do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 837/98 by Esko SEPPÄNEN The content of television programmes and freedom of expression (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, SEPPAENEN
Subjects: European Commission, Finland, censorship, freedom of expression, national production, sale, television

C 370/2

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.12.1999

(1999/C 370/002)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0837/98

by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: The content of television programmes and freedom of expression

There are four independent television channels in Finland, all of which are journalistically independent of
the state. One of them (Oy Yleisradio Ab) has ) for journalistic purposes and without sponsorship )
produced a series of programmes designed to promote the sale of Finnish-made products. The Commission
responded by writing a letter to the Finnish Ministry of Communications prohibiting the making of such
programmes.

In so doing, the Commission violated journalistic freedom of expression and interfered with the content of
television programmes. Does the Commission consider that its officials acted correctly in this matter, and if
so, on what EU treaty does it base its view?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 1999)

Further to its reply of 5 June 1998 (1), the Commission is now in a position to provide the following
information.

The honourable Member should refer to the answer given by the Commission to Written Question
E-931/98 from Mrs Myller and others (2).

(1) OJ C 310, 15.12.1998.
(2) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 42.

(1999/C 370/003)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0849/98

by Marco Cellai (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Appeal to the Court of Justice by the Commission

According to press reports in December last year the Commission has decided to appeal to the Court of
Justice with a view to bringing infringement proceedings against the Italian Government for the alleged
absence in Law 236/95 of transitional arrangements to safeguard the acquired rights of language assistants
(’collaboratori linguistici’, formerly known as ‘lettori’) already working in Italian universities in accordance
with Presidential Decree 382/80. This move essentially ignored the meaning of the judgment passed by
that Court (Section V) of 20 November 1997. The present request to bring proceedings is clearly based on
confusion between the terms ‘lecturer’ and ‘lettore’. The Commission in no way indicated how the Italian
Government has failed to respect the ‘acquired rights’, since the rules introduced in Law 236/95 guarantee
the safeguarding of the rights acquired by the parties concerned under the previous legal framework and
improve their treatment overall.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1. whether and to what extent the Commission’s decision was influenced by articles in the press or views

expressed by European members of parliament;

2. what the legal bases for the appeal are?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 891/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Confirmation of readiness for the euro
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: EU financing, Economic and Monetary Union, European Monetary System, European industrial area, association, economic analysis, economic convergence, report, source of information

21. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 323/93

(98/C 323/131)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0890/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(11 March 1998)

Subject: Refusal by the Irish airline Ryanair to recognize trade unions

Ryanair, the Irish airline, has been involved in a protracted dispute with its baggage handlers. The dispute arises
from  the  company(cid:146)s  refusal  to  recognise  or  negotiate  with  the  trade  union  representing  these  workers.
The company  has  also  refused  to  go  through  the  normal  channels  for  resolving  trade  disputes,  as  it  will  not
participate in any arbitration procedure initiated by the Irish Labour Court.

Ryanair(cid:146)s management has been a major beneficiary of the liberalistion of air transport within the EU.

Bearing in mind Articles 11 to 13 of the European Social Charter, which deals with the rights of workers to
freedom of association and collective bargaining, will the Commission investigate the issues surrounding the
Ryanair dispute and issue a report thereon? What other action does it propose to take on this dispute?

When will the Commission be publishing its promised assessment on the social impact of the liberalization of air
transport?

Does the Commission have any proposals on how rights of workers to freedom of association and collective
bargaining may be upheld in cases where companies seek to deny these rights?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and
will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible.

(98/C 323/132)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0891/98

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Confirmation of readiness for the euro

On Wednesday, 25 February 1998, a study was presented in Bonn by the (cid:145)Association for European Monetary
Union(cid:146) which confirmed 14 countries as being ready for the euro.

1. Who is the head of this Association for European Monetary Union?

2. Which European economists and institutions contributed to the study?

3.

How were they selected?

Has the Commission commissioned its own studies on the subject? If so, who has been commissioned to

4.
carry out what studies?

5.

6.

7.

How much financial support did the Commission provide for this study or this association?

Does the Commission concur fully with the views stated in the study?

Does the data referred to derive from national sources or were other sources, e.g. Eurostat data, used?

How do the authors of the studies define the terms (cid:145)financial policy criteria(cid:146) and (cid:145)long-term fulfilment of

8.
the convergence criteria(cid:146)?

9.

How does the study support the statement on the democratic legitimacy of the ECB?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 811/98 by Jens-Peter BONDE to the Commission. Energy policy
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: BONDE, European Parliament
Subjects: Denmark, decommissioning of power stations, energy policy, nuclear energy, nuclear power station, nuclear safety













EUR-Lex - 91998E0811 - EN






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91998E0811

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 811/98 by Jens-Peter BONDE to the Commission. Energy policy  


Official Journal C 402 , 22/12/1998 P. 0036 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0811/98by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Commission(26 March 1998)Subject: Energy policyCan the Commission confirm that the choice of energy sources, including the abandonment of nuclear power or banning its introduction, does not fall within the remit of the EU?Can the Commission confirm that it has no objections to the decommissioning of the Barsebäck power station, a mere 20 kms from Copenhagen?Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission(4 May 1998)In its White Paper on "An Energy Policy for the European Union"(1), the Commission notes that the Member States take diverse approaches to energy and that Community energy policy needs to take this into account (paragraph 80). With more specific regard to nuclear energy, the Commission also notes that "a number of Member States depend to a large extent on nuclear energy, while others prefer to pursue a non-nuclear energy policy". It points out, however, that "the European institutions have responsibilities under the Euratom Treaty which permit the development of nuclear energy in conformity with the rules and policies at national level" (paragraph 84).The Commission believes it falls to the Member States to decide about nuclear energy. Regarding the governmental decision on the closure of the Barsebäck power station, the Commission would indicate that it has received a complaint on this matter under the Community competition rules. As the complaint is still being assessed, the Commission is unable to say what conclusions may be reached.(1) COM(95) 682 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 933/98 by Giuseppe RAUTI to the Commission. Sale to private citizens of the 'historic remains' of the Kingdom of Naples
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, RAUTI
Subjects: EU programme, Italy, cultural heritage, cultural policy, heritage protection, historic site, public property, sale













EUR-Lex - 91998E0933 - EN






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91998E0933

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 933/98 by Giuseppe RAUTI to the Commission. Sale to private citizens of the 'historic remains' of the Kingdom of Naples  


Official Journal C 386 , 11/12/1998 P. 0056 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0933/98by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission(26 March 1998)Subject: Sale to private citizens of the "historic remains" of the Kingdom of NaplesCan the Commission intervene to overturn an astonishing decision by the Italian government to sell off - in separate plots - the state property which survives in Gaeta (Lazio) as historic testimony to the desperate last stand of those who fought for the Kingdom of Naples?A huge tide of public opinion is mounting against this senseless decision which is unanimously opposed by the Gaeta municipal council. It seems absurd, and an insult to the heritage of Italy, particularly Southern Italy, that buildings and structures such as the "Philistal battery" with its magazines, the "Trinità powder magazine" and the "casemates on the bastions of Serapo" are to be sold off for a few hundred million Lire, dispersed amongst the highest bidders and "privatized", with no regard for the fact - amongst others - that these historic remains are the main tourist attraction in Gaeta and a major subject of cultural exhibitions, meetings and conventions of great importance and interest.Does the Commission not agree that Europe cannot be constructed solely on the basis of its markets and banks and that those are worth nothing unless the European Union intervenes to protect its "roots" and its heritage?Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission(12 May 1998)The Commission takes note of the Honourable Member's request concerning the sale to private citizens of the "historic remains" of the Kingdom of Naples. It attaches great value to the safeguarding and development of features characteristic of Europe's artistic heritage and history, and lends its support through the Raphael programme. However, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, this is a matter for the Italian authorities, not the Commission.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 912/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Imports of frozen tuna and bonito from third countries
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA
Subjects: EU statistics, frozen product, import, originating product, sea fish, third country, trade volume

21. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 323/95

(98/C 323/135)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0908/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of tuna steaks from third countries

Can  the  Commission  provide  information  on  the  volume  of  imports  of  tuna  steaks  from  third  countries,
indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

(98/C 323/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0909/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of tinned sardines from third countries

Can  the  Commission  provide  information  on  the  volume  of  imports  of  tinned  sardines  from  third  countries,
indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

(98/C 323/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0910/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of semi-preserves of salted anchovies and anchovies in oil from third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the volume of imports of salted anchovies and anchovies in oil from
third countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

(98/C 323/138)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of frozen and tinned mussels from third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the volume of imports of frozen and tinned mussels from third
countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

(98/C 323/139)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0912/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of frozen tuna and bonito from third countries

Can  the  Commission  provide  information  on  the  volume  of  imports  of  frozen  tuna  and  bonito  from  third
countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

(98/C 323/140)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0913/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Tinned sardines in agreements with third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the undertakings accepted with regard to imports of tinned sardines
under EU agreements with third countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 874/98 by Concepció FERRER to the Commission. Antibiotics for animals
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, FERRER
Subjects: EU policy, animal nutrition, antibiotic, consumer protection, food additive, food policy, foodstuffs legislation

21. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 323/89

(98/C 323/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0871/98

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Progress in the fight against child abuse

In  1997  the  Commission  submitted  a  communication  on  combating  child  sex  tourism  (COM(96)0547)  and  a
memorandum on the European Union(cid:146)s contribution to stepping up the fight against child abuse and the sexual
exploitation of children (C4-0556/96). A report drawn up for Parliament on the subject urged that the available
instruments be used.

l. What  action  has  the  Commission  taken  in  the  meantime  to  achieve  the  objectives  set  out  in  the
communication and memorandum?

Does the Commission have any information on action that the Member States may have recently taken in

2.
this area?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(24 April 1998)

In  view  of  the  length  of  its  answer,  the  Commission  is  sending  it  direct  to  the  Honourable  Member  and  to
Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.

(98/C 323/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0872/98

by John Cushnahan (PPE) to the Council

(31 March 1998)

Subject: Famine relief in West Papua

Is the Council aware of reports from human rights organizations that churches in West Papua (Irian Jaya) have
been denied access by the Indonesian military to relief supplies for areas in the Puncak Jaya and Jawijaj districts
of West Papua despite the ongoing famine in this region?

Has the Council received details of this situation, and what action does it propose to take?

Answer

(6 July 1998)

The Council has no information on the issue mentioned by the Honourable Member.

The Presidency will suggest to raise the issue at a forthcoming meeting of the Asia/Oceania experts working
group  and  try  to  establish  a  line  of  action  in  close  liaison  with  humanitarian  relief  agencies  working  on  the
ground in Irian Jaya.

(98/C 323/126)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0874/98

by Concepcio· Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Antibiotics for animals

Euro-coop recently submitted a request calling for a complete ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters
in animal feed within the European Union.

In view of the problems which antibiotics may cause if they are used for purposes other than therapeutic ones,
and given the need for a clear and responsible EU food policy which guarantees consumer protection, is the
Commission considering any action to prevent the use of antibiotics in animal feed within the European Union?
Commission Regulation (EC) No 679/98 of 26 March 1998 concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the export of rye issued in Regulation (EC) No 1338/97
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, export tax, rye

27. 3. 98

‹

EN

‹

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 94/13

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 679/98

of 26 March 1998

concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the export
of rye issued in Regulation (EC) No 1338/97

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92
of 30 June 1992 on the common organisation of the
market in cereals (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC)
No 923/96 (2),

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No
1501/95 of 29 June 1995 laying down certain detailed
rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No
1766/92 on the granting of export refunds on cereals and
the measures to be taken in the event of disturbance on
the market for cereals (3), as last amended by Regulation
(EC) No 2052/97 (4), and in particular Article 7 thereof,

Whereas an invitation to tender for the refund and/or the
tax for the export of rye to all third countries was opened
pursuant to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1338/97 (5);

Whereas Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 allows
the Commission to decide, in accordance with the pro-
cedure laid down in Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No

1766/92 and on the basis of the tenders notified, to make
no award; whereas on the basis of the criteria laid down in
Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 a maximum
refund or minimum tax should not be fixed;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are
the Management
in accordance with the opinion of
Committee for Cereals,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

No action shall be taken on the tenders notified from 20
to 26 March 1998 in response to the invitation to tender
for the refund or the tax for the export of rye issued in
Regulation (EC) No 1338/97.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 March 1998.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member
States.

Done at Brussels, 26 March 1998.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 181, 1. 7. 1992, p. 21.
(2) OJ L 126, 24. 5. 1996, p. 37.
(3) OJ L 147, 30. 6. 1995, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 287, 21. 10. 1997, p. 14.
(5) OJ L 184, 12. 7. 1997, p. 4.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 870/98 by Gerhard HAGER Legalization of illegal immigrants (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, HAGER
Subjects: EU Member State, European Union, integration of migrants, residence permit

21.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 370/3

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(29 June 1999)

Further to its answer of 5 June 1998 (1), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional
information.

The Commission’s decision to bring before the Court of justice on the basis of Article 226 EC Treaty
(ex Article 169) the treatment of language lecturers in Italian universities has not been influenced by press
articles. The Commission’s decision is based on legal arguments and documentary evidence deriving from
its investigation in the framework of the infringement file.

From a legal point of view, the Commission has based its decision on the fact that substantive evidence has
shown that the acquired rights of the language lecturers have not been properly safeguarded in a number
of Italian universities.

(1) OJ C 310, 15.12.1998.

(1999/C 370/004)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0870/98

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Legalization of illegal immigrants

The report on the human rights situation in the European Union in 1996 that was adopted during
the February part-session singled out a number of Member States in which the residential status of persons
living illegally in their territory is legalized after a given period.

Does the Commission consider the approach adopted by these Member States to be inconsistent with

1.
the Union’s current legislation?

Does the Commission consider the approach adopted by these Member States to be inconsistent with

2.
the Schengen acquis?

3. What does the Commission intend to do as regards integrating the Schengen acquis into the
Community and such differences?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 1999)

Neither EU law nor the Schengen acquis, which has just been integrated into the framework of the
European Union, stand in the way of a Member State legalising the situation of illegal immigrants living on
its territory.

(1999/C 370/005)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0880/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Freedom of movement in the EU to acquire medical specialization

Directive 93/16 (1) has created difficulties for people wishing to acquire a medical specialization in the
Member States. Before the Directive entered into force (April 1993) it was possible to recognize in Greece
a qualification awarded in Austria,
for example, and to grant doctors authorization to practise the
profession in order to acquire a specialist field in Greece. Once the Directive entered into force, however,