ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1516/03

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 May 2003)

Subject: Poland's National Development Plan and the Via Baltica

The Polish Government presented the National Development Plan to the European Commission in February 2003 for consideration. This plan contains the main proposed future infrastructure developments which may require EU funding.

The Polish National Development Plan and the Sectoral Operational Programme for the Transport-Maritime Economy for 2004-2006 mention international transport corridor No1 from Helsinki to Warsaw (the Via Baltica), and contain the planned route: Budzisko-Augustow-Bialystok-Ostrow-Mazowiecka-Radzymin-Warszawa.

Is the Commission aware that this route crosses the Knyszynska and Augustowska forests and Biebrza National Park, which are sites requiring protection under Natura 2000 on Polish accession to the EU? Does the Commission intend to raise this concern with the Polish authorities when giving its response to the National Development Plan, even if no additional funds are requested?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 2003)

As an area of outstanding natural value it is possible that the Biebrza National Park will be identified as a Natura 2000 protected after accession. This implies that strict conservation rules will apply. Article 6 of the Habitats Directive requires all Member States to carry out a full assessment of all alternatives to a proposed investment that risks having a potential negative environmental impact on a possible Natura 2000 site. If no alternative exists, the investment can only be allowed if an overriding public interest is demonstrated and all the necessary compensatory and mitigation measures have been applied.

The Commission has started negotiations with the Polish authorities with a view to the adoption of the programmes to be financed by the Structural Funds upon accession. In its comments to the Polish National Development Plan, the Commission has underlined that the Polish Community Support framework will need to demonstrate that environmental considerations and sustainable development play a role across the whole programme.

The selection of projects to be financed by Structural Funds is the responsibility of the national authorities in Member States. Nevertheless, all projects submitted by the Polish authorities for community financing after accession will have to comply with all relevant Community rules, including the environmental legislation applicable in Poland, as foreseen in the Accession Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0860/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(20 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds under the Sport for the Disabled programme by the City of Frosinone

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds. The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the City of Frosinone, urgently need to use European funds for the integration of disabled people through sport, can the Commission state:

1. whether the City of Frosinone has submitted projects for the Sport for the Disabled programme?

2. whether the City of Frosinone has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written questions E-0860/03, E-0885/03, E-1191/03, E-1192/03,E-1193/03, E-1194/03, E-1195/03, E-1196/03, E-1197/03, E-1198/03,E-1199/03, E-1200/03, E-1201/03, E-1202/03 and E-1203/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2003)

The Commission does not doubt the importance of integrating disabled persons through sport, but has no specific programme in this field.

As regards the possible part-financing by the European Regional Development Fund of the Italian cities listed by the Honourable Member, the Commission would invite her to refer to its replies to her Written Questions E-0834/03(1), E-1118/03(2), E-1119/03(3) to E-1124/03 and E-1125/03(4).

(1) OJ C 280 E, 21.11.2003, p. 96.

(2) See page 160.

(3) OJ C 268 E, 7.11.2003, p. 172.

(4) OJ C 280 E, 21.11.2003, p. 117.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1269/03

by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 April 2003)

Subject: Driving licence applications in another EU Member State

Council Directive 91/439(1) of 29 July 1991 on driving licences stipulates that a person can apply for or exchange a driving licence in another EU Member State if they are normally resident in the territory of the Member State concerned. For the purposes of the Directive, normal residence means the place where a person lives for at least 185 days in each calendar year.

1. To what extent does the Commission think it is possible that someone might fail to meet the 185 days requirement in any Member State? Where should such persons apply for a driving licence?

2. Has the Commission any information on the consequences of this provision?

3. To what extent does the Commission consider that this provision is impeding the free movement of workers and free movement of persons?

(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

It is certainly possible that someone might fail to meet the 185 day requirement in any Member State. Indeed, Article 9 of Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences(1), which entered into force on 1 July 1996, explicitly provides for cases where a person lives in turn in different places situated in two or more Member States. The definition of normal residence as used in the Directive on driving licences clearly describes how it should be interpreted. It should be noted that the definition in question appears in various instruments of Community law.

The Commission does not consider that the principle of normal residence impedes the free movement of workers and the free movement of persons. The case law of the Court of Justice permits no other conclusion on this subject(2). The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the Court is currently considering two questions submitted to it for a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of various provisions in Directive 91/439/EEC, including that of normal residence(3).

(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991.

(2) C-262/99, Louloudakis.

(3) C-476/01 Kapper; C-403/02 Da Silva Carvalho.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0340/03

by Elmar Brok (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 February 2003)

Subject: Aid C 67/2002 (formerly E 47/2001) state aid to manufacturers of grain spirit

Since their exit from the spirit monopoly, commercial distilleries have ceased production. The compensatory amounts paid by Germany for early exit from the monopoly are to be classified not as aid but as compensation.

Why does the Commission nevertheless take the view that that these compensatory payments constitute aid which distorts competition?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(24 March 2003)

In the context of the investigation which it has launched following the start of the procedure relating to the state aid granted to grain spirit distillers (farmers and industrial distillers) in Germany, the Commission has raised the issue of whether the payments made to industrial distilleries by way of compensation for their early exit from the monopoly can be classed as state aid incompatible with the common market.

As this matter is still under investigation, the Commission has not taken any decision so far regarding the status or anticompetitive nature of the compensatory payments.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1001/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(27 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the decentralised cooperation programme by the municipality of Prato

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Prato, urgently need to use European funds to support actions and initiatives encouraging sustainable development undertaken by operators in the Community and in developing countries,

can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Prato has submitted projects for the decentralised cooperation programme?

2. whether the municipality of Prato has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written questions E-0831/03, E-0893/03, E-0991/03, E-0992/03,E-0993/03, E-0994/03, E-0995/03, E-0996/03, E-0997/03, E-0998/03,E-0999/03, E-1000/03, E-1001/03, E-1002/03 and E-1003/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The main decentralised cooperation programmes in the European Union are those part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the single programming documents (SPD) and Interreg programmes.

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the answers given to Written Question s E-0834/03, E-1118/03, E-1119/03, E-1120/03, E-1121/03, E-1122/03, E-1123/03, E-1124/03 and E-1125/03. Under the Interreg cooperation programmes, the authority responsible for coordination at national level is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0997/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(27 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the decentralised cooperation programme by the municipality of Perugia

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Perugia, urgently need to use European funds to support actions and initiatives encouraging sustainable development undertaken by operators in the Community and in developing countries,

can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Perugia has submitted projects for the decentralised cooperation programme?

2. whether the municipality of Perugia has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written questions E-0831/03, E-0893/03, E-0991/03, E-0992/03,E-0993/03, E-0994/03, E-0995/03, E-0996/03, E-0997/03, E-0998/03,E-0999/03, E-1000/03, E-1001/03, E-1002/03 and E-1003/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The main decentralised cooperation programmes in the European Union are those part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the single programming documents (SPD) and Interreg programmes.

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the answers given to Written Question s E-0834/03, E-1118/03, E-1119/03, E-1120/03, E-1121/03, E-1122/03, E-1123/03, E-1124/03 and E-1125/03. Under the Interreg cooperation programmes, the authority responsible for coordination at national level is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1676/03

by Professor Sir Neil MacCormick (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(19 May 2003)

Subject: Value-added tax on repairs to listed places of worship

The United Kingdom Government has put forward a proposal that valued added tax should be reduced to 5 % in respect of repairs to cover repairs to listed places of worship. In view of the architectural, cultural and environmental significance of church buildings, and of the heavy burdens their maintenance imposes upon congregations, will the Commission actively support this proposal before the Council? How soon can a decision on this matter be expected?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2003)

The Commission is not aware of any proposal by the UK Government to apply a reduced rate of VAT to repairs to listed places of worship. Under current Community rules, a reduced rate for such work would not be permissible. However, the Commission is aware of the problem referred to by the Honourable Member. It touched on the matter in its report on the reduced rates adopted in October 2001(1).

The Commission is planning to present a proposal for a Directive on reduced VAT rates before the summer. The main purpose of the proposal will be to improve the functioning of the single market by rationalising Member States' use of reduced rates: the aim will be to avoid distortions of competition by giving Member States the same scope to set reduced rates.

The merits of extending this scope to new areas will be carefully examined in preparation for this forthcoming review of reduced rates.

(1) COM(2001) 599 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0999/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(27 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the decentralised cooperation programme by the municipality of Pisa

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Pisa, urgently need to use European funds to support actions and initiatives encouraging sustainable development undertaken by operators in the Community and in developing countries,

can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Pisa has submitted projects for the decentralised cooperation programme?

2. whether the municipality of Pisa has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written questions E-0831/03, E-0893/03, E-0991/03, E-0992/03,E-0993/03, E-0994/03, E-0995/03, E-0996/03, E-0997/03, E-0998/03,E-0999/03, E-1000/03, E-1001/03, E-1002/03 and E-1003/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The main decentralised cooperation programmes in the European Union are those part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the single programming documents (SPD) and Interreg programmes.

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the answers given to Written Question s E-0834/03, E-1118/03, E-1119/03, E-1120/03, E-1121/03, E-1122/03, E-1123/03, E-1124/03 and E-1125/03. Under the Interreg cooperation programmes, the authority responsible for coordination at national level is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1118/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(1 April 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) by the municipality of Ancona

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Ancona, urgently need to use European funds to regenerate areas in industrial decline and to reduce imbalances in social and economic development,

can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Ancona has submitted projects for the ERDF?

2. whether the municipality of Ancona has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 2003)

The municipality of Ancona is partially eligible for assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the SPD (single programming document) for Marche for the period 2000-2006.

The SPD for Marche was approved in a Commission Decision(1) and provides for ERDF funding of EUR 125,3 million towards total public expenditure of EUR 250,6 million.

Since the SPD for Marche relates to a programme with decentralised management, the body responsible for implementing the assistance measures is the regional authority of Marche, which has laid down the selection criteria for projects in a programme complement and is responsible for examining applications. The Honourable Member should therefore contact that authority for precise information on the projects submitted and funded for the municipality of Ancona.

(1) COM(2001) 2790 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0998/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(27 March 2003)

Subject: Use of funds from the decentralised cooperation programme by the municipality of Pesaro

In September 2002, the monitoring committee of the Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs issued a report on the spending of EU funds.

The report reveals the alarming slowness and inefficiency with which EU funds are allocated to projects by some regional authorities.

The grave concerns about the inadequate use of European funds by local authorities have frequently been echoed by the Commission.

Bearing in mind that some local authorities, such as the municipality of Pesaro, urgently need to use European funds to support actions and initiatives encouraging sustainable development undertaken by operators in the Community and in developing countries,

can the Commission state:

1. whether the municipality of Pesaro has submitted projects for the decentralised cooperation programme?

2. whether the municipality of Pesaro has secured funding for these projects?

3. whether this funding has been used?

Joint answerto Written questions E-0831/03, E-0893/03, E-0991/03, E-0992/03,E-0993/03, E-0994/03, E-0995/03, E-0996/03, E-0997/03, E-0998/03,E-0999/03, E-1000/03, E-1001/03, E-1002/03 and E-1003/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The main decentralised cooperation programmes in the European Union are those part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the single programming documents (SPD) and Interreg programmes.

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the answers given to Written Question s E-0834/03, E-1118/03, E-1119/03, E-1120/03, E-1121/03, E-1122/03, E-1123/03, E-1124/03 and E-1125/03. Under the Interreg cooperation programmes, the authority responsible for coordination at national level is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1744/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(26 May 2003)

Subject: Funding for the restoration and enhancement of the Colle del Duomo in Viterbo

The diocese of Viterbo, which is twinned with Avignon in France, is sponsoring a project involving the restoration and enhancement of the entire historic centre of what constitutes one of Lazio's major cities, in particular the Colle del Duomo historical and religious complex comprising the cathedral, the popes' palace, the bishop's palace, the papal gardens and orchards and an area containing a wealth of mediaeval and Etruscan remains of immense historical and cultural value. However, the entire area constantly requires a significant amount of maintenance and restoration work.

The above-mentioned project (known as Castrum S. Laurentii) involves not only preservation work but also the establishment of a study centre devoted to the arts and the sacred works to be found in the area.

It is important, therefore, that this entire cultural and architectural heritage (which is the only one of its kind) should be properly protected, in view of the fact that the enhancement and the dissemination of art and culture are Culture 2000 priorities and that, in particular, the major area of activity in 2004 will be the enhancement of the archaeological and architectural heritage and of cultural sites and landscapes.

In view of the above, would the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Under what programmes or other measures may initiatives of this type be financed in connection with Culture 2000?

2. Can the above-mentioned cultural heritage be made one of the priorities for 2004?

3. Have similar projects already been submitted in other EU countries?

4. Is the Commission itself able to sponsor such an initiative?

Joint answerto Written questions E-1743/03 and E-1744/03given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2003)

1. The Commission may support initiatives in the cultural sector only under the Culture 2000 programme and in accordance with its selection criteria. This programme is the EU's sole financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation.

The programme is designed to support projects which are jointly run and financed by at least three operators from a minimum of three participating countries.

The Honourable Member can find further information concerning calls for proposals and the annual priorities of the Culture 2000 programme on the following website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/c2000condition_en.html.

2. The Commission is not aware of the submission of any projects of this type by Member States.

3. The Commission cannot comment on a project's eligibility for financial assistance or sponsorship unless an application has been submitted to the appropriate department in accordance with the terms and conditions in force.