do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
Economic and Social Committee Decision on public access to ESC documents
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: European Economic and Social Committee, Publications Office of the European Union, access to EU information, dissemination of EU information













EUR-Lex - 31997D1210(01) - EN






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31997D1210(01)

Economic and Social Committee Decision on public access to ESC documents  


Official Journal L 339 , 10/12/1997 P. 0018 - 0018 





ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE DECISION on public access to ESC documents THE BUREAU,Having regard to the declaration on the right of access to information annexed to the final act of the Treaty on European Union, which emphasizes that transparency of the decision-making process strengthens the democratic nature of the institutions and the public's confidence in the administration,Having regard to the conclusions of the Birmingham, Edinburgh and Copenhagen European Councils setting out agreement on a number of principles to promote a Community closer to its citizens,Having regard to the request by the European ombudsman of 5 June 1996 and the reply by the president of the ESC of 5 July 1996,Having regard to the request by the European ombudsman of 9 September 1996,Having regard to the Rules of Procedure of the ESC and particularly Rule 8 (4),Whereas it is in the interest of the ESC to adopt general provisions permitting public access to ESC documents,HAS DECIDED ON THE FOLLOWING:1. The public shall have the widest possible access to documents adopted by the ESC or by a section (1).2. An application for access to a document shall be sent in writing to the Secretariat-General of the ESC. It shall be made in a sufficiently precise manner and in particular shall contain information enabling the document or documents concerned to be identified. Where necessary, the ESC shall ask the applicant for further details.3. The applicant shall have access to documents either by consulting them on the spot or by having a single copy sent to him. Where necessary, the ESC shall ask the applicant to contribute to the cost according to the number of documents photocopied.4. The applicant may not reproduce or circulate the document for commercial purposes without the prior authorization of the ESC.5. In line with the sale agreement between the ESC and the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (EUR-OP), the Committee shall not deliver in extenso copies of documents which are subject to that agreement.Brussels, 27 May 1997.The PresidentTom JENKINS(1) However, as regards the preparatory work relating to ESC opinions, access to and circulation of such documents shall be allowed only if a written application is submitted to the Secretary-General and his approval obtained.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1797/97 by Christoph KONRAD to the Commission. Opening times of washing facilities in Germany
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, KONRAD
Subjects: Germany, Sunday working, motor car, national law, services company, trade regulations













EUR-Lex - 91997E1797 - EN






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91997E1797

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1797/97 by Christoph KONRAD to the Commission. Opening times of washing facilities in Germany  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0135 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1797/97 by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Opening times of washing facilities in Germany1. Is the Commission aware that car-washes and launderettes are not allowed to open in Germany on Sundays and holidays?2. Does this ban under national law conflict with existing Community law?3. Irrespective of its answer, does the Commission consider this situation calls for harmonization of the opening times of such service providers on Sundays and holidays throughout the European Union?Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (7 July 1997)The compatibility with Community law of the restrictions imposed by a Member State's legislation on the opening of commercial establishments on Sundays is an issue which has been examined on several occasions by the Court of Justice. The Court considers that Article 30 of the EC Treaty does not apply to such national regulations, which are applicable to all economic operators carrying out activities on the national territory (cf. in particular judgements Punto Casa Spa of 02/06/94, C-69/93 and C-258/93, ECR 94 p.I-2355 and DIP Spa of 17/10/95, C-140/94, ECR 95 p.I-3257).There are no current plans to propose Community harmonisation. Bearing in mind the different cultural and historical traditions, legislation in this field varies from one country to the next.The Green Paper on Commerce adopted by the Commission on 20 November 1996 ((COM (96) 530. )) launched a wide-ranging debate on the challenges facing commerce on the eve of the 21st century. The question asked by the Honourable Member could therefore be examined in the light of the results of this consultation, and in particular with regard to the opinion which will be delivered by the Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1769/97 by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO to the Commission. Barriers to trade with China
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, MENDEZ DE VIGO
Subjects: China, World Trade Organisation, customs tariff, export restriction, intellectual property, right of establishment, tariff negotiations, trade restriction













EUR-Lex - 91997E1769 - EN






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91997E1769

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1769/97 by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO to the Commission. Barriers to trade with China  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0129 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1769/97 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Barriers to trade with ChinaOnce again, European companies have protested against the barriers imposed by the Chinese authorities - high customs tariffs, quantitative restrictions, illegal exploitation of intellectual property, etc. - which continue to hinder trade with China.What action is the Commission to take in response to this state of affairs?Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1997)The People's Republic of China continues to be an attractive market for Community entrepreneurs and investors, but one which often proves difficult to penetrate.The Commission supports China's goal of integrating its economy into the open multilateral trading system backed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Pending the successful conclusion of negotiations, however, the Commission routinely uses its bilateral dialogue with the Chinese authorities to raise any problems relating to access to Chinese markets.The Commission intends to continue with this twin-track approach, which has led in recent months to solid if insufficient progress on opening up Chinese markets to European entrepreneurs and investors. Recent meetings to negotiate Chinese membership of the WTO, in particular, have held out the prospect of some progress on lowering tariff barriers, abolishing quotas, liberalising licensing requirements for service industries setting up in China and more effective measures to protect intellectual property. The Community expects China to make good its undertakings on liberalisation in the months to come.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1788/97 by Caroline JACKSON to the Commission. Barbarous killing of sheep in France
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, JACKSON CAROLINE
Subjects: France, Islam, customs and traditions, protection of animals, sheep, slaughter of animals

10. 2. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 45/81

The evaluation of drug-fighting development projects is undertaken according to the standard methodology

4.
for development projects, that is through periodic visits by independent experts and civil servants.

The  Commission  is  not  considering,  at  least  for  the  time  being,  any  extension  of  the  special

5.
drugs-generalized scheme of preferences to countries or regions other than those currently benefiting.

(98/C 45/97)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1690/97

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(20 May 1997)

Subject: Slaughter of sheep in France for Eid-el-Kabir festival

Is the Commission aware that thousands of British sheep were slaughtered in France on 17 and 18 April in the
name of the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir?

These animals were slaughtered in open fields, by untrained people. They were held down while their throats
were cut and left to bleed slowly to death.

This barbaric and despicable cruelty has outraged millions of civilized people.

Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler has made it clear in two letters to me that ritual slaughter in the open
air is illegal under EU law, and must only be performed in an abattoir.

Will the Commission immediately take steps to prosecute the French authorities under Article 169?

(98/C 45/98)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1788/97

by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission

(27 May 1997)

Subject: Barbarous killing of sheep in France

Press reports have highlighted the fact that during the Moslem feast of Eid-el-Kebir sheep were killed in various
forms of (cid:145)ritual slaughter(cid:146) which did not involve the use of approved slaughter houses. Is the Commission able to
comment on steps that might be taken under EU law to prevent this happening?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1690/97 and E-1788/97
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 1997)

The Commission has received information that on 17 and 18 April 1997 sheep were slaughtered in France in the
open air in connection with the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir and that amongst them there were sheep born in
the  United  Kingdom.  Directive  93/119/EEC (1)  requires  ritual  slaughter  to  be  performed  in  an  abattoir  and
imposes certain requirements on the treatment of animals before and at the time of slaughter.

The  Commission  has  received  complaints  from  animal  welfare  organisations  about  this  matter  and  will  give
further consideration to the issues raised.

If it appears that the French authorities did not comply with Directive 93/119/EEC, then the Commission will
consider  taking  further  action  to  ensure  the  respect  of  Community  law  including,  if  appropriate,  opening
infringement proceedings under Article 169 EC Treaty.

(1)  OJ L 340, 31.12.1993.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1789/97 by Caroline JACKSON to the Commission. Joule programme: the Osprey project
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, JACKSON CAROLINE
Subjects: action programme, bad weather, energy consumption, price of energy, technological change, testing, wave energy













EUR-Lex - 91997E1789 - EN






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91997E1789

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1789/97 by Caroline JACKSON to the Commission. Joule programme: the Osprey project  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0134 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1789/97 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Joule programme: the Osprey projectCan the Commission state what is the projected cost per kilowatt hour for energy derived from the Osprey project which was funded from the Joule programme in 1995 and 1996?Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)The Osprey project combines a wind power generator with a wave energy device functioning according to the oscillating water column principle. The wave energy device thus provides a platform practically free of charge for an off-shore wind generator.The aim of the project is to provide experimental evidence for the cost reduction potential of this combined wave and wind power device as compared to wave power alone or off-shore wind power. It is neither a commercial power plant nor even a demonstration project, but a prototype built for experimentation and further development of the technology.The wave power device was badly damaged by a strong gale during the positioning operation off the coast. It should be mentioned that this gale came all of a sudden, whereas the weather forecast predicted calm weather. The insurers are convinced that neither the engineers nor the operators are to be blamed for this accident and have agreed to pay for the damage.The project had, however, to be halted at least temporarily. For all these reasons it would be absolutely premature to quote any power generation costs.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1770/97 by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO to the Commission. European investment in Burma
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, MENDEZ DE VIGO
Subjects: EU investment, Myanmar/Burma, common position, human rights, international sanctions, military regime













EUR-Lex - 91997E1770 - EN






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91997E1770

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1770/97 by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO to the Commission. European investment in Burma  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0129 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1770/97 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: European investment in BurmaIs the Commission considering any suspension of European investment in Burma (following the example of the USA) in view of the human rights violations perpetrated in that country?Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1997)The Commission fully supported the Union's common position on Burma/Myanmar adopted by the General Affairs Council on 28th October 1996, and prolonged for a second six months period on 29 April 1997, which imposed a first set of sanctions on Burma. The Commission is not in a position to anticipate future developments with regard to the possible imposition of further sanctions, in particular since the Member States are engaged in a discussion on the usefulness of economic sanctions to achieve political objectives.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1834/97 by Nicole FONTAINE to the Commission. Automobile distribution
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, FONTAINE
Subjects: competition policy, distributive trades, motor car, single market, vertical agreement













EUR-Lex - 91997E1834 - EN






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91997E1834

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1834/97 by Nicole FONTAINE to the Commission. Automobile distribution  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0138 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-1834/97 by Nicole Fontaine (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Automobile distributionThe Commission has produced a Green Paper on Community competition policy and vertical restrictions.This provides a basis for consideration by the Commission, which is planning to review, and even re-align, its current competition policy with particular reference to distribution networks. In it, however, the Commission states that automobile distribution is excluded from its considerations.Does the Commission believe that the motor industry should continue to enjoy specific exemption from the rules? If so, why?Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1997)In 1995 the Commission adopted a new block exemption regulation (EEC) 1475/95 for the automobile sector ((OJ L 145, 29.6.1995. )).The period of application of 7 years is a minimum to ensure legal certainty for the sector. It was therefore decided for the green paper on vertical restraints in Community competition policy ((COM(96) 721. )) not to cover this sector. The discussion on a possible prorogation of the block exemption regulation will be taken up in due course.Of course, on questions of a general nature regarding vertical restraints, the outcome of the public consultation on the green paper will be taken into account when considering the future of the structure of the distribution system in the automobile sector.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1865/97 by Lis JENSEN to the Commission. Radioactive scrap metal in cans
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, JENSEN LIS
Subjects: Denmark, beer, marketing restriction, metals, non-alcoholic beverage, preserved product, public health, radiation protection, radioactive waste, waste recycling

10. 2. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 45/115

(98/C 45/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1865/97

by Lis Jensen (I-EDN) to the Commission

(27 May 1997)

Subject: Radioactive scrap metal in cans

According to a note from the Danish Environment and Energy Ministry, the Commission has decided to serve a
letter of formal notice concerning lifting of the Danish ban on the marketing of beer and soft drinks in metal
packaging.

The waste-reprocessing company, British Nuclear Fuels, decontaminates and recycles radioactive scrap metal
and, in its own view, keeps below the 400 Bq per kg limit value for metal which may be used in the manufacture
of cans.

In view of its wish to see the Danish ban lifted, will the Commission take account of the potential risk of radiation
from  metal  from  such  sources  and  incorporate  this  factor  in  any  assessment  of  the  impact  on  health  and  the
environment which it might undertake?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 1997)

Will the Honourable Member please refer to the joint answer given by the Commission to his written question
P-1650/97 and Mr Scho¤rling(cid:146)s P-1654/97 (1).

(1)  OJ C 373, 9.12.1997, p. 152.

(98/C 45/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1873/97

by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission

(30 May 1997)

Subject: Fifth framework programme

With regard to the section of the fifth framework programme relating to the living world and the ecosystem, the
Commission has announced its commitment to projects concerning (cid:145)the cell factory(cid:146) and (cid:145)health and food(cid:146).

1.  Will experiments on animals be scheduled or permitted for this purpose?

2. 

If so, will acceptance of projects be linked to compliance with the 50% reduction in the use of animals in
experiments announced by the Commission in the fifth programme on the environment?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1997)

In  its  proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  on  the  Fifth  Framework  Programme  for  research,  technological
development and demonstration projects (1998-2002) (1) put forward by the Commission it is stipulated that: as
far as possible animal experiments and tests on animals shall be replaced by in-vitro or other alternative methods.
Experiments on animals are not precluded. It shall be limited to cases where it is necessary and there are no
alternatives.

(1)  Doc. COM(97) 142.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1752/97 by Josep PONS GRAU to the Commission. Financial support for conservation and community development programmes in Africa
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, PONS GRAU
Subjects: Africa, EU aid, EU financing, EU programme, environmental protection, forestry holding, protection of animal life, protection of plant life, rural development, wildlife













EUR-Lex - 91997E1752 - EN






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91997E1752

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1752/97 by Josep PONS GRAU to the Commission. Financial support for conservation and community development programmes in Africa  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0127 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1752/97 by Josep Pons Grau (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Financial support for conservation and community development programmes in AfricaThe final sitting of the ACP/EU Joint Assembly in Brussels from 10 to 17 March 1997 adopted two resolutions on 'southern Africa' and 'the situation in southern Africa' which demonstrated the Assembly's unequivocal support for the new strategies developed by the region's countries on rural development and the conservation of wildlife and plant life. These strategies are based on decentralizing the legal powers underpinning the management of flora and fauna on local authority land and on sustainable use of these forest resources for the benefit of the rural communities which share their land with wildlife. A model programme in this connection is Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE, successfully developed in recent years with the help of naturalists and rural development experts.1. Is the Commission aware of these programmes? Does it share the opinion of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly as to the beneficial effects of these integrated programmes?2. Is the Commission prepared to provide institutional and financial support for these integrated programmes for rural development, conservation and sustainable consumption and if so, how much support is it willing to provide?Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)The Commission supports the rationale behind the concept of decentralised management, use and conservation of natural resources which is being developed in a number of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa and applied to forestry resources, parks and wildlife and communal land.Particular assistance in terms of finance and institutional support is provided by the Commission in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.In Zimbabwe, the Commission has been at the forefront in supporting the launching of the Campfire programme with finance provided within the Kariba rural development programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1756/97 by José VALVERDE LÓPEZ to the Commission. Proposals for the road haulage sector
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, VALVERDE LOPEZ
Subjects: France, Spain, financial loss, free movement of goods, indemnification, international road transport, road transport, strike, transport company

10. 2. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 45/97

informative information, will the Commission now provide an up-date, calculated for a single person at his/her
legal retirement age after a full contribution career, for as recent a date as available figures permit?

(1)  OJ C 262, 16.10.1989, p. 58.
(2)  OJ C 16, 21.1.1993, p. 5.

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 1997)

An updated version has not yet been published of the 1993 study on (cid:145)Old-age income replacement ratios at the
time  of  retirement(cid:146)  (No  CA-73-91-481),  which  was  the  basis  for  the  Commission’s  reply  to  the  honourable
Member of Parliament’s written question E-792/92.

The study is currently being updated and the new publication will be ready at the end of 1997.

(98/C 45/118)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1754/97

by Jose· Valverde Lo·pez (PPE) to the Commission

(27 May 1997)

Subject: Common organization of the market in potatoes

In the 1996 farming year, the price of potatoes fell by up to 30%. The various State interventions are causing
major  distortions,  while  uncontrolled  imports  from  eastern  European  and  other  third  countries  are  causing
additional imbalances.

We need a COM in potatoes to ensure balanced supplies of the market and decent income levels for producers.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 1997)

The Commission considers it essential to set up a market organization for potatoes. In the context of the single
market, there is no justification for a product as important as potatoes being governed by unconcerted national
policies.

In 1992 the Commission accordingly sent the Council a proposal on a common organization of the market in
potatoes (1) and, following its examination by Parliament, sent the Council a new amended text in May 1993.

The  amended  proposal  did  not  secure  a  majority  in  the  Council,  certain  delegations  being  against  the
establishment of market organization and others preferring a market with a larger budget.

The Commission considers that the proposal it has formulated represents the best possible compromise between
the divergent interests of the Member States.

(1)  COM(92) 185.

(98/C 45/119)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1756/97

by Jose· Valverde Lo·pez (PPE) to the Commission

(27 May 1997)

Subject: Proposals for the road haulage sector

The  crises  created  by  the  transport  sector  some  months  ago  in  France  and  in  Spain  in  February  have  led
Commissioner Kinnock to express concern, and the (cid:145)International Road Hauliers Union(cid:146) (IRU) has called for the
immediate  application  of  compensation  arrangements  and  the  (cid:145)immediate  restoration  of  normal  traffic
conditions(cid:146).