ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0353/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: Permanent venue for the Olympic Games in Greece

The scandals which have erupted over the accusations and revelations of bribery and corruption involving members of the International Olympic Committee and cities which have hosted the Olympic Games have shocked international and European opinion and bear witness to the fact that the vast financial interests at stake in holding the Games corrupt consciences and result in practices which are totally contrary to the ideals that the Olympics should be serving.

In May 1999, a European Symposium on sport is to be held at Olympia. In view of the fact that the above problems are linked to sporting activities, could the Commission include these matters on the agenda for the Symposium together with the proposal to hold the Olympic Games permanently at ancient Olympia, their birthplace, which would prevent any similar financial scandals arising and give a fresh impetus to the revival of the Olympic spirit?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(11 March 1999)

The Commission has always expressed its desire to "respect the independence of cooperative effort in general, and in sport in particular(1)." The question put by the Honourable Member relates to the activities of a non-governmental organisation whose decisions the Commission must respect in as far as they do not run counter to Community law.

It is more for the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and sports organisations, in particular national Olympic committees and sports federations to take the appropriate measures to resolve these problems.

The aim of the First European Union Conference on Sport is to consider the future and the development of sport in Europe. It is already planned that the commercialisation of sport will be discussed.

The Commission has to state that the matter of the venue for the Olympic Games is for the IOC to decide.

(1) SEC(91) 1438 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0664/99

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1999)

Subject: Structural Funds

Regions whose per capita income is less than 75 % of the average Community per capita income are described as "Objective 1 regions" and they receive significant amounts of Community aid.

To determine whether or not this threshold has been exceeded, the draft Council Regulation COM(98) 131 final(1) laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds states that the figures corresponding to the last three years for which Eurostat has data available will be used.

At the moment the only figures available are those for the 1994, 1995 and 1996 financial years.

What are the figures for those years for Castilla y León?

(1) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1043/99

by Ilona Graenitz (PSE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Screening the candidate countries' environmental legislation

What date has been taken as the basis in the screening of the candidate countries' environmental legislation?

Will this date be adjusted to allow for the length of the negotiations?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The screening of the environmental acquis takes into account all Community measures adopted by 1 January 1999. Measures adopted by the Community after this date are also to be screened in order to evaluate their transposition and implementation in the candidate countries. The Commission will therefore discuss the newly adopted measures with the candidate countries at an appropriate moment in the negotiation process.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0101/99

by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Commission

(20 January 1999)

Subject: EU structural funding for the Spanish company Boliden

Following the disaster in Doñana and in view of the NGOs' concerns about it, can the Commission say:

- what its intentions are as regards granting structural funding to the company Boliden, which was suspended after the environmental disaster last April;

- how much funding would be given to the company, when it would be paid and to what environmental requirements the subsidy would be subject?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(24 February 1999)

Part-finance for the Boliden firm to carry out a project at the Aznalcóllar mine was included in the "Regional incentives" operational programme for 1994-1999. Public assistance for this project was set at EUR 20,75 million, of which EUR 9,71 million was paid in the period 1995 to 1997.

When the Commission was informed of the state of implementation of the project, at the last meeting of the programme Monitoring Committee in July 1998, it immediately asked the Spanish authorities to suspend payment of the remaining balance. That amount is still blocked.

It should be noted that the firm in question could be required to repay the aid already granted if it is found to have had responsibility for the disaster. The Commission is awaiting information from the Spanish authorities on this point.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1024/99

by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission

(7 April 1999)

Subject: Commission Communication of the development of public health policy and women's health

Will the European Commission ensure that in drafting future public health policy documents women's health issues are highlighted beyond usual women's health issues to include research and support for programmes to combat diseases to which women are particularly prone such as osteoporosis and arthritis?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(29 April 1999)

The Commission gives particular attention to women's health. Within the current public health programme, a number of particular issues related to women's health are addressed. In 1997, the Commission published a specific report on the state of women's health in the Community(1). Issues related to women's health will receive full attention in future public health policy development.

As for research supported by the Community's successive research and development framework programmes, although no specific emphasis or priority has been given to projects concerning women's health, many projects have dealt with women's health and diseases. In the new fifth framework programme (1998-2002), the key action concerning "The ageing population and disabilities" of the specific programme "Quality of life and management of living resources" will devote a significant part of its resources to women's issues. Indeed, women form the majority of the aged population (58 % of population over 60 and 69 % of that over 80 in the Community), and various diseases particularly affect women in their old age. Osteoporosis and degenerative joint diseases (like arthritis) are explicitly mentioned as priorities in the 1999 call for research proposals.

(1) COM(97) 224 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0205/99

by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: Funding of restoration schemes in Aragón

The 1997 Commission report on the Cohesion Fund indicates that the Autonomous Community of Aragón received funding for nine restoration schemes amounting to ECU 29 million.

Can the Commission say what projects benefited, how much funding was allocated to each and what the current situation is in each case?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 1999)

The nine drainage systems to which the Honourable Member refers concern the construction of collectors and waste-water treatment stations in the towns of Alcañiz, Barbastro, Calatayud, Ejea de los Caballeros, Binéfar, Calamocha, Cariñena, Fraga and Tarragona.

These projects are in progress and are expected to be completed in November or December 1999. The Cohesion Fund has contributed EUR 23,43 million to the total cost of the investment of EUR 29,29 million.

Details of these projects will be sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
in the future, the Honourable Member will appreciate that the issues raised in relation to the sale of tickets
for this years European cup final are very different from those addressed by the afore-mentioned decision.It would, therefore, be inappropriate for the Commission to base any legal action against those responsiblefor the sale of tickets for this years European cup final on the conclusions drawn in relation to the sale oftickets for last years football world cup in France.
On the basis of a general assessment of the information provided, it seems that the practices to which the
Honourable Member refers, regrettable as they may appear to be, do not constitute an infringement of ECTreaty provisions. As such the Commission does not propose to launch an inquiry into the manner inwhich tickets were allocated and sold for the match in question.
(2000/C 27 E/168) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1578/99
by Jaime Valdivielso de CuØ (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Health and consumer protection
On 26 July 1999, the Commission presented a general outline of its future plan of action to overcome the
dioxin crisis following last weeks discovery of fully operational pig farms which had been subject todioxin contamination. The Commission estimated that it would take approximately 6 months for the planto begin to be implemented.
In view of the seriousness of the matter and of the harm which may be caused by the consumption of
such substances, what precautionary measures will be adopted in the meantime until the plan begins to beimplemented?
Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission
(8 October 1999)
Bearing in mind the developments following the dioxin crisis at the end of July 1999 in Belgium, the
Commission has had to amend the measures in force since the crisis broke. Commission Decision of6 August 1999 amending Decision 1999/449/EC on protective measures with regard to contamination bydioxins of certain products of animal origin intended for human or animal consumption (
1) ruled out
traceability as grounds for certifying meat, eggs and derived products of Belgian origin placed on themarket, exchanged between Member States or exported to third countries. Hence this decision required theBelgian authorities to issue certifications for consignments of these foodstuffs on the basis of the results ofpolychlorobiphenyl (PCB) or dioxin analyses demonstrating that these foodstuffs have not been contami-nated by dioxin. The measure was renewed by Commission Decision 199/601/EC of 1 September 1999amending Decision 1999/551/EC as regards the protective measures with regard to contamination bydioxins (
2).
Besides, the Commission has been deliberating about the longer-term lessons to be drawn from this crisis.
These deliberations mainly concern animal feed manufacturing procedures, control of the raw materialsused in manufacturing this feed, and verification of food contamination levels in the Member States.
(1) OJ L 209, 7.8.1999.
(2) OJ L 232, 2.9.1999.C 27 E/138 EN 29.1.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0855/99

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(7 April 1999)

Subject: Excise duty

Does the Commission believe that the 1994 Bossard study and its results are still relevant? If not, does it intend to update the study?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1999)

The Bossard study of 1995 was based on statistics dating from the late eighties and early nineties. The Commission has therefore decided to call for an update of that study before producing its report on the minimum rates of duty on alcoholic drinks. Similarly, it will consult once more all interested bodies requesting an update of their views on those minimum rates in the light of developments since the last review of minimum rates(1).

(1) COM(95) 285 final.
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission
(11 November 1999)
The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliaments Secretariat a table
containing the information requested.
(2000/C 27 E/217) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1890/99
by Pietro-Paolo Mennea (ELDR) to the Commission
(14 October 1999)
Subject: Facilities to be built close to Castel del Monte
The town Council of Andria in the province of Bari has approved a project which will involve the creation
of an area including facilities such as a ticket office, a book shop, a restaurant, various other services and acar park in close proximity to the octagonal castle built for Frederic II of Swabia between 1240 and1250 known as Castel del Monte.
Its very definition as an artistic monument indicates that the castle and the hill on which it stands
constitute a single cultural asset, which Unesco has included on its list of world heritage sites.
It is quite clear that if the project is executed in its present form it will alter and cause unacceptable
damage to the integrity of this historic site and the surrounding landscape.
The project has benefited from EU funding, as it is one of the projects financed to develop and exploit
tourism in Objective 1 regions (multi-regional operational plan for the Italian Mezzogiorno).
Can the Commission say whether the project has been the subject of the required opinions from the
competent authorities, in particular the Bari Environmental, Architectural and Artistic Heritage Office andthe Ministry for Cultural Assets and Activities;
Whether it intends to take steps to block the funding earmarked by the European Union, in order to
ensure that the execution of the project is suspended in accordance with the relevant Italian conservationlaw and the European legislation designed to cover such cases?
Can it also say whether it intends to make European funding subject to an appropriate modification of the
project, whereby the envisaged facilities and car park would be moved downhill in order to preserve thelocal landscape and the beauty of this artistic and historic monument?
Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission
(27 October 1999)
The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.
(2000/C 27 E/218) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1912/99
by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(29 October 1999)
Subject: Substandard road construction funded by the 2nd Community Support Framework for Greece
In reply to my previous question (P-3016/98) (1), the Commission acknowledged that there were wide-
spread problems with substandard road-building in Greece funded by the 2nd Community SupportFramework and assured me that it would monitor the question closely and would not fail to apply therelevant Community rules, if necessary.29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/175 Official Journal of the European Communities
to achieve this objective, including the definition of the modalities for the inclusion of those functions of
the WEU which will be necessary for the EU to fulfil its new responsibilities in the area of the Petersbergtasks. The aim is to take the necessary decisions by the end of the year 2000. The EU Presidency willpresent a progress report to the Helsinki European Council meeting.
3. The Honourable Member will recall that Article 11 of the TEU mentions, among the objectives of the
Common Foreign and Security Policy, the preservation of peace and strengthening of the internationalsecurity in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The European Council in Colognereaffirmed this principle.
The aim of the European Council was clearly to strengthen the Common Foreign and Security Policy by
providing it with the necessary means to carry out crisis management tasks.
The question of collective defence of Member States is equally clearly not addressed, the conclusions of the
European Council recalling that NATO remains the foundation of the collective defence of its Membersand not the policy of the Union.
(2000/C 27 E/042) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1385/99
by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Discrimination against Dutch contractors under German tax legislation
1. Is the Commission aware that, on 19 March 1999, the German Bundesrat adopted a bill concerning
new tax legislation including Article 50a(7) and (8) of the Income Tax Act?
2. Is it true that, under these provisions, the principals of foreign contractors (or subcontractors)
engaged on projects in Germany are required to withhold 25 % of the total value of the contract to covertax payments?
3. Does the Commission agree that, as a result of this provision, foreign companies are reticent about
accepting contracts in Germany, which constitutes a restriction on the free movement of persons, goods
and services?
4. What view does the Commission take of this provision and its admissibility and what measures does
it intend to take if appropriate?
(2000/C 27 E/043) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1389/99
by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Discrimination against EU citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany
On 1 April a change to income tax law was introduced in the Federal Republic of Germany. Under § 50a
(7) of the Income Tax Law, German firms which have awarded a contract to foreign contractors, including
EU citizens or businesses, are required to pay only 75 % of the agreed remuneration to the contractor and
the remaining 25 % direct to the tax authorities in Germany, in order to cover any tax liability on the partof the foreign contractor.
This rule results in discriminatory treatment of contractors from other EU countries:
1. What is the Commissions opinion of these new provisions of German tax legislation?
2. What action does the Commission intend to take against these provisions, which discriminate against
citizens of other EU countries?29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/37 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0217/99

by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: Rehabilitation of Lake Karla under the 2nd CSF

At the north-eastern edge of the Plain of Thessaly in Central Greece lay Lake Karla, which was drained dry some 40 years ago, severely affecting the environment and the local economy - the change in climate affected crops, the level of the water table fell, the quality of the ground water deteriorated, tectonic phenomena appeared (subsidence and fracturing of the earth) and the Pagasitic Gulf was polluted. The Prefectures of Larissa and Magnesia are insisting that the plan to recreate Lake Karla should go ahead but European Union funding for this purpose would be essential.

Will the Commission say whether this project will be incorporated into the 2nd CSF and, if so, when? What further measures does it believe should be taken in this connection, given that the project is vital for the region as a whole?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0284/99

by Irini Lambraki (PSE) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Quotas for the Katerini variety of tobacco

The Commission's recent proposal for the guarantee thresholds for tobacco per Member State for the 1999-2001 harvests provides, for the first time, for a quota of the Katerini variety in Italy. The Commission's representative explained to Parliament's Committee on Agriculture that this was in response to a request from a private processing company which was conducting experiments in Italy with that particular variety.

Leaving aside the surprise at the Commission's immediate response to this request, will the Commission provide details about the above private processing company and its activities and all the data (location, duration, results) relating to its experimental crop-growing?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 1999)

In its report to the Council and Parliament on the common organisation of the market in raw tobacco(1), the Commission has stressed the need to boost the quotas for the best varieties to the detriment of those varieties that are hard to dispose of and have unacceptably low market prices. The third paragraph of point b4 of section V.A.3 of the Report proposes a reduction in the quota for group V (sun-cured tobacco) and transfer of the quantities thus released to other groups such as VI and VII, subject to observance of budget neutrality.

The Commission is able to inform the Honourable Member that the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) 2075/92 and fixing the premiums and guarantee thresholds for leaf tobacco by variety group and Member State for the 1999, 2000 and 2001 harvests(2) applies this facet of the reform by transferring group V quota to group VII in Italy. Introductory trials of group VII varieties started in the Apulia production zone in 1997 and the results are being administered by the national bodies.

(1) COM(96) 554 final.

(2) OJ C 361, 24.11.1998.
(2000/C 27 E/036) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1379/99
by Xaver Mayer (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Protection of beavers  flood damage
In connection with the flooding of the banks of the Rivers Isar and Danube in Germany in the spring of
this year it has been discovered that beavers have undermined flood protection dams. This has endangeredthe stability of the dams. The question is whether possible threats to the safety of the dams should beeliminated by management of the beaver population.
1. Can the Commission say what protection beavers enjoy under the directive on the protection of
species?
2. Can the Commission say what action could be taken under the present rules on protection to prevent
beavers from undermining flood protection dams and to make dams already undermined secure again?
3. Does the Commission see a need to call for a study that enables the possible dangers to be assessed
and measures to avert them to be developed?
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission
(10 September 1999)
The Commission is aware that successfully reintroduced beaver (
1) populations (presumably Castor fiber)
exist on the rivers Isar and Danube (Donau) in Germany.
Even if in this case destruction of flood protection dams by beavers can not be excluded, damage by
similar rodents such as the coypu (2) (Myocastor coypus) or the muskrat (3) (Ondatra zibethica) might be
taken into consideration too. These two last mentioned species do not fall under European natureprotection legislation.
1. As far as species protection is concerned the European beaver (Castor fiber) is protected pursuant to
Article 12 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC (
4)), which means that Member States have to establish a
system of strict protection prohibiting all forms of deliberate capture or killing of specimens of this speciesin the wild, as well as deliberate disturbance or deterioration or destruction of breeding sites.
2. However, under the conditions given in Article 16 Member States may derogate from the provisions
in Article 12 in the interest of public safety. The question of which measures are most appropriate toguarantee on the one hand efficient flood protection and on the other hand sufficient species protection,has to be addressed by the authorities of the Member State.
3. These authorities have to decide under their own responsibility whether in a particular case a specific
examination for an assessment of dangers and measures is necessary.
(1) Fr.:Castor / D: Biber.
(2) Fr.:Ragondin/ D: Nutria.
(3) Fr.:Rat musquØ / D: Bisamratte.
(4) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/33 Official Journal of the European Communities