do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1979/98 by Jaak VANDEMEULEBROUCKE to the Commission. Appointment of the director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, VANDEMEULEBROUCKE
Subjects: Community body, Joint Research Centre, advisory committee (EU), animal experimentation, appointment of staff, contract

C 135/8

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.5.1999

(1999/C 135/008)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1979/98

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Appointment of the director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives

I have recently heard that the director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives has been
appointed for a period of only two years, whereas his term of office should normally be five years, as was
recommended by the ECVAM’s advisory committee.

What is the Commission’s opinion of this, and what academic credibility does it think a director can have
who only holds his post for two years?

(1999/C 135/009)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2033/98

by Philippe Monfils (ELDR) to the Commission

Subject: Duration of the ECVAM director’s contract

(7 July 1998)

The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods established by the EU plays an important
role in carrying out long-term validation studies.

It would appear that the most recent contract for the post of director is not for the standard period of five
years but is for two years only.

Clearly, if managerial staff are replaced too frequently the continuity of work and the Centre’s scientific
credibility are likely to be undermined.

Does the Commission not consider that, in view of the above, it would be advisable to confirm the
appointment of the Centre’s director for a period of 5 years?

(1999/C 135/010)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2064/98

by Anne André-Léonard (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods)

The ECVAM Director’s term of office, which is normally five years, has been renewed only for a period
of two years.

Is such a decision on the part of certain authorities not likely to pose a threat to the future of this
institution?

Moreover, a two-year term of office is apparently inadequate for completing long-term validation studies.
As a result the Centre will have limited credibility in scientific circles.

At present the ECVAM comprises prominent experts in the field of validation of alternative methods. It
would be regrettable to deprive the Centre of their experience and thus to jeopardize its very existence.

Will the Commission inform us of the latest developments in this respect?
Decision No 2/98 of the Association Council between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part of 30 June 1998 adopting the modifications to Protocol 3 to the Europe Agreement included in Decision No 1/97 of the Joint Committee under the Agreement on free trade and trade related matters between the European Community, the European Atomic Energy Community and the European Coal and Steel Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: EC–Estonia Association Council
Subjects: Estonia, agreement (EU), liberalisation of trade, trade agreement (EU)

24. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 208/53

DECISION No 2/98 OF THE ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one
part, and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part

of 30 June 1998

adopting the modifications to Protocol 3 to the Europe Agreement included in
Decision No 1/97 of the Joint Committee under the Agreement on free trade and
trade related matters between the European Community, the European Atomic
Energy Community and the European Coal and Steel Community, of the one
part, and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part

(98/469/EC, ECSC, Euratom)

THE ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Europe Agreement establishing an
Association between the European Communities and
their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of
Estonia, of the other part, signed on 12 June 1995, and in
particular Articles 109 and 130 thereof,

the modifications to that Agreement,

Whereas pursuant to Article 130 of the Europe Agree-
ment, the Association Council should adopt at its first
meeting all
in
particular the protocols and annexes thereto, necessary to
align it with changes to the Agreement on free trade and
trade related matters decided by the Joint Committee
between the signature and entry into force of the Europe
Agreement;

Whereas, in order to ensure legal continuity, the said
modifications should be applied as from the entry into
force of the Europe Agreement on 1 February 1998,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Protocol 3 on Rules of Origin to the Europe Agreement
establishing
an association between the European
Communities and their Member States, of the one part,

and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part, shall be
amended in accordance with Decision No 1/97 of the
Joint Committee of 6 March 1997 (1) (together with rel-
evant joint declarations) under the Agreement on free
trade and trade related matters between the European
Communities, of
the one part, and the Republic of
Estonia, of the other part.

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal
of
and Riigi Teataja
(Estonian State Gazette).

the European Communities

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its
adoption.

It shall apply as from 1 February 1998.

Done at Brussels, 30 June 1998.

For the Association Council

The President

R. COOK

(1) OJ L 111, 28. 4. 1997, p. 1 and Riigi Teataja (Estonian State

Gazette).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2025/98 by Gunilla CARLSSON to the Commission. Commercial imports of used cars
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: CARLSSON, European Parliament
Subjects: Sweden, free movement of goods, import, motor car, technical standard, trade restriction, used goods, vehicle registration













EUR-Lex - 91998E2025 - EN






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91998E2025

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2025/98 by Gunilla CARLSSON to the Commission. Commercial imports of used cars  


Official Journal C 031 , 05/02/1999 P. 0113 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025/98by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE) to the Commission(30 June 1998)Subject: Commercial imports of used carsIn Sweden it is practically impossible to import used cars on a commercial basis for sale to the consumer.This is surely a breach of the principles of free movement.Is the Commission aware of this situation? What steps does it intend to take to remove the obstacles and facilitate such imports?Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission(3 August 1998)Complaints have been lodged with the Commission concerning obstacles to the registration in Sweden of used cars which have been previously type-approved and registered in other Member States. These obstacles were a result of requirements under Swedish rules for exhaust emission certificates in order for cars which had been previously registered and type-approved in other Member States to be registered in Sweden. Discussions have taken place between the Commission and the Swedish authorities concerning the compatibility of these Swedish rules with the rules on the free movement of goods in Articles 30 to 36 EC Treaty and the case-law of the Court of justice as explained in the Commission's interpretative communication on procedures for the type-approval and registration of vehicles previously registered in another Member State(1). The Commission has been informed that the Swedish rules have been modified in order to allow for the registration in Sweden of some of the vehicles in question without requiring any additional Swedish emission certificates. For certain year models of cars produced before 1993, discussions continue between the Commission and the Swedish authorities so that certain modifications of the relevant Swedish rules can be introduced.Furthermore, complaints have been lodged with the Commission concerning other requirements in Sweden with regard to the road safety of vehicles and limitations to the number of cars which may be registered per person and year. In the Commission's view, such limitations would have effects on the possibilities to import used cars on a commercial basis for sale to consumers in Sweden. These complaints have been discussed with the Swedish authorities and are currently being examined by the Commission to assess the compatibility of the Swedish rules with Articles 30 to 36 of the EC Treaty.Outside the scope of these complaints, the Commission is unaware of any other obstacles to the import and registration of used cars.(1) OJ C 143, 15.5.1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2093/98 by Karin RIIS-JØRGENSEN to the Commission. Competition for fish farmers in Denmark
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, RIIS-JOERGENSEN
Subjects: Denmark, aquaculture, competition, environmental protection, environmental standard, production quota, quantitative restriction

18.1.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/147

It is, furthermore, the intention of the Commission to include in the proposal a requirement that animals which
have been stunned must be bled by incising both carotid arteries or the vessels from which they arise in order to
produce a rapid bleed-out and death, and in addition provisions laying down minimum stunning currents for the
various species concerned.

(1999/C 13/208)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2091/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Suspension of end-of-service payments to the financial police

The Prodi government has suspended the payment of end-of-service lump sums from the financial police
assistance fund. In some cases lump sums have been paid to some until the available funds were used up and not
to others, who have thus been arbitrarily deprived of their rights

Often, despite the existence of an Italian state decree suspending them, payments have been made so that there
has been a serious difference of treatment between citizens.

1. Does the Commission not consider the Prodi government(cid:146)s decision to suspend payment of an acquired right

such as the end-of-service lump sum to be arbitrary?

2. Does it not consider the payment of end-of-service lump sums to only a lucky few and not to others with the

same rights to be discriminatory?

3. Does it not think it should intervene vis-(cid:224)-vis the Italian authorities to ensure impartial treatment of citizens if

nothing else?

4. What is its general reaction?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(10 September 1998)

Compensation to workers in connection with the end or cancellation of a contract or employment relationship is
currently not covered by Community legislation. The national legislation of each Member State determines the
amounts of and procedures for the payment of such compensation.

The decision of the Italian Government concerning the implementation of the (cid:145)Trattamento di Fine Rapporto(cid:146) is
exclusively a matter for the national authorities and, in particular, for the relevant courts before which any
question of law in this field should be raised.

(1999/C 13/209)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2093/98

by Karin Riis-Jłrgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

Subject: Competition for fish farmers in Denmark

(30 June 1998)

Under Article 3 of Environment Ministry order No 224 of 5 April 1989 fresh water fish farmers in Denmark are
restricted as regards the maximum annual consumption of feedingstuffs. This means that in practice there are
restrictions on fish farm production.

As far as I know there are no such restrictions in other EU countries.

Are the Danish rules limiting fish farm production in keeping with the provisions of the Treaty on competition?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1949/98 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. WTO
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: World Trade Organisation, animal breeding, biotechnology, intellectual property, invention, patent, patent law, plant propagation

C 31/102

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.2.1999

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 1998)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it held a meeting with the Italian authorities on
7 July 1998 to discuss Italy(cid:146)s proposal on investment aid for firms based in earthquake-hit areas. At the meeting, it
expressed concern at the very high levels of aid intensity envisaged, since what is involved is not aid to reimburse
damage suffered, but actual investment aid.

The Italian authorities took note of these difficulties. The Commission trusts that a solution can be found soon so
that all the necessary instruments to assist reconstruction and recovery can be made available to these areas.

The Commission would emphasise that, at all events, these difficulties regarding approval of the proposed aid
scheme do not apply to the reconstruction and regeneration measures provided for in the single programming
documents for the areas eligible under Objective 5b in the two regions which will soon receive additional aid
from the Structural Funds amounting to almost ECU 500 million.

(1999/C 31/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1940/98

by Wilfried Telk(cid:228)mper (V) to the Commission

(11 June 1998)

Subject: Joint declaration on EU-New Zealand relations

Is Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan prepared to instruct his services to present to the Council a draft of a joint
1.
declaration on EU-New Zealand relations, as he promised to do in February under pressure from the President of
the Council and the New Zealand Foreign Minister?

If not, is the Commission(cid:146)s failure to take action in this area an indication that it intends to leave its right of

2.
initiative to others in the future?

Does the Commission see any reason why New Zealand should be treated differently from Australia with

3.
which a joint declaration was signed in mid-1997?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 1998)

The Commission has never promised to submit a draft Community-New Zealand joint declaration to the

1.
Council.

2.
In any event, the Commission does not possess an exclusive right of initiative to table draft joint
declarations to the Council. There are therefore no grounds for inferring that the Commission is surrendering
any of its rights.

3.
In general terms, the Commission considers that each separate relationship between the Community and a
third country should be developed on its own merits and according to the particular needs in question and not
merely in comparison to other relationships with other third countries.

(1999/C 31/138)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1949/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: WTO

What is the view of the Commission on the present permitted exclusion of patents on plants and animals from the
Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights?
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1385/98 of 30 June 1998 fixing the production refund for olive oil used in the manufacture of certain preserved foods
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: olive oil, preserved product, production refund

1. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 187/21

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1385/98

of 30 June 1998

fixing the production refund for olive oil used in the manufacture of certain
preserved foods

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation No 136/66/EEC of
22 September 1966 on the establishment of a common
organisation of the market in oils and fats (1), as last
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1581/96 (2), and in
particular Article 20a thereof,
Whereas Article 20a of Regulation No 136/66/EEC
provides for the granting of a production refund for olive
oil used in the preserving industry; whereas under para-
graph 6 of that Article, and without prejudice to para-
graph 3 thereof, the Commission shall fix this refund
every two months;
Whereas by virtue of Article 20a (2) of the abovemen-
tioned Regulation, the production refund must be fixed
on the basis of the gap between prices on the world
market and on the Community market, taking account of
the import charge applicable to olive oil falling within
CN subheading 1509 90 00 and the factors used for fixing
the export refunds for those olive oils during the refer-

ence period; whereas it is appropriate to take as a refer-
ence period the two-month period preceding the begin-
ning of the term of validity of the production refund;
whereas the above amount
is to be increased by an
amount equal to the consumption aid in force on the day
that the said refund is applied;

Whereas the application of the above criteria results in
the refund being fixed as shown below,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the months of July and August 1998, the amount of
the production refund referred to in Article 20a (2) of
Regulation No 136/66/EEC shall be ECU 58,07 per 100
kilograms.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 July 1998.

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

Done at Brussels, 30 June 1998.

For the Commission

Hans VAN DEN BROEK

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ 172, 30. 9. 1966, p. 3025/66.
(2) OJ L 206, 16. 8. 1996, p. 11.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2052/98 by Carlos LAGE to the Commission. Porto metro
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, LAGE
Subjects: Northern Portugal, application of EU law, award of contract, electric vehicle, impact study, invitation to tender, project evaluation, public works, underground railway, vehicle on rails

18.1.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/141

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(7 September 1998)

It is not for the Commission to interpret a convention between two Member States. That is their responsibility
alone.

(1999/C 13/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2052/98

by Carlos Lage (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Porto metro

The city of Porto is the centre of an agglomeration which has a population of 1 200 000 and in which traffic
problems have worsened dramatically in recent years. The construction of an underground rail network has
therefore become a crucial and urgent issue. Now that the relevant studies, projects and invitations to tender have
been completed, the metro is ready to start. Nevertheless, complaints made to the Commission by a consortium
which was passed over in the final stage of the tender procedure are paralysing the commencement of work on the
project, much to the detriment of the population.

Why is the Commission taking such a long time to come to a decision on this urgent matter? When does it expect
to reach a final decision? Is it aware of the damage being caused by its slowness in taking decisions?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 1998)

The Commission is fully aware of the importance for the citizens of Oporto of the construction of an underground
rail network in their city.

Nevertheless, as guardian of the Treaties, it is responsible for ensuring that Community law is correctly applied
and therefore has to investigate any complaints it receives alleging breaches of Community law.

Where Community funds may be involved, as is the case here, the Commission is moreover under a particular
obligation to see that they are used properly.

It has taken care at all times to adopt an appropriate course of action in this matter, despite its complexity.

In the light of the information it obtained at a bilateral meeting held in Portugal on 16 June 1998, at which the
matter was discussed with the Portuguese authorities, the Commission found that there had been no breach of
Community law and accordingly decided to close the case.

(1999/C 13/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2053/98

by Elmar Brok (PPE) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Numbers of wild geese resting and wintering in Germany

Over the past 20 years or more, numbers of wild geese resting and wintering in Germany and other European
countries have increased significantly: three- or fourfold. The reasons lie in better provisions concerning
protection of breeding areas, changes in migratory behaviour, the availability of ample food, and in some cases
restrictions on shooting.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1387/98 of 30 June 1998 amending Regulation (EEC) No 2257/92 laying down detailed rules for implementing the specific arrangements for supplying Madeira with certain vegetable oils
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Madeira, supply, supply balance sheet, vegetable oil

L 187/24

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

1. 7. 98

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1387/98

of 30 June 1998

amending Regulation (EEC) No 2257/92 laying down detailed rules for imple-
menting the specific arrangements for supplying Madeira with certain vegetable
oils

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1600/92
of 15 June 1992 concerning specific measures for the
Azores and Madeira relating to certain agricultural prod-
ucts (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC)
No 562/98 (2), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

Whereas, pursuant to Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No
1600/92, Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2257/92 (3),
as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2456/97 (4), estab-
lishes the forecast supply balance for certain vegetable oils
for Madeira for the 1997/98 marketing year;

Whereas, in order to avoid a break in the application of
the specific supply arrangements,
the balance for the
whole of the 1998/99 marketing year has been drawn up
following the presentation of data on the requirements for
Madeira by the Portuguese authorities; whereas the Annex
to Regulation (EEC) No 2257/92 should therefore be
replaced;

Whereas the supply balances provided for in the specific
supply arrangements are drawn up for the period 1 July
to 30 June; whereas the definitive supply balance for the
1998/99 marketing year should therefore apply from the
start of that year, i.e. 1 July 1998;

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The Annex to Regulation (EEC) No 2257/92 is replaced
by the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its
publication in the Official Journal of the European
Communities.

It shall apply from 1 July 1998.

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

Done at Brussels, 30 June 1998.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 173, 27. 6. 1992, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 76, 13. 3. 1998, p. 6.
(3) OJ L 219, 4. 8. 1992, p. 44.
(4) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1997, p. 27.

1. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 187/25

ANNEX

Forecast supply balance for Madeira for certain vegetable oils for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June
1999

CN code

Description

1507 to 1516
(excluding 1509 and 1510)

Vegetable oils
(excluding olive oil)

(tonnes)

Quantity

3 000