ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4063/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: IRAP (a regional tax on production)

The added value on which the tax IRAP is to be levied in Italy includes the salaries of employees and the interest paid on debts and company loans, in other words on money which is not at the disposal of the owner of a business.

Can the Commission say whether this will cause serious problems as regards fair competition between Italian businesses and those in other Community countries?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4063/97 and E-4064/97 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (17 February 1998)

According to the available information, the gross tax base for the new local tax called IRAP (Imposta regionale sulle attivitá produttive) will normally include the sum of gross income from sales and services rendered by the taxpayer. The IRAP net tax base could be different from net income as a consequence of the non-deductibility of certain categories of costs.

The Commission would recall that, apart from the two 1990 directives 90/434/CE of 23 July 1990 on the common system of taxation applicable to mergers, divisions, transfers of assets and exchanges of shares concerning companies of different Member States ((OJ L 225, 20.8.1990. )) and 90/435/CE of 23 July 1990 on the common system of taxation applicable in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member States1, there is no harmonisation at the Community level in the field of direct taxation. Any further step in this direction, even for an improved functioning of the internal market, requires a unanimous decision of the Council under Article 100 of the EC Treaty.

Therefore, the Member States are substantially free to choose and design their systems of direct taxation, subject only to the condition that the general obligations arising from the Treaty, in particular those of non-discrimination and equal treatment, are respected. On the basis of the question raised by the Honourable Member, these obligations do not appear at first sight to be affected by the introduction of the IRAP.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4055/97 by Yiannis Roubatis (PSE) to the Council (15 January 1998)

Subject: Amnesty International report on the human rights situation in Turkey

The latest Amnesty International report on the human rights situation in Turkey accuses that country of torturing juveniles, executions and the disappearance of detainees. According to Amnesty International's figures, 25 people were killed in custody and 23 went missing after their arrest during 1997.

1. What measures will the Council take to stop successive Turkish governments' mockery of the EU and to put an end to the unacceptable human rights situation in Turkey, and

2. what will it do to make Turkish political and military leaders aware that they cannot continue torturing and killing their own people when the international community is looking on in horror?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4055/97 and E-0262/98 (11 May 1998)

The situation regarding democracy and human rights in Turkey continues to be of concern to the Council. The European Council meeting in Luxembourg on 12 and 13 December 1997 again underlined the necessity for the Turkish Government to meet its fundamental obligations in the field of democracy and human rights. It recalled, in line with the Council position expressed at the Association Council with Turkey on 29 April 1997, that strengthening Turkey's links with the EU also depended on that country's pursuit of political reforms including the alignment of human rights standards and practices on those in the European Union.

The situation regarding democracy and human rights in Turkey remains high on the Council's agenda. These issues are brought up in virtually all meetings with the Turkish authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3873/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (5 December 1997)

Subject: Eco-label award scheme

The Commission has submitted a proposal for a Council regulation (EC) on a revised Community eco-label award scheme (COM(96) 603 final - 96/0312 SYN) ((OJ C 114, 12.4.1997, p. 9. )).

With regard to the consultation of socio-economic interest groups, will the Commission continue to apply Article 6 of the existing regulation and officially include trade unions in the Forum, while providing adequate representation for SMU?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

The Commission proposal on a revised Community Eco-label award scheme foresees an extensive consultation of socio-economic interest groups at different stages. Before defining a technical mandate for the European eco-label organisation 'the Commission shall undertake to open consultation of all the interested parties in accordance with the principles of Annex IV, paragraphs (a) and (b)' (Article 5.2).

Annex IV, paragraph (a), takes into account in particular the role of the relevant interest groups, stating that 'the involvement of the parties directly or indirectly concerned by the mandate (...) shall be actively pursued'. Trade unions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and hand crafts are specifically mentioned, as well as all the other interest groups.

The present consultation arrangements defined by Article 6 of the existing Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 of 23 March 1992 on a Community eco-label award scheme ((OJ L 99, 11.4.1992. )) will not be able to support the extensive consultation process of the new system.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4164/97 by Rijk van Dam (I-EDN) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Extension of the 'old for new' provision

Article 8 of Regulation 1101/89 ((OJ L 116, 28.4.1989, p. 25. )) states that for a period of five years from the entry into force of the regulation no newly constructed vessels may be brought into service on inland waterways unless the owner scraps a tonnage specified by the Commission or pays a contribution set by the Commission. In 1994 under Regulation 844/94 ((OJ L 98, 16.4.1994, p. 1. )) the term of this 'old for new' provision was extended by five years to ten years after the entry into force of Regulation 1101/89. This means that the 'old for new' provision would apply until 1 May 1999. The industry has now stated almost unanimously that an extension of this provision even after this date is needed.

1. Can the Commission confirm that the 'old for new' provision is applicable until 1 May 1999?

2. If so, what procedure must be followed by the Commission for an extension of the 'old for new' provision after May 1999?

3. How much time would this procedure normally take?

4. When does the Commission intend to start the procedure referred to in 2 above?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (26 February 1998)

Council Regulation (EC) No 844/94 amending Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89 on structural improvements in inland waterway transport, stipulates that the 'old for new rule' shall remain in force until 28 April 1999. The Commission, in its report of November 1997 ((COM(97) 555 final. )) which was sent to the Council and the Parliament, expressed a presumption in favour of retaining a mechanism for regulating the capacity of the fleet after 28 April 1999. The Commission asked the group of experts on the re-structuring of the inland navigation sector, (which was established by Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1102/89 laying down certain measures for implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89 on structural improvement in inland waterway transport), to reflect further on this matter on the basis of contributions from the industry and other interested parties. The Commission will now review this material and adopt the necessary proposals in due course.
C 102/4 EN 3. 4. 98 Official Journal of the European Communities
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphateester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (
1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:
When were these agents authorized for use on small animals, especially cats? By whom? Had adequate tests been
carried out? Were the tests reviewed and by whom?
(1) OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.
(98/C 102/05) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1540/97
by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission
(5 May 1997)
Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen
The flea-repellant Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen can be administered in different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogsweighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphateester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (
1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:
To what extent have Tiguvons interaction with other cholinesterase inhibitors and its effect on humans and
animals been investigated? Which agents are compatible? How are pet-owners warned of possible substanceshaving a potentiating effect on Fenthion and other phosphoric acid derivatives?
(1) OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.
(98/C 102/06) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1544/97
by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission
(5 May 1997)
Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen
The flea-repellant Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen can be administered in different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogsweighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphateester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (
1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:
Which institution examines the mode of action of ethical and freely available antiparasitics, especially for their
harmlessness to humans and animals and their compatibility with the environment? Is the Commission awarethat manufacturers wishing to continue marketing products registered before 1978 were required to submit theresults of all tests by the end of 1996? Did they do so? Is this governed by EU legislation? Were productsauthorized after 1978 adequately tested?
(1) OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3597/97 by Giacomo Santini (PPE) to the Commission (13 November 1997)

Subject: Invasion of the European market by elvers caught by Asian boats

Following the invasion of the European market by small elvers (which would become European eels in adulthood) weighing about 0.3 grammes each, which are caught by Asian ships off Atlantic coasts, the costs of such fry have risen astronomically (from Lit 165 000 per kilo in 1995 to Lit 750 000 per kilo in 1997).

The Asians (in particular the Japanese and Chinese) have indiscriminately fished for Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica), thereby interfering with reproduction (Japan alone consumes approximately 120 000 tonnes every year), and they have therefore turned to the European market where, unlike in Japan, there are no limits on the export of fry.

Can the Commission say:

1. what it intends to do to safeguard Italian and European fish farmers, in view of the fact that Italy produces 7 000 tonnes of Europeean eels (Anguilla anguilla) per year out of the total of 20 000 tonnes produced in Europe every year;

2. what it intends to do to prevent indiscriminate fishing from causing irreparable damage to the reproduction of these fish on the Atlantic coasts of Europe too?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

The Commission is aware of the valuable and growing contribution of the eel cultivation sector to European aquaculture and of the particular importance of this activity in Italy. The dependence on supplies of juvenile eels caught in the wild will remain for so long as it continues to be impossible to complete the life cycle of this species in captivity.

Glass eels are caught as they migrate up rivers on the final leg of their migration from the Sargasso Sea. The competence of managing glass eel fisheries has up to now laid primarily with Member States and a range of national control measures exist, depending on the traditional patterns of exploitation and use. Five Member States ban commercial fishing for glass eels and elvers, while a regional ban exists in a sixth Member State. In the southern Member States where there is a tradition of consuming smaller eels, glass eel fishing is permitted but controls are applied to fishing gear, open season or fishing and dealing licences.

A recently completed report on management of the European eel (concerted action AIR A94- 1939) has shown that returns of glass eels have fallen, resulting in a serious decline of existing fisheries, particularly in the Baltic and Mediterranean Member States. This is matter of concern and the Commission in September 1997 requested the International council for the exploration of the sea (ICES) to provide advice on possible management actions to ensure a sustainable development of the eel fisheries within the Community. This advice should be provided in 1998 and any possible proposals on aspects such as regulating exports of glass eels will be deferred until then.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4065/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: IRAP and unemployment

The sectors to be hardest hit by the tax IRAP are those which are most labour-intensive - the professions, commerce, craft industries, farming, transport, the building industry, etc. IRAP will also affect investments because it taxes the interest on debts. This will have an adverse impact on employment, because it will remove any incentive to develop companies or create new ones, which will do little for the new jobs envisaged by the Italian Government.

Can the Commission say whether, in view of the European Employment Summit, the fiscal policy pursued by the Italian Finance Minister Visco does not conflict with the overall strategy of the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (30 March 1998)

The IRAP (imposta regionale sulle attivitá produttive) is a new regional tax which was introduced in 1998 as a replacement for a number of other taxes previously levied in Italy.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, local taxes are the responsibility of the Member States, which are therefore free to lay down their own rules in this area. Consequently, the only provisions of Community law that can be invoked in respect of the above tax are the general provisions of the EC Treaty prohibiting discrimination. The Commission takes the view that such is not the case here.

For the rest, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the answers to his Written Questions E-4063/97 and E-4064/97 ((OJ C 223, 17.7.1998, p. 49. )) and to Written Question P-4080/97 by Mr Florio ((OJ C 187, 16.6.1998, p. 120. )) on the subject of the same tax.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3980/97 by Konstadinos Klironomos (PSE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Takeovers of football clubs

Large private enterprises based in the Member States and involved in a variety of activities have succeeded through skilful manipulation in acquiring majority shareholdings and gaining control over numerous football clubs within and outside the Union. A recent example is the acquisition of the Greek club 'AEK' by the well-known British concern ENIC plc, which has also gained administrative and managerial control of numerous other football clubs in various European countries.

There is an inherent risk in this trend that European football competitions (Champions League, European Cupwinners' Cup, UEFA Cup etc) may be distorted since it is highly likely that teams belonging to the same concern (i.e. having the same owner) are drawn to face each other in the same competition and that the results of such matches will be open to question beforehand, thus undermining the most important aspect of football, sporting competition in the true sense.

Does the Commission intend to look into this matter which is already a matter of concern to all football fans throughout Europe?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1998)

In the Commission's view, the concern expressed in the Honourable Member's question is justified.

In its judgment of 15 December 1995 in the Bosman case ((Case C-415/93 [1995] ECR I-4921, paragraph 106. )), the Court of Justice stated that, in view of the considerable social importance of sporting activities and in particular football in the Community, the aims of maintaining a balance between clubs by preserving a certain degree of equality and uncertainty as to results and of encouraging the training of young players must be accepted as legitimate.

Clearly, if clubs with the same owner can take part in the same competitions, whether national or international, doubts may arise as to whether the outcome is really undecided in advance.

The above suggests that any rules laid down by sports organisations to restrict the freedom of clubs with the same owner to take part in the same competitions, whether national or international, within the European Economic Area (EEA), aim to meet objectives which relate to sport only and therefore have nothing to do with economic activity so long as they remain limited to their original purpose, which is to ensure uncertainty as to the results of the competitions. Accordingly, provided that such rules remain in proportion to the sporting objective pursued, they would not be covered by the competition rules laid down in the EC Treaty.

It is not therefore up to the Commission to take the place of a sports organisation in adopting such measures.
91997E2804(01)

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2804/97 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Documents of Compliance (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)



Official Journal C 013 , 18/01/1999 P. 0001
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0353/98 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Council (6 February 1998)

Subject: National emblems on euro banknotes

Given that the introduction of a single currency is an essential stage in the process of European integration, has the Council taken a decision on whether national emblems should appear on one of the sides of banknotes? Would it not agree that, in addition to being contrary to the idea of a union, such emblems could be a source of unwanted confusion?

Answer (7 April 1998)

In accordance with the distribution of powers laid down in the Treaty the European Central Bank will have the exclusive right to authorize the issue of banknotes in euro, and to take decisions regarding their design (Article 105a of the Treaty and Article 16 of the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank).

It will therefore be for the European Central Bank, once it has been established, to take the final decisions on this matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0286/98 by Ana Miranda de Lage (PSE) to the Council (17 February 1998)

Subject: Committee for monitoring human rights in Cuba

According to recent reports, the Council has instructed the EU embassies accredited to the Havana government to set up a committee for the monitoring and assessment of the human rights situation in Cuba.

Can the Council explain the nature and precise objectives of this network?

In view of the above and the numerous declarations which have been made of commitment to human rights, social rights, environmental rights, pluralist democracy, etc, has the Council considered extending this pioneering and committed initiative to such countries as China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc, to which, unlike Cuba, the EU is linked by substantial and long-standing commercial ties, despite the non-existence of any relation between the cooperation concerned and any kind of democratic quid pro quo?

Answer (30 April 1998)

The first objective laid down in the Common Position on Cuba adopted by the Council on 2 December 1996 is 'to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms'.

To implement the task of developing a more coordinated dialogue with groups promoting civil and political rights it was decided to set up a local EU Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) based on Member States' diplomatic missions in Havana. The HRWG has two main functions: monitoring human rights issues and developing a more coordinated dialogue with local groups and individuals promoting civic and political rights in Cuba. Contacts with Cuban officials might also take place in this framework.

At present, the HRWG is preparing an analysis of the human rights situation in Cuba and will make recommendations on how the EU should take forward dialogue in this area.

The appointment of a HRWG to monitor the human rights situation is only one of the methods the Council uses. For the countries which the Honourable Member is referring to, other methods, like a standing dialogue on human rights or a monitoring through Heads of Mission's reports, are being applied.

The Council certainly shares the view that the European Union's action aimed at promoting democracy and respect for human rights in the framework of the Community and its Members States' cooperation policies should be guided by objective and equitable criteria and should be implemented in a coherent and consistent manner.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0047/98 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (29 January 1998)

Subject: References on correspondence

Would the Commission agree to adopt the practice of quoting references on replies to correspondence? I am sure that this would greatly assist Members to locate the appropriate papers when a reply is received.

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (20 February 1998)

The Commission readily agrees that it is desirable for references to be quoted in reply to correspondence. The Commission's secretariat manual, and its dataprocessing arrangements, make provision for quoting references. Any inconvenience to the Honourable Member from a failure to quote a reference is regretted.