ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1342/98

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: The euro and 1999

On page 110 of the Commission's report of 25 March 1998 (state of convergence and recommendations for the transition to the third stage of EMU), it is stated: "The so-called 'stock-flow adjustment' regroups factors, other than the government deficit, which contribute to the variation in the stock of government gross debt: included are changes in the net holdings of financial assets, changes in the value of debt denominated in foreign currency and other statistical adjustments".

Can the Commission explain what type of statistical adjustments it is referring to?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 1998)

The government deficit is the main element explaining the variation in the stock of government debt. However, due to the specific definitions of deficit (general government net borrowing) and of debt (general government consolidated gross debt at nominal value) and to technical specificities, other elements influence the variation of the debt level. These elements include changes in the holdings of financial assets, changes in the value of government debt denominated in foreign currencies and other statistical adjustments.

The other statistical adjustments regroup adjustments to the value of index-linked bonds and to the valuation of bills and bonds in case of differences between the issue price and the nominal value. Adjustments are also needed to take into account the fact that accounts receivable and payable and trade credits are not included in the debt, whereas these operations influence the deficit.

These adjustments can either make a positive or negative contribution to the change in the debt level. However, they are small and usually amount to less than 1 % of the gross domestic product (GDP).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1611/98

by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Use of the pesticide "Lindane"

Further to my Written Question P-0860/95(1) and E-2008/95(2), will the Commission outline the present situation regarding the negotiation of the UN/ECE POPs Protocol, in particular concerning the future control of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) from which the pesticide "Lindane" is derived, and will the use of HCH be completely banned?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1998)

The working group on strategies established under the United Nations Economic commission for Europe (ECE) Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution (CLRTAP) finalised the protocol on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in February 1998. The protocol was opened for signature on the occasion of the ministerial conference "Environment for Europe" in Aarhus (Denmark), 23-25 June 1998. The Community signed the protocol on that occasion.

Hexachloro-cyclohezane (HCH) is subject to use restrictions under the protocol, not to a total ban. Annex II to the protocol provides that technical HCH (i.e. HCH mixed isomers) is restricted to use as an intermediate in chemical manufacturing, while products in which at least 99 % of the HCH isomer is in the gamma form (i.e. lindane) are restricted to uses in seed treatment; soil applications directly followed by incorporation into the topsoil surface layer; professional remedial and industrial treatment of lumber, timber and logs; public health and veterinary topical insecticide; non-aerial application to tree seedlings; small-scale lawn use, and indoor and outdoor use for nursery stock and ornamentals; and indoor industrial and residential applications.

These authorised uses were included in the protocol at the request of several third country parties to the convention. All restricted uses of lindane will however be reassessed under the protocol no later than two years after the date of its entry into force.

Lindane is also re-evaluated within the framework of Commission Regulation (EEC) 3600/92 of 11 December 1992 laying down the detailed rules for the implementation of the first stage of the programme of work referred to in Article 8 (2) of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market(3). Any restrictions ratified by the Community in international conventions like the POPs protocol of CLRTAP will be taken into account in this process.

(1) OJ C 179, 13.7.1995, p. 57.

(2) OJ C 9, 15.1.1996, p. 12.

(3) OJ L 366, 15.12.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1927/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(18 June 1998)

Subject: Morabito case in Italy

On 5 October 1995 Mr Domenico Morabito, 40 years old, was killed in a police car belonging to the Carabinieri a few minutes after his arrest. Nearly three years after the event the killers have still not been identified and nothing has been done to compensate the victim's widow and dependent children. At the same time, the victim's father, Giuseppe Morabito, has been tried three times for the same alleged crimes despite the fact that the charges against him are based on evidence from pentiti (former criminals turned informers) that has been shown to be false by investigations carried out by the Carabinieri.

In the light of the above facts:

1. Does the Commission not consider that the Morabito case may constitute a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights?

2. Does it agree that the case could be brought before the European Court of Human Rights?

3. In how many and what cases has Italy been found guilty by the Court of Human Rights of violations of human rights?

4. Does the Commission not consider that it would be appropriate to reprimand Italy for the cases in which it has been found guilty by the Court of Human Rights?

5. Will it give its overall views on this affair?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1998)

1. The Commission has no power to examine complaints of a possible violation of the European Convention on Human Rights by a Member State if the legislation in question or the acts of the national authorities are not covered by Community law.

2. It is not for the Commission to bring possible violations of the European Convention on Human Rights to the attention of the European Court of Human Rights.

3. Information on cases in which Italy has been found guilty by the European Court of Human Rights should be requested from the Court.

4. The Commission is firmly committed to upholding human rights throughout the world. However, the Treaties did not confer upon the Union general powers to ensure respect for fundamental rights. It is competent only in that regard in terms of applying Community law, which is based on respect for fundamental rights. It therefore considers that it would be exceeding its powers by raising with the Italian authorities cases in which they have been found guilty by the Court.

5. Although it regrets the occurrences referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission is not in a position to make an overall judgment on the cases he raises.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2188/98

by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Finnish-language secondary education in Luxembourg

The children of Finnish EU officials in Luxembourg are not receiving secondary education in Finnish at the European School. This obviously holds them back, as they have to attend lessons at this senior level in other than their mother tongue. The Finns are the only children of EU officials placed at this disadvantage.

What does the Commission intend to do to rectify the situation?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 1998)

The Board of Governors of the European Schools, an intergovernmental organisation consisting of the national Ministers for education and/or cultural relations with other countries and a Commission representative, is the only body entitled to draw up the guidelines for the syllabus of the European schools and to take decisions regarding their organisation.

The Board of Governors decided to set up a Finnish section at the European School in Luxembourg when Finland joined the Community and, as with previous enlargements, the need to make rational use of available human and financial resources means that the section is being set up over a number of years in line with the growth in pupil numbers.

The nursery and primary departments, which were opened in September 1995, are running smoothly and currently take 69 Finnish pupils. The secondary department will be set up in stages over the next few years as the number of pupils at this level justifies the addition of new classes and the secondment of teachers.

Since few Finnish pupils are currently attending the secondary school (11 in all), the setting up of classes to cover the full seven-year period is not warranted. The pupils in question are enrolled in the English section and attend language courses for Finnish as their mother tongue (their first language), English being viewed as their second language.

As regards the fear voiced by the Honourable Member that pupils will have difficulty in studying in a language which is not their mother tongue, it should be pointed out that the 11 Finnish pupils in this position in Luxembourg have just successfully completed the school year without failing in any subject.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2518/98

by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Possible human rights violation in Uganda

1. Is the Commission aware of what happened in Kichwamba, Uganda, on 8 June 1998 when, according to the report issued by the Ugandan Government, some 50 students were burned alive by rebels on the university campus?

2. Does the Commission have any information as to the accuracy of that report, when other sources report that eyewitnesses claim that it was government troops, not the rebels, which killed the students, with Bagandan students being the main target? If so, what measures will the Commission take on the basis of this information? If not, does the Commission intend to investigate these events more closely?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(15 September 1998)

1. The Commission is aware of the events in Kabarole district, where about 80 people, most of them students, were killed when a building of the Kichwamba National Technical Institute was burnt down by rebels. In addition, some 100 students were abducted. It should be noted that the students who fell victim to this attack came from various regions in Uganda and not only from the Baganda ethnical group.

2. From the information that has reached the Commission, including various discussions between the Union Heads of Mission in Kampala, no evidence whatsoever has emerged which would indicate an active involvement of the Ugandan armed forces in the incident. The evidence clearly shows that rebel groups were responsible for the killings and abductions.

It is true, however, that the local command of the Ugandan armed forces had not taken the necessary action to protect the victims against the rebel attack. The officers of the local command have been sanctioned meanwhile by the army Chief of staff. The commanding officer faces a court martial.

Under these circumstances and on the basis of the information available, the Commission does not see any need for further inquiries into the incident, and does not intend to carry out such inquiries.

The Commission will however continue to follow events in this area, and will also continue its permanent dialogue with the government of Uganda to improve the security situation in the country.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1596/98

by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Protection of the Karen tribe

Has the European Community taken any external action to promote the protection of Karen tribe refugees sheltering in Thailand?

Does the Commission foresee any intervention by the Community, and, in particular ECHO, to prevent the abuse of the tribe's human rights by guerillas crossing the border from Burma?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

The Commission has, on several occasions, called on the Thai government and the national security council to provide appropriate protection to the 110 000 refugees living in camps along the border between Burmese and Thailand, since it is the exclusive mandate of the Thai security forces to assure the security of the Thai border and the protection of the refugees seeking shelter on Thai soil against cross-border guerrilla attacks.

The United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), having a non-military, general protection mandate for refugees against human rights abuses, has not yet a permanent mandate on the border, but will soon be allowed to be permanently represented there. However, UNHCR's protection mandate does not include military protection against guerrilla attacks from across the border. This remains the prerogative of the Thai security forces.

Therefore the Commission does not foresee any Community intervention in the sense requested by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1272/98

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Job tests

Job tests are becoming increasingly widespread where staff are recruited by European companies. This term covers psychological tests, DNA tests and astrological tests. The level of employee protection in this area varies very widely in the Member States. The many multinational companies in Europe highlight the need for a Community initiative.

1. The Commission has just completed a survey of the regulation of data protection and job tests in the Member States. What is the conclusion of this survey?

2. What else does the Commission plan to do with this survey?

3. Does it believe that there is a need for binding legislation in this area?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1998)

The Commission is aware of the use of the job tests in the workplace. This might imply the disclosure of personal data with far-reaching implications for the employee's future.

The Commission is currently analysing, in the framework of the protection of privacy of employee data, Member State legislation on this matter. In the light of this analysis, the Commission will decide upon the appropriate course of action in the area of data protection for employees.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1991/98

by Sören Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Comic "The Ice-Cream War"

The Commission has published a comic entitled "The Ice-Cream War" in the official languages. The material is designed for children and tells them in story form about the benefits of the EU and EMU. A Europe without the EU is described as a continent at (ice-cream) war, with tight border controls and no solidarity. The EU and EMU, on the other hand, represent peace, solidarity, community and everything else that is good. In short, the children of Europe are being told a real fairy-tale.

Is this not political indoctrination of children? Is it not ethically indefensible to paint this glossy, false picture of the EU for the children of Europe? Should we not be bringing the younger generation up to be critically thinking citizens instead of trying to influence children in a particular political direction, i.e. in favour of a federal Europe, as this publication does? Does European history not have something to teach us in this respect?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

The publication with which the Honourable Member takes issue is directed at young people and is therefore of necessity written in simple terms; it refers to the values of peace and democracy, which have formed the basis of European integration from the very beginning. It does not uphold a specific model, federalist or otherwise. It places particular emphasis on the fact that cooperation is preferable to armed conflict or customs red-tape. On page 26, moreover, it states that compromise between independent states is essential.

The Commission does not believe that it is overstepping the mark and indulging in political indoctrination by addressing itself to young people to remind them of the Union's very raison d'être.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1071/98

by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Setting up a Committee on "orphan drugs"

One of the major issues are those of rare diseases.

Has the Commission not considered the appropriateness of setting up an independent committee on "orphan drugs"?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 1998)

The Commission should soon be sending Parliament and the Council a proposal for a regulation on orphan drugs. The proposal could indeed provide for a committee on orphan drugs to be set up to examine applications for medicinal products to be classified as orphan drugs and to advise the Commission on the formulation and development of an orphan drugs policy for the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1696/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Tibet and human rights

Tibet has once again come to the notice of the public owing to further revelations of human rights violations. Since China is an important trading partner it seems to Western countries as if human rights issues with regard to Tibet are very much taking second place to economic considerations.

How is the Commission monitoring the human rights situation in Tibet, and what is it prepared to do to promote a peaceful settlement between China and Tibet in which Tibet is granted the right to an autonomous area, so as to enable the Tibetan government to return home?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 1998)

The European Union attaches great importance to the human rights situation in Tibet and has consistently raised the issue in the bilateral dialogue on human rights between the EU and China. EU delegations composed of diplomatic representatives to Beijing have visited Tibet on several occasions in the course of this dialogue. In its contacts with China, the EU has regularly argued for a peaceful solution of the outstanding problems and as a step in this direction has called for the Chinese authorities to start talking to the representatives of the Tibetan people, including the Dalai Lama.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2434/98

by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: EU delegation in Bratislava - appointment of a delegation head

Relations between the EU and the Republic of Slovakia are of particular importance not only in the general context of enlargement, but also in relation to the quality of the democratic system, respect for human rights and the rights of minorities, questions of nuclear safety, etc.

The office of the EU delegation in Bratislava, and particularly its head, are of particular importance when it comes to cooperation with the Slovakian authorities and pursuing efficiently the interests of the EU and its Member States. Despite its importance, the post of head of the EU delegation in Bratislava has now been vacant for over a year, although the Commission's appointing policy usually aims to replace delegation heads either immediately or at least very quickly.

Is it correct that, because of an intervention by Austria, the internal Commission procedure to advertise the post of head of the EU delegation in Bratislava, which should have been completed in September 1997, was stopped?

Is it correct that the Commission undertook at that time to appoint an Austrian to the position?

Is it correct that Austria dragged, or is still dragging, its heels over the selection of a suitable candidate? If so, does the Commission know why Austria has so far failed to put forward a final candidate for the position, or why it has been so slow to do so?

If the answer to the above questions is only a partial "yes", or "no", what are the reasons for the unseemly delay in appointing the EU ambassador to Bratislava?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(15 September 1998)

The post of head of delegation in Bratislava was originally published internally in the Commission.

In the framework of the recruitment of officials for the three Member States that joined the Community in 1995, the post of head of delegation was subsequently earmarked for an Austrian citizen.

In the framework of the procedures established for such cases, the Commission has examined a number of Austrian candidates and is on the point of designating the successful candidate.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2414/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(27 July 1998)

Subject: Misleading plates on Turkish lorries engaged in international road haulage

Misleading plates on Turkish vehicles engaged in international road haulage are a source of enormous confusion. Hundreds of Turkish vehicles travel along European roads bearing a plate in the left corner marked "TR" ("Turkey") which is similar to that which Community lorries are entitled to bear.

These plates are misleading and illegally imitate a Community model which has been established for the 15 Member States of the Union.

Will the Commission say what measures it intends to take to ensure the removal of these misleading plates from Turkish lorries engaged in international road haulage?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 1998)

The Turkish practice concerning licence plates is not incompatible with Community law or Turkey's international obligations and accordingly the Commission does not intend to take any initiative on the matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 July 1998)

Subject: AIDS

New evidence to be presented to the 12th World AIDS Conference in Geneva will indicate that access to treatment is leading to a huge divide between first world countries where incidence of the disease is falling and Third World countries where people are dying in ever greater numbers.

In view of the fact that an estimated 90 % of those infected with HIV in the Third World are unaware they are carriers, what initiatives will the Commission undertake to provide help to developing countries in identifying and treating sufferers of HIV and what support is it giving at present in terms of promoting AIDS Education awareness?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

Over the past eleven years, the Community committed more than ECU 200 million in direct support to human immunodeficiency virus/aquired imune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) intervention in over 90 different countries as well as at regional and international level. This support has focussed for a large part on targeted education of risk populations. The programme has also helped the health sector to cope with the causes and consequences of the epidemic through for example support for safe blood strategies, basic care strategies and training of medical and paramedical personnel.

Furthermore the Community has developed and increased its general support for health sectors in developing countries. In recent years nearly ECU 1 000 million was committed in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to strengthen health sectors in general. Obviously, this support includes the main support given by the Community for sick people including those infected with HIV, which is organised through the general health system.

In view of the calls made internationally and within the Community initiatives, the Commission has now prepared a communication identifying additional means of mobilising international solidarity for AIDS. This will be debated soon in the Parliament and the Council and includes possibilities for the Community to organise support for further initiatives if appropriate strategies and resources can be identified by the Member States and the budgetary authorities.