ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2914/96 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Moonlighting at the Commission

Le Vif/Le Express of 7 June 1996 and Le Soir of 3-4 August 1996 reported on an apparently common practice at the Commission of the European Communities involving moonlighting. The example reported in the above-mentioned articles concerned a nurse who had passed Competition COM/B/549 advertised in the Official Journal of 20 July 1988. She had been earmarked for appointment as an official in the medical service at the beginning of January 1995. Official documents originating from the administration suggested that an appointment procedure had in fact taken place. Eleven months later, the Commission dismissed her with immediate effect with 'thanks particularly for the services rendered'. In the mean time, the nurse had had to renounce, as requested, all her social security rights, even the most basic. The documents show that there was an undeniable employment relationship, the nature of the work and that she worked full-time under the head of the service. The successful candidate was also asked whether she was sure that the bank account she had given was not monitored by the Belgian tax authorities and requested not to register with a medical insurance fund for the self-employed. Are the reports accurate, and if so, can the Commission explain them?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-2814/96 by Mrs Dury ((OJ C 72, 7.3.1997. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3664/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Midi-Pyrénées region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Midi-Pyrénées region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 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-3658/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Champagne-Ardenne region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Champagne-Ardenne region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 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-2529/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)

Subject: 'Cloned' mobile telephones

Since mid-February 1996, mobile phones and other types of mobile communications equipment have been subject to free competition. This has opened the way to a wider choice for consumers and lower prices. Cellular phones have now become an extremely common means of communication.

The very large number of cases of 'cloning' and fraud currently being brought to light in Italy and other Community Member States highlight the need for the Commission to take new steps to impose proper standards of quality.

Would the Commission agree that it should, in conjunction with the leading firms in this sector, look into the technical feasibility of introducing security mechanisms which make it impossible, or at least extremely difficult, to clone mobile telephones? Fraud of this kind obviously has an impact on the whole of the Community and undermines the confidentiality of this new and extremely useful means of communication.

Would it also take immediate steps to ensure that adequate protection is provided for GSM telephones, which are not yet a target, given that they are more difficult to copy?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1996)

The Commission, through its contacts with the mobile communications industry, is well aware of the problems related to fraudulent use of mobile phones. It considers that the prime responsibility for fraud control, like in other commercial sectors, must lie with the market players, in this case the mobile network operators and service providers.

With regard to the pan-European digital mobile cellular system (GSM), it is the objective of the GSM operator community joined together in the GSM memorandum of understanding Association to make GSM as secure as the fixed telephone network. For that purpose, the Association has set up a security group which produces guidance in the area of security and fraud control.

Moreover, in order to counter the potential threats associated with the use of radio transmission, GSM was technically designed with the potential weaknesses of the older analog cellular systems in mind (for instance cloning is a typical problem for these older systems). Counter measures to prevent the services being compromised include a high level encryption on the radio path which implies anonymity and confidentiality to protect against cavesdropping, a strong authentication to protect against billing fraud, and measures to protect operators from compromising each others' security whether inadvertently or because of competitive pressures.

Despite the procedure set in place and measures taken, fraudulent use can never be fully excluded. Operators must keep abreast of the security procedures in place and the cost and effectiveness of the security measures taken.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2731/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (21 October 1996)

Subject: Competition in telecommunications

In connection with the Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Council Directive 90/387/EEC and 92/44/EEC for the purpose of adaptation to a competitive environment in telecommunications (COM(95)543 ((OJ C 62, 1.3.1996, p. 3.)), does the Commission not agree that:

1. the definitions of 'public service' and 'universal service' in Article 2 of Directive 90/387/EEC should be reviewed and reworded, and

2. a degree of flexibility should be introduced within the scope of the general principle of cost orientation?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (22 November 1996)

With regard to the definitions in the proposed Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 90/387/EEC and 92/44/EEC for the purpose of adaptation to a competitive environment in telecommunications ((COM(95) 543. )), the Commission does not see a need to adapt the general definition of universal service. Rather than modifying the definition in the framework measure, attention should focus on the concrete application of that general definition. The Commission has sought to clarify the scope of universal service through its recent proposal for a Parliament and Council directive on the application of open network provision to voice telephony and on universal service for telecommunications in a competitive environment ((COM(96) 419. )).

Equally the Commission does not see a need to introduce a definition of public service (a term which does not currently appear in the proposal). At the same time, the definition of public telecommunications services remains valid in order to identify obligations applying in the case of services offered to the general public.

With regard to greater flexibility in relation to obligations of cost-orientation of tariffs (prices based on cost of delivering services), the Commission accepts that the current regulatory framework must continue to evolve to take account of the level of effective competition. Nevertheless in the transition to a fully competitive environment, obligations of cost-orientation remain justified until such time as such competition is effectively established.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2550/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)

Subject: The Internet

Every day, articles about the Internet are to be found in newspapers published in Italy and throughout Europe. The uncontrolled transmission of messages with a criminal content and even messages supporting terrorism, is therefore a matter of great concern.

Given the tremendous rate of growth of this telematic network, which, although still in its infancy, already has millions of users around the world, would the Commission not agree that it should without delay - since time is running out - consider a series of proposals with a view to finding a solution to this problem despite the undeniable difficulties involved?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)

While the Commission feels that the benefits of the Internet far outweigh its negative aspects, it shares the view of the Honourable Member that a Community view on the issues raised in the question has to be developed, particularly since divergent national approaches may lead to a re-fragmentation of the internal market.

The Commission has recently adopted a communication on illegal and harmful content on the Internet ((COM(96) 487. )), and a green paper on the protection of minors and human dignity in new audiovisual and information services ((COM(96) 483. )), in which it provides its analysis of the current problems and present policy options for action.

At the request of the Council, the Commission has also enlarged a working party on illegal content on the Internet to include representatives of Member States, industry and users. Proposals for practical measures will be submitted in time for the next Telecommunications Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3652/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Aquitaine region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Aquitaine region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 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-3210/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Orihuela: possibilities of acceptance for pilot urban project

On 30 November 1995 the Commission published a call for the submission of pilot urban projects, in the context of the innovative measures under Article 10 of the ERDF. Of the projects submitted, 91 were from Spain.

One of the projects submitted concerns urban renewal in the municipality of Orihuela (Valencia).

What are the possibilities of the Orihuela project receiving the Community funding for pilot urban projects provided for in Article 10 of the ERDF?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3198/96, E-3199/96, E-3200/96, E-3201/96, E-3203/96, E-3204/96, E-3205/96, E-3206/96, E-3207/96, E-3208/96, E-3209/96, E-3210/96, E-3211/96, E-3212/96, E-3213/96, E-3214/96 and E-3215/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The Commission received over 500 applications in response to its call for proposals; of these, 97 were from Spain. The available budget of ECU 60 million will enable the Commission to part-finance some 25 projects throughout the Union.

With regard to the selection procedure, the call for proposals states that: 'a team of independent international experts will assist the Commission services to identify the most innovative ideas in order to select those proposals which correspond most closely to the criteria set. The final number of proposals to be part-financed will be decided by the Commission, taking into consideration overall availability of funds, themes of proposals and distribution of appropriate projects within the territory of the Union.'

Since this procedure is now under way, it is not at present possible to assess the chances of a town being selected or the amount of Community part-finance which it might receive. Equally, no other estimate concerning a Member State or region can be made.

With regard to the number and name of projects which could concern municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia other than those expressly referred to in these Written Questions, the Commission cannot derogate from the principle of confidentiality which applies to this stage of the procedure, particularly since proposals for measures involving more than one local authority may be accepted if that cooperation increases the value added.

The time required for the thorough consideration and careful selection of the exceptionally large number of applications received means that the Commission will not be able to take a decision before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2468/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (23 September 1996)

Subject: Support for the ILO's IPEC

Is the Commission supporting the ILO's very positive 'International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour' (IPEC) and, if so, how much money is involved?

Which of the EU Member States support the IPEC, and how much money is involved?

Is the Commission supporting any other projects aimed at outlawing child labour? If so, what projects, in what countries and how much money is involved in each project?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1996)

In its Communication on the link between the trading system and internationally recognised labour standards ((COM(96) 402 final. )), the Commission, with the aim of encouraging respect of fundamental social rights, including the elimination of child labour, advocates a strengthening of the role played by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in monitoring the implementation of the international labour conventions and expresses its support for the ILO's technical assistance programmes and, in particular, the IPEC (International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour).

In the framework of bilateral cooperation, the Commission, in collaboration with the ILO, is currently preparing a pilot project which will be co-financed under the IPEC in Pakistan and will aim to eliminate child labour in that country.

On the question of the Member States' support for the IPEC, the report presenting the 1996-1997 schedule and budget, published by the ILO in October 1995, indicates that several Member States, including Belgium, Germany, Spain and France, have given financial support (p. 38).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3203/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Cullera: deadline for projects under Article 10 of the ERDF

On 30 November 1995 the Commission published a call for the submission of pilot urban projects, in the context of the innovative measures under Article 10 of the ERDF. Of the projects submitted, 91 were from Spain.

One of the projects submitted concerns urban renewal in the municipality of Cullera (Valencia).

When does the Commission intend to decide whether the Cullera project is eligible for EU funding under Article 10 of the ERDF?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3198/96, E-3199/96, E-3200/96, E-3201/96, E-3203/96, E-3204/96, E-3205/96, E-3206/96, E-3207/96, E-3208/96, E-3209/96, E-3210/96, E-3211/96, E-3212/96, E-3213/96, E-3214/96 and E-3215/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The Commission received over 500 applications in response to its call for proposals; of these, 97 were from Spain. The available budget of ECU 60 million will enable the Commission to part-finance some 25 projects throughout the Union.

With regard to the selection procedure, the call for proposals states that: 'a team of independent international experts will assist the Commission services to identify the most innovative ideas in order to select those proposals which correspond most closely to the criteria set. The final number of proposals to be part-financed will be decided by the Commission, taking into consideration overall availability of funds, themes of proposals and distribution of appropriate projects within the territory of the Union.'

Since this procedure is now under way, it is not at present possible to assess the chances of a town being selected or the amount of Community part-finance which it might receive. Equally, no other estimate concerning a Member State or region can be made.

With regard to the number and name of projects which could concern municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia other than those expressly referred to in these Written Questions, the Commission cannot derogate from the principle of confidentiality which applies to this stage of the procedure, particularly since proposals for measures involving more than one local authority may be accepted if that cooperation increases the value added.

The time required for the thorough consideration and careful selection of the exceptionally large number of applications received means that the Commission will not be able to take a decision before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2649/96 by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Council (10 October 1996)

Subject: Present Council policy on Sellafield

Does the answer to Question No 20 (H-1292/92) ((Debates of the European Parliament No 3-426 (January 1993). )) by Mr Fitzsimons, MEP, in the sitting of 20 January 1993 on Council policy towards Sellafield and THORP remain Council policy today?

Does the Council remain satisfied by the data provided by BNFL to the Commission on THORP radioactive discharges under Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty that justifies the favourable conclusions on THORP's environmental safety delivered on 30 April 1992? Has the Council been provided with the details of the subsequent proposals made in August this year by BNFL to increase radioactive discharges from THORP at Sellafield?

Answer (30 January 1996)

1. The Council has no new information, at this juncture, concerning the THORP plant at Sellafield which would cause it to change its position as described in its reply to Question No 20 (H-1292/92) at the sitting on 20 January 1992, to which the Honourable Member refers in his question.

2. The Council would remind the Honourable Member that, under Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, it is for the Commission to give its opinion on the data communicated by the Member States under that Article, and that on 7 December 1990 the Commission adopted a Recommendation on the application of that provision ((OJ L 6, 9.1.1991, p. 16. )). Point 6 of that Recommendation stipulates "that, if a plan for the disposal of radioactive waste, on which an opinion has already been given under the terms of Article 37, is modified such that this could cause an appreciable increase of the exposure of the population of another Member State, the relevant "general data" be submitted to the Commission whenever possible one year but not less than six months before any new authorization for the disposal of radioactive waste is granted by the competent authorities".
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3093/96 by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (6 November 1996)

Subject: Future of jobs in the textile and clothing industry

In the last few days, the Portuguese media have referred to the possible existence of a confidential Commission document which forecasts the loss of almost two million jobs in various sectors, including no fewer than 600 000 in the European textile and clothing industry.

This information has been disseminated on the basis of a public statement by a former Portuguese foreign minister.

Can the Commission tell me whether such a document or study on the future of jobs in various sectors, particularly textiles, exists or not?

If so, is it prepared to forward it to me immediately?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (10 December 1996)

1. In October 1995 the Commission presented a communication on the impact of international developments in the textile and clothing sectors in the Community. The communication included estimates regarding the future of jobs in this sector. The document was sent to Parliament on 16 October 1995. ((Doc. COM(95) 447 final. ))

2. The Commission is not aware of any document or study on the future of jobs in the various sectors of the economy.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2865/96 by James Nicholson (I-EDN) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Capital gains tax

In respect of the following states:

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden:

1. Is there a capital gains tax in each country (or a tax based on the disposal of assets)?

2. How is such tax calculated?

3. Is there an indexation allowance?

4. What are the rates of such tax in each country?

5. What happens if there are capital losses?

6. Are there any exemptions and if so what are they and how are personal tax calculations affected?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (28 November 1996)

The Commission is not at present considering proposing legislation on the taxation of capital gains from the sale of movable or immovable property and so has not carried out any studies on the matter. It does not therefore have the data required to make a comparison of the various tax arrangements applicable to capital gains in the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2972/96 by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Use of Caesarean sections as part of an active stock-rearing policy for certain beef cattle breeds

In various Member States action by national governments has restricted the use of Caesarean sections as part of an active stock-rearing policy for certain beef cattle breeds, inter alia on ethical grounds (e.g. in the Netherlands). In other Member States this is not the case, which could lead to unfair competition in various areas of stock-rearing.

Does the Commission consider that this policy should actually be left up to the Member States or would Community legislation be more appropriate and will the policy of those Member States which restrict the use of Caesarean sections have to be followed by all Member States?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1996)

The Commission is aware that Member States currently have policies which differ in various respects concerning birth of cattle by caesarian section.

Up to the present time the Commission has not felt it necessary to harmonise the national rules governing this procedure.

The Community has, however, approved but not yet ratified the protocol of amendment to the European convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes which lays down that 'natural or artificial breeding procedures which cause or are likely to cause suffering or injury to any of the animals involved shall not be practised'.