ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4078/97 by Monica Baldi (UPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Anti-Italian previews on Channel Four

The anti-Italian previews of the Italy-Russia football match recently broadcast on the British television channel, Channel Four were a serious affront to our country and an incitement to intolerance and violence.

What action does the Commission intend to take to prevent the media from violating the principles of peace and tolerance on which the EU is based and that of respect for the national identities of its Member States enshrined in Article F of the Common Provisions of the TEU?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (24 February 1998)

The Commission was not aware of the transmission by Channel 4 in the United Kingdom of the trailers mentioned by the Honourable Member. It immediately took the matter up with the British authorities. They have informed the Commission that such matters are regulated in the United Kingdom by the Independent television commission (ITC) which is responsible for applying those national rules that implement 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 (the television without frontiers directive) which provides the legal framework at Community level for broadcasting activities ((OJ L 202, 30.7.1997. )). Also, the Broadcasting standards commission (BSC) investigates complaints under its code of practice, to which all British broadcasters adhere. Both these bodies have investigated the matter and have come to the conclusion that, although the trailers were a poor attempt at humour, they did not constitute a breach of the taste and decency regulations according to United Kingdom standards. It should be noted that the trailers were only broadcast for the first match and were not repeated for the second match. Furthermore, there has been correspondence between the British minister with responsibility for sports and the president of the Italian national olympic committee which is in charge of sports in Italy, in which the British minister states that he wholeheartedly agrees that material should not be broadcast which can be seen as advocating inappropriate attitudes among spectators of international games. In the circumstances, the Commission believes that although this incident was unfortunate, it does not appear to constitute a breach of Community law and it is confident that it will not be repeated.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4048/97 by Antonio Tajani (UPE) and Claudio Azzolini (UPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Independence of the Banca d'Italia

The future European Central Bank will be founded on the notion of the independence and autonomy of the existing central banks, in the context of the growing need for guaranteed freedom from political interference.

Is the Commission aware of the unacceptable pressure being exerted by the Italian government and the parties of the ruling coalition, as widely reported in the press, on Mr Antonio Fazio, the Governor of the Banca d'Italia, to reduce the official interest rates?

Has the Italian government at any point consulted the Council on the possibility of replacing Mr Fazio in the near future by persons from the Banca Centrale who would be closer to the ruling coalition?

Does the Commission not view any such initiatives as prejudicial to the independence of the Banca d'Italia and as liable to jeopardize Italy's entry into, and capacity to remain within, the single European currency?

What is the Commission's position on the opinion expressed by Mr Fazio to the effect that structural reforms and a reduction in fiscal pressure are essential for participation in the single currency?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (23 February 1998)

With regard to the independence of the central bank:

In accordance with Article 109j of the EC Treaty, the Commission will assess in its convergence report whether the statutes of the Banca d'Italia are compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and with the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). Under Article 108, 'Each Member State shall ensure, at the latest at the date of establishment of the ESCB, that its national legislation including the statutes of its national central bank is compatible with this Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB.'

Leaving aside the work under way within the Commission on assessing the statutes of the Banca d'Italia, the Commission is not aware of any initiatives prejudicial to the independence of the Banca d'Italia or of any plan by the Italian Government to replace its Governor.

With regard to the need for structural reforms:

In its latest annual economic report and in its broad economic policy guidelines, the Commission supported the idea of reducing the tax burden and speeding up structural reforms. Such a policy helps promote economic growth and hence job creation. These reforms are necessary in most Member States, irrespective of the introduction of the euro.

Furthermore, in its conclusions regarding Italy's convergence programme, the Ecofin Council on 19 January 1998 welcomed first the major reforms launched or carried out by Italy since the July 1997 examination of the convergence programme, which looked at tax and budgetary procedures, and second the additional measures taken to reform the social security system in 1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3849/97 by Kenneth Coates (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (5 December 1997)

Subject: Minewater pollution

What reply has the Commission received from the UK authorities concerning Directive 76/464/EEC ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976, p. 23. )) and the escape of polluted minewaters from abandoned mines?

Given the threat of further closures of deep mines in Britain, and the possible cessation of water treatment and pumping operations, what scope does Directive 80/68/EEC ((OJ L 20, 26.1.1980, p. 43. )) afford in protecting groundwater from polluting emissions from abandoned mines?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

As regards information concerning Directive 76/464/EEC of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976. )), the Commission is able to inform the Honourable Member that it is currently investigating this matter in the framework of Article 169 of the EC Treaty proceedings. Therefore, given the confidential nature of these proceedings, the Commission regrets that it is not able to disclose this information from the Member State.

As regards Directive 80/68/EEC of 17 December 1979 on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances ((OJ L 20, 26.1.1980. )), the purpose of this Directive is to prevent the pollution of groundwater by substances in list I and II. In particular, Article 4 and Article 5, inter alia, concern indirect discharges of substances in list I or II. Thus, it appears that there may be some scope for the application of this Directive to discharges from abandoned mines.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4085/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (V) to the Commission (16 January 1998)

Subject: Mapping of indigenous territories in the Amazon region

A number of projects to map indigenous territories and protected areas in the Amazon region have been carried out on the instructions of the European Commission.

In what countries have indigenous territories and protected areas been mapped and how complete are the maps that have been produced to date? Under what framework are supplementary projects being planned and to what extent are private undertakings involved in them? Is there any connection between these mapping projects and the PPG7 pilot project?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4084/97, E-4085/97 and E-4086/97 given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1998)

The Community has financed numerous projects in Amazonia involving the mapping of indigenous territories, through the tropical forest budget line. These projects aim to establish the limits of indigenous territories with the primary intention of encouraging the conservation and sustainable development of tropical forests, so that such groups can chose to continue to practise their traditional ways of life wherever feasible and sustainable given competing demands from other land-users.

The Commission was invited to assist developing countries establish an accurate overall view of indigenous lands in their territories. In this context the Commission is preparing a working document on support for indigenous people in development cooperation.

The Commission has assisted the Instituto socio-ambiental (ISA) in Brazil to prepare accurate, up-to-date maps of indigenous territories in that country, and to set up a network linking similar organisations in Latin America to share experience and coordinate transboundary activities. This work is continuing in a second phase which is just getting under way, that will incorporate other geographical information such as vegetation types, into a single GIS (geographic information system). ISA has thus become the national repository of information on indigenous territories in Brazil, to the extent that government organisations such as National foundation of support to the indigenous (FUNAI), turn first to ISA for maps and to help resolve land conflict issues involving indigenous people. ISA has also got strong links with the G7 pilot programme, particularly the 'Indigenous lands' project, which has been demarcating the legal boundaries of recognised indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon with support from the German government and the Community (through the Rainforest trust fund).

In Brazil, ISA maintains very close contact with the government, especially FUNAI, the federal department responsible for indigenous affairs.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3264/97 by María Estevan Bolea (PPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Petroleum coke and cement works

Petroleum coke is the final waste product remaining after crude oil has been refined.

Does the Commission believe petroleum coke to be just a fuel or does it regard it as waste?

Should the cement works which burn petroleum coke be licensed in the same way as waste treatment plants?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (26 January 1998)

Petroleum coke does not presently figure on the list of waste established by Commission Decision of 20 December 1993 ((OJ L 5, 7.1.1994. )) in application of the Article 1a of the Council Directive 75/442/EEC. However, petroleum coke is listed in Commission Regulation No 1734/96 of 9 September 1996, (Code NC 2713) on tariff and statistical nomenclature.

The list of waste established under Directive 75/442/EEC is currently under review by the Member States, and the question of whether petroleum coke should figure on it will be discussed in the near future.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3919/97 by Edouard des Places (I-EDN) to the Commission (28 November 1997)

Subject: Situation of the dried vegetables branch of the agri-foodstuffs sector

According to the regulation setting out the arrangements for aid to vegetable growing, aid is granted in respect of vetches (Vicia sativa), ref. No 07 13 90 90 in the Common Customs Tariff published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 September 1996 ((OJ L 238, 19.9.1996. )). This heading of the Common Customs Tariff comprises other 'dried leguminous vegetables, shelled, whether or not skinned or split' in a chapter on edible vegetables for human consumption.

However, vetches are clearly a forage plant intended exclusively for animal consumption, as is confirmed by the fact that they included in the Customs Tariff under heading 12 14 'Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets'. They are consequently covered by heading No 12 14 90 99 and not by No 07 13 90 90.

The current significant increase in the cultivation of dried leguminous vegetables in Europe has resulted in the MGA set out in the regulation being considerably exceeded, and it is clear that the areas under vetch are to blame for this.

Given that there are no vetches covered by heading 07 13 90 90, it seems illogical to justify a reduction of aid in respect of lentils and chickpeas on the grounds that the MGA has been exceeded as a result of the cultivation of vetch.

Does the Commission propose to make the wording of the regulation on dried vegetables more precise so as to clarify this situation which severely penalises producers and processors in the dried vegetables branch of the agri-foodstuffs sector?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1998)

Vetches eligible for production aid are defined in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1577/96 introducing a specific measure in respect of certain grain legumes ((OJ L 206, 16.8.1996. )). Eligible vetch species are Vicia sativa L and Vicia ervilla Wildd, which fall within CN (combined nomenclature) code ex 07 13 90 90 'other'. The Commission will study the classification of these two species of vetch in detail and, if necessary, propose an amendment to the legislation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3637/97 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (13 November 1997)

Subject: Guarantees required in respect of participation in the employment initiative in Sweden

As has already been pointed out in earlier questions, the Italian authorities' decision to require non-profit-making undertakings to provide bank guarantees in order to participate in employment initiatives has proved costly and punitive for undertakings which obviously have difficulty in providing financial guarantees of their own.

Given that such matters are subject to different regulations in the various Member States of the Union, would the Commission state whether Sweden requires non-profit-making undertakings (and, in general, firms in the cooperative, mutual and non-profit sector) to provide financial or bank guarantees and, if so, on what terms?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3624/97, E-3625/97, E-3626/97, E-3627/97, E-3628/97, E-3629/97, E-3630/97, E-3631/97, E-3632/97, E-3633/97, E-3634/97, E-3635/97, E-3636/97 and E-3637/97 given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1998)

The Commission has no information on the obligation imposed by Member States on non-profit organisations to provide a bank guarantee in order to gain access to funding under the various Community programmes. This is a matter of national law.

As regards the granting of subsidies under the Employment initiative, it is up to the national authorities which sign the agreements with the project promoters to require bank guarantees in accordance with the national rules in force. In Austria, Germany, Greece, Portugal and Spain, such guarantees are not normally required from potential promoters to gain access to the Employment initiative.

While it is true that the provision of a bank guarantee may be an additional burden, particularly for enterprises operating in the context of the social economy, it is nonetheless true that this is essential when the consequences of failing to fulfil a contractual obligation may exceed the debtor's financial means.

The Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities of 21 December 1977 ((OJ L 356, 31.12.1977. )), as last amended ((OJ L 240, 7.6.1995. )), requires the provision of security by contractors when very large contracts are awarded or when subsidies are granted for the performance of projects involving high sums. However, the majority of non-profit associations are rarely affected by this obligation, given the small scale of the projects they propose.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3973/97 by Anneli Hulthén (PSE) to the Commission (12 December 1997)

Subject: Illegal use of hormones in meat production

The media regularly report the illegal use of hormones in meat production in the EU. How does the Commission regard these reports, and, if they are true, do not such occurrences reduce the Community's credibility in its dispute with the USA on hormones?

Answer given by Mr. Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 February 1998)

The uncovering of a certain number of cases of illegal use of growth hormones, duly reported in the media, is the outcome of a serious attempt by the Member States to guarantee European consumers hormone-free meat and proof of that attempt's effectiveness. This cannot harm the Community's credibility as regards the United States.

The implementation by Member States of surveillance measures required under Directive 96/23/EC on measures to monitor substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC ((OJ L 25, 23.5.1996. )), together with severe penalisation of offenders, should in the medium term result in a big drop in the number of cases of illegal use of these banned substances.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3339/97 by Francesco Baldarelli (PSE) to the Commission (22 October 1997)

Subject: Road accidents in Italy

1. How many people were killed and injured in road accidents in Italy in the latest year for which figures are available, and how do these figures translate into fatalities per million cars registered (a) in Italy and (b) by comparison with the overall figure for the EU?

2. What is the estimated economic cost of road deaths in Italy?

3. What changes are recommended by the Commission in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in road accidents?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1997)

In 1994, 7 036 people were killed in traffic accidents in Italy and 238 932 were injured. Based on the number killed by million inhabitants over the period 1991-1994, the position of Italy is worse than the European average, and proportionately worse than that of six other Member States. Clearly, it is difficult to make precise comparisons between Member States as there are a number of factors, such as the quality of infrastructure, which are not comparable. The figures given above are, however, a clear indication of the relative rate of deaths and injuries.

The Commission has calculated that the direct cost of road accidents (including the cost of police and emergency services, vehicle repairs, and lost economic output), is 45 000 MECU per year for the Community as a whole. When divided by the total of 45 000 road fatalities per year, this gives a simple average of 1 MECU per death and associated injuries. In Italy, the '1 MECU test' would produce a cost for road deaths of about 7 000 MECU per year.

The Commission has adopted a communication 'Promoting road safety in the EU - The programme for 1997-2001' ((COM(97) 131 final. )) which sets out in detail the Commission's plans to build on the successes of the first action programme which ran from 1993-1996. The Commission's actions will focus on three areas: information gathering and dissemination in order to identify and to monitor the situation and thereby promote focused improvements, initiating and supporting measures to avoid accidents, with an emphasis on the human factor and its interface with environmental features like road and junction design, and traffic signals; and initiating and supporting measures to reduce the consequences of accidents when they occur - by means of achieving further improvements in vehicle design and crash resilience, for example.

In addition, the Commission actively advocates cost-free changes in behaviour which would save a large number of lives and reduce the seriousness of injuries. If in Italy, for instance, front and rear seat belt wearing was at the level of the countries in which it is most usual, reliable estimates put the number of lives that would be saved at 1 384 every year - a reduction in deaths of about 20%.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3379/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (23 October 1997)

Subject: ALURE, Synergy, and Latin America

ALURE, the programme launched by the Commission to help rationalize and modernize Latin American energy systems, has just completed its first year of operations. The aims of the programme are also covered in an area of the Synergy programme.

Could the Commission supply the essential details of experiences to date, with particular reference to the development of renewable energy sources, specifying what amounts have been invested, who have been the recipients, what experts have been recruited, and what has been the outcome of the initial stage?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1997)

Alure (optimum use of energy resources in Latin America) is an economic cooperation programme under Council Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 of 25 February 1992 on financial and technical assistance to and cooperation with Latin American developing countries ((OJ L 52, 27.2.1997. )). It establishes relations between Community and Latin American power and gas companies and between investors from the two regions but does not get involved in institutional matters unless an obstacle to business ties is detected. The standard size of projects is around ECU 1 million, of which half comes from Alure.

Alure's consultative committee recommends a preselection of projects to the Commission which then makes the final selection. Thirteen projects were selected for Phase I (1995-97) for a total of ECU 7 million in Community contributions, with an equivalent amount coming from consortia. Whilst eligible projects are aimed at sustainable development Alure does not focus on the promotion of renewable energy. The Synergy programme is situated upstream of Alure and deals with energy policy, also in Latin America. The customary Community contribution ranges from ECU 150 000 to ECU 200 000 for studies, seminars or consultancy activities.

Renewable energy forms part of Synergy's priorities in the context of European security of supply and protection of the environment: Synergy has cofinanced, to the tune of ECU 220 000, together with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, a study on the region's geothermal potential and the obstacles to its development. The outcome was the regional development plan to be discussed at Santiago de Chile from 10 to 12 November. Two Italian and French experts contributed to this work.

Relatively few cooperation schemes on energy policy cover the field of renewable energy where the demand mainly concerns feasibility studies for projects.