WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3373/97 by Ole KRARUP to the Commission. EU economic development and structural funding
Date: 1997-10-22
Institutions: European Parliament, KRARUP
Subjects: Community budget, Eurostat, Structural Funds, economic growth, enlargement of the Union, gross domestic product

30. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 134/151

Does the Commission intend to propose a budgetary item for specific aid, or a new Community initiative to fund
an action plan, involving the authorities affected, with a view to preventing these disasters and repairing the
environmental damage?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 1997)

The  Commission  wishes  to  express  its  solidarity  with  the  people  of  the  regions  affected  by  the  floods  of
September 1997. It also agrees that these are not sporadic occurrences, so that preventive action and a special
effort by the authorities are called for.

In  this  connection,  the  Commission  encourages  the  exchange  of  experience  between  experts  in  the  Member
States in the context of civil protection measures, as well as research and consolidation of new knowledge by
means of projects. Moreover, a proposal for an action programme is currently being discussed in the Council.

The  Commission  also  part-finances  erosion  prevention  measures  under  the  operational  programmes  in  the
Community support framework.

The regional authorities of Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia, the Spanish government and the Commission can
together decide, within the framework of partnership, to dedicate part of the Community appropriations allocated
to these regions under the Structural Funds to restoring the production potential and infrastructure damaged by
the floods.

(98/C 134/204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3370/97

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(22 October 1997)

Subject: Opening of a quarry in the Pittolo area

Is the Commission aware that a quarry is due to be opened in the Pittolo area, in the province of Piacenza, right
next to houses and food shops?

This will have obvious environmental repercussions, in addition to the inconvenience it will cause to the local
population, and its adverse effects in terms of noise pollution and traffic disruption.

Does the Commission intend to check that these plans do not contravene the relevant European legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 1997)

The Commission was not aware of the matters referred to by the Honourable Member.

It will approach the Italian authorities for their comments and ensure that Community law is observed.

(98/C 134/205)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3373/97

by Ole Krarup (I-EDN) to the Commission

(22 October 1997)

Subject: EU economic development and structural funding

According  to  the  report  by  Parliament(cid:146)s  Committee  on  Budgets  on  the  financing  of  the  enlargement  of  the
European Union (A4-0353/96, Parts A and B), the Commission expects growth to average 2.5% per annum over
the  1999-2006  period.  The  Commission  believes  such  growth  will  enable  the  EU  to  continue  to  pursue  its
structural policies, including in the new Member States.