WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1939/98 by Jaak VANDEMEULEBROUCKE to the Commission. Situation of conscientious objectors in Greece
Date: 1998-06-18
Institutions: European Parliament, VANDEMEULEBROUCKE
Subjects: European Convention on Human Rights, Greece, alternative service, competence of the Member States, conscientious objection, human rights

22.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 50/121

The limitation on the number of mobile operators › and the ensuing barriers to entry for operators from other
Member States › is a consequence of the small number of frequencies available and is not attributable to any
action on the part of the Italian Government; it does not, therefore, constitute a breach of any Treaty provisions.

(1999/C 50/174)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1939/98

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission

Subject: Situation of conscientious objectors in Greece

(18 June 1998)

Is the Commission aware that in Greece, contrary to its own legislation and against all opinions including that of
the European Parliament, conscientious objectors are still being hindered in their quest to have their status
recognized and for the right to perform alternative civilian service. Apparently some have even been imprisoned.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to bring to the Greek Government(cid:146)s attention the
unacceptable nature of these activities? Does the Commission agree that in acting in this way Greece is seriously
infringing human rights and thereby risks no longer fulfilling the requirements for membership of the European
Union?

What action will the Commission be taking as a result of the European Parliament(cid:146)s earlier resolutions on the
situation of conscientious objectors?

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

(9 July 1998)

As it has had many opportunities to point out, conscientious objection is a matter for the Member States; it is not
for the Commission to express an opinion on a matter in which it is not competent.

Member States(cid:146) powers must be exercised in accordance with their international and regional obligations, and
with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in particular.

(1999/C 50/175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1962/98

by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Services for the management of external relations/development cooperation

Following my oral question of 27 January 1998 (H-98/98) (1) and Mr Peter Crampton(cid:146)s question of March 1998
(E-1122/98) (2) concerning the Commission(cid:146)s reorganization of its services for the management of development
cooperation, would the Commission provide further information about the impact of the new (cid:145)common service(cid:146)
on the funding of NGOs?

Would the Commission also state:

1. Where the new (cid:145)common service(cid:146) will be located and when it will become operational?

2. Whether it is anticipated that there will be staff reductions in the DGs responsible for external relations as a

result of the establishment of the (cid:145)common service(cid:146)?

3. With reference to the funding of NGOs:

(a) What impact will the setting up of the (cid:145)common service(cid:146) have on the management of the cofinancing of

NGOs (budget line B7-6000) and on the structure of the DG VII B/2 unit?