted on the basis of the Community's anti-dumping legislation which is in full conformity with the World trade organisation (WTO) anti-dumping agreement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2605/96 by Paul Lannoye (V) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Environmental impact of the 'Transhennuyère' project designed to halt the over-pumpage of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer by the transfer of water in particular from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, as part of the Hainaut Objective 1 programme

The 'Transhennuyère' project, designed to end the systematic over-pumpage of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer, where annual abstractions in 1990 amounted to 78 million m3, compared with an estimated natural annual replenishment rate of 57 m3, involves drawing water from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer.

The Péruwelz-Seneffe artesian aquifer is situated in the commune of Péruwelz and in the neighbouring Belgian and French communes. This border area is characterized by numerous springs, wetland areas and ponds which give the region a distinctive character in terms of landscape and biotopes.

This area, which is situated on the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, also includes a number of protected areas:

- the 'Mer de Sable' nature reserve in the commune of Beloeil, which has also been proposed by the Walloon regional authorities for inclusion on the Natura 2000 list;

- the 'Bassin de la Haine' special protection area' for the conservation of wild birds (within the meaning of Directive 79/409/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) covers Péruwelz, Bernissart, Beloeil and other communes;

- on French territory the area also covers the Scarpe and Escaut natural park.

From available information, it would appear that the abstraction of water from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer might cause ground water depletion and the drying out of wetlands and would probably be harmful to the biotopes and landscape.

An environmental impact survey should therefore be carried out in respect of the project, which is covered by the definitions contained in Annex II of Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )) and, in accordance with Article 7 of the Directive, the relevant information should be forwarded to the French authorities.

Does the Commission not take the view that the favourable opinion given by DG XI on the basis of a brief and incomplete environmental impact survey should be reviewed and that the French authorities should be informed of the scope and nature of this project?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2605/96 and E-2617/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1996)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it is re-examining the 'Transhennuyère' project, designed to combat overexploitation of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer, in the light of its environmental impact on the Péruwelz area.

In view of the complexity of this investment, following a preliminary technical meeting with the Walloon authorities, the Commission asked for additional information to enable it to adopt a final position on the project.

The Commission has informed the Walloon regional authorities that ERDF part-financing for this project has been suspended for the time being.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2716/96 by Gijs de Vries (ELDR) to the Commission (16 October 1996)

Subject: Alleged irregularities in the Commission services

In an article in the Belgian newspaper Le Soir of 3 August 1996 Mr Guy Dewarichet expresses the suspicion that irregularities have occurred in services of the European Commission. Can the Commission shed any light on this?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-2814/96 by Mrs Dury ((See page 81. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2808/96 by Livio Filippi (PPE) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Abduction of Milena Bianchi in Tunisia

Milena Bianchi, aged 21, from Bassano del Grappa, disappeared without trace on 23 November 1995 in Dar Chaabane el Fehiri, Tunisia.

The 11-month investigation has drawn a blank.

The Tunisian authorities seem unwilling to consider the possibility of abduction.

The Italian and Tunisian authorities concerned did not make initial contact until four months after the abduction.

The Tunisian authorities have resorted to every means to prevent the Bianchi family from going to Tunisia.

What steps will the Commission take to alert the authorities of the two countries to ensure that they put an end to Milena Bianchi's abduction and enable her to return home?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1996)

The Commission believes that this question is a matter for ministers of the Member States meeting within the framework of cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2575/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Community intervention in the fisheries sector

The proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3699/93 laying down the criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the processing and marketing of its products ((OJ C 49, 20.2.1996, p. 9. )) states that, on the basis of an estimate of costs previously recorded by the services for operations of this type, it appears sensible to limit the cost of these measures for each calendar year to ECU 200 000 or 0.5% of the funds provided for in the financial plan for each Member State for the year in question.

The proposed limit of 0.5% would appear to be based on experience gained over an extremely short period and does not provide the flexibility required to adjust to the fluctuations which occur from one year to the next.

Would the Commission not agree, therefore, that the overall ceiling for FIFG aid for each Member State should be raised to the higher of the following amounts: ECU 400 000 or 1% of the funds provided for in the financial plan for each Member State for the year in question?

Answer given by Emma Bonino on behalf of the Commission (28 October 1996)

The original proposal amending Council Regulation (EC) No 3699/93 ((OJ L 346, 31.12.1993. )) referred to by the Honourable Member was in fact changed by the Commission after in-depth talks with the Council.

This led to the Commission raising the maximum for each calendar year to ECU 350 000, 0.85% of the funds provided for in each Member State's financial plan for the year in question, as provided for in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 965/96 of 28 May 1996 amending Regulation (EC) No 3699/93 laying down the criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the processing and marketing of its products. ((OJ L 131, 1.6.1996. ))
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3143/96 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens (ELDR) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Dutch-language interpreters and translators

1. What percentage of the total number of (a) interpreters and (b) translators employed within the European Institutions for translation/interpretation into Dutch are Belgians?

2. When Dutch-language interpreters and translators are recruited are there certain minimum and/or maximum quotas for the number of Belgians compared with the number of Dutch citizens?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3069/96 and E-3143/96 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1996)

The proportion of Belgian officials and other staff working into Dutch in the Commission's interpreting and translation services as a whole is 48%. For information on the other institutions, the Honourable Member should ask each one directly.

The Commission would point out that under Article 27 of the Staff Regulations, no posts may be reserved for nationals of any specific Member State and recruitment must be directed to securing for the institution the services of officials of the highest standard of ability, efficiency and integrity, recruited on the broadest possible geographical basis from among nationals of Member States.

The Commission therefore tries to ensure that nationals of all Member States are kept informed of recruitment possibilities and are able to take part in open competitions. In common with the other institutions, the Commission does not operate a quota system providing a specific number of posts per Member State. Such a system would be contrary to the Staff Regulations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2647/96 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Commission (15 October 1996)

Subject: Participation in EU educational programmes by young Austrians

A survey of young people in Austria shows that interest in European exchange and educational programmes has risen sharply.

How many young Austrians took part in European educational programmes before Austria joined the EU, i.e. before 1 January 1995, and how many have done so since?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1996)

In the field of education, 4 773 young Austrians spent a period of study in a university of another participating country between 1992/93 and 1994/95 under the Erasmus Programme. In 1995/96 and 1996/97, the number of Austrians who took part or who are taking part in cooperation and mobility measures under the Socrates Programme is 6 023.

As far as vocational training is concerned, 743 young Austrians took part in placement and exchange measures in 1995 under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, and the number for 1996 is estimated to be about 570. Under the former Comett Programme, 769 young university students or graduates from Austria received Community support between 1990 and 1994 in order to undertake a placement with a firm abroad.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3425/96 by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission (27 November 1996)

Subject: Complaint reference DG IV - a/377772-23.10.1995

The complainants have received no official information on the status of the procedure. In the new Member State of Austria in particular there is little understanding for such bureaucratic sloppiness. The lack of transparency in bureaucratic procedures adds to the public's dissatisfaction with the EU.

Regarding the above case:

1. What has the Commission done about this matter since 12.9.1995?

2. What stage has the procedure reached?

3. When can a final decision be expected?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-3418/96 and P-3425/96 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

Following this complaint, the Commission sent a request for information to Austria and received a reply on 22 January 1996. In order to be in a better position to investigate the possible aid character of the measures in question and their compatibility with the common market, the Commission is at present analysing studies concerning the financing of booking and reservation systems. The complainants will be informed as a matter of course of the result of the examination.

There is no formal complaint procedure in the state aid field and the Commission is in cases of non-notified aid not bound by a two-month period for the preliminary assessment. Third parties can however, on the basis of the direct effect of Article 93 paragraph 3, 3rd sentence EC Treaty, obtain legal protection before national courts against aid which is paid prior to the Commission's authorisation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2604/96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: European City of Culture in the year 2000

Although the choice of European Cities of Culture is a matter for the Council of Ministers and the administration thereof is a matter for the Member States concerned, the Commission has always made a symbolic financial contribution.

Because the year 2000 is regarded as special, for the first time a number of cities have been chosen, including - also for the first time - cities in States which are not at present members of the European Union.

Given the exceptional nature of this event, which can and should serve to unite Europe further and to disseminate and project Europe's age-old culture on the threshold of a new millennium, and given the new supranational character of the project, involving nine European states, does not the Commission believe that there is every reason for it to take part in this exceptional event and support it with a significant financial contribution?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1996)

The Community has contributed, as far as its resources allowed, to the 'European City of Culture', an intergovernmental event, since it began, but it should be emphasized that no Council decision designating the cities refers to any Community support.

Moreover, the Commission recalls that, as they stand, the financial perspectives of the Community budget offer little prospect of a substantial increase for Community cultural action.

However, the Commission keenly hopes that the Community will give this event all the attention it deserves on account of the symbolic importance of the year 2000.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3029/96 by Arthur Newens (PSE) to the Commission (11 November 1996)

Subject: Labelling of food products

Could the Commission indicate which meat products for human consumption include horsemeat as an ingredient, with product and brand names, and which labelling requirements apply in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (27 November 1996)

The Commission has no particulars of products intended for human consumption which have horsemeat as an ingredient or of their brand names.

These products are subject to Directive 79/112/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer. ((OJ L 33, 8.2.1979. )) Pursuant to the Directive the labelling of foodstuffs must include a list of ingredients to inform the consumer of the composition of what has been purchased and, in this case, whether it contains horsemeat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3260/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: Interim RPI

It is increasingly clear from the media that there are real difficulties in finding universally accepted statistical measurements.

The Commission evaluates the convergence of prices on the basis of the interim retail price index. Does this index coincide with or diverge from the retail price index used by Germany?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3259/96, E-3260/96, E-3261/96, E-3262/96, E-3263/96, E-3264/96, E-3265/96, E-3266/96, E-3267/96, E-3268/96, E-3269/96, E-3270/96, E-3271/96, E-3272/96, E-3273/96 and E-3274/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

Under Protocol No 6 on the convergence criteria referred to in Article 109j of the EC Treaty 'Inflation shall be measured by means of the consumer price index on a comparable basis, taking into account national differences.' This requirement is currently met through a process of harmonization based on the national consumer price indices (CPIs).

According to Council Regulation No 2494/95 on harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICPs) ((OJ L 257, 27.10.1995. )), harmonization should be considered as a stepwise approach in two stages. Stage I established in February 1996 a set of interim indices of consumer prices (IICPs). The IICPs are in fact the national CPIs with the coverage of goods and services adjusted to reduce non-comparability, particularly by excluding certain non-market services, such as health, education and owner occupied housing.

National CPIs can thus be seen as coincident with the corresponding IICPs regarding methods, concepts and definitions, apart from the coverage of goods and services. Numerically, the indices differ as a result of these differences in the coverage ((COM(96) 560. )). For most of the Member States, the differences in the inflation rates measured as a twelve month change, whether on an annual or monthly basis, are small, ranging from 0,0 to ±0,2 percentage points. For some Member States (Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) the differences are bigger, mainly because of housing costs, particularly where interest payments are used in the national CPIs.

Though not strictly comparable, IICPs provide for the time being the most comparable basis for the assessment of inflation convergence among Member States. The Commission will, however, assess inflation convergence during the period before the start of stage three of economic and monetary union, as required by the Treaty, on the basis of comparable HICPs. These will be launched with Stage II of the harmonization of CPIs in February 1997 and will be based on appropriately designed definitions, concepts and methods.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2205/96 by Gijs de Vries (ELDR) to the Council (13 August 1996)

Subject: Uniform electoral procedure for the election of Members of the European Parliament

On 10 March 1993, pursuant to Article 138 of the Treaty, the European Parliament adopted resolution A3-0381/92 ((OJ C 115, 26.4.1993, p. 121. )) on the draft uniform electoral procedure for the election of Members of the European Parliament, adjuring the Council to adopt a uniform electoral procedure for the 1994 European elections.

If the Council agrees with the stance adopted in plenary by the French Presidency that Parliament's resolution is too general to constitute a proposal within the meaning of Article 138 of the Treaty, can it specify the criteria and conditions which must be met by a proposal to comply with this Article?

Answer (17 January 1997)

In the absence of any judicial interpretation of the word 'proposal' within the meaning of the first subparagraph of Article 138(3) of the EC Treaty, it is legitimate to ask what precise form should be taken by such proposals for the election of Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage in accordance with a uniform procedure in all Member States.

The Council would simply point out that the first three 'proposals' adopted by the European Parliament since its creation (on 17 May 1960, 14 January 1975 and 10 March 1982) took the form of Resolutions to which were explicitly annexed draft Conventions or Acts consisting of a structured text of a legal nature. this was also the form taken by the BOCKLET Report in 1985-1986, which was not put to a vote in plenary.

Since the Resolution adopted on 10 March 1993 did not take the same form and merely stated a number of important general principles, it prompted doubts as to its exact nature on the part of the Council.

The Council has nevertheless had several exchanges of views of a political nature since that date on the approach set forth in the aforementioned European Parliament Resolution.

It could only conclude, as already confirmed to the Parliament on more than one occasion, that it was unable, on the basis of this Resolution, to continue with discussions aimed at adopting a definitive proposal submitted to the European Parliament for assent and to the Member States for ratification.

Since the matter is also being examined by the current Intergovernmental Conference, the Council considers that it would be advisable to await the latter's conclusions on this point.