ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1898/99

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 October 1999)

Subject: PESCA (1994-1999)

The Community budget allocated to the PESCA Community initiative for the restructuring of the fishery sector for the period 1994-1999 amounts to ECU 36,5 million (equal to approximately LIT 70 billion).

Will the Commission state what agencies (public or private), institutions, companies, cooperatives and individuals have been allocated funding under PESCA (specifying whether payments have already been made) and how much each of them has been granted?

Has it checked how the amounts have actually been used and whether the proposed measures have been successfully implemented?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 1999)

The Community initiative (CI) PESCA in Italy benefits from a Community grant of 37,8 million, from the Financial instrument for fisheries guidance (FIFG), European regional development fund (ERDF) and European social fund (ESF). Funds are split between creation of enterprise services centres ( 11,9 million), productive investments ( 4,6 million), practical projects ( 10,1 million), diversification of activities in eligible zones ( 9,9 million), job creation ( 0,7 million), financial engineering ( 0,4 million) and technical assistance ( 0,2 million). According to the most recent information available, the engagements of Community contribution to date correspond to 38 % of the total, and payments to 8 %.

Even if the programme was formally approved in May 1995, a number of organisational problems deferred its start until very recently.

Most actions, as a matter of fact, have been engaged only at the end of 1998 or in 1999 by the national authorities executing the plan. The administrations in charge of the implementation of CI PESCA are the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and some regions.

Having regard to the low rate of implementation of measures under the programme, the Commission has not so far undertaken on the spot inspections. A programme of inspections, however, is planned to take place during the next weeks.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1986/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(5 November 1999)

Subject: Action to combat corruption

In the light of alarming indications of corruption on the part of leading figures in Russia, a recent G7 decision decreed a freeze on loans to Russia after calling for quarterly information about the state of accounts as a condition for restoring the flow of funds to the former Soviet empire.

Would the Council set up a committee of inquiry concerning the destination of Community funds allocated to Russia under the cooperation agreements with that country?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 1999)

Allegations have recently been made concerning corruption in Russia and the laundering of assistance funds disbursed by international organisations. In the light of such allegations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set certain requirements for the release of the next tranche (US$ 640 million) of the US$ 4 500 million structural adjustment loan agreed with Russia in July 1999. The requirements concern increased transparency of the management of state finances in general and official reserves in particular, quarterly audits of Central Bank of Russia (CBR) forex reserves, adoption of international accounting standards by the CBR and withdrawal of CBR assets from five state-owned foreign subsidiaries, which have in the past been used to manage Russia's forex reserves.

This is primarily a matter for the World Bank and Group of seven most industrialised countries, as the main suppliers of direct financial assistance. Community funds are not the subject of the allegations mentioned above. The Commission nonetheless confirms that the recent allegations are of concern to all in the international community. It has already, in meetings held in the framework of the partnership and cooperation agreement, pressed Russia to address issues of corruption and money laundering forthrightly. The Commission has welcomed commitments given by Prime Minister Putin at the Group of eight most industrialised countries ministerial conference on combating organised crime, held in Moscow on 19-20 October 1999, that Russia will adopt anti-money laundering legislation in line with international standards in the near future and tackle corruption as a matter of priority.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1882/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 October 1999)

Subject: Town planning in an area with high seismic activity

The Ministry for the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works is pushing ahead with a town-planning project in the community of Rio in the Prefecture of Achaia.

Geologists have expressed their concern about these plans, because the risk of earthquakes in the region is one of the highest in Europe and there are many active fault lines.

Will the Commission say:

1. Is the town-planning study being funded under the Community Support Framework?

2. Have the necessary micro-zone studies been carried out to ensure that anti-seismic building standards are scrupulously respected?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1999)

The town-planning study for the town of Rio is not part-financed under the Community Support Framework for Greece for the period 1994-1999. The Commission has no information on any seismicity studies of the region.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2230/99

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 December 1999)

Subject: Infringement proceedings against Member States

At the end of the last month (October), what was the total number of infringement proceedings initiated by the Commission and outstanding against each Member State? Please give similar figures for the end of the year for the last five years.

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1999)

The information requested by the Honourable Member concerning outstanding infringement proceedings at the end of each year can be found in the Commission's annual report on monitoring the application of Community law.

The report for 1998: COM(1999) 301 of 9 July 1999, available on the Europa website at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/sg/sgb/infringements/report98_en.htm.

Reports for previous years:

- 1997: COM(1998) 317 final(1),

- 1996: COM(97) 299 final(2),

- 1995: COM(96) 600 final(3),

- 1994: COM(95) 500 final(4).

Updated information on the total number of infringement proceedings oustanding against each Member State is available on the European website at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/sg/sgb/infringements/pdf/ms_n.pdf. This information is updated monthly.

(1) OJ C 250, 10.8.1998.

(2) OJ C 332, 3.11.1997.

(3) OJ C 303, 14.10.1996.

(4) OJ C 254, 29.9.1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1760/99

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 October 1999)

Subject: Poles of Rural Development project in Cameroon implemented by DG VIII

Can the Commission state its position on the following points in relation to the Poles of Rural Development project:

1. What stage (planning, implementation) has the project now reached?

2. Have project assessments been conducted, and if so by whom (internally by Commission departments, or independently)?

3. What consequences has the Commission acknowledged from such assessments? Has project planning been amended accordingly? If not, why has the outcome of the assessments not been acted on?

4. Does the Commission see it as a potential source of conflict that where a development project is assessed and restructured, the delegation is both the party inviting tenders and a party itself directly involved?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 1999)

The Poles of Rural Development project began in 1991 in the Bafut region and in the Sa'a, Ntui and Sangmélima regions at the end of 1992 (financing agreement under the Third Lomé Convention, 6th European Development Fund (EFD), amounting to a total of 10,3 million).

This general approach stresses the importance of teaching people to manage the development of their own community with a view to improving their living conditions and the environment.

During 1997 and 1998 a temporary programme was set up in the Sa'a, Ntui et Sangmélima poles, to link the current project to a second four-year phase. It stressed in particular the project's viability and the management of agricultural projects and socio-economic infrastructures.

The Commission and the national authorising officer agreed to an evaluation at the half-way stage in 1995, and a further evaluation at the end of the temporary programme (1997/1998) in November 1998. They contracted the work out to international consultancy firms on the basis of a restricted consultation.

The evaluations have shown that the project has had a positive effect on the communities involved, since participation has helped them take charge of their own micro-projects. Nevertheless, further efforts need to be made to achieve a satisfactory level of participation and to prepare the people better to take control of their communities.

On the basis of the results of the independent consultancies' evaluations, particular emphasis has been placed on viability and the management of agricultural projects and socio-economic infrastructures. The project activities were planned and monitored under two sub-programmes, ongoing actions and new actions.

No potential source of conflict exists, due to the fact that in the case of independent evaluations where the project is then altered, while the delegation awards the contract on behalf of the national authority, the latter is still the contracting authority.

The results of the evaluation are examined by the Commission delegation and the government, and when the recommendations are pertinent, the changes can be introduced by financial procedures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1804/99

by Jens-Peter Bonde (EDD) to the Commission

(12 October 1999)

Subject: Parallel imports

Will the Commission propose a change in the law to improve the position of parallel imports?

Following the judgment in the Silhouette case, parallel importers are prohibited from purchasing trade-marked goods outside the EU and selling them in the EU unless the trade-mark owner has consented to the sale. On 19 May 1999, the Danish Ministry for Trade and Industry pointed out that parallel imports secure cheaper goods for consumers, whereas the Silhouette judgment is to the detriment of consumers of parallel imports alone as Danish trade-marked goods producers do not benefit from the judgment. The corresponding Swedish report of 11 January is described in Direct Office 9/99, page 27.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1999)

In 1998, the Commission commissioned a study on the economic effects of a possible change in the European trademark regime on exhaustion of trademark rights by the National economic research associates (NERA) Institute (the study is available on the Commission website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg15). In April 1999 the Commission arranged for two hearings one with the Member States and one with interested circles to discuss the outcome of the NERA study. After a debate in the Internal Market Council on 10 June 1999, it was agreed that the Commission should present a document to examine certain key issues in greater detail. Depending on the outcome of discussions on the said document, the Commission will further develop its position on this important and complex issue.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2777/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Protection of archaeological treasures at Salamina in Turkish-occupied Cyprus

Archaeologists from Ankara University have been reported as carrying out illegal excavations in the necropolis of ancient Salamina in the Turkish-occupied sector of Cyprus, an important archaeological site on the island and one of the most significant in the Mediterranean. The excavations are being carried out despite the fact that Turkey has been a signatory to the Hague Convention since 1965, Article 5 of which expressly prohibits any archaeological work in areas occupied by foreign forces without the consent of the legitimate government of the country.

Will the Commission intervene to bring a halt to any excavation of archaeological sites and, if so, in what manner?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-669/99 by Mr Marínos during question time at Parliament's December 1999 part-session(1).

(1) Debates of the European Parliament (December 1999).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1997/99

by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(9 November 1999)

Subject: Position of the Council on the war in Chechnya

In a resolution of 7 October 1999 (B5-0142, 0149, 0158, 0168 and 0177/99) Parliament strongly condemned the Russian military intervention in Chechnya. How will the Council view this position of the European Parliament on policy towards Russia with special reference to the Chechnya conflict, and is it indeed prepared to endorse that position?

Reply

(31 January 2000)

The position of the European Parliament expressed in its resolution of 7 October is well reflected in the conclusions adopted by the Council on 15 November. Here the Council expressed its deep concern, which it shares with the European Parliament, over the continuing military campaign in the Northern Caucasus. It condemned all disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force in Chechnya which has given rise to severe hardship for the civilian population and internally displaced persons. The Council urged the Russian government to observe its commitments under international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties and to keep the Chechen-Ingush border open in order to ensure access to safety for internally displaced persons.

Moreover, the Council underlined the need for a dialogue between the Russian government and the elected leaders of North Caucasus, including Chechnya, in order to find a political solution to the conflict. In this context, the Council encouraged the Russian government to use the good offices of the OSCE.

The Council also agreed that the EU would address the issue at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul

As a matter of fact, the Istanbul Summit declaration of 18-19 November 1999, while reaffirming that it fully acknowledges the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and that it condemns terrorism in all its forms, has underscored the need to respect OSCE norms.

Paragraph 23 of this declaration precisely address this issue: We agree that in light of the humanitarian situation in the region it is important to alleviate the hardships of the civilian population, including by creating appropriate conditions for international organisations to provide humanitarian aid. We agree that a political solution is essential. and that the assistance of the OSCE would contribute to achieving that goal. We welcome the willingness of the OSCE to assist in the renewal of a political dialogue. We welcome the agreement of the Russian Federation to a visit by the Chairman-in-Office to the region. We reaffirm the existing mandate of the OSCE Assistance Group in Chechnya. In this regard, we also welcome the willingness of the Russian Federation to facilitate these steps, which will contribute to creating conditions for stability, security, and economic prosperity in the region.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2329/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Unauthorised building in the Parnassos National Park

Environmental organisations are claiming that country houses have been built in the heart of the Parnassos National Park, which forms part of the Fokida region's Natura 2000 network. There are also reports of a presidential decree abolishing the national park and dividing it into plots and legalised pasturage.

Will the Commission say:

1. whether it is aware of the proposals to abolish or change the nature of the area forming part of the Natura 2000 network and

2. what action it intends to take to protect the above area, which is a national park and classified as a Natura 2000 zone A?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1999)

The Commission is not aware of any plans to modify or abolish the protection status of the Parnassos national park, which is included in a site proposed for the Natura 2000 network established according to Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1).

As a matter of fact, in the past, within the framework of a LIFE-Nature project co-funded by the Commission and aiming to improve conservation and management conditions of Greek national parks, a management plan for the Parnassos national park was also prepared. This management plan, drawing on thorough knowledge acquired of the entire massif of Parnassos, provides for a modification of the boundaries of the national park involving a correction and extension of the existing core area (dating from 1938), as well as a clear definition and extension of the peripheral zone, only vaguely defined so far. Within the core area in particular, no human interventions such as those mentioned by the Honourable Member, are allowed.

According to information provided by the Greek authorities, a Presidential decree has now been drafted, on the basis of the proposals of the management plan, and has been forwarded for adoption.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1850/99

by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 October 1999)

Subject: The Tan Tan nuclear power station (Morocco)

The announcement that a nuclear power station is to be built at Tan Tan on the Moroccan Atlantic coast has caused the citizens and institutions of the Canary Islands, the nearby ultra-peripheral Community region considerable social alarm and grave environmental concern.

Does the Commission intend, in its aid programmes for Morocco, to lay down conditions with a view to establishing strict nuclear safety standards in the area?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 1999)

In reply to the fears expressed by the Honourable Member, there are at present no nuclear power projects in Morocco being financed by the Community. Were the Moroccan authorities to make a request of this kind, very strict conditions would obviously be laid down based on the precise rules regarding nuclear safety and subject to the approval of the competent departments and authorities.

The Tan-Tan project concerns a demonstration unit for the desalination of sea water and not electricity generation. This unit is to be developed with cooperation from China and it will have a 10 megawatt reactor (NHR-10) with a production capacity of 8 000 cubic metres of fresh water per day.

This project is being developed under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Morocco has concluded cooperation agreements with a specialised French body, the Direction de la sûreté des installations nucléaires (DSIN) (Directorate for nuclear plant safety), in order to obtain assistance in analysing nuclear projects and for supervising and monitoring existing and future plant.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1541/99

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Drafting of Community Directive concerning the film industry

Would the Commission be favourably disposed to the drafting of a Community cinema directive in parallel with the directive on television without frontiers seeking to protect those employed in the European film industry and audiovisual sector and secure the European content of material released over the media?

It is worth noting that a Community directive concerning the European film industry would also contribute to economic development and job creation.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1999)

The television without frontiers Directive, (Directive 97/36/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities)(1) aims primarily to ensure the free movement of television broadcasts throughout the Community. It therefore co-ordinates certain provisions laid down in the Member States relating to this activity. A further objective is to promote production, independent production and distribution.

The same objectives are followed in respect of the European film industry. The Commission, through the MEDIA programme, has adopted a series of measures aimed at supporting the European film industry, focusing on certain key activities, such as development, distribution and training.

The Commission is not currently aware of any specific barriers to the circulation of European films within the Community, for which regulatory intervention at Community level would be needed but it would be very interested to receive information on this subject.

(1) OJ L 202, 30.7.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1754/99

by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Council

(1 October 1999)

Subject: Costs of employing Mr Hombach and his staff

On 10 June 1999 EU foreign ministers appointed Mr Bodo Hombach Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Which persons are on Mr Hombach's staff, and by which Member States have they been sent?

2. What are the staffing costs for employing Mr Hombach and his staff?

3. What proportion of the costs of employing Mr Hombach and his team comes from the EU budget?

4. What contribution does each Member State have to make towards the staffing costs?

5. Has the Federal Republic of Germany promised the other Member States that it will provide the majority of staff and bear the main share of staffing costs?

6. Have individual Member States indicated that they will not contribute to staffing costs?

7. How are staffing costs to be financed in the next few years?

Reply

(31 January 2000)

1. The current staff of the Office of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact is composed of:

- 3 Deputy Special Coordinators (nationals respectively of the US, Netherlands and Finland) responsible for the three Working Tables;

- An Envoy responsible for relations with countries in SEE (national of the FYROM);

- 1 Head of Cabinet (German national);

- 1 Advisor (Italian national);

- 1 Deputy head of Cabinet and Spokesman (UK national);

- 3 A grade officials for WT I (respectively Danish, Hungarian and Swiss nationals);

- 2 A grade officials for WT II (respectively French and Austrian nationals);

- 2 A grade officials for WT III (respectively German and Swedish nationals);

2. All A grade officials are seconded by their Governments to the Stability Pact office. Their salaries and personal living costs in Brussels are covered by the respective Governments. The Office has hired an accountant and four secretaries. Regarding both the A and B grades, the Office is not yet at full strength.

3. The European Union has approved Joint Action 1999/523/CFSP of the 29 July allocating EUR 850 000 for the period ending on 31 December 1999. The amount covers Mr Hombach's salary, the running costs of the Office and the travelling costs of members of the staff who are EU nationals.

4. The Federal Republic of Germany has made no such promise; it does not bear the majority of the staffing costs and does not provide the majority of staff members.

5. No individual EU Member State has indicated that it will not contribute to staffing costs.

6. The way staffing costs are to be financed in the next few years is to be decided by the Stability Pact participants. The Council would point out in this connection the leading role played by the Union in the Stability Pact, a role which it has requested during the whole process and which it is acknowledged to have by all participants in the Pact itself.