ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1175/98

by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Transport of animals

EU Agriculture Ministers meeting in December 1997 reportedly agreed on a compromise over detailed rules for long-distance transport of animals. It has proved difficult, however, to ascertain the precise implications of the new rules. Nevertheless, the media have reported that the new detailed rules are too lax and will not improve the situation of the animals, particularly in regard to ventilation.

Does the Commission believe that these new rules will make the transport of animals less cruel and barbaric than hitherto? If so, in what way are the new rules an improvement?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 1998)

Following the adoption by the Council of Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 amending Directive 90/628/EEC concerning the protection of animals during transport(1), there were two major obligations for the Commission to propose further detailed rules to the Council. The matters concerned were the fixing of conditions for staging points and the establishment of detailed standards for lorries. In respect of staging points, the Commission proposal was adopted as Council Regulation (EC) 1255/97 of 25 June 1997 concerning Community criteria for staging points and amending the route plan referred to in the Annex to Directive 91/628/EEC(2). After the journey time specified in the Directive has elapsed for the species of animal concerned, animals must be unloaded, fed, watered and rested for at least 24 hours at such a staging point. These rules apply from 1 January 1999. In respect of standards for up-graded lorries the Council adopted as Council Regulation (EC) 411/98 of 16 February 1998 on additional animal protection standards applicable to road vehicles used for the carriage of livestock on journeys exceeding eight hours(3). Important elements in this text are requirements for bedding material on the floor, appropriate feed on board the vehicle, access to the animals, ventilation equipment, movable panels for creating separate compartments and water supply to the animals. These rules will apply from 1 July 1999.

The Commission is of the opinion that the adoption of both regulations will constitute an important further step in safeguarding animal welfare during long distance transport, provided that all Member States enforce the rules adequately within their territories.

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.

(2) OJ L 174, 2.7.1997.

(3) OJ L 52, 21.2.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1911/98

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

(16 June 1998)

Subject: The European Spatial Development Perspective and the Structural Funds

When Commissioner Wulf-Mathies appeared before the Committee on Regional Policy on 18 March 1998, in the context of the submission of the proposals for reform of the Structural Funds for the 2000-2006 programming period, as approved by the Commission the same day, she said that in 1999 technical aid would begin to be granted for the preparation of that programming period. The Committee on Regional Policy, in its recent report A4-0206/98, called on the Commission to take account of the principles and political options set out in the initial official draft of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) when determining the guidelines for future programmes.

Can the Commission state to what extent account will be taken of the principles, objectives, guidelines and political options set out in the initial draft of the ESDP with a view to the granting of the above technical aid?

Can the Commission state to what extent these guidelines will be included among the priorities for future programmes?

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

(15 July 1998)

Article 9(4) of the proposal for a Regulation laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds, approved by the Commission on 18 March 1998(1), stipulates that the Commission is to draw up guidelines setting out Community priorities for each Objective of the Structural Funds.

The guidelines will have to take into account Article 1 of the same proposal, which states that, in pursuing the Objectives of the Structural Funds, the Community is to promote the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of economic activities. The guidelines will serve as a frame of reference for assessing plans presented by the Member States.

(1) COM(98) 131final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1069/98

by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Community tax rates for inward investment

Can the Commission confirm whether any Member States give specially reduced tax rates to inward investors and in such a case, which Member States? Is such a practice anti-competitive and against the EC competition rules?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1998)

All Member States offer different tax treatment between resident and non-resident investors, reflecting, amongst other things, the general principle, as set out in the Organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) model tax convention, that tax should ultimately be levied in the country of residence of the investor rather that in the country of the source of the income.

The generally favourable treatment given to interest paid to non-resident individuals and unrestrained competition between Member States in this field can encourage tax evasion, undermine tax revenues within the Community and contribute to a greater effective tax burden on labour than on capital income.

Tax measures are not, however, subject to competition rules if they apply generally in the economy of a Member State without favouring certain enterprises or productions.

As part of a co-ordinated package to tackle harmful tax competition, Member States agreed in December 1997 to a code of conduct for business taxation and called on the Commission to submit proposals for directives on the taxation of savings and on interest and royalty payments between companies. The proposal for a Council directive on a common system of taxation applicable to interest and royalty payments made between associated companies of different Member States(1) was presented on 6 March 1998. A proposal for a Council directive to ensure a minimum of effective taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments within the Community(2) was presented to the Council on 5 June 1998.

The code of conduct specifically takes note of the provisions on state aid in the EC Treaty and the Commission has undertaken both to re-examine existing tax measures to ensure that the objectives of the EC Treaty are applied consistently and equally by all, and to publish guidelines on the application of the state aid rules with regard to direct business taxation later this year.

(1) OJ C 123, 22.4.1998.

(2) COM(98) 295 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1939/98

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission

(18 June 1998)

Subject: Situation of conscientious objectors in Greece

Is the Commission aware that in Greece, contrary to its own legislation and against all opinions including that of the European Parliament, conscientious objectors are still being hindered in their quest to have their status recognized and for the right to perform alternative civilian service. Apparently some have even been imprisoned.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to bring to the Greek Government's attention the unacceptable nature of these activities? Does the Commission agree that in acting in this way Greece is seriously infringing human rights and thereby risks no longer fulfilling the requirements for membership of the European Union?

What action will the Commission be taking as a result of the European Parliament's earlier resolutions on the situation of conscientious objectors?

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

(9 July 1998)

As it has had many opportunities to point out, conscientious objection is a matter for the Member States; it is not for the Commission to express an opinion on a matter in which it is not competent.

Member States' powers must be exercised in accordance with their international and regional obligations, and with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in particular.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1907/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. EU policy on regional planning and the Structural Funds



Official Journal C 050 , 22/02/1999 P. 0112



WRITTEN QUESTION E-1907/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (16 June 1998) Subject: EU policy on regional planning and the Structural Funds Can the Commission provide a list of all the pilot projects relating to regional planning cofinanced by the Commission to date under Article 10 of the ERDF, as well as those which are to be funded up to the end of the current programming period, specifying the beneficiary regions, the total cost of implementation and the level of Community cofinancing?
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2035/98

by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Ferry safety

For some time the German automobile club ADAC has been monitoring compliance with the safety regulations laid down in the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) on ferries operating in the North Sea, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. In the June issue of its magazine "ADAC motorwelt" the ADAC investigators report some significant failings in the safety of ferries in the North Sea and the eastern Mediterranean in particular.

1. Is the Commission aware of this article or of the ADAC's findings?

2. What are the Commission's views on the results of the safety tests?

3. What action will the Commission take - where appropriate, vis-à-vis the Member States concerned - with regard to the failings reported?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 1998)

1. Yes.

2. The Commission welcomed and supported the initiative undertaken by the German automobile club. It highlights the need to enforce compliance with international and European safety standards through regular,strict inspections by the authorities of both flag states and host states.

The Commission has noted the test results in the light of the Community's maritime safety legislation, and is of the opinion that:

- the mandatory and advanced application of the International safety management (ISM) code since 1 July 1996 through Council Regulation (EC) 3051/95 of 8 December 1995 on the safety management of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries (ro-ro ferries)(1) appear to have been beneficial in view of the better safety performance of the ferries tested this year by comparison with the results of similar tests in 1997;

- the better test ranking overall of ferries operating internationally compared with ferries operating domestic services confirms the justification for the Community action on the safety of domestic passenger ships through the adoption of Council Directive 98/18/EC of 17 March 1998 on safety rules and standards for passenger ships(2);

- the test results demonstrate the need for monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the international and European safety standards through a system of mandatory expanded surveys by the host states involved, as recently proposed by the Commission (proposal for a Council directive on conditions for the operation of regular ro-ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services in the Community(3)).

3. In the framework of the above-mentioned Community legislation, the Commission will draw these test results to the attention of the relevant Member States, and invite them to take, in their capacity as flag state or port state, the necessary action to remedy the shortcomings which have been revealed.

(1) OJ L 320, 30.12.1995.

(2) OJ L 144, 15.5.1998.

(3) OJ C 108, 7.4.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1138/98

by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Research policy/Azores

In view of the specific nature of Portugal's Azores region (an extremely remote region which, as such, has a special status enshrined in the EU Treaty), would the Commission give details of the amount of Community support received by the region from the scientific and research budgets during the 1994-1999 period? What does the Commission envisage as regards the provision of such support during the 2000-2006 financial period?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 1998)

A table showing the funding allocated from 1994 to 1997, under the fourth framework programme for research, to legal entities established in the Azores is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

Pursuant to the Commission's proposal concerning the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results for the fifth framework programme (1998-2002)(1), any legal entity established in the Azores will still be able to participate in indirect research and technological development (RTD) actions and receive Community funding under the conditions applicable to legal entities established in the Member States.

(1) COM(97) 587 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1643/98

by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: German regulations on the hiring-out of labour in the construction industry

1. An Austrian firm produces highly specialized formwork systems supported by steel girders which need only to be assembled on site. Does the German ban on such assembly using hired-out workers constitute inadmissible inference in the free movement of goods pursuant to Article 30 of the EC Treaty?

2. If this is considered a case of freedom to provide services pursuant to Article 59 of the EC Treaty, do the German regulations imposing a general ban on all hiring-out of labour in the construction industry not contravene the spirit of the harmonized future rules laid down in Directive 96/71/EC(1) of 16 December 1996 on the posting of workers, and is the Federal Republic of Germany therefore failing to respect the freedom to provide services?

3. If the German regulations comply with Directive 96/71/EC of 16 December 1996, does this not imply that the above Directive is itself excessive and in breach of Article 59 of the EC Treaty, given that the hiring-out of workers would thus be prohibited in virtually every case, regardless of whether the rules in force in the country from which workers are to be posted already take due account of crucial aspects of general interest?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 1998)

1. The ban on the hiring-out of workers for remuneration is a national measure which might affect the freedom to provide services across borders(2), not the free movement of goods. In Germany the ban applies only to the construction industry, which also covers the activity described in the Honourable Member's question.

2. The measure should be tested for its compatibility in the light of Article 59 of the EC Treaty. However, the question does not contain sufficient information for the Commission to be able to give a view on whether the measure complies with that Article; in particular, it does not state whether transnational provision of services is involved and whether the service is provided lawfully and in a similar way in Austria as the Member State of origin of the service provider.

3. Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services(3) does not affect national bans on the hiring-out of workers but working and employment conditions in cases where employees are posted for hiring-out purposes. In any case, it is the Commission's view that the above Directive does comply with Article 59 of the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 18, 21.1.1997, p. 1.

(2) See judgment of the Court of Justice in Case 279/80 Webb [1981] ECR 3305.

(3) OJ L 18, 21.1.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1562/98

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission

(20 May 1998)

Subject: Technology as part of European culture

The magazine The Economist recently reported on an unusual exhibition opened in Japan by London's Science Museum displaying pioneering British technology such as Bessemer's converter, John Logie Baird's television and the "Rocket" steam locomotive.

Other European museums have doubtless organized or plan to organize similar exhibitions, showing that the countries concerned see technology as a crucial part of their culture.

Bearing in mind the existence of a European Association for the Study of Science and Technology and many other European organizations which might cooperate in such a project, would it be possible to envisage an exhibition of a similar nature but on a Europe-wide scale travelling around Europe and other parts of the world? Does the Commission believe that the forthcoming Expos in Lisbon and Hanover might provide a context for considering, discussing and developing this initiative?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

Technology has become an increasingly important component of contemporary artistic expression and, as such, is present in all Community programmes. Many of the projects supported by existing cultural programmes and actions make great use of it.

The Lisbon and Hanover Expositions will doubtless provide opportunities for presenting some of the more significant technological advances in Europe, under the responsibility of the various organisers involved in designing and planning the exhibitions.

On the question whether Community cultural action might extend to coordinating one or more science and technology projects for these exhibitions, it must be remembered that the content of cultural projects enjoying Community support under existing programmes has so far depended substantially on the projects' promoters.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0960/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 March 1998)

Subject: Incorporation into Greek law of directive on the protection of cultural objects

The Commission has sent Greece a reasoned opinion for failing to incorporate into national law in due time Community Directive 93/7, as amended by Directive 96/100 (1), laying down the terms and conditions for the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State of the EU.

1. What grounds has Greece cited for not having implemented the Directive?

2. Could failure to incorporate the Directive into national law entail adverse repercussions and, possibly, risks for the cultural objects belonging to Greece and, if so, what are they?

Answer given by MrMonti on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 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.

(1) OJ L 60, 1.3.1997, p. 59.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2196/98

by Dominique Souchet (I-EDN) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Use of the French language

The Joint Seminar ( Commission (DG XIV ) - European fishing industry - European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries) on the future of the common fisheries policy after 2002 has just been held in the European Union's pavilion at the World Exhibition in Lisbon from 25 to 28 June.

Those taking part in the seminar were shocked by the fact that there was absolutely no communication in the French language or in most of the working languages of the European Union inside that pavilion.

Can the Commission specify whether its call for tenders for the pavilion precluded the use of the French language?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

EXPO '98 the world fair currently being held in Lisbon, operates under the rules of the Bureau international des expositions (BIE). EXPO '98 made the decision that the official languages of this exhibition are Portuguese, Spanish and English. The Community, as an official participant, follows these rules.

However, it has to be stressed that the French language is not excluded from the pavilion. There are some texts in French throughout the pavilion.

The call for tender did not exclude the use of the French language.

All the Commission's staff on site are fluent in French as indeed are a number of the temporary hosting staff.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1879/98

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(16 June 1998)

Subject: SMEs

The Commission's report to Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the coordination of activities to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the craft sector (COM(97) 0610) refers (p. 29, paragraph 4.2 - social dialogue) to the framework agreement on parental leave reached by UNICE, the CEEP and ETUC on 14 December 1995. This agreement includes specific arrangements relating to the functioning and organization of SMEs.

Can the Commission state what arrangements are concerned here?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 1998)

The framework agreement on parental leave concluded by the Union of industrial and employers' confederations of Europe (UNICE), Conseil européen des entreprises publiques (CEEP) and the European trade union confederation (ETUC) on 14 December 1995 which formed the basis for Council Directive 96/34/EC(1) sets out the minimum requirements on parental leave as an important means of reconciling professional and family responsibilities and promoting equal opportunities and treatment between men and women. It contains provisions that entitle men and women workers to parental leave on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to enable them to take care of that child for at least three months.

The agreement also defines circumstances under which an employer following consultation in accordance with national law, collective agreement and practice is allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave for justifiable reasons related to the operation of an undertaking. These include work of a seasonal nature, the inability to find a replacement within the notice period or where a specific function is of strategic importance.

In addition to the circumstances mentioned above, the agreement expressly authorises "special arrangements to meet the operational and organisational requirements of small undertakings... as long as the minimum requirements of this agreement are respected".

The details of the application of parental leave are not specified in this agreement as this falls within the competence of Member States and social partners.

(1) OJ L 145, 19.6.1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1363/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Zero Emissions Research Initiative

The Zero Emissions Research Initiative (ZERI) Foundation aims to design corporate strategies and industrial policies based on the principle of sustainable social and economic development.

What work is the Commission doing to support the ZERI schools initiative, which brings schools and colleges together in collaboration with industry?