ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0832/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(20 March 2001)

Subject: Rate of progress with the Greek National Land Registry

The National Land Registry has often been described in Greece as the biggest of all the major projects. Its aim is to draw up a detailed inventory of private and public real property in order to eliminate misappropriation of public land and the destruction of forest by fire, and effectively to protect the private property of all Greek citizens. The European Union is financing this extremely costly project, though it does not seem to be progressing at the required rate, pushing its completion date into the distant future despite continuous government assurances to the contrary.

Will the Commission say how much funding in total the Community has committed for the completion of the Greek National Land Registry and what amount has been utilised to date? What is the Commission's appraisal of the rate of progress of the entire project? How many years does the Commission calculate it will take to complete the project at the rate it has progressed of late? Are details available of the period of time it took to complete similar projects in other Member States?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2001)

The national land register project is receiving Community assistance under the environment operational programme (OP) of the second Community support framework for Greece in the 1994-1999 programming period.

The initial total cost of the project was 172 million. Following amendment of the OP referred to above, the current total cost comes to 138,9 million with 75 % assistance under the European Regional Development Fund.

The agency responsible for carrying out the project has committed all the appropriations. To date, 96 % of the Community appropriations have been used up.

The project is not being carried out at a satisfactory speed. Whereas the relevant OP data forecast an operational land register covering 28 223 km2 by the end of 2001, available figures indicate that current work covers only 8 000 km2 and that the rate of progress corresponds to only 21 % of the forecasts.

At the current rate the project will clearly take many years to complete, assuming that the requisite funds are available. The Commission is not at this stage able to say exactly how long the project will take, however.

No similar projects have been undertaken in other Member States, since they have each for many years possessed a land register compiled on widely differing bases using very different techniques.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1906/01

by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Council

(29 June 2001)

Subject: Vietnam

After being long banned, the Internet has developed quickly in Vietnam. In 1997, in the face of this new situation, the Vietnam authorities equipped themselves with a system to monitor all Internet connections. According to the Guide du Routard (p. 137), the system was supplied to the Vietnamese authorities by the French authorities by way of a friendly gesture.

Is the Council aware that the French authorities supplied the Vietnamese authorities with the Internet monitoring system. Does the Council regard such supplies as appropriate? Does the Council take the view that supplying such monitoring systems is compatible with the fostering of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which, as it keeps on reaffirming, is one of the bases for its policy towards Vietnam? Could the Council say whether it has held an internal debate on supplying the monitoring system to Vietnam or, possibly, on supplying similar systems to other non-member countries? More generally, does the Council not believe that, in addition to arms, other commercial supplies ought to be excluded from trade between Union and non-member countries or that, at the very least, they ought to be covered by extremely restrictive rules?

Reply

(8 October 2001)

The Council has not been informed that any such system has been supplied nor are there any measures it could take to prevent third countries from being provided with this kind of system.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2136/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 July 2001)

Subject: Imports of Venezuelan and Peruvian preserved sardines into the EU

In his reply to my Written Question E-1198/00(1), Commissioner Fischler said that the Commission had asked the importing Member State (Germany) to ensure strict compliance with Council Regulation (EEC) 2136/89(2) of 21 June 1989 laying down common marketing standards for preserved sardines and that a number of practices not in conformity with Community legislation were corrected as a result. The Commissioner added that however, since the situation did not appear to be entirely satisfactory, the Commission then initiated infringement proceedings against the importing Member State. These are still in progress.

It is clear that the Commission is making efforts in this field and it would be welcome if it could keep Parliament informed of the outcome.

Will the Commission say what progress has so far been made with the abovementioned infringement proceedings?

Will it provide information on any other infringement proceedings in progress or pending in relation to the regulation in question?

Will it give details of the volume and country of origin of Community imports of preserved sardines since 1 January 2001?

(1) OJ C 89 E, 20.3.2001, p. 15.

(2) OJ L 212 E, 22.7.1989, p. 79.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

Concerning the infringement procedure initiated by the Commission, the German authorities' reply to the letter of formal notice provided information showing that they had rectified the infringements that had given rise to the complaint. In the absence of further information from the complainants, therefore, the Commission decided at its meeting of 18 July 2001 that there was no need to continue the procedure. The complainants have been informed of the Commission's intention to close the procedure.

The Commission has not initiated any other infringement procedures against other Member States.

The statistics on imports into the Community of preserved sardines, sardinellas and pilchards by country of consignment have been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2060/01

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 July 2001)

Subject: Deliberate prevention of BSE testing

Is the Commission aware that the industry is encouraging farmers over the Internet to leave dead animals for a number of days before informing veterinary surgeons in order to avoid BSE testing and thereby leave possible cases of BSE undetected?

Does the Commission have any information from the Member States concerning when animals have died and when their deaths were reported?

What has the Commission done hitherto, or what does it intend to do in the future, to stop such deliberate prevention of BSE testing

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

The Food and Veterinary Office of the Commission carried out an inspection in Germany from 28 May to 1 June 2001. In one of the Länder visited, the inspectors were informed that some farmers might deliberately have delayed the notification of dead-on-farm cattle with a view to prevent possible bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases from being detected. The authorities had already informed various producers' organisations in writing that any undue delay in reporting a dead-on-farm animal was against the German legislation and that sanctions would be used against any breaches to that legislation. Furthermore, delays in the notification of a dead-on-farm animal would not necessarily result in a possible BSE case remaining undetected, as rapid tests can detect BSE in autolysed brain material.

The correct implementation of the BSE monitoring programme is audited by the Food and Veterinary Office through regular inspections. Where deficiencies are found, the Member State concerned is asked to take corrective action. It is the Commission intention to focus on surveillance measures, including testing of dead-on-farm cattle, in future inspections. This is especially relevant in the light of the requirement to test all such cases aged over 24 months, with effect from 1 July 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2785/01

by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission

(1 October 2001)

Subject: Naming places after the Twin Towers

On 11 September the world was shaken by an event whose horror could never have been imagined. The EU recognises the primary and fundamental value of life, which everyone must respect. Will the Commission request that Member States name a site, streets or squares in their cities after the Twin Towers to ensure that people in Europe continue to reject terrorism and defend the right to life?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2001)

The matter in question does not come within its jurisdiction of the Commission.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2222/01

by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 July 2001)

Subject: Cuts in funds for nuclear fusion

According to a letter bearing the signatures of 1 450 scientists and researchers from all over Europe addressed to the President of the European Parliament, Mrs N. Fontaine, Commissioner Philippe Busquin and the Members of the European Parliament, the Commission has proposed cuts of 150 million in Community funding for research into nuclear fusion in the Sixth Framework Programme. The amount proposed in the programme is now 700 million compared with 850 million, the amount originally proposed by Commissioner Busquin, as stated in Document SEC(2001) 385-5/3/2001.

This decision will hamper a number of projects, including ITER ('International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor') and may prove fateful for the development of the technological capability in Europe to produce a form of energy which is safe, environmentally friendly and - according to the current state of our knowledge - inexhaustible.

Will the Commission give the reasons for this decision? Has it considered the consequences of reducing the funds necessary for the development of this new technology? How can this negative attitude be squared with the public commitment of the countries of the European Union to contribute to reducing environmental pollution?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2001)

As is emphasised in the letter to which the Honourable Member refers, the coordination of European research on fusion energy and sustained human and financial commitments have ensured that Europe now plays a leading role in such research, thanks in particular to the success of the Joint European Torus (JET) project.

The proposal for a Euratom Framework Programme 2002-2006(1) maintains the reactor guideline of the current programme and, referring to progress in fusion research, includes the possibility of constructing in Europe the International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER), the Next Step after JET towards the reactor. The budget proposed by the Commission provides for a contribution of 200 million towards the construction of ITER, which, if it is approved, could begin towards 2005-2006. However, the execution of a major project such as ITER means that choices have to be made. In its proposal, the Commission has opted to give priority

to its support for multilateral actions involving European research workers in joint projects such as ITER or JET. The Commission is proposing to continue the coordination at European level which has proved its worth, but is counting on Member States to assume a larger share of research which is less obviously linked with the Next Step and/or JET.

The potential of fusion as a source of clean energy will be realised only at the end of a lengthy process. Taking into account the other research priorities set out in the next framework programme, the Commission's proposal is a positive step in the process of establishing the conditions required for sustainable development.

(1) COM(2001) 94 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1928/01

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 June 2001)

Subject: Atmospheric pollution in Attica

According to a recent announcement by Greenpeace in Greece on 13 June 2001, ozone readings in Attica are far in excess of the limit values, while concentrations of carcinogenic pollutants such as microparticles from oil and benzol remain high, as confirmed by the Commissioner for the environment in reply to an earlier question (H-0787/00)(1).

In the same answer, the Commissioner also said that it was possible to achieve an improvement in air quality in Athens through the implementation of Community legislation, particularly in the transport sector.

What practical measures and programmes have the Greek environment authorities launched to bring about an improvement in air quality in Athens and what did they achieve? Will the Commission also say whether Greece has complied with Directive 96/61/EC(2), following the Commission's warning letter, and whether it has incorporated Directive 1999/30/EC(3) into national law?

(1) Oral answer, 15.11.2000.

(2) OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.

(3) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2001)

Council Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air, must be transposed into national law by 19 July 2001. The Commission has not yet been notified that it has been transposed by the Greek authorities.

The Directive sets limit values for sulphur dioxide and particulate matter that must be met by 2005 and for nitrogen dioxide and benzene that must be met by 2010. Member States must measure these pollutants from this year, and if they are above an action level set in the Directive, must prepare action programmes, make them available to the public, and send them to the Commission by the end of 2003.

A similar Directive 2000/69/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2000, setting limit values for carbon monoxide and benzene in ambient air(1) must be transposed by 13 December 2002.

Community measures relating to emissions from motor vehicles and to fuel quality are designed to help meet these limit values. The Commission notes also that the Greek authorities have announced plans to remove traffic from the historic centre of Athens.

The proposal for a Directive concerning ozone in ambient air is expected to be finally adopted this year. A related proposal for a Directive setting national emission ceilings for certain pollutants is designed to help achieve the standards set out in the ozone proposal(2).

A case in respect of implementation of Council Directive 1996/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control, by the Greek authorities is now before the Court.

(1) OJ L 313, 13.12.2000.

(2) OJ C 56 E, 29.2.2000.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1841/01

by Maria Martens (PPE-DE) to the Council

(27 June 2001)

Subject: Dutch abortion ship

This month a ship with doctors on board is sailing from the Netherlands in the direction of Ireland in order to offer Irish women the opportunity to have abortions. The ship is sailing under a Dutch flag. The abortions will be carried out in international waters.

1. Is the Council aware of this initiative of a Dutch abortion ship moored off the coast of Ireland?

2. How does this initiative stand in relation to European Community law, relevant case-law and international public law?

3. Does the Council think that this initiative may have the effect of undermining Irish law because the doctors on the ship intend to circumvent Irish law?

4. Has there been any discussion of this matter in the Council? If so, what was the outcome? If not, does the Council intend to discuss the abortion ship initiative in the near future?

Reply

(8 October 2001)

The Council is not competent to give an answer to the question raised by the Honourable Member of Parliament since it is an internal affair of a Member State.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2217/01

by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) and Paolo Costa (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 July 2001)

Subject: Protection of coastal areas

- With reference to Written Question E-0956/01(1) by Mrs Sbarbati, the answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission on 14 June 2001,

- in view of the position of the European Parliament expressed in the McKenna report (A5-0219/2001) adopted on 5 July 2001 and

- the fact that in the 2001 budget heading B4-3301 makes provision for funding pilot projects for the protection of coastlines with an appropriation of 5 million for studies and assessments regarding coastal erosion in European regions,

can the Commission supply information concerning the dates and procedures for the publication of calls for tender to carry out these studies?

(1) OJ C 340 E, 4.12.2001.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2001)

The call for offers related to implementation of Budget Line 2001/ B4 3301 was published in the Official Journal on 10 July 2001 with reference S130-088260. The deadline for submission of offers is 20 August 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2281/01

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: Conventions on the protection of personal data on the Internet

According to a survey carried out in Greece between 1 and 12 June 2001 by a well-known legal portal, most networks, websites and portals in Greece completely fail to refer to the conventions on liability and the protection of personal data in their central website.

As both Community legislation and the Greek Personal Data Protection Authority require all networks without exception to refer to these agreements on their central websites, could the Commission indicate whether it is aware of this fact and if so, what it intends to do to ensure observance of the rules laid down in both Greek and European law?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 2001)

It is the Commission's opinion that the question asked by the Honourable Member primarily concerns the application of the Greek law on the protection of personal data. The matter can be brought before the Greek Personal Data Protection Authority in order to ensure the correct application of Greek law. The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the Working Party for the Protection of Personal Data, set up under Article 29 of Directive 95/46/EC on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data(1), recently adopted recommendation 2/2001 on the information which websites should publish in applying the national laws which transpose the Directive: (available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/media/dataprot/wpdocs.htm).

In addition, the Commission will take account of the relevant issues raised by the Honourable Member's question when it examines the conformity of the Greek measures to transpose Directive 95/46/EC.

(1) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2133/01

by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission

(17 July 2001)

Subject: Aircraft cabin air quality

The problem of aircraft cabin air quality seems to be widespread. Not enough companies are being as careful as they might on monitoring air quality in aircraft cabins. It seems that some even ignore the well-being of their passengers by not running the air conditioning systems just to save money. Passengers should be able to rely on minimum standards.

Is the EU doing preliminary work on producing European standards of aircraft cabin air quality?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 2001)

The Commission is supporting two research projects on conditions in aircraft cabins, which are now in progress. The first (Asica) deals with changes in air conditioning to improve comfort and the second (Cabinair) investigates the effects of cabin conditions on health. Once completed in 2003, the results of these studies could serve as a basis for European pre-standards.

The Commission, moreover, is following a major research programme on Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which the World Health Organisation is organising. The objective of this research programme is to describe in detail the relation between DVT and air transport, as well as the importance of individual predisposing factors and the effectiveness of precautionary measures. The whole programme will last five years but should give useful preliminary results.

The Commission will inform the Parliament of the results of these projects.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1251/01

by Carmen Cerdeira Morterero (PSE) to the Commission

(10 April 2001)

Subject: Aid to Namibia and fundamental rights

Namibia is a country which benefits from European funds, being allocated a sum of 52 million over the period 1996-2000. The second priority of the agreement between the European Union and the Namibian government is the development and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

What is the Commission's view of the statements made by the President of Namibia, Mr Sam Nujoma, and his decision to detain and deport from the country all gays and lesbians on the grounds that Namibia's constitution does not allow homosexuality?

This is in breach of the values and fundamental principles of the European Union, Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam, legislation on development cooperation and the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Is the Commission planning any action to denounce this flagrantly discriminatory measure? Will the Commission inform the Namibian government that this decision violates fundamental human rights and contradicts the principles and basic values of the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2001)

The Commission has noted with surprise the recent statements against homosexuals made by the President of Namibia.

Those statements contrast with the universal principles of human dignity in general and in particular with the politics of reconciliation and tolerance adopted by the government of Namibia after independence.

All individuals are entitled to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms and the State should ban all forms of discrimination whether on the basis of race, sex, political or religious beliefs, etc. These principles and fundamental rights are enshrined in the Preamble of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000.

The Union, through a demarche and in a declaration has expressed its concerns to the Namibian authorities and has encouraged them to maintain their respect for human rights and to uphold the rule of law.