ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/572

(2004/C 88 E/0584)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1126/04

by Véronique De Keyser (PSE) to the Commission

(6 April 2004)

Subject: Use of structural funds

It would appear that some of the structural funds earmarked for Latvia are to go towards restoring castles and other property being reacquired by former aristocrats who are still in exile or who have recently returned to the country. These funds are therefore being used for the restoration of private property reacquired at reduced prices and not for the restoration of heritage sites open to the public. Some repossessions even involve the expropriation of schools. I am stunned at such a use of structural funds and would like to verify the accuracy of this information, which appeared in a television programme called ‘Des racines et des hommes’ (‘Roots and men’), broadcast by France 3 on 30 March 2004.

Is the use of structural funds in the Baltic States monitored in detail, and is there any information that could be published with which to confirm or deny these claims?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

Assistance from the European Union to Latvia under the Structural Funds will be delivered under the Objective 1 Single Programming Document, negotiated with the Latvian authorities which has yet to be formally approved in advance of accession on 1 May (1).

Accordingly, no payments have been made under this programme. The Latvian authorities are currently engaged in the preparatory work necessary to set up selection criteria as the basis for the identification of projects in a transparent and competitive manner for support under the programme.

The SPD may be consulted on (http://www.esfondi.lv).

(1) The SPD may be consulted on (http://www.esfondi.lv).
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/325

(2004/C 84 E/0379)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0170/04

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 January 2004)

Subject: Commission's accounting systems

I understand the Internal Audit Service, in a report entitled ‘IAS Review of the Commission's Accounting Framework — Final Report’ dated 15 April 2003, made a number of recommendations to the Commission regarding the accounting systems.

Could the Commission confirm that assets are classified against the relevant balance sheet heading?
AnswergivenbyMrFischleronbehalfoftheCommission
(21 December 1998)
In view of the economic, administrative and legal implications of this affair, the situation must be examined
not only in the light of the legislation currently in force but also of the common organisation of the marketwhich will result from the negotiations currently underway in the Council.
The Commission is carrying out a detailed examination of the problem raised by the Honourable Member.
(1999/C 207/063) WRITTENQUESTIONE-3300/98
byGrahamWatson(ELDR)totheCommission
(10 November 1998)
Subject:Visitor requirements for Slovaks
What view does the Commission take of the UK’s introduction this month of visa requirements for visitors
from Slovakia? Have any other Member States taken similar action? In view of the recent change ofgovernment in Slovakia, is such action not particularly unwelcome?
ReplygivenbyMrMontionbehalfoftheCommission
(28 January 1999)
Council Regulation (EC) 2317/95of25 September 1995(
1) determining the third countries whose nationals
must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the Member States(2) has an Annex
containingthelistofStateswhosenationalsarerequiredbyalltheMemberStatestobeinpossessionofvisas.
The Regulation leaves it open to Member States to impose a visa requirement on nationals of non-member
countrieswhicharenotonthatlist.TheUnitedKingdomhasmadeuseofthatright,andtheCommissiondoesnot intend to comment on the steps it has taken, which are the sole responsibility of the United Kingdom.
The Commission understands that Ireland has also decided to introduce a visa requirement for Slovak
nationals.
(1) In a judgment of 10 June 1997 (Case C-392/95), the Court of Justice allowed an action brought by the European
Parliament and annulled Regulation (EC) 2317/95. The Court nonetheless declared that the effects of the Regulationshould be maintained until the Council adopted new legislation.
(
2) OJ L 234, 3.10.1995.
(1999/C 207/064) WRITTENQUESTIONE-3310/98
byEncarnaciónRedondoJiménez(PPE)totheCommission
(10 November 1998)
Subject:Agriculture: imports of tiger nuts into the EU from third countries
The tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is one of the traditional crops grown by farmers in the area known as
‘L’horta de Valencia’ (Spain). Historical records show that this crop has been cultivated since the sixteenthcentury, in agricultural and climatic conditions which are unique to this particular Mediterranean area. Theplant is used mainly for the preparation of ‘horchata’, a refreshing drink (resembling a milk-shake) ofindisputablenutritionalvalue.Thetigernutisstillbeingcultivatedin‘L’hortadeValencia’,butinrecentyearssevere difficulties have arisen which are endangering the continued production of this traditional, localValencian crop. One reason for the fall in production lies in the large-scale imports of the product fromAfrican countries.C 207/48 EN 21.7.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3432/98

by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué (PPE) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Free movement of goods

No Community directive exists to harmonise the manufacture and marketing of articles containing precious metals in the jewellery trade. Some Member States are drawing on their domestic regulations to obstruct the marketing of Spanish goods by making them undergo inspection (i.e. hallmarking) on entry into their countries. On the one hand, this practice presents Spanish manufacturers whose goods have already undergone inspection in independent laboratories, as required by Spanish legislation, with additional costs. On the other hand, they find it impossible to export a considerable amount of their products (articles crafted from precious metals, luxury watches and so forth) as a result of the irreparable damage caused when such inspections are carried out on finished products.

What specific measures is the Commission drawing up to harmonise legislation in the Member States and do away with such practices?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2954/98

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Euro-Jus 2

One or two questions remain after my question E-1278/98(1).

In his answer Commissioner Oreja stated that funding for Euro-Jus 1998 was being increased inter alia to increase the hours worked by the legal advisers. How does the Commission justify this increase, and from what and to what figures have they been increased?

On what topics were the 217 written questions in Austria submitted in particular?

How was the tender procedure for the contract in Austria organised in detail, and how many tenders were received?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1998)

The Eurojus network has been reinforced in 1998, in accordance with the priority given by the Commission to information and communication initiatives close to the European citizen and in response to encouragement from the Ombudsman, as well as in line with recommendations by the high-level group on free movement of people chaired by Mrs Simone Veil.

The budget of the network was increased accordingly, from ECU 195 613 in 1997 to ECU 552 000 in 1998, through reallocation of lower priority budget resources. This increase has made it possible to broaden geographical coverage and, on average, to double the time spent by Eurojus consultants providing advice to European citizens and carrying out research in response to an increasing amount of questions submitted by citizens in all Member States.

The 217 written questions submitted to the Eurojus consultant in Austria in 1997 dealt mainly with social legislation, access to regulated professions (validity of diplomas, professional legislation, setting up an enterprise in another country), car imports, validity of driving licences, sale of real estate, discrimination and competition issues.

The call for tender concerning the Eurojus consultant in Vienna was included in a call for tender involving six Eurojus consultants, which was carried out centrally by the Commission and published in the Official journal(2). Four applications were received for the services to be supplied by the Eurojus consultant in Vienna.

(1) OJ C 402, 22.12.1998, p. 104.

(2) OJ S 120, 25.6.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3561/98

by Klaus Lukas (NI) to the Commission

(1 December 1998)

Subject: UNRWA and missing EU funds

The Member undersigned has been given information according to which EU funds totalling approximately ECU 2 million which had been provided for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees are said to be "missing".

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

- can the Commission confirm that EU funds totalling approximately ECU 12 million which were provided for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) are indeed missing?

- What steps have been taken by the Commission in this regard?

- Does the Commission carry out any controls to ensure an appropriate distribution of funds by the UN?

- If so, why did these controls fail in the abovementioned case?

- If not, why not and does the Commission intend to change its practice of providing sums totalling millions to other international organisations without them being subject to any controls?

- Can the Commission provide a summary of payments made by the EU to UN bodies in the past ten years?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 1999)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1901/01

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 June 2001)

Subject: Town twinning application

Could the Commission confirm in detail its reasons for refusing to grant funding to Oundle District Council, East Midlands, UK, for a town-twinning project with Germany, following the Council's application earlier this year?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2001)

In 2001 the town of Oundle, the host town, applied for funding from the first tranche of the Community support initiative for actions to promote town-twinning. Its application was not accepted by the selection committee because the dossier presented was incomplete with regard to point 7.1. of the call for proposals governing the awarding of support for actions to promote town-twinning(1). This point stipulates that only dossiers that include all the documents referred to in points (a) to (e) below, submitted within the approved deadlines, duly filled in and accompanied by the necessary supporting documents, will be taken into consideration.

In this case, the dossier submitted by the town of Oundle was not accompanied by the detailed schedule of the meeting, as specified in point 7.1.(c) of the above-mentioned call for proposals. Since there was no schedule of the proposed meeting, the selection committee was unable to assess the quality or the European interest of the project submitted.

The new procedure for awarding support for actions to promote town-twinning was adopted following consultation of national associations representing the twinning movement in October 2000. This procedure, which is based on the principles behind the awarding of subsidies under other Community measures, aims to make the system more transparent and effective, and to guarantee equal treatment of all those concerned.

(1) Call for proposals DG EAC No 75/00 (OJ C 320, 9.11.2000).
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2890/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 October 2001)

Subject: Substandard work on public projects funded under the second CSF

In its answer to my Question No E-3481/00(1), the Commission recognised that there were a wide range of problems concerning substandard work on public construction projects in Greece funded under the second CSF.

Does the Commission have any more recent information regarding the number of instances of substandard work since April 2000, and the total for all projects funded under the second CSF? Is the Commission satisfied with the measures which Greece has taken to remedy such substandard work? If not, what measures will the Commission take to tackle this wide-ranging problem?

(1) OJ C 174 E, 19.6.2001, p. 62.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 2001)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2571/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 September 2001)

Subject: European Research Advisory Board

In answer to my question E-1704/01(1) Mr Busquin stated that to help with advice on the overall balance of research topics, the Commission [had] recently established the European Research Advisory Board which could be called on to help with such advice.

On what date did or will the board begin work?

Could the Commission give details of the board's membership, budget and funding, duties, responsibilities, and operation?

(1) OJ C 364 E, 20.12.2001, p. 183.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2001)

The European Advisory Board was established by the Commission Decision 2001/531/EC, Euratom of 27 June 2001(1). This Decision describes the function and competence of the Board as well as the modalities foreseen for the achievement of its mandate. A budget of up to 624 550 per annum is presently foreseen for its activities. The Commission will also provide for financial and administrative support to the secretariat of the Board.

The members of the board were nominated by Commission Decision on 1 August 2001(2). The list of members is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament.

The Advisory Board met for the first time on 26 September 2001.

(1) OJ L 192, 14.7.2001.

(2) OJ C 268, 22.9.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2292/02

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(25 July 2002)

Subject: Rule of law in Austria

Is the Commission aware of the case of Mr Shalom Weiss, a US citizen convicted of fraud in Miami in 1999 and sentenced to 845 years in prison, who had sought refuge from this inhumane sentence in Austria?

Is the Commission aware that the Austrian Minister of Justice handed over Mr Weiss into American custody before Mr Weiss's appeal against deportation had completed the appropriate procedures and despite an injunction from the Administrative Court forbidding his extradition?

Is the Commission aware that the European Court of Human Rights had indicated that interim measures should be adopted pursuant to Rule 39 of its Rules of Procedure, and asked Austria to ensure that Mr Weiss was not extradited pending its examination of the case?

Is the Commission aware that the United Nations Human Rights Committee had also issued interim measures asking Austria not to deport Mr Weiss while it examined the human rights issues under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?

Does the Commission consider such conduct to be compatible with Austria's commitment to the principles of liberty, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law as set out in Article 6 of the EU Treaty?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 2002)

The Commission does not have any information as regards the particularities of the case of Mr Shalom Weiss other than that given in the written question itself.

The Commission has to underline that currently, extradition relations between Member States and third countries are not subject to any Union legal instrument. From this point of view, Member States are free to act in this field as they deem appropriate.

The Honourable Member asked the Commission to analyse the question as regards Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union.

The Commission would like to stress that this article is addressed to the European Union institutions and to the Member States when they implement Union law.

Being so, the Commission considers that it is not appropriate in the particular case raised by the Honourable Member, which does not fall under Union law, to voice an opinion on the compatibility of an action taken by Austria with the provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, or any other international legal instrument to which Austria is party. As the Honourable Member is aware, the European Court of Human Rights is the competent institution to deal with alleged violations of the European Convention.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3068/02

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(25 October 2002)

Subject: Price patterns in Italy following the introduction of the euro

In September 2002, the Italian Institute for Statistics published its data on consumer price patterns, which showed that the underlying rate of inflation for that month was 2,7 %. The most significant increases were in the fruit and vegetable and clothing sectors. The rise in the cost of living has led to a marked decrease in consumption and has also impacted on the economy as a whole. Italy's major consumer protection organisations have responded to this problem by opening discussions with the government and with traders' representatives aimed at seeking a solution to these high prices.

Could the Commission therefore:

1. indicate whether it will move to harmonise European legislation in the field of consumer protection, pursuant to Article 153 of the EC Treaty;

2. state whether any studies have been performed or documents produced on inflation in the European Union following the introduction of the euro;

3. give its general opinion on this situation.

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2002)

The Commission does not agree that there was a significant increase in prices linked to the introduction of the euro. According to an analysis carried out by Eurostat and published in July 2002, consumer prices in the euro zone, as measured by the Harmonised Consumer Price Index (HCPI), rose by 1,4 % between the last six months of 2001 and the first six months of 2002. Of this increase 1,2 % is attributable to historical inflation trends and specific factors not directly linked to the introduction of the euro (weather conditions, indirect taxes, etc.). The inflationary impact of the introduction of euro notes and coins is thus limited (not more than 0,2 %). In most Member States, similar estimates suggesting generally limited effects have been made by national statistical institutes and central banks. Nevertheless, abnormal price rises have been observed in some sectors (restaurants and cafés, health services, small traders, etc.). These increases, combined with a tendency to round prices up on certain everyday consumer products, might have contributed to the public's perception of a higher inflationary effect than that indicated by official indices for all consumer goods and services. Overall, inflation has been falling since the start of 2002.

The detailed analysis of the trends of prices by subsector of activity for the first six months of the year, to which Honourable Members can refer, was published by Eurostat on 17 July 2002 (News Release No 84/2002).

The Commission has no intention of proposing further harmonisation of the rules on prices beyond the existing provisions on the indication of prices and on the rounding of prices in connection with the introduction of the euro, the application of which is a matter for the Member States.
No C 295/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 11. 81 
CORRIGENDA 
Corrigendum to the Answer given by Mr Tugendhat on behalf of the Commission to Written Ques­
tion No 348/81 by Mr Berkhouwer 
(Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267 of19 October 1981) 
Page 11, left-hand column, first line of the Answer given by Mr Tugendhat on behalf of the Com­
mission: 
For: 'Although certain goods, regardless of their origin,...'. 
Read: 'Although certain books, regardless of their origin, ...'.
No C 200/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 7. 84 
CORRIGENDA 
Corrigendum to the answer to Written Question No 1750/83 of 31 January 1984 
(Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141 of 28 May 1984, page 22) 
(84/C 200/86) 
The last paragraph on page 22 should read as follows: 
If the latter assumption is correct, the Court judgment of 15 February 1976 cannot be interpreted as 
meaning that the import duties need not be collected in such a case. The judgment concerns goods 
originating in a non-Community country which had regularly been released for free circulation in the 
importing Member State before being redispatched to another Member State where a false declaration of 
origin was made; in that case, there had been no evasion of import duties.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0690/95 by Peter Crampton (PSE) to the Commission (10 March 1995)

Subject: Commission proposals in the field of budgetary affairs, 1994

How many proposals for legislation and regulations in the field of budgetary affairs were put forward by the Commission in 1994?

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0662/95, E-0663/95, E-0664/95, E-0665/95, E-0666/95 E-0667/95, E-0668/95, E-0669/95, E-0670/95, E-0671/95, E-0672/95, E-0673/95, E-0674/95, E-0675/95, E-0676/95, E-0677/95, E-0678/95, E-0679/95, E-0680/95, E-0681/95, E-0682/95, E-0683/95, E-0684/95, E-0685/95, E-0686/95, E-0687/95, E-0688/95, E-0689/95, E-0690/95 and E-0691/95 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)

Further to its answer of 10 April 1995, the Commission can now give the following information.

The table below gives the number of proposals for legislation transmitted by the Commission in 1994 for adoption in the various areas to which the Honourable Member's questions relate.

Some were designed to implement new measures and others to update earlier legislation. They may also relate to the management of certain common policies (for example, commercial policy, common agricultural policy, fisheries, customs union).

Consolidation proposals are also included. Proposals amending proposals transmitted earlier are not included.

The statistics and list are taken from the Commission's APC database, to which Members of the European Parliament can have access, like the other institutions and the public.

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0666/95 by Peter Crampton (PSE) to the Commission (10 March 1995)

Subject: Commission proposals in the field of fisheries, 1994

How many proposals for legislation and regulations in the field of fisheries were put forward by the Commission in 1994?

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0662/95, E-0663/95, E-0664/95, E-0665/95, E-0666/95 E-0667/95, E-0668/95, E-0669/95, E-0670/95, E-0671/95, E-0672/95, E-0673/95, E-0674/95, E-0675/95, E-0676/95, E-0677/95, E-0678/95, E-0679/95, E-0680/95, E-0681/95, E-0682/95, E-0683/95, E-0684/95, E-0685/95, E-0686/95, E-0687/95, E-0688/95, E-0689/95, E-0690/95 and E-0691/95 given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)

Further to its answer of 10 April 1995, the Commission can now give the following information.

The table below gives the number of proposals for legislation transmitted by the Commission in 1994 for adoption in the various areas to which the Honourable Member's questions relate.

Some were designed to implement new measures and others to update earlier legislation. They may also relate to the management of certain common policies (for example, commercial policy, common agricultural policy, fisheries, customs union).

Consolidation proposals are also included. Proposals amending proposals transmitted earlier are not included.

The statistics and list are taken from the Commission's APC database, to which Members of the European Parliament can have access, like the other institutions and the public.

>TABLE>