ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2701/96 by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission (15 October 1996)

Subject: Subsidizing of electricity prices in the former GDR

VEAG, the German electricity giant, was allocated a 70% share of the electricity market in the former GDR when the latter became part of the Federal Republic.

In order to secure the market for lignite-based electricity over the next five years, VEAG intends to spend DM 150 m per annum on direct kWh-based subsidies for electricity supplied in excess of the 70% limit.

It is expected that VEAG's DM 150 m per annum subsidy will be used to hold on to those parts of the market which comprise price-sensitive business customers and alternative/planned autoproducers' joint power-generating stations.

Does the Commission consider such subsidizing of electricity, which has begun or is planned, to be compatible with current EU competition rules?

Does it not consider that competition would be distorted if VEAG uses such subsidies to hold on to commercial customers who, if competition were fair and transparent, could opt to use environment-friendly natural gas-based electricity supplied from Denmark via the newly inaugurated Kontek link or establish their own joint CHP plants?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2701/96 and E-2925/96 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (27 November 1996)

According to the German authorities the agreements within the 'Energiekonsensrunde Ost' were reached among the ministers of Economic affairs of the Neue Länder, the federal ministry of Economic affairs, representatives of the East German energy industry and representatives of the lignite industry and its owners on 31 January 1996 in Erfurt. The aim was to secure the electricity supply in the East German Länder in the long run and to promote East Germany as an industrial site. The German authorities emphasized that the agreements were exclusively political declarations without any legal commitments. Neither the German government nor the local governments involved entered any commitments. It was also emphasized that, with regard to the agreements, there do not exist any contracts concerning the companies Veag and Laubag or other companies. Alleged arrangements with the Danish ministry of economics were also denied.

However, it was confirmed that Veag intends to offer an annual discount to regional energy distribution companies up to DM 150 millions if electricity beyond their 70% energy demand is purchased from Veag. This discount refers to electricity contracts with a duration of 20 years, agreed in 1990 between the predecessor company of Veag and the regional East German energy suppliers for 70% of their energy demand. Veag's purpose is a better utilisation of its energy plants which are more than 95% lignite-based.

Therefore, the Commission is currently investigating whether Veag offers discounts with regard to economic criteria and in compliance with the EC Treaty competition rules.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2990/96 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Human rights clause

1. Are there currently any cooperation agreements between the European Union and third countries which do not contain a 'human rights' clause?

2. Could the Commission say what the procedure is for suspending a cooperation agreement which includes the abovementioned clause in the event of human rights abuse? When is the agreement actually suspended: from the moment when such abuse is reported or only after the report has been confirmed by the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The questions raised by the Honourable Member were addressed in the Communication from the Commission on the inclusion of respect for democratic principles and human rights in agreements between the Community and third countries ((COM (95) 216 final. )). The text clearly establishes that from 1992 onwards, a clause defining democratic principles and human rights as an 'essential element' has been included in all agreements with third countries.

This clause makes human rights the subject of common interest, part of the dialogue and an instrument for analysing various positive measures. An additional clause enables the parties, where necessary, to take 'restrictive measures in proportion' to the gravity of the offence. Specifically, any serious and persistent human rights violations or any serious interruptions of democratic process (a 'material breach' of the agreement) can constitute grounds for terminating the agreement or suspending its application in whole or in part.

On 29 May 1995, pursuant to the Communication, the Council approved the relevant standard formulation that must henceforth be included in agreements between the Community and third countries.

More specifically, as regards the intra-Community procedure for implementing such suspension, and on the revised fourth Lomé Convention ((Signed in November 1995 in Mauritius. )) front, a proposal has been submitted to the Council; to date, no decision has been reached.

However, under the provisions laid down in this regard in the abovementioned Convention, for example, technical and financial cooperation with Niger was partially suspended following the coup there on 27 January 1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3027/96 by Ernesto Caccavale (UPE) to the Commission (31 October 1996)

Subject: State aid for the Italian national airline, Alitalia

The Italian finance bill for 1997 includes proposals to allocate enormous sums of money to IRI, the Institute for Industrial Reconstruction, to fund the recapitalization of Alitalia.

If carried through, this will be a flagrant breach of the provisions of the Treaty of Rome under Articles 92 to 94, governing state aid to public undertakings which distorts competition and affects trade between Member States.

Will the Commission exercise its powers under Article 93(2) of the Treaty and notify the Italian Government that it should abandon this proposal?

Will the Commission propose to the Council, after consulting Parliament, further regulations to enforce Articles 92 and 93 of the Treaty of Rome?

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

In late July 1996 the Italian authorities gave preliminary notification to the Commission of the main elements of the Alitalia restructuring plan.

The Commission is currently examining the recapitalization programme of Alitalia within the context of the Article 93(2) EC Treaty procedure. The procedure was opened in this case on 9 October 1996 and the text of the opening of the procedure is being published to permit comments from interested third parties. In accordance with the procedure the Commission will assess whether the transactions between Italy and Alitalia conform with normal commercial practices. If the Commission reaches the conclusion that Alitalia has received state aid it will examine whether it may be considered as compatible with the common market under Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.

The Commission has not decided whether or not to make proposals for regulations concerning the application of Articles 92 and 93. It will take a decision in the light of the debate on this subject that took place in the Industry Council on 14 November 1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2761/96 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (21 October 1996)

Subject: Promotion of Italy's artistic heritage

A debate has been going on for some time in Italy about the need for better management and protection for the country's artistic and cultural heritage, since an appropriate policy to exploit Italy's treasures to best advantage, rather than just preserving them, has never been drawn up. In other European countries there are centres and institutions responsible for promoting the national artistic heritage - such as the National Trust of Scotland - which both distribute information material and make an industry out of cultural assets and tourism (the production of objects, brochures, documentaries, virtual reality facilities, etc.).

Can the Commission say whether there is any specific research being carried out in this field, accompanied by documentation providing more information on the subject?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (27 November 1996)

At present no specific studies on action by centres and institutions aimed at promoting the national artistic heritage at European level are available to the Commission.

However, an initial approach could be made on the basis of a directory of cultural statistics sources in Europe - currently in preparation - which seeks to review the organizations producing cultural statistics on a regular basis.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2396/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (6 September 1996)

Subject: Decision 94/730/EC establishing simplified procedures concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified plants - Article 145 of the EC Treaty

1. Why did the Commission contravene Article 145 of the EC Treaty in Decision 94/730/EC ((OJ L 292, 12.11.1994, p. 31. ))?

2. Does the Commission agree that there has been an infringement of the Treaty?

3. If not, what justification can it offer?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2394/96, E-2395/96, E-2396/96, E-2397/96, E-2398/96, E-2399/96, E-2400/96, E-2401/96, E-2402/96, E-2403/96 and E-2405/96 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1996)

The answers to the Written Questions indicated above raise a number of technical and legal problems concerning the implementing of Directive 90/220/EEC, ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )) and in particular the arrangements for introducing simplified procedures.

The Commission is currently examining the way the Directive has been implemented since entering into force. It will be publishing a report, which will be sent to Parliament and the Council.

It is within this framework that the Honourable Member's questions will be examined, whereupon the Commission may take account of the points raised.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3304/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: 'Hidden economy' and GDP

The media are increasingly reflecting the current difficulty of obtaining universally accepted statistics.

What proportion of GDP in Finland is accounted for by the 'hidden economy'?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3280/96, E-3298/96, E-3299/96, E-3300/96, E-3301/96, E-3302/96, E-3303/96, E-3304/96, E-3305/96, E-3306/96, E-3307/96, E-3308/96, E-3309/96, E-3310/96, E-3311/96, E-3312/96 and E-3313/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

It is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the impact of the hidden economy on gross domestic product, since the methods used differ considerably from one Member State to the next and several Member States also make implicit corrections which are very difficult to assess.

It is intended that the work on the issue of exhaustiveness be completed by the end of 1998, and it should then be possible to compile the estimates requested with a certain degree of reliability and comparability between Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2719/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (16 October 1996)

Subject: Conversion of a museum into a mosque

The Greek press reports that the Islamic government of Turkey is planning to convert yet another Christian monument into a mosque. The Museum of Maritime Antiquities in Bodrum is housed in a church built by the Knights of St. John in 1415 which was converted into a museum in 1962.

How does the Commission intend to respond to this further provocation by the Turkish Government, the latest in a long line of acts of contempt for the Christian tradition in Asia Minor (the most recent being plans to convert Aghia Sofia in Istanbul into a mosque) and what sanctions will it impose to persuade Turkey to comply with rules of conduct befitting a civilized state?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1996)

As far as the Commission is aware the Turkish Minister for Cultural Affairs did recently propose converting the church housing the Museum of Maritime Antiquities in Bodrum into a mosque.

However, the proposal was abandoned in the wake of vehement opposition in Turkey to the project.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2936/96 by Claudia Roth (V) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Links between EC observers in Bosnia and western European secret services

A report by the ARD programme 'Monitor' has revealed that the German BND (Federal Information Service) official Christoph von Betzold has been working in Zagreb since 1993 as an EC observer. According to the report, Mr von Betzold, who despite being a member of the German foreign secret service BND is acting head of the German delegation, has knowingly allowed the onward transportation of weapons within Bosnia.

1. Is the Commission aware of these facts, and what is its attitude to them?

2. Have other members of secret services, including those of other EU countries, acted as Union observers in Bosnia?

3. Have there been other cases of members of secret services being involved in illicit weapons transport?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1996)

The Commission is aware of the content of the ARD programme 'Monitor'. The Member States appoint members to the observer mission, which is headed by the country holding the Presidency, on their own responsibility. It is not, therefore, the Commission's place to comment on the facts that gave rise to the programme or on the identity and professions of other observers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3302/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: 'Hidden economy' and GDP

The media are increasingly reflecting the current difficulty of obtaining universally accepted statistics.

What proportion of GDP in Denmark is accounted for by the 'hidden economy'?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3280/96, E-3298/96, E-3299/96, E-3300/96, E-3301/96, E-3302/96, E-3303/96, E-3304/96, E-3305/96, E-3306/96, E-3307/96, E-3308/96, E-3309/96, E-3310/96, E-3311/96, E-3312/96 and E-3313/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

It is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the impact of the hidden economy on gross domestic product, since the methods used differ considerably from one Member State to the next and several Member States also make implicit corrections which are very difficult to assess.

It is intended that the work on the issue of exhaustiveness be completed by the end of 1998, and it should then be possible to compile the estimates requested with a certain degree of reliability and comparability between Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2982/96 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Question No E-0878/96 on battery cages

Further to its answer to Question No E-0878/96 ((OJ C 280, 25.9.1996, p. 97. )), can the Commission identify those third countries which are able to export cattle, beef, and beef derivatives to the European Union and explain what steps are taken to ensure that these cattle and products meet EU hygiene standards, especially with the removal of specified bovine offals?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1996)

Council Decision 79/542/EEC of 21 December 1976 ((OJ L 146, 14.6.1979. )) (as last amended) draws up a list of third countries from which the Member States authorise imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products. This list is drawn up in accordance with the requirements of Article 3 of Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 (as last amended) on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat from third countries ((OJ L 302, 31.12.1972. )).

In addition based on Council Directive 72/462/EEC, the Commission establishes specific requirements laid down in a number of decisions for the purpose of limiting or extending authorisations for importing certain categories of animals and or fresh meat and derivatives.

Special restrictions concerning the possible exclusion of bovine offals are covered by those specific decisions. Up to this moment, restrictions have been imposed on some third countries where problems have been identified in relation to foot and mouth disease or residues.

The Community legislation with regard to residues is also applicable and only countries with an approved residue plan may export live cattle and bovine meat to the Community. This list is incorporated in Council Decision 79/542/EEC.

The Commission approves individual establishments in third countries by specific decisions, including if necessary certain restrictions.

Consignments entering the Community are checked at the border posts in line with Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries ((OJ L 373, 31.12.1990. )) and Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC ((OJ L 268, 24.9.1991. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2796/96 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (21 October 1996)

Subject: Excessive taxation of small and medium-sized undertakings

In Italy,small and medium-sized undertakings, which are an important element of the economy in the countries of the European Union, are once again facing a severe recession partly due to domestic political factors, which is forcing some firms to close down.

Exempting accumulated profit from tax, at least for the first three or five years, or reviewing tax rates could make a significant contribution to reviving the economic fortunes of this sector, and hence of the country as a whole.

Would the Commission look into the situation in this sector in the Community, and propose these or other possible solutions to the governments? Alternatively, if this situation obtains in only a few countries, what instruments does the Commission have at its disposal to oblige states to take action to reduce administrative formalities, bearing in mind the priority measures contained in the report considered at the European Council in Madrid last year?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)

In its report to the Madrid European Council on small and medium sized entreprises (SMEs) ((CSE(95) 2087. )), the Commission recommended that Member States should develop a bold strategy of administrative and regulatory simplification in favour of SMEs, including a simplified VAT system. Furthermore, the Commission called for a convincing initiative on the part of Member States in order to make equity financing for SMEs more attractive than debt financing, thereby improving their financial stability and their survival rate under difficult economic conditions. Furthermore, the new integrated programme for SMEs and the craft sector ((COM(96) 329 final. )) and the third multiannual programme for SMEs ((COM(96) 98 final. )) highlight the need to continue, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the spread of best practice on simplifying and improving the fiscal, administrative and regulatory environment for SMEs.

Moreover, the Commission underlines the importance of pursuing the work on the new, global approach to taxation policies set out in its reflection document 'Taxation in the European Union' ((SEC(96) 487. )). In this perspective, the Commission's report on the development of tax systems in the European Union ((COM(96) 546. )) recommends better co-ordination of taxation policies by continuing the work of the group of high representatives on fiscal affairs, and creating a permanent forum where Member States and the Commission could share information and review taxation policies. One of the areas identified for discussion in the group is the simplification of the tax environment for SMEs and other businesses.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2464/96 by Anita POLLACK to the Council. Human rights in Sri Lanka



Official Journal C 105 , 03/04/1997 P. 0008



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2464/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Council (25 September 1996) Subject: Human rights in Sri Lanka Given the continuation of the civil war in Sri Lanka, what evidence had UNHCR produced to back up its statement on the return of asylum-seekers of 3 February 1995 and 23 June 1995 (ref. Note from European Union Council dated 15 January 1996) that human rights for Tamils have improved to an acceptable level? Answer (13 February 1997) The position of the UNHCR on eligibility guidelines on Sri Lanka asylum seekers as transmitted on request to the EU Council states that the referenced position of January 1996 does not require revision. New positive developments - like a massive voluntary return of the Tamil population to the government controlled Jaffna area - must be taken into account. According to the UNHCR, the civil population is reported to face no particular serious problems with the Sri Lanka army: the general treatment of the population by the SLA is reported to be fair.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3509/96 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (9 December 1996)

Subject: Environmental impact assessment of quarrying for the 'Pareton Project' (Asolani Hills - Treviso)

The Asolani Hills have traditionally been used to produce bricks and consequently disfigured by a great many quarries hollowed into the hillsides, resulting in severe environmental deterioration. The hills, however, are also one of the more attractive landscapes which Treviso province has to offer and therefore an important economic resource from a tourist point of view. Veneto Regional Council ordered a halt to extraction on the hill called the Pareton in 1981.

In 1991 the Seam company submitted an 'environmental rehabilitation' project for the Pareton to the local and regional authorities. Under that plan, approximately 8 000 000 m3 of clay (enough for about 400 000 lorry loads) was to be removed in 15 years, thus lowering the height of the hill by as much as 72 metres (and affecting the landscape, environment, and climate of the whole area, for instance by changing wind patterns), instead of reshaping it without altering its height at sea level.

In 1992 the Castelcucco local council refused to give its approval because the land concerned did not appear on the regional list of sites on which excavation could be carried out. In August 1994 Veneto Regional Council added the commune of Castelcucco to the areas in which clay could be extracted. On 10 March 1995, however, the Treviso provincial authorities classed the area in question, with binding effect under the Provincial Spatial Plan (PTP), as parkland and reserves on which further quarrying was prohibited. Veneto Regional Council now has to deliver its final opinion on the authorization.

Does not the Commission believe that a plan for quarrying on such a scale in an area intended for use as parkland is one which should be subject to environmental impact assessment within the meaning of Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. ))?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (17 January 1997)

Excavation projects of the type referred to by the Honourable Member are covered by Annex II, paragraph 2 (c) of Directive 85/337/EEC. An environmental impact assessment is mandatory for these projects if by virtue of their nature, size or location they are likely to have significant effects on the environment, within the meaning of Article 2 of the Directive.

In any event, for projects covered by Annex II the national authorities must carry out a preliminary assessment to determine whether or not an environmental impact assessment is required ((Judgment of the Court of Justice of 2 May 1996, C/133/94 - Commission v. Belgium. )).

The case referred to by the Honourable Member has been registered as a presumed infringement and the Commission will bring the matter up with the Italian authorities.