do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2551/96 by Horst SCHNELLHARDT to the Commission. Financial assistance for Mongolia under the Tacis programme
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament, SCHNELLHARDT
Subjects: EU programme, Mongolia, distribution of aid, financial aid, power plant, small and medium-sized enterprises, staff, technical cooperation













EUR-Lex - 91996E2551 - EN






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91996E2551

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2551/96 by Horst SCHNELLHARDT to the Commission. Financial assistance for Mongolia under the Tacis programme  


Official Journal C 083 , 14/03/1997 P. 0025 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2551/96 by Horst Schnellhardt (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Financial assistance for Mongolia under the Tacis programme1. What financial resources were allocated to Mongolia under the 1995 Tacis programme?2. For what projects and operations have these resources been used?Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)A total of 8 MECU were allocated to the Tacis action programme 1994-1995; 3,8 MECU for human resources development; 2.56 MECU in support of small and medium sized entreprises (SME) development, and 1 MECU to improve the reliability of energy plants at Darkhan and Choibalsan.The SME development project (2,56 MECU) aims to:- assist the government in formulating appropriate policies in order to develop an economic environment for SMEs- provide advisory and information services to both newly formed and established SMEs- provide information and communication facilities to accelerate the formation of business links between SME in Mongolia and prospective Community partnersThe projects under implementation in the human resources development sector (3,8 MECU) are:- reinforcement of employment services (recipient organisation: ministry of population, policy and labour)- reform of economics higher education (recipient organisation: economic institute of the national university of Mongolia)- education information system (recipient: Centre for scientific and technological information).The project in the energy sector consists of preparing recommendations concerning the measures to be undertaken in order to stabilise the supply of electricity and heat in Choibalsan and Darkhan.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2555/96 by Ritva LAURILA to the Commission. The European Union's drugs policy; statement by Commissioner Emma Bonino
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament, LAURILA
Subjects: competence of the Member States, drug addiction, health control, liberalisation of trade, narcotic, penalty, public health













EUR-Lex - 91996E2555 - EN






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91996E2555

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2555/96 by Ritva LAURILA to the Commission. The European Union's drugs policy; statement by Commissioner Emma Bonino  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0056 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2555/96 by Ritva Laurila (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: The European Union's drugs policy; statement by Commissioner Emma BoninoCommissioner Emma Bonino recently visited Finland. While she was there she said in a public interview on television that she was in favour of complete liberalization of the sale of at least the softer drugs. This statement caused great astonishment in Finland. Is this really the position of the European Union with regard to drugs policy, does the Commission really take this view, and where and when was such a drugs policy adopted?Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (27 November 1996)The Commission has no legal power in relation to penal legislation. Criminal sanctions for drug related offences are therefore a matter for Member States' policy.The Member States are responsible for the treatment of drug addicts. The Community can, however, lend its support to Member States' action aiming to contributing to a high level of human health protection.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2526/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. The Urban programme
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU financing, EU initiative, EU programme, Italy, commitment of expenditure, town planning













EUR-Lex - 91996E2526 - EN






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91996E2526

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2526/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. The Urban programme  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0051 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2526/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: The Urban programmeA number of specialized publications have claimed - admittedly without adequate supporting evidence - that the Commission is behind schedule with the Urban initiative.Would the Commission state whether the Italian programmes under the Urban initiative have been adopted and signed and, if not, why not?Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1996)The Community initiative concerning urban areas in Italy was adopted by the Commission on 30 April 1996; in this context, the Commission has already made the first commitments and payments.As laid down in the Commission Communication to the Member States extending the Urban initiative, ((OJ C 200, 10.7.96. )) Member States have until January 1997 to submit programmes. Italy, like a number of other Member States, has not yet submitted a proposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2544/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Flower growing
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: Italy, VAT, agricultural product, competence of the Member States, floriculture, horticulture, tax harmonisation, tax relief, transitional period (EU)













EUR-Lex - 91996E2544 - EN






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91996E2544

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2544/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Flower growing  


Official Journal C 091 , 20/03/1997 P. 0013 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2544/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Flower growingThe Italian flower growing sector, which is worth over Lit 4 500 billion and whose products are mainly for domestic consumption, comprises approximately 22 000 undertakings covering approximately 23 000 hectares (including 7 000 under glass) and employs 50 000 people.Liguria is Italy's largest flower growing area, accounting for 25% of national output in the sector.The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Ligurian and Italian producers owing to competition from the Netherlands and Denmark, whose governments provide incentives for national producers, and to the yet to be solved problems regarding fuel oil and the reduction of taxation.Reduced rates of VAT on flower products are therefore a topical issue at European level.The Council has adopted the Commission proposal amending Directive 77/338( ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 1. ))on a common VAT system in the sector. Pursuant to the new text, Member States may apply a reduced rate until a definitive VAT system is adopted.Would the Commission not agree that the VAT system for flower products should be harmonized as soon as possible, and that, in view of the crisis in Italy, representations should be made to the relevant authorities with a view to suggesting that a reduced rate be applied?Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)On 25 June 1996 the Council adopted the Directive ((OJ L 170, 9.7.1996. )) on the taxation of agricultural outputs others than those falling within category 1 of Annex H of the sixth VAT Directive (77/388/EEC) on the common system of value added tax. Thus Member States may apply a reduced VAT rate to living plants and other products from the floricultural sector (including bulbs, roots and the like, cut flowers and ornamental foliage) and wood for use as firewood for the duration of the transitional VAT arrangements of intra-Community trade referred to in Article 28(1) of the sixth VAT Directive. It is up to Member States to make use of this option or not.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2539/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Research and development framework programme
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU industrial policy, EU programme, EU research policy, competitiveness, innovation, research and development, research programme, technological change













EUR-Lex - 91996E2539 - EN






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91996E2539

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2539/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Research and development framework programme  


Official Journal C 083 , 14/03/1997 P. 0023 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2539/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Research and development framework programmeWith the exception of the environmental sector, the priorities for the fourth programme correspond to the areas covered by the seven 'research-industry' task forces set up inside the Commission with a view to improving coordination of RTD policy and activities at Community and national levels.The stated aims are to: define research priorities more clearly by means of closer cooperation with industry, SMEs and the end users of research findings and take greater account of the needs of businesses; ensure that the resources available under the fourth programme are properly coordinated and channelled into priority areas; match supply to demand more effectively in the field of research and development; seek to establish an environment geared towards innovation; improve access to additional funding; and promote cooperation between firms.Although this approach is commendable, would the Commission not agree that it should set up an additional task force covering innovation, with a view to establishing the necessary synergies between research and industrial policies as part of the drive to boost industrial competitiveness and employment and promote economic and social cohesion?Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1996)The task forces are essentially coordination instruments, addressing tangible objectives the realisation of which depends upon research. By fostering contact between research and other policies in relation to specific themes, they will help to improve the environment for innovation. The question whether they are an appropriate instrument to deal with interactions between research and industrial policies in favour of innovation across the board is considered in the Innovation action plan. This takes account of comments and suggestions received in response to the green paper on innovation ((COM(95) 688 final. )). The adoption of the plan of action by the Commission and subsequent transmission to the Parliament and Council are expected shortly.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2634/96 by Ingo FRIEDRICH to the Commission. List of SMUs that have participated in EU research programmes
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament, FRIEDRICH INGO
Subjects: EU programme, database, dissemination of EU information, industrial research, research programme, scientific research, small and medium-sized enterprises













EUR-Lex - 91996E2634 - EN






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91996E2634

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2634/96 by Ingo FRIEDRICH to the Commission. List of SMUs that have participated in EU research programmes  


Official Journal C 083 , 14/03/1997 P. 0039 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-2634/96 by Ingo Friedrich (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: List of SMUs that have participated in EU research programmesReference has often been made, by Commission officials and in the Industrial Research and Development Advisory Committee (IRDAC), to a list of small and medium-sized undertakings (SMUs) that have participated in EU research programmes.Has this list been published?Could you please send me a copy?Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1996)There is no single, comprehensive list as mentioned by the Honourable Member in his question. However, information on small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that have taken part in the Community research programmes have been published in the project synopsis for the various programmes and can always be accessed on line from the CORDIS data base (http:\\www.cordis.lu).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2525/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Establishment plan of DG I, Directorate B
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU national, EU programme, European official, Italy, Latin America, administrator, appointment of staff, development aid













EUR-Lex - 91996E2525 - EN






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91996E2525

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2525/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Establishment plan of DG I, Directorate B  


Official Journal C 091 , 20/03/1997 P. 0010 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2525/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Establishment plan of DG I, Directorate BGiven the controversy regarding the recruitment of staff to Directorate B in DG I (relations with the countries of Latin America) and the establishment plan of that directorate, would the Commission make known the number of people responsible for managing the development aid programme for Latin American countries and specify the number of officials of Italian nationality working in Directorate B and the percentage of its overall staff that they represent?Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1996)I would inform the Honourable Member that there are at present 36 A-grade officials working at the Latin America directorate in Brussels.Of these A-grade officials, ten are Italian nationals.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2528/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Veterinary inspections
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: animal product, animal production, frontier, import, supervisory body, third country, veterinary inspection













EUR-Lex - 91996E2528 - EN






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91996E2528

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2528/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Veterinary inspections  


Official Journal C 083 , 14/03/1997 P. 0021 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2528/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Veterinary inspectionsVeterinary inspections at borders between Member States were abolished in 1993, even though such checks remain in force for imports of animals or animal-based products from third countries.By virtue of its geographical position, Italy is the most important link in trade between EU Member States and third countries, owing to the large number of border crossings existing on its territory.Given the sensitivity of imports of animals and animal-based products, would the Commission agree that it should set up a committee of experts with the job of establishing without delay:1. the number of border crossings in each Member State; and2. a standard set of rules laying down, inter alia, the number of staff, the resources and the instruments required in order to ensure that such border checks are effective.Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 October 1996)Since the adoption of Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary controls on products entering the Community from third countries, ((OJ L 373, 31.12.1990. )) and Directive 91/496/EEC on animals from third countries, ((OJ L 268, 24.9.1991. )) the Commission has been concerned about the siting, equipment and operation of border veterinary inspection posts.For the current situation, the Honourable Member should refer to Commission Decision 95/357/EC of 26 July 1995 drawing up a list of border inspection posts agreed for veterinary checks on products and animals from third countries, detailed rules concerning the checks to be carried out by the veterinary experts of the Commission and repealing Decision 94/24/EC. ((OJ L 211, 6.9.1995. )) Decision 95/357/EC was last amended by Decision 96/267/EC. ((OJ L 91, 12.4.1996. )) The criteria for approving border inspection posts are covered by the basic Council directives and Commission Decision 92/525/EEC. ((OJ L 331, 17.11.1992. ))All approved border inspection posts are regularly inspected by Commission veterinary experts working together with the national authorities. The inspection includes checks on border inspection post facilities, equipment and working methods.In view of the above the Commission considers that the tasks to which the Honourable Member refers are already covered by the existing Community framework.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2628/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Allegations of environmental despoliation by BP in Columbia
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament, HOWITT
Subjects: Colombia, environmental impact, environmental protection, extraction of oil, human rights, oil industry













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91996E2628

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2628/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Allegations of environmental despoliation by BP in Columbia  


Official Journal C 011 , 13/01/1997 P. 0109 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-2628/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Allegations of environmental despoliation by BP in ColumbiaWhat investigations have and will the Commission undertake into allegations that oil extraction by BP in the Casanare region of Columbia is causing unacceptable levels of environmental despoliation?Will the Commission further investigate allegations that the company is collaborating in human rights abuses against local protesters against BP?Can the Commission identify all current and past European development and cooperation projects with Columbia in relation to this region and comment on any consequences in respect of the environmental impact?Finally, can the Commission see alarming parallels with the treatment of the Ogonis in Nigeria and give this issue the highest possible priority?Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1996)According to the information available to the Commission, the activities of British Petroleum (BP) at Casanare are in conformity with the relevant Colombian legislation. In particular, BP carried out an environmental impact assessment before receiving an extraction licence from the Colombian authorities.The Commission does not have evidence on the allegation, referred to by the Honourable Member, that British Petroleum is involved in violations of the human rights of protesters. According to the information available to the Commission, British Petroleum takes the necessary measures, in collaboration with the Colombian authorities, to protect the installation, which is located in an area which is particularly vulnerable to guerrilla activities.The other information requested by the Honourable Member would require lengthy and costly research that the Commission is unable to undertake at the present time because of other priorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2554/96 by Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE to the Commission. Environmental damage caused by the destruction of withdrawn fruit and vegetables
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: degradation of the environment, fruit, perishable goods, production surplus, soil pollution, vegetable, water pollution, withdrawal from the market













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91996E2554

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2554/96 by Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE to the Commission. Environmental damage caused by the destruction of withdrawn fruit and vegetables  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0055 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2554/96 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Environmental damage caused by the destruction of withdrawn fruit and vegetablesIn its Annual Report concerning the financial year 1994 the Court of Auditors expresses its concern at the environmental impact of the destruction of withdrawn produce; according to the Court of Auditors, in many cases rotten fruit has polluted the surface and ground water in several regions.In its replies to the Court of Auditors, the Commission confirmed that it was aware of these serious environmental problems and was studying how to solve them and the possibility of finding other ways of disposing of this produce.Can the Commission say what conclusions these studies have reached, and what are the possible alternative outlets?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (31 October 1996)The Commission requests the Honourable Member to refer to the joint answer which it gave to Written Questions E-1901/96, 1902/96 and 1903/96 from Mr Kreissl-Dörfler. ((OJ C 60, 26.2.1997.))The conditions set out below have been laid down by the new common market organization for fresh fruit and vegetables.- Producers' organizations, which are responsible for withdrawals, must notify the national authorities of the measures taken to safeguard the environment when withdrawals are carried out; these authorities must in turn inform the Commission.- Member States must establish a national framework for drawing up specifications for environmentally-friendly methods of withdrawing fruit and vegetables.- Proposals for national frameworks will be sent to the Commission, which may request amendments within three months if it considers that they fall short of the objectives laid down in Article 130r of the EC Treaty and the Fifth Community Programme of Policy and Action in relation to the Environment and Sustainable Development. ((COM(94) 453 final.))
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2536/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Public procurement
Date: 1996-10-08
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EC Directive, EU Member State, application of EU law, infringement procedure (EU), national implementing measure, national law, public contract, single market













EUR-Lex - 91996E2536 - EN






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91996E2536

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2536/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Public procurement  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0052 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2536/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)Subject: Public procurementFull completion of the internal market is of vital importance to economic and social progress in the EU. It must be said that the hopes raised when the Single Act was adopted have failed to materialize. A resolute programme of measures must therefore be adopted with a view to removing the remaining barriers.Would the Commission agree that it should persuade the Member States to give priority to completing the drafting of the national legislation required to implement the public procurement directives, and to bringing national law into line with the general spirit of Community law in cases where transposition presents a problem?Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1996)The Commission has always been at pains to ensure that Member States incorporate the public procurement Directives fully and correctly into national law.Firstly, it seeks to ensure that appropriate national measures are adopted and notified. Following action taken by the Commission, the Court of Justice recently censured several Member States for major delays in transposing the Directives.Secondly, the Commission constantly monitors the content of national public-procurement rules (both those adopted specifically in order to implement the Directives and existing or related rules that have a bearing on the Directives' incorporation into national law).This monitoring activity has resulted in the Commission instituting infringement proceedings for non-compliance (29 such cases are pending). This figure does not take into account the three new Member States, for which a separate monitoring exercise relating to all Community legislation is currently being undertaken.This monitoring of compliance is carried out at specific bilateral meetings with Member States and as part of infringement proceedings. It is based on exchanges of information designed to ensure that both parties fully understand the provisions in question and that these are properly incorporated into national law in a manner that reflects both the letter and the spirit of the Directives.