ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1151/97 by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 March 1997)

Subject: Conservation of the architectural features of the Isola Tiberina in Rome

The Isola Tiberina is in the heart of Rome and is one of its main attractions. The complex of buildings on it belongs to the shared architectural heritage not only of the Union but of the world as a whole. One of the buildings is the Palazzo Pierleoni Caetani, a former Franciscan convent, which is to house the 'Historical Museum of the Isola Tiberina'. However, this building is now the subject of property speculation, as reported by CODACONS.

1. Is the Commission aware of the facts set out above?

2. Does the Commission agree that the current property speculation is damaging a protected building, which is part of the heritage not only of the citizens of Rome, but of all Union citizens?

3. What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Rome city council abides by its commitments to safeguard what is part of Europe's cultural heritage?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (7 May 1997)

The Commission is aware of the historical, architectural and cultural significance of the Isola Tiberina in Rome and in particular of the Palazzo Pierleoni Caetani and furthermore agrees with the Honourable Member that it should be preserved and enhanced for the benefit of the European citizens and the international public in general. Furthermore, although the Commission is not aware of the property speculation, it is concerned that it could have negative effects on the protection of the monument.

However, and as the Honourable Member is aware, in accordance with Article 128 of the EC Treaty the responsibility for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage lies exclusively within the competence of the national authorities. In this context, it is the responsibility of the Italian authorities to take any appropriate measure for the protection of the Palazzo Pierleoni Caetani.

On the other hand, the role of the Community is to encourage cooperation between the Member States and if necessary to support and supplement their action in favour of the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance in the framework of the Commission's action in the field as, for example, its pilot actions in preparation of the Raphael programme, which has not, as yet, been adopted by the competent institutions ((COM(96) 627. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1116/97 by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission (24 March 1997)

Subject: Use of place-names in official documents

The author of this question has noticed that in certain documents issued by the Commission the names of places in Catalonia, the Balearics and the Region of Valencia do not appear in their current official form and are still being written in the Castilian Spanish form imposed by the political regime in power before the introduction of democracy.

For example, in document COM (96) 388 final of 4 September 1996, the Annual Report of the Cohesion Fund, the following names are used:

- on pages 20, 58 and 355: Lérida y Gerona instead of Lleida y Girona

- on page 20: Figueras instead of Figueres

- on page 87: Játiva instead of Xàtiva

- on page 105: Puerto de la Selva instead of Port de la Selva

- on page 110: San Pedro Pescador instead of Sant Pere Pescador

- on page 215: Sta. Coloma de Gramanet instead of Sta. Coloma de Gramenet

The correct forms indicated are those given in the report on town names and postal codes published by the Spanish National Statistical Institute on 1 May 1996.

Why do the Commission's employees not comply with the rules on place-names laid down by the above-mentioned official organization?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1997)

In the decisions on Cohesion Fund assistance, the Commission uses the place names which appear in the applications for aid sent by the competent authorities of the Member State.

For the annual report on the Cohesion Fund, the Spanish version of which is a translation of the original drafted in French or English, the rule is to use the place name in the language into which the document is being translated.

In order to dispel any difficulties in this matter, the Commission will ask the Spanish Permanent Representative to provide it with the official list of place names used by the Spanish Government, to which the Commission will refer in future.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0994/97 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (17 March 1997)

Subject: Farmers in Spain

Will the Commission say how many farmers there are in Spain and how many people are directly employed in agriculture in that country at the present time?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0989/97, E-0990/97, E-0991/97, E-0992/97, E-0993/97, E-0994/97, E-0995/97, E-0996/97, E-0997/97, E-0998/97, E-0999/97, E-1000/97, E-1001/97, E-1002/97 and E-1003/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 May 1997)

Survey on the structure of farms

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Source: Eurostat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1090/97 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (21 March 1997)

Subject: Closure of Renault factory in Vilvoorde

If a major car manufacturer is able to close a factory without warning with the loss of over 3,000 jobs, what use are existing European Union rules on the information and consultation of workers?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (14 May 1997)

The decision taken by Renault to close its Vilvoorde factory falls under the scope of two Community directives, Directive 75/129/EEC (collective redundancies) ((OJ L 48, 22.2.1995. )) and Directive 94/45/EEC (European works councils) ((OJ L 254, 30.9.1994. )).

These two Community instruments have been implemented in the relevant national laws (the Belgian law as regards the first and the French law as regards the second). These national laws contain machinery allowing for the enforcement of the obligations included therein.

The Commission continuously monitors the adequacy of these enforcement mechanisms with a view to ensuring that corporate restructuring is done in a socially acceptable way, in particular after information and consultation of employees' representatives.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1591/97 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Selection of evaluation experts for the Leonardo da Vinci programme in Greece

The Greek authority responsible for administering the Leonardo da Vinci programme (Greek Labour Institute) published a notice of vacancy for experts to evaluate proposals for 1997. It would appear that the Chairman of the Institute's Governing Board appointed a number of experts without any form of objective selection based on merit and excluding other experts who fulfilled their tasks extremely successfully last year. This throws doubt on the essential transparency of the administration of the programme and, in the final analysis, its effectiveness.

In view of this, what steps will the Commission take to ensure the necessary objectivity in the assessment of proposals and hence the proper functioning of the programme for 1997?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (11 June 1997)

The appointment of experts by the Commission to undertake evaluation of the proposals submitted directly to the Commission in the context of the Leonardo programme is based on nominations by the national authorities, as specified in the Leonardo Decision. Stringent criteria for selecting the experts are laid down in order to ensure a high standard of objective evaluation. With a view to optimising the objectivity, the evaluation phase entails several stages. The proposals submitted directly to the national authorities are also evaluated by the Commission, and the proposals submitted directly to the Commission are analysed by the national authorities to supplement the evaluation carried out by the external experts.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1141/97 by Christine Barthet-Mayer (ARE) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Harmonization of rates of excise duty levied on alcohol and alcoholic beverages in the framework of the single market in the EU

Since the introduction of the single market on 1 January 1993, the free movement of products containing alcohol, including wine marketed by independent producers, wine cooperatives or dealers, has been impeded by the failure to harmonize excise duty rates and procedures. Small producers, particularly wine producers with no subsidiaries in the other Member States, are being denied the benefits of free competition. In the case of intra-Community transactions involving small consignments of bottled wine (under the exemption provided for by Directive 92/12/EEC ((OJ L 76, 23.3.1992, p. 1. )) on the movement of products), producers are not able to export their products directly to individuals in other Member States under cover of a single, harmonized dispatch note, but must pay a flat-rate fee to use the services of a tax representative, which increases costs, causes delays and imposes lengthier administrative formalities than under the previous excise system.

Is the Commission prepared to find a efficient and rapid alternative solution to remedy an unacceptable situation that indirectly impedes free movement and fair trade in this sector?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-1141/97 and E-1183/97 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (24 April 1997)

The Commission is aware of the difficulties being encountered by traders as regards intra-Community trade involving small consignments of bottled wine.

The cause of the problem raised by the Honourable Member is evidently a lack of harmonization of excise-duty rates. Consequently, the Member States applying a fairly high duty are required, as the destination for intra-Community consignments of wine, to impose quite strict conditions in order to safeguard the revenue accruing to them.

Moreover, the Community legislation applicable to distance selling, particularly Article 10 of Directive 92/12/EEC of 25 February 1992 ((OJ L 76, 23.3 1992. )), does not contain any detailed provisions regarding the formalities to be met. This is a matter for the Member States when they transpose the Directive into national law.

In particular, the tax representation arrangements for distance selling are not compulsory for Member States, which have the option of allowing the consignor or his authorized representative to pay himself the excise duty at the place of destination.

However, the Commission is looking into other ways of simplifying matters. These will be presented in the report on the application of Articles 7 to 10 of Directive 92/12/EEC that will be transmitted to Parliament and the Council in the course of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1585/97 by Antonios Trakatellis (PPE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Community Support Framework - Subprogramme for the Thessaloniki underground railway

Objective 2 ('measures to improve living conditions') of the second Community Support Framework (CSF) for Greece (1994-1999), submitted by the Greek Government, includes an operational programme for 'Urban Development (Athens and Thessonlaki underground railway)'. Almost three years have elapsed since the commencement of the CSF and, while the Athens underground subprogramme which is receiving ECU 783 million from the ERDF, is under way, work has not yet been started on the Thessonlaki underground, with the result that the ERDF appropriation of ECU 70.7 million earmarked for this purpose remains unused.

1. What is the reason for this delay and what is preventing work from commencing?

2. Given that the CSF expires in 1999, what is the final deadline for commencement of the work without the risk of losing CSF funding?

3. What measures has the Commission taken and what measures will it take to ensure the immediate commencement of the project which is considered necessary for a city with a population of one million?

4. Will the Commission consider approving the possible cancellation of the project and the transfer of Community funds earmarked for this purpose (ECU 70.7 million) to other CSF objectives or subprogrammes?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1997)

The Commission can confirm that the Urban Development operational programme in the second Community Support Framework (CSF) for Greece provides for European Regional Development Fund appropriations to part-finance the construction of an underground railway in Thessaloniki.

However, owing to the complexity of contract negotiations between the Greek Ministry and the potential contractor, work on this underground railway has not yet started.

To date, the Commission has received no specific request for the part-financing of studies or work for this project, which is unlikely to be completed before the end of the lifetime of the second CSF, nor does it know of any intentions to re-allocate the appropriations in question.

The Commission is following the development of this dossier closely, in cooperation with the Greek authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1414/97 by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Relocation of Grundig Indústria de Portugal's audio products factory in Braga, Portugal

I thank the Commission for its answer of 9.1.1997 ((OJ C 83, 14.3.1997, p. 131. )) to Written Question P-3533/96 and its supplementary answer of 25.3.1997 ((OJ C 319, 18.10.1997, p. 8. )). However, while awaiting information from the Commission on any sale of Grundig buildings partly constructed with Community funds under Pedip I, I should like to ask the following supplementary questions.

What was the 'substantial investment project' submitted by Grundig under Pedip II, which was 'considered ineligible by the selection committee'?

What were the characteristics of the project and how much funding was requested?

Bearing in mind the recent case of the Renault plant in Vilvoorde, Belgium, is the Commission prepared to approve any arrangements for Community cofunding for Grundig if the latter's intention of closing the plant in Braga and relocating it to Hungary is confirmed?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997)

The Commission does not hold information on projects considered ineligible by the national selection committees.

Commission approval of aid schemes in the Member States is governed by the agreed Community competition rules. Such schemes may be cofinanced by the structural funds if they strengthen economic development in weaker regions without damaging opportunities for growth in the Community as a whole and, thus, contribute to enhancing economic and social cohesion. In this context, any application made by Grundig for support under an aid scheme in a Member State may be considered on the same basis as any other by the authorities responsible.

Concerning delocalisations, the Commission informs the Honourable Member that the question will be examined in the context of the forthcoming reform of the structural funds.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0478/97 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (19 February 1997)

Subject: Raising of vessels from the Bourbon fleet sunk in Naples harbour

Is the Commission aware that there is again talk of raising a large number of vessels from the Bourbon fleet which are lying on the seabed in Naples harbour (the exact point at which each lies has long been known)?

The raising of these vessels - particularly the battleship 'S. Giacchino', the frigate 'Pallade' and the corvette 'Flora', which, between them, had 128 guns - would be an event of exceptional historical and cultural interest around the world and would boost both business and tourism in Naples.

Would the Commission not agree that, as an exceptional measure, it should finance either outright or in part an operation of such vital importance to a city which is burdened by extremely severe social and employment problems and whose inhabitants would see such a gesture as an important mark of European solidarity?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (14 April 1997)

The Commission is not aware of discussions about raising the vessels from the Bourbon fleet sunk in Naples harbour. Nevertheless, the Commission fully shares the Honourable Member's opinion that such an undertaking would be an event of exceptional historical and cultural interest.

Structural fund programmes in favour of Naples, and the Campania region in general, do not at present cover financial support for the project mentioned by the Honourable Member. Should the Italian authorities request such support, the Commission would be willing to examine the request in the context of the structural fund regulations and, in particular, of the project's potential contribution to the development of the region.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1245/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Globalization and democracy

The EU is one of the forces which is serving to accelerate the globalization process. The terms 'flexibility', 'expertise', 'free trade', and 'globalism' have become watchwords for contemporary society.

Capital is now moving without restrictions as well as without obstacles. Furthermore, as a result of the single currency, budgetary policies will cease to be a matter for the political authorities and be dealt with instead by financial authorities, in other words by bodies which have no responsibilities outside banking and are not accountable to the extent that they have a mandate from the people.

Will the Commission draw up measures providing the means necessary to ensure that responsibility for exercising budgetary powers is transferred back to the political authorities?

Will it also draw up measures which, by curbing the influence of financial institutions, will allow Member States to implement economic policies and prevent big business from taking decisions in the place of sovereign States?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1245/97 and E-1259/97 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1997)

Within the economic and monetary union, the different components of economic policy will be managed by different groups of 'decision-makers': monetary policy by the European Central Bank; budgetary policy by the national parliaments and governments; and the setting of wage levels by the two sides of industry.

For the purpose of coordinating Member States' economic policies (as provided for in Article 103(1) of the EC Treaty), the sovereignty of the national authorities in the budgetary policy field will be exercised within the framework of the financial and budgetary provisions which are set out in the Treaty and other Community instruments and which have been freely accepted by the Member States. Article 103(1) also stipulates that 'Member States shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council'. For the Commission, the euro will allow the Member States to regain collectively the monetary sovereignty that they have lost individually as a result of the globalization of financial markets.

With the framework of such coordination, national budgetary policies will be the sovereign responsibility of the national political authorities representing citizens.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0794/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various other bodies

With regard to heading A-3058 (Other subsidies), can the Commission provide a complete list of associations and other bodies benefiting from Community subsidies and the exact amount of these subsidies for the last completed budgetary year, i.e. 1996?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

At Parliament's request, the Commission is now preparing a detailed exhaustive report on all subsidies granted in 1996 from appropriations in Chapter A-30 of the budget.

The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to consult this report, which will be transmitted to Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control as soon as it is ready.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1246/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Industrial accidents

On average, about a million industrial accidents occur in Italy every year, and the resulting death-toll was 1 153 in 1996.

Protecting the health and safety of workers, in particular by improving the working environment, is one of the objectives laid down in Article 2 of the Agreement on social policy concluded between the Member States of the European Community with the exception of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, annexed to the Protocol on social policy adopted in Maastricht along with the Treaty.

1. Does the Commission have figures on industrial accidents in each Member State in 1996?

2. What steps will it take to cooperate with the Member States with a view to eradicating this scourge, caused largely by a failure to observe the most simple safety measures?

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

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that the aim of improving safety and health protection for workers, particularly in the workplace, has, since the adoption of the Single European Act, been provided for in Article 118a of the EC Treaty, not just in the Protocol on social policy.

1. No. Statistics on occupational accidents in the individual Member States in 1996 are not yet available. In Statistics in Focus (edition No 2, 1997, on population and social conditions), the Commission published the first results (for 1993) of the project to harmonise statistics on occupational accidents in the Community. Statistics for 1994 are due to be published in the course of 1997. The 1993 estimated average real number of occupational accidents resulting in more than three days' inability to work was 4.8 million over the entire Community. In that year, the global frequency rate in Europe was 4 505 accidents per 100 000 people working in the six major branches of activity.

2. As part of its responsibilities, the Commission checks that Community Directives on health and safety in the workplace are transposed properly and effectively by the Member States. In keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, it is the responsibility of the Member States - in this instance the national labour inspectorates - to ensure adequate supervision and monitoring of the implementation of Directives.

It should nevertheless be stressed that, in 1995, the Commission officially set up a Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors ((OJ L 188, 9.8.1995. )) (Decision 95/319/EC), one of the main aims of which is to promote cooperation and develop exchanges between labour inspection services of their experience in monitoring the enforcement of secondary Community law on health and safety at work, so as to ensure consistent enforcement throughout the Community.