ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
Bags used to pack re-sterilised medical devices are meant to guarantee the quality of the devices to be
reused, so ensuring an appropriate level of protection of the patient and are therefore accessories tomedical devices. Containers for waste, albeit contaminated medical device waste, have not the intendedpurpose to protect the characteristics of the disposed devices, and are therefore not accessories to medicaldevices.
3. Manufacturers may only put the CE marking, foreseen by Directive 93/42/EEC, on medical devices.
As disposal containers are neither medical devices nor accessories to medical devices they may not bearthe above-mentioned marking. However this does not mean that they could not bear other markings orlabels.
(2000/C 27 E/094) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1459/99
by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Brewery ties
Does the Commission have any plans to review the possibility for regulating the system of brewery ties
which still applies in the UK?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission
(10 September 1999)
The Commission has this year adopted three individual exemption decisions for the national brewers, Bass,
S&N and Whitbread. The brewers notified their leases because the current block exemption regulationconcerning exclusive purchasing agreements, while containing special provisions for beer-supply agree-ments, did not cover the British beer delivery contracts as the beer tie did not come within the ambit ofthe regulation. The individual exemptions mentioned are valid in the case of Bass and S&N until the end of2002 and for Whitbread until the end of 2008.
The Commission has no plans to propose any specific regulation for the beer sector. The current block
exemption regulation will expire by the end of 1999. It is the Commissions firm intention to replace thisregulation and other regulations concerning vertical agreements with one, wide ranging and general blockexemption regulation that will not contain sector-specific provisions. In July 1999 the Commission sent
for consultation to Member States a draft block exemption regulation and draft guidelines. After the
consultation of Member States these draft texts will be published for consultation of third parties.
(2000/C 27 E/095) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1460/99
by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Proposed amendments to the Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC to include exhaust and sound
emission requirements laid down in the European Commission document Doc.III 76032/97-EN,revision 6 dated 9.12.1998
Does the Commission agree that these amendments to Directive 94/25/EC (
1) are retrospective in that the
definitions given for major engine modification will encompass all existing craft that replace or refurbishtheir engines for wear and tear reasons?
Do not the amendments therefore place an undue cost burden on small businesses in the engine and boat
building industries, (estimated costs of £15 000 per engine/installation)? Would the Commission state what29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/77 Official Journal of the European Communities
The Commission has not considered until now the creation of a rapid environmental intervention body.
However, in the Commission communication on implementing Community environmental law of October1996 (
3), several mechanisms to improve effective implementation were envisaged such as guidelines on
minimum criteria for environmental inspections (the Parliament gave its opinion on 16 September 1999to a proposal for a Parliament and Council recommendation providing for minimum criteria forenvironmental inspections in the Member States (
4)) and the setting up of complaints mechanisms at
Member States level, together with improved access to justice in environmental matters. This latter issue isbeing considered in the broader context of the ratification of the Aarhus Convention.
(1) OJ C 341, 29.11.1999.
(2) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999.
(3) COM(96) 500 final.
(4) COM(98) 772.
(2000/C 27 E/136) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1527/99
by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Position of the Somalia people in Somalia
What steps is the Commission taking to promote creative solutions to the problem which will:
a) allow for nominal inclusion of Somalia within the ACP group of countries, with a provision for formal
accession should a recognised government emerge? and
b) allow European Development Funds to be channelled to the Somali people in the absence of a
recognised government?
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission
(6 September 1999)
In order to ensure nominal inclusion of Somalia within the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of
countries, a special article (364a) for Somalia was included in the last LomØ convention, allowing it toaccede to the convention at the request of a new government (should this emerge) and after a decision ofthe Council of Ministers.
In the absence of a recognized government, the balance remaining (47 million €) on the European
development fund (EDF) 5 and 6 was combined for Somalias second rehabilitation programme. As thesefunds have all been committed now, a 15 % ceiling increase has been requested (7 million €) for furtherfunding. All projects are being implemented by non-governmental organisations and United Nationsorganisations. The Commission also manages Italian cofinancing and administers humanitarian aid.
(2000/C 27 E/137) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1528/99
by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Waste tip in Dos Aguas, Valencia (Spain)
In September 1998 a large-scale waste tip was opened in Dos Aguas, a village in Valencia near the river
Jœcar. The waste tip is situated in a natural ravine on a 35 % gradient, only 400 metres from the river and29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/111 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0766/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Athens-Thessaloniki rail link

The 2nd CSF provides for the construction of a new railway line between Tithoreas and Lianokladi (50 km) and the electrification of the Athens-Thessaloniki line, reducing the journey to 4 hours 20 minutes. The 2nd CSF is now coming to an end and there has been no real progress on either of these two projects. The journey between Athens and Thessaloniki still takes 6 hours and, at the present rate of progress, the 2nd CSF will not have met its targets even by the year 2006.

The Commission:

1. In it's view, what are the reasons for these delays?

2. How does it intend to intervene in this situation?

3. What does it envisage for the 3rd CSF, given the likelihood that the 2nd CSF will be eight years behind schedule in meeting its targets?

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

(5 May 1999)

It is true that, in the rail-transport sector in Greece, the principal objective of both the Community Support Framework (CSF) for 1994-99 and the Cohesion Fund is to carry out civil engineering, electrification and signalling work on the Athens-Thessaloniki line, with a view to reducing the journey time from 5h 50 in 1994 to 4h 20 around the year 2000.

Almost all the projects provided for under the Operational Programme (OP) for the rail network are currently under way, but only the minor ones are scheduled for completion by 2001. The major project involving construction of a new 50-kilometre line between Tithorea and Lianokladi and, in particular, the Kallidromo project, which is being part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, should be completed around 2005 according to the Greek authorities' latest estimates.

The construction of the new Evangelismos-Leptokaria line and the electrification of the entire Athens-Thessaloniki line, which are being part-financed by the Cohesion Fund, are expected to be completed in 2004-05. Consequently, the objective of reducing the journey time between Athens and Thessaloniki, which chiefly depends on the completion of the Kallidromo project and the electrification process, will not be achieved in 2000.

This delay is mainly due to the slowness of the process of setting up Ergose and the length of time taken for it actually to become operational (approximately 3 and 4 years respectively after the launch of the OP), as well as an accumulation of failings at the time when it was set up.

The Commission will very soon begin discussions with the Greek authorities concerning the problems and prospects of rail projects part-financed by Community Funds in Greece. These discussions will cover both the CSF for the current programming period and the preparation of the next period (2000-06).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0978/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(15 April 1999)

Subject: Discrimination against foreign-language lecturers at Italian universities

Under Article 48 of the EC Treaty, Union citizens are entitled to work, settle or move freely within the borders of the European Union without being discriminated against on grounds of nationality.

Contrary to this fundamental right, there have been loud complaints about alleged discrimination against foreign-language lecturers at Italian universities. Despite a judgment by the European Court of Justice on 2 August 1993, and a resolution adopted by Parliament on 13 July 1995, applicants for such posts are still being unjustifiably prevented from exercising their right freely to choose their employment.

1. Is the Commission aware of these incidents?

2. How does it propose to ensure that EU lecturers in Italy are able to exercise fundamental rights which are recognised throughout the European Union, and to prevent illegal discrimination?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0663/99

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 Cantabria?

(1) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0439/99

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Subject: Programmes rejected by the Commission's DG X

Will the Commission's DG X say how many and which of the proposals submitted by natural and legal persons from Greece have been rejected by the selection committees for all the programmes, initiatives and actions managed by this DG?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 1999)

The Commission is sending the information requested direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0288/99

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Delays to payments for projects financed from the Leader initiative in Catalonia

A number of mayors in Catalonia have complained about the considerable delays to payments for projects financed from the Leader Community initiative. According to them, it can take more than two months for a payment made in Brussels to reach its recipients.

Is the Commission aware of these delays? Has it observed any irregularities or negligence on the part of the Spanish Government or the Autonomous Community of Catalonia?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1999)

Payments from the Structural Funds in connection with the Leader II Community initiative are paid into a Spanish national treasury account. The Ministry of Agriculture authorises transfers from the treasury to the local action groups, which are the beneficiaries under this initiative. The Commission has not been informed of a specific problem in this area, but it remains vigilant regarding the implementation of the programme on the ground, and regarding the take-up of the Community appropriations available.

The progress reports on implementation of the initiative in Catalonia do not suggest that the management of the funds by the national authorities or the autonomous community could be considered irregular or negligent. The two-month period mentioned by the Honourable Member is comparable with the deadline laid down in Council Regulation (EEC) 2082/93 of 20 July 1993 amending Regulation (EEC) 4253/88 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) 2052/88 as regards coordination of the activities of the different Structural Funds between themselves and with the operations of the European Investment Bank and the other existing financial instruments(1) (Article 21(1)) for payments from the Commission to the Member State, which specifies that payment must be made "as a general rule within two months from receipt of an acceptable application".

(1) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993.
(2000/C 27 E/189) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1634/99
by Mary Banotti (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(15 September 1999)
Subject: Lifeguards at swimming pools
Can the Commission say whether there is any legislation in the Community requiring lifeguards to be in
attendance at swimming pools in holiday resorts?
What rights do tourists buying holidays have to be informed about the supervision at holiday complexes
in the Community?
Is there any EU legislation on the provision of lifeguards at public bathing spots?
Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission
(5 October 1999)
The question of attendance by lifeguards at swimming pools in holiday resorts as well as that of the
provision of lifeguards at public bathing spots are the competence of national legislation, and there aretherefore no Community rules on these issues.
Concerning the rights that tourists, buying holidays, have in relation to the disclosure of supervision
within the holiday complexes, Council Directive 90/314/EEC of 13 June 1990 on package travel, packageholidays and package tours (
1) stipulates only that a number of elements listed in the Annex to the
Directive should be contained in the contract. Among these elements the Annex includes the specialrequirements which the consumer has communicated to the organiser or retailer when making thebooking, and which both have accepted.
Therefore, at Community level, only if the contract includes a term (obviously accepted by both parties)
requiring, on an individual basis, specific measures in relation to the disclosure of the supervision withinthe holiday complex, has the tourist a right protected by Community law.
Nevertheless, given that Directive 90/314/EEC is a piece of minimum legislation, the national legislative
instruments governing this issue can go beyond the requirements of the Directive.
(1) OJ L 158, 23.6.1990.
(2000/C 27 E/190) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1644/99
by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE), Giuseppe Gargani (PPE-DE),
Francesco Fiori (PPE-DE) and Mario Mauro (PPE-DE)to the Commission
(22 September 1999)
Subject: Freedom of access to education in Italy
In Italy there is still a serious violation of the right to freedom of education. People are not free to choose
between public and private schooling because of the high cost of private education and the lack of fundsavailable to it. The European Parliament has on various occasions (
1) expressed its support for freedom of
education in the European Union, emphasising the need to guarantee student mobility with a view toproviding quality education, as advocated by the Treaty of Amsterdam (Article 149).
At the meeting of the Committee on Petitions of 25-26 May 1999, this matter was raised and the clear
discrimination suffered by European citizens was highlighted. At the meeting, the Commission undertookto ask Eurydice to update the survey conducted in 1993 on private and public education systems in theMember States to look into the existence of such discrimination.29.1.2000 EN C 27 E/155 Official Journal of the European Communities
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0765/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Construction of new rail link between Lianokladi and Domokos

There are reportedly two proposals for a new rail link between Lianokladi and Domokos, one comprising a tunnel of 23 kilometres at a total cost of DRS 260 billion and the other which provides for an 11 kilometre tunnel with the rest of the line overground at a total cost of Drs 160 billion. In addition, under the second proposal, the new railway station for Lamia would be situated at a distance of 2 kilometres from the centre of the town, whereas under the first proposal, the existing station at Lianokladi would continue to serve the town of Lamia, which is 9 kilometres away.

The Commission:

1. Is aware of the proposed options for the construction of the rail link between Lianokladi and Domokos?

2. What are its views on the cost and social benefit of the proposals?

3. What is its estimate of the probable total duration of the work?

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

(5 May 1999)

The Commission is aware of the various proposals for the new railway line between Lamia or Lianokladi, and Domokos. This section of the main Athens-Thessaloniki railway line is mountainous and the projected new railway line will undoubtedly be very expensive and technically very difficult.

With this in mind the Monitoring Committee for the Railways Operational Programme for the period 1994-99, which is part-funding the studies of the section in question, decided at the beginning of 1999 to study the proposals before taking any decision.

The Greek authorities are currently preparing this study so that the alternative routes can be effectively compared from the technical, economic and social standpoints. This phase should finish towards the end of this year or in early 2000, so allowing the final decisions to be taken in time for the next programming period in 2000-06.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0547/99

by Ursula Stenzel (PPE) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Emergency aid

For the last few weeks, the Alpine regions of Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland have been struck by heavy avalanches. The regions of the Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria in particular have been hit the most heavily by the disasters. The largest avalanche disaster in Austria since the Second World War occurred yesterday afternoon in the small village of Galtür in the Tyrol. Up to now sixteen people have been found dead, including two small children, and more than 30 people are still missing. Unfortunately, the number of victims is expected to rise. The village, a locality of 700 inhabitants, has been severely damaged by the large masses of snow.

In its 1999 budget the EU made funds available in budget heading B4-330 for civil protection and environmental emergencies. Does the Commission see any possibility of making funds for reconstruction from this budget heading available to the regions and villages concerned, including the Tyrolean mountain village of Galtür, which is so badly affected?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 1999)

Budget heading B4-3300"Civil protection" does not permit intervention either in the rebuilding of disaster areas or for granting economic or emergency aid.

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that, in 1997, Parliament deleted heading B4-3400, which enabled emergency assistance to be granted to disaster victims. In this connection, the Honourable Member is requested to refer to the answer given to written question P-763/99 by Mr Cornelissen(1).

(1) OJ C 348, 3.12.1999, p. 129.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0444/99

by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Subject: Adjusting the definition of small and medium enterprises

The Commission has submitted a proposal for a directive adjusting the financial thresholds used in defining small and medium enterprises in the context of European directives on accounting.

The proposal will allow the Member States to establish exceptions with regard to obligatory financial information for a larger number of SMEs.

What social partners and associations of SMEs and artisans were contacted in the course of preparing this proposal?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1999)

The Fourth Council Directive 78/660/EC) of 25 July 1978 on the annual accounts of certain types of companies(1) allows Member States to exempt small and medium-sized companies from certain requirements of the Directive.

Small and medium-sized companies are defined for the purposes of the Directive by reference to three criteria, i.e. balance sheet total, net turnover and average number of employees. The balance sheet total and net turnover amounts are expressed in Euro. In accordance with Article 53(2) of the Directive every five years the Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission, is to examine and, if need be, revise the amounts expressed in Euro.

As the Directive stipulates that this five-yearly revision has to take place "in the light of economic and monetary trends in the Community" there is no need for special consultation of social partners and associations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The revision is of a purely technical nature and is based upon statistical figures.

(1) OJ L 222, 14.8.1978.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0692/99

by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1999)

Subject: Measures to support swordfish fishing in the Mediterranean

The recent proposal by the Council of Fishery Ministers prohibits all Community vessels from using driftnets for swordfish fishing with effect from 31 December 1999.

However, the Council has granted a derogation to vessels fishing in the Baltic, enabling them to carry on board, as well as nets of the authorized length of 2 500 metres, additional nets of up to 21 kilometres, and even 3 000 metres of spare length.

Such a difference in treatment compared with other Member States clearly penalizes Mediterranean fishermen, and the proposal to ban driftnet fishing will mean that the Italian restructuring plan cannot be put into practice.

Can the Commission say what steps it intends to take to avoid unfair measures and, while bearing in mind the need to preserve fish stocks, ensure that one of the few genuinely productive sectors of the Sicilian and Mediterranean economy does not suffer any further damage?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 1999)

The measures adopted by the Council on the phasing-out of driftnets(1), are not applicable in the Baltic given the special characteristics of the salmon fisheries of this sea. The threat for the non-targeted populations posed by driftnet fishing is very low.

As far as the Italian plan for the re-conversion of driftnets is concerned, the Council had already given its formal support to it before the adoption of the above-mentioned regulation(2). Moreover, the Council has recently adopted a new decision(3), applicable to all Community vessels engaged in driftnet fishing for large migratory species (first of all swordfish and tunas). The conditions for the re-conversion have been clarified for the Italian fisheries and extended to other Member States.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) 1239/98 of 8 June 1998 amending Regulation (EC) 894/97 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources, OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.

(2) Council Decision 97/292/EC of 28 April 1997 on a specific measure to encourage Italian fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities, OJ L 121, 13.5.1997.

(3) Council Decision 99/27/EC of 17 December 1998 on a specific measure to encourage diversification out of certain fishing activities and amending Decision 97/292/EC, OJ L 8, 14.1.1999.