ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1291/00

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(19 April 2000)

Subject: Project for construction of a water purifying plant in Gondomar in the context of the integrated improvement project for the Ria de Vigo financed by the Cohesion Fund

The decision of the Commission to grant Cohesion Fund aid to the set of integrated clearance projects for the Ria de Vigo (Galicia) (Commission Decision 95/11/61/035) provides, in one of its paragraphs, for a specific action for integrated improvement for Gondomar and the river Miñor. This specific project was costed at ECU 4 836 036 in total. In the case of Gondomar, the first stage consists of the construction of a water purifying plant and a number of collectors; the construction work has terminated, but the plant is not yet officially in operation. The project has given rise to a major controversy in the local community, and has even been the subject of a complaint lodged with the regional ombudsman for Galicia: the plant has been built on privately-owned land belonging to a single proprietor, and the contract of sale was drawn up in a secret and irregular fashion. It further appears that the transaction has been highly profitable for the owner, who has now filed a request for the land to be reclassified with a view to using it for property development. In addition, the access road to the plant (linking the Ramallosa-Gondomar road to the parish of Dornas, in the municipality of Gondomar) runs through this person's land and has not yet been completed: access to the plant is thus not at present possible.

Can the Commission call for an inquiry into these circumstances, as well as for the assessment and monitoring of this project, which has been suspended for some time and which appears to exhibit operational irregularities?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(7 June 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1313/00

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(27 April 2000)

Subject: Suitability of tender documents for a contract concerning the supply of work clothes for the Italian postal workers

The CESAR research centre (centre for aeronautical and environmental studies) acts as a consultant to several government departments (including the department for civil protection of the Prime Minister's Office) on matters of environmental protection and the protection of the health and safety of workers. In this capacity it was therefore asked for its opinion on the invitation to tender and the related specifications issued by the Poste Italiane SpA (Italian postal service) concerning a contract for the supply of items of clothing, including 100 000 items of personal protective equipment (PPE).

CESAR found that the said tender documents were unsuitable for two reasons: firstly, the tender specifications were such that it was highly likely that the PPEs offered by companies would be entirely useless as a means of protecting workers (owing to their poor quality) and, secondly, that they would actually be unusable (if the invitation to tender for the supply of PPEs is not accompanied by an invitation to tender for the laundering, replacement and repair of the said items, the clothes will be unusable).

So far, these findings have been completely ignored. Can the Commission check whether the Community laws on tenders and on safety in the workplace have been complied with and, if not, urge the Italian postal service to suspend and/or cancel the contract in question?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2000)

On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission is not in a position to determine whether the invitation to tender in question is in conformity with Community procurement rules and, in particular, with the provisions of Council Directive 93/36/EEC of 14 June 1993 coordinating procedures for the award of public supply contracts(1).

The information provided indicates rather that the provisions contained in the procedural documents supposedly cannot lead to a satisfactory result.

In order to be able to answer the question fully, the Commission would be particularly grateful to the Honourable Member if he could forward the additional information he has on the subject of the breaches of Community procurement law alleged to have occurred in the contract award procedure initiated by Poste Italiane.

When it has examined this information, the Commission will assess the possibility of initiating infringement proceedings under Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC Treaty, should it be of the opinion that an infringement of Community law has taken place.

(1) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1195/00

by William Newton Dunn (ELDR) to the Council

(13 April 2000)

Subject: Religious persecution in India

Attacks are being reported in several states of India on Christian communities in the shape of murder, gang-rapes, beatings, threats, and destruction and desecration of churches. Meanwhile legislative initiatives have been undertaken in a number of Indian states which seek to restrict religious freedom. In Orissa state, for example, the state government passed an order at the end of 1999 prohibiting conversion without the prior permission of the local police and the district magistrate. In Gujurat state, a freedom of religion bill was introduced last year which established stiff penalties for the crime of converting individuals from one religion to another. Although the bill was shelved this February, it is thought likely that attempts might be made to revive it at a later date. Christians there believe that the bill is open to subjective interpretation and may be used to halt their humanitarian efforts amongst the poor as well as curtailing any public expression of their faith.

In the light of these events, does the Council intend to address the question of religious tolerance and freedom at the upcoming EU-India summit?

Reply

(10 July 2000)

The Council is aware of the problems mentioned in the honourable MEP's question. In the framework of the regular political dialogue between the European Union and India, the Council has already, on several occasions, raised the issue of tolerance, religious freedom and the rights of minorities in India. Similarly, the EU Heads of Mission in New Delhi have raised individual problems directly with the Indian authorities. Whenever necessary, the Council will continue to voice its concerns over Human Rights problems, including at the forthcoming EU-India Summit.

The Union pursues also at a multilateral level its efforts aimed to counter intolerance and violence based on religion or belief. In this context, Member States recently cosponsored the resolution Implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, introduced by Ireland and adopted by consensus at the 56th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (20 March-28 April 2000).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0838/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 March 2000)

Subject: Use of chemical substances against demonstrators

In repressing demonstrations the Greek police use chemical substances which affect the respiratory system, the skin and the mucous membrane, causing breathing difficulties,

muscular contractions and impaired vision for all those who happen to be in the vicinity when they go into action. Journalistic sources report that the grenades and spray used by the police contain CS and CN-type chemicals and the particles remain in the environment for a long time, penetrate deep into human lungs and seriously contaminate the skin.

Will the Commission say:

1. What are the substances involved, where are they produced and what is their composition?

2. How long do they remain in the human organism and the environment generally and what damage do they cause to health? Is there any truth to the allegations that they cause cancer?

3. Does the Commission intend to look into this matter, particularly from the point of view of public health?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2000)

The Commission has no information on the substances mentioned by the Honourable Member. Consequently, it cannot assess the possible effects on human health which may arise therefrom.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1252/00

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 April 2000)

Subject: Tar content of tobacco in Greece

The maximum tar content of cigarettes for sale within the European Union is being harmonised at a level of 10 milligrams. However, the Commission has granted Greece a long-term derogation, whereby it may continue to allow tobacco products to be sold within the country with a maximum tar content significantly higher than the EU limit.

Why has the Commission granted Greece a derogation from the rules on tar content which does not accord with the Union's public-health objectives?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 May 2000)

Under Council Directive 90/239/EEC of 17 May 1990 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the maximum tar yield of cigarettes(1), the Commission has granted Greece a derogation enabling it to postpone its obligation to achieve a tar yield of 12 milligrams (mg) per cigarette until 31 December 2006. This derogation has been granted as a result of this Member State's socio-economic difficulties.

Under the recasting of Council Directives 89/622/EEC of 13 November 1989 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the labelling of tobacco products(2), 90/239/EEC and 92/41/EEC of 15 May 1992 amending Directive 89/622/EEC(3), which has been proposed by the Commission(4) and is currently being discussed by Parliament and the Council, the Commission proposes to maintain Greece's derogation for the same reasons, i.e. the socio-economic difficulties faced by this Member State.

However, it must be pointed out that although the implementation derogation is maintained until 31 December 2006 (or six years from the date of adoption), the maximum tar content per cigarette has been reduced to 10 milligrams (mg).

This is already contained in the recitals of the Tar Directive (90/239/EEC) and refers to the fact that tobacco produced in Greece has a high tar content. This Member State is therefore more affected by the Directive's provisions than any other tobacco producing country. It also takes a long time to change tobacco varieties. Lastly, the number of workers employed in tobacco production in Greece is very high, thus a large number of families depend on this industry.

(1) OJ L 137, 30.5.1990.

(2) OJ L 359, 8.12.1989.

(3) OJ L 158, 11.6.1992.

(4) COM(1999) 594 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0906/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 March 2000)

Subject: Alteration of the cultural heritage in FYROM

Extensive alterations have reportedly been made recently to the architecture of the Church of Ayios Dimitrios in the town of Bitola (Monastir) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which clearly constitute alteration of the cultural heritage of that historical monument and of the region in general. Will the Commission say whether it is aware of this situation, what steps it intends to take to put an immediate end to these actions, and whether it has taken or intends to take any measures to protect the historical monuments and the cultural heritage in general in the Balkans?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2000)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for his question regarding the cultural heritage of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Unfortunately, it has been unable to obtain precise information relating to the church of Ayios Dimitrios, but, in general terms, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E-0077/99 submitted by Mr Kaklamanis, particularly the second paragraph(1).

(1) OJ C 297, 15.10.1999, p. 142.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1064/00

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Registration of GMOs in the USA based on deception and the misrepresentation of evidence

According to Steven M. Drucker, a Doctor of Laws and specialist in administrative law, the Commission's decisions on registering genetically modified plant varieties are based on erroneous assessments by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For instance, when the American authorisation body permitted the marketing of the Flavr Savr tomato which is also marketed in the EU in the form of tomato concentrate and ketchup, it was acting contrary to the specific test results of its own scientists. For laboratory tests show that when these tomatoes are fed to rats, this leads to a bleeding of the stomach walls. In view of this high health risk, the scientists advised against the authorisation of this product as a foodstuff. The safety tests on GMOs that have been authorised since then have been even less demanding in many cases, no tests at all were carried out.

1. Is the Commission aware of this information?

2. Is the Commission prepared to examine these latest findings regarding the bleeding of stomach walls? If not, why not?

3. What lessons will the Commission draw from these latest findings?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2000)

The Commission is aware of the lawsuit which a number of organisations in the United States have filed against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning assessment of genetically modified food.

The specific product mentioned by the Honourable Member has not been subject to any request for authorisation or notification in the Community and can therefore not be legally marketed in the Community. It is up to the Member States to do the controls.

The Commission is always prepared to ask the scientific committee on food (SCF) to evaluate new scientific findings which cast doubts on the safety of genetically modified organism (GMO) derived products authorised or notified in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 Janaury 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients(1) to be on the European market.

In the light of the results of the feeding experiments on rats with the Flavr Savr salad tomato, the Commission has asked the SCF for complementary information with respect to its opinion concerning the safety of products derived from genetically modified processing tomatoes for which the company Zeneca has applied for authorisation.

The Community legislation on novel foods and novel food ingredients ensures that a safety assessment is carried out prior to the placing on the market in the Community of GMO food and food ingredients. Article 12 of the Novel Food Regulation(2) also provides for the possibility to revise or revoke any decision on specific products in the light of new findings.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.

(2) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0586/00

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(29 February 2000)

Subject: European sustainable transport policy

Will the Commission indicate how, and to what extent, national transport policy-makers in EU Member States have been influenced by the development of a common European transport policy particularly as regards the creation of environmentally sustainable transport systems?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 2000)

Most Member States have begun introducing national policies designed to incorporate environmental considerations. The European Council meeting in Cardiff and subsequent European Councils boosted the integration process which must now be sustained and must result in real decisions and the introduction of new instruments to promote, evaluate and oversee the process.

Many new measures have been implemented, although in some areas certain Member States are more active than others. A particular example is the link between the reduction in lead emissions and the introduction of tax differentiation for leaded and unleaded petrol.

At Community level, the Environment Agency has developed the transport environment reporting mechanism which enables progress in incorporating environmental considerations into the transport sector in Member States to be monitored. Its first report is expected in April 2000.

In the context of trans-European network policy, Article 8 of Parliament and Council Decision 1692/96/EC of 23 July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network(1) reinforces the Member States' commitment to make environmental impact assessments when they develop and carry out projects of common interest, in line with Council Directive 85/337/EC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(2) and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(3). Moreover, in accordance with Article 18 of the above-mentioned Decision, Member States are obliged to regularly notify the Commission of the national plans and programmes which they have drawn up for the development of the trans-European transport network, in particular for projects of common interest.

As regards environmentally sustainable transport systems in cities, and mindful of the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission has focused its efforts on exchanging good practices. In particular, it has contributed by financing ELTIS (European Local Transport Information Service), which is a database of information about local and regional passenger transport, available to elected representatives, politicians, transport operators and managers and, of course, transport users. This database features many case studies and a forum open to the public. Lastly, the database of good practices in the field of urban planning and sustainable development contains good examples of sustainable development.

(1) OJ L 228, 9.9.1996.

(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.

(3) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0835/00

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Council

(20 March 2000)

Subject: Environmental damage inflicted on the Danube and neighbouring regions by NATO bombing

The Romanian Minister for the Environment has alleged that the Danube has suffered greater environmental damage from NATO bombing which destroyed bridges, oil refineries and chemicals plants than from the recent cyanide spill. The environmental, economic and cultural damage to the Danube and the local population extends beyond Serbia and affects all the regions through which the Danube flows and will have distressing consequences for many years to come.

Will the Council say whether it is aware of the extent of the damage and, if so, what measures it proposes to assist the countries concerned, so that the environment, the economy and the culture of this sensitive region rapidly recover?

Reply

(10 July 2000)

1. The report submitted at the end of 1999 by the United Nations Balkan Task Force clearly stated that some of the bombardments during the Kosovo conflict contributed to pollution of the Danube but also noted that the Danube had for a long time (and certainly since before the conflict) been one of the most polluted waterways in Europe, affected by a considerable number of sources of pollution directly attributable to the countries bordering it.

2. The report also noted that owing to the high level of pollution of the region before the conflict it was difficult to carry out a comparative assessment of damage.

The Council also notes that, following the Baïa Mare accident, Hungary and Romania have set up a committee of experts to assess the damage to the Danube. The Council will certainly study their conclusions with interest, together with the conclusions of the Task Force organised by the Commission following that same accident.

3. In any case, as stated by the CFSP High Representative when opening the Regional Financing Conference on 29 March 2000, the EU commitment towards South Eastern Europe cannot be disputed.

That commitment, in the framework of the Stability Pact, already includes a financial aspect which is important both to the Community and to its Member States, and may take the form, inter alia, of support for the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South Eastern Europe, which is currently being drawn up.

That programme is also an illustration of the cooperation effort between those countries, which is encouraged by the EU and which is necessary if we wish effectively to restore the environment in the region.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1112/00

by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: Reimbursement of non-business expenditure under the 1994 UK VAT Act

Could the Commission confirm that the arrangements under the 1994 UK VAT Act for reimbursing bodies such as local authorities for their non-business expenditure do not contravene Commission rules?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 2000)

The reimbursement of VAT paid on the expenditure of a body governed by public law which is not a taxable person under the terms of Article 4(5) of the sixth Council Directive of 17 May 1977 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment (77/388/EEC)(1) is not incompatible with the said Directive.

(1) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1372/00

by Marianne Thyssen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 April 2000)

Subject: Proposal for a directive on food supplements

At present there is no harmonised legislation on food supplements in the European Union. This has serious and persistent effects on the free movement of such goods in the European Union.

In its White Paper on food safety, the Commission announced that it would submit a proposal for a directive on food supplements to the Council and Parliament in about March 2000. A harmonisation measure of this kind could solve the above problem.

How is the drafting of the proposal for a directive going, and when will the Commission submit it to the Council and Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 May 2000)

The Proposal for a Parliament and Council Directive on food supplements which had been announced in paragraph 105 of the White Paper on Food Safety was adopted by the Commission on 8 May 2000. It will soon be transmitted to Council and Parliament, and published in the Official Journal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0870/00

by Alejandro Agag Longo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 March 2000)

Subject: Austria's Stability Programme

1 March was the deadline for submission of the Member States' Stability Programmes. The Austrian government had not yet submitted its programme by that date. Does the Commission know the reason for the delay and when the Austrian Government intends to submit its programme?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(18 April 2000)

The new federal government of the Austrian Republic was sworn in on 4 February 2000. Both the budget for the year 2000 and the stability programme are treated as high priority issues.

The Minister of Finance presented the draft budget to the Austrian Parliament on 21 March 2000. The Minister of finance, immediately after having taken office, informed the Commission by letter that the federal government will update the stability programme, which already has been discussed with the Laender and communities, by the end of March 2000, after the presentation of the budget.