ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2906/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(16 October 2002)

Subject: The Galicia-Portugal and Galicia-France-central Europe high-speed rail links

Can the Commission provide information on the state of progress, in terms of both planning and construction, on the proposed high-speed rail lines which are to link the main cities of Galicia with each other and Galicia as a whole with Oporto and Lisbon in Portugal and with the European heartland via the Iberian meseta and France, given that the bulk of construction work on these links is planned for the present programming period 2000-2006?

What is the level of Community funding allocated to these projects?

What are the expected completion dates for the various stretches of the planned lines?

Supplementary answergiven by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2003)

The agreement signed by the Spanish Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Fomento) and the government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia) defines the high-speed rail lines of concern to Galicia as the following: Vigo-Ourense, Ourense-Monforte-Lugo, Lugo-A Coruña, Ponferrada-Monforte, Madrid-Ourense (Zamora-A Coruña), Ourense-Santiago (Zamora-A Coruña) and the Atlantic route (Redondela-A Coruña).

The Spanish authorities have informed the Commission that a study on the Madrid-Ourense line is currently in progress. In the case of the Ourense-Santiago line, the public information phase has been completed and the environmental impact statement prepared. The environmental impact statement for the Atlantic route (Redondela-A Coruña) has also been completed.

As regards possible Community part-financing of some of these works, the Spanish authorities have sent the Commission a list of projects which have already received ERDF assistance (the total cost is only an estimate and could change). It includes the following amounts certified by the final beneficiary at 13 March 2003:

- Oroso-Ordes (Zamora-A Coruña line). Total cost: EUR 12,5 million; ERDF assistance: EUR 3,8 million,

- Santiago-Berdia (Zamora-A Coruña line). Total cost: EUR 16,7 million; ERDF assistance: EUR 4,1 million,

- Osebe-Santiago (Zamora-A Coruña line). Total cost: EUR 38,6 million; ERDF assistance: EUR 2,75 million,

- San Cristóbal station-A Coruña (Zamora-A Coruña line). Total cost: EUR 9,2 million; ERDF assistance: EUR 2,51 million.

- Technical assistance for the study on the adaptation of the Ferrol-Tuy line (Atlantic route) Total cost: EUR 153 258; ERDF assistance: EUR 39 000.

All these projects are included in measure 6,3 of the integrated operational programme for Galicia 2000-2006.

In addition to these projects which have already received Community part-financing, the Spanish authorities have informed the Commission that wish to submit shortly for its approval the following major Commission (the total cost is only an estimate and could change):

- Santiago-Oroso (Zamora-A Coruña line). Total cost: over EUR 50 million,

- Portas by-pass. Total cost: EUR 70 million,

- Ordes by-pass. Total cost: EUR 50 million,

- Bregua by-pass. Total cost: EUR 57 million.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2568/02

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission

(16 September 2002)

Subject: Defamation charges against Bruce Harris of Casa Alianza in Guatemala

Is the Commission aware of the defamation charges against Bruce Harris, Regional Director of Latin American Programs for Covenant House (Casa Alianza), placed against him in Guatemala?

Constituents have written to alert me of the charges against Mr Harris and the maximum five-year prison sentence he faces if found guilty. The case relates to a joint investigation into the illegal trafficking of Guatemalan and Mexican babies, sent to other countries for adoption.

It appears that after many years of working for street children in Central America, Mr Harris could suffer a long prison sentence for attempting to uncover the truth.

Is the Commission involved in dialogue or action to ensure that justice is done in this case?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2002)

The Commission is well aware of the trial for defamation concerning Bruce Harris, Casa Alianza's Regional Director for Latin American Programs, a case that, for some years has drawn the attention of the international community, claiming the full respect of justice and freedom of expression in Guatemala.

At the same time, the Commission has been collaborating with Casa Alianza and is conscious of Mr Harris' commitment to the defense of young people and children's rights in Guatemala.

As the Honourable Member may know, the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and the good and transparent management of public affairs are at the core of the relations between the Union and Guatemala.

The Commission is actively supporting the public authorities, as well as civil society, in order to promote a more accessible and impartial judiciary system for all Guatemalans by means of concrete co-operation actions and programmes.

Moreover, through political dialogue, the Commission and the Member States are constantly urging the local public institutions to discourage and investigate any attack against human rights defenders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Within this framework, and in accordance with the principle of respect for an independent judicial system, the Commission will consult Member States on whether to call on the Guatemalan authorities and judiciary institutions to handle cases, such as that of Bruce Harris', fairly and impartially.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3411/02

by Nirj Deva (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 November 2002)

Subject: Famine in Ethiopia and Eritrea

Recent reports have stated that Ethiopia and Eritrea are on the brink of a mass famine. What has the Commission done to prepare in order to avert a potential humanitarian disaster?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 2002)

Information has been available since July 2002 that late and poor rains in parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea were likely to seriously affect harvests and lead to localised food shortages later in the year. As of October 2002, after delayed long-season rains, it became clear that a more serious humanitarian crisis was likely to develop, particularly in the first half of 2003 when the food gap would be at its greatest.

The latest assessments point to likely populations in need of food aid of 2,3 million in Eritrea and 11-12 million in Ethiopia. In both instances, these figures include populations who are chronically food insecure. The total response from the Union amounts to approximately EUR 160 million in humanitarian aid.

In Eritrea, existing food aid commitments including a EUR 7,4 million Community allocation, covering cereals delivered in mid-2002 are considered adequate to cover needs up to March 2003.

In Ethiopia, directly after the Government's appeal on immediate food needs, the Commission made available, in October 2002, a total of EUR 23 million, equivalent to 97 000 metric tonnes (Mt) to cover food needs until the end of 2002. A substantial part of this funding (EUR 12 million) was provided for the direct purchase of food aid, part of which (20 000 Mt) for immediate needs, and the remaining quantity for supporting a safety net scheme for the predictably food insecure. The remaining EUR 11 million was provided for food to be delivered through the World Food Programme and through partnerships with Non governmental organisations. In addition, the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office, (ECHO) has approved a EUR 4 million programme of humanitarian assistance, destined principally for nomadic pastoralist populations. Very substantial funds (EUR 54 million) are also provided within the Community's 2002-2007 programme of development aid to Ethiopia for the purposes of addressing the structural problems which are the root causes of the country's recurrent food crises.

Additional funds have been earmarked for the Horn of Africa region in 2003 under both the Community's Food Security Budget Line and from its humanitarian aid budget.

Meanwhile, however, other sources of substantial additional funding are being identified, in order to allow for the orderly and timely delivery of additional food and humanitarian aid that is likely to be needed as of the beginning of 2003.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114/02

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 October 2002)

Subject: Treatment of children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Romania

Can the Commission confirm reports that large numbers of children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Romania are being denied effective drug treatment or access to hospitals on the ground that there are insufficient funds, and, if so, has the Commission raised this issue with the Romanian authorities?

What is the extent of the economic assistance provided to Romania by the European Union, what percentage is earmarked for healthcare provision, and are there any conditions attached to the aid?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2002)

Romania has a high number of children with HIV/AIDS(1) (over 6 000 at the end of 2001) of which the majority was infected between 1988 and 1991 probably due to transfusions of contaminated blood and multiple use of syringes. While the number of HIV/AIDS cases for adults is on the rise and is a reason for concern, new infections of children with HIV/AIDS are now reduced to a few cases per year.

The Commission is informed that in May 2002 there was a temporary shortage of medication, not because of withdrawal of government funding, but as a result of a delay in the tender procedure for procurement of these drugs. It remains true, however, that while medical treatment for HIV/AIDS is in general available, in some areas of Romania occasional problems relating to access to medical treatment persist due to temporary lack of funds.

In order to help the Central and Eastern European countries that have applied to join the Union to carry out the reforms required, the Union is providing financial assistance in different areas. As far as assistance in the public health sector is concerned, projects can be financed through the PHARE programme.

Under the PHARE National Programme a total of EUR 248,98 million have been committed for Romania in 2001, out of which EUR 4 million are being spent in order to strengthen the Romanian system for epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases. In 2002 a total of EUR 265,50 million were allocated to Romania under the PHARE National Programme, out of which EUR 5,82 million are earmarked for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases.

It must be pointed out, however, that financial assistance under the PHARE programme concentrates exclusively on priorities for accession, as defined in the Accession Partnership for Romania. The PHARE programme focuses therefore on two main objectives: institution building, in order to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of Community legislation (acquis communautaire), and acquis-related investment. Direct support and investment to improve the quality or the delivery of health services in Romania are not as such eligible for PHARE funding.

(1) Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3192/02

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 November 2002)

Subject: Chinese tourists in the European Union

According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) China will be the first tourist destination in the world and the fourth source of tourists by 2020. National initiatives by the Member States of the EU in their relations with China in the field of tourism led to agreements which have been nullified by Community initiatives.

For this reason a global agreement needs to be negotiated between the European Union and China to take account of the tourism development potential of such an enormous country, as well as the possible implications of Chinese immigration in connection with Chinese tourism in the EU.

Can the Commission say what stage has been reached in negotiations between China and the European Union in the overall context of tourism, in accordance with the negotiating brief it received from the Council of Ministers and the various developments determined by the national initiatives of the Member States outside the EU framework?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2002)

In accordance with the mandate given by the Council of Ministers to the Commission on 16 September 2002 to negotiate an Authorised Destination Status Agreement (ADS) with China, the Commission has formally requested the Chinese Government to initiate negotiations. In order for the Chinese Government to start formal negotiations, the State Council has to grant Authorised Destination Status to the Community. The Commission hopes that the ADS Status will be granted very soon in order to start formal negotiations with China on this subject.

In the meantime a first round of informal discussions between the Commission and the Chinese National Tourism Authority (CNTA) on a future Community ADS Agreement has taken place on 29 October 2002 in Beijing. On the basis of these discussions the Commission is preparing a draft text of the Agreement which will be discussed with Member States in the near future.

In order to address the immigration issue in the context of the Chinese group tourism in the territory of the Community, the Commission is mandated to negotiate a readmission clause within the future Community ADS Agreement with China.

It is a shared interest of both the Chinese Government, the Community and the Member States to conclude a Community ADS Agreement as soon as possible. Awaiting the Community Agreement, bilateral initiatives of Member States are currently not pursued any further.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/17

(2004/C 70 E/018)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3734/02

by Caroline Lucas (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(19 December 2002)

Subject: Aid and the survival of the Caribbean banana industry

In June 2002 the ACP Council of Ministers meeting sent a resolution to the European Parliament, Council and Commission which drew attention to the fact that the new banana regime had ‘resulted in prices plummeting to levels which threaten to displace ACP suppliers, most of whom have no alternative markets’ and were ‘already creating tremendous social and economic dislocation and eroding the achievements in the fight against poverty’.

This problem results from the implementation of phase 2 of the EU-US Agreement which transfers 100 000 tonnes of quota from ACP (quota C) suppliers to dollar (quota B) suppliers, which effectively increased the total volume of bananas entering the market by 100 000 tonnes, enabling EU supermarkets to pursue a highly competitive price policy.

Will the Commission permit the Special Framework of Assistance and Stabex funds to be used more flexibly to permit aid to be used, temporarily, in part to enable growers to have help in essential inputs pending the economic benefits from improved productivity?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2003)

The Commission has already discussed the price situation in the banana industry in several meetings with its African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) partners and addressed their concerns.

The objectives of the Special Framework of Assistance (SFA), set out in Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 856/1999 of 22 April 1999 establishing a special framework of assistance for traditional ACP suppliers of bananas (1), are improvement of competitiveness and/or support to diversification. So far, no project was refused on the grounds of its non-eligibility. In parallel with the technical assistance aimed at modernising the ACP banana industry, projects approved so far have included different forms of aid targeted at growers, including social support and training programmes. However, direct income support could not be allowed under the SFA, and therefore if support for inputs took this form, it too would not be allowed.

As a complement to SFA, Stabex funds are being used, with a great degree of flexibility, to support social and human development such as housing schemes, pensions, schools, and private initiatives.

The new instrument FLEX, which is included in Envelope Β of the Financial Protocol of the Cotonou Agreement and replaces Stabex, might well constitute a possible source of funds in the future, provided the banana sector fulfils the requirements foreseen.

(1) OJ L 108, 27.4.1999.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/303

(2004/C 88 E/0309)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3737/02

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 December 2002)

Subject: ‘ABEJ — Solidarités’

‘ABEJ — Solidarités’, based in Lille (France), is an association which performs important work with street children. Its work, however, is now being put at risk thanks to a 55 % cut in the health budget for 2003.

Between 700 and 800 recipients of help at street level could be affected by this, with the consequent worsening of social exclusion.

Can the Commission explain the reasons for the reduction in support to associations of this kind, and state what measures it intends to take to prevent social exclusion from becoming worse?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2003)

The Commission has no information concerning the reduction of the aid granted to the French association ‘ABEJ — Solidarités’. The amount of this aid is determined solely by the French Government when adopting the national annual budget.

An analysis of the efforts made by the governments of the Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion is to be conducted by the Commission, in partnership with the Member States, when the second series of national action plans to combat poverty and social exclusion is presented in July 2003. The results of this analysis will be given in the second joint report on social inclusion, to be submitted to the European Council in spring 2004.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/289

(2004/C 88 E/0295)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1776/02

by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Discrimination against visually impaired people

An EU-financed pilot project in Ireland, England and Sweden empowered visually impaired people to campaign for change around minimum changes to improve life for people with such a disability. These include the installation of audio signals at all road crossings, removal of obstructions on streets and other public places, improved transport facilities, social outlets, etc.

In view of the fact that 2003 is the European Year of Disability, what does the Commission propose to do to address this de facto discrimination against visually impaired people?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 2002)

In the Commission's Communication ‘Towards a barrier-free Europe for people with disabilities’ (1), the Commission confirms its commitment to establish a work group which will be tasked to identify appropriate measures in order to improve the build environment for all people with disabilities. This will include people with visual impairments.

The composition and management arrangements for this group are currently being examined. It is intended that this group shall start its tasks this year in order to complete these during 2003, European Year of People with Disabilities.

A number of different services in the Commission will participate in the work of this group. Representatives of disability organisations, as well as the different sectors of industry and experts in these matters will also be closely associated with this work.

(1) COM(2000)284.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/352

(2004/C 78 E/0370)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3863/02

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(10 January 2003)

Subject: North Korean refugees

Is the Commission aware that North Korean refugees in China are being forcibly repatriated to North Korea by Chinese authorities even though they are likely to face prison sentences or even execution?

Is the Commission also aware that the Chinese authorities have arrested and put on trial several people for assisting North Korean refugees?

Given that the Chinese authorities are denying the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) access to the North Korean refugees, and in doing so are violating the UNHCR-China bilateral treaty and breaking international law, what pressure will the Commission bring on the Chinese authorities to put an end to forced repatriation and respect the terms of the treaty?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2003)

The Commission is aware of the situation of North Korean Refugees in China and shares the Honourable Member's concern.

The Union has raised the issue on every possible occasion both with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China. In particular within the framework of the bilateral Union-China dialogue on human rights, the Union has urged China to respect international humanitarian norms and to grant access to the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees to assess the situation of North Koreans in the border area.

Furthermore, the Union called on China to refrain from repatriating North Koreans until satisfactory assurances could be obtained from North Korean authorities that punishments had ceased. The treatment of North Korean refugees in China and the Union's corresponding demands have been reiterated during the last session of the Union-China bilateral Human Rights dialogue held 13/14 November 2002 in Beijing.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation of refugees from North Korea with particular attention and raise the issue in its contacts with the DPRK and the Chinese authorities.
EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/297

(2004/C 88 E/0303)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3540/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 December 2002)

Subject: Health inequalities

I refer the Commission to the paper ‘A strategy for tackling health inequalities in the Netherlands’, by Professors Johan Ρ Mackenbach and Karien Stronks of the University of Amsterdam, published in the British Medical Journal, volume 325, 2 November 2002.

The study points to a number of innovations that have helped reduce socio-economic inequalities in health in that country but concludes that no single country has the capacity to contribute more than a fraction of the knowledge necessary to support and develop such strategies. It suggests that there is an important role for the European Union in promoting such collaboration.

What are the Commission's current commitments and future plans in this respect?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 January 2003)

The Commission is well aware of the work conducted by Professor Mackenbach and his collaborators, on health inequalities. Some of this has been supported from the Community's health promotion programme.

The new Public Health Programme (2003-2008) highlights the importance of addressing the (wider) determinants of health. Areas such as low income/poverty unhealthy living conditions, working conditions, unemployment, as well as life-style factors are all important determinants of health. The unequal distribution of health and its determinants is associated with social class/socio-economic position.

The programme includes specific actions to tackle inequalities in health. It recognises that strategies to reduce health inequalities in the Community are required to provide co-ordinated actions across major policy areas.

Initially, it is planned to focus work on developing health inequality indicators, collecting information and best practice across Europe about policies and interventions and developing pilot networks to assure effective exchanges between countries on addressing health inequalities.