do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2998/97 by Glyn FORD to the Commission. Turkey and freedom of expression
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: European Parliament, FORD
Subjects: European Commission, Türkiye, democratisation, human rights, non-governmental organisation

C 117/124

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16. 4. 98

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 1997)

During the adoption of the Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network,
the  Commission  agreed  to  submit  in  1997  a  report  and,  if  appropriate,  a  proposal  for  port  projects  using  an
approach similar to that followed for airports.

The Commission is currently preparing this report which it hopes to submit to the Parliament and the Council
before the end of 1997.

(98/C 117/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2989/97

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Arbitrary measures by Turkey in the Bosphorus

According to statements by Turkish officials, Turkey has started taking unilateral measures to monitor shipping
in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, which has caused an outcry even among Turkish shipping agents, who are
in favour of an international solution to this issue.

The  IMO,  moreover,  has  already  expressed  disapproval  of  the  Turkish  Government(cid:146)s  actions  which  will
inevitably lead to a major crisis in the region.

Another indication of the destabilizing tactics of the Turkish authorities is the introduction of checks on ships
going through the Bosphorus to determine whether they are carrying the Russian S-300 defence system ordered
by the Republic of Cyprus, which is to be installed on the island to protect it from Turkey(cid:146)s insatiable greed.

What are the Commission(cid:146)s views on Turkey(cid:146)s arbitrary actions, which are aimed at changing the status quo in
the Bosphorus, and what steps does it intend to take should Turkey actually go ahead with such an unlawful
measure?

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

(24 October 1997)

According  to  the  Commission’s  information,  the  Turkish  authorities  have  no  plans  to  change  the  control  of
navigation in the Bosporus and the Dardanelles.

(98/C 117/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2998/97

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Turkey and freedom of expression

Given the most recent communication from the Commission (COM(97) 394) which urges the broadest possible
cooperation with European and, more importantly, Turkish NGOs working for improvements in human rights
and so forth, is the Commission aware of the Turkish Interior Ministry document (number B05HID0000073/472)
dated January 1997 which sets forth a programme impeding the activities of NGOs reporting on human rights?

What assurances can the Commission give that this is no longer the policy of the Turkish government?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2995/97 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Hailstorm damage to the prefectures of Xanthi and Rodopi
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: ALAVANOS, European Parliament
Subjects: Structural Funds, Thessaly, aid to disaster victims, bad weather, damage, farming sector, indemnification, natural disaster

C 117/88

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16. 4. 98

(98/C 117/109)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2995/97

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Hailstorm damage to the prefectures of Xanthi and Rodopi

During the last ten days of August, hailstorms caused major damage to seasonal crops over about 7 000 hectares
in the prefectures of Xanthi and Rodopi, which were already facing serious problems.

In view of the fact that producers in the areas affected are facing financial ruin as a result of the damage caused
this year in addition to that caused last year, what measures will the Commission take to ensure that they receive
the necessary compensation?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2870/97 and E-2995/97
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 1997)

The Commission expresses its sympathy to the farmers whose crops were damaged by hail. It fully understands
the problems that may occur from a natural disaster of this extent.

However, it should be stressed that the Community budget is not provided with instruments to compensate losses
of harvests or annual production which are in fact the most frequently observed damage that hail may cause.
Nevertheless, if it were to be proved that farm buildings or livestock were affected by natural disasters, then the
Commission  could  examine  any  possible  request  of  the  Member  State  in  the  context  of  the  structural  funds
through an adequate re-deployment of the financial allocations of the Community support framework (CSF),
following the re-direction of the priorities that the Member State should first carry out. The opportunity for this
could be, for example, the mid-term review of the CSF for Greece.

(98/C 117/110)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2873/97

by Kenneth Coates (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 September 1997)

Subject: Freedom of movement

Following the European Court judgment in the Antonissen case, Commissioner Monti informed me in the answer
to Written Question E-0060/97 (1) that the Commission considers at least six months as a reasonable time to
allow a European citizen to seek work in a Member State other than his own.

Why, then is the export of unemployment benefits limited to up to three months when an unemployed person
goes to look for work in another Member State?

(1)  OJ C 186, 18.6.1997, p. 217.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3022/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Improving the production and marketing of honey
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, apiculture, application of EU law, approximation of laws, co-financing, honey, marketing, production aid, production improvement

16. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 117/129

funds to promote national programmes for technical assistance, laboratory analyses and other measures to fight
diseases which afflict bees, along with studies, conducted at national level, on the production and marketing
structures in the sector.

Will the Commission insert in its proposal measures regarding the circulation of honey on the internal market,
including curbs on the vast imports of honey from third countries and quality standards for honey produced in the
European Union?

(1)  OJ C 378, 13.12.1996, p. 20.

(98/C 117/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3022/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Improving the production and marketing of honey

Insufficient funds are allocated to the honey sector in the Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down
general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey (COM(96) 596
final › 96/0282 CNS) (1).

Will  the  Commission  include  in  the  proposal  a  symbolic  level  of  support  to  provide  both  professional  and
amateur beekeepers with beehives?

(1)  OJ C 378, 13.12.1996, p. 20.

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3019/97, E-3020/97, E-3021/97 and E-3022/97
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 1997)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that Council Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 laying
down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey (1) was
adopted on 25 June.

One of the specific priorities of the Regulation is technical assistance to beekeepers. This includes training of
young farmers interested in apiculture. The Regulation’s aim is improvement of the production and marketing of
honey,  i.e.  it  is  not  a  disease  eradication  programme.  It  provides  for  Community  part-financing  of  national
programmes and is intended to cover all beekeepers without distinction.

On imports and on quality standards for honey marketed within the Community, Council Directive 74/409/EEC
on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to honey (2) applies. A proposal for amendment
of it is at present before Parliament and the Council.

Under  Council  Directive  89/397/EEC  on  the  official  control  of  foodstuffs (3)  honey  from  third  countries  is
subject to the same control rules as that produced in the Community. It is up to the national authorities to take all
necessary action to effect control in conformity with that Directive.

(1)  OJ L 173, 1.7.1997.
(2)  OJ L 221, 12.8.1974.
(3)  OJ L 186, 30.6.1989.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3011/97 by Giuseppe RAUTI to the Commission. Granting PDO to Terra di Bari oil
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: European Parliament, RAUTI
Subjects: EU Official Journal, European Commission, Italy, advisory committee (EU), designation of origin, location of production, olive oil, product designation

16. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 117/125

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

(24 October 1997)

The Commission has no knowledge of the document to which the Honourable Member is referring.

As for the new Turkish government(cid:146)s stance on human rights and democratisation, the Prime Minister has on a
number of occasions publicly acknowledged the ground his country still has to cover in this field.

The programme proposed in the Commission(cid:146)s communication of 15 July on the future of relations with Turkey
specifically involves cooperating closely with the government on human rights and thereby fostering the smooth
development of civil society in the country.

(98/C 117/160)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3002/97

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Italian Government decree allowing local authorities to set up their own taxi services

In the last week of July 1997 the Italian Government issued a decree enabling local authorities to set up their own
public  taxi  services,  as  an  alternative  to  existing  taxi  services.  This  provision  has  given  rise  to  a  number  of
complaints  by  taxi-drivers,  who  consider  that  their  livelihood  is  being  jeopardized  by  the  introduction  of
mechanisms which threaten to undermine free competition in the taxi sector.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1.  whether it is aware of this matter;

2.  whether there is any European legislation on taxi services;

3.  whether it considers the fears expressed by Italian taxi drivers concerning possible distortions of competition

caused by the decree to be justified;

4. 

if so, whether it considers it should use its influence with the Italian authorities on the subject?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 1997)

The Commission is not aware of the measures cited by the Honourable Member

No.

1.

2.

3. and 4.
The  organisation  and  control  of  national,  regional  or  local  taxi  markets  including  the  licensing
system is mainly an area of competence of national authorities. They are in a better position to deal with these
matters.

(98/C 117/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3011/97

by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Granting PDO to Terra di Bari oil

Will the Commission say why it called off the meeting at which Terra di Bari extra virgin olive oil was to have
been  granted  protected  designation  of  origin  (PDO)?  This  meeting,  and  the  award  of  PDO,  had  been  fully
expected by the Italian Farmers(cid:146) Confederation whose provincial president, Antonio Barile, had even arranged a
special meeting with traders and the press in Bari in July 1997 to announce the good news.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3026/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU publication, European Commission, fine, noise pollution, polluter pays principle, prevention of pollution, proposal (EU), resolution of parliament, tax system

C 117/130

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16. 4. 98

(98/C 117/170)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3023/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)

The Commission(cid:146)s proposal to draw up a framework directive on measuring and assessing exposure to noise, set
out in its green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final), is welcome; however, its announcement that it
will establish the target values and measures to enforce them (cid:145)for a later stage(cid:146) is disappointing.

On the basis of the principle of prevention, these target values are needed for the priority area of noise abatement
and the Commission is therefore asked not to delay in defining them.

(98/C 117/171)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3024/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)

Given the scale of the problem of noise pollution in the Community and the fact that noise abatement has not so
far  been  given  a  high  priority  under  European  environmental  policy,  the  plans  to  draw  up  a  wide-ranging
programme to tackle the problem, set out in the Commission(cid:146)s green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540
final), are very important.

The contents of the green paper are welcome in principle and the Commission is asked to lose no time in drawing
up the action programme.

(98/C 117/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3025/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)

With reference to the Commission(cid:146)s green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final),will it make noise
abatement one of the priority areas of Community research and development and will it take steps to improve the
coordination and increase the concentration of its R&D?

(98/C 117/173)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3026/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)

The  Economic  and  Social  Committee  accepts  the  Commission(cid:146)s  proposal  to  use  economic  instruments,  put
forward in its green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final), but opposes the introduction of fiscal
measures to (cid:145)punish(cid:146) those responsible for noise pollution or provide a source of revenue for the government.

Will the Commission ensure that the use of economic instruments is not a substitute for setting limit values for
noise emissions?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3030/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Human Rights
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: European Convention on Human Rights, Treaty on European Union, anti-discriminatory measure, charter on human rights, democracy, fundamental rights, human rights

30. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 134/61

(98/C 134/75)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3029/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Human Rights

The Commission(cid:146)s policy, set out in (cid:145)The European Union and the External Dimension of Human Rights Policy(cid:146)
(CES 0474/97) (1), lacks clear, strategic guidelines for the implementation of a coherent human rights policy. The
Economic  and  Social  Committee  has  the  impression  that  EU  policy  to  date  has  been  determined  on  a
case-by-case basis.

Will the Commission follow three lines of action to consolidate the external aspects of the EU(cid:146)s human rights
policy:

1.  accession  by  the  EU  to  the  European  Convention  for  the  protection  of  human  rights  and  fundamental

freedoms;

2. 

the creation of a European (cid:145)Bill of Rights(cid:146);

3. 

the inclusion of certain specific human rights clauses in the Protocol attached to the Maastricht Treaty?

(1)  OJ C 206, 7.7.1997, p. 117.

(98/C 134/76)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3030/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Human Rights

With reference to (cid:145)The European Union and the External Dimension of Human Rights Policy(cid:146) (CES-0474/97) (1),
will  the  Commission  insert  several  specific  human  rights  clauses  in  the  Protocol  attached  to  the  Maastricht
Treaty?

(1)  OJ C 206, 7.7.1997, p. 117.

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3029/97 and E-3030/97
given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 1997)

The Commission draws the Honourable Member’s attention to the fact that it has for some considerable time
adopted a coherent approach on human rights, in particular as regards the aspects they raised.

In 1991 it put a communication before the Council to obtain a negotiating mandate defining the arrangements for
the Community’s accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms. This initiative, actively supported by Parliament, prompted the Council to ask the Court of Justice in
April 1994 to rule on whether accession was compatible with the Treaty establishing the Community.

On 28 March 1996 the Court ruled that, as Community law stood, the Community did not have the competence to
accede to the Convention. In its grounds it said that given the act’s constitutional scope and its implications for
the Community institutions it went beyond the limits of Article 235 and could not be implemented by amending
the Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2989/97 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Arbitrary measures by Turkey in the Bosphorus
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: European Parliament, KAKLAMANIS
Subjects: Cyprus, International Maritime Organisation, Türkiye, maritime law, maritime surveillance, maritime transport, public international law, strait, traffic control

C 117/124

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16. 4. 98

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 1997)

During the adoption of the Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network,
the  Commission  agreed  to  submit  in  1997  a  report  and,  if  appropriate,  a  proposal  for  port  projects  using  an
approach similar to that followed for airports.

The Commission is currently preparing this report which it hopes to submit to the Parliament and the Council
before the end of 1997.

(98/C 117/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2989/97

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Arbitrary measures by Turkey in the Bosphorus

According to statements by Turkish officials, Turkey has started taking unilateral measures to monitor shipping
in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, which has caused an outcry even among Turkish shipping agents, who are
in favour of an international solution to this issue.

The  IMO,  moreover,  has  already  expressed  disapproval  of  the  Turkish  Government(cid:146)s  actions  which  will
inevitably lead to a major crisis in the region.

Another indication of the destabilizing tactics of the Turkish authorities is the introduction of checks on ships
going through the Bosphorus to determine whether they are carrying the Russian S-300 defence system ordered
by the Republic of Cyprus, which is to be installed on the island to protect it from Turkey(cid:146)s insatiable greed.

What are the Commission(cid:146)s views on Turkey(cid:146)s arbitrary actions, which are aimed at changing the status quo in
the Bosphorus, and what steps does it intend to take should Turkey actually go ahead with such an unlawful
measure?

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

(24 October 1997)

According  to  the  Commission’s  information,  the  Turkish  authorities  have  no  plans  to  change  the  control  of
navigation in the Bosporus and the Dardanelles.

(98/C 117/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2998/97

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Turkey and freedom of expression

Given the most recent communication from the Commission (COM(97) 394) which urges the broadest possible
cooperation with European and, more importantly, Turkish NGOs working for improvements in human rights
and so forth, is the Commission aware of the Turkish Interior Ministry document (number B05HID0000073/472)
dated January 1997 which sets forth a programme impeding the activities of NGOs reporting on human rights?

What assurances can the Commission give that this is no longer the policy of the Turkish government?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3013/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Italian projects for the Urban programme
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, Italy, distribution of aid, municipality, regional and local authorities, reserves, town, urban area

C 117/126

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16. 4. 98

The author not only appeals for this recognition to be granted but points out that the entire (cid:145)operation(cid:146) has now
been ready and adequately documented for three years; that Bari(cid:146)s (cid:145)green gold(cid:146) is of prime quality and is already
prized  on  international  markets;  and  finally  that  any  further  delay  would  amount  to  sabotaging  a  sector
employing 60 000 firms in the Bari region, which produce some 80 m kilos, create a turnover of LT 500 billion
and account for virtually 20% of Italy(cid:146)s olive production and 50% of the olive production in Apulia.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(14 October 1997)

The Commission is pleased to be able to inform the Honourable Member that the designation (cid:145)Terra di Bari(cid:146),
referring to an extra virgin olive oil, has already been included on the list which it has proposed registering as
protected designations of origin (PDO) under Article 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 (1).

The draft Commission Regulation containing the (cid:145)fifth list(cid:146) of protected designations of origin and protected
geographical indications was tabled for discussion at the meeting of the appropriate regulatory committee held
on  17  September  1997.  The  Commission  currently  plans  to  propose  its  approval  at  the  next  meeting  of  this
committee. A favourable committee opinion on the (cid:145)fifth list(cid:146) will permit the Commission to decide to register
the  designation  (cid:145)Terra  di  Bari(cid:146)  as  a  PDO  and  publish  it  in  the  Official  Journal  as  part  of  that  list  as  soon  as
possible.

(1)  OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.

(98/C 117/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3013/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Italian projects for the Urban programme

The deadline for submitting urban development projects for the Urban programme for 1997-1999 expired on
10 January 1997.

How many of the projects put forward originated in Italy?

How many and which ones concern municipalities in cities in the north-west of Italy, in particular Milan, Turin
and Genoa?

(98/C 117/163)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3033/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 October 1997)

Subject: Italian projects for the Urban programme

The deadline for submitting urban development projects under the Urban Programme for the period 1997-1999
expired on 10 January 1997.

What is the level of funding allocated by the Commission to Italian projects covered by this programme? What
proportion is going to projects from the north-west region of Italy?