WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2644/97 by Otto BARDONG to the Commission. Subsidy from PHARE funds for a book on the history of Slovakia and the Slovaks
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: BARDONG, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, EU control, EU programme, Slovakia, aid recipient, aid system, antisemitism, publication, school textbook, xenophobia

C 76/132

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

11. 3. 98

As part of the proceedings, the Commission sent a statement of objections to the AAMS. The AAMS replied in
writing to the statement of objections and, subsequently, put its case orally at a hearing held in July 1997. The
Commission is currently examining the arguments put forward at the hearing.

Since the proceedings have not yet been concluded, the Commission cannot at present answer the other questions
put by the Honourable Member.

(1)  OJ 13, 21.2.1962.

(98/C 76/250)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2644/97

by Otto Bardong (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Subsidy from PHARE funds for a book on the history of Slovakia and the Slovaks

The  Commission  has  subsidized  with  PHARE  funds  publication  of  the  book  by  M.  S.  Durica:  (cid:145)History  of
Slovakia and the Slovaks(cid:146) (DEJINY SLOVENSKA a SLOVAKOV), Bratislava, 2/1996 (Ministry of Education),
which contains materials for teaching history in primary, secondary and upper secondary schools.

The Commission is asked to state:

1. What was the size of this subsidy and in which year was it granted?

2.
Is it aware that this book seeks to create a national mythology out of Slovakian history since prehistoric
times,  constructs  a  hostile  image  towards  neighbouring  countries,  particularly  the  Czechs,  and  emphasizes
anti-Semitic tendencies?

In  particular,  is  it  aware  that  the  Tiso  Regime  (1939-1945),  a  satellite  state  of  national  socialism,  is

3.
described in altogether favourable terms?

4.

5.

Has it since received international reviews of this book?

Can subsidies for such publications intended for use in schools be scrutinized more thoroughly in future?

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

(22 September 1997)

The  Commission  would  refer  the  Honourable  Member  to  its  answer  to  Written  Question  E-2469/97  by
Mrs Van Bladel (1).

(1)  See page 14.

(98/C 76/251)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2700/97

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: CRDS levied on Dutch pensioners living in France

On 16 October 1996 the Commission decided to instigate infringement proceedings against France for imposing
the (cid:145)Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale(cid:146) (CRDS) on Dutch pensioners resident in France who
pay social premiums in the Netherlands in respect of their pensions.

1.
Is the CRDS premium to be regarded as a tax on income which has to be paid in France pursuant to an
agreement between France and the Netherlands, or as a social security premium which, in principle, is levied on
Dutch citizens only in the Netherlands in respect of income from pensions?

2. What  stage  have  the  infringement  proceedings  reached,  and  what  action  is  the  Commission  taking  to
compel France to comply with European legislation?