ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3263/00

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(20 October 2000)

Subject: Reciprocal defence guarantees in the EU

During a visit to Latvia on 10 February 2000, the Commission President Romano Prodi stated that any attack or act of aggression against an EU Member State was an attack or act of aggression against the EU as a whole.

Does the Commission consider, therefore, that the Member States are bound by reciprocal defence guarantees?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2000)

The Commission regrets that some comments on this issue have been taken out of context. In discussions with Lithuanian President Adamkus, the President of the Commission affirmed that membership of the Union gave a sense of belonging and that this was in a real sense an effective guarantee of security. What the President of the Commission said during his visit to Latvia was that membership of the Union represents the enhancement of national economic and political security through membership of the world's largest trading bloc, largest aid giver and largest provider of technical assistance to the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. So, there should be no confusion between the sense of security brought by the membership of an enlarging Union and the kind of territorial security commitment provided by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Western European Union (WEU) treaties, which were not part of the discussions. The use of the word attack had no military significance.

It may be helpful to distinguish between two component parts of the overall European security and defence equation territorial defence and Petersberg tasks. Issues of territorial defence should, of course, be raised with Member States themselves. Military implications of individual Member States' policy in the defence area fall squarely into the national domain. As to a territorial security commitment, such as that provided by article V of the NATO Treaty and article 5 of the WEU Treaty, this concerns only those EU Member States which have signed those treaties. In addition, territorial defence does not form part of ongoing discussions within the framework of ESDP.

The Union's stated aim is to be ready to support action within the framework of Petersberg tasks. All Member States agree on this and are ready to contribute.

There is, of course, an umbilical link between the military and non-military dimensions of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and crisis management. It is in these areas that the Union, its Member States and the Commission are increasingly active.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3344/00

by Christoph Konrad (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Compensation for tolls paid in Austria

After the Court of Justice's judgment of 26 September 2000, how does the Commission intend to deal with the matter of the tolls charged by the Austrian Government for use of the Brenner motorway, which, in breach of Community law (Directive 1999/62/EC)(1), have been imposed mainly on non-Austrian haulage companies?

Will the Commission be calling for compensation for the companies concerned?

(1) OJ L 187, 20.7.1999, p. 42.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 2000)

The Commission is following closely developments in Austria regarding the necessary measures to comply with the recent Court of Justice judgment. It has already asked the Austrian government to take those measures immediately. In case Austria fails to take such measures the Commission may refer the matter to the Court again, this time suggesting also an amount of lump sum or penalty payment in accordance with Article 228 (ex-Article 171) of the EC Treaty.

However the Commission has no powers to order the reimbursement of tolls which have been paid in the past or which continue to be paid until Austria has complied with the judgment. This is a question to be decided by the Austrian courts. The Court of Justice ruled that the tolls at the Brenner were imposed illegally, but the conditions under which a haulier can claim back illegal tolls (or other charges in Austria) are for the Austrian courts to decide, in application of Community rules such as the Francovitch judgement(1).

(1) Cases C-6 and 9/90, Recueil 1991, I, 5357.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3289/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Measures against caffein

According to researchers from John Hopkins University in the USA, caffein is added to soft drinks because of its addictive properties and not, as the manufacturers claim, to enhance flavour.

In addition to their addictive effect, such soft drinks are a major source of sugar, and tend to replace healthier products in the daily diet. Sugar intake causes damage to teeth in particular and is a factor in making people overweight.

Is the Commission considering measures against this on grounds of consumer protection (Article 153 of the EC Treaty) or public health (Article 152)?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 2001)

The Commission is aware of the concern that has been expressed regarding the caffeine content of certain food products. The matter has been discussed with the Member States and the Commission would be favourable to the labelling of drinks containing a significant amount of caffeine, bearing a mention to alert consumers to the presence of this substance. A proposal for a relevant measure will be prepared in 2001.

The Commission is also aware of the relationship between consumption of certain nutrients like sugar and health. There is scientific evidence that a high frequency of daily sugar intake seems to have an adverse effect on dental health. This subject has been covered in the report of the Eurodiet project co-financed by the Commission and has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

The Commission is currently preparing a Communication on an action plan on nutrition and a proposal for a Council Recommendation on European dietary guidelines. Actions for consumer education and information on the above issues will be a prominent part of those proposals.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3464/00

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 November 2000)

Subject: Measures in response to the floods in the north-west of Italy

Can the Commission say what initiatives have been taken to support those in the north-west of Italy hit by heavy floods?

Have budget allocations been made?

Has information on the extent of the damage been requested?

Are there any funds available?

Is there an investigation in progress?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3431/00, E-3464/00, E-3475/00 and P-3583/00 given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 December 2000)

The Honourable Member should refer to the answer that the Commission gave to Oral Question H-0857/00 from Mr Ebner at question time during the November I 2000 part-session of Parliament(1).

The Honourable Member should also refer to the comments made by the Commission during the debate on climate change at the October II part-session on 25 October 2000(2) and the debate on floods in Europe at the November part-session on 16 November 2000(3).

(1) Debates of the European Parliament (November 2000).

(2) Debates of the European Parliament (October II 2000).

(3) Debates of the European Parliament (November 2000).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3139/00

by Jacques Poos (PSE) to the Commission

(6 October 2000)

Subject: Oil crisis

The spiralling price of oil is not essentially the result of a deliberate policy on the part of OPEC; rather, it may be attributed to a severe shortage caused by extremely strong world economic growth.

This shortage may destabilise prices and disrupt growth.

Bearing the above considerations in mind, would the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Why has the Commission not proposed to the Ecofin Council that there should be a concerted, temporary and reversible reduction in the taxes levied on liquid fuels?

2. Why has it not taken the step of negotiating an agreement with the producer countries on stabilising oil prices on a long-term basis?

3. Why does the biggest economic area in the world not succeed in ensuring that it is able to pay for at least some of its imports in its own currency?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 2000)

The Commission's powers remain limited where energy is concerned, as the treaties do not give the Commission a specific legal basis for developing a Community energy policy.

However, the considerable rise in the price of crude oil since 1999 has prompted the Commission to put a clear and ambitious strategy to the Member States, which was presented to the Biarritz European Council in a document entitled The European Union's oil supply(1).

The strategy includes improving the operation of the internal energy market and strengthening competition in the downstream oil sector (refining and distribution), developing measures to curtail the demand for oil products (e.g. energy saving programmes and enhancing the role of alternative energies) and redressing the balance between modes of transport.

The Commission wishes to discourage the temptation to offset the rise in oil prices by tax reductions. Such an approach would run counter to the aims of Community environment policy (under the Kyoto Protocol in particular) and its energy and transport policies, and would be tantamount to transferring tax resources of Member States to the oil producing countries. It is precisely the opposite approach that is needed, with genuine harmonisation upwards of excise duties.

Several measures relating to general supply conditions are also proposed. The Community should strengthen cooperation in the upgrading of production and transport facilities in Russia. The prospects opened up by oil and gas from the countries of the Caspian Sea basin will be studied. The Commission will also look at ways of increasing strategic oil stocks. To combat speculation, ways of curbing price volatility similar to the techniques used on the money markets will be sought.

Use of the euro for transactions would naturally have many advantages for European economic operators. While market mechanisms will determine the pace at which the euro becomes the reference currency in this field, a special effort should perhaps be made to negotiate transactions between the energy exporting countries and the Community in euros.

(1) COM(2000) 631 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3814/00

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Compliance with 1991 Pigs Directive

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that all Member States comply with the 1991 Pigs Directive?

Will it confirm that, to date, only Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands have implemented or have drafted legislation for implementing the Directive?

When will new proposals be brought forward by the Commission?

What support is being given to the Polish Government's resistance to the introduction of intensive farming of pigs?

Does the Commission agree that too many sows spend nearly all their adult lives pregnant and in sow stalls?

Does the Commission further agree that minimum humane pig farming standards should include adequate space, the provision of straw, an alternative to tail docking, and an end to castration?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2001)

The Commission has adopted a report on the situation of intensive pig farming in the Community and the proposal to amend Directive 91/630/EEC with a view to improving the welfare conditions of pigs(1). The report and the proposal were transmitted to the Council and to the Parliament on 29 January 2001.

The Commission proposal addresses the following aspects: the rules for keeping sows in social groups thereby providing them with more living-space, the rules for the proper enrichment of the environment and improvements in the quality of flooring surfaces, and the prohibition for the worst types of routine mutilations.

As mentioned by the Honourable Member information is available to the Commission confirming that in recent years five Member States have adopted legislation for the protection of pigs providing for additional measures beyond those required under Council Directive 91/630/EEC.

To ensure proper enforcement of the Community animal welfare legislation on pig farming, inspections by the Food and Veterinary Office are carried out and infringement procedures against Member States which fail to implement the rules are actively pursued.

The Sapard plan for Poland (2000-2006) provides a total Community contribution amount of 205 170 000 for investments in agricultural holdings. This may be allocated to farmers who carry out pig production based on 100-250 stands for fattening pigs, or 10-25 sows in cases of closed loop production, if the farms fulfil Community hygiene and animal welfare standards.

(1) COM(2001) 20 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3645/00

by Jürgen Zimmerling (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(23 November 2000)

Subject: Future of the INCO-DEV research programme in the Sixth framework programme

International cooperation: Research for development (INCO) is no longer explicitly referred to in the guidelines for the future Sixth framework programme for the period 2002-2006. Does this mean that no more money will be provided for this sector and, if so, why?

An evaluation report on the last five years of the INCO programme was published only in May 2000. It explicitly highlighted the success of the programme and regarded its continuation as indispensable.

The INCO-DEV research programme is the most important, and often the only, aid instrument for developing research capacities in developing countries and for the German research institutions with a commitment in this area. If it were to go it would represent an irretrievable loss.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 2001)

The INCO-DEV research programme to which the Honourable Member refers is just one out of seven activities within the specific programme on Confirming the international role of Community research (1998-2002), adopted on 25 January 1999 as an implementing programme of the Fifth RTD framework programme(1).

The recent communication Making a reality of The European Research Area: Guidelines for EU research activities (2002-2006)(2) sets out broad orientations on the European Research Area and general guidelines in preparation of the Commission's proposal for the next framework programme. It does not enter into the level of detail of specific programmes, which will have to be proposed by the Commission and decided after the adoption by Parliament and Council of the RTD framework programme for the years 2002-2006. The recent communication does not therefore prejudge the issue, which will however be further considered in the preparation of the Sixth framework programme, taking due account of past experience and of the importance of the international dimension of Community research.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

(2) COM(2000) 612 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4022/00

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

(3 January 2001)

Subject: Abolition of tax privileges for staff in the diplomatic service

Provisions governing diplomatic privileges are laid down in the 1961 Vienna Convention. During the past few months, the undersigned have repeatedly forwarded written questions to the Commission, arguing that this Convention has since become outdated and should be reviewed, in particular with the aim of resolving the issue as to whether existing privileges are at all justified in the prevailing EU internal market.

In its answers, the Commission (in particular see E-1996/00) constantly referred to the fact that the abolition or revision of diplomatic privileges would call for an amendment to current Community legislation and at the same time would require a unanimous Council decision.

Does the Council intend to review the diplomatic privileges which are certainly no longer justified in today's EU internal market? Will it also be considering the relevance of the 1961 Vienna Convention in connection with efforts to bring about a reform of the Commission?

Reply

(24 April 2001)

Under Community legislation, exemption from VAT and excise duty may be granted by way of diplomatic privilege in accordance with the rules of customary international law, as codified by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Community is under a duty to abide by these rules. (See ECJ judgment of 16 June 1998, paragraph 45).

In terms of the single market, supposing there were no longer felt to be any justification for granting exemption to Member States' missions to other Member States, current Community legislation would have to be amended first, and this would require a unanimous Council vote on a Commission proposal. However, this would presuppose that the Member States had agreed not to apply, as between themselves, the relevant provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention, which are binding on them under international law. The Council has not received any indication to that effect, nor, to date, any Commission proposals for amendment of the relevant exemption provisions of Directives 77/388/EEC (6th VAT Directive) and 92/12/EEC (products subject to excise duty). Moreover, the Commission has made known (reply to Written Question E-1996/99) that it does not intend to submit any proposals on this issue in the near future.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4016/00

by Carlos Carnero González (PSE) to the Commission

(21 December 2000)

Subject: Referendum against trade union freedom in Venezuela

On 4 December last, under the auspices of President Hugo Chávez, a referendum was held against trade union freedom in Venezuela. Almost 80 % of voters failed to vote.

The holding of this referendum ran flat contrary to the international agreements which guarantee trade union freedom, starting with the rules of the WTO, as that body's director has publicly stated.

For a similar reason, the ICFTU (the body to which the main trades union congresses of the EU's Member States belong) has made repeatedly protests against the holding of this referendum and sounded warnings about its negative consequences.

What is the Commission's view of this referendum? Has it formally communicated that opinion to the Venezuelan authorities? Does it intend to make strong representations to the Venezuelan Government concerning the need to respect trade union freedom as one of the defining elements of a constitutional state?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2001)

This is a domestic issue which may be discussed on occasion of the meeting between the Union and the Andean group (scheduled for March in Santiago de Chile).

It is worth noting that Venezuela, along with the other Latin American and Caribbean countries, signed a joint-declaration at the Rio Summit, reiterating their support for democracy and freedom of opinion. The Commission will continue following closely the fulfillment of the agreements concluded between the parties and, if necessary, will consider providing specific support to countries in doing so. In addition, it should be stressed that the issues related to human rights are included in the three priority points identified in the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Parliament regarding the follow-up to the Rio Summit(1).

(1) COM(2000) 670 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3393/00

by Othmar Karas (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Effects and benefits of the single currency

14 months before the changeover to the euro, public awareness of the single currency is not satisfactory in any Member State of the euro zone. An important element of the information campaign jointly organised by the Commission, Parliament and the Council must be to inform the public of the benefits and the already manifest effects of the euro on growth and stability in the European Union.

When will the Commission draw up and publish for this purpose a precise and detailed official communication on those effects and benefits? Has the Commission agreed with the Member States to incorporate such a communication into the national campaigns throughout Europe and thereby provide the public with information?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2000)

The Commission will draw up a report on the positive effects of the euro early early in 2001. The report will discuss the benefits of economic and monetary union (EMU) from the following viewpoints. The first chapter will discuss the current economic situation and the smooth functioning of economic policy co-ordination. In particular, the conduct of a stability oriented macro-economic policy has gained credibility. The second chapter will highlight the progress which has been made in creating an efficient euro area financial market. This will in particular benefit the financing of investment activities of European corporations. The third chapter will be concerned with the external aspects of EMU. While the depreciation has received too much public attention, the euro has protected the Community from internal exchange rate distortions, which otherwise could have been expected, given the movements in the dollar exchange rate and oil prices. Finally, the last chapter will highlight the preparations for the 2002 changeover of bank notes and coins. The challenges and preparations foreseen for enterprises, the consumer and public administrations will be highlighted.

The Commission intends to finalise this report early in 2001. The Commission has not yet taken contact with the national governments to include the report in the national information campaigns, but it does not see any obstacles to including it if Member States wish to do so.