ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1748/98

by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Illegal supply of temporary labour

1. Does the Commission have information about Court of Justice judgments on the illegal supply of temporary labour in the building industry? Are any proceedings still pending?

2. Is the Commission also aware of judgments in this area in Germany? If so, does it have any information concerning the penalties imposed and the back payment of social security contributions?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

Generally speaking, Community legislation does not contain any provisions prohibiting or allowing the hiring out of employees. This matter falls within the responsibility of the Member States, where some important legal precedents have been set.

The Court of Justice has delivered a number of judgments on the freedom to provide services in the construction sector. Examples include the Seco/Evi judgment of 3 February 1982(1), the Rush Portuguesa judgment of 27 March 1990(2) and the Vander Elst judgment of 9 August 1994(3). However, these judgments do not relate to the illegal supply of temporary labour; nor is the Commission aware of any cases pending before the Court of Justice concerning this problem.

In its communication on undeclared work(4), the Commission noted that an effective strategy for dealing with undeclared work would need to be comprehensive, involving a mix of both sanctions and prevention.

(1) Judgment of 3.2.1982 - Joined Cases 62 and 63/81.

(2) Judgment of 27.3.1990 - Case C-113/89.

(3) Judgment of 9.8.1994 - Case 43/93.

(4) COM(98) 219 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1687/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Substance of enlargement negotiations

On 27 April the first stage of negotiations between the EU and the candidate countries began, in the form of a screening process covering the various aspects of the candidate countries' legislation, political life and economy.

What is the relationship between the Commission's DG1 and the task force set up for the purpose of screening, what dialogue is there between them and how is their work divided up?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2499/98

by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Spanish mediation to remove obstacles to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process

The request made to Spain by the Israeli Prime Minister to mediate and bring its influence to bear with a view to providing the extra impulse necessary to get the process moving again and achieve peace, security and reciprocity in the region should bring the Union's common foreign and security policy into play so as to support the request and provide backing for possible Spanish action geared to the objectives sought by the Israeli Prime Minister.

Given the fragile state of the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, it appears vital that all possible ways of bringing effective peace about should receive wide support, so that the agreements signed in Madrid and Oslo can be put into practice and unilateral measures considered by the EU to be affecting the peace process can be abandoned.

Can the Commission say whether, on the basis of its competence in the field of foreign policy, it might contribute an initiative in order to support Spain in responding to the request from the Israeli Prime Minister?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

The Commission is prepared to support any feasible international initiative aiming to unblock the long-standing stalemate in the peace process.

Nevertheless, for the time being the Union has unanimously chosen to give its support to the on-going United States mediating efforts to bring the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations back on track, in the belief that the United States proposal is the best way out of the present impasse.

It is a fact that despite its initial reservations the Palestinian Authority accepted the American proposal some time ago. The Commission is of the opinion that no efforts should be spared to convince Israel to do likewise and accept what constitutes a compromise proposal in its own interest and in that of peace in the region.

It goes without saying that the American mediation has a limited time span and that the Union would be forced to re-evaluate the situation in the event that it fails to achieve a long-awaited breakthrough.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2537/98

by Marie-Noëlle Lienemann (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: The Crédit Mutuel and state aid

How does the Commission envisage the future of public savings promotion products which are used to finance social, industrial and local development projects?

In the absence of any such plans, notably as regards the necessary harmonization measures, will these products, for instance the "A Booklet", the "Codevi" or the "Blue Booklet" in France, simply be allowed to disappear in the face of the imperatives of economic competition?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

Public savings promotion products which are used to finance social, industrial and local development projects do not pose any problems in terms of the Community's interest and may of course continue to exist.

In some instances, however, problems may be posed by the way in which the collection of savings is organised if an incidental effect of such organisation might be ultimately to confer an indirect advantage on the body responsible for carrying out the task.

In one instance, Crédit Mutuel's "Blue Booklet" in France, the Commission has initiated proceedings under Article 93(2) of the EC Treaty in order to examine this aspect.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1706/98

by Stéphane Buffetaut (I-EDN) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Joint-trade organizations and restriction of competition

In Case C-249/91 concerning decisions taken by the CIVDN (Comité Interprofessional des Vins Doux Naturels - Joint-Trade Committee for Natural Sweet Wines), the Commission brought an action before the European Court of Justice against the French Republic for failure to comply with the basic rules set out in the Treaty on European Union.

The Advocate General, Mr Otto Lenz, took the French authorities to task particularly in respect of the following three practices (see conclusions, ECR [1994] I-813 and 814):

- fixing the price of vins doux naturels (natural sweet wines) on the French market,

- fixing a marketing quota for vins doux naturels beyond which a producer may not market wines produced within the limits of the statutory yield per hectare but must allocate them to a strategic and ageing stock,

- making withdrawals of wines from producers' cellars conditional upon prior production of a document issued by the CIVDN certifying that the contract has been registered, thus making it impossible to dispose of any quantities outside the marketing credit system.

The French authorities undertook to abandon these practices, and the Commission consequently discontinued the proceedings.

In fact, at least two of the three practices in respect of which proceedings were instituted have been maintained or restored in different forms, and the Commission recently received a formal complaint on this issue, backed up with appropriate evidence. To date, it has taken no action whatsoever thereon.

Does the Commission feel that these practices, which constituted an infringement of the Treaty in 1991, no longer do so? Can it indicate the developments resulting from the Treaty or Community case-law which would justify a change in its assessment? If not, how and when will it tackle the French authorities about this matter?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 1998)

In response to a further complaint (registered as No 98/4361) the Commission has again looked at this matter.

Certain further information is needed but the complainants, contacted on the subject, have not yet transmitted this to the Commission.

As soon as this has been done the Commission will complete its assessment of the situation and inform the Honourable Member accordingly.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2207/98

by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Destruction of woodland greenbelts in Attica

The Commission is known to be concerned about the destruction of the environment in Europe, notably in areas such as the Attica Basin where the environment is already under particular pressure. A plan is currently afoot to destroy a large area of the Hymettos forest, the densest woodlands around Athens; this is one of the few remaining greenbelts around this European capital which faces particularly severe environmental problems. The destruction of 30 hectares of forest is planned in order to make way for a surface ring road. One solution to this problem would be to open a tunnel: the Athens Polytechnic has already drawn up a realistic study for such a project, but it has been rejected on cost grounds. Local municipalities have mobilized in order to avert this destruction. Given that the European Union is helping to fund this project through the Community Support Framework, will the Commission say whether it intends to intervene in good time in order to save the woodlands and, if so, how?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1998)

The Greek authorities have informed the Commission that the final study for the Imitos ring road, connecting the new Spata airport to the southern part of Athens, envisages the construction of an underground 4.5 km section, i.e. 37.5 % of the overall length (12 km). The Greek authorities confirm that they have examined all the alternative tunnel solutions and have chosen the optimum solution from the point of view of transport and the environment.

According to the information received from the Greek authorities, an environmental impact study was carried out for the project in question and environmental conditions were approved by a ministerial decision, in accordance with national and Community provisions. The contents of this decision were incorporated in the law voted by the Greek Parliament for Spata international airport(1).

(1) Greek law No 2338 (Greek OJ No 2002a of 14.9.1995).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1533/98

by Panayotis Lambrias (PPE) to the Commission

(18 May 1998)

Subject: Destruction of "Nature 2000" biotope at Pieria

Three communities in the Pieria area claim that a biotope in the Pieria mountains is at risk of being destroyed by the opening of a marble quarry. Moreover, the Greek authorities have nominated the same area for inclusion in the "Nature 2000" network, code GR-1250002, pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC(1).

What measures will the Commission take to prevent the destruction of the above biotope which contains seven species endemic to Greece, 13 types of protected habitat and plant and animal species (fish, reptiles and birds) which are protected under the above Directive?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-1410/98 and E-1533/98 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 1998)

The site in question, known as "Pieria Ori" and coded GR-1250002, is indeed on the list of sites proposed by the Greek authorities, in accordance with Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, for inclusion in the Natura 2000 ecological network. Once it has been selected by the Commission as a site of community importance (SCI), the Greek authorities will have to designate it a Special Area of Conservation and apply the management and protection measures provided for in Article 6 of the said Directive.

The said Article 6 stipulates that any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a SCI must be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. However, this site has not yet been selected as a SCI. The provisions of Article 6 do not yet apply to it. Nonetheless, the site hosts priority natural habitat types and will therefore be selected on the basis of the criteria set out in Annex III to the Directive. The Commission will ask the Greek authorities how they intend to prevent the site deteriorating given its future designation.

The problem the Honourable Member refers to of the compatibility of the investments proposed under Leader II with the opening of the quarry should normally be dealt with in the course of the procedure outlined above. In other words, if the site is included in the list of sites proposed in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC, the quarry must be the subject of an impact assessment, which must take into consideration all the effects it might have on the other features of the site, including developments financed from other Community sources.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1899/98

by Clive Needle (PSE) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: Purchase of duty-free goods after 1999

Is it true that some EU citizens will be able to purchase duty-free goods within the EU after the existing facility for travellers is abolished in 1999?

If so, which citizens, and why?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 1998)

Pursuant to the decision taken by the Council in 1991 to abolish duty-free sales within the Community, the suitability of which was confirmed by the Ecofin Council on 19 May 1998, travellers will only be able to purchase duty-free goods until 30 June 1999. After that date, the exemption from VAT and excise duty which in the past relied on the concept of tax exemption for export followed by taxation at import by the traveller will cease to exist.

The decision to abolish duty-free sales has no bearing on the tax exemption granted to diplomatic and consular missions, international organisations and NATO forces. This exemption is based on international agreements, in the case of diplomats the Vienna Convention. This convention applies only to those with diplomatic status, for example ambassadors or diplomatic staff. Within the Community, this convention does not apply to European officials.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2081/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: The URBAN programme in Greece

The basic aim of the URBAN programme is to help find viable solutions in areas with severe social problems.

One of the areas selected under the programme in Greece (Subprogramme 1) is Drapetsonas-Keratsiniou. Perama, which is geographically a continuation of the Drapetsonas-Keratsiniou area and has identical and even more acute social problems (severe unemployment, large numbers of small and medium-sized businesses that meet the programme's criteria etc) has not been included in the programme.

Does the Commission know why this area was not included in the above programme? Can it be incorporated and by what procedure?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 1998)

The Commission is aware that there are blighted urban areas in Greece that are not covered by the Urban Community Initiative. As the budget for the Initiative is limited, a choice had to be made from among the possible areas. The Greek authorities chose other urban areas in difficulty over Perama. It could only now be included if the Greek authorities asked for it, if the Urban budget allowed it (which currently is not the case) and if there were already a concrete action plan for implementation before the end of 1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1921/98

by Lutz Goepel (PPE) to the Commission

(18 June 1998)

Subject: Use of medicinal products for horses used for sport

In the European Community, horses are currently deemed to be animals which are a source of food. Consequently, when equidae are treated with medicinal products Regulation (EEC) 2377/90(1) and subsequent amending Regulations, most recently Regulation (EC) 613/98(2), laying down maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin, apply.

Since more than 90 % of all horses are kept for sports and leisure purposes, the needs regarding the level of medical care are correspondingly high. Medicinal products are used which, on account of the maximum residue limits (MRLs) which must be laid down by 2000, rule out their use as food.

In this context, will the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Is it possible for individual owners to declare their horses to be not a source of food, either permanently or for the duration of treatment with medicinal products?

2. Can a horse be approved as a source of food after a qualifying period (to be determined) between the last application of a medicinal product and slaughter?

3. Does the Commission see opportunities for EU-wide harmonization and simplification of the authorization requirements for veterinary medicinal products?

4. How can the veterinary medicinal products industry be induced, by improvements in the authorization situation, to retain as many long-established products as possible and thereby prevent treatment gaps arising?

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 82, 19.3.1998, p. 14.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1391/98

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Council

(6 May 1998)

Subject: High-Level Disability Group

What progress can the Council report following the first meetings of the High-Level Group on Disability set up after the adoption of the Council Resolution on Equality of Opportunity for People with Disabilities?

Given the UK Presidency's priority for employment, can the Council give its preliminary assessment of how far Member States have ensured integration of disabled people in their employment plans drawn up after the Luxembourg Summit?

Given the existence of discrimination against disabled people in other spheres of life outside employment, will the Council welcome a proposal from the Commission for a new disability programme on the basis of the non-discrimination clause in the unratified Amsterdam Treaty?

Reply

(6 October 1998)

The High-Level Disability Group comprises experts from the Commission, which is therefore best placed to provide information on the Group's progress.

At the Cardiff European Council meeting on 15 and 16 June 1998, during which the Commission's and the Council's initial assessments of the employment action plans were presented, the Heads of State and of Government added to the list of guidelines laid down for future discussions on employment the need to tackle discrimination against disabled people in the labour market.

The Council will also examine any proposal from the Commission on measures to tackle discrimination against disabled people.

Furthermore, following the Council's adoption on 20 December 1996 of a Resolution on the social and occupational integration of people with disabilities(1), the Council General Secretariat is endeavouring - in terms of its own policies and practices - to play its part in implementing the principles contained in this Resolution. Accordingly, it now applies an interinstitutional code of good conduct to the recruitment of disabled persons.

(1) OJ C 12, 13.1.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1624/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(27 May 1998)

Subject: Fifth framework programme for RTDD (budget for implementation)

With regard to document COM(97) 439 final - 97/0119 COD-97/0120 CNS(1), and with reference to "key actions" can the Commission:

1. Retain in every key action an appropriate margin of resources for demonstration activities, innovations and SMEs to support the impetus to the market given by research and innovation;

2. Integrate and, as a result, rationalize the contents of the proposed key actions by adjusting them appropriately, where possible, within the thematic programmes indicated by the Commission;

3. Identify ten key actions relating to the Community framework RTDD programme and one for the Euratom framework programme and give them financial resources of a sufficient critical mass, absorption capacity, and a high level of scientific research and a high profile;

4. Make the allocation of financial resources to key actions dependent upon the results obtained and verified so as to avoid five years of stagnation and the "forced" financing of RTDD activities at a low standard of technology and innovation;

5. Provide modern, simple and transparent administrative machinery ensuring that administrative expenditure and time spent are restricted by assignment of specific responsibilities, restricted levels of bureaucracy and decision-making, and reserving joint decision-making only for the highest levels of the Commissioners concerned?

(1) OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, pp. 15-16.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2212/98

by Kenneth Coates (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Health and safety: monitoring of persistent enquirers

Is the Commission aware that the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive is subjecting "persistent enquirers for information" to "Special Monitoring"?

What entitlement to health and safety information is specified in European Directives? What does the Commission recommend should be done in response to such treatment of concerned specialists working in this important field?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

This is a matter for the Member State concerned.

Nevertheless, the obligations laid down for employers in the "health and safety" Directives include providing information for workers.

In any case, one of the main objectives of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is to provide interested parties with useful technical, scientific and economic information relating to safety and health at work.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1471/98

by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: EU assistance to NGOs working with street children in Honduras

Many European Union citizens are concerned about the plight of homeless "street children" in Honduras and other countries. What action is the Commission taking, both financially and politically, to support NGOs working in Honduras and other countries to improve the situation of these "street children"?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 1998)

The Commission is aware of the plight of street children in Honduras and other countries.

It has been supporting projects carried out by NGOs working with street children in Honduras since 1993.

These projects have focused on various fields, the main ones being:

- an information project designed to raise children's awareness of their rights and how to uphold them;

- preventive actions, the aim of which is to help reintegrate street children into their family. The projects involve working with children but also with their family and people close to them;

- support for NGOs that manage shelters for street children. These projects take a comprehensive approach to children and include training schemes for young people to facilitate their reintegration into Honduran society.

The Commission also assists governmental bodies in finding solutions to the specific problems of street children.

The Commission finances large-scale projects in other central and south American countries with the collaboration and participation of local NGOs in almost all Latin American countries.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2044/98

by James Moorhouse (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Trade agreement between the EU and Mexico

Does the Commission agree with the view of the European Parliament, as expressed in its report dated 27 April 1998 (A4-0156/98), that the proposed trade agreement between the EU and Mexico should include an operational, rather than merely formal, content for the democracy clause?

What steps will the Commission take to ensure that the agreement contains the mechanisms necessary to monitor respect for human rights and guarantee the involvement of NGOs in this process?