ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4086/98

by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Commission

(14 January 1999)

Subject: Combating fraud in Suriname as a means of fighting transatlantic crime

1. Is the Commission aware of the statements by the head of the customs service in Suriname, Arthur Trott, that relations have developed between manufacturers abroad and Surinamese importers such that "under-invoicing has become an everyday practice" and that this fact is assisting the spread of transatlantic crime?

2. Does not the Commission agree that it ought to be possible to pass on to Suriname European know-how in the field of combating fraud?

3. Will the Commission consider the possibility of providing funding to enable use to be made of the services of the British "Network International" (NI), a business specialising in measures to combat such fraud, inter alia with a view to ensuring transparent and responsible disbursement of European funds in Suriname?

4. Would it be possible to make European customs officials available to Suriname to help check the accuracy of invoices and thereby combat fraud by means of under-invoicing?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 1999)

The Commission is aware of the statements made by the head of the Suriname customs service which were extensively reported in the local press.

The practice of under-invoicing on imports is a very serious issue particularly with respect to the consequence these frauds can have in terms of loss of revenue for the public finances of the importing country. The Surinamese customs authorities have now decided to tackle the problem and the Commission is encouraging the Surinamese government to proceed firmly in this direction.

European know-how in the field of combating fraud might be potentially useful for Suriname, which availed itself in the past of the technical assistance of customs officers of certain Member States.

However, the definition of strategy in this field, as well as the choice of its cooperation partners, are decisions which are of the competence of the Surinamese authorities. Currently, no reference to this field of assistance is made in the national indicative programme, nor has the government of Suriname expressed any intention to submit any request to the Commission in this direction.

Should the government of Suriname require technical assistance from the Community, several companies from the Community or the African, Carribbean and Pacific (ACP) States, specialised in this area, would be selected and invited to tender on an equal basis, in compliance with the normal procedures for awarding contracts.

On the other hand, the Commission, while against the practice in principle, does not consider that under-invoicing poses a threat to the transparent and responsible disbursement of the European development fund (EDF) in Suriname or elsewhere. In fact, as according to Articles 308, 309, and 310 of the Lomé IV Convention, goods imported in the framework of a project financed by the EDF are free of any customs duty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3985/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Operational recommendations relating to the northern dimension

The Commission's communication concerning the northern dimension of the Union, to be presented to the Vienna summit, contains operational recommendations concerning, inter alia, cross-border cooperation and administrative training projects with Russia, Poland and the Baltic States.

What kind of programmes and measures is the Commission preparing with a view to implementing these operational recommendations and what timetable does the Commission envisage for them?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 1999)

In line with the conclusions of the Vienna European Council, the Commission is currently preparing to pursue discussions with all the parties involved in implementing the recommendations of the interim report on a northern dimension for the policies of the Union(1), with a view to defining with them both the concept of the northern dimension and guidelines for action in the relevant fields.

(1) COM(98) 589 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3568/98

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(1 December 1998)

Subject: Alleged jamming of MED TV broadcasts by the Turkish authorities

When last questioned about this problem, the Commission stated that hard evidence was needed before complaints might be forwarded to the Turkish authorities over their alleged jamming of MED TV broadcasts.

As these problems affect the British-based MED TV organisation, which does not have the necessary funds to secure detailed evidence of the source of this jamming, will the Commission itself undertake to investigate this problem?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 1999)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that it does not fall within the scope of the Community's relationships with Turkey, as they presently exist under the association and custom union agreements, to undertake the type of inquiry which is suggested.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3711/98

by Felipe Camisón Asensio (PPE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Projects by the regional government of Extremadura accepted under the Ouverture and Ecos programmes

Information has been published showing that the regional government of Extremadura had previously asked for three projects to be included in the Commission's Ouverture and Ecos programmes. The first, relating to hunting and the use of natural resources, was proposed in 1993 together with partners from the Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary, Ireland, Russia and the Czech Republic. A similar project followed in 1995. The third dealt with viticulture.

Concerning these three projects:

1. When were they approved, what was the basic nature of the activities envisaged therein, and what financial allocation did they receive?

2. What was the overall amount of Community funds granted to institutions, undertakings or individuals from Extremadura?

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

(8 February 1999)

The question concerns three Ecos-Ouverture projects run by or involving the Extremadura region.

The Forvit project, financed at the end of 1993, received full support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - i.e. EUR 49 883. Of that amount, the share granted to the Extremadura region was EUR 16 169. The final payment was made to the project's leading partner, the Piedmont region, on 30 January 1996. The aim of the project was to study and define agricultural development services for the benefit of wine-growers. Each region was also to devise a wine production policy covering research, training and information. Piedmont concentrated on the research and sharing information, while Murcia and Extremadura focused on the technical assistance and training seminars held in each region.

The Nature Border I project, financed from the end of 1994, likewise received full ERDF support - i.e. EUR 63 000. The Extremadura region, which was the network's leading partner, was allocated EUR 44 775 and received its final payment on 31 May 1996. The project's aim was to share experience in respect of regional administrative structures for managing nature conservation areas and hunting. Activities comprised technical assistance (including preparation of a document assessing administrative structures and the management of conservation areas and proposing action to be taken), exchange of experience, seminars and the publication of the partners' conclusions.

The follow-up Nature Border II project was launched in September 1995. The project's leading partner, the Extremadura region, received two of the three tranches of ERDF support - equivalent to EUR 79 403. The final tranche of EUR 29 626 is due to be paid in early 1999. Extremadura will have received EUR 85 277 under this project, which comprised technical assistance (drawing up general guidelines on regional management of nature conservation areas and hunting), technology transfer (using geographical information systems), two seminars and training technical management teams.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3817/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects in the field of industry and energy in Catalonia

Bearing in mind the policy of transparency pursued by the Commission in relation to its spending, can the Commission say what projects implemented in Catalonia benefitted from each type of aid available in the area of industry and energy for the period 1994-1999?

Can the Commission further specify what amounts were finally allocated to each of the above projects?

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

(18 January 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4050/98

by Eolo Parodi (PPE) and Guido Viceconte (PPE) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: Protection of "Parma ham"

The recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in London in the case "Asda/Consorzio Prosciutto di Parma" (union of Parma ham producers), which authorizes the British supermarket chain to sell as "Parma ham" hams purchased in Parma but sliced and packaged in the United Kingdom, does not take into due consideration the special slicing and packaging processes which are of decisive importance to the quality of the product.

1. Can the Commission say whether it does not consider that Community legislation on protected designations of origin and geographical ascriptions has been ignored in this case?

2. What measures it intends to take to protect the Italian association and European consumers?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question P-3881/98/ by Mr Filippi(1).

(1) See page 102.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3130/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 October 1998)

Subject: Licensing medicines for use in animals

The maximum residue limits introduced by the EU for veterinary medicine in food animals is essential in reducing the risk of residues entering the food chain. However, the regulation is to be applied without consideration of the impact on horses, which are regarded as food producing animals but rarely slaughtered for this purpose in the UK. This has led to fears that the permitted anaesthetic compounds used to anaesthetise animals and control pain will be ineffective, while the effective compounds will no longer be available.

Does the Commission recognise the concerns of the British Veterinary Association regarding the impact of these measures on horses? If so, what steps are planned to rectify this situation?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3070/98

by Mary Banotti (PPE) to the Commission

(9 October 1998)

Subject: Legal requirement to carry identity cards

Could the Commission say which Member States legally require their members to carry identity cards?

Could the Commission supply any up-to-date information on proposals for a standardised identity card throughout the Member States for the future?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 1998)

On the basis of the information available to the Commission six Member States require their citizens to carry identity cards (Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal).

Not all Member States require identity cards. A proposal on the harmonization of the layout of identity cards is not among the priorities fixed by the Commission's work programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2528/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: End-of-life vehicles/motorcycles

1. Has the Commission carried out a specific environmental impact assessment for end-of-life motorcycles?

2. Is the Commission satisfied that the provisions envisaged for motorcycles in the proposed Directive are proportionate to those envisaged for larger vehicles?

3. Has the Commission carried out an economic impact assessment of the effect that this proposed Directive would have on the motor-cycle manufacturing and retailing industries in the EU?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 1998)

The Commission has, in line with Article 130 R (3) of the EC Treaty, assessed the potential benefits and costs of action and lack of action in relation to end of life vehicles. A number of other principles, namely those mentioned in Article 130 R (2) of the EC Treaty have also been taken into account.

In this context the Commission has carefully considered the need to include end of life motorcycles in the scope of the proposal for a directive on end of life vehicles(1). Motorcycle manufacturers and users have been duly consulted in this process. In light of, inter alia, the economic considerations mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission has come to the conclusion that end of life motorcycles should be excluded from the scope of articles 4 and 7 of the proposal. At the same time the Commission has reached the conclusion that there is no justification for the exclusion of end of life motorcycles from the other provisions of the proposal.

(1) OJ C 337, 7.11.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3831/98

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Impact of international financial turmoil on the European steel market - research

The international steel trade faces new challenges; three major regions of the world - Russia, South-East Asia and Latin America - are facing economic problems. The consequences of this are twofold: the shift in traditional trade flows has led to massive increases in imports into Europe, with a 520 % rise in imports from Asia and a 109 % rise in imports from the USA in 1998, and the concentration of markets has resulted in a fall in European exports, exacerbated by a tendency towards regional protectionism. European steel producers have so far coped successfully with this development. What are now needed are targeted resources for research in the steel sector.

What is the Commission's assessment of the Community's current activities and their anticipated impact on the steel sector in the light of the negotiated Fifth Framework programme for research and the planned steel research fund? What further initiatives should be taken?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(19 January 1999)

With the start of the fifth framework programme several ways to support research in the area of steel will be available. The main focal point within the framework programme is the thematic programme "Promoting competitive and sustainable growth". The work programmes for key actions and generic activities are currently being prepared with the support of external advisory groups, in which experts in the field of steel research and technological development (RTD) are participating. In particular, a generic activity "New materials and production technologies in the steel field" has been introduced, which is tailored to the needs of the steel industry. Beside these activities the European coal and steel Community (ECSC) steel RTD programme will run in parallel until 2002, the expiry of the ECSC treaty.

Given these numerous activities at Community level there is no need for additional initiatives at the moment in particular with regard to the interinstitutional discussion on the future of the ECSC. The ECSC consultative committee, Serdec (steel research and development committee), the technical advisory committee of the ECSC steel RTD programme, and the advisory groups of key actions in the fifth framework programme with steel experts are appropriate tools to identify the needs of the European steel industry in Community RTD programmes. They are also a flexible instrument to react rapidly to new research trends.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2961/98

by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: New rules on import licences

Article 17 of Council Regulation (EC) 1637/98(1) of 20 July 1998 amending Regulation (EEC) 404/93(2) on the common organisation of the market in bananas states that: "All importation of bananas into the Community shall be subject to submission of an import licence issued by Member States to any interested party irrespective of his place of establishment in the Community without prejudice to specific provisions adopted for the application of Articles 18 and 19".

It would appear from the text of the conclusions of the Agriculture Council in June that a new regime for import licences has been authorised, to take effect from 1999, which would involve granting import rights to the actual producers.

What will the consequences of this method of distribution be for those holding import rights who did not personally use the licence in question, as was, moreover, permitted under Community rules?

Does the Commission consider that, for this group of producers who will lose their import licences in the next marketing period, the increase in the flat-rate reference income and compensatory aid will be enough to safeguard the position of Community producers on the market?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1998)

The conclusions of the Agriculture Council in June 1998 envisaged granting import licences to "genuine importers". This means that anyone not importing bananas from third countries is not eligible as a traditional importer under the new regime.

The Commission considers that compensatory aid is enough to safeguard the position of Community producers on the market. It should also be noted that compensatory aid is to be increased in two stages, further to the increase in the flat-rate reference income, by 5 % in 1998 and up to 8 % in 1999, and that the level of the tariff quotas will remain unchanged.

(1) OJ L 210, 28.7.1998, p. 28.

(2) OJ L 47, 25.2.1993, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2812/98

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(17 September 1998)

Subject: Evaluation of the packaging directive (94/62/EC)

Three years after the entry into force of the packaging directive 94/62/EC(1), would the Commission please indicate:

- how overall demand for packaging has evolved in the period 1990-1997?

- how overall packaging recycling (material recycling) has evolved in the period 1990-1997?

- how high the technically feasible and economically viable packaging-recycling ratio was in 1997?

- how the market share of beverages in reusable packaging (< 21) evolved in the period 1990-1997?

- in which Member States are there incinerators ( >500t/a) in which packaging waste is burned (annual capacity per plant) and how many of them are there?

- in which of these plants is the average calorific value higher than 13 MJ?

- in which of these plants is a minimum of 33 % of the calorific value of the incinerated waste supplied for commercial use to outside users?

- which of the incinerator plants use:

- dust filters (textile or electro filters)

- flue gas scrubbers

- advanced facilities (catalytic converters, deNOX equipment, second filters, absorbers)?

- which of these plants meet the requirements of Directive 89/369/EEC(2)?

- whether Directive 94/62/EC harmonised the requirements for market access within the EU?

- how many different recycling schemes for sales packaging of different types were in force within the 15 Member States in 1998?

- how many different fee schemes therefore have to be recognised?

- how many CEN-standards have been finalised after 31/2 years of work for Mandate 2000?

- when the standards will be available for use under the packaging directive?

- what its opinion is of the CEN draft standards in the light of Directive 94/62/EC?

- what the actual status and/or use is of biodegradable plastic packaging in the EU?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 1998)

The Commission regrets that it does not have, at this stage, sufficient information to be able to answer the question.

The first obligation to report on the application of Directive 91/692/EEC on standardizing and rationalizing reports on the implementation of certain directives relating to the environment(3) will relate to the period 1998-2000 so that the reports will not be available to the Commission before 30 June 2001. At the same time, Decision 97/138/EC relating to the database system on packaging and packaging waste(4) establishes that the first data to be provided shall relate to 1997 but the time allowed for transmission to the Commission is 18 months so that the data might be received by 30 June 1999.

Furthermore, the Commission intends to launch a number of studies on the present situation of systems for the management of packaging and packaging waste in Europe. The results will be available in 1999.

(1) OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.

(2) OJ L 163, 14.6.1989, p. 32.

(3) OJ L 377, 31.12.1991.

(4) OJ L 52, 22.2.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3238/98

by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission

(26 October 1998)

Subject: Interreg initiative in Andalusia

What programmes and investments are planned or are being planned under the Interreg initiative in Andalusia?

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

(3 December 1998)

Andalusia benefits from two programmes under the Community Initiative Interreg, one concerning the cross-border areas between Spain and Portugal, and the other those between Spain and Morocco.

The financial resources are allocated to the programmes as a whole and are not distributed on a regional basis. Moreover, apart from projects of a certain scale which have already been specified, the projects to be financed under the programmes are selected by the authorities responsible for implementing them. The Commission is not therefore in a position to give detailed answers to the questions raised.

With regard to Interreg Spain-Portugal, only Huelva province is concerned by this programme in Andalusia. The purpose of the programme is to develop the cross-border area and to encourage mixed Hispano-Portuguese initiatives by supporting local development and small infrastructure measures. This programme covers the part-financing of the Lepe-Ayamonte motorway project in Huelva province, at a cost of over ECU 4 million, for instance.

The provinces of Cadiz, Malaga, Ceuta and Melilla are eligible under the Interreg Spain-Morocco programme in Andalusia. The programme provides for the development of cross-border cooperation and acceleration of the pace of adaptation and integration of the regional economy in the internal market. The biggest project involves underwater electricity connection at a total eligible cost of ECU 70,22 million, with a contribution of ECU 13,26 million from the European Regional Development Fund. This project has already been completed.