ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0531/98 by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Raphael Programme

The Commission has selected 92 of the 841 projects submitted under the Raphael Programme for the protection of the cultural heritage and a total budget of ECU 9.2 million has been allocated. These 92 projects have been divided into five separate actions. Will the Commission say which projects have been approved by each Member State under each of these actions, which organizations have been granted the aid, what sums are involved and what is the purpose of the projects concerned?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (14 April 1998)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the implementation of the Raphael programme for 1997 concerned the selection of 92 projects for all its five actions. The number of projects and the budgetary allocation per action is as follows:

- Action 1 - Events and dissemination initiatives of a European dimension in favour of the preservation and increased awareness of European cultural heritage: 43 projects selected out of 511 submissions with a budgetary allocation of 1.80 MECU;

- Action 2 - Co-operation in developing thematic networks between European museums: 13 projects selected out of 103 submissions with a budgetary allocation of 2.55 MECU;

- Action 3 - Further training and mobility of professionals in the field of cultural heritage preservation; 14 projects selected out of 92 submissions with a budgetary allocation of 742.000 ECU;

- Action 4 - Study, preservation and enhancement of decorated facades in Europe; 10 projects selected out of 65 submissions with a budgetary allocation of 1.74 MECU;

- Action 5 - Study, preservation and enhancement of the European pre-industrial heritage: 12 projects selected out of 70 submissions with a budgetary allocation of 2.66 MECU.

The Community financial support for the selected projects is shared between all the partners involved in the implementation of each project through the coordinator or leader of the project, who receives the Community grant. In this context, and as the European dimension is evident, the projects do not really come under nationality headings.

As to the financial contribution allocated per project, the Commission is sending a comprehensive list to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat which indicates the partners involved in each project (the first being the coordinator), the objectives to be attained and the amounts granted.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0289/98 by Blaise Aldo (UPE) to the Commission (17 February 1998)

Subject: Transport costs between different islands

Can the Commission say why the Community aid arrangements for supplying cereals to remote regions fail to take into account the cost of transporting these products between the various islands, either within one region, like the Azores, the Canary islands or Guadeloupe, or within the same geographical zone, such as the French Antilles?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0288/98, E-0289/98, E-0324/98 and E-0400/98 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

The Honourable Members are requested to refer to the Commission's answer to written question P-327/98 from Mr Souchet ((See page 78. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0693/98 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Implementation of operational programme for the tourist industry

In its answer to my Question No. H-0813/96 ((Debates of the European Parliament (October 1996).)) concerning the implementation of the Greek operational programme for the tourist industry, the Commission pointed out the low take-up rate of the relevant appropriations and urged the Greek authorities to use up the remainder. Furthermore, it was awaiting the national authorities' final decisions and planning for the marinas and the integrated tourist development regions (ITDRs).

More than a year has passed since the Commission's answer and the operational programme expires on 31 December 1999. Will the Commission, therefore, say:

1. what the current take-up rate is for the operational programme for the tourist industry,

2. whether the locations for setting up the ITDRs have been selected and what they are,

3. whether it has been decided what type of project will receive funding, and

4. whether funding will be provided for projects on public land only or on privately owned land as well?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1998)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0427/98 by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Expenditure on EU staff pensions

Future expenditure on EU staff pensions is not covered by the EU budget. Yet Member States will be required to meet this expenditure in the future. What is the Commission's estimate of the volume of expenditure on pensions which is not covered, and how can it be taken into account more satisfactorily in future budgets?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (2 April 1998)

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member's attention to Article 83 of the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities. This Article specifies that the Member States collectively guarantee payment of pensions, which is charged to the budget of the Communities. In addition, officials and other servants contribute one third of the cost of financing the scheme (at present the contribution is 8.25% of the basic salary). The amounts deducted constitute revenue for the budget.

On the question of the actuarial cost of pensions for the Community budget, which is a financial obligation, the Court of Auditors has asked the Commission to include this cost in the Communities' balance sheet in future.

This exercise, which is to be applied with effect from 1997 (balance sheet at 31 December 1997) is particularly difficult and complex since it has never been carried out before. It requires information from each of the institutions and agencies belonging to the Community pension scheme and it calls for specific expert knowledge. The Commission has therefore asked a specialist firm to quantify this cost in the wider context of an actuarial study also covering the whole issue of the pensions scheme and, in particular, its long-term balance. Since the results of this study will not be known until the end of September 1998, the Commission has undertaken to enter an indicative estimate of the amount of this actuarial debt in the balance sheet at 31 December 1997.

The Honourable Member will therefore find the information requested in the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to budget operations in 1997 when it is published. It is currently being prepared.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0285/98 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (17 February 1998)

Subject: Transport of racing pigeons

Could the Commission state which legal restrictions, if any, appply to the transport of pigeons to race points in the Member States? Do the restrictions apply on both weekends and weekdays?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1998)

Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )), amended by Chapter II of the Annex to Directive 95/29/EEC ((OJ L 148, 30.6.1995. )), deals with the transport requirements for domestic birds including racing pigeons.

This legislation applies on both weekends and week days.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0615/98 by Angela Billingham (PSE) to the Commission (25 February 1998)

Subject: Study on the risks of cancer caused by textiles and leather goods

Does the Commission consider that the findings of the study on the risks of cancer caused by textiles and leather goods which are coloured by Azo-dyes, covered by the invitation to tender No III/96/61 of July 1996, will necessitate any action by footwear traders in the European Union?

Does the Commission consider the health risks are proportionate to a need for legislation and if not, will it take action to remove national Azo prohibitions that conflict with the Single Market?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (25 March 1998)

The study on the risks of cancer caused by textiles and leather goods coloured with certain azo dyes is part of a programme that was launched by the Commission to analyse the need for harmonised restrictions on the marketing and use of carcinogenic azo dyes and the economic and other consequences of such restrictions.

The risk assessment is currently under finalization so that it is premature to draw firm conclusions about the need for actions in specific sectors. However, the final report is expected shortly.

The outcome of the risk assessment, together with the results of the study on advantages and drawbacks of banning certain azo dyes and products treated with them and of the study on the effects of a ban on suppliers in developing countries, will provide information on the need for and proportionality of harmonised restrictions. The result of the study programme will form a basis for further discussions with Member State experts and a possible Commission proposal to introduce harmonised legislation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0258/98 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (13 February 1998)

Subject: Occupational and general disability

All the EU Member States are naturally interested in maintaining their gross national product. This can only be achieved if adequate precautions are taken in the field of health, consumer and labour protection.

Will the Commission say:

1. Are occupational and general disability increasing in the individual Member States?

2. If so, what steps does it intend to take to check this trend?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0522/98 by Shaun Spiers (PSE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Welfare of animals at slaughter

When does the Commission intend to bring forward proposals on improving the welfare of animals at slaughter?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 March 1998)

Article 13 of Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing ((OJ L 340, 31.12.1993. )) requires the Commission to submit to the Council a report drawn up on the basis of an opinion from the scientific veterinary committee together with appropriate proposals concerning the use, in particular, of free bullet pistols, gases or combinations thereof for stunning or killing and other scientific recognized procedure for stunning or killing. It is the intention of the Commission to present the report together with appropriate proposals to the Council in the near future.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0428/98 by Spalato Belleré (NI) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Commission's representations and other offices

In many countries in the world and at international organizations, the European Union is represented by the Commission, which in its turn appoints senior officials as ambassadors to represent the European Union.

The relations between the European Union and these nations are predominantly political or economic and commercial, in addition to particular areas covered by specific multiannual cooperation and aid programmes.

In this context the task of the ambassador is essential and of fundamental importance to relations between the Union and those countries.

Can the Commission disclose the procedures and criteria for making diplomatic appointments of this nature?

What body or arrangements exist to check and monitor the activities of these representations and other offices and, more generally, the way in which the system of diplomatic appointments is operated and administered?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

Heads of Commission Delegations are selected in accordance with the Commission's rules on the appointment of officials to management posts. Proposals for such appointments are also submitted to the 'Antici Group' (Council) for Member State opinions. If there are no objections, a request for approval is made to the Government of the country where the new Head of Delegation is to be posted. Only when this has been granted, and the Head of State of the country concerned has been presented with the credentials of the new Head of Delegation can the latter fully assume his/her powers and responsibilities.

Many Commission departments monitor the work of those appointed, including the Directorate responsible for the management of external missions, which supervises the smooth running of the Delegations and EU Offices abroad, the Directorates-General responsible for the area concerned, Financial Control and the Delegations Inspection Service. Furthermore there are external checks by the Court of Auditors and, under the Treaty, the Commission is accountable to Parliament for its administration.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0130/98 by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: GMO

Can the Commission confirm that a genetically modified tomato, which should be less perishable and therefore rot more slowly than natural tomatoes, is about to be approved in the EU?

Does it think it is defensible to allow this product on the market when it contains an antibiotic-resistant gene which can perhaps be transmitted to humans?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1998)

At the end of November 1997 the Commission received a dossier concerning genetically modified tomatoes from the Spanish authorities under Article 12(2)(a) of Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )). The procedure laid down in Article 13 is under way. The tomato contains an antibiotic resistance gene used as a marker gene and a partial endogenous polygalacturonase (PG) gene which decreases the rate of fruit softening.

Directive 90/220/EEC stipulates that before a GMO product is placed on the market an assessment must be carried out of the potential risks for human health and the environment. Accordingly, all GMO product notifications are assessed on a case by case basis which includes consideration of the genes inserted into the organism in question.

To date, the Commission has received no information on the marketing of genetically modified tomatoes as a novel food or novel food ingredient pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients ((OJ L 43, 14.2.1997. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0494/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (27 February 1998)

Subject: Application by the Turkish authorities of Article 14 of the Treaty of Lausanne

The sacrilegious attack on 3 February 1998 on the Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary on the island of Imbros - the perpetrators of which remain at large yet again - is part of a longstanding systematic policy aimed at terrorizing the Greek community on the island. This policy is pursued either directly, e.g. the procedure for drawing up the land register in Gallipoli (my questions E-375/96 ((OJ C 122, 25.4.1996, p. 39. )) and E-3973/96 ((OJ C 186, 18.6.1997, p. 146. ))), or indirectly in the form of the Turkish authorities' scandalous inertia in failing to arrest those guilty of crimes against the Greek minority and the Orthodox Church.

Article 14 of the Treaty of Lausanne states: 'The islands of Imbros and Tenedos, remaining under Turkish sovereignty, shall enjoy a special administrative organization composed of local elements and furnishing every guarantee for the native non-Moslem population in so far as concerns local administration and the protection of person and property. The maintenance of order will be assured therein by a police force recruited from amongst the local population by the local administration above provided for and placed under its orders.'

What measures will the Council take to persuade Turkey to implement the above special provision of the Treaty, the aim of which is to safeguard the human, religious and minority rights of the Greeks on Imbros and Tenedos?

Answer (28 May 1998)

The Council regrets the recent developments and is well aware that, under the Treaty of Lausanne of July 1923, the Turkish Government has undertaken commitments towards non-Moslem minorities regarding the protection of persons and property.

The European Council, meeting in Luxembourg on 12 and 13 December 1997 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 European Union also depended on Turkey's pursuit of reforms, including the alignment of human rights standards and practices on those in force in the European Union as well as respect for and protection of minorities, which also encompass religious minorities.

The Council expects all countries aspiring to membership of the European Union to respect international law and their treaty obligations as well as to subscribe to the Union's goals.

The situation regarding democracy and human rights in Turkey remains high on the Council's agenda. These issues are brought up regularly during contacts with the Turkish authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0416/98 by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Council (25 February 1998)

Subject: SAFE Directive

Does the Presidency plan to have the SAFE Directive, which has been shelved for so long, adopted while it is in office?

Answer (18 May 1998)

In 1995 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a Decision adopting a Community programme to improve safety, hygiene and health at work (SAFE programme). The proposal was amended in March 1997 and work continued throughout the year in the Council's subsidiary bodies, but it became clear that at this stage there was no prospect of reaching the unanimity required to adopt the Decision (the legal basis for which is Article 235 of the TEC).

In the absence of any new factors, the United Kingdom Presidency has no plans to place the matter on the agenda for the Council (Labour and Social Affairs) during its term of office.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0759/98 by Christa Randzio-Plath (PSE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Information on the disbursement of EU funds for Hamburg from 1995 to date

What amount of EU appropriations, from which programmes and funds, has been disbursed for the benefit of Hamburg since 1995?

1. to promote employment in Hamburg

a) from the European Regional Development Fund

b) from the European Social Fund

c) from the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund (EAGGF) and other EU resources

d) special initiatives to promote women's interests.

2. to combat long-term unemployment

3. to promote R& D projects

a) for the University of Hamburg

b) for the Hamburg Technische Hochschule (Technical Higher Education Institute)

c) for the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Politik (Higher Education Institute for Economics and Politics)

d) for Hamburg businesses

4. to promote relations and trade with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the republics of the CIS

5. from programmes in the energy and environment sectors.

6. from the youth programmes (Youth for Europe and Voluntary Service)

7. from the education programmes (SOCRATES, ERASMUS, LINGUA, LEONARDO DA VINCI, TEMPUS etc.)

8. for women's projects

9. for the promotion of the media and cultural projects

10. What is the Commission's assessment of the success of these measures in Hamburg?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (19 March 1998)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0359/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Extension of deadline for tabling proposals regarding the programme for the return of refugees to Bosnia

At the workshop held in Brussels on 23 January 1998 concerning the 1998 programme for the return of refugees Bosnia Herzigovina, the Commission asked Member States to submit proposals by 19 February 1998.

Since the proposal will include measures for the rebuilding or repaid or homes, local water and power supply networks, etc. together with the relevant social and financial measures would the Commission consider extending this deadline since a considerable amount of preparation and research will be necessary if sound proposal are to be made in this connection.

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1998)

The Commission is not investigating the possibility of an extension of the deadline for submission of projects for its assistance programme in favour of the return of refugees and displaced persons to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The information document of 600 pages forwarded to the participants of the workshop on the above mentioned programme (held on 23 January 1998 in Brussels) contained material for the preparation of projects as well as sample projects. More guidance was given in follow-up seminars. For those who already have experience in reconstruction and return programmes the deadline should not pose a problem.

Given the need to start reconstruction by the beginning of the construction period in early April 1998, the Commission cannot allow a longer preparation time. The remaining weeks until April are needed for the selection of the most appropriate projects and the conclusion of the contracts as well as the unavoidable administrative procedures to obtain the approval of Member States (and the Commission) to the programme.

Nevertheless, additional funds for the follow-up to possible political breakthroughs are set aside as requested by the office of the United Nations high representative.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0039/98 by Giacomo Leopardi (PPE) to the Commission (29 January 1998)

Subject: Pharmaceutical expenditure - compulsory deductions and compatibility with EU principles

In considering the draft law on financial control for 1998, the Italian Parliament has adopted an amendment proposed by the Italian Government, requiring pharmaceutical companies, wholesale distribution companies and pharmacies to pay a contribution of the national health service equal to 60% of the surplus on planned pharmaceutical expenditure for 1998, with the amount calculated on the basis of the percentage of fees included in the consumer price of medicines (Article 31(15) of Senate law No. 4354).

Will the Commission say whether this provision, which imposes a compulsory deduction on surplus pharmaceutical spending which is in no way the responsibility of pharmacies or production and wholesale distribution companies, can be considered compatible with European Union principles and free enterprise, given that pharmacies are already required to pay a percentage contribution to the national health service, varying between 3.75% and 12.5%, depending on the price of the medicines provided by the Italian state for persons on benefit?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (6 April 1998)

The contribution to Italy's national health service referred to by the Honourable Member must be treated as a charge on the consumption of medicinal products even though it is intended that persons other than consumers should pay it. Its lawfulness must therefore be determined primarily on the basis of the Community rules on indirect taxation.

The Commission would note that the contribution is not objectionable under those rules since such charges have not been harmonised at Community level and, moreover, it does not give rise to tax discrimination to the detriment of other Member States' products.