ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3142/97 by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) to the Commission (30 September 1997)

Subject: Subsidies for brown coal in Brandenbourg

1. Did the Commission give notice of the subsidy for the new power station in Frankfurt an der Oder?

2. If so, did the notification application make a specific reference to the use of brown coal in this new power station?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (5 November 1997)

1. The Commission heard through unofficial channels that investment aid had been granted to a power station in Frankfurt an der Oder that used brown coal. On 10 September 1997 it called on the German authorities to provide information and clarify their position on the matter. In their reply the German authorities confirmed that the issue had already given rise to an exchange of letters between the Federal Government and the Commission in 1995.

2. In its letter the Federal Government described the situation in Frankfurt an der Oder at the time with regard to the production of electricity and explained that plans had been made to replace the old power station by one burning brown coal and gas. Economic considerations were the main reason for this choice. The Federal Government stressed that this dual solution was the best one given the particular needs of Frankfurt an der Oder. The fact that both brown coal and gas could be used showed that the plan was not solely in the interests of the brown coal industry, which had not, therefore, benefited from arbitrary preferential treatment.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2591/97 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Commission (29 July 1997)

Subject: Complaint about fixed book prices in the German-speaking area

The Austrian chain of bookshops Libro-Diskont has lodged a complaint with the Commission concerning the fixing of book prices in the German-speaking area.

What is the present state of this procedure, when are decisions likely to be taken, and how is the Commission taking account of Article 128(4) of the EC Treaty in this connection?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1997)

The Commission is still in the process of examining both the notification of the Austro-German book resale price maintenance arrangement based on the collective agreement known as the 'Sammelrevers' and the complaints which have been lodged against it. It is unable to say at this stage exactly when further steps will be taken in the proceedings.

In the light of Article 128 of the EC Treaty, the Council (Culture Affairs) has requested the Commission, pursuant to Article 152 of the Treaty ((OJ C 305, 7.10.1997. )), to examine the significance of Article 128(4) for the application of Treaty articles relating to cross-border resale price maintenance systems and, if necessary, to indicate what changes are needed if such book resale price maintenance agreements are to remain in force in individual language areas. The Commission is currently examining this matter as well, in accordance with the Council's request. At the moment it is unable to say precisely when this investigation will be concluded.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2917/97 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Council (8 September 1997)

Subject: Contracts for security services at Council buildings

The Flemish press has carried reports about underhand dealing and possible corruption in connection with the award of the contract for security services at Commission buildings to Groep 4 Securitas in 1992.

As a sideline to these reports, the connections of the then deputy head of security at the Council were also described. He was jointly responsible for following up the award of the security contract to Groep 4 Securitas. He is said to be a well-known figure in extreme right-wing circles and an adept of the practical shooting discipline, which is highly controversial.

On 28 January 1997 he apparently organized a seminar and promotion day on the Council's premises concerning a special type of explosive which is used only by official military anti-terrorist units. He is also said to have abused the diplomatic bag and to have trained members of the security forces from countries which do not exactly enjoy the best reputation with regard to respect for human rights.

There are persistent rumours that a number of people have been recruited to the Council's security service via the Belgian Law Enforcement Agency in Hainault. The same individuals are believed to be involved in some way in links between extreme right-wing organizations and the attacks carried out by the 'Bende van Nijvel' gang which dominated the news in Belgium in the 1980s.

1. Are any or all of the above allegations true? If not, in what ways are they inaccurate or unproven?

2. If the allegations are true, what measures did the Council take in connection with them?

3. Please supply a precise chronological overview of the measures taken.

Answer (10 November 1997)

The General Secretariat of the Council took note of an article which appeared in the newspaper "De Morgen¨ on 20 August 1997, containing implicit allegations against some officials in the Council's security service.

In view of the serious nature of those allegations and also if its duty of concern regarding its own officials, the General Secretariat of the Council decided to organize an inquiry to ascertain whether or not the allegations in question are justified.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2546/97 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Klein Constantia's Vin de Constance

Following receipt of your answer to Written Question P-1070/97 ((OJ C 319, 18.10.1997, p. 225. )), I spoke to the British Wine Standards Board, who told me your answer was wrong because Article 70 of Council Regulation 822/87 ((OJ L 84, 27.3.1987, p. 1. )) bars imports from third countries if they have a total alcoholic strength by volume, exceeding 15%.

Can you tell me whether your original answer was correct, and there is some other legislation in force which permits the sale of Klein Constantia's Vin de Constance in the European Union, and whether this is the reason why this wine is on sale in Denmark and Germany?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997)

On the matter of imports into the Community of 'Klein Constantia' wine, the Commission would first of all like to point out to the Honourable Member that its answer to his written question P-1070/97 related to the labelling of wines. The Commission stands by that answer.

The question now raised by the Honourable Member relates to alcoholic strength, which is covered by the rules on wine production and vinification.

The first indent of Article 70(1)(b) of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87 specifies that an imported wine may not have a total alcoholic strength of more than 15% vol (except for liqueur wines, which belong to a different category).

However, an exception to this rule is possible for wines of high quality bearing a geographical designation and fulfilling special production criteria (for example wines produced from botrytis-infected grapes). Just such an exemption has been granted by the Council under various bilateral agreements for a number of wines from non-Community countries where there is a guarantee that the wine has not had its alcoholic strength boosted. As no agreement of this kind has been signed with South Africa, 'Klein Constantia' cannot be admitted to the Community for sale under the name of 'wine' before or after 1 September 1997 unless it has an alcoholic strength of 15% vol or less.

The Commission is conducting an inquiry into the issues raised by the Honourable Member among the Member States affected.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2959/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Ethnic minority businesses

Are there any EU networks set up to support or to share information and ideas for ethnic minority businesses so as to help them develop and flourish? If not, does the Commission have any plans to set up such a network?

Answer by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1997)

The Commission is aware of the problems facing ethnic minorities seeking to create and develop businesses. The Third Multiannual Programme for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises ((OJ L 6, 10. 1.1997. )) provides for support for businesses run by persons from disadvantaged groups by promoting the search for innovative solutions to their specific problems.

Although Member States have private national or regional bodies whose remit is to monitor the sector, collect information and assist entrepreneurs, their geographical coverage is limited. As far as the Commission is aware, these bodies do not come under any umbrella organisations.

Every Member State also has public or semi-public bodies whose object is to assist businesses in general. The problems facing ethnic minorities could provide these bodies with a major area of investigation, especially with a view to promoting promoting racial integration and revitalising the commercial sector in disadvantaged urban areas.

It is worth remembering that local commerce has been selected as one of the Local Employment and Development Initiatives (ILDEs) in view of its capacity for creating jobs and its potential for developing disadvantaged areas where ethnic minorities account for a large share of the population. Accordingly, the objective of the Commission's 'Commerce 2000' initiative is to identify the most relevant actions and disseminate them among local, national and Community decision-makers responsible for planning the Structural Funds.

It is against this background that a survey of local commerce in disadvantaged areas in the 15 Member States is currently under way. The call for proposals ((OJ S 192, 3.10.1997. )) should make it possible to identify themes for various working parties to examine. The commercial activities of ethnic minorities could be a particularly interesting theme, perhaps leading to the creation of a network for the exchange of good practices.

On 15 April 1997, the Commission published a call for proposals (OJ C 117) relating to assistance for craft enterprises and small enterprises. Its objectives include access to information and services through the development of computer applications.

Proposals designed to meet this objective must envisage the creation of a computer server providing information, services and advice for the heads of craft and small enterprises, via computer networks. The server must be readily accessible by both craftsmen and the heads of businesses.

Within the framework of the various objectives, the emphasis is on actions benefiting women, young people and disadvantaged groups, all of whom are playing an increasingly important part in the creation of new small and micro-enterprises.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3191/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (16 October 1997)

Subject: Abuses of a dominant position by UEFA

Can the Commission confirm that it is studying carefully a complaint from the Football League that the decision by UEFA to deny the winners of the Coca-Cola Cup entry into European cup competitions amounts to an 'abuse of a dominant position' under Articles 85 and 86?

Is the Commission aware that should UEFA be allowed to pursue this course of action the knock-on effect for smaller football clubs could be disastrous, as sponsorship and television backing desert the competition?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1997)

Yes, the Commission is investigating a complaint lodged by the football league against the Union of european football associations (UEFA) in order to assess the compatibility of UEFA's actions with the Community competition rules. The Commission has already informed the football league accordingly.

This assessment must be made in full knowledge of the facts, including those alleged in the second part of the Honourable Member's question, in their correct economic context and taking into account the specific nature of the sector concerned. The investigation of complaints must be undertaken under the established procedures - in this case Council Regulation (EEC) No 17/62 implementing Articles 85 and 86 of the EC Treaty ((OJ 13, 21.2.1962. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3260/97 by Clive Needle (PSE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Fridge/Freezer Safety

Combined fridge/freezers operated by a single control are only designed to operate in ambient temperatures of above 10°C.

The British Standards Institute, the UK Consumers' Association and the Consumers in Europe Group are all concerned about this and feel that consumers are not made sufficiently aware of its implications when choosing an appliance.

If a fridge/freezer automatically switches off while the owner is absent, during the winter, for example, when temperatures often fall below 10°C, and then switches back on when the temperature rises, the food within it could thaw and then refreeze without the owner being aware of it. In addition, the owner would not ben entitled to payment by their insurers as the appliance would not be deemed faulty. This has been proven in a UK case.

Is the Commission aware of this problem? What does the Commission consider are the food safety implications? What requests has it made to Cenelec to consider this issue?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (25 November 1997)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2705/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Ireland and the Cohesion Fund

How much has Ireland spent under its Cohesion Fund entitlements to date? Which projects have received assistance under the Cohesion Funds?

How many applications has the Commission received from the Irish authorities for assistance under the Cohesion Funds? Can it give details of the applications which it is currently considering?

Has the Commission decided on any likely priority of projects for such funding? If so, can it give details?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (23 September 1997)

Regulations (EEC) No 792/93 establishing the cohesion financial instrument ((OJ L 79, 1.4.1993. )) and (EEC) No 1164/94 establishing the Cohesion fund ((OJ L 130, 25.5.1994. )) provide that Ireland's share of the fund's total resources in the period 1993-1999 shall be between 7%-10%, amounting to MECU 1,160 - 1,515 (1992 prices). In the period 1993-1996 a total of MECU 22 (current prices) has been committed to projects in Ireland, which amounts almost exactly to 9% of the total amount committed from the Cohesion fund in the same period.

By letter of 22 July 1997 the Commission forwarded to the Honourable Member a complete list of projects in Ireland which have received assistance.

More applications are made for Cohesion fund assistance than the fund is able to co-finance. In total, there have been so far a little less than 200 applications for assistance for projects in Ireland, some of which concern stages of projects.

The priorities for funding are largely laid down in the Cohesion fund regulation, which requires the fund to assist large projects, in principle projects which cost not less than MECU 10, and which are of major importance to the achievement of Community objectives in the areas of environment and transport infrastructure. The Commission has decided, with the support of the Parliament, that the balance between the two areas of assistance should be a 50/50 distribution for the period 1993-1999 as a whole.

In the field of the environment, the priorities followed in Ireland reflect Council Directive 80/778/EEC relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption ((OJ L 229, 15.7.1980 as amended by OJ L 377, 31.12.1991 . )) and Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1996 concerning urban waste water treatment ((OJ L 135, 30.5.1991. )). In particular, projects for towns and cities where the latter Directive requires treatment facilities to be established by the years 1998 and 2000 have high priority. The transport infrastructure projects assisted by the fund are those which form part of or provide access to the trans-European transport network, and in particular those selected during the Essen European Council.

The Commission is currently considering a number of projects in Ireland for assistance from the Cohesion fund in 1997 or later. Detailed information on the funding strategy and the projects assisted is given in the annual reports on the fund. The annual report for 1996 ((COM(97) 302 final )) was published on 23 June 1997 and has been transmitted to the Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3286/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Request for special aid measures following the earthquake in Umbria and the Marches

In the last week of September a severe earthquake caused substantial damage in Italy, particularly in the regions of Umbria and the Marches.

Above all, it made built-up areas unusable, thereby seriously inconveniencing the inhabitants and it also seriously damaged the artistic heritage, in particular the town of Assisi.

Is the Commission able to allocate special financial aid for:

1. the sections of the population affected;

2. rebuilding town centres;

3. restoring works of art?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-3220/97 and P-3286/97 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1997)

The Commission wishes to express its fullest sympathy for the victims of the earthquakes that have been devastating the Italian regions of Umbria and the Marches since the end of September. It is aware of the exceptional scale of the damage inflicted on Europe's citizens living in these regions and of the destruction suffered by its incomparable cultural heritage.

Regarding Community emergency aid for disaster victims, the Commission would remind the Honourable Member that in the 1997 budget the relevant item (B4-3400) contains no appropriations that could be used for immediate measures of solidarity with the citizens who have sustained losses.

Regarding structural aids, the earthquakes have affected highly rural areas to which Commission attaches great importance; they are virtually all objective 5b areas.

The Presidents of the two regions concerned have asked the Commission to adjust the objective 5b programming to take account of new priorities and needs generated by the earthquakes.

The Commission confirms that its is fully ready to launch the procedures, the partnership context, for boosting the objective 5b single programming documents by adding specific reconstruction measures. This would provide an opportunity to consider the value of action to support the artistic and architectural heritage, production potential and the reconstruction of rural villages.

Regarding restoration of the cultural heritage, the Commission announced on 1 October 1997 it would grant emergency aid of ECU 100 000 from the funds allocated for the preservation of cultural heritage. This emergency aid is intended to cover some of the costs of restoration of the church of St Francis of Assisi, and in particular for the restoration of the frescos damaged during the recent catastrophic earthquake.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3038/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Age discrimination

The IGC should have acted to eliminate discrimination on grounds of age by inserting an article (6a) in the new Treaty. Documents in my possession indicate that this was not the case. Nonetheless, this is a genuine problem and we are faced with cases of discrimination in our daily lives. What is more, this problem is occurring as the average age of Europe's citizens continues to rise almost exponentially.

Will the Commission tackle the problem, particularly as regards harmonizing the rules on notices of competition and their enforcement?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (24 November 1997)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Amsterdam Treaty has introduced a new legal basis for the adoption of Community measures to combat, inter alia, discrimination based on age (new Article 6a of the EC Treaty).

The Commission will consider any measures which might be appropriate in this field once the Amsterdam Treaty has been ratified.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3022/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Improving the production and marketing of honey

Insufficient funds are allocated to the honey sector in the Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey (COM(96) 596 final - 96/0282 CNS) ((OJ C 378, 13.12.1996, p. 20. )).

Will the Commission include in the proposal a symbolic level of support to provide both professional and amateur beekeepers with beehives?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3019/97, E-3020/97, E-3021/97 and E-3022/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (29 October 1997)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that Council Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey ((OJ L 173, 1.7.1997. )) was adopted on 25 June.

One of the specific priorities of the Regulation is technical assistance to beekeepers. This includes training of young farmers interested in apiculture. The Regulation's aim is improvement of the production and marketing of honey, i.e. it is not a disease eradication programme. It provides for Community part-financing of national programmes and is intended to cover all beekeepers without distinction.

On imports and on quality standards for honey marketed within the Community, Council Directive 74/409/EEC on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to honey ((OJ L 221, 12.8.1974. )) applies. A proposal for amendment of it is at present before Parliament and the Council.

Under Council Directive 89/397/EEC on the official control of foodstuffs ((OJ L 186, 30.6.1989. )) honey from third countries is subject to the same control rules as that produced in the Community. It is up to the national authorities to take all necessary action to effect control in conformity with that Directive.