do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 898/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Permanent Representations of the European Union
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: European Commission, European official, accession to the European Union, diplomatic representation, enlargement of the Union, job creation, recruitment

C 310/144

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

9. 10. 98

(98/C 310/195)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0882/98

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Number of reminders

What is the average number of reminders which must be sent to an official of the Commission before a response
is forthcoming to an enquiry from a Member of the European Parliament?

(98/C 310/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0883/98

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Millennium and new technology

With the advance of new technology and the approach of the Millennium, am I in any danger of receiving a reply
to earlier correspondence to the Commission?

(98/C 310/197)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0884/98

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Length of time to reply to correspondence

What is the average length of time that it takes an official of the Commission to respond to correspondence from
a Member of the European Parliament?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-0882/98, E-0883/98 and E-0884/98
given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(14 April 1998)

The Commission ensures that all correspondence is answered as quickly as possible. Much depends, however, on
whether or not the reply needs to be translated, whether different departments have to cooperate in the drafting,
and on the technical nature of the matters raised.

In the interests of effective cooperation between institutions, it has been decided that a letter from a Member of
Parliament  should  normally  be  answered  within  three  weeks.  If  a  letter  from  a  Member  of  Parliament  is
registered by the Commission(cid:146)s mail department on arrival, that department, which is part of the Secretariat-
General, will monitor replies and send a reminder to the departments concerned if they fail to answer within the
time limit. This procedure will not be affected by the approach of the millennium.

(98/C 310/198)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0885/98

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Access to documentation

Is  the  Commission  aware  of  the  decision  of  the  Court  of  First  Instance  of  6  February  1998  (Case  T-124/96)
concerning access to documentation? If so, does the Commission intend to comply with point 6 of this decision
which sets out a Code of Conduct? If so, does the Commission accept that point 6 states that the public will have
the widest possible access to documents held by the Commission and the Council (documents in this instance
meaning any written text, whatever its medium, which contains existing data and is held by the Commission or
Council)?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 913/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Tinned sardines in agreements with third countries
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA
Subjects: EU statistics, agreement (EU), import, originating product, preserved 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. 825/98 by Kirsten JENSEN to the Commission. PVC
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, JENSEN KIRSTEN
Subjects: materials technology, motor car, plastics, producer's liability, substitute product, waste recycling

5.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 31/5

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 1998)

The Commission(cid:146)s proposal for simplifying the Intrastat system aims at reducing the number of data elements
collected in order to reduce burdens on businesses. The proposal is part of a simplification package proposed by
the Commission based on the recommendations of the Slim/Intrastat team.

In the proposal two types of data elements exist: mandatory and optional. These two types of data elements are
also found in the present Intrastat system. The mandatory elements comprise a common set of information
collected Community wide. The optional elements may be collected at national level, but are left to the discretion
of the Member States. Accordingly, differences between Member States will still exist in respect of information
requirements.

It should be emphasized that a single form was introduced in 1993 with the new Intrastat system comprising all
mandatory and optional data elements (Commission Regulation (EEC) 3590/92 of 11 December 1992 concerning
the statistical information media for statistics on trade between Member States (1)). The declarants may in
principle use this form or the available national form.

An electronic form developed under the Edicom project is also available for the declarants in the IDEP/CN8
software package, which is now used in 12 Member States. A revised version of this programme is planned for
1999, which includes a multinational and multilanguage option in particular for enterprises operating in several
Member States.

(1) OJ L 364, 12.12.1992.

(1999/C 31/006)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0825/98

by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: PVC

In the proposal it presented recently for a Council Directive on end-of-life vehicles, the Commission does not
propose phasing out PVC in motor vehicles made after 1 January 2002, it being argued that the problem should be
resolved horizontally because PVC is to be found in many products.

When will the Commission make its proposals concerning the horizontal approach to PVC, and how can the
producer liability principle be incorporated? Will it take other initiatives to achieve a significant reduction in the
quantities of PVC in the waste stream?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(20 July 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-1524/98 by Mrs Riis-
Jłrgensen (1).

(1) See page 51.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1022/98 by José APOLINÁRIO to the Commission. Structural Funds and the outermost regions
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: APOLINARIO, European Parliament
Subjects: Structural Funds, cross-border cooperation, equal treatment, island region, peripheral region, regional cooperation, rural development

C 386/72

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.98

An announcement on the exact amount of the Community grant to the (cid:145)European City of Culture(cid:146) will be made, as
usual, at the beginning of the budget exercise for the year in question. In view of the financial perspective for the
culture budget, however, it is important to bear in mind that the Community(cid:146)s contribution to this event will
necessarily be largely symbolic.

(98/C 386/094)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1019/98

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Alcohol consumption amongst young people in Denmark

Is the Commission aware that young people in Denmark are amongst the world(cid:146)s heaviest drinkers?

What steps has it taken to combat alcohol abuse amongst young people in the Member States?

Will it take specific action to remedy the situation in Denmark, where the problem is seemingly more acute than
in the other Member States?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(11 May 1998)

The Commission is well aware of the alcohol consumption figures in the Member States, including the situation
in Denmark.

Alerted by the increasing problems of alcohol abuse amongst children and young people in many Member States,
especially in relation to alcopops, the Commission has been discussing with Member States a code of practice on
sales, marketing and advertising of alcohol to address the problem of underage drinking. This is considered as the
soundest way to deal with the problem at this stage.

The Commission has no competence to take specific measures in individual Member States.

(98/C 386/095)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1022/98

by JosØ ApolinÆrio (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Structural Funds and the outermost regions

The text of the new Treaty on European Union › the Treaty of Amsterdam › refers to the concept of the
outermost regions. An analysis of Agenda 2000 and the information available on the new Structural Fund
regulations shows that this provision of the Treaty has not been taken into account in the texts proposed by the
Commission.

This being the case, can the Commission say what specific approach it will take to the outermost regions, in
particular the Azores, and whether, with the prospect of the Regis initiative coming to an end, it does not take the
view that the treatment of the outermost regions in the proposed regulations is insufficient and incomplete?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 896/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Banana tariffs
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Austria, Finland, Sweden, common organisation of markets, free circulation, quantitative restriction, tariff quota, tropical fruit













EUR-Lex - 91998E0896 - EN






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91998E0896

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 896/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Banana tariffs  


Official Journal C 354 , 19/11/1998 P. 0036 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0896/98 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission (26 March 1998)Subject: Banana tariffsThe Commission has presented the Council with its new proposal for the reform of the organization of the banana market. Under the proposal, Austria, Sweden and Finland would have a quota of 353 000 tonnes which they could import subject to a duty of ECU 300 per tonne.1. How are Austria's quotas and customs tariffs fixed?2. Why are the customs tariffs for Austria, Sweden and Finland different from the quotas of the other EU Member States (2.2 million tonnes and duty of ECU 75 per tonne)?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (15 April 1998)1. Discussions on the Commission's proposals to amend the banana common market organization (CMO) are continuing in the Council and the Parliament. The Commission proposals are intended to bring Community legislation into conformity with the Community's international obligations by 1st January 1999.2. The Community has a single market for bananas, and there is no difference in treatment between Member States. Once imported bananas have been released into free circulation, they can be sold and consumed at any point in the Community without restriction. The additional autonomous tariff rate quota of 353 000 tonnes is proposed in order to take account of the increased consumption needs of the Community as a whole following the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 893/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Expansion of the European School
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Austria, Brussels region, European school, building, building industry, construction costs, organisation of teaching













EUR-Lex - 91998E0893 - EN






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91998E0893

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 893/98 by Daniela RASCHHOFER to the Commission. Expansion of the European School  


Official Journal C 354 , 19/11/1998 P. 0034 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0893/98 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission (26 March 1998)Subject: Expansion of the European SchoolOwing to lack of space and increased demand for the educational facilities of the European Schools, one or two more schools are to be added to the present number of two in Brussels.1. Are the European Schools likely to be expanded again with a view to possible enlargement to the east?2. What locations are available outside Belgium?3. Has Austria already expressed its interest in founding a European School?4. How much would an additional European School cost?Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (4 May 1998)The protocol of 13 April 1962 on the setting up of European schools stipulates that further schools may be established to educate the children of European Communities' staff on the territory of the Contracting Parties.Only the Board of Governors, an intergovernmental body composed of the Minister or Ministers responsible for education and international cultural relations of the Contracting Parties and a representative of the Commission may, acting unanimously, take the decision to set up further European schools.To solve the problem of overcrowding at the two existing European schools in Brussels, and to provide places for new pupils following enlargement of the European Union, the Board of Governors decided in 1997 and 1998 to set up two new European schools, one in Brussels and one in Luxembourg. The opening of the first of these is scheduled for 1999. An opening date has not yet been fixed for the second.The Board may authorise the setting up of future schools where required by the needs of the Community. Austria has made no request to the Board for setting up a European school.The cost of a new school depends on its size. The 1998 budget for the operation of the nine existing schools totals ECU 157.6 million.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 827/98 by Ursula SCHLEICHER to the Commission. Compatibility with EU law of the 'special spa tax' levied in Badgastein
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, SCHLEICHER
Subjects: Austria, VAT, application of EU law, excise duty, health care, tax exemption, tax harmonisation, tax system













EUR-Lex - 91998E0827 - EN






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91998E0827

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 827/98 by Ursula SCHLEICHER to the Commission. Compatibility with EU law of the 'special spa tax' levied in Badgastein  


Official Journal C 386 , 11/12/1998 P. 0048 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0827/98by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission(26 March 1998)Subject: Compatibility with EU law of the "special spa tax" levied in BadgasteinAre the levying of a "special spa tax" in Badgastein, as well as the provisions of the 1993 spa tax legislation on which it is based (Land Salzburg Official Gazette 1993, pp. 79 ff.), and the Spa Commission's corresponding implementing regulation (Section 18 of the Salzburg Therapy and Health Resort Legislation) compatible with the law of the European Union? Doubts also arise with particular regard to the absence of any special provision for the severely disabled and to the level of the taxes to be paid.Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission(2 June 1998)The Honourable Member asks about the compatibility with Community law of a tax levied in the commune of Badgastein in Austria. It seems that the tax ("Kurtaxe") is levied by the Land Salzburg on overnight stays in apartments and caravans in the district of Badgastein for spa administration ("Kurbezirk"). Revenues from the tax are paid into a fund ("Kurfonds") and subsequently used to promote local public interest in spa activity.Because the tax mentioned by the Honourable Member is not harmonised at Community level, Member States are in principle free to use legislative powers in this field of taxation. This autonomy includes the freedom to legislate exemptions from the tax. However, the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty and of Community secondary legislation must be respected.On the basis of the information provided to the Commission, the tax mentioned by the Honourable Member is not in conflict with Article 95 of the EC Treaty which concerns the taxation of products.Further, as far as Community secondary legislation is concerned, the tax appears to be compatible with Community legislation on excise duties. Concerning the common system of value added tax, the conclusion is that Article 33 of the Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment(1) does not preclude the levying of a tax like that mentioned by the Honourable Member.Therefore, on the basis of the information in the possession of the Commission, there is no apparent conflict between the tax and Community fiscal legislation.(1) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 922/98 by Katerina DASKALAKI to the Commission. Re-opening of the Khalkis Theological College
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: DASKALAKI, European Parliament
Subjects: Türkiye, denominational education, educational institution, freedom of religious beliefs, religious discrimination, theology

9. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 310/145

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 1998)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that points 4 to 6 of the judgment of the Court of First
Instance of 6 February 1998 (Case T-124/96) are a very clear explanation of the system of access to documents
introduced by the Commission in 1994.

The Commission adopted Decision 94/90/ECSC, EC, Euratom on public access to Commission documents on
8 February  1994 (1).  This  decision,  which  establishes  a  code  of  conduct  agreed  jointly  with  the  Council  on
6  December  1993,  lays  down  the  principle  that  the  public  should  have  the  widest  possible  access  to  the
institutions(cid:146) internal documents. Access will be refused only where disclosure of a document might endanger
public or private interests or threaten the confidentiality of the institution(cid:146)s proceedings.

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that its commitment to transparency is borne out by
the statistics: in 1997 only 10% of requests were refused on the grounds of one of the exceptions provided for in
the code of conduct.

(1)  OJ L 46, 18.2.1994.

(98/C 310/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0898/98

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Permanent Representations of the European Union

In filling the posts for the Task Force on enlargement to the east, the quetion of appointing the heads of the
Permanent Representations in the applicant countries has also been under discussion.

1.

Have these positions already been filled?

2. What criteria were applied in making the appointments?

3.

Has the Austrian Federal Government displayed any particular ambitions for any of these posts?

4. Will the Permanent Representations remain if one or other of these countries is not admitted to the EU?

5.

Are there Permanent Representations in Norway, Switzerland and Turkey?

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

(22 April 1998)

1.

The posts of head of delegation in the candidate countries are, with one exception, filled.

The posts are filled by the Commission in the same way as all middle management posts. Attention is given

2.
to the particular nature of the role of the Commission(cid:146)s external service.

3.

4.

The post of head of delegation in Slovakia is reserved for an Austrian national.

Yes.

The  Commission  is  represented  in  Norway  and  Turkey  but  not  in  Switzerland,  as  the  Commission(cid:146)s

5.
delegation in Geneva is accredited not to the Swiss government but to the international organisations there.