ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1038/98

by Nel van Dijk (V) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Economic espionage and State aid

Can the Commission confirm that Title V of the EC Treaty (rules on competition, particularly Articles 92 to 94 concerning State aid) applies to the passing-on by governments to businesses of confidential information about their competitors or other governments which has been gathered by national intelligence or security services?

Is the Commission aware of cases of any State aid or distortion of competition caused by economic espionage involving national intelligence or security services? Has the Commission ever received any complaints about them?

In view of the STOA working document "An appraisal of technologies of political control"(1) - particularly the passages concerning the Echelon eavesdropping and interception network - and in view of facts reported by other media(2), will the Commission investigate the possible existence of unlawful forms of State aid and distortion of competition?

What steps will the Commission take vis-à-vis the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 1998)

All provision of goods or services by a Member State to undertakings can constitute state aid if the provision is made on a selective basis at a price less than the true cost of providing that service. Provision of information of the type referred to could fall into this definition.

The Commission has not been informed of any such cases of state aid, either by way of complaint or, less surprisingly, by way of Member State notification.

If information concerning alleged aid of this kind is brought to the Commission's attention it will examine that information without delay.

(1) Steve Wright, "An appraisal of technologies of political control" (working document), Luxembourg, EP, STOA, 6 January 1998.

(2) Notably De Groene Amsterdammer, 18 and 25 February 1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1438/98

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

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Euro 1999

Council Regulation (EC) 1103/97(1) on certain provisions relating to the introduction of the euro, together with the draft Regulation on the introduction of the euro to be approved immediately after 2 May, apparently seek to prevent banks from charging for the conversion of incoming payments or the conversion of accounts at the end of the transitional period.

Has the Commission made provision for control measures to achieve this goal?

(1) OJ L 162, 19.6.1997, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0733/98

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(2 March 1998)

Subject: Implementation of the Structural Funds 1994-1995

Can the Commission provide information on:

- the implementation, by country and by objective, of the Community support frameworks with respect to programming in 1997, and a summary of the period 1994-1997 by country (in line with the replies to my questions 1877/96 and 1991/97);

- the implementation with respect to the programming of Community initiatives in the period 1994-1997?

Supplementary answer

given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 1998)

A report dated May 1998 on the implementation of the structural funds in 1994-1997 including two tables "Total implementation of the structural funds 1994 to 1997 and the Edinburgh allocations" and "implementation report 1997 Structural Actions" is sent direct to the Honourable Member and the Parliament's Secretariat. These tables provide detailed information, with a breakdown by objective, Community initiative and Member State, on the implementation of the structural funds.

When approaching the end of the present programming period, a comparison between the overall Edinburgh allocations and the implementation gives the most accurate information on what still remains to be implemented.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1383/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Training in specialized medicine

The Italian laws governing training in specialized medicine (DL 257/91) define a doctor training to be a specialist as a student rather than a worker. Consequently, these doctors are unable to benefit from the provisions of Article 24 of Directive 93/16/EEC of 5 April 1993(1) to facilitate the free movement of doctors and the mutual recognition of their diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications, which stipulates that the training must entail "the personal participation of the doctor training to be a specialist in the activity and in the responsibilities of the establishments concerned".

1. What is the Commission's opinion of the fact that:

(a) these doctors are actually employed to replace permanent staff at university health centres and approved hospitals, in many cases providing independent specialized services (despite the fact that they have not yet obtained their specialist's qualification) and in other cases simply carrying out nursing duties, in accordance with the needs of the establishment to which they have been assigned by their school?

(b) no certificate is awarded for the training curriculum followed by doctors training to be specialists, placing them at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other Member States?

2. After making the necessary checks, what measures will the Commission take to correct these anomalies, which penalize Italian medical specialists?

(1) OJ L 165, 7.7.1993, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1353/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: General aviation aircraft and an integrated transport policy

Does the Commission recognize the inclusion of general aviation as a necessary element within an EU integrated transport policy?

Joint answer to Written QuestionsE-1167/98 and E-1353/98 given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(10 June 1998)

Because it has a commercial character, general aviation is fully covered is fully by the third package of air transport liberalisation measures. Consequently, it benefits from full access to the Community internal market on an equitable basis like other commercial air transport.

In view of the importance of general aviation, the Commission also tries to ensure that operators have the right to as much access as possible at congested airports. Council Regulation (EEC) 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports(1) is applicable to this sector.

(1) OJ L 14, 22.1.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0692/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) and Salvatore Tatarella (NI) to the Commission

(10 March 1998)

Subject: Altener II

With reference to the proposal for a Council Decision concerning a multiannual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Community - Altener II (COM(97) 87 final - 97/0106(SYN))(1), could the level of funding available under the Altener II programme be increased, and does the Commission agree that the formulation of pan-European standards is a very important aspect of the promotion of renewable energy sources?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1998)

The Commission would draw the Honourable Members' attention to the fact that, under the financial perspective for the period up to 1999, the overall budgetary amount indicated for the first two years of the Altener programme is ECU 30 million, of which ECU 14.4 million for 1998 and ECU 15.6 million for 1999. Although the Budgetary Authority only provided ECU 11 million for the 1998 budget, the Commission, in its proposal for a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector(2), confirmed these amounts for renewable energy (Altener) for the first two financial years 1998/1999. The overall amount for 1998 to 2002 is ECU 81.1 million for this action.

The Commission agrees that the formulation of pan-European standards is an important aspect of promoting renewable energy. To this end a practical action is planned under Altener II to continue the work started under Altener I. Under this programme, four standards (solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind and biodiesel) are currently being drafted in the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (Cenelec).

(1) OJ C 192, 24.6.1997, p. 16.

(2) COM(97) 550 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0143/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(2 February 1998)

Subject: Murder of Cypriot Solomos Solomou

Kenan Akin, a former member of the "government" of the self-styled "state" of northern Cyprus, and other individuals are accused by the Cypriot authorities of involvement in the murder of the Greek Cypriot, Solomos Solomou, and of other criminal acts. Interpol is already carrying out investigations into these matters.

Does the Schengen data system have information about these individuals? In the event of any of the above persons applying for a visa for the EU, what action would normally be taken?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1998)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the matter at issue. It does not enjoy access to files kept by the Schengen information system in order to check whether the names of certain individuals appear. In accordance with the provisions of the Schengen Convention, only the person concerned may have access to data concerning him.

Notifications for purposes of non-admission are made by the Member State or Member States concerned on a request from the judicial or administrative authority in accordance with domestic law.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1352/98

by Ben Fayot (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Alternatives to animal testing

In recent years the European Parliament and European animal welfare bodies have constantly stressed the need to replace animal testing (e.g. in the cosmetics industry) by alternative methods.

I now learn that Professor Michael Balls, Head of ECVAM, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, in Ispra, Italy, is having his research contract extended by only two rather than five years.

Does this mean that the research centre is now being given low priority and that the Commission's policy for replacing animal testing by alternative methods, which is already scarcely dynamic is to become even less effective?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 1998)

The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) will continue to receive the resources it needs to carry out productive research.

The development of alternative test methods, included in the fourth framework programme of research and development,(1) will continue in the fifth framework programme. It is included in the specific JRC programme and in the indirect actions.

The Council's common position of 12 February 1998 on the fifth framework programme(2) states with regard to the first activity "Quality of life and management of living resources" that where possible, animal experiments and tests on animals should be replaced by in vitro or other alternative methods.

(1) OJ L 117, 18.5.1990.

(2) COM(97) 553 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1128/98

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(8 April 1998)

Subject: Imports of linen yarn from the People's Republic of China

European production of linen yarn fell from 25 000 tonnes in 1994 to 15 000 tonnes in 1996. Of the two dozen of so European producers of linen yarn, the two largest flax spinners are in Austria and Italy.

A key reason for this crisis was the sudden occurrence of large-scale imports of linen yarn from the People's Republic of China in 1993 and 1994. China is, however, subject to import quotas for flax yarn under customs headings 5306.10 and 5306.20 in the form of an annual Community maximum amount of 450 tonnes. Nonetheless, according to calculations, in 1993 the European Union registered imports from the People's Republic of China of 1 857 tonnes and in 1994 of 1 513 tonnes. For 1994 there were imports to Italy of 628 tonnes and to Belgium of 637 tonnes, which alone could represent a massive overshoot of the Community maximum.

The fact that the import situation calmed down again in 1995 and 1996 is explained by the lack of demand for Chinese linen yarn as a result of the collapsed market. However this situation could change rapidly given the signs of recovery in the European linen industry.

Can the Commission therefore give full details of the reasons for the possible breaching of these EU maximum quantities?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1998)

The products in question, together with ramie yarn, belong to the textile category 115, which was made subject to an autonomous Community quota of 450 tonnes by Council Regulation (EC) 517/94 of 7 March 1994 on common rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific Community import rules(1) for March to December 1994.

That quota has been replaced, since 1 January 1995, by the quantitative limits negotiated under the current Community-China bilateral agreement on trade in textiles and clothing made of fibres other than cotton, wool and man-made fibres, which is due to expire on 31 December 1998.

Concerning imports of these products in 1994, recorded imports of 1 513 tonnes exceeded the quota established for that year. This was due to the fact that goods shipped in 1993, and which therefore were not covered by the quota established for 1994, were counted in the Community statistics, together with imports of the same goods under the quota regime for 1994.

As regards 1995, 1996 and 1997, imports have always been within the agreed limits. Shipments of the products concerned are subject to a double checking system and, in particular, following its establishment, on 28 October 1996, also to an electronic link-up between the Chinese offices which issue export licences covering these products and the Community system for the electronic issue of licences (SIGL). The Community authorities issue import licences for the products in question only if requests by importers fall within the available quota for the year in question.

(1) OJ L 67, 10.3.1994.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1469/98

by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: Staffing levels in DG VI

Would the Commission please give a breakdown of the number of A category staff employed by DG VI on a full-time basis for the following areas of responsibility:

- animal welfare (farming, transport and slaughter)

- residues in food (including hormones and antibiotics)

- zoonotic diseases (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, etc.)?

Would it also state whether they are permanent officials, temporary staff or seconded national experts and, for the latter two categories, the date when their employment at the Commission will end?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

The unit responsible in the Directorate General for Agriculture for these issues is unit VI/B.II.2 "Législation vétérinaire et zootechnique". This unit employs 22 category A staff.

In the area of animal welfare (farming, transport and slaughter) one A category temporary agent (AT) is employed, whose contract will end on 15 July 1998 and one A category national expert (END) whose contract will end on 31 January 1999.

In the area of residues in food (including hormones and antibiotics) one A category temporary agent (AT) is employed, whose contract will end on 31 August 1998.

In the area of zoonotic diseases (salmonella, campylobacter, listeria) one A category national expert (END) is employed, whose contract will end on 31 January 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1079/98

by Jean-Antoine Giansily (UPE) to the Commission

(7 April 1998)

Subject: The Commission's Green Paper on Vertical Restraints in EC Competition Policy

On 18 July 1997, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Commission's Green Paper on Vertical Restraints in EC Competition Policy (A-0242/97(1)).

In the wake of the conference organized by DG IV on 6 and 7 October to consult interested parties, MEPs have the impression that the Commission has no clear sense of direction and, on the contrary, is continuing to envisage a variety of complex and confused alternatives, without taking any account of the objections raised to the options contained in the Green Paper on the basis of market share.

Does the Commission consider that it is reasonable to pursue this unpromising approach, which gave rise to almost unanimous opposition from industry and distributors, and serious reservations on the part of Parliament, the Economic and Social Council, the Committee of the Regions and various national governments?

(1) OJ C 286, 22.9.1997, p. 347.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1135/98 by José APOLINÁRIO to the Commission. The Community Support Framework - Azores



Official Journal C 013 , 18/01/1999 P. 0021



WRITTEN QUESTION E-1135/98 by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission (24 April 1998) Subject: The Community Support Framework - Azores In view of the specific nature of Portugal's Azores region (an extremely remote region which, as such, has a special status enshrined in the EU Treaty), would the Commission give details of the kind of Community support received by the region from the Structural Funds during the 1994-1999 period (policy measures and amounts of funding) and how must support the Commission expects it to receive under the 2000-2006 Community Support Framework?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1866/98

by Peter Crampton (PSE) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: Democratic rights in Estonia

In view of the fact that Estonia is in the first tranche of states being considered for European Union membership, is the Commission satisfied with the progress so far towards the achievement of democratic rights for the large percentage of the Estonian population who were not born in Estonia, or whose parents and grandparents were not born in Estonia?

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

(14 July 1998)

With reference to the Commission's opinion on Estonia's application for Community membership, the Accession Partnership, adopted by the Commission in March 1998, underlines the need to take measures to facilitate the naturalisation process and better to integrate non-Estonian citizens, including stateless children. Also, Estonian language training for non-Estonian speakers has to be enhanced. With a view to implementing the recommendations by the Organization for security and cooperation in Europe (OSCE) High commissioner for national minorities, the Estonian government has tabled legislative proposals which are presently under consideration by the Estonian Parliament. Developments on these issues are monitored closely.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1853/98

by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission

(12 June 1998)

Subject: Interim trade agreement with Mexico in relation to the violation of human rights in Mexico

In connection with the interim agreement on trade with Mexico which was concluded in December 1997 and in view of the human rights clauses incorporated in it:

1. does the Commission maintain contact with human rights organizations either in Mexico or elsewhere? If so, are these contacts regular, and how is the information which is received assessed? If not, why not?

2. what other sources does the Commission use in order to assess the human rights situation in Mexico?

3. what is the substance of the cooperation measures(1) to promote human rights and democracy which were planned in connection with the interim agreement between the EU and Mexico?

4. what other measures does the Commission intend to take, in the light of the legal framework provided by the interim agreement for an effective dialogue with Mexico with regard to respect for human rights?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 1998)

The Commission has been paying particular attention to the human rights situation in Mexico for many years. Even before the signing of last December's interim Agreement, which, like all Community agreements with non-member countries, is founded on the essential elements of respect for democratic principles and human rights, the Commission, in its dialogue with the Mexican authorities, consistently emphasised the importance of respect for these rights and the role of civil society in the democratic process.

The Commission is in contact with various representatives of civil society, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and groups promoting and defending human rights. These highly constructive contacts contribute a great deal of information on the country. The bulk of information, however, comes from international sources, the Member States' missions and the Commission delegation in Mexico. This information allows proper assessment of the country's human rights situation.

For many years the Commission has been backing the activities of civil society under the relevant programmes for Latin America. Cooperation schemes aimed at reinforcing democracy are carried out through local NGOs.

To emphasise the importance of existing cooperation in its future dealings with Mexico, the Commission negotiated the inclusion in the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement, also signed last December, of a specific chapter on cooperation in the sphere of human rights and democracy (Article 39). This Agreement requires the assent of Parliament and the approval of the Council. As a mixed agreement, it also requires the approval of the Member States.

The Commission will continue to use every means at its disposal to step up its dialogue with Mexico to achieve greater recognition for these issues and so make a more effective and constructive contribution to improving the country's human rights situation.

(1) See reply to written question P-0292/98 - OJ C 223, 17.7.1998, p. 158.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1663/98

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Italian milk quotas

What action does the Commission propose to take, having regard to the reports that the Italian Government is said to have offered to pay 80 % of the fines of Italian milk producers for over-production beyond quota?

Are all registered dairy farms in Italy checked as actually producing milk?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1998)

The Italian Government did not offer to pay 80 % of the levy imposed on producers exceeding their individual quota. Under Law No 5 of 27 January 1998 it reimbursed to producers funds retained by way of advance payment of the levy due that in fact were surplus to the amount owed to the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund. Under Italian rules, as soon as he finds that he has exceeded his quota a producer is required to pay the purchaser for all milk deliveries until the end of the milk year an advance on the levy due prior to the national offsetting exercise. Hence it is not unusual for a purchaser to hold sums greater than those actually due following national offsetting. This explains why some amounts held by purchasers as advances on the levy due for the 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 periods were reimbursed under the 1996/1997 period.

In response to the second question, the Italian Government has adopted a set of measures for checking the correctness of allocated quotas. The very numerous individual checks involved, on both producers and purchasers, are not yet complete.

The Commission closely monitors the dairy sector in Italy and will not fail to take any action required for the purpose of securing compliance with Community provisions.