ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3341/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 December 2001)

Subject: Green space in Athens

According to recent findings published in the Greek press the area of green space in Athens amounts to 2,5 square metres per capita of the population of the city as opposed to the internationally recommended 15 square metres. In 1977, per capita green space in Athens was 4 square metres and, in 1965, 6 square metres.

In the Athens basin there are hundreds of hectares of land which are not being used and are intended to provide a green lung for the inhabitants. However, the projected Olympic Games will involve the construction of gigantic concrete sports complexes and other buildings in the last remaining open spaces in Athens and Piraeus. The Faliriko Bay area is in danger of being turned into a concrete sprawl as a result of the enormous projected sports facilities, and the same applies to the entire area from Pasalimani to Anavissos, where plans are being made to build cinemas, amusement centres, hotels and shops literally next to the sea.

What view does the Commission take of this disheartening situation in the Athens basin? What are the per capita areas of green space in other EU capitals? Has the Commission brought the problem to the attention of the Greek Government and if so, how, in order to make it understand that to place any further areas of Athens under concrete will threaten the already unsatisfactory quality of life of its inhabitants and jeopardise the extremely vulnerable ecological equilibrium of the Greek capital? What, if any, was the reaction of the Greek authorities?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2002)

In the light of the subsidiarity principle, Urban Planning issues lie within the competence of the Member States (often further delegated to local levels). Thus, the work of the Commission in the field of Urban planning focuses on assisting local/national authorities with, for example, development of monitoring tools facilitating the exchange of experiences and good practices between Municipalities and Cities within the Union. In line with the above, the Commission has not established recommended percentages of green areas, etc.

However, all major projects (including Cohesion Fund and Structural Funds projects) are subject to an obligation to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under Community law. This also applies to the projects linked to the Olympic Games in Athens. Such an Assessment would need to assure that the projects are in line with the protection measures established.

Furthermore, there is no specific Cohesion Fund or Structural Funds co-financing programme for the creation of green areas in Athens. However, actions relating to this could be proposed in the framework of the Attica and Environment operational programmes and, with certain conditions and restrictions, under the Cohesion Fund.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3440/01

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(21 December 2001)

Subject: The communal woodlands of Galicia and rural development

In the Spanish region of Galicia, there is a Germanic form of land ownership involving communal woodlands, the distinguishing characteristic of which is that the land belongs to the inhabitants because they live in a particular community. There are 2 800 woodland communities of this kind, covering an average area of 243 hectares and accounting altogether for one third of the rural land in Galicia. The number of inhabitants in the villages with communal woodlands totals as many as 250 000. The communally owned land

was recovered after being to a great extent appropriated during the Franco dictatorship, and the use of the woodlands, which are indivisible and unalienable, is regulated by Regional legislation. Within the limits inherent in their characteristics and the legislation, they can be used for forestry, farming, environmental purposes, tourism, industry, mining, etc., whilst remaining in common ownership. These tracts of land have extraordinary economic and social potential, which has so far hardly been exploited. Can they be the subject of rural development initiatives under the second pillar of the CAP?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-3440/01, E-3441/01, E-3443/01 and E-3444/01given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2002)

The Commission contributes through the Structural Funds to various regional development programmes in Spain. Galicia has a number of agricultural and rural development programmes in receipt of Community funding.

However, there is no specific programme for the common lands that the Honourable Member refers to.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and amending and repealing certain Regulations(1) lays down all the criteria under which Community funding can be granted.

That said, if these lands are deemed eligible under the Regulation, then the Structural Funds, including the EAGGF Guidance Section, could finance measures.

The Commission invites the Honourable Member to contact the regional and/or national authorities for further information on this matter.

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3298/01

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 November 2001)

Subject: Withdrawal of EU subsidies on grounds of maltreatment of animals

In Sweden, it has been observed that animal owners who maltreat their animals have nevertheless received millions in aid from the EU. These subsidies cannot be recalled as the rules for the most common animal aid do not contain any requirements concerning the treatment of the animals.

Is the Commission considering submitting proposals on criteria for animal care for the payment of subsidies, or can the Commission propose that the rules on subsidies are linked to national animal welfare provisions?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-3298/01 and P-3352/01given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 2002)

The Commission is aware of the problem highlighted by the Honourable Members. It should be noted that the Protocol on the protection and the welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty of Amsterdam(1) stipulates that in formulating and implementing the Community's agriculture policy, the Community and the Member States shall pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals.

Payment of aid to individual farmers is done by national administration, as it falls within the competence of Member States. The Commission therefore does not have any practical action on individual cases.

In the case of written question E-3298/01, since the Honourable Member refers to Community subsidies in general, the Commission cannot answer in detail.

However, in case of direct farming support schemes, several requirements can be highlighted from the legal basis:

- First, as concerns Compensatory allowances in Less Favoured Areas, following the provisions in Article 14(2) of Regulation 1257/1999(2), in order to be eligible for support the beneficiary shall adhere to Good Farming Practice, to be defined by the Member State.

- Second, in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation 1259/1999(3), in the case of direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy, it is up to Member States to take the environmental measures they consider to be appropriate in view of the situation of the agricultural land used or the production concerned and which reflect the potential environmental effects. These measures may, among other things, include general mandatory environmental requirements and specific environmental requirements constituting a condition for direct payments. However, animal welfare is not explicitly mentioned in the Council Regulation.

- Finally, and from a more general point of view, indent 11 of Article 33 in Regulation 1257/1999 provides Member States with possibilities to carry out measures in order to improve animal welfare.

(1) OJ C 340, 10.11.1997.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(3) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3613/01

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Council

(9 January 2002)

Subject: Trafficking and exploitation of children in Albania

According to figures provided by the Albanian Ministry for Public Order, between 1992 and 2 000, 4 000 children fell victim to organised crime in Albania. These child victims were taken illegally, mainly to countries in the West, to be abused by paedophiles, used as beggars and, in some cases, for the sale of organs.

Will the Council take concerted action, with the maximum possible involvement of Europol and in close collaboration with the Albanian, Italian and Greek authorities, to root out the gangs involved in the trafficking and exploitation of children, and when will it take decisions concerning the framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography adopted by Parliament on 12 June 2001(1)?

(1) Text adopted on 12.6.2001.

Reply

(25/26 March 2002)

The Honourable Member is referred to the reply given to her oral question No H-0626/01 in which the Council pointed out that it was taking action against such exploitation in the territory of the European Union but was unable to do so outside that territory.

The proposal for a Council framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography to which the Honourable Member refers is still under examination. At the Council meeting [Justice and Home Affairs and Civil Protection] on 6 and 7 December 2001, broad consensus was reached on definitions and on the acts to be made criminal offences. Work is continuing on that basis and should shortly result in a political agreement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2641/01

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(28 September 2001)

Subject: Arrest of eight foreign nationals by the Taliban in Afghanistan

Since 5 August, the Taliban Islamic fundamentalist regime has held eight foreign nationals (four German, two Australian and two American) and 16 Afghans working for the NGO, Shelter Now International, in custody charged with attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity. At the same time, hundreds of humanitarian aid workers are helping many thousands of Afghan civilians to survive the civil war. Under Islamic law, the sharia, the accused may face the death sentence.

What measures and diplomatic initiatives will the Commission take to compel the Islamic regime to guarantee the safety of the foreign nationals in its custody and respect their human rights, and what steps will it take to exert pressure on the unlawful government of Afghanistan to comply with international law and respect religious freedom, the right of freedom of expression and free will?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2001)

The three governments directly concerned with regard to the trial of the eight foreign aid workers currently ongoing in Kabul have indicated to the international community that, at this stage, they prefer to deal with the matter on a bilateral basis.

The Commission fully respects this position. It stands ready with other partners in the Union to make appropriate interventions should the German, Australian or American governments so request.

The Honourable Member will be aware that on matters such as relations with the current regime in Kabul, the Commission acts in collaboration with the Member States. In this regard, it has adopted a Common Position on Afghanistan (2001/56/CFSP) on 22 January 2001(1), which lists amongst the objectives of the Union in Afghanistan the promotion of respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, including rights of women and children.

Through the Common Position, the Union has imposed an arms embargo on the whole of Afghanistan and enforces the sanctions against the Taliban regime set out in the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1333.

(1) OJ L 21, 23.1.2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3664/01

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(15 January 2002)

Subject: Funding for European food safety policy campaign

Will funding be provided to the European Federation of Trade Unions of Food, Agriculture and Tourism for the implementation of the trade unions' information campaign, which aims to inform their members on the main food undertakings and objectives of European food safety policy?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2002)

The Commission launched an invitation to tender in all the Member States for the organisation of a consumer information campaign on food safety.

Following examination of the dossiers submitted by the applicants, one organisation was chosen in each Member State for the implementation of this campaign on the basis of the criteria set out in the invitation to tender.

The European Federation of Trade Unions of Food, Agriculture and Tourism did not submit an application dossier for this consumer information campaign. Consequently, its activities in the area of the provision of information on food will not be financed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3282/01

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 November 2001)

Subject: Environmental pollution in San Claudio (Oviedo-Asturias, Spain)

The San Claudio Aire Limpio environmental association (Amascal) has lodged complaints with various authorities in the Spanish region of Asturias concerning the air and soil pollution produced by the Indasa company, which is based in San Claudio, in the district of Oviedo (Asturias, Spain). In its smelting furnace the company uses scrap metal, paint waste, ink and lubricating oils, all of which are regarded as hazardous waste products. The air and soil pollution from heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.) which the company generates in a location only 300 metres from the town centre (and thus in breach of Spanish law, which requires such industries to be at least 2 000 metres away from inhabited areas) makes the local population fear for their health and for the future of the area in which they live.

In 1966 the European Union's predecessor adopted a framework directive intended to improve air quality and there are also Community laws laying down emission ceilings for each Member State. Furthermore, as regards waste, Directive 75/442/EEC(1), which establishes the basic principles relating to the collection, disposal, re-use and treatment of waste, has been supplemented by Directive 78/319/EEC(2) on the elimination of toxic and dangerous waste.

In the case in question the following Directives could be applicable:

- Directive 1999/30/EEC(3) on the limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and lead in ambient air;

- Directive 82/884/EEC(4) and the amendments thereto, on a limit value for lead in air;

- Directive 88/609/EEC(5) and the amendments thereto, on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants;

- Directive 96/62/EC(6) on ambient air quality assessment and management.

What action is the Commission intending to take in the case under consideration in order to ensure that current Community legislation is properly applied?

(1) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.

(2) OJ L 84, 31.3.1978, p. 43.

(3) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41.

(4) OJ L 378, 31.12.1982, p. 15.

(5) OJ L 336, 7.12.1988, p. 1.

(6) OJ L 296, 21.11.1996, p. 55.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 2002)

The Commission is aware of the facts mentioned by the Honourable Member due to a complaint it has received on the matter.

In the course of its inquiries relating to this complaint, the Commission asked the Spanish authorities to comment on the application of Community environment law likely to be relevant.

The Commission has just received the Spanish authorities' reply and is in the process of examining it. Whatever the circumstances, as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will be taking any steps necessary to ensure that Community law is complied with.

The Commission will be sure to inform the Honourable Member on the results of its investigation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2929/01

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(24 October 2001)

Subject: Answer to Question No E-1569/01 Assessment of the hazards of fireworks materials in the EU

In its answer to Question E-1569/01(1), the Commission stresses the importance of question 1. What practical initiatives does the Commission intend to take, however, to eliminate what it also views as the existing shortcomings in the application of classifications 1.1 to 1.4 UN/ADR to (temporary) storage facilities for fireworks materials?

1. This point of is particular importance since with the adoption of this system under the Seveso II Directive, the Member States are required to apply it to the relevant facilities.

2. Question 1 is put to the Commission once more. What possibilities does the Commission see for the UN/ADR tests to be supplemented by a test whereby the materials would be exposed to fire in an enclosed environment in order to take account of the fact that most fireworks materials are not only transported in containers but also stored in them?

3. The Commission's answer also stresses the importance of question 2. What initiatives does the Commission intend to take, however, to eliminate the serious failings that exist?

4. What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to ensure that uniform European criteria are established for the classification of explosive materials and that uniform rules are laid down for their application?

5. Question 2 is also put to the Commission once more. Is it possible for the Commission to require all the Member States to have the classification of explosive materials monitored before import by means of tests carried out by laboratories accredited in the Community?

(1) See page 2.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2001)

In order to take account of the fact that a lot of fireworks materials are not only transported but also stored in containers, the Commission will, in close co-operation with the Member States, examine ways of eliminating possible shortcomings in the current test procedures and criteria of the United Nations/European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (UN/ADR) classification scheme, including a test whereby the materials would be exposed to fire in an enclosed environment.

As already expressed in its answer to the Honourable Member's Written Question E-1569/01(1), the Commission will consider appropriate measures to ensure that the classification and labelling of explosive and pyrotechnic products, in particular those imported from third countries, is carried out correctly and therefore reflects the proper hazard potential of the products.

In this context, the Commission emphasises that the important rules are in place, including the general products safety Directive, Council Directive 92/59/EEC(2), and that one of the main current weaknesses lies in the area of enforcement. Clearly, the level of enforcement in the Member States could be raised so that the importation of incorrectly labelled explosives from third countries will in the future be avoided.

(1) See page 2.

(2) OJ L 228, 11.8.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3650/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Council

(15 January 2002)

Subject: Somalia and anti-terrorism measures

As part of the action being taken to combat terrorism the al-Barakat financial network has been blocked with a view to preventing fundamentalist terrorists from having large sums of money to use for illegal activities. However, this financial network is used by Somali emigrants to send money back to relations in Somalia.

Accordingly, can the Council ask the national governments to open an official channel through their national credit institutions which will enable political refugees and emigrants from Somalia who are legally resident in other countries to send money back to relations in Somalia?

Reply

(25/26 March 2002)

The Council has not discussed the question raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian concerning the opening of an official channel through which political refugees and emigrants from Somalia, who are legally resident in other countries, can send money back to their relations in Somalia.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3428/01

by Giacomo Santini (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 December 2001)

Subject: Excessive checks on heavy goods vehicles in Austria

The closure of the Gotthard tunnel on 15 October this year has diverted a large proportion of southbound heavy and light traffic destined for Austria and Italy. In view of the ongoing environmental and traffic emergency on the Brenner motorway, the increase in traffic is causing serious concern to the inhabitants and authorities in the areas through which it passes. This does not justify the obstructive attitude adopted by the Austrian Government and the Tyrolean police in particular, who are hampering the circulation of (foreign) heavy goods vehicles

at both the entrance to and exit from the Brenner pass. The checks consist in thorough, lengthy and often excessive technical inspections of the vehicles' mechanical instruments, the weight borne by each axle, pointless measurements of every detail, checks on the goods carried, etc, etc.

All these formalities constitute a serious waste of time often delays of several hours which cause financial losses and bring traffic to a standstill, in addition to the pollution caused by gas emissions and vehicle noise. These measures contravene the provisions of the Treaties establishing the Union, which sanction the free movement of goods, and the provisions of the Accession Treaty signed by Austria. In the past checks of this kind and the levying of tolls considered to be excessive led the Court of Justice in Luxembourg to impose heavy sanctions on the Austrian Government and the Land of Tyrol. Does the Commission intend to take urgent steps to prevent serious damage and ban unacceptable discrimination of this kind, which infringes the Treaties?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 2002)

The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the Honourable Member concerning the considerable increase in checks on heavy goods vehicles on a stretch of Austria's Brenner motorway, which is hampering road traffic.

It is examining the legality of these practices in the light of Council Regulation (EC) No 2679/98 of 7 December 1998 on the functioning of the internal market in relation to the free movement of goods among the Member States(1).

The Commission intends to ensure that the common rules in this regard are complied with.

(1) OJ L 337, 12.12.1998.