do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1576/98 by Klaus REHDER to the Commission. Link between the French and CFA francs and the euro
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, REHDER
Subjects: Africa, European Union, France, currency area, euro, exchange parity, monetary cooperation, monetary union, national currency

C 50/48

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

22.2.1999

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 1998)

Technology has become an increasingly important component of contemporary artistic expression and, as such,
is present in all Community programmes. Many of the projects supported by existing cultural programmes and
actions make great use of it.

The Lisbon and Hanover Expositions will doubtless provide opportunities for presenting some of the more
significant technological advances in Europe, under the responsibility of the various organisers involved in
designing and planning the exhibitions.

On the question whether Community cultural action might extend to coordinating one or more science and
technology projects for these exhibitions, it must be remembered that the content of cultural projects enjoying
Community support under existing programmes has so far depended substantially on the projects(cid:146) promoters.

(1999/C 50/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1569/98

by Nel van Dijk (V) to the Commission

(20 May 1998)

Subject: Infringements of the international code of conduct on baby food

Has the Commission noted the recent study of the way in which producers of baby food comply with the
international code of conduct governing the marketing of baby food (1)?

What steps does the Commission intend to take now that it has emerged that producers are flagrantly disregarding
the provisions of the code?

(1) Published in the British Medical Journal.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 1998)

Will the Honourable Member please refer to the answer given by the Commission to his Written Question
E-908/97 (1) and to Written Question E-1355/97 by Mrs Maij-Weggen (2).

(1) OJ C 319, 18.10.1997.
(2) OJ C 391, 23.12.1997.

(1999/C 50/068)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1576/98

by Klaus Rehder (PSE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Link between the French and CFA francs and the euro

The currency of 15 West and Central African states, the CFA franc, has been linked to the French franc by a fixed
exchange rate since the end of the colonial period.

1. What effects would the replacement of the FF by the euro have on the exchange rate link with the CFA
franc? Who is responsible for deciding this?

2.
After the introduction of the euro, who will be responsible for deciding on the parities between the euro and
other currencies, particularly the CFA franc? Who will be responsible for admitting new participants to this
currency link or for creating new links? Should Article 105 et seq. of the EU Treaty be taken as meaning that all
questions of monetary policy will henceforth be the preserve of the Community?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1561/98 by Graham WATSON to the Council. The clearing of Palestinian inhabitants from East Jerusalem
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: Palestine question, human rights, residence permit, status of Jerusalem, the EU's international role

18.1.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/43

(1999/C 13/060)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1543/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(19 May 1998)

Subject: Pollution and lack of security on the Rome underground

A recent survey carried out by myself and other Italian politicians at stations on the (cid:145)A(cid:146) line of the Rome
underground revealed serious shortcomings as regards health and safety.

In particular, it seems that the company Cotral, which operates the line, has taken steps to remove asbestos from
only 10 out of the 70 subway cars, exposing passengers and workers to the danger of contamination, a situation
made worse by the inadequate ventilation systems. The suspicion that asbestos pollution may be a risk is
confirmed by the fact that the company pays its workers a monthly (cid:145)asbestos allowance(cid:146) (trade union agreement
of 4 September 1995).

The survey of the (cid:145)A(cid:146) line also revealed the existence of excessive temperatures and serious overcrowding of
trains during rush hours.

In addition there are no proper safety systems to deal with emergencies, partly because of the many architectural
obstacles.

Does the Commission not think it appropriate to intervene in order to ensure compliance with Directives
83/477/EEC (1), 91/382/EEC (2) and 90/394/EEC (3) and the provisions transposing these directives into Italian
law?

(1) OJ L 263, 24.9.1983, p. 25.
(2) OJ L 206, 29.7.1991, p. 16.
(3) OJ L 196, 26.7.1990, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(4 August 1998)

The directives quoted by the Honourable Member have been implemented by Italy.

The information supplied by the Honourable Member does not permit the Commission to conclude that the Italian
authorities have failed in their obligations to put in place adequate enforcement in the Metro in Rome.

The Commission would however be glad to receive and examine any further information that the Honourable
Member can supply.

(1999/C 13/061)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1561/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Council

(25 May 1998)

Subject: The clearing of Palestinian inhabitants from East Jerusalem

There is strong evidence that, since 1994, the Israeli authorities have made it increasingly difficult for members of
the Palestinian community in East Jerusalem to continue living there by restricting residency rights. This appears
to be one element behind a wider clearance policy.

Did the President-in-Office raise the question of clearances with the Israeli Government during his recent visit to
the Middle East?

Is the Council considering making Israeli trading privileges with the EU conditional upon equal access to the EU
for Palestinian exports and to the ending of the clearances from Jerusalem?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1567/98 by Andrea MANZELLA to the Council. Assassination of Bishop Juan Gerardi
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, MANZELLA
Subjects: Guatemala, homicide, human rights, international agreement, peacekeeping, the EU's international role

C 13/44

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.1.1999

Reply

(24 September 1998)

Israel and the Palestinians have agreed, under the terms of the Declaration of Principles, not to take any action
which would prejudge the outcome of the Permanent Status Negotiations. The European Union views Israeli
action such as withdrawal of ID cards, settlements and house demolitions as violation of this agreement, a view it
continues to make known to the Israeli authorities.

In order to follow more closely the situation in Jerusalem the EU established, early 1997, its own (cid:145)Jerusalem
Watch(cid:146). In the framework of this watch, the Member States(cid:146) Consuls General in Jerusalem and Heads of Mission
in Tel Aviv regularly draw up reports on developments in Jerusalem having, or likely to have, an impact on the
Palestinian character of the city.

A summary of the latest Jerusalem Watch report was published on 29 June. The summary, and summaries of
recent EU Watch reports on the issues of settlements and human rights, is available on the internet web site of the
Council of the EU (http://ue.eu.int)].

In a communication of 14 May 1998 to the Council on (cid:145)Implementation of the Interim Agreement on trade and
trade-related matters between the European Community and Israel(cid:146), the Commission addressed inter alia the
issue of obstacles to access to the EU for Palestinian exports. The issues raised in the communication are currently
the subject of experts talks between the EU and Israel.

(1999/C 13/062)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1567/98

by Andrea Manzella (PSE) to the Council

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Assassination of Bishop Juan Gerardi

With reference to the assassination of Bishop Juan Gerardi, would the Council state what urgent measures it
considers the European Union should take to urge the Government of Guatemala to conduct an efficient and
searching investigation to identify both those who carried out the crime and those who commissioned it for
political reasons,as the bishop(cid:146)s murder confronts Guatemala with the terrible prospect of a return to civil war?

(1999/C 13/063)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1973/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Council

(15 June 1998)

Subject: Murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi in Guatemala

What action is the Council taking to ensure that a full, thorough and just investigation will be carried out into the
murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi, Auxiliary Bishop of Guatemala, on 26 April 1998?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1567/98 and P-1973/98

(24 September 1998)

On 4 May 1998 the European Union issued a declaration on the murder of Bishop Gerardi appealing to all
Guatemalans not to allow this cowardly and foul murder to distract them from the full implementation of the
peace accords.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1614/98 by Gary TITLEY to the Commission. Postal charges for non-commercial organizations and the REIMS II system
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, TITLEY
Subjects: postal charges, postal service, voluntary organisation

22.12.98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 402/147

(98/C 402/195)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1614/98

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Postal charges for non-commercial organizations and the REIMS II system

Given that the new REIMS II system on payments made between public post offices to cover the cost of
delivering mail across national borders in the EU may, in some countries, make it likely that higher postal charges
will be imposed for international mail, will be Commission propose any special treatment for non-profit making
organizations, such as special lower rates, to help foster links between civil society organizations across the EU?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 1998)

The objective of the REIMS II agreement (Remuneration of exchanges of international mail) is to bring the
terminal dues paid between the European postal operators concerned closer to the real costs of delivering inward
cross-border mail, in accordance with the principle of cost orientation promoted by the Community.

The use of the new terminal dues will not necessarily be followed by a general increase in the national postal
tariffs paid by users, but rather will result in some cases in a rebalancing of cross-border tariffs according to the
product concerned.

Within the Community, it is up to the Member States to consider whether some support is needed in favour of
non-profit making organisations, in case of an increase in their postal charges.

(98/C 402/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1622/98

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(27 May 1998)

Subject: Reduction of VAT due on repairs to religious buildings

Would the Commission support a call for the reduction of the rate of VAT levied on repairs to buildings used for
religious purposes from 17.5 % to 5 %?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1998)

Under current Community value added tax (VAT) legislation, Member States are not allowed to allocate repair,
renovation and maintenance of churches and religious buildings to a reduced rate of VAT. A Commission
proposal on the harmonisation of VAT rates, which will possibly tackle the question put by the Honourable
Member, is currently being prepared. In this context, the idea of attributing a reduced VAT rate to repair,
renovation and maintenance of historic buildings and churches will also be considered.

(98/C 402/197)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1629/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(27 May 1998)

Subject: Twenty-sixth report on competition policy

With regard to the Twenty-sixth report on competition policy (1996) (SEC(97) 628 final, CES 1381/97), can the
Commission ensure that, when assessing whether a dominant position exists within the context of the EU,
reference is not made solely to the internal market alone when the reference market is international?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1584/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Customs tariffs applicable to slate
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA
Subjects: customs duties, earths and stones, enlargement of the Union, export (EU), free movement of goods, import (EU), tariff preference, third country, trade agreement (EU)

22.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 50/51

(1999/C 50/073)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1584/98

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

Subject: Customs tariffs applicable to slate

(25 May 1998)

Will the Commission say what criteria it uses to determine the different customs tariffs applicable to Community
imports of slate from both countries enjoying preferential tariff arrangements and those not belonging to this
group?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1579/98, E-1581/98, E-1582/98, E-1583/98 and E-1584/98
given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 1998)

Imports of slate from Eastern European countries applying to join the European Union are very small. In 1997,
only the following exported slate to the Community: Bulgaria (528 tonnes); the Czech Republic (263 tonnes), and
Poland (32 tonnes). Altogether, these imports represented some 2,7 % of all worked slate imported into the
Community in 1997.

Under the Europe Agreements, Eastern European countries are already permitted to export slate to the
Community at zero rate of duty. No changes to the existing tariff arrangements are planned.

Most imports of worked slate from countries with preferential tariff arrangements are zero-rated. This applies not
only to associated countries in Eastern Europe, but to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States linked to the
Community by the LomØ Convention and other developing countries benefiting from the Generalised System of
Preferences (GSP). The latter are covered because slate is considered a non-sensitive product.

The customs duties applied to Community exports to major exporting countries which benefit from preferential
arrangements are as follows:

China:

Brazil:

India:

Turkey:

South Africa:

Bulgaria:

Norway:

20 %

9 %

40 % (+18 % countervailing duties)

0 %

0 %

0 %

0 %

Imports of worked slate from countries which do not benefit from preferential tariff arrangements are subject to
customs duty at 2,1 % (as of 1998). However, in accordance with undertakings given by the Community in the
course of the Uruguay Round, this is set to be reduced to 1,7 % in 1999, when the transition period for the Round
ends.

The following countries do not benefit from preferential arrangements but are significant exporters of slate to the
Community at the following rates of duty:

Canada:

0 % (roofing slate) and 6,5 % (other slate)

United States:

4 % (roofing slate) and 0,7 % (other slate)

These are the 1998 rates.

In 1999, when the transition period agreed in the Uruguay Round expires, the rates will be as follows:

Canada:

0 % and 6,5 %

United States:

3,3 % and 0 %
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1579/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Slate industry and enlargement
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA
Subjects: customs duties, earths and stones, enlargement of the Union, export (EU), free movement of goods, import (EU), tariff preference, third country, trade agreement (EU)













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91998E1579

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1579/98 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA to the Commission. Slate industry and enlargement  


Official Journal C 050 , 22/02/1999 P. 0049 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1579/98by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission(25 May 1998)Subject: Slate industry and enlargementIn its communication on the management of preferential tariff arrangements (COM(97) 402 final), the Commission has pointed out that (pp. 10 and 21) since the beginning of the 1970s the Community has prepared for new accessions by negotiating agreements to phase in free trade as a prior condition for membership by these new Member States and including preferential tariff arrangements. According to the communication, pressure on these arrangements has increased in recent years as a result of the extension and reinforcement of preferential measures granted to applicant countries.Will the Commission say whether the EU imports slate from the applicant countries and, if so, whether the trade agreements with these countries make provision for preferential tariff arrangements which include slate?If so, will the Commission give details of the margin of preference and tariff rate applicable to slate from the applicant countries under the preferential tariff arrangements and say how these might develop or change in future?