ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0274/98 by Peter Liese (PPE) to the Commission (5 February 1998)

Subject: Pesticides in baby and infant foods

What stage has been reached in the proceedings against the Federal Republic of Germany in connection with setting the limit value for pesticides in baby and infant foods?

Are there new scientific findings or opinions on this issue?

If so, what limit values are advocated in those scientific studies?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1998)

At present the Commission is examining the implications of the recent opinion of the scientific committee for food on the maximum residue limit of lindane in baby food.

The scientific committee for food (SCF) was consulted on lindane in 1994 as a consequence of the refusal by the German authorities to permit import from Spain of baby foods which contained residues of lindane up to a level of 0.04 milligramme per kilogramme (legally acceptable in Spain), whereas the German limit was, and still is, O.01 milligramme per kilogramme. The committee concluded on 23 September 1994 that it had no reason to believe that a content of 0.04 milligramme lindane per kilogramme baby food would cause reasons for concern. The opinion was based on the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of lindane of 0-0.008 milligramme per kilogramme of body weight) set by the joint Food and agricultural organisation/World health organisation (FAO/WHO) meeting on pesticide residues (JMPR).

On 19 September 1997 the SCF, having been requested by the Commission, expressed the opinion that the ADI may be exceeded by infants and young children for those pesticides having an ADI value of 0-0.0005 milligramme per kilogramme of body weight or lower, if pesticides are present at a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 milligramme per kilogramme.

In November 1997 the Commission asked the SCF to confirm whether the opinion on lindane, expressed in 1994, was still valid. At its meeting on 10 November 1997, the SCF was informed orally that the JMPR had re-evaluated lindane at its meeting of 22 September - 1 October 1997 and had substantially lowered the ADI of lindane. The committee arrived at a consensus that its previous opinion on lindane could no longer be assumed to be valid but was unable to draft a new opinion since the underlying data for the reduction of the ADI were not available. After the November meeting, the secretariat of the SCF was informed that the JMPR had allocated a temporary ADI of O-0.001 milligramme per kilogramme of body weight and that the JMPR opinion on lindane will be published in February or March 1998.

In January 1998, the Commission requested a new opinion on lindane. The SCF concluded on 15 January 1998 that a MRL of lindane of 0.02 milligramme per kilogramme in foods intended for infants and young children could be considered acceptable from the public health point of view.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0492/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Community subsidies for illegal crops

According to reports in the European press, the Commission would appear to be particularly disconcerted by the suspicion that part of the subsidies for growers of medicinal and aromatic plants is being channelled into funding crops such as marijuana. The same reports state that the inadequacy of national government checks is creating misgivings about the use of the subsidies.

The issue has far-reaching ethical implications as it appears that European citizens' money is being channelled into subsidizing illegal crops while the EU is doing its utmost to protect our young people from drug use.

What information does the Commission have about Community-funded subsidization of cannabis growing in the EU and what measures will it take to ensure the proper use of resources from the Community budget?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (26 March 1998)

The Community regulations on the conditions for granting aid for hemp lay down strict requirements on various points. In particular they restrict aid granted for certified seeds to those varieties with a tetrahydrocannabinol content not exceeding 0.3%. To that end, there is a Community list of varieties meeting that criterion, which can be verified by a Community method of quantitative chemical analysis. In addition, the official labels of the seeds used must be handed in and the crop must be harvested after seed formation has occurred.

The Commission is also considering making the conditions for granting aid even stricter than at present, in particular through a system of compulsory contracts between growers and the processing industry.

The Commission has no information concerning areas under hemp qualifying for Community aid and actually producing hemp to be used as drugs. Nevertheless, the Commission is concerned about the problem of controls. Should this prove impossible to solve, it reserves the right to propose that the aid scheme for hemp be discontinued.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0366/98 by Stefano De Luca (ELDR) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Community aid for the restoration of the Petruzzelli Theatre

On 27 October 1991, the Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari, which was built between 1898 and 1903 and is the only privately owned theatre in Europe, was severely damaged by a terrible fire.

In 1996 another famous Italian theatre, 'La Fenice' in Venice, was completely destroyed.

However, while extensive Community assistance was provided for the rebuilding of 'La Fenice', the Petruzzelli has received only ECU 80 000 for the partial restoration of its foyer.

1. Does the Commission consider that this curious discrepancy is a result of the fact that, unlike other European theatres, the Petruzzelli Theatre is privately owned?

2. Does the Commission not consider that, in view of the historical and artistic value of the Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari, Community funds should be provided to enable the restoration work to be completed, since the theatre's owners, the Messeni Nemegna family, do not have the finance needed themselves?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-4189/97 by Mr Viceconte and by Mr Parodi ((OJ C 196, 22.6.1998, p. 96. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0179/98 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (5 February 1998)

Subject: Disposal of sewage and waste water

In the context of the Thanet Objective 2 Programme, is the proposal to construct a large sewage plant on the clifftops of Foreness Point, on one of the last areas of public open space in the district and an acknowledged area of natural beauty, compatible with the policies to regenerate the economy by, inter alia, protecting and enhancing the environment, not least that along the coast? Can the Commission assure me that no EU money will fund such a project?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1998)

It is understood that a sewage plant is planned for construction at Foreness Point and has received planning permission. However, although the plant will be located in the area covered by the Thanet objective 2 single programming document 1997-1999, it would not constitute an eligible project under that programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0576/98 by Gérard Caudron (PSE) to the Council (3 March 1998)

Subject: Double taxation for border workers

The Commission and the European Parliament have expressed their views on several occasions concerning the double taxation affecting certain border workers.

The legislative work being carried out by our colleague Mrs Van Lancker is taking shape and should allow significant progress to be made in remedying this anomaly in this age of the single market and the introduction of the Euro.

In the meantime, a number of border workers have to cope with retroactive tax demands which threaten their solvency.

Can the Council say whether it intends to take urgent steps to tackle such situations, in particular by requesting these requests for payment of arrears be suspended pending the completion of the legislative process on this issue?

Can the Council say whether it intends to force the Member States to apply the new legislation once it has been approved by the European Parliament?

Answer (18 May 1998)

Measures such as those requested by the Honourable Member can only be taken by the Council on the basis of a Commission proposal.

No such proposal has been received by the Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0873/98 by John Cushnahan (PPE) to the Council (31 March 1998)

Subject: Human rights in Mexico

Is the Council aware that human rights groups state that 45 unarmed indigenous people in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, were killed in December 1997 by paramilitary supporters of the ruling PRI party?

Has the Council received details of this incident, and what action does it propose to take in the light of the clause on the observation of human rights and democracy in the recent trade agreement drawn up between the EU and Mexico?

Answer (8 June 1998)

On 24 December 1997, on the basis of information immediately broadcasted by the media, which the Mexican authorities themselves confirmed, the Presidency, on behalf of the European Union, made the following statement condemning in the strongest terms the massacre perpetrated by paramilitary groups against Tzotzil Indians on 23 December 1997 in the Mexican State of Chiapas, causing the death of 46 civilians:

'The Presidency of the European Union calls on the Government of the United States of Mexico to carry out an enquiry without delay to ascertain the full details regarding the massacre and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. It has noted the undertaking given to this effect by President Zedillo and trusts that it will be carried out.

The Presidency of the European Union expresses its concern regarding the human rights situation in this region of Mexico.

It calls on the Mexican authorities to take all the measures necessary to guarantee the safety of the civilian population in the State of Chiapas.

It would point out in this context that the European Union and the United States of Mexico have recently signed a cooperation agreement in which the two parties undertake unreservedly to respect democratic principles and fundamental human rights and the principles of the rule of law.'

The Council continues to follow closely developments in Chiapas, including through its Heads of Mission in Mexico. In the context of an informal meeting at ministerial level between the Troika of the European Union and Mexico, held in Panama on 12 February 1998, the Mexican Minister took the opportunity to inform of the steps taken by the Mexican Government after the tragic events in Chiapas. EU Ministers took note of the assurance given by the Mexican Minister of the importance attached by the Mexican Government to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Chiapas. In this regard, the Mexican Minister reiterated that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the principles of democracy and political pluralism form the basis for relations between the EU and Mexico, and the EU Ministers agreed.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0327/98 by Dominique Souchet (I-EDN) to the Commission (10 February 1998)

Subject: Community aid for cereal supplies to the most remote regions/impact on employment

In the last two years there has been a sharp fall in Community aid for the supply of cereals to the most remote regions. This is weakening the position of the production sectors dependent on these products (flour mills, animal feed processors) and poses an additional threat to jobs inin the Community regions which are already among the most severely affected by unemployment and underemployment.

Could the Commission state what measures it intends to take to reinstate this aid and thus save large numbers of jobs?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

The Commission is aware of the operational difficulties with the measures laid down by Council Regulation (EEC)No 3763/91 of 16 December 1991 introducing specific measures in respect of certain agricultural products for the benefit of the French overseas departments ((OJ L 356, 24.12.1991. )), by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1600/92 of 15 June 1992 concerning specific measures for the Azores and Madeira relating to certain agricultural products ((OJ L 173, 27.6.1992. )), and by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/92 of 15 June 1992 concerning specific measures for the Canary Islands with regard to certain agricultural products.(2) The effect of the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and of the conclusion of the Uruguay round is that Community prices are gradually coming into line with world prices and that of aid granted to products originating in the Community supplied to the most remote regions as part of the specific measures is being reduced. The Commission is aware that the difficulties inherent in the operation of this system are prejudicial to the economies of the most remote regions. It is thus examining the method of calculation laid down by current legislation in order to find a solution which would reduce the structural disadvantages arising from the geographical remoteness of these regions and thus encourage development of the productive sectors.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0434/98 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Freedom of the press in Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia

In Bosnia campaigns are waged from time to time, at the instigation of various authorities, against independent journalists.

In Serbia the state media are continually used for the propaganda of the ruling party, in which opposing opinions are contradicted without any chance for both sides of the issue to be put, local TV and radio stations are increasingly coming under the control of the ruling political parties in the various local areas, while the press is frequently affected by 'paper shortages'.

In Croatia, most of the media, both national and local, are under the direct or indirect control of the ruling HDZ party and are used for propaganda purposes, again without any attempt at a balance between the two sides. The independent media are intimidated with civil actions, brought by prominent HDZ members, often members of the government, invariably claiming large sums of money for 'libel'.

Can the Commission state what means are at its disposal to help improve the media situation in these countries, which of these means it is currently using, and in which areas new instruments need to be developed?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1998)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view of the situation of the media in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and is convinced like him that the freedom of the press is crucial to the democratisation process. Therefore, since 1994 it has been running a programme of aid to the independent media in the countries of former Yugoslavia.

The programme is managed by the Commission and extends to all countries of former Yugoslavia except Slovenia. Both the press and audio-visual media received subsidies during 1997: newspapers, radio, television and news agencies.

Projects aided by the Commission relate in particular to means of producing information or programmes, the training of journalists, improvement of the means of distribution and dissemination, and legal protection of the media.

Last year 77 projects were approved, totalling ECU 11.24 million. The Commission means to spend about as much in 1998 as in 1997 on its policy of aid for independent media in former Yugoslavia.

To suit the situation in the countries concerned, the Commission plans to hive off the management of modestly sized projects to its delegations with the aim of making the implementation of programmes relating to the independent media faster and more flexible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0596/98 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: Projects relating to the Olympic Games in 2004

In its reply to my Question No 3097/97 ((OJ C 117, 16.4.1998, p. 151. )) the Commission stresses that it will therefore continue to ensure the respect of the provisions of this Directive (Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. ))) in case it would be applicable to Olympic Games projects'. The Greek authorities plan to build six sports grounds along the coast of the Saronic Gulf for the Olympic Games of 2004. Environmental organisations and local bodies allege that these facilities will destroy the region and recall that, according to the Ministry for the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works, a regeneration scheme had been planned there (green sites, etc.).

Moreover, studies co-funded by the Commission have been carried out with a view to drawing up such a regeneration scheme.

Will the Commission say whether it is aware of the above, how it views this inconsistency and whether it can guarantee that it will monitor the relevant investments and ensure that Community legislation is respected?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (31 March 1998)

The Commission has no additional information on the 2004 Olympic games since its reply to the Honourable Member's previous written question E-3097/97.

Planning issues in the Saronikos Gulf area are within the competence of the Greek authorities which decide on specific uses or development projects, and to make use or not of previous plans and studies, some of which may have been partially funded with Community assistance. Though it would be regrettable if resources had been wasted, new elements such as the 2004 Olympic games can certainly lead the authorities to re-orientation of choices.

In all cases however the obligation remains for the Greek authorities to respect Community environmental legislation when applicable. The Commission will use existing procedures to ensure that this will be the case.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0072/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: Pollution of drinking water springs in Ioannina

Drinking water from the Toumba springs in Ioannina (Greece) which supply water for over 45 000 persons faces a very serious risk, because Elviex, a timber impregnation plant, has been set up directly above the springs, notably in the village of Perivleptos in the Prefecture of Ioannina. This plant impregnates timber with the dangerous toxic substance creosote oil. The phenols and the other hydrocarbons contained in the creosote oil pollute the soil, the atmosphere and the groundwater of the region. These substances are known to be carcinogenic.

This company is violating international environmental protection treaties and the relevant Community legislation.

What action does the Commission intend to take to put an end to the continuing pollution of the environment by the above company?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 March 1998)

The Commission will make the necessary contacts in order to obtain all available information on the matter described. It will not hesitate to initiate the procedure provided in Article 169 of the EC Treaty, should this prove necessary.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0196/98 by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: EU export of steel wire ropes to Poland

Since November 1996, the EC steel wire ropes industry has not been able to export to Poland because of non-tariff barriers. I am also aware that Poland has recently refused to lower import duties, as required by the European Union.

Tenders to supply the mining industry give preference to Polish firms. The administrative and financial burdens currently make all exports from the European Community impossible. What is more, the Polish certification system, which is applicable to EU imported wire ropes, impedes deliveries.

As the tariff barriers violate the undertakings given by Poland as part of the European Agreement, I would like to know what steps the Commission will undertake to ensure that these barriers are abolished in the near future.

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (25 February 1998)

The problems concerning the access to the Polish market of Community exporters of steel wire ropes have been discussed with the Polish authorities on a number of occasions 1997, including at the highest levels. In particular, the responsible Vice-President of the Commission raised this issue during his visit to Poland in February 1997. However, given that no concrete reply was received from the Polish authorities and that according to Community industry discriminatory practices were still being noted at the expense of Community exporters, this matter was discussed again during the meeting of the Community Poland trade and industry subcommittee in December 1997.

In this meeting, the Polish authorities indicated that they would be prepared to look further into the matter if the Community provided examples of discrimination. The Commission has therefore invited the Community industry to provide it with such information with a view to seeking an early solution to the problem.