ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1767/96 by Bryan Cassidy (PPE) to the Commission (3 July 1996)

Subject: Unfair competition on cross-channel ferry routes

It has been alleged that the French government is subsidizing Britanny Ferries, a French owned cross-Channel ferry operator. This has led to British ferry companies not being able to compete on a fair basis. Some ferry companies have had to drop some of their ferry routes from my Euro-constituency in the UK because of this situation.

Will the Commission investigate these allegations of unfair competition from French ferry operators and subsidies from the French government?

If it is found that the French government are subsidizing French ferry operators can the Commission give assurances that it will start proceedings against the French government to stop this distortion in single market trade?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1996)

The Commission has already received a complaint about alleged state aid to Brittany Ferries and is urgently investigating the matter. There has been an exchange of correspondence with the French authorities but it is not yet clear whether aid will be made available to Brittany Ferries and, if so, on what basis. The Commission has recently asked the French authorities for further clarification of the position and it cannot assess the outcome of the investigation at this stage.

The Commission is fully aware of the intense competition between the cross-Channel operators and the potential for any grant of state aid to distort that competition.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1818/96 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (5 July 1996)

Subject: Recovery of works of art stolen from Italy during the Second World War

The study group set up by the Italian Ministry of Culture recently produced a comprehensive catalogue of the hundreds of works of art removed from museums and public and private collections in Italy during the Second World War. This detailed register, which is backed up by extensive, unique documentation is the product of thirty years of painstaking research conducted by Professor Rodolfo Sivieri.

The many works involved were exported in a not altogether legal manner and in flagrant breach of Italian Law No 1089 of 1989 concerning the protection of cultural and artistic goods, on which a strict export ban had been placed. These masterpieces undoubtedly form part of our universal culture and are currently in the unlawful possession of foreign museums and foundations, inter alia in Germany, the CIS States and the United States.

Would the Commission take prompt action in support of the measures being taken by the relevant Italian authorities with a view to speeding up the process of recovering the stolen works of art, above all from countries belonging to the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (11 September 1996)

With a view to achieving - including for cultural objects - the objective of free movement of goods within the internal market in line with Article 7a of the EC Treaty, the Commission has adopted among other instruments Council Directive 93/7/EEC of 15 March 1993 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State. ((OJ L 74, 27.3.1993. ))

The Directive applies, in principle, only to cultural objects unlawfully removed after 1 January 1993 from the territory of a Member State which classifies them as national treasures.

In accordance with Article 14(2) of the Directive, each Member State may decide to extend the obligation to return cultural objects introduced by the Directive to cultural objects classified as national treasures that were unlawfully removed from the territory of another Member State prior to 1 January 1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2477/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (13 September 1996)

Subject: Work done by women

Has the Commission read the ILO Women and Work report, which reveals that, in the EU, women do more work than men (unpaid work included) and, in the case of paid work, earn less than men?

Does it have its own figures comparing the number of hours worked by women and men and, broken down by Member State, for the average pay of women and men?

Do its figures agree with those of the ILO?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (30 October 1996)

The Commission would request the Honourable Member to provide more detailed information on the title of the report in question, since the ILO has published several reports on women and employment.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1774/96 by Erich Schreiner (NI) to the Commission (3 July 1996)

Subject: Sponsorship for the Vienna marathon

According to press reports (Kurier of 22 March 1995) the European Commission owes the organizers of the Vienna marathon held in June 1994 öS 286 000.14 in sponsorship money. Have these debts since been discharged? If so, under which budget heading and in which financial year were they paid?

If not, when, under which budget heading and in which financial year will these debts be paid?

Who authorized Mr Pirzio-Biroli to sponsor the Vienna marathon with EU taxpayers' money, when and to the tune of how much?

If Mr Pirzio-Biroli provided this sponsorship without authorization, does the Commission intend to demand reimbursement of öS 286 000.14 from Mr Pirzio-Biroli?

If not, why not?

What sanctions does the Commission usually impose on officials who grant sponsorship on behalf of the Commission without authorization?

Is it usual for the Commission to pledge sponsorship of sporting events and then forget to honour its pledges?

If so, what measures will the Commission take in this case?

If not, why did it do so in the case of the Vienna marathon?

Does the Commission intend to sponsor sporting events in all the future Member States?

If so, in which countries will what sports events be sponsored and when?

Can the fact that the Vienna marathon and the referendum (on Austria's accession to the EU) were held in the same month be discounted as a decisive factor influencing the Commission's generosity?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1996)

The Commission, through its delegation in Austria, co-financed the Vienna Marathon in 1994.

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Commission has a budget line for sport activities called Eurathlon. The procedure for an organisation to be subsidised for this kind of activity is the same as for other activities, i.e. the delegation (now the representation) makes a commitment proposal which is sent to Brussels for approval. Due to a number of administrative problems, there were some regrettable delays in this case, especially concerning the final payment, but this has been completed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1910/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (11 July 1996)

Subject: Directive 92/43/EEC (habitats)

Which Member States have not yet fully transposed Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )) into national law?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1996)

Four Member States (Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal) have not communicated any national implementation measures in respect of the Directive.

The other Member States have communicated national implementation measures, but in some cases the transposing legislation is incomplete in its contents or in its geographical scope.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2093/96 by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission (26 July 1996)

Subject: PACTE programme (exchange of experience)

The PACTE programme (exchange of experience) was highly successful with cities and regions in 1995 and 1996.

Since the programme cannot be financed under budget heading B2-600 because of an interinstitutional agreement, what alternative is the Commission proposing to ensure co-financing of the programme under the 1997 budget? Is heading B2-182 (transitional measures and innovatory schemes) a possible way of ensuring Community co-financing, in conjunction with local and regional authorities of PACTE projects which, by definition, are innovatory schemes for those authorities?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2093/96, E-2149/96 and E-2151/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (22 October 1996)

The Commission appreciates the Parliament's concern about the financing of projects for initiating interregional cooperation, and in view of the budgetary situation it is studying the possibility of funding these projects under Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 as amended, which relates to the European Regional Development Fund. ((OJ L 193, 31 July 1993. )) These projects could involve a Community contribution of ECU 150 000 to 300 000.

The Commission will not fail to inform Parliament at the appropriate time of the results of its study, which must take account in particular of the Court of Auditors' criticisms of partially delegated management of Community appropriations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2038/96 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (19 July 1996)

Subject: Begging by and exploitation of children from outside the Community

In Italy, children - their average age is tending to fall - in a filthy state and cunningly dressed in rags are resorting to begging, most commonly at traffic lights. Like window-cleaning, their activity constitutes a form of exploitation of children organized along near-industrial lines.

The ranks of these unfortunates have recently been swelled first and foremost by Albanian children, some of whom are not even 10 years old.

Will the Commission call on the governments to tighten up checks at all borders which could be used as entry points?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (20 September 1996)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the problem of the exploitation of third country nationals and in particular, the exploitation of minors, needs to be addressed, at least in part, through the correct management of the external borders of the Member States.

According to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, the rules governing the crossing by persons of the external borders of the Member States and the exercise of controls thereon, are regarded by the Member States as matters of common interest. The Commission therefore tabled in 1993 a draft convention ((OJ C 11, 15. 1.1994. )), proposing common rules for this purpose, on which the Presidency invited and received the Parliament's opinion. Regrettably, and despite repeated insistence from the European Council (most recently at its meeting in Florence in June 1996), the Council has not reached agreement on this draft convention. These controls are, therefore, conducted according to national rules or international conventions in force between two or more Member States.

The Council has, however, on the basis of a proposal by the Commission based on Article 100 C EC Treaty adopted Regulation EC No 2317/95 determining the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the Member States ((OJ L 234, 3.10.1995. )). Albania, to which the Honourable Member specifically refers, is on that list.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207/96 by Eolo Parodi (UPE) to the Commission (9 August 1996)

Subject: PDO label for Ligurian pesto

Genoese pesto, an authentically Ligurian sauce, is not protected in any way at Community level. Most seriously, the various non-Ligurian products sold under the name of pesto and the like have altered the nature of 'genuine typical Genoese pesto' resulting from the ingredients from which it is made, namely Ligurian basil, extra virgin olive-oil, garlic, and Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses.

The Commission has recently announced the 318 Community products which have been awarded the 'protected designation of origin' (PDO) label. Ligurian pesto is not included.

What criteria does the Commission observe when selecting products to be protected and promoted?

Can it arrange immediately for the genuine, unique Genoese and Ligurian sauce to be placed on the list of 'PDO' products, since this is a product that is prized throughout the world on account of its geographical origin and therefore deserves to be protected and promoted, not least at Community level?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1996)

'Pesto' was not included in the first lists of registered products as the Commission did not receive a request for registration under the procedures laid down in Regulation 2081/92 relating to the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. ((OJ L 208 of 24 July 1992. ))

To be registered:

- the pesto must come within the scope of the Regulation, that is to say it must be one of the agricultural products listed in Annex II to the Treaty;

- there must be a link between the product and a geographical area delimited by objective natural and human factors or it must be a known geographical name.

Another approach would be to have recourse to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs designed to protect traditional recipes without requiring a link between the product and a delimited area.(1)

These two Community schemes are voluntary so it is up to a producer group to define its product in accordance with specifications laid down and to lodge the registration request with its national authorities. If the request fulfils the criteria and definitions laid down, the national authorities forward it to the Commission. Community protection can be granted only when the criteria laid down in Articles 2 and 4 of Regulation 2081/92 and Articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 Regulation 2082/92 have been met.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1875/96 by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission (11 July 1996)

Subject: Sleeping periods for aircrews

Is the Commission aware that pilots of Air New Zealand are permitted to sleep for half an hour in the cockpit on international flights, because the airline considers that it is better to let a pilot sleep during a period when little is happening than for two or even three pilots to sleep at the same time, a phenomenon which has occurred several times on all airlines.

Does the Commission agree with the view that permitting this kind of 'controlled sleeping may be safer than 'unofficial, uncontrolled sleeping' by pilots?

If so, does the Commission intend to support such decisions if European airlines also start to permit 'controlled sleeping' by pilots?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (26 September 1996)

The Commission is aware that some international companies allow pilots, under certain prescriptive conditions and with certain agreed safety precautions, to take controlled sleep during periods of little activity. It is not aware of any Community airline currently permitting such practices.

Where such practices are permitted, they appear to be based on the agreements made at company level and are not a part of the regulatory framework.

The Commission is unable, at this stage, to give an objective opinion on this issue, but if initiatives were taken to introduce such practices on Community airlines, careful consideration would have to be given to their regulation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2579/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Public health monitoring

The general purpose of the five-year action programme on health monitoring is to set up a high quality system geared to the establishment of a properly planned health policy. This system is intended to provide Member States with background data and indicators for use in their own health policies and to facilitate the planning, monitoring and assessment of Community programmes and measures, in accordance with the subsidiarity principle.

Would the Commission not agree that, with a view to implementing this programme, it should cooperate with the WHO (World Health Organization), the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and the EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction), as well as with other European organizations including the European Environment Agency, and that it would be useful to obtain comparable data from non-Community countries?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1996)

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that it is essential to establish cooperation between the Community and the World health organization, the Organization of economic cooperation and development and other relevant organisations, such as the European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction and the European environment agency. The Commission has included relevant provisions in its proposal for a decision adopting a health monitoring programme ((COM(95) 449 final; modified proposal COM(96) 222 final. )).

The Commission wishes to emphasize that cooperation in this area already exists with the aforementioned international organisations, as well as with a number of third countries, and it would be further encouraged under the proposed programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2090/96 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (26 July 1996)

Subject: European technical harmonization standards

The European Parliament recently held a public hearing on the harmonization of technical standards, which is needed in order to ensure free movement of goods within the European Union.

The SMU representative pointed out that the existence of three different standards bodies (ECS, CENELEC and ETSI) responsible for establishing European standards in this sector makes the task of SMU very difficult, since they are faced with time, financial and linguistic constraints.

Does the Commission plan to take any measures to make it easier for SMU to comply with European standards regulations?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1996)

Standards, by their nature, are made by and for those operating in the market. They provide a means to facilitate trade between enterprises, including small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). They are for voluntary application.

Where there is European technical harmonization, especially within the context of directives adopted under the 'new approach', enterprises placing products on the market are bound to follow the essential requirements set out in the directives. However, European standards facilitate compliance with these requirements by providing a recognised, open specification that gives the product presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the directive. In various cases, they will allow for easier conformity assessment procedures. This helps SMEs by providing a specification that they can follow in confidence.

The participation of small and medium sized enterprises in the standardizing process is helped by the Commmission's financial contribution to Normapme, representing federations of SMEs, to increase their role in European standardization work. The European standardization organisations are currently establishing close contacts with Normapme.

Finally, the Commission has started on the implementation of a programme that will enhance visibility and market knowledge of European standards, in close collaboration both with Normapme and with the European standards organisations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2188/96 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (2 August 1996)

Subject: Golf course development at Buckroney Marsh, near Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

About two and a half years ago a complaint was filed with the Commission relating to environmental damage to a dune system in Buckroney Marsh, near Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

An expansion of the golf course has occurred. The golf course has also received IR £337 000 in ERDF funding.

Has the Commission received any covenant letters relating to the development? If so, can it give details?

Has the Park and Wildlife Service in Ireland given any information to the Commission about any damage to natural habitats in the surrounding area? If it has, can the Commission give details?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1996)

In 1994, the Irish authorities wrote to the Commission informing it that the National parks and wildlife service had reached an agreement with the developer of a Community co-financed golf course at Buckroney in County Wicklow that sand dunes south of Buckroney stream would not be interfered with. They further stated that a debenture dated 19 December 1992 in relation to the grant of Community co-finance included a specific condition effectively to safeguard the area south of the stream and any further lands south of the stream which might be purchased by the developer. This meant that any development of these lands required the prior approval of Bord Failte and the National parks and wildlife service.

The Irish national parks and wildlife service has not since then informed the Commission about damage to natural habitats in the area surrounding the golf course. The Commission is making appropriate enquiries of the Irish authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2367/96 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (V) to the Commission (27 August 1996)

Subject: Calves

1. Can the Commission state how many calves have been imported annually into the European Union from Bulgaria since 1990:

(a) for fattening,

(b) for consumption,

(c) in transit to third countries?

2. Can the Commission state how many calves have been imported annually into the European Union from the Federation of Independent States since 1990:

(a) for fattening,

(b) for consumption,

(c) in transit to third countries?

3. Can the Commission state how many calves have been imported annually into the European Union from Slovakia since 1990:

(a) for fattening,

(b) for consumption,

(c) in transit to third countries?

4. Can the Commission state how many calves have been imported annually into the European Union from Slovenia since 1990:

(a) for fattening,

(b) for consumption,

(c) in transit to third countries?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2367/96 and E-2368/96 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 September 1996)

As regards points (a) and (b), Community statistics do not distinguish between calves imported for fattening and those imported for consumption. In the Commission's view, where calves originating from the countries in question are concerned, there is not in general any demand on the market for immediate consumption. The calves are mainly destined for fattening. The relevant figures broken down by country of origin and year have been sent to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

As regards (c), the pertinent figures are not available to the Commission.