ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2528/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Safety of nuclear power stations in Ukraine

Apart from the Chernobyl plant, there are at present two nuclear power stations in Ukraine, which have not yet been completed. However, the Ukrainians intend to build these two reactors, although without Western technical aid and funding there is no chance of their achieving adequate safety standards.

Ukraine's geopolitical situation is particularly difficult, since the Ukrainians do not want to buy more expensive electricity from Russia and thus increase their dependency on their neighbouring country. However, the conditions in winter in Ukraine are very severe, and it is essential to obtain electricity for heating.

How does the Commission propose to ensure that Ukrainian nuclear power stations are adequate to meet Western safety standards, and what measures will it take to ensure that the Chernobyl plant is closed?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

In addition to the nuclear power plant (NPP) at Chernobyl, there are 4 other NPPs in Ukraine (Rovno, Khmelnitsky, South Ukraine and Zaporozke). At two of these (Rovno and Khmelnitsky) there are partly constructed units that the Ukrainian authorities wish to complete.

The Commission is aware of Ukraine's difficult energy supply situation. In the framework of the memorandum of understanding for the closure of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the Commission is assisting the Ukrainian authorities through the Tacis programme in the preparation of loan applications for the completion of the above-mentioned units to Western safety levels including the provision of expertise for the qualitative inspection of the present state of the units. A loan is under consideration by the European bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD). Another loan (Euratom) is under review by the Commission in line with the applicable Regulation.

The loan agreement to be negotiated would include provisions to ensure that the plants will be completed at internationally acceptable safety levels specified in the modernisation programme developed with Community assistance.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2136/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Genetically produced enzymes and additives

Are there plans for activities for the European Union aimed at plugging the existing legislative gaps for the authorization of enzymes or additives produced with the aid of genetically modified micro-organisms which are not covered by either the novel food regulation or the additives regulation?

Answer (20 October 1997)

Article 2 of Regulation No 258/97 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients stipulates that food additives, flavourings for use in foodstuffs and extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs are not covered by the Regulation. However, these exclusions will only apply for so long as the safety laid down in the basic Directive correspond to the safety level of the Regulation concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients.

The Honourable Member should also note that the Commission has stated that it confirms that should it appear, in the light of experience, that there are gaps in the system of protection of public health provided for by the existing legal framework, in particular in respect of processing aids, it will formulate appropriate proposals in order to fill those gaps (OJ L 43, 14.2.1997, p. 7). The date the Council has received no such proposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2645/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Activities of the Conflict Prevention Network and its implications for the Commission

The bureau of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee received an invitation to attend a meeting on 16 July 1997 in Brussels concerning the situation in Cyprus. The invitation was issued by the Conflict Prevention Network (CNP), which receives Commission funding and uses its name, together with the European Union emblem, on its logotype.

The letter of invitation also indicates that 'the admission of the Greek section of the island alone, as a result of Greek pressure within the EU, will, in the long term, lead to a dramatic geostrategic shift in the south-eastern Mediterranean'.

The inaccurate nature of such observations concerning the future accession of Cyprus and the spirit behind them give a wholly distorted and imprecise picture of the situation on the island.

The meeting in question was cancelled following a timely response by the bureau of the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Nevertheless, this is a particularly serious matter since the Commission is revealed to be funding a body which is, in fact, propagating official positions adopted by Turkey, which has for 23 years, been occupying 37% of Cyprus.

What view does the Commission take of the above 'initiative'? What funding is being received by the CNP? Who is contributing and what criteria were applied in deciding to espouse its cause?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (24 September 1997)

On the basis of the Resolution on conflict prevention, adopted by the Parliament on 15 June 1995, requesting the Commission to set up a body responsible for collecting information on conflicts for the purpose of analysis and the drafting of proposals, the Commission has launched a pilot project for one to two years. The pilot programme 'Crisis prevention network' (CPN) consists of studies, briefs, advice and evaluations aiming to augment non-governmental analysis capacity on conflict prevention. It serves as a tool of information and analysis for both the Commission and the Parliament on conflict prevention issues. Any study or advice can be used by the institutions in their respective institutional responsibilities, without binding these institutions.

The work programme of the CPN is guided by a group of experts from the Parliament, academia and the Commission. At present, seven members of the Parliament participate in the group of experts. CPN is managed by Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik in Ebenhausen (Germany) and is directed by Dr Rummel. The contract with the Stiftung was awarded after an open tender procedure. The total value of the contract of the CPN is ECU 646 000.

The programme of the confidential briefing discussion on Cyprus planned by the CPN was not approved by the Commission and the text of the invitation does not represent the views of the Commission.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2180/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Demonstration of genetic modification

1. How will the criterion of demonstrable genetic modification be applied to seeds if the new protein(s) is/are only formed, and can be demonstrated to exist, in plants?

2. What assessment methods are to be used in future to distinguish between different batches of seeds?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2160/97, E-2162/97, E-2164/97, E-2166/97, E-2176/97, E-2178/97, E-2180/97, E-2182/97 and E-2186/97 (28 October 1997)

As specified in Article 8(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 ((OJ L 43, 14.2.1997. )), an appropriate analysis should be able, if necessary, to demonstrate that certain characteristics of a novel food or food ingredient "are different in comparison with a conventional food or food ingredient, having regard to the accepted limits of natural variations for such characteristics¨. It should also be noted that any arrangements for applying Article 8 will be adopted in accordance with the (Committee) procedure provided for in Article 13.

The questions are worded in such a way that it is difficult to identify the checks or monitoring to which the Honourable Member refers. The general provisions of Community legislation on the monitoring of foodstuffs are in any event applicable.

Regarding the assessments to be carried out under Articles 4 and 6 of Regulation No 258/97, the detailed arrangements, and notable the role of the Member States as regards the assessment bodies, are laid down in Article 4(3) and Article 6(2) to (4), supplemented, where Commission will publish recommendations concerning the scientifc aspects of the preparation of the initial assessment reports. These provisions are supplemented, where appropriate, by the relevant provisions of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )).

Regarding methods of analysis, it will be recalled that Article 4 of Directive 93/99/EEC ((OJ L 290, 24.11.1993. )) provides that Member States shall ensure that the validation of methods of analysis used within the context of official control of foodstuffs complies whenever possible with certain criteria laid down in Directive 85/591/EEC ((OJ L 372, 31.12.1985. )) concerning the introduction of Community methods of sampling and analysis for monitoring of foodstuffs intended for human consumption.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2505/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (18 July 1997)

Subject: Common agricultural policy and rural agricultural employment

Can the Commission provide data to show that the continued decline in rural agricultural employment within the European Union has been mitigated by the application of advice and/or payments under Objectives 5a and 5b of the common agricultural policy which pertain to rural development?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1997)

Each year sees a reduction in the agricultural workforce and the disappearance of a number of farms. In 1983, the agriculture and forestry sector still accounted for 9.3% of total employment. By 1995, this percentage had gone down to 5.5%.

There are various measures making it possible to create or maintain jobs in rural areas which are financed either under Objective 5(a), designed to accelerate the adaptation of agricultural structures as part of the reform of the common agricultural policy, or under Objective 5(b), designed to facilitate development and structural adjustment in rural areas.

Among the operations financed by Objective 5(a), start-up aid to young farmers is granted to 23 000 new entrants on average each year. The assistance granted to businesses processing and marketing agricultural and forest products helps to safeguard or create jobs in that sector. The compensatory allowances paid to farmers living in mountain or less-favoured regions help to support employment in particularly difficult areas. In 1995 more than 1 200 000 farmers benefited from this aid.

The programmes financed under Objective 5(b) aim to compensate for the continuous decline of employment in agriculture in particular by developing new small and medium-sized enterprises, rural tourism, services and the modernization of villages. In the period 1989-99, overall estimates suggest that more than 500 000 jobs will have been created or maintained in Objective 5(b) regions through Community programmes.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2511/97 by Riccardo Nencini (PSE) to the Commission (22 July 1997)

Subject: The 'Rio Torto' waste dump (Pisa, Italy)

There are plans to set up an enormous waste dump, to be used among other things for the disposal of special waste from the tanning industry, in the village of Rio Torto, near the city of Volterra (PI), a tourist destination of great cultural and environmental importance. The proposed site of the dump is protected by law because a stream runs through it which, via the river Era, flows into the Arno. The subsoil is also rich in sulphurous spa water.

What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure compliance with the law and prevent the creation of a mega-dump in an area of particular interest as far as tourism and the environment are concerned?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

The Commission is aware of a project to create a landfill site for special waste from the leather industry near Rio Torto.

Depending on the nature of the waste in question, the project should come under Annex I or Annex II to Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )) concerning the application of environmental impact assessment to certain public and private projects.

The Commission will therefore approach the Italian authorities for their comments regarding this case, in order to ensure that Community law, and in particular the abovementioned Directive, is being observed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2559/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Transport of live animals

The Commission has proposed a new directive specifying technical requirements for vehicles used for transporting live animals. Improving animal welfare conditions is purported to be one of the main aims of this directive.

On what basis does the Commission believe that this new directive would improve animal welfare standards? Can it give details of what advice it obtained from veterinary and animal welfare experts in drafting this directive?

Has the Commission considered ending EU subsidies to the live export trade as a means of discouraging the cruelty to animals which it involves? Has it considered any policy proposals to boost employment in the meat processing industry by requiring that animals be slaughtered closed to where they are raised before their meat is exported?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1997)

The Commission proposal of standards for vehicles used for transporting animals more than eight hours has been based on Article 13 of Directive 91/628/EEC ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )), amended by Directive 95/29/EC ((OJ L 148, 30. 6.1995. )), on the protection of animals during transport.

Directive 95/29/EC was a political compromise reached after long and difficult discussions. This Directive laid down the basic elements for the standards for vehicles in Chapter VII, point 3 of the Annex, taking into consideration all the available scientific information. From this information it is well known that especially the ventilation and the regular or continious water supply to the animals, depending on species and age, are very important for the welfare of the animals.

The Commission has examined the possibilities of withdrawing export refunds from exporters where it is shown that they have not fully respected the rules on the welfare of animals during transport to their final destination. The Commission recently presented a proposal to the Council under which the payment of export refunds would be subject to compliance with the provisions on the protection of animals during transport.

The Commission has not considered making policy proposals to boost employment in the meat processing industry by requiring the animals to be slaughtered close to the place of raising.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2748/97 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Rights of employees with disabilities in the EU

Does the Commission hold the view that there are wide discrepancies between the national legislation of Member States relating to the rights of employees with disabilities?

How has the Commission sought to learn from and transfer best practice in Member States in this field?

Is the Commission aware of the initiatives and the achievements of Remploy Ltd in the United Kingdom and would it be appropriate to learn from and transfer their experience?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997)

There are indeed discrepancies between the Member States' legislation relating to the rights of employees with disabilities.

The Commission has launched initiatives in this field, with the aim of identifying good practice and organising exchanges between the Member States, specifically through the Helios II programme and the Community employment initiative, Horizon. Information about the results of these activities has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the Parliament.

The organisation to which the Honourable Member refers did in fact receive Community support under Helios II and Horizon, and the Community was thus able to benefit from its know-how and experience.

In addition, the Commission's 1997 report on employment in Europe will contain a chapter devoted specifically to the employment situation of persons with a disability. Finally, a communication aimed at promoting a coherent employment policy for the disabled is currently being prepared.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2192/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258797 - Recording of, and safety guarantees for, novel food products

Is it intended that authorities should keep a record of the foods in which various manufacturers use genetically modified products so that if, following consumption of such foods, there is an occurrence of a health problem which cannot be foreseen at present, all the products in question can be recalled?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2192/97 and E-2204/97 (28 October 1997)

Without prejudice to the national provisions in this field, it is already stipulated - for example, in Article 5 of the Regulation quoted by the Honourable Member - that a summary of the notification should be published. The same applies to the decisions to be taken under Article 7(3) of the same Regulation.

These provisions should make it easier for a Member State to implement Article 12 of the Regulation, if necessary, in order to restrict or suspend trade in or use in its territory of a food or food ingredient which may endanger health.

Finally, without prejudice to Article 10 of the Regulation, the national provisions in this field or - if appropriate - Article 22 of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )), Article 14 provides for a report by the Commission on the implementation of the Regulation and for the monitoring "of its impact on consumer information.¨
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2573/97 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (15 July 1997)

Subject: Enlargement of the Union

Does the Commission agree that the lack of institutional reform achieved in the Amsterdam Treaty will delay the enlargement of the Union?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1997)

The conclusion of the intergovernmental conference in June, which resulted in the Amsterdam Treaty, opened the way for the launching of the enlargement process (conclusions of the presidency of the Amsterdam European Council).

In accordance with the protocol on the institutions attached to the treaty, before any enlargement the re-weighting of votes must accompany the reduction of the number of commissioners to one for each Member State. Further substantial reform of the institutions must precede an enlargement comprising more than five new Member States through triggering a new intergovernmental conference.

The Commission proposed in its 'Agenda 2000' to open enlargement negotiations with six candidate Member States and to convene, as soon as possible after the year 2000, a new intergovernmental conference to carry out the institutional reforms which are needed before actual enlargement.

It follows from the above that the task of accomplishing the necessary institutional reforms complicates the enlargement process, but does not necessarily delay it.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2595/97 by Luigi Vinci (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (17 July 1997)

Subject: Segrate-Lacchiarella transport/transfer centre

On 24 May 1996 I tabled a written question to the Commission (E-1283/96) ((OJ C 322, 28.10.1996, p. 50. )) requesting clarification concerning Community funding for the construction of the Segrate-Lachiarella transport/transfer centre, in connection with which various irregularities appear to have occurred. Subsequently, on 12 June 1997, Italian magistrates sent notification of investigation to various politicians and officials involved in the Segrate-Lacchiarella project, prominent among whom is Giorgio Pozzi, the Lombardy Region Assessor responsible for transport. He, together with others, is accused of embezzlement, misuse of public funds, corruption, falsifying the budget, abuse of office and fraud. The magistrates allege that the persons under investigation used for other purposes funds of Lire 2.5 billion that had been allocated to the construction of the transport/ transfer centre.

In the light of recent developments, does the Commission intend to cancel its funding for the Segrate-Lacchiarella transport/transfer centre, at least until the judicial authorities have clearly established whether the persons who have been officially notified that they are under investigation are liable to prosecution in their administrative capacity?

Does the Commission agree that the project openly breaches the directives referred to in its answer to my Written Question E-1283/96?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997)

The Commission is not aware of any Community aid allocated to the project referred to by the Honourable Member. In reply to his previous question (Written Question No 1283/96 ((OJ C 322, 28.10.1996. ))) the Commission listed the further information it would need if an approach to the Italian authorities was to have any purpose. The Commission has still not received any such information from the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2679/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: The Amsterdam Summit and new jobs

Does the Commission think that the new provisions on employment adopted at the Amsterdam Summit will provide incentives for sources of new jobs, local employment initiatives and territorial pacts on employment?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1997)

The new employment title of the Amsterdam Treaty contains two types of provision which will stimulate employment creation. First, Article [4] gives a further impetus to the co-ordination process of Member States' employment policies. Each year, the Council will adopt guidelines for employment which Member States shall take into account in their employment policies. The implementation of these guidelines will be examined at Community level, with the possibility for the Council to issue recommendations to Member States. Second, Article [5] enables the Council to adopt incentive measures aimed at developing exchanges of information and best practice, providing comparative analysis and advice as well as promoting innovative approaches and exchanging experience, in particular by recourse to pilot projects.

In accordance with the resolution on growth and employment adopted by the European Council in Amsterdam, in October the Commission will propose the first guidelines for employment. This proposal will deal, inter alia, with new local development and employment initiatives and implementing the territorial employment pacts. These two instruments will help exploit new sources of employment.

The existing budget lines B3-4010 (Employment policy and labour market) and B3-4013 (Third system and employment) have already enabled the Commission to carry out preliminary work in the domain covered by Article [5], notably concerning the employment potential of the 'third system' in the fields of services to daily life, services to improve the quality of life, and cultural and leisure services. It is the intention of the Commission to strengthen its activities in this area in the near future.