do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 429/98 by Spalato BELLERE' to the Commission. Cuba
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: BELLERE, European Parliament
Subjects: Cuba, common position, diplomatic relations, human rights, humanitarian aid, trade relations













EUR-Lex - 91998E0429 - EN






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91998E0429

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 429/98 by Spalato BELLERE' to the Commission. Cuba  


Official Journal C 304 , 02/10/1998 P. 0101 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0429/98 by Spalato Belleré (NI) to the Commission (24 February 1998)Subject: CubaCan the Commission say whether there are any relations between the European Union and the Peoples' Republic of Cuba, whether political or commercial or in the form of development programmes?In addition, does the Commission have any data or statistics or definite monitoring system with regard to the human rights situation, and especially to infringements of fundamental rights and the conditions under which political prisoners are detained in Cuba?Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (26 March 1998)The European Union and Cuba have normal diplomatic relations. A Cuban ambassador resident in Brussels is accredited to the Union and the Commission's Head of Delegation in Mexico is accredited to the Cuban government.The two parties also conduct normal trade relations without any particular restriction. Cuba is a beneficiary of the Community's generalised scheme of preferences for developing countries.Political and cooperation ties between the EU and Cuba are governed by the common position approved on 2 December 1996 and extended on 26 June and 8 December 1997. It sets out the key elements of the Union's stance vis-à-vis Cuba, namely:- promotion of the process leading to a multiparty democracy, observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and a lasting improvement in the Cuban people's living standards;- opposition to change by coercive measures;- the Union (Member States plus Commission) is willing on certain terms to grant Cuba humanitarian aid and economic cooperation aimed at supporting reforms and opening up areas of freedom;- a link between the Cuban regime's progress towards democracy and intensification of cooperation ties between the Union and Cuba, including, where appropriate, the conclusion of a cooperation agreement.In line with the common position the Community grants assistance to Cuba worth around ECU 15 million a year, the bulk of which is earmarked for humanitarian aid, food aid and microprojects run by European NGOs, with the rest going to measures to support economic reform and boost a European cultural presence in Cuba.The Commission is keeping a close eye on the human rights situation in Cuba. This task will be taken on more and more by the 'human rights' working party which Member States represented in Cuba set up in 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 366/98 by Stefano DE LUCA to the Commission. Community aid for the restoration of the Petruzzelli Theatre
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: DE LUCA, European Parliament
Subjects: Apulia, EU aid, EU financing, architectural heritage, building industry, fire, performing arts













EUR-Lex - 91998E0366 - EN






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91998E0366

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 366/98 by Stefano DE LUCA to the Commission. Community aid for the restoration of the Petruzzelli Theatre  


Official Journal C 304 , 02/10/1998 P. 0087 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0366/98 by Stefano De Luca (ELDR) to the Commission (24 February 1998)Subject: Community aid for the restoration of the Petruzzelli TheatreOn 27 October 1991, the Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari, which was built between 1898 and 1903 and is the only privately owned theatre in Europe, was severely damaged by a terrible fire.In 1996 another famous Italian theatre, 'La Fenice' in Venice, was completely destroyed.However, while extensive Community assistance was provided for the rebuilding of 'La Fenice', the Petruzzelli has received only ECU 80 000 for the partial restoration of its foyer.1. Does the Commission consider that this curious discrepancy is a result of the fact that, unlike other European theatres, the Petruzzelli Theatre is privately owned?2. Does the Commission not consider that, in view of the historical and artistic value of the Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari, Community funds should be provided to enable the restoration work to be completed, since the theatre's owners, the Messeni Nemegna family, do not have the finance needed themselves?Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998)The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-4189/97 by Mr Viceconte and by Mr Parodi ((OJ C 196, 22.6.1998, p. 96. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 439/98 by Niels SINDAL to the Commission. State aid
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: European Parliament, SINDAL
Subjects: France, State aid, control of State aid, motor vehicle industry, restriction on competition

2. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 304/105

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(10 March 1998)

The Commission would like to point out that the special scheme for intra-Community duty-free sales derogates
from the normal rules of taxation. With the expiry of the transitional period, sales at airports and on board aircraft
and ferries will become subject to taxation according to VAT and excise rules in the normal way.

For VAT, this means that goods sold on board aircraft and ferries will be taxed in the Member State of departure
and goods sold at airports in the Member State will be taxed where the airport is situated. As to excise duties,
goods will as a general rule be subject to taxation in the Member State of consumption.

It should be emphasised that, when the Council decided to abolish intra-Community duty-free sales, it did not
contemplate that the taxation rules needed to be adapted.

(98/C 304/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0439/98

by Niels Sindal (PSE) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: State aid

What are the Commission(cid:146)s views about authorizing French state aid to get the Japanese car company Toyota to
invest in France?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 1998)

The French authorities have not yet notified the Commission of their plans to grant aid to encourage Toyota to
invest in Valenciennes. When they do so, the Commission will take a decision on the basis of the Community
framework on state aid to the motor vehicle industry.

The  objective  of  the  framework  is  to  establish  transparency  in  aid  flows  and  to  apply  strict  discipline  to  the
granting of aid in order to ensure as far as possible that competition is not distorted within the industry. The
framework takes account of regional development imperatives and of the substantial overcapacity that exists
within the motor vehicle industry in Europe.

A summary of the motor vehicle framework for 1998-2000 has been sent direct to the Honourable Member and to
Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.

(98/C 304/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0440/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: Aegean island floods

The recent downpours which claimed several lives on the Aegean islands of Lesbos, Santorini etc. also caused
extensive damage to their road networks (both provincial and rural), industrial plants, shops and offices, houses,
farms and infrastructure. In response to the major problems created by the floods, will the Commission say:

whether it will make emergency aid available from the Community budget appropriations earmarked for

1.
natural disasters, and

what the possibilities are of funding from the Community Support Framework to make good the damage

2.
and erect flood protection systems?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 440/98 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Aegean island floods
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: ALAVANOS, European Parliament
Subjects: Aegean Islands, EAGGF Guidance Section, EU aid, Structural Funds, flood, natural disaster

2. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 304/105

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(10 March 1998)

The Commission would like to point out that the special scheme for intra-Community duty-free sales derogates
from the normal rules of taxation. With the expiry of the transitional period, sales at airports and on board aircraft
and ferries will become subject to taxation according to VAT and excise rules in the normal way.

For VAT, this means that goods sold on board aircraft and ferries will be taxed in the Member State of departure
and goods sold at airports in the Member State will be taxed where the airport is situated. As to excise duties,
goods will as a general rule be subject to taxation in the Member State of consumption.

It should be emphasised that, when the Council decided to abolish intra-Community duty-free sales, it did not
contemplate that the taxation rules needed to be adapted.

(98/C 304/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0439/98

by Niels Sindal (PSE) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: State aid

What are the Commission(cid:146)s views about authorizing French state aid to get the Japanese car company Toyota to
invest in France?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 1998)

The French authorities have not yet notified the Commission of their plans to grant aid to encourage Toyota to
invest in Valenciennes. When they do so, the Commission will take a decision on the basis of the Community
framework on state aid to the motor vehicle industry.

The  objective  of  the  framework  is  to  establish  transparency  in  aid  flows  and  to  apply  strict  discipline  to  the
granting of aid in order to ensure as far as possible that competition is not distorted within the industry. The
framework takes account of regional development imperatives and of the substantial overcapacity that exists
within the motor vehicle industry in Europe.

A summary of the motor vehicle framework for 1998-2000 has been sent direct to the Honourable Member and to
Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.

(98/C 304/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0440/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: Aegean island floods

The recent downpours which claimed several lives on the Aegean islands of Lesbos, Santorini etc. also caused
extensive damage to their road networks (both provincial and rural), industrial plants, shops and offices, houses,
farms and infrastructure. In response to the major problems created by the floods, will the Commission say:

whether it will make emergency aid available from the Community budget appropriations earmarked for

1.
natural disasters, and

what the possibilities are of funding from the Community Support Framework to make good the damage

2.
and erect flood protection systems?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 406/98 by Phillip WHITEHEAD to the Commission. Prescribed Quantity systems (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: European Parliament, WHITEHEAD
Subjects: United Kingdom, bread, intra-EU trade, packaged product, trade restriction

21.5.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 142/1

I

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

(1999/C 142/001)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0406/98

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: Prescribed Quantity systems

Which Member States have a Prescribed Quantity system which has been investigated, and why did the
Commission feel that the existence of a PQ system in the British break market posed a threat to inter-
Community trade?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 1998)

In 1993, the Commission, following Parliamentary question H-228/93 by Mrs von Alemann (1) on the
difficulties faced by importers of prepacked bread from Germany, raised the question of the compatibility
of the United Kingdom regulations on ranges (Weights and Measures (Miscellaneous Foods) Order 1988
SI 1988/2040) with Articles 30 to 36 of the EC Treaty concerning the principle of the free movement of
goods. Since bread is not covered by Directive 80/232/EEC relating to the ranges of nominal quantities
and nominal capacities permitted for certain prepacked products (2), Articles 30 to 36 apply to national
measures likely to obstruct trade in the products concerned.

The disputed regulations prescribe for prepacked bread the nominal quantity of 400 grams and multiples
thereof, thereby excluding the nominal quantity of 500 grams normally used in other Member States.

The Commission regards these regulations as being incompatible with Article 30 of the EC Treaty, since
consumer protection and fairness in trading relations can be adequately ensured by a measure which is less
obstructing to trade, involving, for example, the indication of the net quantity on the prepacked product.
Following a formal notice of complaint in December 1996, the United Kingdom authorities indicated their
willingness to amend the regulations in question with a view to including the quantities of 500 grams and
1 kilogram. The procedure to amend the legislation is now under way.

(1) OJ Annex 3-429, 10.3.1993.
(2) OJ L 51, 25.2.1980.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 425/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. The Millenium Bug
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: computer systems, data processing, euro, exchange of information, institutional cooperation, public administration, type of business

C 304/98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

2. 10. 98

(98/C 304/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0418/98

by Paul Ru¤ big (PPE) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: Permanent EU representation in the ASEAN countries

A delegation from Parliament has formed a comprehensive picture of the financial crisis in Asia following a visit
to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Despite  all  the  activities  by  the  EU  and  its  Member  States,  not  least  through  the  initiatives  of  the  European
Monetary Institute, and the possible effects of this crisis on Europe, there is a need for a more positive official EU
commitment › in the form of tangible action, as well as through the media. It would be particularly useful to
establish permanent representations of the European Union, e.g. in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This wish was
repeated in Parliament(cid:146)s debate in plenary in late January.

Does the Commission agree that a greater media presence and additional representation in the ASEAN countries
would have a positive effect on EU activities and the EU(cid:146)s capacity to influence events in the region as a whole?

Is the Commission planning any concrete measures to establish delegations in the ASEAN region?

Can the Commission give an indication of a date for this, if a timetable has been drawn up?

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

(17 March 1998)

The  Commission  would  refer  the  Honourable  Member  to  its  answer  to  written  question  P-290/98  by  Mr
Bertens (1).

(1)  See page 72.

(98/C 304/148)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0422/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: The Millenium Bug

What studies has the Commission undertaken on the impact of the millenium bug on the EU institutions?

(98/C 304/149)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0425/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: The Millenium Bug

How  much  does  the  Commission  estimate  it  will  cost  to  ensure  millenium  bug  compliance  for  all  EU
institutions?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E- 0422/98 and E-0425/98
Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(3 April 1998)

The Commission is concerned about the vulnerability of enterprises, infrastructures, and public administrations
to the year 2000 computer problem as well as about the possible consequences for consumers. The Commission
adopted  a  communication (1),  in  order  to  raise  awareness  and  set  out  steps  to  address  year  2000  issues.  To
complement  the  activities  being  undertaken  by  the  private  sector  and  the  Member  States,  the  Commission
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 367/98 by Stefano DE LUCA to the Commission. Free competition and market rules in the Italian civil aviation sector
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: DE LUCA, European Parliament
Subjects: Italy, State aid, air transport, civil aviation, competition law, competition policy, control of State aid, industrial restructuring

C 386/12

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.98

Member States are free to use any type of environmental taxes or charges, and set whichever rates, provided they
respect the Community legal framework. The Member States normally take competitiveness aspects into account
when implementing new environmental taxes or charges.

If the Member States so wish, they can use the revenues from environmental taxes to reduce other taxes, such as
taxes on labour. Such an approach, so called green tax reform, has been recommended by the Commission in
other documents such as the white paper on growth, competitiveness and employment (1) and the proposal for the
taxation of energy products (2).

(1) COM(93) 700 final.
(2) OJ C 139, 6.4.1997.

(98/C 386/015)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0354/98

by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission

(6 February 1998)

Subject: Secret service activities inside the Union

According to reliable news reports, both the Commission and the European Parliament are the targets of secret
service operations by the US National Security Agency, which has official electronic eavesdropping facilities in
several EU Member States, for example in Bad Aibling in Germany. It appears that one aim of these activities is
to discover the Union(cid:146)s negotiating position in advance of world trade talks.

This being so:

1. Does the Commission agree that such activities should not be tolerated, even if they are carried out by states

which the EU regards as partners?

2.

Is the Commission aware of intelligence operations of this kind? If so, what countermeasures has it taken? If
not, does it consider that any action is required?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 1998)

The Commission is aware of the existence of the United States base referred to, but has no knowledge of its

1.
activities. They fall outside its competence as defined by the Treaty on European Union.

No. However as far as the protection of Community interests against unwarranted risks, whatever their

2.
origin, is concerned, the Commission remains vigilant and takes the appropriate security measures.

(98/C 386/016)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0367/98

by Stefano De Luca (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 February 1998)

Subject: Free competition and market rules in the Italian civil aviation sector

The airline Alitalia enjoys rather unusual conditions in the Italian aviation sector. The Italian airline has financial
assets in excess of 3 000 billion lire, including state aids, changes of flag completed or pending, and financial
benefits deriving from management reorganization involving capitalization of labour costs through the
distribution of around 20 % of share capital to employees.
Information relating to the entry into force in the Community of the Agreement of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe concerning the adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted to and/or used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescriptions ('Revised 1958 Agreement')
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: UN regional commission, accession to an agreement, approval, motor vehicle, multilateral agreement, revision of an agreement, technical regulations, vehicle parts

L 53/22

‹

EN

‹

Official Journal of the European Communities

24. 2. 98

Information relating to the entry into force in the Community of the Agreement
of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe concerning the adop-
tion of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and
parts which can be fitted to and/or used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions
for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescrip-
tions (‘Revised 1958 Agreement’) (1)

The Agreement of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe concerning the
adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts
which can be fitted to and/or used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal
recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescriptions (‘Revised 1958 Agree-
ment’) will enter into force for the Community on 24 March 1998, the procedures
provided for in Article 7(3) of the Agreement having been completed on 23 January 1998.

(1) OJ L 346, 17. 12. 1997, p. 78.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 405/98 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Use of radioactive iron for the construction of the Athens underground railway
Date: 1998-02-24
Institutions: European Parliament, KAKLAMANIS
Subjects: Greece, Ukraine, carcinogenic substance, import (EU), iron, radioactive materials, toxic substance, underground railway, urban construction













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91998E0405

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 405/98 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Use of radioactive iron for the construction of the Athens underground railway  


Official Journal C 310 , 09/10/1998 P. 0058 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0405/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (24 February 1998)Subject: Use of radioactive iron for the construction of the Athens underground railwayAccording to reports in the Greek press, iron from Chernobyl containing the carcinogenic radioactive substances caesium and strontium is being used in the construction of the Athens underground railway. The same reports indicate that no checks have been carried out to establish the levels of caesium 137 and strontium contained in the iron used for the construction of the Athens underground railway and that it is being imported through many different companies making it difficult to ascertain its origin.What are the Commission's official views on this and what measures will it take to establish whether the iron being used is in fact radioactive since this is certain to affect the health of the millions of Athenians using the underground line?Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 April 1998)The Commission is aware that scrap metals containing radioactive substances are occasionally detected either at the border posts of entry into the Community or at the gates of the industries dealing with scrap metals. In the vast majority of the cases detected, the levels of radioactivity did not require particular radiation protection measures to be taken.In July 1996 the Commission organised a meeting with representatives of Member States to consider the subject. It concluded that although the possibility of the presence in the scrap metals of an important radiation source cannot be completely ruled out, the existing radiation protection measures in place in the Member States ensure an adequate level of safety, reached through the system of control of the sources established in the Member States in compliance with the Council Directive No 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 ((OJ L 159, 29.6.1996. )) laying down basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionising radiation.This directive, whose requirements shall be brought into force before 13 May 2000, repeals previous directives. The Commission continues to monitor the situation, particularly to ensure that scrap metals contaminated with radioactive substances are not imported from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe or from the former Soviet Union.The Commission has no information on the specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member.