ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3990/97 by Georges Berthu (I-EDN) to the Council (15 January 1998)

Subject: Euro bank notes - distinctive national symbols

On 3 December 1996 the EMI Council decided that the future euro bank notes should not bear any distinctive national symbols. If it is true that this matter falls well outside the task of 'technical preparation of ECU bank notes' (Article 109f(3)), and if it is also true that it is quite distinct from the monetary concept of 'the issue of bank notes' (Article 105a(1)), does the Council not agree that it would be appropriate to find another legal basis for it? Might it not be argued that this decision falls under Article 109l(4), which provides that 'the Council shall ... also take the other measures necessary for the rapid introduction of the ECU (Euro) as the single currency of (the) Member States'?

Indeed, would this not be the only interpretation which would make it possible to preserve Member States' control over an eminently political decision?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3986/97, E-3987/97, E-3988/97, E-3989/97 and E-3990/97 (19 March 1998)

It ensues from the allocation of powers provided for under the Treaty that the European Central Bank alone is empowered to authorize the issue of banknotes in euro, also as regards aspects relating to their presentation (Article 105(a) of the Treaty and Article 16 of the Protocol to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank).

At its meeting in Dublin on 13 and 14 December 1996, the European Council welcomed the designs for the euro banknotes presented to it by the European Monetary Institute.

The final decisions on the matter will be taken by the European Central Bank once it has been set up in accordance with the Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3920/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (11 December 1997)

Subject: Depiction of the Greek islands on euro coins and banknotes

In his reply to my previous Written Question E-0885/97 ((OJ C 319, 18.10.1997, p. 186. )) Commissioner de Silguy had notified me that the depiction of the map of Europe on euro coins and banknotes was provisional and that the final version would include the Greek islands which had been omitted in the models of the new single European currency unveiled some time ago.

Will the Commission say whether the commitment undertaken by the Commissioner responsible was honoured when the map of Europe was finalized for the new euro coins and banknotes, given that this is a matter of justifiable public concern in Greece and will determine whether the first common currency in the history of our Continent receives the psychological acceptance it obviously needs from the peoples of Europe?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1998)

The Council of the European Monetary Institute approved the definitive designs for euro notes in May 1997. The changes made concerned among other things the map of Europe, which was rectified to ensure proper geographical representation of the continent. In particular, all islands, archipelagos and territories larger than 400 km2 are shown.

As for euro coins, the Commission announced following the Amsterdam European Council that the designs selected for the common face of the coins had been altered slightly, again to ensure correct representation of the map of Europe.

These changes were carried out, due account being taken of the observations made by the authorities of the fifteen Member States, and the definitive designs were approved by the Ecofin Council on 17 November.

In view of the technical constraints resulting from the size of the coins, islands with a surface area of at least 2 500 km2 are shown. Application of this criterion has resulted in Crete now being included in the design for the coins worth from 10 cents to 2 euros.

The geographical representation of Greece has also been rectified following observations by the Greek authorities, who, among other things, adjusted the representation of Peloponnese and the Khalkidiki peninsula.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3265/97 by María Estevan Bolea (PPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Waste oil

How much waste oil is produced in the Union every year?

Could the Commission give a breakdown by Member State and say what is done with the oil?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

The data below, taken from a report commissioned by the Commission, may answer the Honourable Member's questions. They refer to 1994-95, are expressed in tonnes and cover all stages of waste oil management in the Member States and the Community as a whole.

The table shows that 1 827 300 tonnes (75.6% of waste oil) were collected. The remaining 24.4% was probably burned illegally, disposed of with other waste, used to generate energy by the companies which produced it, or dumped in the environment.

Of the 75.6% collected, 677 000 tonnes (37.1%) were regenerated, of which 657 000 tonnes (36%) were recycled into lubricant oils and 20 000 tonnes (1.1%) upgraded as good quality oil for energy use (heating).

The remaining 1 150 300 tonnes (63%) were disposed of by burning, either following processing (filtering) (584 600 tonnes - 32%) as energy substitutes in industry (cement) or ships' engines, or without any processing (566 000 tonnes - 31%) in waste incinerators (or licensed cement works).

Waste oil management 1994-95, in tonnes

>TABLE>

Source: Economics of waste oils Regeneration - Coopers & Lybrand, 1997
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3988/97 by Georges Berthu (I-EDN) to the Council (15 January 1998)

Subject: Euro bank notes - distinctive national symbols

On 3 December 1996 the EMI Council decided that the future euro bank notes were not to bear any distinctive national symbols.

Can the Council explain the substantive reasons why this solution was adopted for bank notes and the apparently opposite reasons which led it to impose the opposite solution for coins?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3986/97, E-3987/97, E-3988/97, E-3989/97 and E-3990/97 (19 March 1998)

It ensues from the allocation of powers provided for under the Treaty that the European Central Bank alone is empowered to authorize the issue of banknotes in euro, also as regards aspects relating to their presentation (Article 105(a) of the Treaty and Article 16 of the Protocol to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank).

At its meeting in Dublin on 13 and 14 December 1996, the European Council welcomed the designs for the euro banknotes presented to it by the European Monetary Institute.

The final decisions on the matter will be taken by the European Central Bank once it has been set up in accordance with the Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3659/97 by María Izquierdo Rojo (PSE) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: Car-free cities

Does the Commission believe that there are good grounds for the claim that 'the Club of car-free cities' and its schemes 'are only a pretext for some of its leading figures to go on one trip after another'; 'the project represents a waste of local authority money which merely provides several local authority leaders with a splendid opportunity to go on their travels, and has nothing new to teach us'?

Given that such claims are damaging the good name which the car-free initiative enjoyed in Granada, what arguments would the Commission bring forward in this connection?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (23 January 1998)

The car free cities network numbers some 60 local authorities from throughout Europe which are committed to reducing the volume of traffic and promoting environmentally friendly modes of transport in urban areas. This network, partly financed by the Commission, enables cities to pursue these aims notably through facilitating, both at technical and political levels, the exchange of experience and transfer of know-how, identifying and highlighting possible solutions for sustainable mobility and disseminating good practice. This sort of activity requires some degree of travel for cities' representatives. From information available to the Commission, less than 12% of the total budget of car free cities has been allocated in 1997 to travel and accommodation expenditures.

Car free cities seeks to bring those responsible for urban mobility into contact with each other. This is the principal aim of six working groups, which deal with key urban transport themes. The working group activities are backed up by the organisation of larger events, such as seminars and conferences involving local authorities both at the political and technical level.

The success of the network is demonstrated by the number of projects developed in cities. These are either the direct result of a transfer of experience and know-how or are the fruits of collaboration of a number of car free cities members. The network, which now collaborates on a regular basis with the Commission, has enabled achievements in terms of a reduction in the use of the private car, improvements in air quality, a more rational use of energy and improvements in quality of life in a number of cities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3525/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Community participation in the Uralides project

The objective of the international Uralides project, which currently involves 39 scientific institutions from all over the world (24 from Europe, 1 from the United States and 14 from Russia), is to make a detailed study of the Urals, the mountain chain which separates Europe and Asia, which is considered one of the richest mountain systems in the world in terms of deposits of all kinds and a potential source of energy and other resources. The project was organized as a result of the Europrobe initiative for research into earth sciences launched by the European Science Foundation.

What is the Commission's position on the Uralides international project, the possibility that it might participate in the project and the scale of any possible financial contribution?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (14 December 1997)

The Commission is fully aware of the international significance and importance, both from a scientific and economic point of view, of the Uralides project. Under the current 4th framework programme of research and technological development (Decision No 1110/94/EC) ((OJ L 126, 18.5.1994. )), Community support for this project is given through INTAS, the International association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the former Soviet Union.

The current plans for the next 5th framework programme ((COM(97) 439. )) foresee a continuation of support for joint research projects and concerted actions with Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union in a number of areas, including energy and environment.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4167/97 by Simon Murphy (PSE) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: The alleged use of stray dogs and cats for research in Belgian universities

With respect to the formal complaint (97/4379) submitted to the Commission by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection relating to the use of stray dogs and cats for research in Belgium, will the Commission confirm whether a reply from the Belgian authorities has now been received?

Should the use of stray dogs and cats for research be confirmed, in contravention of Directive 86/609/EEC ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. )), will the Commission consider initiating infringement proceedings against Belgium before the Court of Justice?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (27 February 1998)

The Commission can confirm to the Honourable Member that the Belgian authorities have responded to the Commission's requests for information.

The Commission can also confirm that, should there be proof of the use of stray dogs and cats for research, in contravention of Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986. )), and lack of action on behalf of the Member State concerned to remedy the situation, it could consider opening infringement proceedings against this Member State.

If the alleged breaches of the directive have been investigated by the national authority, appropriate enforcement measures taken and legal proceedings initiated in accordance with the relevant national rules, it can hardly be maintained that the Member State concerned has failed to ensure that natural or legal persons under its jurisdiction abide by the directive. The mere fact that violations occur does not suffice in itself to demonstrate that a Member State contravenes Community law since it can never be guaranteed that all rules are always respected by all natural or legal persons. It is however the duty of the Member State to take the necessary measures to end violations of the provisions of the directive.

It will be in the light of the aforementioned considerations that the Commission will examine the complaint to which the Honourable Member refers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4145/97 by Antoinette Spaak (ELDR) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Transcription of Directive 94/80/EC by Member States

Would the Commission draw up a list of the Member States which have or have not transposed into their national law Council Directive 94/80/EC ((OJ L 368, 31.12.1994, p. 38. )) of 19 December 1994 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (16 February 1998)

France and Belgium are the only Member States not yet to have transposed into national law Council Directive 94/80/EC of 19 December 1994 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals ((OJ L 368, 21.12.1994. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3490/97 by Giacomo Santini (UPE) to the Commission (3 November 1997)

Subject: Increase in VAT rates in Italy

The Italian Government has recently raised the VAT rates, manifestly departing from the EU policy of harmonizing tax percentages.

Specifically as far as the Italian wine sector is concerned, wholesale traders are to be treated differently from other taxable persons entitled to benefit from lower VAT rates under Article 34 of Decree 633/72 of the President of the Republic.

Can the Commission say:

1. what attitude it will adopt and what measures, if any, it will take vis-à-vis the Italian Government;

2. whether the compensation provided for in the above Decree could be harmonized at the present level and extended to other taxable persons?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1998)

According to the information available to the Commission so far, the new Italian measures on value added tax (VAT) rates are fully in line with Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977. )) (sixth VAT Directive) and especially with Articles 12(3)(a), 28(2)(i) and Annex H. The Commission welcomes the abolition of the so-called parking rate as a move in the direction of a simpler and more harmonised system of VAT rates which corresponds to its plans for a new common system of VAT.

The basis for Article 34 in the Italian Decree 633/72 is Article 25 of the sixth VAT Directive. The special flat-rate scheme for farmers in Article 25, which was devised for small farmers as an alternative to the normal VAT scheme or to the special VAT scheme for small undertakings covered by Article 24 in the sixth VAT Directive, was to apply essentially to small farmers unable to comply with the obligations imposed by the other two schemes. It should be pointed out that the scheme is not seen to be a means of financial support for small farmers. Therefore, the principles for calculating flat-rate compensation percentages are based on the premise that flat-rate farmers should not receive refunds in excess of the VAT actually charged on their inputs. Also, the general aim is to exclude from the flat-rate system those transactions which, though carried out by an agricultural producer, could not be regarded as constituting a typically agricultural activity. If the farmer enters into competition with tradesmen, manufacturers and service undertakings, the farmer should be subject to the normal scheme or the special scheme for small undertakings in Article 24, and only remain subject to the flat rate scheme system for his agricultural activities. Indeed, as the special VAT scheme in Article 25 is an exception to the normal VAT mechanism it should be subject to a narrow interpretation. In the light of the above it seems, according to the Commission, inappropriate to include for example wholesale traders in the wine industry under the special scheme for small farmers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4031/97 by Bryan Cassidy (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Producer responsibility obligations (packaging waste) regulations, UK 1996

Does the Commission agree that these UK regulations are a burden on small businesses throughout the EU who wish to trade in the UK market, because of their complexity and bureaucracy?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (23 February 1998)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the third paragraph of Article 189 of the EC Treaty provides that a directive is binding as to the results to be achieved but leaves to the national authorities the choice of form and methods of implementation. Therefore, provided that the Member State fully complies with all the requirements of the Directive, it has an element of discretion as to the form and method by which it transposes the Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste ((OJ L 365, 31.12.1994. )) into national law.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4226/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI), Gianfranco Fini (NI), Amedeo Amadeo (NI), Roberta Angelilli (NI), Spalato Belleré (NI), Marco Cellai (NI), Gastone Parigi (NI), Sebastiano Musumeci (NI), Salvatore Tatarella (NI) and Antonio Trizza (NI) to the Council (22 January 1998)

Subject: Return of the assets of Holocaust victims

The press throughout Europe has quite rightly been publishing frequent and sympathetic reports about the Holocaust and the survivors of this enormous tragedy. Fifty years after the event the question of returning the assets stolen from the victims or kept in credit institutions and banks in various countries has not been settled, nor has the fate of the gold stolen by the Nazis been ascertained.

In view of the legitimate nature of the demands made by the survivors and victims' lawful heirs, can the Council say whether it intends to exert all possible pressure on the governments concerned, whether they belong to the European Union or not, to persuade them to put an end to this blatant injustice?

Answer (27 April 1998)

As the Community has no competence in this area, the Council is not in a position to exert pressure on the governments concerned on this issue.

In many countries, including Member States of the European Union, investigations by committees and other independent bodies are now being carried out in order to shed light on questions of what happened to property which belonged to holocaust victims as well as what happened to gold looted by the Nazis in the central banks of occupied countries. International conferences on these questions have been held and further conferences are planned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3499/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (10 November 1997)

Subject: Commission funding of the floating hospital 'Hippocrates'

The floating hospital 'Hippocrates' (formerly the 'Paros Express'), which was to have come into operation on completion of refitting, is rusting away unused in the port of Piraeus. The conversion of this passenger vessel into a floating health centre with a helicopter pad to serve the isolated islands in the Aegean has already received Commission funding of Drs 580 million (at current prices almost Drs 1 billion) without being made operational to deal with emergencies and provide preventive medical care for the inhabitants of the remote islands of the Aegean whose lives are constantly endangered by lack of medical services and drugs.

The project formed part of the 1989-1993 regional operational programme for the northern Aegean and was supposed to provide a solution to the acute problems described above and put an end to the tragic deaths of islanders in the region.

Will the Commission therefore say:

1. whether it will seek to recover the money allocated,

2. what other proposals the Greek authorities have submitted to cover the lack of medical care that the 'Hippocrates' was meant to provide to the inhabitants of these remote islands,

3. who is responsible for the scandalous waste of Community funds on the 'Hippocrates', and

4. what other action it intends to take to prevent similar occurrences in the future?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1998)

The Commission is aware of the problem caused by the abandonment by the Greek authorities of the project involving the hospital ship 'Hippocrates', intended to function as a floating preventive health care centre.

The Commission insisted that, when the accounts for the 1989-93 operational programme for the northern Aegean were closed, the Greek authorities deduct the Community contribution for the ship from the application for payment of the balance due. The closing report submitted by the Greek authorities was therefore amended to take this into account and the balance paid to Greece will be reduced by the Community contribution to measure 1.1.7. B 'Improvement and conversion of a ship into a floating preventive health care centre' to be implemented under the 1989-93 operational programme for the northern Aegean.

The Commission has not received any specific proposals from the Greek authorities to cover the region's needs inter alia in the area of preventive health care. However, fixed infrastructures such as hospitals and medical posts in the Aegean Islands are currently being substantially improved, in most cases with Community part-financing. This will cover, amongst other things, a part of the region's preventive health care needs.

It is up to the Greek authorities to apportion any blame for the abandonment of the project, and, in any case, no Community funding will be provided. The Commission will continue to refuse to provide funding for measures and projects which are clearly abandoned before completion.