ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2687/00 by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission. Parliamentary Question E-0561/00.



Official Journal 151 E , 22/05/2001 P. 0016 - 0016



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2687/00 by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission (1 September 2000) Subject: Parliamentary Question E-0561/00 Would the Commission given an indication as to when it may be able to provide the information it promised to communicate in answer to Parliamentary Question E-0561/00(1) of 7 April 2000? (1) OJ C 280 E, 3.10.2000, p. 218. Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission (29 November 2000) The Commission provided the information on 28 November 2000. It regrets the delay in giving this answer.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2352/00

by Mauro Nobilia (UEN) to the Commission

(13 July 2000)

Subject: EDF funding for the island of St Maarten

The European Development Fund VIII has budgeted substantial funding for the Dutch Antilles, there are still sums left over from EDF VI and VII and soon new resources will be committed under EDF IX.

The island of St Maarten has in the recent past been hit by devastating hurricanes and therefore urgently needs to rebuild urban infrastructure. After the last hurricane in November 1999 the Commission did not plan to send any humanitarian aid because the island can benefit from funding under the EDF budget. It would appear that the local authorities in St Maarten regularly submit projects eligible for EDF funding to the National Authorising Officer of the Dutch Antilles.

In view of the above, can the Commission:

- confirm whether the above statements are true;

- specify the precise amount of EDF funding allocated to the Dutch Antilles and how much has not yet been used;

- say why the whole amount of the EDF funding allocated for the Dutch Antilles has not been committed;

- ascertain whether the EDF mechanism is failing to function properly in St Maarten and whether this is due to factors outside the Commission's control;

- if so, take steps to remove the obstacles which are delaying or preventing the use of the funding allocated?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 September 2000)

Following the hurricane in November 1999, an expert went to St Maarten and concluded that it did not need urgent assistance in the form of humanitarian aid

as normally provided by the Commission. The Commission suggested that since aid was required to repair structural damage, funds from the European Development Fund (EDF) should be used, as in 1998. St Maarten may have submitted projects to the National Authorising Officer regularly, but the Commission is only aware of those which it receives.

The EDF funding allocated to the Netherlands Antilles amounts to 20 925 million under the sixth EDF, 74 % of which is at the primary commitment stage, 23,8 million under the seventh EDF, 79 % of which is at the primary commitment stage, and 26 625 million under the eighth EDF, of which 0,6 % has been committed so far. St Maarten's capacity to absorb aid and the time required to complete feasibility studies are the reasons for this rate of commitment, which is not substantially different from that in other partner countries.

For each EDF the parties sign a territorial indicative programme and define projects. The Commission cooperates with the Netherlands Antilles as a single entity rather than individual islands.

The partnerships, framework of cooperation and role of each of the parties under the Decision on association are clearly defined and the Commission is doing everything within its power to speed up its commitments. There is no indication of any specific default in this respect.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2309/00

by Ari Vatanen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 July 2000)

Subject: Coordination of the Interreg and TACIS CBC programmes on the border between the EU and Russia

The land border between the EU and Russia marks the world's largest gap in living standards, which Commissioner Barnier has been able to see for himself on 29/30 June. There are problems with decision-making in the TACIS CBC and Interreg programmes

which hamper the coordination of EU-Russia border cooperation. To enhance the quality of cooperation in border areas and improve coordination between TACIS and Interreg it would be desirable for the management of Interreg and TACIS CBC projects to be transferred to regional level, e.g. the Euregio. At the very least regional opinions ought to be requested on proposed TACIS CBC projects from the Euregio or the recipient area, if decisions are to continue to be taken in Brussels.

1. In his cooperation with Mr Patten, the Commissioner responsible for foreign affairs, how has Commissioner Barnier promoted coordination between the TACIS and Interreg programmes so as to improve the effectiveness of border cooperation between the EU and Russia?

2. What is the Commission's view on the Karelia Euregio's proposal for a pilot scheme whereby the management committee of the Euregio would make decisions on projects on a programme basis at regional level for both the Interreg and TACIS CBC programmes?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(28 September 2000)

The Commission is committed to improving co-ordination between the Interreg Community initiative and the TACIS CBC programme. Despite the obvious differences between the decentralised, regional approach of Interreg and the centralised external aid system used to implement TACIS CBC, there is significant scope for further co-ordination.

At programme level, close co-operation will continue during the preparation of both types of programmes, thus allowing a harmonisation of the actions to be supported on both sides of the border over the programming period.

At project level, relevant organisations and authorities, including the Finnish authorities, will be consulted on project proposals in order to avoid the risk of double funding and to identify opportunities for complementarity. At the same time, a wider publicity process will be encouraged, in order to ensure that the different procedures are understood on both sides of the border. In addition, projects supported through one of the programmes will have a high priority during the selection process for the other programme.

With regard to the Karelia Euregio's proposal for a pilot scheme for joint decision-making on Interreg and TACIS CBC, it would appear premature, due to the current nature of TACIS CBC funding. However, the Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of Interreg and TACIS CBC closely, with a view to moving towards a decentralised implementation system when possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3299/00

by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Generic Medicines

Generic medicines are playing an important role within EU public healthcare but in contrast to most of the generic industries outside the EU, EU-legislation does not allow for experimental use and testing for registration purposes. The European Parliament has asked for similar legislation which would mean saving 13 000 jobs in the EU and permitting it to be competitive.

The Commission in its Communication on the Single Market in Pharmaceuticals (COM(98) 588) committed itself to ensuring that consumers have access to lower-prices generic medicines as soon as possible after the patent protection of the originator product expires.

What action is the Commission taking to introduce legislation to ensure that European generic manufacturers remain internationally competitive and that patients have access to affordable medicines?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 2000)

The Commission is currently undertaking a review of the regulatory process, and a final report is expected shortly. As regards the effects of patent protection, it should be noted that it is possible to register a generic product using data generated elsewhere, which means that generic products are often able to come to market within the Community immediately upon patent expiry. The Commission currently has no plans to propose changes to the patent position, although it naturally remains open to the views of producers and consumers of pharmaceutical products on this question.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2912/00

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Council

(20 September 2000)

Subject: Austria/sanctions

According to the statement presented to the APA and AFP news agencies on 26 June, the 14 EU Heads of State and Government have decided to maintain measures against the Austrian Government.

Officially, the 14 Heads of State and Government had not yet reached a conclusive agreement on the Portuguese initiative. The spokesman for the EU Presidency revealed on Tuesday evening that there was no conclusive consensus. He also announced that the Austrian Government would be informed of the plan as soon is it had been officially presented.

This approach reveals several faults:

- two news agencies were clearly informed prior to the Austrian Federal Government. The Federal Government had to find out about an Exit Strategy via the media;

- there was no indication of a time-frame for the implementation of the plan;

- a council of three wise men is to present a report on the basis of a thorough examination, focusing on the obligation of the Austrian Government to uphold common European values, with particular regard to the rights of minorities, refugees and immigrants.

The action of the 14 is lacking greatly in sensitivity and appears somewhat grotesque.

The Council:

1. Why did it not initially enter into direct dialogue with the Austrian Federal Government and only then pass the information onto the news agencies?

2. How does it conceive the long since necessary conclusion of the scandalous witch hunt, if it is not even willing to set down a time-frame?

3. If it really wishes to emphasise the common European values and to examine the Austrian Government in relation to the observance of minority rights, why is its commitment, as far as the embodiment of minority rights in a charter of fundamental rights for the EU is concerned, so lacking?

4. How is it possible that France and Belgium two of the most avid supporters of the sanctions have still not ratified or signed the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities?

Reply

(22 December 2000)

The Council has not taken a view on any of the issues raised by the Honourable Member, and is not therefore in a position to respond to the question.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3541/00

by Charlotte Cederschiöld (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 November 2000)

Subject: SMEs and access to professional services

The Mission Statement of DG Enterprise acknowledges that SMEs still encounter many obstacles that frustrate their ability both to have access to, and maximise the benefits of, the internal market. In addition, they are forced to incur unnecessary costs because of the cumbersome regulatory framework that exists in a number of Member States. These costs undermine their competitiveness and hinder their future development.

SMEs need access to a broad range of business and professional services to help them both to survive and flourish in today's rapidly changing business environment. Yet the market for professional services is one where regulatory barriers still exist that frustrate the ability of SMEs to purchase much needed services at a competitive price and in a user-friendly manner. Some of these barriers have been errected to shelter some of the markets for regulated services against competition, thereby maintaining the price of such services at artificially high levels.

Will the European Commission assure the European Parliament that the needs of SMEs to have unrestricted access to competitively priced professional services will be placed at the top of the political agenda?

What measures does the Commission propose to dismantle regulatory barriers erected by some of the liberal professionsl that have the effect of inflating the cost of professional services that are one of the largest items of expenditure for many SMEs?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2000)

The Commission is pursuing an active policy as regards the application of the competition rules in the liberal professions, enabling it to end restrictive practices in the liberal professions, such as the collective fixing of fees and the ban on advertising, which constitute constraints on access to these service markets.

It should also be pointed out that the Member States are required to adhere to the principles of freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services under Articles 43 (ex Article 52) and 49 (ex Article 59) of the EC Treaty. In accordance with the rulings of the Court of Justice, applying these principles enables the elimination of barriers of state origin as well as obstacles resulting from the exercise of legal autonomy by associations and bodies which do not come under public law. In the latter case, national judges are responsible for ensuring that the principles set out in Articles 43 and 49 of the EC Treaty are adhered to.

The Commission is preparing a Communication in response to the call from the Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon European Council for a strategy by the end of 2000 for the elimination of barriers to services. Implementing this strategy will enable any additional action required in all service sectors to be identified. Moreover, in the context of the recognition of professional qualifications, consideration is being given to improving the conditions for service provision compared with those for freedom of establishment.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2423/00

by Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 July 2000)

Subject: Crop damage in northern and eastern Germany

Because of the unusual weather this year, farmers in the north and east of Germany will have lost between 40 and 70 % of their crops. Agenda 2000 has already reduced farm incomes, and on top of this, farmers now face potential ruin on account of the extreme weather conditions. As farms have thin equity positions, this is a serious prospect for many.

What scope is there for farmers in northern and eastern Germany to receive assistance from special funds to help them overcome the difficulties arising from the extreme weather?

What structural and regional policy measures is the Commission planning in order to support the regions concerned?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(14 September 2000)

The Commission has noticed the damage to crops in Northern and Eastern Germany in 2000. However, no special funding is available to make good the resulting loss of income by farmers. The arable crops regime already provides a certain degree of protection against the variations in yields because the area payments are fixed, decoupled from real production. The Commission can make certain application rules more flexible in order to help farmers located in well-defined zones where agricultural activity is severely affected by weather conditions, like drought, or flooding. In such cases, farmers might be allowed to declare as voluntary set-aside some fields that could not be sown. It must be underlined that the Commission acts only if the Member State has produced in time a detailed and duly motivated report. This was not the case for the Eastern part of Germany this year.

Under Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European guidance and guarantee fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain regulations(1), it is in the competence of the Member States to establish rural development programmes which meet the needs of the concerned regions. The Regulation provides the necessary instruments for rural development including measures on restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introducing appropriate prevention measures.

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3379/00

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(3 November 2000)

Subject: Longline fishing for tuna by EU fishermen

Is the Commission aware that International Bird Life, supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK, is campaigning against longline fishing for tuna since as many as 100 000 albatrosses and kestrels are being killed every year because of this type of fishing?

What action is the Commission proposing to take to ensure that EU fishermen adjust their lines so that the hooks are a few feet below the surface, thus not affecting the amount of tuna caught, but saving the lives of sea birds?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3268/00, E-3378/00 and E-3379/00 given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2000)

Until now most of the concerns expressed to the Commission have referred to the incidental catches of seabirds in the Southern Hemisphere oceans. The Commission is gathering information on the extent to which this issue constitutes a real problem within Community waters.

As part of this approach, Commission has requested the International council for the exploration of the sea to provide information and advice on the pressures that fishing activity exerts on marine environment and, more particularly, on non-commercial species. Finally the Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-3126/00(1) by Mr Davies.

(1) OJ C 136 E, 8.5.2001, p. 190.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2627/00

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(1 August 2000)

Subject: Adoption and assisted procreation for homosexual couples

Given that all citizens have the right to express their ideas in public and must not suffer discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, age, political beliefs, or sexual orientation, and that the Union is founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law,

Can the Commission say:

1. what is the Union's view on adoption of children by and assisted procreation for homosexual couples;

2. whether the intention is to equate homosexual couples with the traditional family in the strict sense?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2000)

The Commission is not aware that the Union has expressed a position on the issues referred to by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2144/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: Workers at the JRC

How many people work at the JRC? What percentage are nationals of countries which are not EU Member States?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2000)

In June 2000, the total number of personnel employed in the Joint Research Centre (JRC) Directorate general in all of the DG's locations was 1 691 officials and temporary agents. Of those 1682 were Union nationals (99,47 %)

and 9 were not (0,53 %). 351 non- statutory staff were employed of whom 12 were not Union nationals (3,41 %). The non-statutory staff consisted of 190 grant holders 4 of whom were not Union nationals (2,10 %); 27 national detached experts of whom 2 were not Union nationals (7,4 %); 123 trainees of whom 4 were not Union nationals (3,25 %); and 11 visiting scientists of whom 2 were not Union nationals (18,18 %).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2927/00

by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission

(19 September 2000)

Subject: Taoufik Chaïeb's 50th day of hunger strike

Mr Taoufik Chaïeb has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison and has been incarcerated since 28 August 1996 for membership of an unauthorised organisation (En Nahdha) and for the organisation of secret meetings. On 10 July this year, Mr Taoufik Chaïeb began a hunger strike asking to be released for having been sentenced three times for the same offences.

After visiting her husband in the civilian prison of Tunis on 18 August, Mrs Chaïeb confirmed that he was suffering from an ulcer and tachycardia and that his physical condition was increasingly critical. According to the National Committee for Freedom in Tunisia (CNLT), Mr Chaïeb can no longer stand and can hardly talk. Furthermore, the Tunis prison authorities continually refuse to allow his lawyer, Radhia Nassraoui, to meet her client.

Is the Commission aware of the serious decline in Mr Chaïeb's state of health? If so, what measures has it taken to prevent yet another tragedy from taking place in a country which is held up as a model in the context of the European Union's policy of association? Is the Commission also aware that Mr Chaïeb's membership of the En Nahdha organisation is probably not unrelated to a certain intransigence which some in Tunis might welcome as a pretext for rekindling the Islamic threat and thereby justifying the drift towards authoritarianism which is meeting growing opposition both in Tunisia itself and in the international community?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 2000)

According to information available to the Commission, Taoufik Chaïeb was pardoned on 30 August and has returned home. He had been on hunger strike since 10 July. Mr Chaïeb (36), member of the Islamic En Nahdha movement, had received two sentences of 2½ years and had been in prison for six months. In the past he had already served a 3½-year sentence.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3461/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 November 2000)

Subject: Communication on children

Further to announcements made by Commissioner Vitorino nearly one year ago regarding a possible Communication on Children, will the Commission state whether it intends to publish such a document?

If not, why not?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 2001)

The Honourable Member is referring to the remark made by the Member of the Commission responsible for Justice and Home Affairs during the parliamentary debate which took place in November 1999 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. As expressed in the minutes of the debate, the Member said, in the opening session, that the Commission will give consideration to the idea of publishing a communication on children mldr. He concluded: With regard to sectoral policies, I still hold with the suggestion of a communication on this subject by the Commission which must, by definition, be horizontal.

The Commission is of the view that these statements do not lead to the conclusion that the Commission has committed itself to publishing a communication on children's rights.

It is also worth mentioning that competence for action concerning children still remains largely with the Member States, given the lack of an explicit legal base in the EC Treaty for the Community to safeguard children's rights in terms that go beyond the existing framework.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2664/00

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill

Does the Commission believe that the UK Government's Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldbills/093/2000093.htm would, if enacted in its present form, in any way breach European law?

In particular, would the Bill contravene the terms of the e-commerce Directive or any part of the EU's data protection legislation?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(12 October 2000)

The Commission has been monitoring the passage of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill legislation, which has now been enacted.

The Commission is in the process of completing its internal legal analysis of this legislation, which is particularly complex from a technical point of view. The Commission will examine the Act in question to ensure full compliance with both Community legislation in the field of data protection and electronic commerce.