ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3559/98

by Franz Linser (NI) to the Council

(1 December 1998)

Subject: Brenner toll/transit negotiations with Switzerland

In reply to a question to the Council by Mr Frischenschlager (ELDR) regarding EU/Switzerland negotiations, Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, Austrian Secretary of State and President-in-Office of the Council, speaking on 16 September 1998 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, said that higher levies (for road users) in Switzerland should be accompanied by an increase in the Brenner toll charge. In addition, she stressed that Swiss levies should also be based on infrastructure costs.

In view of the approval of the LSVA (levy on heavy vehicles) by the referendum in Switzerland of 27 September 1998, can the Council answer the following questions:

1. In view of the vote in Switzerland on the LSVA and the associated increase in road charges, does the Council consider that the Brenner toll charge should be increased?

2. If not, why not?

3. Does the Council consider that the LSVA is in keeping with the principle that road charging should also be based on infrastructure costs?

4. If not, in what way will this affect the recommendation of the Council to the Commission with regard to further negotiations with Switzerland?

Reply

(29 March 1999)

1. and 2. The Council's common position on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (Eurovignette) was adopted on 18 January 1999. One of the main features of the agreement is the authorisation for Austria to use the toll system, under certain conditions, for the stretch of motorway between Kufstein and Brenner; the rest of Austrian territory will be subject to the Eurovignette system.

This is justified given the special conditions on certain Alpine routes and enables charges to be in proportion to the cost of infrastructure.

Thus, for the stretch of motorway between Kufstein and Brenner, Austria has said that the weighted average charge would be EUR 84. This seemed to the Commission to be an appropriate amount given the relationship between the weighted average toll and the cost of constructing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure.

3. and 4. Regarding negotiations between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the carriage of goods by rail and by road, the Council gave the Commission a negotiating brief in 1995. The Commission has been pursuing these negotiations since then.

Regarding the cost of transit through Switzerland, the Council heard a report on unresolved issues in the negotiations and reached an agreement of principle on a solution to the effect that, after 2005, lorries up to 40 tonnes in weight would be allowed unlimited access to Swiss roads for transit and bilateral access, subject to a charging regime. Under this regime the average charge paid by a 40-tonne lorry will not exceed EUR 200. Cleaner lorries will pay less and dirtier lorries more. This charge will not exceed EUR 180 until the first rail tunnel opens or until 1 January 2008, whichever is sooner.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3505/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Protection of inventions by utility model

With reference to the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive approximating the legal arrangements for the protection of inventions by utility model (COM(97) 691 final - 97/0356 COD)(1) and to the limited scope of the definition of utility model in Article 1 thereof, can the Commission ensure that if the current wording of that article is retained, the concepts of "inventive step" and new inventions "susceptible to industrial application" appear directly in the definition, these being the genuinely operative ones, as the Commission acknowledges in Article 3 of the proposal?

Answer by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 1999)

The proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive approximating the legal arrangements for the protection of inventions by utility model, submitted by the Commission on 12 December 1997, is currently being considered by the Council and Parliament as part of the co-decision procedure.

The concerns voiced by the honourable Member regarding the concepts of "inventive step" and "new inventions susceptible to industrial application" in fact refer to essential points of the proposal for a directive.

However, since Parliament has not yet finished considering the proposal, the Commission feels that it is too early at the moment to state an opinion on the honourable Member's concerns. The Commission therefore suggests that he direct any proposals relating to the current discussion to Parliament.

(1) OJ C 36, 3.2.1998, p. 13.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4004/98

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission

(5 January 1999)

Subject: Reconstruction plan for the countries affected by hurricane Mitch

What stage has been reached in the drawing up of the EU's proposal for responding to the needs of the countries affected by hurricane Mitch by means of an adequately funded general reconstruction plan?

Answer given by Mr Marín On behalf of the Commission

(2 February 1999)

In line with the guidelines set down by Parliament and the Council, the Commission recently launched a regional programme for reconstruction in Central America following the devastation caused by hurricane Mitch.

The first, urgent step for the programme was to send a team on an identification mission (February/March 1999), the results of which will also serve in drafting a Commission communication to the Council and Parliament, detailing the substance, budget, duration and management arrangements for the relevant multi-annual programme.

Note that at the donors' meeting convened in Washington on 10-11 December 1998 by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Commission signalled its intention to concentrate on the education and health sectors.

That month, following a favourable opinion from the Committee on aid to developing countries in Latin America, the Commission approved a sum of EUR 8,2 million in financing under budget heading B7-310 (financial and technical cooperation), for the purpose of financing the technical assistance and studies needed to prepare and implement the regional reconstruction programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3632/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: NGO capacity-building in the developing countries

What action is the Commission taking to assist in capacity-building for non-governmental organizations and local communities in the developing countries so that they may participate in monitoring and protecting forests and wildlife?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(22 December 1998)

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a computer print-out containing the information requested.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3598/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Environmental and health dangers facing the inhabitants of Samos (Greece)

Kokkari on Samos is one of the most beautiful regions of the island and attracts hundreds of tourists every year.

Over the last few years the Greek Electricity Board (DEI), acting with the full backing of the Greek government, has been pressing ahead with plans to set up electricity production units in this region, without taking into account the reactions of the local community and local government bodies and brushing aside allegations made by environmentalists that the installation of new units (in addition to the existing units which have been polluting the region for over 20 years) will jeopardise the safety of the local population, because of the concentration of large amounts of inflammable material in the immediate vicinity of inhabited areas.

The EU is meeting 60 % of the overall investment costs (total budget: DR 390 million) through the European Regional Development Fund.

Will the Commission say whether it is aware of the above state of affairs and what action it intends to take to ensure that the natural environment of Samos and the health and safety of inhabitants of the island are effectively protected?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 1999)

The Commission has taken note of the intended extension of the DEI's electricity generating station within the municipality of Kokkari on Samos, following the filing of a complaint against the conditions under which this project is being implemented, and also concerning the operating conditions of that station in general.

In June 1998, in reply to a request for information, the Greek authorities sent to the Commission Ministerial Decision No 61045 of 13 March 1998 by means of which the environmental impact study carried out in accordance with Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the impact of certain public and private projects on the environment(1), was approved. According to the Commission's information the Greek Council of State has had this matter laid before it and its decision is awaited for early 1999.

In addition an informal meeting with the plaintiffs was held in Brussels in November 1998. At that meeting the plaintiffs supplied new documents concerning the pollution caused by the operation of that power station. The Commission is currently examining those documents in order to be able to decide what further action to take in this matter.

The project referred to by the Honourable Member is not being jointly financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2293/98

by John McCartin (PPE) to the Commission

(22 July 1998)

Subject: Lamb prices

Can the Commission state what the average market price for lamb was, as paid to farmers in the different states of the EU, last month (or the most recent month for which the figures are available)?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

The average price in ECU per 100 kilogramme paid in each Member State to farmers for lamb carcasses in May 1998(1) is as follows:

>TABLE>

(1) Latest definitive figures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3138/98

by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission

(16 October 1998)

Subject: Mismanagement of vocational training funds

Dr Giovanni De Blasiis, in charge of the legal department of Basilicata regional council, has lodged a petition on misuse of Community funds earmarked for vocational training, which was entered in the general register as No 47/96. On 26 June 1996 Parliament's Committee on Petitions deemed the matters raised to be admissible, therefore began consideration of the petition and decided to ask the Commission to take a stance on the various aspects of the problem.

What action does the Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 1998)

In response to a request for information from the petitions committee concerning petition No 47/96 by Dr Giovanni De Blasiis, the Commission transmitted a reply to the committee on 12 November 1996. The petition was discussed at a meeting of the petitions committee on 17-18 March 1997 and closed.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3912/98

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (PPE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: EU actions for the 1999 International Year of Older People

What types of actions in favour of older people does the Commission propose to fund from the available budget lines during 1999 to celebrate the International Year of Older People? When will the Commission publish guidelines for applications for the funding of these actions?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 1999)

In line with the budget commentary for budget line B3-4111 (Preparatory measures combating and preventing discrimination), the Commission proposes to support in 1999 measures in favour of older people (a) to encourage co-operation, improve knowledge, develop exchanges of information and best practices, promote innovative approaches and evaluate experiences in order to combat discrimination based on age; (b) to support and promote the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), associations and networks working for older people and participating in the implementation of these objectives; (c) to promote full citizenship, participation and equal opportunities for older people; and (d) to encourage co-operation, improve knowledge, develop exchanges of information and best practices, promote innovative approaches and evaluate experiences to be implemented in the framework of the United Nations international year for older people on the themes of the situation of older people on the labour market, their role in society, improving their quality of life, and ensuring respect and non-discrimination. The Commission intends to publish a call for proposals and accompanying guidelines for potential applicants in spring 1999.

The call for proposals for preparatory actions in the field of social exclusion covering budget lines B3-4101, B3-4102 and B3-4116, which was published in October 1998, also made provision for exchanging experience and disseminating information on current approaches in Member States to combat social exclusion including aspects relating to the promotion of a society for all ages. Around 10 projects on this theme have been shortlisted for support out of the 1998 budget.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3557/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 December 1998)

Subject: Ways and means of strengthening the networks for the provision of information on, and exploitation of, applied RTD programmes in Europe

With regard to the issue of "Ways and means of strengthening the networks for the provision of information on, and exploitation of, applied RTD programmes in Europe" (doc. CES 965/98) and with reference to the Community back-up/information networks and networks for the exploitation of RTD findings, can the Commission take steps to improve coordination and to ensure that the two types of network remain complementary?

The Commission must incorporate these networks in a broader mechanism of support for mediation and must gear them exclusively to meeting the needs of users rather than to furthering their own policy objectives.

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3524/98 and E-3557/98 given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 1999)

The Commission attaches great importance to the coordination and rationalisation of the information, support and exploitation networks of the European research and technological development programmes (RTD).

The fifth framework programme of research and technological development includes several initiatives to coordinate and streamline the information and exploitation networks, taking particular account of user needs and the networks' mediation role. These initiatives will be implemented in partnership with the Member States (subsidiarity principle), in order to maximise synergies at Community level.

There will also be close collaboration with other relevant Community networks that have been established in the framework of measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional development policy.

All of these factors will ensure an overall Community strategy in the field of information, support and exploitation of research programmes, including effective linkages with other Community instruments such as the Structural Funds and the action programme for SMEs.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2241/98

by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Human rights in China

Noting the stance taken by the European Union at the annual meeting of the Human Rights Commission in Geneva on the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is the Commission of the view that the European Union is exerting optimum pressure on China to improve its human rights record?

What steps are being taken by the Commission to monitor abuses of human rights in China and has the Commission taken any action with regard to relations with the Chinese authorities to promote the universality of human rights?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 1998)

Since October 1997 the European Union and China have been engaged in a series of regular, detailed meetings covering all aspects of human rights in China. Even the most sensitive issues have been covered by the dialogue and it is supported by a range of Community funded projects designed to help reinforce the respect for human rights in China. In addition, every opportunity is taken to raise the plight of individual dissidents imprisoned in China.

The Commission has always placed great emphasis on the universality of human rights in all discussions with the Chinese. It has welcomed the signature by China of the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and continues to press China for an early ratification of this covenant as well as an early signature of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Indeed, various measures are being developed to make European expertise available to the Chinese authorities to provide assistance aimed at ensuring China's full adherence to international norms and standards in human rights.

The human rights situation in China is continually monitored both by the Commission and by the Member States.

It is the Commission's firm view that a policy based on such concrete measures is the most effective way to urge the Chinese authorities to take further steps in the right direction towards the full respect for human rights.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3785/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Licensing of herb and mineral products for human consumption

Is the Commission aware that some herb and mineral products, which are legally approved for sale in six EU countries as a food product, are facing serious obstacles in securing approval from the European Medicines Agency for the marketing of these products in the UK?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 1999)

Council Regulation (EEC) 2309/93 of 22 July 1993 laying down Community procedures for the authorization and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products(1) established a new system for granting Community marketing authorizations for medicinal products in the Community. Community marketing authorizations are adopted by the Commission, following an opinion of the European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products (EMEA). Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) 2309/93 defines the scope of application of the central authorization procedure. For medicinal products in part A of the Annex (certain biotech-products) the centralised procedure is obligatory. For medicinal products in part B of the Annex (other biotech- and innovative products) the applicant may choose between the centralised and the national application procedure.

The Commission is not aware of the specific problems raised by the Honourable Member. The Commission is not aware that any application for a central marketing authorization for an herb and mineral product has been lodged at the EMEA so far.

(1) OJ L 214, 24.8.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3016/98

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE) to the Commission

(2 October 1998)

Subject: Substandard road construction in Greece

Greece is the country where the largest number of fatal road accidents in the EU occur and the number is steadily rising. One major reason for this is the very poor state of its motorways, which are funded mainly by the Community.

The problem is highlighted by the refusal of the Ministry of the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works to assume responsibility for large sections of the Patras-Athens-Thessaloniki-Evzoni motorway, removing it from the tenderers to whom the contracts were originally awarded because of faulty workmanship. Furthermore, according to press reports, 30 kilometres of the Athens-Lamia road and 40 kilometres of the Athens-Korinthos road are evidently in a dangerously poor condition.

To what extent does the Commission monitor the quality of the work carried out on road construction projects in Greece receiving Community funding and what steps will it take if substandard workmanship is discovered in connection with these projects?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 1998)

The Commission is aware of the problem posed by the poor quality of certain sections of the Athens-Iliki and Athens-Corinth motorways. It has addressed official questions to the Greek authorities on a number of occasions since the first meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the roads and access operational programme on 13 July 1995.

Subsequently, the Greek authorities have informed the Commission on a number of occasions of the appointment of groups of experts to decide on the causes of the problems and appropriate remedies and of attempts by the firms responsible to repair the motorways; these have not, however, yielded satisfactory results.

The Commission regards the delay in settling this matter as worrying. It will insist that the Greek authorities find a swift solution so that the motorways can be correctly repaired, responsibility clearly established and those to blame punished. This would also send a useful message to all those currently engaged in carrying out other projects under the Community Support Framework. The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No P-2120/98 by Mr Trakatellis(1) concerning checks on the quality of public works.

The Commission will monitor this question closely and will not fail to apply the rules on the recovery of Community funds if the present situation continues.

(1) OJ C 354, 24.11.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3012/98

by Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Discrimination against the blind

Guide dogs for the blind may not be transported on Eurostar, which makes it difficult for blind people to travel on the train.

Does the Commission share my view that this measure discriminates against the blind?

Does it conflict with European legislation and/or with European fundamental principles? If so, what steps does the Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 1998)

No dog is allowed on the Eurostar because of the United Kingdom's current rabies legislation which also applies to guide dogs.

Although the movement of traded dogs and cats is currently harmonised, this harmonisation does not currently extend to pet animals travelling with their owners. The Commission has not yet put forward proposals governing this latter aspect.

In the present state of Community law this is therefore a typical case of a conflict between the fundamental right to free movement under Article 8A of the EC Treaty and legitimate exceptions to this right for reasons of public health. Whether such exceptions are justified and proportional to their objectives has to be judged in each individual case.

The Commission is aware of the United Kingdom government's commitment to review current quarantine laws and of the conclusions of a recent scientific opinion obtained in connection with this review. The Commission has recently requested the United Kingdom authorities to provide it with details of its proposals following this review and the timetable for any necessary legislation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0286/99

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Admission to the European civil service

In his answer of 10 February 1998 to Written Question E-4186/97(1), Commissioner Liikanen stated that the Commission admits holders of Spanish postgraduate diplomas which enable them to study for a doctorate to category A/LA posts in the European civil service.

Why, then, has the Commission not included this requirement in any of the notices of open competitions for category A/LA posts in the European civil service?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3027/98 by Mr Arias Cañete(2).

(1) OJ C 304, 2.10.1998, p. 15.

(2) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999.