ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1199/98

by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Vitamin consumption in the European Union

It appears that the Commission is preparing a legislative initiative concerning harmonization of the legal status of vitamins.

It would be useful if information could be provided regarding total vitamin consumption within the EU (per inhabitant and per year). Has the Commission any reports indicating a vitamin deficiency within the population or any health problem relating to vitamin consumption within the EU?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(19 May 1998)

Sources of consumed vitamins are foods naturally containing vitamins, foods to which vitamins have been added and vitamin supplements. The Commission does not have precise information on total per capita yearly consumption of vitamins in the Community and doubts that such information exists.

National surveys on nutrient intakes provide data on intakes of vitamins. On the basis of these surveys and using national criteria, which often differ from one Member State to the other, indications as to adequacy or deficiency of vitamin intakes in the population have been obtained.

Such information is included in a report produced by a working group in the framework of scientific cooperation on questions relating to food between the Commission and the Member States. A copy of this report is forwarded directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0318/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) and Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(17 February 1998)

Subject: Commission aid for newspapers in the Cyclades

Representatives of the Association of Cyclades Island Press Owners in Greece say that in 1997 the Commission had approved a sum of Drs. 90 million as aid for Cyclades island newspapers.

Will the Commission say:

1. Is this information correct?

2. If so, has the money been allocated to those entitled to it?

3. If not, is there any possibility of financial aid of this kind?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 1998)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Members, after checking with its Office in Athens and looking at the central accounts at headquarters, that it did not grant a subsidy to the Cyclades island newspapers as part of its information policy.

Under this policy there is no provision for direct or indirect aid for the European press.

Relations with the press are confined to:

- purchase of space for articles on Union policies, commonly off-prints;

- training journalists in European issues by organising visits and in-service training courses. In-service training courses are financed by framework contracts with the Maastricht Journalism Centre or the European Journalists' association.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1371/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Restructuring of the Greek Railway Organization

In view of the plans to restructure the Greek Railway Organization (OSE), can the Commission say to what extent and how the funds earmarked under the Second CSF for the development of railways in Greece have been used so far and whether it is intended to give priority to this funding under the Third CSF which is already under discussion?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 1998)

The revised Community support framework (CSF) for Greece for the period 1994-1999 provides for public expenditure of ECU 639,67 million for the "railways" operational programme (OP), including ECU 384,1 million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) part-financing. The overall budget is allocated as follows:

>TABLE>

With regard more particularly to the last heading above, the ERDF part-financed the drafting of OSE's work plan by a consortium of consultants led by Systra (French railways). The ERDF also intends to part-finance the recruitment of an international consultant who will help OSE to implement the work plan in all respects, including the computerization aspect, also part-financed by the CSF.

The expenditure incurred by the Greek authorities amounted to ECU 205 million at the end of May 1998, i.e. 32 % of the OP's total budget. On the basis of the Greek authorities' forecasts, the full amount of ECU 639,67 million will have been spent by the end of 2001, which is the deadline for payments under the CSF.

Negotiations between the Commission and the Greek government for the CSF III have not yet started. At this stage, we can therefore only confirm that priority will be given in the negotiations to the completion of the Thessaloniki-Athens-Patras line.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1200/98

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) and Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Olive oil aid unclaimed by Spain

A member of the Council (the Spanish Agriculture Minister) has pointed out that, in the decade from 1986 to 1996, Spain failed to claim Ptas 300 000 million in aid for the olive sector.

In view of the fact that this is not merely an opinion but a statement by a member of the Council of Ministers, is the Commission able to confirm this figure on the basis of the data in its possession?

If the figure is accurate, why did Spain fail to claim the aid?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 May 1998)

The Minister for Agriculture pointed out at a Council meeting that, for the period 1986-1996, Spain failed to receive ESP 300 000 million in aid for the olive-oil sector. This figure is based on comparing the Spanish sector's actual position during the transitional period of accession (when it received less aid than the other producing Member States) with its hypothetical position had there been complete integration from the outset in 1986.

The theoretical loss of aid is a consequence of the transitional period provided for by the Spanish Accession Treaty. Conversely, the Spanish sector's position could have also been presented as having improved compared with what it had been before joining the Community.

The Spanish olive-growing sector can thus be said to have either lost or gained during the transitional period, depending on the yardstick chosen. The Commission prefers to stick to the facts and does not have to substantiate interpretations put forward by other sources.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2205/98

by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Cooperation with the Mafia in Uzbekistan

1. According to a series of articles in Potitiken of 18 and 19 March 1998 Carlsberg, the large Danish brewery, is cooperating with Gafur Rakhimov, an Uzbek who is involved in the drugs trade and has close connections with the Mafia in Uzbekistan. Gafur Rakhimov is allegedly blacklisted in all Schengen countries and therefore prevented from obtaining a visa in the EU. Does the Commission consider it to be a problem that European companies are cooperating in this way with people blacklisted under the Schengen agreement?

2. There are reports that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is participating as an investor in the project and therefore also cooperating with Gafur Rakhimov. Can the Commission confirm this?

3. Is there any possibility of the Community intervening in this and similar cases?

4. Is the Commission considering taking the initiative to intervene either in this specific case or in similar cases?

5. Will the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty in any way change the answer to these questions?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 1998)

The Commission would point out that this question is exactly the same as the Honourable Member's Written Question E-1075/98.

The Commission would therefore refer the Honourable Member to the answer it has already given to that question(1).

(1) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998, p. 78.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1889/98

by Frederik Willockx (PSE) and Philippe De Coene (PSE) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: European subsidization of school milk and waste prevention

Under Regulation No 1842/83(1) the provision of milk for schoolchildren is subsidized. The subsidies form a welcome incentive.

However, a study of the regulation referred to above reveals that sterilized full-cream milk is not subsidized. This type of milk is obtainable in glass bottles, unlike pasteurized and UHT full-cream milk, almost all of which is packaged in cardboard containers and which is subsidized.

This lack of subsidization discourages many schools from changing to the use of glass bottles. An opportunity to prevent waste and to combat the throw-away mentality is thus being missed.

Why is sterilized full-cream milk excluded from Community support?

Does the Commission not believe that, under a waste prevention policy, such milk should be added to the list of the dairy products which enjoy Community support when delivered to schools?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 1998)

The Commission wishes to stress that sterilised whole milk was never included in the list of milk products eligible for Community aid under the school milk programme. The Community scheme was introduced in 1977, and Council Regulation (EEC) 1842/83 of 30 June 1983 laying down general rules for the supply of milk and certain milk products at reduced prices to schoolchildren merely confirmed the list of eligible products which applied before its entry into force.

The Commission does not have any information which could explain why it was decided to exclude sterilised whole milk in 1977. However, it should be stressed that sterilised milk's market share is marginal (barely 5 %) and continues to shrink. This trend is no doubt connected with this type of milk's organoleptic characteristics, which consumers like less than those of other drinking milks available. Consequently, it is hard to tell whether including sterilised whole milk in the school milk programme would satisfy genuine demand on the part of schoolchildren.

It should also be stressed that pasteurised milk is usually supplied in glass bottles and that even ultra heat treated (UHT) milk is increasingly sold in reusable containers. The Commission therefore considers it incorrect to claim that the school milk programme encourages, or even forces, schools to provide milk in non-returnable containers.

The Commission would be grateful to receive a copy of any further information the Honourable Member may have on non-availability, in schools, of milk in reusable containers.

(1) OJ L 183, 7.7.1983, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1086/98

by Dietrich Elchlepp (PSE) to the Commission

(7 April 1998)

Subject: Distortions of competition due to the subsidization of Strasbourg airport

The French Government uses tax revenue to subsidize certain scheduled flights from Strasbourg airport. The operators of the nearby Baden airport at Söllingen in Germany believe this causes distortions of competition. The authorization granted by the Commission in 1995 for the subsidization of Strasbourg airport for a period of three years expires in 1998.

Are certain scheduled flights from Strasbourg still being subsidized? Is it true that most of the flights concerned are unprofitable? Is this continued subsidization after the three-year period compatible with the provisions of European competition law?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 1998)

The third package on liberalisation of air transport entitles Member States to impose public service obligations on certain routes to or from regional and peripheral airports. In the event that no air carrier announces its intention to operate the route in accordance with such obligations, as published in the Official Journal, the Member State may launch a call for tender to select an individual air carrier to operate the route for a period of up to three years. The selected carrier is entitled to be compensated for the deficit incurred for fulfilling the public service obligations.

The guidelines for the application of Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty in the aviation sector(1) recognise the compatibility of such compensation with the state aid rules.

The public service obligation mechanism has already been applied by Member States on several occasions. In 1995, France imposed obligations in terms of frequency and capacity on a number of routes out of Strasbourg. In view of the evolution of the market, France decided in December 1997 to maintain the obligations for only five routes out of Strasbourg; the Commission published the corresponding call for tenders in accordance with the applicable provisions of Community law(2).

The Commission does not have precise data on the profitability of the routes concerned.

(1) OJ C 350, 10.12.1994.

(2) OJ C 385, 19.12.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1874/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: Community funding for environmental organizations

A list of organizations which have received Community funding for information and awareness activities relating to the environment has been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (98/C 85/04).

Will the Commission say:

1. whether any Greek organizations applied for Community funding for general information and awareness activities (first list), and

2. if so, what criteria they did not fulfill to be eligible for funding?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 1998)

In response to its call for the submission of proposals for general measures to inform and increase awareness of environmental problems published on 22 February 1997(1) the Commission received 312 requests for subsidies, including 21 from Greek organisations. It selected 59 proposals.

None of the Greek proposals were selected because they did not meet all the eligibility criteria published in the Official Journal, namely: choice of the priority topics listed in point 2 of the call for proposals; the significance of the multiplier effect of the proposed action at European level (in principle, projects should involve partners from at least three Member States); the long-term commitment of the partners concerned to environmental protection; the capacity to demonstrate effective and balanced cooperation between the various partners; the commitment to ensure that the results of the action are widely publicised; the quality of the cost/benefit ratio and the degree of financial participation by the other partners.

(1) OJ C 53, 22.2.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1440/98

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

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Euro 1999

The Commission Report on progress towards convergence and recommendation with a view to the transition to the third stage of economic and monetary union (COM(98) 1999 final, 25.03.1998, p. 78) asserts that the Member States' pleasing performance on the inflation front is due to factors such as wage restraint and the consequent reasonable rise in unit labour costs.

In the Commission's view, how likely is it that moderate inflation rates can be maintained if France introduces labour reform by reducing working time to 35 hours a week?

Answer given by Mrde Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Inflation trends in the Member States depend on a variety of factors. On the domestic front, these include unit labour costs, profit margins and changes in indirect taxes. Where external factors are concerned, inflation is linked among other things to movements in exchange rates and commodity prices.

The impact on inflation - if any - of reducing working time to 35 hours per week will depend on the relationship between changes in labour productivity and changes in wage costs.

The Commission will, of course, take account of any changes observed when conducting multilateral monitoring exercises and formulating broad economic policy guidelines.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2337/98

by Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(28 July 1998)

Subject: Appointment of the European Central Bank's Director-General of Legal Affairs

The European Central Bank, a body which is independent of democratic control and which comprises one of the component parts of monetary union and its currency the euro, has selected the Spaniard Antonio Sainz de Vicuña as its Director-General of Legal Affairs. Since this person is the legal representative of the liquidated Banco Saudi Español (Saudesbank) and also the legal adviser of another failed bank (Banesto), the monetary authorities of the Bank of Spain and of the Economic Affairs Ministry must presumably know him and have endorsed his candidacy.

Could the Council say whether or not the Spanish authorities have provided the directors of the European Central Bank with information regarding the professional merits of the person in question and his knowledge of the Bank of Spain's rules for monitoring credit institutions in order to prevent bankruptcies, tax evasion, deposits of "dirty" money and other irregular practices engaged in by credit and savings institutions?

Reply

(24 September 1998)

This matter is the direct responsibility of the European Central Bank, whose Governing Council lays down the conditions of employment of the Bank's staff on a proposal from the Executive Board.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1541/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(18 May 1998)

Subject: Equal opportunties policy

Since 1975, the Commission has operated a policy of equal opportunity for men and women, with the objective of eradicating the existing inequalities.

The European Parliament, fully conscious of the importance of the issue, has undertaken numerous initiatives, calling inter alia for the revision of the 1986 directive with a view to the introduction of a statute for the spouses of self-employed workers - an initiative which, like many others, has not been taken up by the Commission.

In this connection, does the Commission have any plans to revise this directive?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 1998)

The Honourable Member's question refers to Council Directive 86/613/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood(1). Given that this Directive seems not to have had the impact originally hoped for, the Commission, in the context of the fourth medium-term Community action programme for equal opportunities for women and men (1996-2000)(2), took action to organise two round tables in 1997. These round tables took stock of possible measures for improving the situation of the spouses of self-employed workers. As a result of the discussions which took place at these round tables, the Commission opted for a dual approach. Firstly, it will try to target its measures more effectively and, secondly, it undertakes to look into how the various Community policies can be made to interact with optimum effect. The purpose is to improve arrangements and legal instruments aimed at or affecting assisting spouses.

(1) OJ L 359, 19.12.1986.

(2) COM(95) 602 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1695/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: TACIS funds granted to Russia

The European Union has helped Russia's process of democratization and economic recovery at the EU taxpayer's expense.

How have the TACIS appropriations for 1997 been targeted within Russia?

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

(10 July 1998)

The Commission recalls that in the course of 1997 an interim and independent evaluation of Tacis was produced at the request of the Parliament. It confirmed that from 1991 to 1996 "the programme can be credited with a positive record on project effectiveness in achieving the intended objectives".

Another source of information is the Tacis annual report of which the 1997 version is available shortly. A copy of the interim evaluation and of the latest annual report is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1842/98

by James Moorhouse (ELDR) to the Council

(15 June 1998)

Subject: Appointment of a special representative for Tibet

What stage has been reached in the procedure for the appointment of an EU special representative for Tibet, as called for by the European Parliament in its resolution of 15 January 1998 (B-0097/98)?

Reply

(28 /29 September 1998)

As the Honourable Member is aware, a mission to Tibet by the Troika Ambassadors to Peking took place between 1 and 10 May 1998. The report from the mission was subsequently published on 19 June.

At present the Council is considering what steps to take as a result of the mission but it has not decided to appoint a special representative for Tibet.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1764/98

by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Proceedings brought before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg by the Commission with regard to the toll levied on the Brenner Pass

1. Has the Commission already brought proceedings before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg with regard to the toll levied on the Brenner Pass, as intended?

2. If not, why not?

3. On what grounds is the Commission basing its action?

4. How does the Commission view the Republic of Austria's attitude to the issue of the toll levied on the Brenner Pass?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 1998)

The Commission referred the case of the toll increases on the Brenner motorway to the Court of justice on 29 May 1998.

The Commission considers that Austria infringed Article 7b) of Directive 93/89/EEC of 25 October 1993 on the application of Member States of taxes on certain vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road and tolls and charges for the use of certain infrastructures(1) by imposing increased toll rates as from 1 July 1995 and 1 February 1996 on the entire Brenner highway - a main transit route through Austria for heavy goods vehicles registered in other Member States - in such a way that foreign vehicles are discriminated against. Furthermore the Commission considers that Austria has also infringed Article 7h) of Directive 93/89/EEC because the toll rates are not justified by the costs related to constructing, operating and developing the Brenner motorway.

(1) OJ L 279, 12.11.1993.