ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3776/98

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Outcome of the Buenos Aires environment conference and EU measures to implement the Kyoto Protocol

The outcome of the latest world conference on the environment in Buenos Aires was not particularly encouraging; on a proposal from the USA, the famous "flexible mechanisms" were adopted allowing the big polluters (the USA accounts for 1/4 of all pollutants on a world scale) to comply marginally with the terms of the Kyoto agreement, which calls on the industrialised countries to reduce their emissions of environmentally harmful gases between the years 2008 and 2012 to 5,2 % lower than 1990 levels.

In what ways will the Commission intervene to ensure that the Kyoto Protocol is implemented as quickly as possible in view of the fact that ecosystems are being rapidly destroyed and 40 % of deaths worldwide are attributable to environmental pollution and climate change?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1999)

The Commission is of the opinion that the fourth Conference of the parties to the United Nations framework convention on climate change, held in Buenos Aires from 2-13 November 1998, was successful in that a plan of action was adopted, setting out a work programme for the resolution of "unfinished business" of the Kyoto Protocol and outstanding Convention issues. By adopting this plan of action the political momentum is maintained and the negotiations in Buenos Aires may be seen, therefore, as a useful and very necessary step forward in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

The European Council in Vienna welcomed the Buenos Aires plan of action and underlined the importance of its implementation for an early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The European Council further concluded that a comprehensive Community strategy on climate policy should be considered at its meeting in Cologne on the basis of a report by the Commission.

The Commission intends to produce a communication in time for the Cologne European Council. This communication will concentrate on elements that are considered essential for the Community to achieve its Kyoto commitment and to prepare for ratification of the Protocol. The Commission is convinced of the need to act now, through policies and measures both at national and at Community level, if the Community target of a 8 % reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels is to be achieved by the year 2012. The communication will also address what preparatory steps can be taken in order to implement the Kyoto Protocol's flexible mechanisms.

In this context, the integration of climate change concerns into other policy areas is of utmost importance. At Community level, a number of proposals that could contribute to this reduction, for example the proposal for a directive restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products(1), are currently under consideration by the Community institutions.

(1) COM(97) 30 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3851/98

by Sören Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Suitability of "Ice-Cream War" as propaganda in all 15 Member States

Material in the form of a comic strip entitled "The Ice-Cream War", aimed at the younger youth bracket, has been published in all the official languages of the Union.

In the UK, however, the material has reportedly been cancelled following a debate in the House of Commons and, in Denmark, the Commission's information office is not distributing the material as it is not considered to be appropriate to the Danish debate.

"The Ice-Cream War" contains propaganda for EMU. To date, three Member States have declined to take part in EMU. Under these circumstances, is it appropriate for the Commission to produce and distribute material propagandising for EMU in a Member State which has decided not to take part in EMU?

Would it not be appropriate to withdraw the Swedish edition of "The Ice-Cream War" on grounds of the EMU propaganda contained in the material?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1999)

The Commission publication "The Raspberry Ice Cream War"(1) (Swedish title "Glasskriget") aims at explaining some basic Community policies concerning the internal market. In this context it briefly mentions the introduction of the euro. The Commission would not agree that this publication amounts to "propaganda". The Commission's representations in the Member States advise the Commission on the suitability for distribution of centrally-produced publications. It is true that, on the basis of such advice, the Commission chose not to distribute "The Raspberry Ice Cream War" in certain Member States. In others, the Commission notes, the publication is proving popular.

(1) ISDN 92-828-2341-5.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3433/98

by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué (PPE) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Free movement of goods

In the absence of a specific Community directive relating to the jewellery trade in the EU, some countries are taking advantage of the lack of applicable legislation and using their domestic regulations to obstruct the marketing of products amongst EU Member States.

To what extent can the absence of a specific Community directive be used as grounds for flouting the principles of the Treaties establishing the Communities, such as the free movement of goods?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3431/98, E-3432/98 and E-3433/98 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 1999)

As the Commission mentioned in its answer to Written Question E-3158/98 by Mrs Ferrer(1), several actions have already been launched in order to ensure compliance with the principle of free movement of goods in the jewellery trade.

The Commission has in fact proposed(2) the harmonisation of standards of fineness, fineness marks and sponsor's marks, and of certification systems (quality assurance, the EC declaration of conformity and third-party verification). This proposal is currently before the Council.

Pending harmonisation at Community level, the Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against most of the Member States. In most cases, these proceedings have led to amendments to the legislation concerned.

However, as the Commission emphasised in the answer mentioned above, some specific problems do still remain, as demonstrated in particular by a number of complaints from Spanish operators. The problems with effective mutual recognition in the jewellery trade arise, in practice, from the fact that those Member States which operate a third-party verification system refuse to recognise that marks affixed under the responsibility of the manufacturer or as part of a quality assurance system are equivalent. In the specific case of jewellery manufactured in Spain, the guarantee mark can be affixed either by an official body or by an authorised body. In the case of the latter, this body is one proposed by the manufacturer and expressly authorised to do so by the Spanish authorities. This system is therefore closely related to the quality assurance system.

The Commission has decided to look into the most appropriate solutions to these specific problems along with all the Member States concerned. One such solution may, for example, be to give equivalent recognition to marks affixed by a third party and those affixed under a quality assurance system which offers suitable and sufficient guarantees of professionalism and independence. Infringement proceedings are under way.

(1) See page 33.

(2) OJ C 209, 29.7.1994.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3765/98

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Discrimination on the labour market

Does the Commission not think that sacking or discriminating against men who have long hair, wear earrings, have their bodies pierced or dye their hair odd colours is an infringement of equal opportunities legislation even if they were informed before being taken on that certain criteria had to be met in the workplace?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 1999)

The Commission is not aware of any situations of the type referred to by the Honourable Member.

In the absence of more precise details, the Commission assumes that dismissal would be based on failure to comply with criteria concerning the physical appearance of employees in a company, as would seem to be suggested by the information in the question.

However, the Commission is willing to take a closer look at the situation referred to, if the Honourable Member can provide concrete examples of cases in which male workers are alleged to have been treated in a discriminatory manner compared with their female colleagues.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2096/98

by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Measures to prevent the disappearance of the carob tree

For some time land changes and crop conversions in the Mediterranean countries have been seriously endangering the survival of the carob tree.

In some regions, particularly Sicily, the threat of extinction of carob tree plantations is accentuated by violent attacks of cercosporiosis, which causes all the leaves to fall off.

This represents a serious danger from the point of view of both environmental protection and the economy.

Does the Commission not think it necessary to set up a discussion group composed of members from the European countries interested in cultivation of the carob tree (Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece) to define a uniform framework for action to prevent extinction of one of the most charming and typical Mediterranean plants?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 August 1998)

The Commission is fully aware of the importance of preserving the carob tree. It therefore considers that all possible measures have to be taken to prevent the extinction of this species.

The new common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables introduced by Regulation (EC) 2200/96(1) provides for Community financing for producer organisations which implement operational programmes intended to improve the production and marketing of fruit and vegetables as well as respect for the environment. These operational programmes, approved by the national authorities, can comprise specific measures to protect carob trees.

Moreover, Commission Regulation (EEC) 2159/89 of 18 July 1989 laying down detailed rules for applying the specific measures for nuts and locust beans as provided for in Title IIa of Council Regulation (EEC) 1035/72(2) provides for per-hectare aid of from ECU 200 to 475 a year under plans introduced between 1989 and 1996 for a maximum 10-year duration, aimed at improving the quality and marketing of carobs, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios. The plans approved are managed by recognised producer organisations and include measures intended to improve the production of these products, and in particular plant health measures.

In addition, in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EEC) 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside(3), the Commission approved by its decision of 10 October 1994 the agri-environmental programme for Sicily. The measure in the programme entitled "maintenance of extensive production" provides for a per-hectare premium of ECU 400 for farmers who commit themselves for five years to maintaining traditional methods of carob-growing.

These measures constitute, in the opinion of the Commission, a framework for action making it possible to avoid the disappearance of the carob tree.

(1) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996.

(2) OJ L 207, 19.7.1989.

(3) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3373/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(17 November 1998)

Subject: Afforestation

The purpose of Regulation 2158/92(1) and its subsequent extension through Regulation 308/97(2) is to develop measures to protect the Community's forests against fire, particularly with regard to the rationalisation of forest resources.

Can the Commission say what measures have been adopted under this Regulation?

Can it further specify what amount has been disbursed to date for Spain as a whole, and what amount has been set aside for the protection of forests in Catalonia?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Between 1992 and 1998, under Council Regulation (EC) 308/97 of 17 February 1997 amending Regulation (EEC) 2158/92 on protection of the Community's forests against fire(3), 700 fire-prevention projects submitted by Member States were approved and received Community support totalling ECU 84 million. The projects cover information campaigns, preventive management (e.g. scrub clearance), protective infrastructure (e.g. forestry roads, firebreaks and water points), and monitoring (e.g. introducing summer patrols and building lookout towers). Support was also granted for training specialised personnel and setting up geographical information systems.

During that period, Spain received ECU 15 million in aid as follows - national government (Directorate-General for nature conservation): ECU 10 million; Basque Country: ECU 3 million; Andalusia: ECU 0,7 million; Asturia: ECU 0,6 million; Navarre: ECU 0,3 million; Balearic Islands: ECU 0,3 million; Murcia: ECU 0,1 million. Since the Commission did not receive an aid application from Catalonia during that period, the region did not enjoy direct support under the Regulation; however, the measures implemented by the national government no doubt benefited the region to some extent.

The Commission would nevertheless point out to the Honourable Member that Spain recently submitted seven aid applications in respect of 1999, for support totalling ECU 3 million. One of those applications (for ECU 30 000) relates to the municipality of Solsona in Catalonia.

(1) OJ L 217, 31.7.1992, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 51, 21.2.1997, p. 11.

(3) OJ L 51, 21.2.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3655/98

by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) and Heidi Hautala (V) to the Commission

(7 December 1998)

Subject: Repressive measures taken against environmental activists in Ukraine

After the Ukrainian environmental group "Rainbow Keepers" released information about possible diversion and misuse of funds given by the EBRD, including funds for ensuring safety at Chernobyl, members of this organisation reported that they had been harassed by the police and the Ukrainian Secret Service (the former KGB). Before the EBRD summit in Kiev on 9-12 May, environmental activists were interrogated and threatened with arrest.

Is the Commission aware of the harassment of environmental activists in Ukraine?

What measures does the Commission take to promote freedom of speech in Ukraine?

Does the Commission take any measures to protect from such harassment environmental activists who supply information about the misuse of EU funds to the European institutions?

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

(19 January 1999)

The Commission is not aware of the harassment of ecological activists in Ukraine.

As laid down in article 2 of the partnership and co-operation agreement between the Community and its Member States on the one part, and Ukraine on the other part, respect for democratic principles and human rights (as defined in particular in the Helsinki final act and the charter of Paris for a new Europe, including the freedom of opinion and of expression) constitutes an essential element of partnership and of the agreement.

The Commission's main instrument to promote the freedom of expression in Ukraine is the Phare and Tacis democracy programme, which is part of the European democracy initiative of the Parliament. This programme aims to promote the concept of democratic society governed by the rule of law in Central and Eastern European countries, the New Independent States and Mongolia. In Ukraine, the Tacis democracy programme provides assistance to media monitoring and training, and actions to enhance the contribution of the independent television sector to democratic and civil society development, to promote civic education at school, and to further public participation in economic and environmental decision making.

The Commission seeks to protect individuals and groups delivering information on alleged abuses of Community money by ensuring the confidentiality of the information provided and by maintaining the anonymity of the informer.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3702/98

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission

(7 December 1998)

Subject: Twinning partnership programme

According to information in the press, the first national officials of the Member States will be sent to the ministries of the candidate countries in January 1999 to help them build administrative and institutional capacities. These transfers are, it is said, to be confined to the areas of agriculture, the environment, finances and justice and home affairs, with the Commission ensuring coordination of the partnerships on the basis of the projects proposed by the CEEC and the corresponding offers made by the Member States.

- Does the Commission have any figures on how many projects will actually be launched in 1999?

- Can it say on what specific areas these projects will focus?

- Does it also have information on the number of projects in which Austrian officials will be involved?

- Is it already in a position to estimate how high the grant from Phare resources will be for this programme (broken down by specific areas) and what the cost to the Member States participating will be (taking Austria as an example)?

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

(15 January 1999)

In May 1998 the Commission presented a list of some 100 partnership projects to the Member States, asking them to state whether they wished to be involved. It has received 360 replies and to date has found partners for 80 projects. The specific terms of reference are being drafted. Since then a further list of 28 projects derived from the 1998 programming exercise has been presented to the Member States and approximately 100 national officials are therefore expected to be seconded to postings in Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) in 1999.

The projects do indeed focus on agriculture, finance, justice and home affairs and the environment, plus preparations for the administration of structural resources. There are two reasons for keeping the list short. All the partnership reports drew attention to the weakness of the CEECs' administrative capabilities in these areas, and the Commission therefore has little choice initially but to keep the operation within reasonable bounds until such time as procedures and rules are properly fixed.

Austria is currently responsible for three partnerships and will contribute to nine others. Grants from Phare funds for partnerships in which Austria is involved total EUR 4 million. As a rule Member States will be reimbursed for partnership costs incurred.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3267/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 October 1998)

Subject: Survey by the European employment observatory

According to a survey carried out by the European employment observatory, unemployment in Greece runs at 13,2 %. This is a different figure from that reached both by the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation (10 %) and by the Greek Statistical Service (10,3 %). Since the relevant Eurostat publications on unemployment failed to give figures for Greece, will the Commission notify us of the conclusions of the above survey, in particular as regards long-term youth unemployment (extent of the problem, likelihood of finding work, etc.). Given that the publication of this survey concerning Greece caused a sensation - since it gives an employment rate some 30 % higher than the other surveys -, will the Commission confirm its reliability? Does it reflect real unemployment trends in Greece?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 1998)

The Honourable Member refers to an article in issue No 30 of Trends, published by the Employment Observatory in summer 1998. The issue examines groups of the population which are not classified as unemployed under current international definitions. These groups include for example people taking part in work programmes, people working less hours than they would wish ('visible underemployment'), people working less than usual for economic reasons and people wishing for a job but not actively seeking work because they believe none is available ("discouraged workers").

The figure of 13,2 % quoted in the question is an "aggregated unemployment indicator" for Greece, calculated by adding the four groups named above (respectively 0,9 %, 0,8 %, 0,8 % and 0,4 % of the labour force) to the figure of 10,3 % given as the unemployment figure for 1996 by the Greek Statistical Office (which is already higher than the 9,6 % published by the Commission, for definition reasons which are discussed in the article). Conducting the same exercise for other Member States also of course results in total figures higher than the official unemployment rates.

The article highlights a number of important issues related to unemployment, amongst which might be mentioned the problem of entry into the labour market for young people without work experience and the increased difficulty of finding employment for people who have already been without a job for a long period. These correspond in most essentials to the analysis presented in other publications produced on behalf of the Commission, such as the annual Employment in Europe report.

The Commission welcomes all research which, like this article, contributes to a fuller understanding of labour market phenomena. In its own publication of labour market figures, the Commission proposes to continue to follow the definitions published by the International Labour Office, which are recognised by all the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3767/98 by Susan WADDINGTON to the Commission. Treatment of citizens during border controls



Official Journal C 207 , 21/07/1999 P. 0126



WRITTEN QUESTION E-3767/98 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (11 December 1998) Subject: Treatment of citizens during border controls What measures is the Union taking to ensure that the Member States' authorities responsible for border controls respect the rights of minority groups, particularly ethnic minority citizens, when identity checks, interviews, body searches and other related activities are being carried out?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3899/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Participation of Commissioner Emma Bonino in the 1998 Bilderberg meeting

Concerning the Bilderberg meeting attended by Commissioner Bonino in Turnberry, Scotland from 14-17 May 1998, could the Commission state:

1. What the items were which made up the total travel and whether the costs were reimbursed at the time, or if not who paid them?

2. Since Bilderberg normally pays the lavish accommodation, should this be declared by the Commissioner?

3. Did the Commissioner receive the specified subsistence allowance for the days of the trip?

4. Did the Commissioner take leave of absence for this trip?
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3803/98

by Luigi Moretti (NI) to the Commission

(4 December 1998)

Subject: Siting of radio and TV transmitters in residential areas

A number of articles on the damage which magnetic fields generated by radio and TV transmitters can cause to health have recently appeared in the Italian press.

On 5 November 1998 the author of this question tabled a question to the Commission on the harm which may be caused by such transmitters in residential areas.

Would the Commission now look into the matter without delay, with a view to determining exactly how dangerous such transmitters are?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(22 January 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E-3491/98(1).

(1) See page 77.