ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2780/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Community Initiative Leader and the towns of Ioanina and Igoumenitsa

The Greek region of Epirus, an Objective 1 region in which agriculture is of great economic importance, is one of the poorest regions in the European Union in absolute terms. The towns of Ioanina and Igoumenitsa (Epirus) are excluded from the Community Initiative Leader in Greece and the local authorities are questioning the criteria adopted in the selection of regions which benefit under Leader in Greece.

Can the Commission say:

1. who was responsible for selecting the areas which benefit under Leader in Greece;

2. what criteria were used in the selection;

3. why Igoumenitsa and Ioanina were excluded;

4. whether it intends to use its powers to ascertain whether the selection was made objectively or not and, if not, whether it intends to find out who was responsible for mismanaging the selection procedure and to review it?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (26 September 1997)

With regard to the four questions raised by the Honourable Member concerning the non-inclusion of the towns of Ioannina and Igoumenitsa in the Community initiative Leader II, the Commission wishes to point out the following:

1. In the Notice on Leader II ((OJ C 180, 1.7.1994. )) and in particular in point 15 thereof, it is clearly stated that the Commission does not intend to intervene in the choice of projects and recipients (local groups and other collective bodies). The Commission cannot a fortiori intervene in the selection of the partners in each group.

2. The general criteria for the choice of the project sponsors are also set out in the Notice, under point 16(b). These are as follows: innovation, capacity to serve as a model and transferability of know-how, the rural character of the projects and the participation of the rural population of the area concerned. Moreover, as stated in point 8 of the Notice, that population should not as a general rule exceed 100 000 inhabitants in order to avoid the funds granted being dissipated.

3. In view of the foregoing, and bearing in mind that the chief objective of Leader II is the development of rural areas, the Commission considers that the inclusion of two urban areas in the project of the Leader group concerned would have entailed, in addition to the excessive overshooting of the abovementioned population criterion, a straying from the objectives of Leader II and a dilution of government aid.

4. The operational plans of the project sponsors under Leader II in Greece were the subject of an independent ex-ante evaluation prior to the Greek programme being approved by the Commission.

The selection terms and criteria of the various recipients, including the Leader group of the Epirus region, were checked at that stage. Under these circumstances, the Commission has no intention of intervening to review the choices made.

Moreover, in the light of what is stated above, it is not difficult to see why the partners concerned (local group, regional and national authorities) did not include the towns of Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2576/97 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Breaking the EU embargo on British beef

On 2 July 1997, Commissioner Bonino reported a possible illegal sale of British beef, under embargo because of the mad cow crisis, stating on Italian television that Spain was one of the countries of destination for this beef.

It appears that the Commission later denied that Spain was concerned.

Why did Commissioner Bonino act in such an irresponsible way?

Has the Commissioner assessed the damage caused by her actions?

Is the Commissioner aware that her muddled statements can only exacerbate the difficult situation in the market for beef?

Who is to deal with the economic consequences of this irresponsibility?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2576/97, E-2577/97, E-2578/97, E-2603/97, E-2604/97 and E-2605/97 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997)

On 2 July 1997, the Commission notified the discovery of a fraud involving British meat illegally shipped to other Member States and to third countries.

True to its policy of transparency, and in compliance with the undertakings given to Parliament, the Commission has kept Parliament and the Member States abreast of all developments in this affair.

Initially, a Spanish firm, with the same name as a firm established in Guinea Bissau, was wrongly accused.

Subsequently, however, another Spanish firm was identified as having received 200 tonnes of meat from one of the offending Belgian firms. The Spanish authorities were informed by the Commission and are currently investigating the matter.

The Commission is aware that certain information may have repercussions on the meat market, but it gives priority to informing consumers as required by the principle of transparency.

However, the event referred to by the Honourable Members of Parliament has not influenced the market, since, according to the information provided [on a weekly basis] to the Commission by the Member States, wholesale meat prices have not been affected by the disclosures concerning the illegal exports of meat from the United Kingdom in July.

The Commission continues to believe that it is its duty to keep Parliament and the Member States - and, if necessary, consumers - fully abreast of affairs of this kind. This approach has also been widely approved by the Temporary Committee to follow up the recommendations on bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2845/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (11 September 1997)

Subject: Voluntary environmental protection agreements

The Commission regards voluntary agreements between industry and governments to reduce pollution as an important aspect of environment policy. The effectiveness of such agreements, however, is a disputed matter, particularly in the area of climate protection.

1. What is the Commission's experience regarding the effectiveness of voluntary self-regulation in the environment sector?

2. Does the Commission consider that there is a need in future to lay down clear general conditions, enforceable contracts and penalties for voluntary self-regulation in the environment sector?

3. If not, how does the Commission justify that view?

4. What is the Commission's view of the practice in the Netherlands whereby enforceable obligations referred to as covenants are laid down in the National Environment Policy Plan (NEPP)?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (10 October 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its Communication on 'Environmental Agreements' ((Doc. COM(96) 561. )), on which both Parliament and the Council have adopted resolutions, and to its contribution to the debate on Mrs Graenitz's report on the Communication on 22 July 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3159/97 by Bernie Malone (PSE) to the Commission (30 September 1997)

Subject: Structural funding

Can the Commission indicate what amount of the total structural funding allocated to Ireland over the period 1994-99 has been spent so far? What projects remain to be completed and what amount has been allocated to each of these? Has a list of priorities been prepared between the Commission and the Irish Government?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2710/97 by Ben Fayot (PSE) and Viviane Reding (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Cross-border information centres

An audit report assessing the work of the cross-border information centres, including those dealing with consumer information, has been submitted to the Commission.

Will the Commission respond to the call made by Parliament in its resolution of 20 February 1997 on priorities for consumer policy 1996-1998 (A4-0317/96) ((OJ C 85, 17.3.1997, p. 133. )) and draw up a communication setting out its policy as regards expansion of the cross-border information centres, in particular those which demonstrate their professionalism and meet the genuine need for information, advice, and out-of-court settlements concerning international transactions? Furthermore, does the Commission intend to establish the current pilot project on a more permanent footing?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997)

The Commission wishes to point out to the honourable Members of Parliament that Resolution A-4-0317/96 does not invite it to prepare a communication on its policy with regard to the cross-border consumer information centres.

However, the Commission wishes to recall that on 24 July 1997 it transmitted to Parliament a study carried out by an independent consultant to evaluate the centres' pilot projects.

The Commission intends to prepare a proposal on a legal basis for the subsidies which will also cover the Euro infocentres. This proposal will be presented before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2613/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Organic farming practices

In the organic livestock regulation the Commission has recommended the imposition of a limit of 20% conversion feedstuffs.

Does the Commission acknowledge that the limit set is excessively restrictive for many farmers, particularly those in the process of conversion? Will this proposal not further inhibit farmers from converting to organic practices?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 October 1997)

The Commission proposal ((COM(96) 366. )) for a Council regulation supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs ((OJ L 198, 22.7.1991. )) to include livestock production includes a provision permitting the feeding of animals with 'in conversion' feedingstuffs (up to 20%), i.e. crop products from land under organic production for at least one year. In addition, the proposal also provides that, during a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2000, conventional feedingstuffs to a maximum of 10% (for ruminants) and 20% (for non-ruminants) may be used.

The restrictions with regard to organic husbandry in general, and in particular, with regard to the feeding of the animals concerned, have been established after a careful examination of the existing organic husbandry practices in the Member States and the expectations of consumers with regard to these practices. In this context feeding with organic feedingstuffs is considered an essential element, and therefore the use of non organic feedingstuffs has been severely restricted.

The Parliament delivered in its session of May 1997 its opinion on the Commission proposal after a detailed examination of the proposed production standards. In its amendments Nos 58 and 63, the Parliament proposed more flexible arrangements with regard to the conversion to organic husbandry:

- an extension of the transitional period for use of conventional feedingstuffs to five years;

- a limitation of the conversion period to an overall maximum of two years when the conversion is made for the complete holding and covers simultaneously its livestock and crop production.

The Commission accepted these elements and will introduce them in its amended proposal, currently under preparation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2558/97 by Richard Balfe (PSE) to the Council (28 July 1997)

Subject: Sri Lanka

Will the Council update its declaration on behalf of the European Union on Sri Lanka, released on 17 April 1997, in the light of recent developments in that country?

Answer (26 November 1997)

The European Union is closely monitoring developments in the political situation in Sri Lanka and makes its position known, where appropriate, by means of declarations and démarches.

In its Declaration of 17 April 1997, the European Union welcomed the exchange of letters between the President of Sri Lanka and the leader of the opposition on a bipartisan approach to the ethnic conflict in that country.

The European Union continues to support this constructive approach and hopes that it will contribute to an ending of confrontational politics in Sri Lanka, in particular through the conclusion of a national agreement.

The European Union remains ready to assist reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts as soon as this becomes possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2745/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Cycling facilities in Dublin

Almost no cycle lanes have been developed in Dublin's inner city over the past five years.

It is beyond question that Dublin is far behind many other EU capitals in providing for cyclists. Munich, for example, has 650 km of cycle lanes, whereas Dublin has less than 20 km.

Under the Operational Programme for Ireland, the EU has agreed to co-finance various measures to improve Ireland's transport infrastructure, including the development of cycle lanes.

Has it made any representations to the Irish authorities about the virtual absence of improvements in cycle lanes in Dublin's inner city? If so can it give details of any such representations and/or of any it proposes to make?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997)

Provision has been made for cycle facilities in Dublin's inner city as part of several schemes co-financed under the operational programme for transport (1994-1999). This has been done as part of Talbot street environmental traffic scheme, Malahide road to Amiens street cycle route and Quality bus corridor (QBC), as well as City quays (QBC) scheme, which includes cycle parking. Further additions to the cycle facilities along the city quays are expected in the coming months.

Construction of a cycle way along the Finglas road between Glasnevin and Finglas village, and of the Ashtown roundabout to North circular road section of the Blanchardstown cycle route, will commence in coming weeks. Further linking of both routes to the city centre will follow in the near future. It is anticipated that construction of a cycle lane along the Grand canal, linking Portobello college with Clanbrassil street, will commence in 1997. In addition, cycle track provision at several locations alongside the proposed light rail transit system (LUAS) line is being actively supported. Discussions are also ongoing to incorporate additional facilities at or near the LUAS stations.

While many of the cycle facilities have not yet appeared on the ground, much of the necessary background studies, public consultation and detailed design has been undertaken and it is expected that significant cycle facilities will be constructed in Dublin's inner city over the rest of the current programming period.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3369/97 by Giacomo Santini (UPE) to the Commission (22 October 1997)

Subject: European Community Sports Club - Euroski

The European Community Sports Club - Euroski organizes skiing weeks for EU officials three times a year in Bormio, Courmayeur and San Domenico.

What is planned as a programme for the 1997/1998 season is actually a repeat of previous such holidays, since the Sports Club has been taking EU officials to the same resorts for around ten years.

When I proposed a change of venue to allow equal opportunities for all European tourist resorts, I was politely told that they were grateful for my suggestion but could not change the venue as this would be unfair to their friends in Bormio, Courmayeur and San Domenico.

Will the Commission investigate this matter to guarantee transparency and ensure that there are no private interests behind the choice of a venue?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1997)

Under the staff welfare policy, 50 sports and cultural clubs meeting certain criteria are recognised by the Commission. The Euroski club is not one of these and therefore cannot be regarded as a Commission sports club.

Members of this group are acting in a purely private capacity, and there is absolutely no ground for the Commission to make an inquiry nor intervene in their activities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2601/97 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Enlargement of the Union

As a result of the barriers to enlargement caused by the absence of institutional reform in the Amsterdam Treaty, does the Commission agree that the monies earmarked to assist Central and Eastern European countries towards accession to the European Union should be granted over a longer period of time?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (6 October 1997)

The Commission refers to its reply given to the Honourable Member's written question 2599/97 ((See page 68. )). In its Agenda 2000 report, the Commission drew attention to the importance of strengthening the institutions and their functioning in good time, as foreseen by the protocol on the future of the institutions annexed to the draft treaty.

The task to accomplishing the necessary institutional reforms complicates the enlargement process, but does not necessarily delay it. The length of the pre-accession periods will depend primarily on the success of the efforts that each candidate country is willing and able to make in their preparations for membership. Through its proposals for a reinforced pre-accession strategy, including accession partnerships and a doubling of financial assistance, the Commission has demonstrated its commitment to providing all candidates with necessary assistance in this task.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2736/97 by Claude Desama (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Measures to assist flood victims

During the recent heavy rains, many inhabitants of Estampuis in Belgium suffered considerable damage as a result of flooding.

Can the Commission indicate whether any European resources are available to finance the road repair work required or, where appropriate, whether the countries involved have given any thought to seeking solutions to ensure that the inhabitants of this frontier zone will never again be the victims of damage caused by rainstorms?

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

The Commission extends its deepest sympathy to the victims of the floods caused by torrential rain in the commune of Estaimpuis. The Commission is aware of the losses sustained by the people in this area.

It has to inform the Honourable Member that, under the 1997 budget, heading B4-3400 (Emergency aid to disaster victims) has not been allocated any funds which can be used for immediate action.

The Commission would also remind the Honourable Member that it has published in the Official Journal a call for proposals for pilot projects in the field of environmental protection of areas prone to flash floods ((OJ C 185, 18.6.1997. )). The pilot projects are intended to stimulate cooperation between the Member States in the collection, coordination and consolidation of the best existing knowledge in Europe with regard to the management and protection of the environment in areas prone to flash floods.

As regards longer-term flood prevention through land management, the Commission would draw the Honourable Member's attention to Interreg II C (1997-99), a Community initiative for which Hainaut province is eligible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2881/97 by Brendan Donnelly (PPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Population control programmes

Will the Commission make a statement about the practical measures which its officials take to ensure that funding for population control programmes in developing countries does not go to countries or organizations which practise or tolerate coercive measures?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1997)

Recital (9) of the new Council Regulation (EC) No 1484/97 of 22 July 1997 on aid for population policies and programmes in the developing countries ((OJ L 202, 30.7.1997. )) points out that the Community denounces any violations of human rights in the form of compulsory abortion or compulsory sterilisation; Article 6 of the Regulation lays down that cooperation initiatives shall be implemented on the basis of dialogue with the national, regional and local authorities concerned so as to avoid programmes which are coercive, discriminatory or prejudicial to fundamental human rights.

Action supported by the Commission has to abide by these principles. The Commission makes sure of this, in particular by careful prior analysis of projects and schemes submitted to it and through dialogue with its partners and the contractors.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2544/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Pollution of the Gulf of Volos

The pollution of the Gulf of Volos is not a new phenomenon. This Gulf constitutes one of the most important coastal ecosystems in Greece, and its ecological balance is being threatened by pollution from phytoplankton, phosphates, heavy metals, nitrates and petroleum hydrocarbons due to herbicides, urban waste, waste from ships, etc. Apart from the very serious ecological consequences of this pollution, it also poses a health threat to local people and affects tourism and a series of professions directly dependent on tourism and the sea.

In its answer to a previous question (H-0539/94) ((Minutes of sittings of European Parliament, No 4-452, (October 1994). )) the Commission had stated that, given that a number of Community directives were being violated, it had initiated proceedings against Greece, notably in respect of its failure to comply with certain obligations under Directive 76/464/EEC ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976, p. 23. )). In view of the gravity of the situation and the reappearance of large amounts of phytoplankton in the region, will the Commission say what progress has been made in the initiatives it has taken against Greece and what results have been achieved?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1997)

On 5 July 1995, under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, the Commission brought an action against Greece before the Court of Justice (Case C-233/95) for improper application of Council Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment.

More specifically, the Commission considers that Greece has failed to establish the requisite clear-up programmes to reduce the pollution of the Gulf of Volos by substances appearing in List II of the Directive, and that it has also failed to take steps to subject any discharges containing those substances to prior authorisation.

Now that the procedural phase of the Case is over, the Court's judgment can be expected within the next few months.