ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2953/96 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) and Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Consumption aid for olive oil

Does the Commission intend to modify, reduce, increase or abolish consumption aid for olive oil, which has made it possible for olive oil to compete against other substitute oils?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2953/96, E-2954/96, E-2955/96, E-2956/96, E-2957/96, E-2958/96, E-2959/96, E-2960/96, E-2961/96, E-2962/96 and E-2964/96 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1996)

The Commission will be discussing the different options for the reform of the olive oil common market organization (CMO) in the very near future. A document will then be transmitted speedily to the Parliament and the Council for discussion before any concrete proposals are finalised.

The Commission will certainly take into account the Honourable Members' remarks and questions concerning employment, intervention aid to real production, aid per tree, consumption aid, quality, impact on the environment and the specific problems of Spain and some of its producer regions.

It would not be correct to comment in detail at this stage on the various options for reforms except to repeat that the new common market organisation should be transparent, simple, easy to control and should target producers efficiently.

The Commission attaches great importance to quality and believes that, whatever option is chosen, there will be an important role for Member States and regions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2889/96 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (31 October 1996)

Subject: Steel aid code

Would the Commission clarify its position as regards its recent investigation of the Forges de Clabecq iron and steelworks, and would it define what action it plans to take, if it is decided that the planned payment to the company from the Walloon Regional Government contravenes the steel aid code?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1996)

The Commission decided on 18 September 1996 to open the procedure provided for in Article 6.4 of Commission Decision No 3855/91/ECSC of 27 November 1991 ((OJ L 362, 31.12.1991. )) (Steel aid code). This decision was published ((OJ C 301, 11.10.1996. )) to give other Member States and interested parties notice to submit their comments on the case within one month of the date of publication.

When the Commission has gathered all the information necessary, it will take a final decision on the nature of the Belgian intervention in favour of Forges de Clabecq. If it constitutes state aid, it is likely to be considered incompatible and Belgium will be invited to conform with such a decision. Article 6.4 of the Steel aid code provides for Article 88 of the ECSC Treaty to apply in the event of a Member State's failing to comply with such a decision.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2847/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Nuclear industry in the Slovak Republic

In the second half of the year the Slovak Republic (SR) has taken out loans (e.g. $ 150 million from a consortium of 27 foreign banks arranged by J.P. Morgan) in addition to the loans granted by the Bank for Reconstruction and the Société Général in Paris.

How great is the risk that the loans will not be repaid by the due date, for example because - in contrast to the previous year - the Slovak electricity industry (or, as the case may be, the SR) already has a balance of payment deficit of SK 27 billion in the first half of 1996?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1996)

Slovakia's international ratings (indicators of the market's perceived creditworthiness) have remained stable since Moody's assigned Slovakia an investment grade mark in May 1995 (Moody's long-term foreign currency rating is Baa3; Standard & Poor's long term foreign currency rating is BB+). These rankings have been granted against a background of prudent fiscal, monetary and exchange policies on the Slovak side. Most macroeconomic indicators in Slovakia continue to show a positive evolution. The current account has moved from a surplus in 1995 to a deficit in 1996. However, the current account deficit is being financed by strong capital inflows and official reserves remain at a comfortable level (representing more than 4 months imports in mid-September 1996).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3659/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Ile-de-France region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Ile-de-France region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3042/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: Drugs in the FYROM

According to a report by the Paris-based Geopolitical Drugs Observatory, the FYROM has changed from being exclusively a transit centre for drugs to being a country which consumes drugs on a large scale.

In particular, illegal laboratories for converting opium into heroin have been located throughout the country and more especially along the Vardar Valley.

The precise whereabouts of these laboratories has been known since 1994, but nothing has been done to stop their activities. The Observatory estimates that by the Year 2000 there will be 20 000 heroin addicts in a country of two million inhabitants.

Will the Commission say whether it intends finally to take effective measures - and if so which measures - to stop the production of drugs in Skopje which, quite apart from the problems they create for all EU countries, are turning the inhabitants of this country into drug addicts?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (8 January 1997)

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia only recently became a Phare beneficiary country. Authorities are well aware of the country's vulnerability to illicit drug-related activities and increasing drug abuse.

Information and data on the drug abuse situation and illicit production in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom) has been gathered by the Phare programme co-ordination unit (PCU) during a fact-finding mission in October 1996. The PCU mission report recommended the inclusion of Fyrom in all ongoing Phare drug programme activities (demand reduction, supply reduction, measures against the diversion of chemical precursors, measures against money laundering, the development of a drug information system and training projects). It also recommended support to the country for the creation of an inter-ministerial commission for the fight against drugs with clear terms of reference and delineation of responsibilities.

The Commission is presently working on the development of a joint law enforcement programme with the United Nations drug control programme (UNDCP) in the Balkan region, including Fyrom. 1 MECU has already been allocated for this purpose and it is envisaged that activities will start in mid 1997.

Demand reduction, activities in Fyrom will be concentrating on community based prevention and close involvement of local non-governmental organizations with emphasis on out-reach work.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2844/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: 1996-1997 agricultural prices

With reference to the Commission proposal on agricultural prices and related measures for 1996-1997, will the Commission introduce a more effective policy for the non-food use of agricultural primary products, a reduction in the administrative burdens facing farmers, respect for payment deadlines and swifter harmonization of legislation? This would help farmers to get through the current difficult adjustment phase?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2729/96 and E-2844/96 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1996)

The points raised by the Honourable Member relate to the Commission's agricultural price proposals for 1996/97. Each year, these proposals review the decisions to be taken on agricultural products subject to a market organization in the light of the economic and commercial circumstances and the budgetary rules. These proposals have a smaller impact on agricultural prices as such than in the past since, in general, sectoral reforms have resulted in direct payments to producers.

The Commission accepts that in future multi-annual programming may be more appropriate than annual revisions, as it stated in its study on alternative strategies on the future accession of the countries of central and eastern Europe. ((CSE(95) 607. )) A number of measures have been taken to encourage the non-food use of agricultural products, including the possibility of cultivating land set aside under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1765/92 establishing a support system for producers of certain arable crops. ((OJ L 181, 1.7.1992. )) As a result of the experience gained, the Commission does not at present intend to consider substantially amending its scope.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3665/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Basse-Normandie region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Basse-Normandie region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2843/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Gas supplies

With reference to gas supplies in the EEC and prospects in this sector, the total demand for natural gas in the EU, which amounted to 254 million toe in 1994 should reach the figure of 411 million toe in 2010. The share of natural gas in the EU's overall energy demand will thus increase from around 19% in 1994 to 26% in 2010.

Given that internal production was no more than 157 to in 1994, the EU's dependence rate in natural gas supplies is currently 40%. Imports mainly come from three countries: Russia, which accounts for more than half, and Algeria and Norway,each providing slightly less than a quarter.

These statistics, though not complete, nevertheless clearly show a steady increase in gas demand, which is confirmed by EUROGAS estimates.

The lack of interest shown in developing LNG plants, which are the only alternative to importing gas via pipelines, is regrettable. Is the Commission therefore prepared to give closer consideration to the opportunities afforded by LNG plants with a view to introducing greater flexibility in Union supplies and improving security of supply for southern countries?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (28 November 1996)

The Commission would like to recall that in its communication on Community gas supply and prospects ((Doc. COM(95) 478 final. )), potential sources of liquified natural gas (LNG) to Europe coming from the Middle East and Central and Latin America, in addition to the present sources from North Africa, Abu Dhabi and Australia are considered a way of diversification and therefore a contribution to security of gas supply for the Community.

The realisation of these projects, both in the supplying third countries and the corresponding LNG receiving terminals in the Community is, however, the responsibility of the gas industry and therefore has to be justified by market developments.

The Commission in the framework of its competences supports the realisation of LNG projects. The Commission proposal for an updated list of trans European networks projects of common interest in the energy field includes LNG terminals (new plants and the modernisation of existing ones) in Greece, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. In addition, the Commission and the Gulf co-operation council are jointly sponsoring a gas conference in Qatar in November 1996 to explore among other things the potential of LNG export from the Gulf region to the Community gas market.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3650/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Brittany region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Brittany region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3668/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Corsica region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Corsica region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3207/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Ontinyent: possibilities of acceptance for pilot urban project

On 30 November 1995 the Commission published a call for the submission of pilot urban projects, in the context of the innovative measures under Article 10 of the ERDF. Of the projects submitted, 91 were from Spain.

One of the projects submitted concerns urban renewal in the municipality of Ontinyent (Valencia).

What are the possibilities of the Ontinyent project receiving the Community funding for pilot urban projects provided for in Article 10 of the ERDF?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3198/96, E-3199/96, E-3200/96, E-3201/96, E-3203/96, E-3204/96, E-3205/96, E-3206/96, E-3207/96, E-3208/96, E-3209/96, E-3210/96, E-3211/96, E-3212/96, E-3213/96, E-3214/96 and E-3215/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The Commission received over 500 applications in response to its call for proposals; of these, 97 were from Spain. The available budget of ECU 60 million will enable the Commission to part-finance some 25 projects throughout the Union.

With regard to the selection procedure, the call for proposals states that: 'a team of independent international experts will assist the Commission services to identify the most innovative ideas in order to select those proposals which correspond most closely to the criteria set. The final number of proposals to be part-financed will be decided by the Commission, taking into consideration overall availability of funds, themes of proposals and distribution of appropriate projects within the territory of the Union.'

Since this procedure is now under way, it is not at present possible to assess the chances of a town being selected or the amount of Community part-finance which it might receive. Equally, no other estimate concerning a Member State or region can be made.

With regard to the number and name of projects which could concern municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia other than those expressly referred to in these Written Questions, the Commission cannot derogate from the principle of confidentiality which applies to this stage of the procedure, particularly since proposals for measures involving more than one local authority may be accepted if that cooperation increases the value added.

The time required for the thorough consideration and careful selection of the exceptionally large number of applications received means that the Commission will not be able to take a decision before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3208/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Ontinyent: level of financing of pilot urban projects

On 30 November 1995 the Commission published a call for the submission of pilot urban projects, in the context of the innovative measures under Article 10 of the ERDF. Of the projects submitted, 91 were from Spain.

One of the projects submitted concerns urban renewal in the municipality of Ontinyent (Valencia).

What level of funding does the Commission have in mind for the pilot urban projects provided for in Article 10 of the ERDF? What proportion of this funding could be allocated to the Ontinyent project?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3198/96, E-3199/96, E-3200/96, E-3201/96, E-3203/96, E-3204/96, E-3205/96, E-3206/96, E-3207/96, E-3208/96, E-3209/96, E-3210/96, E-3211/96, E-3212/96, E-3213/96, E-3214/96 and E-3215/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The Commission received over 500 applications in response to its call for proposals; of these, 97 were from Spain. The available budget of ECU 60 million will enable the Commission to part-finance some 25 projects throughout the Union.

With regard to the selection procedure, the call for proposals states that: 'a team of independent international experts will assist the Commission services to identify the most innovative ideas in order to select those proposals which correspond most closely to the criteria set. The final number of proposals to be part-financed will be decided by the Commission, taking into consideration overall availability of funds, themes of proposals and distribution of appropriate projects within the territory of the Union.'

Since this procedure is now under way, it is not at present possible to assess the chances of a town being selected or the amount of Community part-finance which it might receive. Equally, no other estimate concerning a Member State or region can be made.

With regard to the number and name of projects which could concern municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia other than those expressly referred to in these Written Questions, the Commission cannot derogate from the principle of confidentiality which applies to this stage of the procedure, particularly since proposals for measures involving more than one local authority may be accepted if that cooperation increases the value added.

The time required for the thorough consideration and careful selection of the exceptionally large number of applications received means that the Commission will not be able to take a decision before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3052/96 by Pierre Moscovici (PSE) to the Commission (6 November 1996)

Subject: Directive 79/409/EEC and proliferation of cormorants of the types phalacrocorax carbo sinensis and phalacrocorax carbo carbo

The amended Directive of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds has amply fulfilled its purpose. Some undesirable effects can now be seen, associated with the proliferation of certain birds which lack predators. The cormorant population of Western Europe, for instance, has risen from 50 000 to 650 000, resulting in increasing damage to fish and to coastal and inland waters.

Does the Commission have any plans, while respecting the principles underlying Directive 79/409/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )), to propose amendments to the Directive with the aim of controlling the population of cormorants of the types phalacrocorax carbo sinensis and phalacrocorax carbo carbo? If so, what kind of management of these two sub-species does it envisage introducing?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1996)

The Commission is aware of the favourable conservation status of the species phalacrocorax carbo. It is also conscious that the local impact on fish and aquaculture can be significant. At the present time it is therefore studying whether it is necessary and appropriate to propose amendments to Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, as several times amended, most recently by Directive 94/24/EC of 8 June 1994, OJ L 166, 30.6.1994. )).

While reminding Member States of the possibility of invoking Article 9 of the Directive if they consider that immediate measures are necessary, the Commission intends to encourage cooperation and solidarity between Member States. In particular it will monitor the work initiated by Denmark and the Netherlands under the Convention on Migratory Species (Bern Convention) on drawing up a proposal for an international management plan for this species.