ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2911/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: Marginalisation of the French language

The French Government recently decided to suspend state funding of the French Institute (or French Academy as it is known in some countries, including Greece). As a result, dozens of the Institute's branches throughout Europe will close down. The French language, French literature and philosophy are a priceless part of the European cultural heritage, and the French Government's recent decision will, in the long term, consign great works of European thought with worldwide influence to the margins and obscurity. This incomprehensible decision also paves the way for the complete and definitive dominance of the American perspective with all its tainted culture, which the EU itself has repeatedly condemned.

What is the Commission's view of this decision? What implications does it have for the influence of the French language and the total dominance of US culture, many of whose products are of extremely poor quality? In the light of the French Government's decision and the fact that the Union designated 2001 the European Year of Languages, will the Commission support the teaching of the French language and in what way?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2002)

The language, literature and thought of all language communities in Europe form an important part of its cultural heritage.

The Commission continues to promote the teaching and learning of all the official languages of the Union and encourages national authorities to take steps to promote the teaching and learning of their official languages both at home and abroad.

As far as the funding of the Institut de France is concerned, this is clearly the responsibility of France.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3330/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 November 2001)

Subject: Allocation of Community funds

The ROHDE multinational (Portuguese-German) shoe manufacturing company based in Santa Maria da Feira (Portugal) has announced its intention to scale down its operations by halting production on certain days. This will affect 832 employees, who are challenging the company's decision.

The company alleges that there has been a decline in orders, yet it still expects a high output from its employees and it is still offering productivity bonuses.

Has the company received any Community funding? If so, how much was allocated, and when?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(24 January 2002)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that ROHDE- Sociedade Industrial de Calçado Luso-Alemã has not received any Community funding from the European Social Fund.

The company ROHDE has, however, received co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund for four separate projects, one under the Community Initiative Retex and the other three under the sub-programme Industry within the programme of modernisation of the Portuguese economic fabric for the Community Support Framework covering the programming period 1994-1999. The total public expenditure on these four projects was 666 947, and the Community contribution 502 390.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3203/01

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(20 November 2001)

Subject: Transfer of Ericsson branch to the El.Man group

Knowing that:

- between 1995 and 1997, prior to the sale of the Pagani plant, Ericsson initiated what its workers called a pre-sale process,

- in June 1998, the company told the trade unions that it intended to split up the production activities into a printed circuit board branch, to be called PCB SpA, and an assembly branch, to be called PBA SpA, both of which would then be transferred,

- in January 1999, after six months of talks, PCB SpA was transferred to the El.Man group in Corropoli,

- however, owing to a lack of investment by Ericsson, the facilities and machines inherited by the new company were almost totally obsolete and thus represented a serious risk both to production operations and to the health of the workforce,

- the industrial plan and labour agreements concluded made provision for more intensive investment and sounder guarantees than those offered by the two companies,

- under the agreement which it signed with El.Man, Ericsson guaranteed that it would cover any financial losses incurred by El.Man until 31 December 2000, while the labour agreements guaranteed that employment levels would be maintained for five years.

Given that Ericsson:

- has ignored repeated requests from the local trade unions to set up the oversight committee which was to monitor implementation of the industrial plan and labour agreements concluded,

- has failed to check that the printed circuit boards required for the products ordered from PBA SpA are being produced by PCB SpA,

- and has almost totally cut off orders since March 2001, as a result of which a dispute has arisen between the local trade unions and PCB SpA over the latter's request to lay off workers under the Italian wage-compensation scheme (CIG straordinaria ed ordinaria), in breach of the labour agreements signed,

how does the Commission intend to obviate the adverse effects of the above situation?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(17 January 2002)

The facts related by the Honourable Member concerning Ericsson's failure to honour its financial commitments and its promises to maintain employment levels do not come under Community law.

It is therefore up to the national authorities to assess the consequences of the situation described by the Honourable Member and to determine whether those involved are to be held accountable.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3301/01

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 November 2001)

Subject: Standardisation of LPG bottles

One group that actually does move between the various Member States is caravan and camper-van enthusiasts. Tourism is also a priority sector in the Union as it helps to boost employment.

There are, however, no EU standards which enable caravan and camper-van owners to exchange a full LPG bottle for an empty one. Each country has different forms of material and connections for LPG bottles, which makes it difficult for Swedish campers, for example, to tour abroad for lengthy periods.

The problem would seem to be the same for all mobile homes throughout Europe when used for touring.

Has the Commission examined in more detail the need for a standardised EU LPG bottle as a complement to the various national types in the Member States, which fits all connections and can be changed at petrol stations and other outlets throughout the internal market?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(16 January 2002)

The Community law currently in force with regard to the LPG bottles to which the honourable Member refers covers the fundamental requirements, which concern primarily the safety of users. The Community law that currently applies does not yet cover the type of connections as such.

Any initiative with regard to the compatibility of connections in Europe would involve prior and thorough consideration, with a view to assessing the need for Community action, of the problems relating to the shortcomings in the matter of such connections and their repercussions for the proper operation of the single market.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2495/01

by Paul Lannoye (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(13 September 2001)

Subject: Electromagnetic fields

Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC(1) of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz), to provide a high level of health protection proposed that reference levels be respected by which that objective would be achieved. For a frequency of 50 Hz, used in the transport and distribution of electricity, magnetic flux density should never exceed 100 µT (100 microteslas).

Many scientists regard this value as far too high, believing that the precautionary principle would require a maximum level of 0,2 µT. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) recently wound up its consideration of the problem, on the basis of group analyses of original data from a number of properly carried out studies, by concluding that there was a statistically significant and coinciding link between childhood leukaemia and exposure to household ELF magnetic fields higher than 0,4 µT.

In fact the risk to a child constantly exposed to a field of 0,4 µT would be double. This new finding, coming from a body of uncontested scientific authority, completely invalidates the Council's recommendation as regards public exposure to a type of pollution which is widely present in our everyday environment. A speedy review is therefore necessary. What steps does the Commission intend to take to that effect?

(1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2001)

The Honourable Member is referring to the document published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in June 2001 highlighting an increased leukaemia risk to children exposed to low-voltage fields generated by high-voltage powerlines.

In early 2001, in order to anticipate this issue, the Commission consulted its Scientific Committee on Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and the Environment in order to request a new opinion, to be delivered in October 2001, on the health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The Committee is currently studying the specific problem of the risks associated with exposure of children to the low frequencies in question. The Commission will examine the Committee's opinion and will react to any new scientific evidence not presently taken into account by Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)(1).

(1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2639/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 September 2001)

Subject: Information on the euro

The latest Eurobarometer survey on the euro reveals that 73 % of respondents are worried about the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002. The Commissioner responsible, Pedro Solbes also stressed that a growing number of people are worried about the risk of price increases. In Greece, 84 % of respondents believe that the use of the euro will make their lives more difficult and 75 % that it will lead to their being exploited and cheated. Apart from providing information for the public, what measures has the Commission taken to prevent profiteering? What mechanisms can the Member States use to monitor the situation?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2001)

In order to limit the risk of price increases on the occasion of the changeover to the euro, the Commission has received the endorsement of the participating Member States for a four-pronged strategy it had proposed to them:

- promotion of dual display of prices: This is the simplest way for consumers to verify prices in a monetary language they understand. Any discrepancies will thus be transparent and, as a result, the market will be easily able to take appropriate action. Dual pricing is compulsory in Greece, Austria and Portugal and will become compulsory in Belgium in December 2001. In the other Member States it is becoming more widespread;

- monitoring by the public authorities where necessary, in cooperation with consumer associations of compliance with the conversion and rounding rules: Deliberate mistakes will generally be referred to the courts. In addition to any administrative or criminal penalties, naming and shaming could act as a useful deterrent;

- encouragement to enter into voluntary agreements to keep prices stable: The Commission has sponsored at European level the signing of an agreement by trade organisations to ensure overall price stability on the changeover to the euro. The common slogan is quite clear: new currency, stable prices;

- Commission request that Member States round all public-sector charges in a manner that is neutral or benefits taxpayers: They have all agreed to this request.

All in all, the changeover to the euro is thus expected in the short term to have only a marginal effect on inflation. In the medium term it will help make for better control of prices by strengthening competition through greater transparency and comparability of prices.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3033/01

by Carlos Coelho (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 October 2001)

Subject: Listing Commission officials by nationality and professional category

Would the Commission provide me with a list setting out the total number of officials working in the Commission, by nationality and professional category?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 2001)

Two tables showing staff by categories, as defined in the Staff Regulations, budgets and the professional frameworks used by the Commission are transmitted direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat General.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1929/01

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(29 June 2001)

Subject: Animal traceability in Europe

Given that there are an estimated 334 million animals in the EU, generating on average 20 000 consignments of inter-Community exchanges per month, creating a potential risk in the spread of disease, contamination or an opportunity for fraud, does the Commission feel that existing animal health and welfare surveillance systems are adequate?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2001)

The tracing of animals is of crucial importance for the control of contagious diseases and their eventual spread through the rapid and convenient determination of the place of origin of an animal or carcass and its movements throughout the Community.

With a view to ensure the tracing of animals specific Community legislation on the identification and registration of animals has been laid down:

- Council Directive 92/102/EEC of 27 November 1992 on the identification and registration of animals(1);

- Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding labelling of beef and beef products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97(2);

- Council Directive 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1964, on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine(3) laying down provisions for setting up databases for recording of all bovine animals and all movements of bovine animals as well as for recording of all pig holdings and the movements of pigs.

Furthermore, the tracking of live animals which are transported between Member States is supported by the obligation of the Member State of origin which issued the health certificate to communicate on the same day to the central authority of the Member State of destination and to the authority of the place of destination information on the consignment of animals that is being dispatched. This obligation is laid down in Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market(4). With a view to facilitating the exchange of this information the Commission has introduced a computerised system, ANIMO, linking veterinary authorities of Member States.

The Commission has so far considered that the Community legislation on health and welfare surveillance systems provides adequately for the tracing of animals. However, following the foot and mouth disease crisis there will be a very thorough examination of all the contributory factors to the outbreak and which measures might be taken in order to improve the systems.

(1) OJ L 355, 5.12.1992.

(2) OJ L 204, 11.8.2000.

(3) OJ B 121, 29.7.1964.

(4) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2625/01

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Council

(27 September 2001)

Subject: Council meeting of 16/17 July 2001

Will the Council state whether any votes were taken in the General Affairs Council on 16/17 July 2001 and if so, how many and on what matters?

Will it further record the votes of all those who voted on each issue during the meeting?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-2625/01 and E-2627/01

(12 February 2002)

As a preliminary remark, the Council should like to draw the Honourable Member's attention to the replies given to his questions E-3938/00 and E-3939/00, in which it is stated that the General Secretariat of the Council draws up monthly summaries of Council acts which contain lists of legislative and non-legislative acts of the Council, including the results of votes, explanations of voting and statements for the minutes when the Council is acting in its capacity as legislator. As from January 2001 they also include references to the voting procedure followed for the adoption of the acts by the Council (unanimity, qualified or simple majority). These monthly summaries can be obtained directly from the Council's website (http://ue. eu. int, under Transparency and Summary of Council acts). Furthermore, the results of the votes on legislative acts are published in the press releases which are issued after the Council meetings.

As for the Honourable Member's specific questions concerning the votes taken in several Council meetings held in June and July 2001, the following answers can be given:

- 2362nd Council meeting of 25/26 June 2001:

- No votes were taken.

- 2364th Council meeting of 27/28 June 2001:

- Adoption of the Council Regulation supplementing the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 on the registration of geographical indications and designations of origin under the procedure laid down in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92, with three votes against (DK, FIN, S) and one abstention (A).

- Adoption of a Common Position on the directive amending for the 20th time the Directive relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations, with three votes against (B, DK, NL).

- 2365th Council meeting of 10 July 2001:

- No votes were taken.

- 2367th Council meeting of 16 July 2001:

- No votes were taken.

- 2368th Council meeting of 20 July 2001:

- No votes were taken.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2566/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 September 2001)

Subject: Appalling hygiene in the Rendi central meat market in Greece

According to my information (press reports and administrative memos), the wholesale meat market in Athens, which belongs to the Athens Central Market Organisation under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade, does not fulfill the criteria laid down in Commission Decision 96/658/EC(1), and is operating unlawfully and without the approval of the competent authority required under Article 4 of that Decision.

The market lacks space and equipment, and its employees do not comply with personal hygiene rules. The open spaces are permanently littered with rubbish, which swarms with insects and mice. The meat is exposed to the open air, cut up among customers, visitors and even dogs, and transported to retailers in a heap in dirty vehicles and sometimes in the boots of cars. Despite this situation, the market continues to operate and its authorities have no regard for compliance with Community standards.

1. What measures will the Commission take to ensure that Greece complies with the applicable Community legislation?

2. What are the public health risks associated with the above conditions?

3. Has funding been earmarked under the third CSF to build new premises?

(1) OJ L 302, 26.11.1996, p. 22.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2001)

The Commission was unaware of the existence of the circumstances in the wholesale meat market of Rentis described by the Honourable Member.

Community legislation sets down the standards and norms to be applied in the production of meat and this legislation is addressed to the Member States. It is for the central authorities to control the implementation of Community requirements, and to take corrective action where necessary. The Commission has written to the Greek authorities and requested a prompt clarification of the situation. It will apprise the Honourable Member of information it receives thereafter. The Commission will, in light of the response it receives, consider what further steps to take. These would be additional to the ongoing efforts to improve Greek compliance with Community legislation.

The Commission does not manage individual projects under the Community Support Framework (CSF). It is, therefore, not in a position to confirm whether or not funding was earmarked under the CSF 3 for this project. It is for the Greek authorities to decide the inclusion of the project in the relevant programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2915/01

by Pere Esteve (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: Public service declaration under Regulation (EC) 2408/92

For the inhabitants of the island of Minorca, air transport is not a luxury but a basic necessity.

Over the period 1996-2001 alone, the fare for residents (who qualify for a 33 % discount) for the route Minorca-Palma has increased by 41,58 % (from ESP 12 000 to ESP 16 990).

EEC Regulation 2408/92(1) states: A Member State () may impose a public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services to an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory or on a thin route to any regional airport in its territory, any such route being considered vital for the economic development of the region in which the airport is located.

Nonetheless, under Article 103 of the 1997 Spanish Law on Administrative Fiscal Measures and Social Order, it is for the Spanish national government to make public service declarations pursuant to the EEC regulation cited above.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. In view of EEC Regulation 2408/92, does there exist any technical obstacle preventing the Spanish government, should it consider it desirable, from making a public service declaration in respect of air transport between the various Balearic Islands and between those islands and the Iberian peninsula?

2. Does the Commission consider it desirable to declare the above-mentioned routes to qualify for a public service classification, given such existing EU precedents as the public service declaration approved for air routes within the Canary Islands?

(1) OJ L 240, 24.8.1992, p. 8.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 2001)

As far as the Commission is aware, there is no obstacle preventing the Spanish authorities from invoking Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes(1).

In the case raised by the Honourable Member, a decision of this kind would be the responsibility of the Spanish authorities, since the Commission simply has to check the correct application by the Member States of the provisions of Article 4 of Regulation No 2408/92.

(1) OJ L 240, 24.8.1992.