ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0475/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(5 March 1999)

Subject: The effects of the employment initiative

The European Parliament placed the emphasis of the 1998 budget on the so-called "employment initiative", to which EUR 150 million was allocated. The same strategy was adopted for this year, as shown in budget line B5-512 on support for SMEs.

1. How does the Commission assess the impact of this initiative so far in the light of the conclusions of the Luxembourg summit?

2. How many jobs were created or maintained by means of these funds?

3. How should the European Union's budgetary policy be shaped in future with a view to supporting purposeful and effective employment policies in the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 1999)

Given the preparation needed to get the Growth and employment programme up and running, it is too soon to assess the impact of the schemes at the level of enterprises. However, progress is being made for each of the three facilities involved.

The European technology facility (EFT) start-up so far has come from funds in 13 of the 15 Member States. Financial intermediaries have been appointed in two Member States and seven other funds are presently under negotiations with the European investment fund (EIF) with more than 50 proposals being appraised.

Concerning the choice of national intermediaries for the Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) guarantee facility, the EIF has taken contact with all national authorities. Two Member States have signed agreements and are already issuing guarantees. Active negotiations with intermediaries in six additional Member States are under way at present.

In the Joint European venture (JEV) as of 31 March 1999 the Commission has approved 18 projects involving 36 Community SMEs. Half of the projects are in the manufacturing, environment or information technology sectors. Based on the forecasts provided by each SME, each joint venture is expected to create on average 15 jobs.

The overall number of jobs created is part of the monitoring and evaluation of the facilities and will, as far as possible, be included in the annual reports by the Commission to the Parliament and Council. The first report will be issued later this year.

The employment strategy establishes the orientation for priorities and focus of future employment policy at national and Community level. The main responsibility lies with Member States. The targets and objectives of the employment guidelines set the course for their action. The principal Community support will be provided by the reformed structural funds, in particular the European social fund.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176/99

by José Torres Couto (PSE) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Attacks on press freedom directed against Portuguese journalists in Angola

The Angolan Government has issued an expulsion order against one Portuguese journalist and banned another from entering the country. The Angolan authorities have taken these steps because the journalists, both of whom were working for the newspaper Diário de Notícias, wrote a report published in that newspaper which displeased the Luanda authorities.

What steps will the Commission take, within the framework of the cooperation agreements with Angola, with a view to countering this attack on the freedom to provide information?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(23 March 1999)

The Commission is extremely concerned about the deteriorating situation in Angola, where despite international representations up to the level of the UN Security Council war has broken out again, bringing with it appalling suffering and dire consequences for human rights.

Reflecting this concern, the Presidency issued a declaration on 28 December 1998 on behalf of the EU urging the Angolan government and,in particular, UNITA to respect human rights.

As regards press freedom specifically, the Commission would point out that it finances a human rights monitoring programme for Reporters sans frontières (RSF), which reacted promptly to these violations and wrote a letter of protest to the Angolan authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0807/99

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(6 April 1999)

Subject: Turkish exports of steel products

Turkey has been exempted from the Community surveillance system for iron and steel products covered by the EEC and ECSC Treaties, despite opposition from Greece which duly lodged its objections with the competent management committee of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

The above exemption has had the effect of promoting exports of Turkish steel products, which are offered at low prices to the detriment of Member States' production. According to the latest statistics, Turkish exports of steel products increased by 105 % last year, delivering a devastating blow to Greek iron and steel in particular. Recently, Greece made an official request that Turkish exports of steel products should be subject to the Community surveillance system. Will that happen and when?

Has an assessment been made of the impact on Community production of steel products if the corresponding Turkish products infiltrate European markets?

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

(29 April 1999)

EC Treaty steel products originating in Turkey were excluded from the Community's prior surveillance regime in March 1998 and European coal and steel Community (ECSC) Treaty steel products were excluded in January 1999, when Turkey eliminated its remaining tariffs on steel imports from the Community.

The Community's steel imports from third countries generally increased dramatically in 1998, to around 23,5 million metric tonnes, around 45 % higher than in 1997. Community imports from Turkey increased by 66 % to around 1,7 million tonnes, and Greece's steel imports from Turkey increased by 90 % to 406 000 tonnes. Greece accounts for around 23 % of total Community steel imports from Turkey.

These developments took place when most of Turkey's steel products were still covered by prior Community surveillance, a system which provides advance information on probable import trends based on automatic licensing of imports. The inclusion or exclusion of countries in the prior Community surveillance system does not, therefore, explain the increase in imports during 1998. The increase in Community steel imports from third countries generally, including Turkey, is due to the turbulence on international steel markets resulting from the crises in South East Asia and Russia.

The Commission is closely monitoring the impact of the international financial crisis and has regular dialogue with a wide range of third countries, including Turkey, to discuss developments in the steel sector. The Commission and Turkey exchange detailed statistics on trade in steel products each month.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0498/99

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(25 February 1999)

Subject: Infringement of Directive 93/119/EC in France during Eid-el-Kabir

The Commission has made it clear on a number of occasions that outdoor ritual slaughter by untrained individuals is not permitted under Directive 93/119/EC(1). Despite this, each year thousands of sheep are ritually slaughtered out in the open in France during the festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

Would the Commission state:

1. What steps it plans to take to persuade the French authorities to enforce Directive 93/119/EC so that outdoor religious slaughter does not take place at this year's Eid-el-Kabir?

2. Whether it plans to bring infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty in respect of France's failure to fulfil its obligations to enforce Directive 93/119/EC?

3. Whether it will instruct its veterinary service to attend and monitor this year's Eid-el-Kabir festival in France to assess the nature and scale of the problem?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 March 1999)

1. and 2. Following intervention of the Commission, France confirmed that Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December 1993 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing has been fully implemented within its territory. However the French authorities have admitted that in certain urban areas having large Muslim populations there are inadequate slaughterhouse capacities to enable the considerable number of animals required for the celebration of Eid-el-Kébir at the time of the festival to be slaughtered in accordance with all the applicable legal requirements.

A number of local authorities have, for reasons of public order and public health, found it necessary to designate certain sites outside slaughterhouses for the purpose of celebration of the festival.

The Commission, taking into account the extreme sensitivity of the issue, has raised the matter within the standing veterinary committee. Most Member States have underlined that they have implemented the Directive in a way that prohibits slaughter outside the slaughterhouses. The Commission intends, however, to discuss the results in the standing veterinary committee again and then draw its conclusions.

3. The Commission has the evidence concerning celebration of the festival outside the slaughterhouses and France has not denied that in certain urban areas these celebrations take place. In these circumstances, an inspection is not considered essential for the time being.

(1) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 21.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0267/99

by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Competition between authorities issuing driving licences - Reminder of Written Question E-2907/98

Can the Commission indicate what progress it has made in collecting the information it needs to answer my Written Question E-2907/98(1) on competition as regards authorities issuing driving licences?

How much time does the Commission estimate it will take before it is in a position to answer the Question referred to above?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1999)

Following the Commission's reply to the Honourable Member's Written Question E-2907/98(2), the Commission has made enquiries of Member States about their respective arrangements. The Commission has received answers from 12 Member States.

Annex II point 11 of Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences(3) points out that driving examiners must be monitored and supervised by a body authorised by the Member State.

The Commission concludes from the answers received so far that the arrangements in Member States relating to designation of authorities responsible for the organisation of driving tests is as follows.

In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Finland, private organisations are entrusted by law with this public task. In Belgium and Germany, there are several authorities responsible for carrying out driving tests. Each of these organisations is responsible for the organisation of driving tests in a specific region.

In Portugal and Finland, the designated organisations (the Directorate general for road transport (P) and the Vehicle administration centre (FIN)), may conclude contracts with service providers for carrying out driving tests in specific geographical areas. They are chosen on the basis of open call for tender. In the United Kingdom, the logistic organisation of the theory test has been contracted out on basis of an open call for tender.

There are different procedures in each Member State relating to the appeals against decisions taken by the authorities responsible for issuing driving licences. According to the information provided by the Member States, the general rule is to appeal against the decision to an administrative or civil court (D, F, IRL, NL, FIN, UK). In some Member States, it is necessary to notify or to appeal to the driving licences authorities before appealing to a court (NL, FIN). In other Member States, a person will have to address a higher (GR) or different (P) testing authority for passing another driving test. In Belgium, a special commission of independent senior officials deals with appeals. In Spain, Italy and Luxembourg, the official procedures consist of an appeal directed at the highest authorities of the responsible government organisation.

The Member States which have replied so far indicated that only appointed bodies are authorised to organise driving tests.

(1) OJ C 96, 8.4.1999, p. 153.

(2) OJ C 96, 8.4.1999, p. 153.

(3) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1073/99

by Anne McIntosh (PPE) to the Commission

(13 April 1999)

Subject: Social security requirements

What action does the Commission intend to take against the French authorities in the Pyrénées-Orientales for breaking Article 84(4) of Regulation 1408/71(1), given the Commission's admission to me in a letter from Padraig Flynn of March 1999 that it is forbidden under this Regulation to ask a non-French EU national resident in France for a translation of his birth certificate when applying for a national identification number?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1999)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it will be writing to the French authorities concerning the case to which she refers. The French authorities will be asked what measures they intend to take in view of the fact that the French social security institution in the Pyrénées-Orientales requested a non-French Union citizen to present a French translation of his birth certificate in order to be given a national identification number, although Article 84(4) of Regulation (EEC) 1408/71 of the Council of 14 June 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons and their families moving within the Community provides that authorities, institutions and tribunals of a Member State may not reject claims or other documents submitted to them on the grounds that they are written in an official language of another Member State.

(1) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, p. 2.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0352/99

by Eva Kjer Hansen (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: Rules on the catching and breeding of the common eel

In reply to my question P-3994/97(1), the Commission stated that it did not wish to take measures to introduce rules on the catching and breeding of the common eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) pending a report from the International Council for the exploration of the sea (ICES). This report has now been published. Would the Commission, therefore, say what measures it will take in response to the alarming conclusion in the report regarding the situation of the threatened eel?

Will the Commission also describe the content of any repopulation programmes?

Are there any plans to introduce an interim ban on exports to stabilise the European market?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 1999)

The Commission has taken note of the advice from the International council for the exploration of the sea (ICES) about the decline of eel catches and the state of the European eel stock. It is also clear from ICES' advice that the scientists have not been able to ascertain the underlying causes of the decline. ICES has indicated that there are still considerable gaps in the knowledge about eel biology and fisheries which does not, therefore, provide the necessary background on which to develop a comprehensive management strategy for eel, based on measures that would be practical, operational and that would contribute to an enhanced stock development.

More information is therefore needed from the scientists, the Member States and the eel industry before a management system can be developed. The Commission has held a series of meetings with the eel industry in 1998 and further meetings are planned for 1999. In addition, ICES has also been requested to provide additional information in 1999 about possible management measures. The Commission is also prepared to support further research on eel and has provided funds for a project aiming at monitoring the influx of eel-larvae to Europe.

In order to justify a ban on exports of elvers, which would constitute a type of trade restriction which the Community has traditionally avoided, it would be necessary to have sufficient supportingevidence and data to support it. At present the scientific evidence to support such a measure is not sufficiently clear cut. In the mean time the Commission is looking at ways of engaging the Chinese authorities in addressing the problem of unrestricted trade in elvers on a bilateral basis.

(1) OJ C 187, 16.6.1998, p. 108.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0395/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Progress of drug treatment and prevention programmes

Caring for drug-users and former users, providing them with psychological support, bolstering their basic skills and improving their vocational qualifications helps them to reintegrate into family and society and avoid becoming marginalised. Measure 5 of sub-programme 3, "Social exclusion", and measure 4 of sub-programme 2, "Welfare", of the Health and Welfare Programme are designed to tackle the problems of users and former users of narcotic substances in Greece.

Given that there is a specific timetable for these sub-programmes, will the Commission say:

1. what stage has been reached in the above sub-programmes and what measures have been launched, and

2. whether there are any delays in the take-up of appropriations and, if so, what the main reasons are for those delays?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 1999)

Under measure 5 of sub-programme 3 of the operational programme on "Combating exclusion from the labour market" (Community support framework for Greece 1994-1999), integrated actions comprising pre-training, training and accompanying or support measures have been implemented to bolster the basic personal abilities and to promote the re-integration into society and the labour market of former drug addicts.

Approximately 27 % of the 1994-1999 total budget allocated for this specific target group (approx. [fmxeuro] 9 million) was taken up during the years 1994 to 1997. The rather low take-up is to a large extent due to the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the overall operational programme in the 1994-1997 period as a result of the innovative approach, inadequate administrative and management structures, lack of appropriate implementing agencies, and accreditation shortcomings.

In view of the limited number of actions that have been implemented in favour of this specific target group, the Commission requested the Greek authorities to improve their efforts to reach the greatest possible number of people so that they could benefit to the full from the possibilities offered under the specific operational programme.

Under the sub-programme "Welfare" of the Health and Welfare operational programme (Community support framework for Greece - 1994-1999), it is planned to set up a detoxification centre for drug-dependent prisoners.

Accordingly, the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice) have purchased a suitable building complex near to the Voiotis prefecture. The conversions needed to make the centre sufficiently secure are now in progress and are running to schedule. When the work is finished, the centre will have 360 places, but further extension will be possible, if necessary.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0372/99

by Yvonne Sandberg-Fries (PSE) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: European housing fair

There are plans to hold a European housing fair in Malmö, Sweden, in 2001. It will be jointly organised by Sweden and Denmark and receive support from the two governments. At their meeting in Graz in October 1998 the European Ministers of Housing called on the Commission to support the Fair, thus emphasising the Fair's importance to the establishment of a common market in the house building sector which would support employment in Europe. The most important part of the Fair will in that respect be the "European City" in which each European country will erect a house reflecting its own ideal and which complies with EU directives. Denmark and Sweden have put in a great effort, as have experts in the Member States and in the Commission, so that this important project may reach fruition. Despite repeated enquiries the Commission has still given no clear indication of how it intends to support the European Housing Fair. This delay is likely to become a serious problem as invitations have to be sent out to the countries of Europe at the latest by the end of February/beginning of March this year.

Will the Commission immediately give a clear indication of the support it intends to give to the European housing fair to be held in Malmö in 2001?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0557/99

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Alcohol consumption

The Spanish National Drugs Programme has reported that new drug users are young people, students and people in steady jobs, who consume different types of drug (psychostimulants, alcohol, tobacco and cocaine) in large quantities at weekends. Of all the drugs involved, the Programme places particular emphasis on alcohol consumption, and figures show that 35 % of the population began drinking alcohol before the age of 16. Moreover, 1,1 % of the population admit to getting drunk every day, while 2,1 % get drunk once a week. The figures show that 39 % of regular drinkers consume alcohol on weekdays and 67 % at weekends, with an unprecedented increase in alcohol consumption among women, which matches that of men. Among 15-18 year-olds, girls drink more than boys and 70.4 % of young people in this age-group drink some form of alcohol at weekends. The Programme is particularly concerned by society's tolerance of alcohol consumption.

Does the Commission have similar data concerning the other Member States and, if so, can it make this information available?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 1999)

The Commission is aware of the problem of alcohol consumption among teenagers and younger adults.

Most of the Member States have some data on alcohol consumption through questions asked in national health interview surveys. A majority of Member States have also carried out ad-hoc surveys - with questions on alcohol consumption - directly addressed to teenagers and younger adults. However intra-Community comparability between Member States is seriously hampered since data are not collected at the same time and because of significant differences in definitions and survey methodology.

A comparative analysis of the most recent data is being undertaken under the Community statistical programme 1998-2002 (Decision 99/126/EC)(1) and more particularly under the Community action programme on health monitoring (Decision 1400/97/EC(2)). In addition, under the Biomed 2 programme a project was launched aiming at preparing a common survey instrument for alcohol consumption.

(1) OJ L 42, 16.2.1999.

(2) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997.