do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3049/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Green Paper on commerce
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: BEUC, advisory committee (EU), consumer information, consumer movement, electronic money, euro, exchange of information, small retailer













EUR-Lex - 91997E3049 - EN






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91997E3049

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3049/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Green Paper on commerce  


Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0162 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3049/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 October 1997)Subject: Green Paper on commerceThe Commission has published a Green Paper on commerce (COM(96) 530 final).The commerce sector, the second largest in the Community, approaches the millennium facing several challenges which must be addressed immediately if it is to maintain its contribution to the economic and social well-being of citizens.Accordingly, will the Commission:1. set up a permanent advisory committee of retailers and consumers under the auspices of DGs XXIII and XXIV?2. provide for participation by representatives of consumers and commerce on the Committee on Commerce and Distribution and the Consumers' Consultative Committee on matters of common interest?3. regularly consult bodies representing commerce and consumers (Eurocommerce, CCD, European consumers associations etc.)?Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (5 November 1997)The Commission is aware of the need to involve the representatives of the commerce sector and consumers in its work, and for that reason it has set up two consultative committees - the Committee on Commerce and Distribution (CCD), composed of professionals from the commerce sector, and the Consumers' Consultative Committee, composed of consumers' representatives.Whenever joint topics need to be discussed simultaneously by representatives of both commerce and consumers, the two committees hold joint meetings to exchange views and set out the two sides' positions and wishes.This has been the case with all questions concerning the introduction of the single currency, for example as regards the search for a common position on the part of consumers and retailers on delicate matters such as parallel listing of prices, the date for the switch-over to the physical currency and, in general, the preparation of sales outlets for the provision of assistance to consumers. In the same way, the legal framework of payment cards has been the subject of exchanges of views between the two committees.For that reason, the Commission does not consider it useful to set up a new committee. On the other hand, the Commission intends to continue the dialogue between consumers and businesses which started in December 1996. To this end, talks are under way between the Commission, the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE), the European Bureau of Consumers' Unions (EBCU) and Eurocommerce, with a view to defining the framework for sharing information and improving awareness of the questions of common interest.
Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (COM(97)0079 6829/97 - C4-0251/97 97/0062(CNS))
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: Committee on Development, European Parliament
Subjects: Laos, cooperation agreement (EU)













EUR-Lex - 51997AP0216 - EN






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51997AP0216

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (COM(97)0079 6829/97 - C4-0251/97 97/0062(CNS))  


Official Journal C 325 , 27/10/1997 P. 0015 





A4-0216/97Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (COM(97)0079 - 6829/97 - C4-0251/97 - 97/0062(CNS))(Consultation procedure)The European Parliament,- having regard to the proposal for a Council Decision, COM(97)0079 - 97/0062(CNS) ((OJ C 109, 8.4.1997, p. 8.)),- having regard to the draft cooperation agreement between the European Community and the Lao People's Democratic Republic initialled by the Commission (COM(97)0079),- having regard to Articles 113 and 130y of the EC Treaty,- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 228(3) first subparagraph of the EC Treaty (6829/97 - C4-0251/97),- having regard to Rule 90(7) of its Rules of Procedure,- having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy, the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on External Economic Relations (A4-0216/97),1. Approves conclusion of the agreement;2. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3096/97 by Mihail PAPAYANNAKIS to the Commission. Olympic Games and the Second CSF
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: European Parliament, PAPAYANNAKIS
Subjects: Community support framework, EU policy, Greece, Olympic games, Structural Funds, less-favoured region, regional aid, structural policy

16. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 117/151

(98/C 117/202)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3096/97

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(2 October 1997)

Subject: Olympic Games and the Second CSF

Will  the  Commission  confirm  that  the  decision  to  hold  the  Olympic  Games  in  Athens  will  not  result  in  the
diversion  of  funds  provided  for  under  the  Second  CSF  or  the  following  CSF  away  from  projects  being
undertaken in the Greek provinces?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 1997)

Under the rules of the Structural Funds, a mid-course review of the Community Support Frameworks (CSFs) is to
be carried out on the basis of the outcome of monitoring and evaluation and of any new relevant information.

The review procedure for the CSF for Greece for the 1994-99 period is in progress. There is no reason, in the
Commission’s  view,  for  the  fundamental  objectives  of  the  CSF  to  be  called  into  question  as  a  result  of  this
review.

As for the period after the year 2000, it is clear that Community structural policies, by their very nature, will
continue to support the development of less-favoured regions like the outlying Greek provinces.

(98/C 117/203)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3097/97

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(2 October 1997)

Subject: Olympic Games and Directive 85/337

Will the Commission say whether it is aware of the contents of the package for the Olympic Games submitted by
Greece and the projects included therein? Have any environmental impact studies (Directive 85/337/EEC (1))
been submitted, and can it guarantee that it will continue the relevant investments and ensure that Community
legislation is complied with well before work on the projects commences?

(1)  OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1997)

There is no Community competence over the Olympic games so the Greek authorities have not submitted a file to
the Commission. With respect to Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment, there is always an obligation for its correct implementation by Member
States irrespective of the context in which projects are carried out. The Commission will therefore continue to
ensure the respect of the provisions of this Directive in case it would be applicable to Olympic games projects.

(98/C 117/204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3105/97

by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission

(13 October 1997)

Subject: VAT levied on women(cid:146)s sanitary protection products

Concern has been expressed that VAT should be levied on such items which are essential for millions of women
in the EU. Does the Commission consider that there is an overwhelming case for these products to be zero rated?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3093/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Medical treatment options for persons severely injured by chemicals
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: EU Member State, Gulf States, chemical product, chemical weapon, exchange of information, medical institution, psychiatry, therapeutics, war













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91997E3093

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3093/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Medical treatment options for persons severely injured by chemicals  


Official Journal C 158 , 25/05/1998 P. 0029 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3093/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (2 October 1997)Subject: Medical treatment options for persons severely injured by chemicals1. In which European country is adequate medical treatment and therapy available for persons severely injured by chemicals with sensitivity to chemicals?2. In which European country is there adequate diagnosis (as for instance carried out in the Gulf War study) under controlled conditions (Environmental Control Unit) for persons with sensitivity to chemicals, nutritional intolerance or neurotoxic injuries?3. Are there any clinics that meet the environmental standards of the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, USA (free of chemicals, no disinfection, air filtration, filtered water, furnishings of glass, steel or resin-free and turpentine-free timber, no fitted carpets, a ban on smoking and perfume, etc. see description of EHC)?4. Are there any clinics that meet the medical standards of the Environmental Health Center (doctors experienced in environmental medicine; detoxification therapy, immune system therapy, test substances free of preservatives etc.)?5. Is the appropriate accommodation, free of contaminants, available?6. Is there a clinic in Europe with appropriate controlled conditions (ECU) and surgeons who are able to operate on people with sensitivity to chemicals?7. Which European countries are financing adequate environmental clinics with public funds?8. What value is placed in the various EU countries on the psychiatric treatment of persons injured by chemicals?Answer (20 January 1998)The Council has not so far received a proposal from the Commission on this subject and is not in possession of the data required to answer the Honourable Member's request for information.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3100/97 by Ben FAYOT to the Commission. Sale of newspapers at the European Parliament's newsstands
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: European Parliament, FAYOT
Subjects: European Parliament, Luxembourg, application of EU law, competition law, distributive trades, monopoly, newspaper, retail outlet, sale, supply

C 158/30

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

25. 5. 98

7. Which European countries are financing adequate environmental clinics with public funds?

8. What  value  is  placed  in  the  various  EU  countries  on  the  psychiatric  treatment  of  persons  injured  by
chemicals?

Answer

(20 January 1998)

The Council has not so far received a proposal from the Commission on this subject and is not in possession of
the data required to answer the Honourable Member(cid:146)s request for information.

(98/C 158/38)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3100/97

by Ben Fayot (PSE) to the Commission

(2 October 1997)

Subject: Sale of newspapers at the European Parliament(cid:146)s newsstands

Despite efforts made by the publishers, Luxembourg newspapers cannot be sold at the European Parliament(cid:146)s
newsstands in Strasbourg and Brussels or at the Commission in Brussels.

The reason would seem to be the excessively high charges imposed by the firms responsible for supplying these
newsstands with foreign newspapers.

Does  the  Commission  not  consider  that  this  means  that  the  firms  which  have  a  monopoly  in  the  countries
concerned are contravening freedom of movement and freedom of the press in the European Union?

Has the Commission already studied the distribution of the daily and weekly press in Europe with regard to the
opportunities for all publications, even those from small countries, to be sold outside the country of origin?

If the Commission has ascertained infringements of the principles of the internal market, does it intend to take
steps to remedy the situation and, if so, in what way?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 1997)

The  Commission  has  not  received  any  complaints  or  specific  evidence  as  to  improper  practices  by  press
distribution services which have the effect of preventing the cross-border sale of press publications in general
and Luxembourg newspapers in Strasbourg and Brussels in particular.

The Commission has now received the results of a survey which looked at press distribution systems in all the
Member States, how they interact across borders and how they affect price structures. It is now in the process of
analysing these results, which, while highlighting other factors, bring out the impact of distribution charges on
cross-border sales of newspapers.

If the Commission were to establish the existence of restrictions or improper practices incompatible with the
rules on competition and the operation of the single market, it would take all appropriate steps under the Treaty
and would inform Parliament accordingly.
97/656/EC: Commission Decision of 2 October 1997 amending Decision 93/53/EEC setting up a scientific committee for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of special character (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agricultural product, brand name, designation of origin, foodstuff, location of production, scientific committee (EU)













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31997D0656

97/656/EC: Commission Decision of 2 October 1997 amending Decision 93/53/EEC setting up a scientific committee for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of special character (Text with EEA relevance)  


Official Journal L 277 , 10/10/1997 P. 0030 - 0030 





COMMISSION DECISION of 2 October 1997 amending Decision 93/53/EEC setting up a scientific committee for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of special character (Text with EEA relevance) (97/656/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Whereas the conditions which must be complied with by the members of the committee in the exercise of their responsibilities should be specified,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole Article Decision 93/53/EEC is hereby amended as follows:1. the first sentence of Article 6 (1) is replaced by the following:'Members shall be appointed for a term of three years.`;2. Article 6 (2) is replaced by the following:'2. Upon the expiry of the period of three years or two years, as the case may be, the members, chairman, and vice-chairman shall remain in office until they are replaced or their appointments are renewed.`;3. Article 9 is replaced by the following:'Article 91. Without prejudice to Article 214 of the Treaty, where the Commission's representative informs members of the committee that the opinion requested relates to a subject of a confidential nature, such members shall be under an obligation not to disclose information which has come to their knowledge through the work of the committee.2. They shall not, either during or after their term of office, use for professional purposes information which has come to their knowledge in their capacity as members of the committee.`;4. the following Article is inserted:'Article 10Members shall avoid any conflicts of interests in the performance of their duties.`Done at Brussels, 2 October 1997.For the CommissionFranz FISCHLERMember of the Commission
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3065/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Marking of packaging
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EC conformity marking, consumer information, ecology, environmental protection, packaging, waste, waste recycling

30. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 134/67

(98/C 134/84)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3059/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(2 October 1997)

Subject: Services of general interest in Europe

The Commission has submitted a communication on services of general interest in Europe (COM(96) 443 final),
which  draws  a  distinction  between  (cid:145)services  of  general  interest(cid:146)  and  (cid:145)universal  service(cid:146).  Is  this  distinction  a
useful one, particularly as the definitions given are a source of confusion? The concept of (cid:145)universal service(cid:146)
involves a notion of quality which should also apply to sectors other than those mentioned by the Commission.

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 1997)

The  definition  of  the  concept  of  services  of  general  interest  given  in  the  Commission  memorandum  of
11 September 1996 (1) stems from the broad approach it takes to the subject. These services, both market and
non-market, are at the heart of the European model of society because of the contribution they make to a dynamic
economy, social solidarity and citizenship.

The  concept  of  universal  service  is  enshrined  in  Community  legislation  relating  to  telecommunications  and
postal services. It is the expression of the concept of services of general interest in these sectors. What (cid:145)universal
service(cid:146) means is that these services should be available to everybody throughout the Community.

The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s view that the concept of quality should not be confined to
universal  service.  In  its  memorandum  the  Commission  stresses  the  need  for  high-quality  services  of  general
interest for the development of the European model of society.

(1)  COM(96) 443.

(98/C 134/85)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3065/97

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(2 October 1997)

Subject: Marking of packaging

The proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on marking of packaging and on the establishment
of a conformity assessment procedure (COM(96) 191 final › 96/0123 COD) (1) derives from the requirements
concerning marking and conformity assessment laid down in Directive 94/62/EC (2) on packaging and packaging
waste.

The proposed marking is optional and will indicate whether the packaging can be re-used or recycled by means
of a symbol; various marks are to be prohibited.

Does the Commission not consider that a programme to reduce to a minimum the impact of packaging on the
environment should be introduced and, in particular, to end the proliferation of self-validating marks designed to
indicate whether packaging can be re-used or recycled?

(1)  OJ C 382, 18.12.1996, p. 10.
(2)  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.
Decision on the proposal for a Council Decision concluding a Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (COM(96)0533 8204/ 97 - C4-0305/97 96/0259(AVC))
Date: 1997-10-02
Institutions: Committee on External Economic Relations, European Parliament
Subjects: EP assent, North Macedonia, cooperation agreement (EU), economic development, financial cooperation, iron and steel product, originating product, trading operation, transport infrastructure













EUR-Lex - 51997AP0273 - EN






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51997AP0273

Decision on the proposal for a Council Decision concluding a Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (COM(96)0533 8204/ 97 - C4-0305/97 96/0259(AVC))  


Official Journal C 325 , 27/10/1997 P. 0014 





A4-0273/97Decision on the proposal for a Council Decision concluding a Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (COM(96)0533 - 8204/97 - C4-0305/97 - 96/0259(AVC))(Assent procedure)The European Parliament,- having regard to the draft cooperation agreement between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (COM(96)0533 - 96/0259(AVC),- having regard to the Council's request for Parliament's assent pursuant to Article 228(3), second subparagraph, of the EC Treaty (8204/97 - C4-0305/97 - 96/0259(AVC)),- having regard to Rule 90(7) of its Rules of Procedure,- having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on External Economic Relations and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy and the Committee on Budgets (A4-0273/97),1. Gives it assent to the conclusion of the agreement;2. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.