ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0233/01

by Cristina García-Orcoyen Tormo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 February 2001)

Subject: Economy class syndrome

Although reports concerning cases of what is known as economy class syndrome appear relatively frequently in the media, the syndrome would appear to be responsible for many more deaths than is actually reported.

The syndrome consists in the formation of blood clots in the legs or hips of passengers during flights lasting more than two hours. Owing to the prolonged immobility, those blood clots can travel to the brain and cause death.

Given the importance of this issue and the fact that preventive measures can be taken with a view to reducing the health risk, does the Commission intend to take steps to ensure that airlines introduce such measures?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0151/01, E-0155/01, E-0191/01, E-0233/01, E-0349/01 and P-0353/01 given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2001)

The Commission is well aware of recent reports and developments in the field of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cabin conditions, and is taking passengers' concerns very seriously. It has examined various reports, in particular that of the Select Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Lords.

On the basis of a preliminary assessment, the Commission has not found real substance in the extreme claims about health risks from air travel. However, it takes the danger of health risks most seriously, in particular that of DVT, the more so as data is poor on the incidence of the complaint.

Consequently, as a first precaution, the Commission sent a letter to the presidents of the Association of European Airlines, the European Regions Airlines Association and the International Air Carrier Association, urging their members to take precautionary measures in relation to DVT. In this letter, airlines were urged to act rapidly to minimise the risks by informing passengers when they make reservations or order tickets, on the risks, on predisposing factors and on precautionary measures to take before long flights and advise them, once on board the aircraft, on what to do to lessen the chance of thrombosis.

A number of airlines have already introduced, on their own initiative, pre-boarding warnings and/or in-flight advice (leaflets, videos, in-flight magazines showing exercises, recommending what to do and what to avoid, etc).

The next thing is to obtain balance assessments of health risks. The Commission will, as soon as possible, set up expert groups, one on the effects of DVT and the other on air quality and cabin conditions. They will scrutinise existing research and then draw conclusions on risks to health, the need for further research and on measures that the different actors involved should take.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0385/01

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(15 February 2001)

Subject: EU funds

What is the total of EU grants and funding spent in or allocated to the south-east region of the United Kingdom for each of the last five years for which figures are available?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(23 March 2001)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0045/01

by Christos Zacharakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Kidnapping of a Greek Cypriot by Turkish Cypriots

On 13 December the Greek Cypriot building contractor, Mr Panikos Tziakourmas, was kidnapped while on the territory of the British bases on Cyprus. According to the report by the police of the British bases in Cyprus, he was seized by a group of unknown Turkish Cypriot men and then taken by force to the Turkish-occupied territory and abandoned, and one and a half kilos of cannabis was left next to him. Immediately after he was abandoned, the so-called Turkish Cypriot police arrived on the scene and arrested him for possession of drugs. Mr Tziakourmas has a spotless record and has employed Turkish Cypriot workers over the last decade.

Given that the kidnapping and illegal detention of Mr P. Tziakourmas are acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, and as such a violation of international law and of the European Convention on Human Rights, and given also the recent commitments made by Turkey to the European Union regarding democratisation and respect for human rights, the acquis communautaire and the principles of the rule of law, will the Commission say;

1. What measures does it intend to take to exert pressure on Turkey to release Mr P. Tziakourmas forthwith?

2. What effect will the this contentious action have on Turkey's bid to join the European Union and the funding the EU is due to provide to facilitate Turkish accession?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(16 February 2001)

The Commission is aware of the circumstances concerning the detention of the Greek Cypriot building contractor Mr Panikos Tziakourmas on 13 December 2000. It appears that Mr Tziakourmas was abducted from the territory of the Eastern British Sovereign Base Area. As a result, the British Government has raised this incident with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community and with the authorities in Ankara. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The criteria for membership agreed by the Copenhagen European Council in 1993 include the guaranteeing of the rule of law and of human rights. In this context Turkey's fulfilment of its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe is an important factor. The Commission monitors respect of these commitments by all candidate countries and regularly reports to the Parliament and to the Member States on developments in these areas.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0082/01

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

(29 January 2001)

Subject: Compulsory BSE testing on cattle aged over 30 months killed in Galician slaughterhouses

What is the state of affairs in Galicia since the beginning of 2001 concerning the implementation of the above compulsory testing?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2001)

Following new developments in the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in the Community at the end of 2000, systematic testing of all bovine animals over 30 months of age entering the food chain was introduced as of 1 January 2001 to further reinforce the protection of consumers against BSE.

In the beginning of this year, Member States were asked to send a report to the Commission on the status of implementation of the new BSE related Community measures. Spain confirmed that the requirement to test all bovine animals over 30 months of age slaughtered for human consumption had been implemented.

The Commission plans to make an inspection to verify the implementation as a part of a new series of inspections starting in March 2001.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0166/01

by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 January 2001)

Subject: State aid to Dutch greenhouse gardeners

According to the Danish Ministry for Food and the Netherlands' Ministry for Agriculture, Dutch greenhouse gardeners have received DKK 574 million in aid. The Netherlands' Ministry for Agriculture has justified the aid on the grounds of it being a contribution to an energy-saving programme.

Can this Dutch aid scheme for greenhouse gardeners be construed in any way other than as state aid pure and simple?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2001)

The Commission is not in a position to indicate whether the DKK 574 million allegedly granted to the Dutch glasshouse producers for an energy savings programme constitutes State aid in the sense of Articles 87-89 (ex Articles 92-94) of the EC Treaty. Further information would be required about the alleged grant and the conditions attached to it.

The Commission has inquired with the Dutch authorities about aid measures which would have been taken to compensate the Dutch agriculture sector, and in particular the glasshouse sector, for the increased energy prices. By letter of 19 January 2001 the Dutch authorities have confirmed that no such measures have been taken yet. Certain measures are contemplated to reduce the energy dependency and exhaust of carbondioxide (CO2). The concrete measures are not yet known. The Dutch authorities have assured the Commission that any such measures would be notified in accordance with Article 88(3) (ex Article 93) of the EC Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0379/01

by Markus Ferber (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(15 February 2001)

Subject: Vice-President Loyola de Palacio and the flax affair in Spain

Is the Commission aware that Vice-President Loyola de Palacio has instituted legal proceedings, as a private individual, before a Spanish court in order to shed light on who is responsible under criminal law for the flax affair in Spain?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2001)

Yes, the President of the Commission is aware that Ms de Palacio has started proceedings before a Spanish court in order to establish who is responsible under criminal law for the flax affair.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0209/01

by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission

(2 February 2001)

Subject: Fishing fleet overcapacity

The Commission estimates that the EU fleet is at least 40 % too large for the available resources. What plans will the Commission propose to tacklet this serious problem?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0176/01 and E-0209/01 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 2001)

According to the reports of two groups of independent experts set up to advise the Commission during preparation of the multi-annual guidance programmes for the fishing fleet (MAGP), fishing mortality rates on the fish stocks in European waters are excessive. The figure of 40 % is typical of the reduction in fishing mortality that would be required to manage the fish stocks on a sustainable basis.

In response to the conclusions of the expert groups, the Commission proposed substantial cuts in fishing effort for both the MAGP III (1992-1996) and the MAGP IV (1997-2001). However on both occasions the reductions originally proposed by the Commission were considered by the Council to be too severe.

The reductions in effort achieved during the MAGP III and the MAGP IV were not sufficient to counteract the effects of technological progress, which tends to make the fleet more efficient with time. In view of this, the Commission considers that the European fleet remains much too large for the available resources.

The Commission intends to tackle this problem by proposing further permanent reductions in fishing effort following the MAGP IV.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0210/01

by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission

(2 February 2001)

Subject: Future fisheries agreements

Has the Commission been mandated to negotiate new fisheries agreements with third countries? If so, with which countries is it negotiating?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0175/01 and E-0210/01 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2001)

The Commission informs the Honourable Member that, at this stage, the Commission has not been mandated to negotiate new fisheries agreements with third countries.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0109/01

by Heidi Hautala (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 February 2001)

Subject: Improved construction of livestock vehicles

The Commission will recall that, following much hard work and consultation with interested parties, a proposal to amend Directive 70/156/EEC(1) regarding type-approval of vehicles and trailers carrying farm livestock was published in July 1997. Parliament responded positively and in its report, agreed in July 1998, several amendments were put forward. Many of these were accepted by the Commission and an amended proposal was published in April 1999.

In the light of the Commission's recent report highlighting continuing welfare problems for transported animals and the fact that some of these problems are caused by inadequately constructed vehicles, would the Commission agree that the proposed Directive to lay down rules for the improved construction of livestock vehicles should be made a priority? Would the Commission say what steps it intends to take so that, with the Council, a common position can be reached without any further delay and progress made on this important piece of legislation?

(1) OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2001)

The Commission shares the views of the Honourable Member on the importance of improving transport conditions of farm livestock. For this purpose a proposal for a Directive regarding type-approval of vehicles and trailers carrying certain types of animals was presented in July 1997(1).

This Directive will contribute to ensuring that the technical conditions exist to safeguard welfare of animals during their transport.

The draft proposal lays down requirements on the basis of Article 95 (ex Article 100A) of the EC Treaty and provides for total harmonisation of the relevant technical provisions of vehicles intended for the transport of certain types of animals. This approach is consistent with the general approach followed in the motor vehicle sector as established in the framework directive regulating the type-approval of motor vehicles in the Community (Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970, as last amended by Directive 2000/40/EC of the Parliament and Council of 26 June 2000(2)).

After the first reading in the Parliament on 16 July 1998, an amended proposal was adopted on 2 March 1999(3) and sent to the Council.

It is the intention of the Swedish Presidency to reach a Common Position under its Presidency.

(1) OJ C 290, 24.9.1997.

(2) OJ L 203, 10.8.2000.

(3) OJ C 110, 21.4.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0692/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 March 2001)

Subject: Operation of projects funded by 2nd CSF

The following projects were carried out under the 2nd Community Support Framework in the regions of:

(a) Oinofyta:

(1) biological treatment of urban waste,

(2) biological treatment of waste from industrial plants in the region;

(b) Skhimatarion:

(1) biological treatment of urban waste,

(2) biological treatment of waste from industrial plants in the region.

According to my information, these installations, particularly those involving the treatment of industrial waste, do not operate owing to the cost involved unless an inspection is imminent.

Will the Commission therefore say how much has been spent on all the above projects?

Can it confirm that the above installations operate as they should?

Is it possible for the Commission to carry out spot checks?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2001)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0502/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 February 2001)

Subject: BSE, Trichlorphon and Crufomate

Is the Commission aware of any research being carried out into the cause of BSE which considers the possible effects of trichlorphon or crufomate systemic insecticides used as treatment against warble fly infection and described as causing in overdose distressed breathing and a staggering gait (Black's Veterinary Dictionary)?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(30 March 2001)

The Commission's Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), which prepares the opinions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, adopted on 26 June 1998 an opinion on possible links between bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and organophosphates used as pesticides against ecto- and endoparasites in cattle. The opinion concludes that there is no evidence for the existence of such a link. This opinion is, like all other scientific opinions, available on the following Internet address:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/ssc/index_en.html.

The SSC has the mandate to permanently monitor new developments in the field of BSE that may affect health and consumer protection. Any new data that would become available, including possible new research or evidence on the insecticides the Honourable Member refers to,

will be evaluated by the SSC. In this context a dossier on the possible link between organophosphates treatment against warble fly and BSE, recently submitted to the Commission, has been transmitted to the secretariat of the SSC's permanent transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)/BSE ad hoc Group.

The Commission is not aware of any research being carried out into the cause of BSE which considers the possible effects of trichlorphon or crufomate systemic insecticides. It cannot however be excluded a priori that such research is being carried out with national funding and that the Commission has not been informed of it.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0017/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Mussel farming in the EU

Mussel farming is of vital importance in the coastal region of Galicia, where there are some 11 500 jobs directly linked to the sector, of which 8 500 are permanent, as well as 7 000 jobs indirectly related to it. This is particularly important, bearing in mind that the resources generated by mussel production are spread across a broad social base and that decisions are taken locally, with the result that funds are reinvested in the region. This has a multiplier effect on the local economy, helping to produce socio-economic stability.

As far as aquaculture in general is concerned it is mussel farming which is the backbone of the sector, since between 250 and 300 million kilos of mussels are cultivated annually in Galicia, making it the world's second largest producer after China and the leading European producer, accounting for 50 % of total EU production, with 35 % being sold fresh, 41 % earmarked for traditional processing and 24 % for new alternative processing methods, which are increasingly popular.

At a time when the negotiating process with the applicant countries is at quite an advanced stage, particularly with the countries in the Luxembourg group, is the Commission aware of the rationalisation measures undertaken by the Member States in this sector and is it taking or will it take into account during the negotiations the objective of preventing destabilisation of the mussel-farming sector in the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 February 2001)

Community enlargement should not have an adverse effect on Community mussel farmers, since the applicant countries do not produce significant quantities of mussels.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0294/01

by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Commission

(9 February 2001)

Subject: Applications for assistance from the Cohesion Fund

Which regions of those Member States covered by the Cohesion Fund have submitted projects with a view to obtaining assistance from the Fund, and which of these projects have been approved?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 March 2001)

The Commission would point out that applications to finance projects from the Cohesion Fund are submitted to it by the Member State and not by the regions. The Commission is therefore unaware of the projects submitted by the regions to the national authorities.

All the projects approved since 1993 are listed in the annual reports of the Cohesion Fund for 1997, 1998 and 1999. A copy of these reports has been sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0613/01

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 March 2001)

Subject: European political parties

Why was the communication on the European political parties due to be made at the European Parliament's January plenary session postponed at the last moment?

Can the Commission President list the current political parties presently represented in the European Parliament who are eligible for such funding?

Could he give detailed and precise reasons for the exclusion of the remaining political parties from this list?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2001)

The Commission held two discussions on this important proposal for a Council Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties(1) and adopted it on 24 January 2001.

Articles 1 and 3 of the proposed regulation, as proposed by the Commission, clearly set out the criteria that a European political party would have to fulfil in order to qualify for funding under the regulation.

Those are to table a statute with the Parliament; to have a political group in Parliament or intend to form or join a political group; to respect democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in their statute and activities; to show an adequate degree of European representativeness by having elected members in the Parliament, the national parliament or regional parliaments in at least five Member States, or by having obtained at least 5 % of the vote at the previous European election in each of not less than five Member States.

As the regulation is not yet adopted, it would be premature to assess what parties may prove eligible for funding under this proposal.

(1) COM(2000) 898 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0137/01

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(31 January 2001)

Subject: Legislative discussions

Will the Commission, as a participant in Council of Ministers' meetings, indicate whether it favours opening up such meetings to the press and the public when legislative matters are under discussion?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2001)

As to the substance of the question, the Honourable Member is referred to the answer to his Written Question E-0134/01(1). It should be pointed out that, while the Commission is invited to take part in Council meetings (Article 5 of the Council's Rules of Procedure), it does not do so as a member.

(1) OJ C 174 E, 19.6.2001, p. 255.