ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0658/96 by Karl Schweitzer (NI) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Trans-European networks

What trans-European network projects have been submitted by Austria?

What are the exact routes of any new or upgrading projects?

When will the priority projects be officially decided?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1996)

The transport projects of common interest agreed by Austria are included in the common position (EC) No 22/95 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network adopted by the Council on 28 September 1995 and identified by maps in Annex I and the criteria of Annex II of the guidelines proposal ((OJ C 331, 8.12.1995. )). The guidelines are a general reference framework whereas the exact definition of the routes is subject to national planning procedures. The guidelines are now subject to the conciliation procedure and it is agreed that the decision will be adopted by the Parliament and the Council before the summer. Austria has submitted requests for financial assistance under the trans-European networks transport budget for 1996, mainly for studies on sections of the corridors or projects of common interest (Brenner axis, Tauern axis, Pyhrn-Schober axis, Pontebbana axis, Donau axis, Koralmbahn Graz-Klagenfurt) and for projects related to air traffic management.

In the case of the energy sector, the projects of common interest concerning Austria are included in the common position (EC) no 12/95 on a series of guidelines on trans-European energy networks ((OJ C 216, 21.8.1995. )). Austria is directly involved in two projects, namely the construction of an electricity interconnection to Italy and the upgrading of the existing system of pipelines from Russia through Ukraine to the Community. Financial assistance under the trans-European networks energy budget was allocated in 1995 for further studies of the Italian section of the Austria-Italy electricity interconnection project.

Concerning trans-European telecommunications networks, a series of preliminary actions have been launched since 1993 for the development of ISDN (integrated services digital network) as a trans-European network. Projects have been selected by means of calls for proposals. In 1995, two projects in which Austrian enterprises are part of the consortium have been selected. The projects are TI2.7 trans regional learning platform using Euro-ISDN and TI2.8 Euro-ISDN awareness actions for small and medium sized enterprises. These projects received a favourable opinion from the trans-European network financial committee, in its telecommunications composition, on 20 November 1995 and were adopted by the Commission on 19 December 1995. For 1996, projects will be selected following a call for proposals published in mid-April and based on the Decision No 2717/95/EC of the Parliament and of the Council on a set of guidelines for the development of the Euro-ISDN as a trans-European network ((OJ L 282, 24.11.1995. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0773/96 by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission (1 April 1996)

Subject: Increase in occupational illness

New figures from the Occupational injuries and diseases board in Denmark show that occupational disease is on the increase, by a good 3000 cases over the last five years. Danish workers have been affected primarily by hearing and skin complaints, followed by back, shoulder and neck problems. Over the same period there has been an increase in the number of reported industrial accidents.

Have there been any European surveys revealing a similar trend, and is there any European research into the causes of the increase in occupational injury and disease? Is the Commission planning to submit any proposals for directives in this field?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1996)

The Commission attaches the utmost importance to improving health and safety at work by reducing the number of accidents at work and occupational diseases.

Since 1978 the Commission has implemented four action programmes in this area; the fourth (1996-2000) ((COM(95) 282. )) is currently under discussion at the Council.

As regards statistics, the data currently available in the Member States concerning occupational diseases and accidents at work are not standard and comparable, and therefore it is still impossible to analyse trends on a rigorous basis. Thus in 1995 a pilot project was launched to collect data on occupational diseases recognised in the Member States. A similar exercise has been conducted in regard to data on accidents at work.

The Commission considers that the existing legislation, based on Article 118a of the EC Treaty, is sufficient to address the main risks to safety and health at work. It does not envisage any specific proposal for a Directive concerning the questions raised by the Honourable Member, but will keep the situation under review.

In the context of research by the European Coal and Steel Community, several projects have been funded in specific sectors (notably occupational skin diseases and work-related osteomuscular problems) as well as in the context of the Biomed programme.

Finally, in 1996, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work will be set up in Bilbao (Spain), with the objective of providing the Community authorities, Member States and interested parties with useful technical, scientific and economic information pertaining to health and safety at work, necessary for establishing priorities for action.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0888/96 by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission (17 April 1996)

Subject: Creation of a European service for young people

Can the Commission say what kinds of activity will be given priority in the first phase of implementation of the plan to set up a European voluntary service for young people?

With regard to general activities in the social sphere (educational support and the integration of young or disabled people) are there plans to develop activities to train people in the new technologies (data processing, multimedia, etc.)?

Can the Commission also give details about the profile of the young candidates for voluntary work? Is a breakdown by country, age, sex and level of education envisaged? Similarly, does it have information about the structures likely to take on the volunteers?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0888/96 and E-1065/96 given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1996)

The Commission has now begun implementation of the pilot action for European voluntary service for young people, to be launched this year as a result of support from Parliament in particular.

The Commission has identified a series of networks which will accept around 50 young volunteers in innovative voluntary service activities in a number of clearly-defined areas (environmental protection, cultural activities and voluntary service, involvement of disadvantaged young people in transnational voluntary service measures). In addition, projects will be selected at the end of June 1996 from among those submitted by European voluntary service organisations. Finally, the Commission is in the process of introducing, in conjunction with the national agencies of the Youth for Europe programme, a decentralised project selection process, the results of which will be announced in autumn 1996.

The Commission has provided the general framework with regard to the activities likely to fall within the scope of this action in its working document 'Guidelines for a European voluntary service for young people' ((Doc. SEC (95) 2268. )), which has been sent to Parliament for information. The nature of the activities offered to volunteers will clearly depend in part on the offers taken up by the Commission. The Commission can endorse the Honourable Member's opinion on the value of including measures providing access to new technologies as part of the pilot action, provided that these projects fall within the general framework set out above.

The Commission has adopted the principle of providing access to European voluntary service for all young people interested in taking part, without discrimination of any kind. In monitoring and evaluating the scheme, the Commission will devote particular attention to participation by young people of both sexes, of different ages and from different Member States and social environments. In addition, positive measures will be developed in order to facilitate participation by disadvantaged young people.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1177/96 by Werner Langen (PPE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)

Subject: Subsidies to the French textiles and clothing industry

The French government has plans to relieve the French textiles and clothing industry of the obligation to pay social insurance contributions amounting to an annual sum equivalent to DM 600 million. This represents a considerable cost and competitive advantage to the industry compared with manufacturers from other Member States.

1. Is the Commission aware of the French government's plans?

2. If so, does it feel this massive subsidy is compatible with the principle of harmonizing competitive conditions in the EU?

3. What action does the Commission intend taking against the plans to relieve the French industry of its obligations?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1177/96 and P-1304/96 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1996)

On 27 March 1996 the French Government notified the Commission of experimental measures to reduce social insurance contributions in the textile, clothing and leather/footwear industries by an amount estimated at ECU 325 million per year. The Commission considers that the aid falls within the scope of Article 92(1) of the EC Treaty.

The Commission's position with regard to sectoral aid aimed at creating employment is set out in the guidelines on aid to employment. ((OJ C 334, 12.12.1995. )) On the basis of these guidelines, the Commission adopted on 30 April 1996 a negative final decision on experimental measures which the Italian Government was planning to introduce in the footwear industry, on the ground that the aid was not compatible with the single market.

On 15 May 1996 it decided to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 93(2) of the Treaty in respect of the French Government's measures because of their sectoral nature and because no justification was given for treating the industries concerned more favourably than others. The letter which it sent to the French authorities points out the suspensory effect of Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty and the fact that the Commission may call for any aid granted illegally to be repaid.

Under this procedure, the Commission is awaiting a response from the French authorities regarding the conformity of their measures with the above guidelines.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0878/96 by James Provan (PPE) to the Commission (17 April 1996)

Subject: Battery cages

Under Article 7 of Directive 88/166/EEC ((OJ L 74, 19.3.1988, p. 83. )) on minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in battery cages, the Commission is required to carry out inspections to ensure uniform application. Since 1 January 1995 the minimum requirements laid down in the directive have applied to all battery cages.

How many inspections have been carried out since 1 January 1995 and did those inspections confirm rumours that not all Member States are properly enforcing this directive and that battery cages on many farms still do not comply fully with the minimum requirements?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1996)

The Commission regrets to inform the Honourable Member that it has been unable to organize inspections to ensure uniform application of Directive 88/166/EEC since it currently has insufficient personnel to carry out such inspections.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0941/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Opening hours of the after-school centre

The interinstitutional after-school centre on Boulevard Wilson is open to children of officials of the Community institutions attending the European Schools until 6.15 p.m on Monday to Thursday and 5.30 p.m on Fridays. These hours do not coincide with those of European Parliament officials who work until 6.30 p.m.

As the after-school centre is interinstitutional, should the Commission not ensure that it is open until 7 p.m. like the European Parliament's Eastmann day-nursery, to enable officials of the European Parliament to fetch their children after work?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (14 June 1996)

The opening hours of after-school centres, like those of the crèches, are based on the working hours of the institutions and local establishments.

The opening hours of after-school centres has already been reviewed. It was decided not to extend them for organizational and budgetary reasons. At its meeting on 22 February 1992, the Joint Committee on the Management of the Early Childhood Centre, a joint interinstitutional body, decided against such a measure as it could be against the interest of children who spend several hours outside the family unit. However, the Joint Committee decided to review the matter and its possible implications at a future meeting.

The Honourable Member may rest assured that the Commission will communicate the results of the review to him.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1029/96 by Johannes Blokland (EDN) to the Commission (23 April 1996)

Subject: World chess championship in Baghdad

Mr Kirsan Iliumzhinov, president of FIDE (World Chess Federation), has decided to designate Baghdad, capital of Iraq and seat of Saddam Hussein's regime, as the venue for FIDE's world chess championship.

This decision has caused considerable unrest in the chess world:

- because of the economic boycott of Iraq by the United Nations,

- because of the way in which the chess tournament can be exploited for political purposes by Saddam Hussein's regime, and

- because of the harm which could be done to the image of chess if this world championship is held in Baghdad.

It is expected that the KNSB (Royal Netherlands Chess Federation) will convene a meeting on 27 and 28 April in order to take joint action with other European member organizations with a view to reversing FIDE's decision.

In the light of the continuing acts of violence by the Iraqi regime, is the Commission prepared to make known to FIDE and the European zone of FIDE its concern at designating Baghdad as the venue for the world championship?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1996)

The Commission is able to confirm the Honourable Member's information and shares his concern that the President of the International chess federation scheduled a chess world championship contest to take place between Mr Karpov and Mr Kampsky in Baghdad in June 1996.

The Commission believes that it is most inappropriate to organise such a prestigious international event in a country that was once again condemned on 23 April 1996 by the 52nd session of the United Nations Commission on human rights (resolution introduced by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union as in preceding years) for its constant and severe human rights violations.

Although under the United Nations sanctions regime imposed upon Iraq since its invasion of Kuwait in 1990 there is no specific mention of sports and cultural activities, the Commission is of the opinion that the organisation of the chess world championship in Baghdad is probably in violation of the services embargo imposed upon Iraq under United Nations sanctions. In any event, it would be likely to have negative political consequences by contradicting the international community's efforts to pressure the Iraqi government to apply the rule of law, respect human rights and renounce its policy of menacing neighbouring states.

Therefore the Commission takes note with satisfaction that efforts are currently under way to identify an alternative venue for the world championship tournament in the Russian Federation or another suitable place. The Commission endorses these efforts and trusts that the President of the International chess federation will follow national chess member federations' initiatives and review his decision regarding the location of the next world championship as soon as possible.

The Commission will continue to follow further developments on this issue very closely.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1051/96 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (13 May 1996)

Subject: Age discrimination in the Community institutions' recruitment policies

It appears from recent advertisements that the Commission is continuing to operate an ageist recruitment policy despite having over the years given many undertakings that this situation would change ((Independent on Sunday, 18/2/96 )).

In light of the Commission's opinion to the IGC, which recommends the introduction into the Treaties of 'provisions banning discrimination of any kind', will it now be changing its recruitment policy?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1996)

Like the other Community institutions, the Commission applies age limits for participation in competitions to recruit officials, in accordance with Annex III to the Staff Regulations.

Article 27 of the Staff Regulations states that recruitment should 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 the Member States. Officials must be selected without reference to race, creed or sex.

Experience in recent years has shown that the use of age limits is a significant factor in ensuring both a better geographical balance and a better ratio of men to women among candidates taking part in competitions. This is especially true of competitions for the starting grades, and in particular for A8 assistant administrators, given that mobility declines with age. Without age limits the influx of candidates from the local labour market might skew the distribution of participants and successful candidates. It is also clear that young women are more mobile and more inclined to apply for competitions before they have family commitments. These trends were also observed during the organization of the A competitions for Austrian, Finnish and Swedish nationals in 1995.

These considerations, particularly as regards careers, explain the Commission's use of age limits.

Following the conclusions of the tripartite group, inter-institutional cooperation in the organization of competitions will be stepped up. This means that all aspects of recruitment policy, including the age limits specified in the notices of competitions, will have to be dealt with in the context of this cooperation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1171/96 by Bertel Haarder (ELDR) to the Commission (15 May 1996)

Subject: Cofinancing of Social Fund projects

The provisions governing the EU Social Fund are based on the principle of national cofinancing, e.g. of employment-related projects (Article 2 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2084/93 of 20 July 1993) ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 39. )).

Will the Commission state whether Denmark may allow the national cofinancing of Social Fund projects to consist solely of benefits paid to the persons covered by such projects from their unemployment insurance schemes (unemployment benefit), i.e. payments which they would receive in any case?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1996)

The European social fund (ESF) part-finances the Member States' costs of vocational training and recruitment aid. The size of the part-financing is outlined in Article 13 (3) of the ESF framework Regulation (EEC) n° 2084/93.

Claims for payment to the ESF must be based on eligible, actual, incurred expenditure. The running costs of projects and allowances paid to trainees during the project, qualify as 'eligible expenditure'.

The fact that Denmark counts participants' unemployment benefit as national part-financing does not constitute a breach of the ESF regulations.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1304/96 by Barbara Weiler (PSE) to the Commission (22 May 1996)

Subject: National aids in the textile sector

Is it true that the French Government is planning to exempt the national textile and clothing industry from social contributions amounting to the equivalent of around DM 600 m per year?

Does the Commission agree that this constitutes a serious infringement of the competition rules and a contravention of the ban on aid in the internal market?

What steps does the Commission propose taking with a view to preserving equal conditions of competition in the textile sector in the EU Member States if the French Government carries out its plan?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1177/96 and P-1304/96 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1996)

On 27 March 1996 the French Government notified the Commission of experimental measures to reduce social insurance contributions in the textile, clothing and leather/footwear industries by an amount estimated at ECU 325 million per year. The Commission considers that the aid falls within the scope of Article 92(1) of the EC Treaty.

The Commission's position with regard to sectoral aid aimed at creating employment is set out in the guidelines on aid to employment. ((OJ C 334, 12.12.1995. )) On the basis of these guidelines, the Commission adopted on 30 April 1996 a negative final decision on experimental measures which the Italian Government was planning to introduce in the footwear industry, on the ground that the aid was not compatible with the single market.

On 15 May 1996 it decided to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 93(2) of the Treaty in respect of the French Government's measures because of their sectoral nature and because no justification was given for treating the industries concerned more favourably than others. The letter which it sent to the French authorities points out the suspensory effect of Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty and the fact that the Commission may call for any aid granted illegally to be repaid.

Under this procedure, the Commission is awaiting a response from the French authorities regarding the conformity of their measures with the above guidelines.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1404/96 by Laura De Esteban Martin (PPE) to the Commission (6 June 1996)

Subject: ALFA programme

Could the Commission indicate which projects have been financed under the ALFA programme, and what has been the percentage of participation by Spanish universities in them?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1996)

The Commission has so far issued four invitations for applications under the Alfa programme. After the first three stages, (the fourth is still in progress), the Commission considered that 387 projects could be eligible for funding. These 387 projects have been chosen from 1637 applications. The list of approved projects is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

More than 800 institutions of higher education have been involved in the preparation of the 387 projects and 50 of these are from Spain (6.25 %). As the various institutions may participate in more than one project, another important factor is the number of projects in which each Member State is involved. Spain is taking part in 312 of the 387 approved projects, that is 80.6% of the total.