ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2179/02

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

(18 July 2002)

Subject: Financial estimates for the implementation of the legislative proposals and measures in the second package of proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy

The conclusions of the Commission Communication on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy(1) announce, inter alia, legislative proposals and measures to counter the social, economic and regional consequences of the restructuring of the fishing industry; management of fisheries; improvement of scientific advice for fisheries management; discards; stock evaluation in non-Community waters and the Joint Inspection Structure.

What are the financial estimates for these measures in the period 2002-2006, taking into account the financial framework established in Agenda 2000?

(1) COM(2002) 181 final.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2002)

The document to which the Honourable Member is referring is the general communication also known as the Roadmap for Reform. It refers to a series of texts and proposals to be adopted during the reform process, not all of which are estimated to have a budgetary impact.

The clearest guide to the financial impact of the reform measures already decided at Commission level is provided in the Communication on the conservation of fisheries(1) resources and in particular in the legal and financial statement which is annexed to it.

This covers:

- the Community measure for scrapping fishing vessels(2) EUR 32 millions in 2003, reprogramming in the financial instrument for fisheries guidance (FIFG) afterwards;

- the feasibility study for a joint Inspection Structure in 2003 EUR 1 million the definitive budget needed can only be fixed once the results of the study are known;

- amounts for the reinforcement of dialogue and governance from 2003 (EUR 400 000) to 2006 (EUR 700 000);

- the improvement of scientific advice with EUR 4 millions requested in 2003 rising to EUR 7 millions in 2006.

The other topics referred to are not expected to generate additional costs over and above those which can be catered for in the normal budgetary procedure and within the financial perspectives ceilings.

(1) COM(2002) 185 final.

(2) Document COM(2002) 190 gives more details on this, particularly the socio-economic aspects.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3270/02

by Daniel Hannan (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 November 2002)

Subject: Impact of building an airport at Cliffe

Has the Commission investigated the likely environmental impact of the building of an airport at Cliffe on the Hoo Peninsula? What conditions will have to be met by the British Government in order to satisfy EU regulations on building on an EU-designated area of environmental protection? What processes exist to ensure that the British Government does not act without the sanction of the EU in this matter, and have these processes been put into play?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2002)

The Commission is aware that the United Kingdom is considering the construction of a new international airport at Cliffe as one of its possible options for the future development of air transport in the South East of England.

The Cliffe Marshes form part of the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA), classified under Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 4 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(1). Therefore, any development of an airport that may adversely affect this site would only be possible if it was in conformity with the procedural and substantive safeguards laid down in Article 6 (3) and (4) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(2), which apply to all SPAs.

This would require an environmental assessment of the proposed development, with particular regard to its potential effects on the nature conservation values of the SPA. If this assessment shows that significant damage to the SPA would occur then it would only be permissible to proceed in the absence of alternative solutions and where there is an overriding public interest. In such cases it would be necessary to put in place compensation measures to offset the loss of habitat that would arise from the development.

It should be stated further that airport developments are covered by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997, amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(3). A mandatory assessment is required for airports with a basic runway of 2,100 metres or more. All other airports will have to undergo a screening process to ascertain whether an assessment is required.

As the development of an airport is a matter that falls under national competence there is no prior authorisation required from the Commission.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(3) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3314/02

by Bill Newton Dunn (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 November 2002)

Subject: Testing the carcinogenic properties of man-made vitreous fibres

In the Commission Directive 97/69/EC(1) of 5 December 1997, the Commission committed itself to evaluate scientific developments of man-made vitreous fibres, within five years. This deadline has now run out. Are the results of the tests to ascertain the carcinogenic or other properties of man-made vitreous fibres known, and if they are, what are the results of these tests?

(1) OJ L 343, 13.12.1997, p. 19.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 January 2003)

Commission Directive 97/69/EC of 5 December 1997(1) provides that the Commission shall evaluate scientific developments within five years after adoption, in order to delete or amend Note Q. This Note names four different toxicology tests which can be used to exempt mineral wool from the classification as carcinogenic.

Since the adoption of the Directive in 1997, the complete scientific-technical evidence on which Note Q is based was re-analysed. This analysis, published in two scientific articles(2)(3), showed that the results generated by the four different tests were highly consistent. It also highlighted the link of the biopersistence of mineral wool fibres with their classification as carcinogenic. In this context, it is important to note that the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) revised a review on fibres(4), which again noted the importance of biopersistence and its relationship to carcinogenic effects.

In conclusion, Note Q is still a valid means to exempt mineral wool from the classification as carcinogenic. It does not appear necessary to delete or amend Note Q although any new scientific information, including that arising from any Community funded research, will be referred to the Commission for consideration.

(1) Commission Directive 97/69/EC of 5 December 1997 adapting to technical progress for the 23rd time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (Text with EEA relevance) OJ L 343, 13.12.1997.

(2) Biopersistence of Synthetic Mineral Fibers as a Predictor of Chronic Inhalation Toxicity in Rats. David M. Bernstein, Juan M. Riego Sintes, Bjarne Kjaer Ersboell and Joachim Kunert. Inhalation Toxicology 13, 823-849 (2001).

(3) Biopersistence of Synthetic Mineral Fibers as a Predictor of Chronic Intraperitoneal Injection Tumour Response in Rats David M. Bernstein, Juan M. Riego Sintes, Bjarne Kjaer Ersboell and Joachim Kunert. Inhalation Toxicology, 13, 851-875 (2001).

(4) IARC Monograph 81 (2001).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3880/02

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 January 2003)

Subject: Community programme for establishing geriatric homes on the Costa del Sol (Spain)

The climate and environmental attractions of Spain's Costa del Sol have long been a magnet for senior citizens of the EU Member States, and this has brought about an avalanche of schemes for establishing geriatric homes in that tourism-oriented area of the Community.

Both the Community authorities and the experts have recommended creating a Community programme to ensure the ordered development of such geriatric homes on the Costa del Sol, in order to benefit the largest possible number of persons choosing to spend their last years in the warm climate of that zone.

Does the Commission believe it is desirable to promote a Community programme for establishing geriatric homes on the Spanish Costa del Sol, as a means of furthering their ordered development in a coordinated fashion, starting with the funding of diverse studies aimed at ensuring the success of such a Community programme, which would most certainly benefit numerous citizens of the Member States who are now entering old age?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2003)

Geriatic homes and long-term care provision form part of social protection systems for which Member States bear the responsibility. The Commission has no plans to promote a Community programme for establishing geriatric homes in any part of the Union.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3513/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 December 2002)

Subject: Violation of Community environmental legislation by Greece

It has been reported that a delegation from the Environment Directorate-General arrived on a visit to Greece on 15 November to examine violations of Community environmental legislation by Greece.

Will the Commission say which cases of violations of Community legislation the above delegation has examined, what conclusions it has reached and what measures the Commission intends to take to ensure that Greece complies with Community legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2003)

A delegation from the Directorate-General for the Environment visited Greece on 15 November 2002 in the framework of the package meetings held between the Commission and the national authorities to examine the application of Community legislation by the Member States. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss and clarify matters relating to Community environmental legislation.

The agenda for the meeting covered a total of 21 complaints, 10 of which were concerned with Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(1), as amended by Directive 97/11/EC(2), 10 were concerned with nature conservation (Directive 79/409/EEC(3) and 92/43/EEC(4)) and 1 concerned drinking water (Directive 80/778/EEC)(5). It should be noted that the agenda did not include any matters relating to infringements.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. The Greek authorities took account of the Commission's observations and demonstrated a willingness to find solutions to the questions and problems raised. The information obtained during the meeting helped to shed light on all the complaints and will, as far as most of the complaints are concerned, be transmitted to the Commission in writing.

Analysis of this information will enable the Commission to decide what action to take on the various complaints, in particular how to categorise them. However, if an infringement of Community environmental legislation is found, the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate measures, including opening infringement procedures as provided for in Article 226 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, in order to ensure that Community law is applied properly.

(1) Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.

(2) Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(3) Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(4) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(5) Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3254/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 2002)

Subject: High values of suspended microparticles in Athens and Thessaloniki

The Greek press reports that research being carried out for the Commission by the European Earlinet network shows that Athens and Thessaloniki have the highest values for suspended microparticles of 19 major European cities.

What are the causes of such high values for suspended microparticles? What public health risks are associated with this phenomenon and what steps has the Commission taken under Community law to tackle the problem?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 2003)

Airborne suspended particulate matter (PM) can be either primary or secondary in nature. In most European countries, industrialisation and high volumes of traffic mean that anthropogenic sources predominate, especially in urban areas, and sources of anthropogenic particles are similar throughout Europe. The most significant of these are traffic, industrial activities, combustion sources (industrial and residential), human-started forest fires and mechanical abrasion. For densely populated and heavily industrialised areas like Athens and Thessaloniki the sources mentioned above have to be regarded as the predominant causes for high concentrations of fine particles.

There is ever increasing evidence that fine particles have deleterious effects on human health, causing premature deaths and reducing quality of life by aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. The Commission has recently asked the World Health Organisation (WHO) to update the advice on the health effects of air pollutants including PM and the results of this review will be available in spring 2003.

Existing legislation(1) defines new and ambitious long- and short term limit values (annual and daily averages) for PM10 (mass concentration of particles below a diameter of 10 µm) in ambient air that have to be met from 2005. In addition, various directives set limit values for particle emissions from specific sources such as road traffic.

In order to study the possibility for further action, the Commission launched the Clean Air For Europe (CAFE) programme in May 2001. PM has been identified as one of the key issues to be considered. As well as the WHO review, several other initiatives have been taken up by the CAFE programme so far also with regard to the PM issue,

for instance:

- a baseline scenario and integrated assessment modelling showing different options of possible measures to control air pollutants and thus providing a basis for the final policy advice;

- a CAFE working group on PM comprising experts from different stakeholders which will give recommendations on possible future targets for PM.

(1) Council Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air OJ L 163, 29.6.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2983/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Council

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 3 of the EP's resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents(1) urges the Council to promote greater coverage of fishermen in Council Directive 93/104/EC on certain aspects of the organisation of working time, amended by Directive 2000/34/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, so as to improve their protection.

Has the Council taken any steps in this connection?

How does the Council think progress should be made with regard to fisheries safety?

(1) OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

Reply

(20 February 2003)

Directive 2000/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 2000 extended the scope of Council Directive 93/104/EC to include, amongst others, fishermen.

Article 17b(2) of Directive 93/104/EC, as amended, obliges Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that any worker on board a sea-going fishing vessel is entitled to adequate rest and that the hours of work are limited to 48 per week on average.

Member States have to transpose this Directive into national legislation by 1 August 2003.

According to Article 3 of Directive 2000/34/EC, the Commission has to review the operation of the provisions with regard to workers on board sea-going fishing vessels no later than 1 August 2009, in particular as far as the health and safety provisions are concerned.

The Council therefore considers that any future steps to change the working time of fishermen with a view to improving their safety should be taken in the light of the findings of the above-mentioned review by the Commission. In any event, the Council is not in a position to take further steps in the absence of a Commission proposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2563/02

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Council

(16 September 2002)

Subject: Women in black 7th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre

According to the organisation Women in Black, the government of the Bosnian Serb Entity prevented a delegation from the organisation from travelling to Srebrenica to attend the ceremony to mark the 7th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre on 11 July 2002 and to pay tribute to the memory of the victims. Moreover, despite the fact that the Stabilisation Force, SFOR, had granted authorisation and promised to escort the buses, it did not keep its word, so that women belonging to 16 peace organisations in Serbia and Montenegro were unable to attend the commemoration.

What measures will the Council take to compel the governments of present-day Yugoslavia and the Bosnian-Serb Entity (Republika Srpska) and SFOR to respect the right of the women to attend similar events in the future and not to obstruct the free movement of individuals for reasons of political expediency? In addition, what action will the Commission take to put an end to the attempts of chauvinist elements in the Bosnian Serb Entity to undermine peaceful coexistence in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

Reply

(3 March 2003)

UNMIBH and OHR confirm that on 11th July 2002, the Republica Srpska (RS) police prevented representatives of the Serbian NGO Women in black from traveling to Srebrenica/Potocari to attend a ceremony to mark the 7th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre on 11 July 2002. The Republica Srpska police also blocked the entry into the RS of a television crew from Federation TV, which was travelling to Srebrenica/Potocari to prepare a live broadcast of the commemoration service.

UNMIBH subsequently confirmed that Women in Black had failed to meet the deadline for accreditation and had therefore been prevented from travelling to Srebrenica/Potocari. The FTV crew also lacked valid accreditation. UNMIBH and SFOR assess the conduct of the RS Ministry of Interior and the 1500 police officers, who participated in the security operation, to have been correct.

These were reportedly the only two exceptions. Otherwise, all participating organizations and other 150 media representatives, who had followed proper registration or accreditation procedures, were able to take part or cover the events in Srebrenica/Potocari without any restrictions.

Against this background, the Council believes that no further action is needed at this time, since the freedom of movement of the Women in Black has since been restored to normal. The Council joins the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina in regretting what happened to the Women in Black on 11 July 2002. Their message of inter-ethnic, woman-to-woman solidarity would have added an important dimension to the commemoration service.

The Council defers to the Commission for the part of the question which concerns its competence.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1345/02

by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 May 2002)

Subject: Contributions to the UNHCR

What have been the annual contributions of the European Union to the budget of the UNHCR since 1990? Could the Commission justify the trends that these figures demonstrate?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2002)

As Parliament is aware, centralised data on the Commission's funding of the United Nations (UN) and its agencies began to be assembled directly by the Commission services from the year 2001. In the meantime, and to ensure the compatibility of figures, those sent to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat are taken from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) sources. They illustrate the extent to which the Commission has sought to fulfil its mission to provide relief and rehabilitation to refugees and internally displaced people in humanitarian crises over the last decade. A number of such urgent situations arose in the early 1990s as reflected in the data supplied.

These situations, notably the Yugoslav and African Great Lakes crises, were of extraordinary magnitude in terms of the number of refugees and people displaced. The number of conflicts and natural disasters returned to an average level towards the end of the last decade. More recently, the trend has once again been upwards.

The UNHCR has a recognised mandate to co-ordinate the assistance provided by the donors of the international community in humanitarian crises involving large-scale population movements. For the Commission, it is important to support those efforts through a constant and open dialogue with the UNHCR. As for the assistance provided for people in need, the Commission has to ensure that the funds are channelled as cost-effectively as possible. This sometimes involves funding through the UNHCR, which in turn subcontracts important aspects of the implementation of their assistance to international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who distribute the aid to the people in need. On other occasions, the Commission directly supports international NGOs present in the field.

The Commission is currently working to improve its partnership with the various United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. The aim is to establish more effective long-term co-operation which is both financially predictable and transparent. This is being done through the implementation of the Commission Communication entitled Building an effective partnership with the United Nations in the fields of development and humanitarian assistance(1). The Commission will soon take further steps towards deciding on UN agencies, funds and programmes as strategic partners. The Parliament and Member States will naturally be kept fully informed.

(1) COM(2001) 231 final.