do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3800/98 by Ernesto CACCAVALE to the Commission. Candidacy of the President of the Court of Auditors for election as a Member of the European Parliament
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: CACCAVALE, European Parliament
Subjects: European Court of Auditors, European Parliament, European election, Germany

C 142/150

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.5.1999

Joint answer
to Written Questions P-3727/98 and P-3728/98
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(19 January 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-1128/98 by
Mr Sjöstedt during question time at Parliament’s December 1998 part-session (1).

(1) Debates of the Parliament (December 1998).

(1999/C 142/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3790/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(4 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects aimed at SMEs and the tourist sector in Catalonia

In view of the Commission’s policy of openness about its own expenditure, can it indicate which of the
projects carried out in Catalonia during the period 1994-1999 received all of the different types of aid
available for SMEs and the tourist sector?

Furthermore, can it state exactly how much money was finally allocated to each of those projects?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(1999/C 142/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3800/98

by Ernesto Caccavale (UPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Candidacy of the President of the Court of Auditors for election as a Member of the European

Parliament

In view of the fact that within the European Parliament it is increasingly rumoured that Bernhard
Friedmann, the President of the Court of Auditors, intends to stand for election as a German MEP
representing the CSU; according to the same rumour, his intention emerged in particular during meetings
held over the last few weeks; although it is specifically stated in the Treaties that the office of MEP and
that of President or judge at the Court of Auditors are incompatible, nothing is said regarding the
possibility of a President-in-Office standing for election,

1. Does the Commission not think that, if this rumour were to be confirmed, it would undermine the

independence and the impartiality of the Court as enshrined in Article 118b of the Treaty?

2. Does the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, not consider that, in view of the text of the Treaty
and, in particular, Article 188b(5) thereof, and also the particular and sensitive tasks performed by the
Court of Auditors, it should be impossible for members of that Court (especially the President
himself) to stand for election to the European Parliament?

3. What interpretation of the letter and the spirit of the Treaties would the Commission make if the above

rumour were to be officially confirmed?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3795/98 by Anna KARAMANOU to the Commission. Construction of nuclear power plant at Akkuyu - risk to eastern Mediterranean
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, KARAMANOU
Subjects: Türkiye, earthquake, environmental cooperation, environmental impact, nuclear accident, nuclear power station, nuclear safety, radioactive waste, siting of power stations

C 182/126

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

28.6.1999

Does the Commission intend to undertake a comprehensive examination of its general water policy at

1.
this juncture, taking account of all the factors which affect it directly and indirectly?

2. What steps does it envisage taking in the legislative sphere of water policy?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3181/98 by
Mrs Sierra González (1).

(1)

See page 47.

(1999/C 182/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3795/98

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Construction of nuclear power plant at Akkuyu 4 risk to eastern Mediterranean

Despite a general outcry, the Turkish Government recently decided to proceed with the construction of a
nuclear power plant in the region of Akkuyu on its southern shores, which is scheduled to commence
operation in 2006. It should be stressed that the risk of a nuclear accident is particularly high, as the region
around Akkuyu is exceptionally prone to earthquake. Last June, a tremor measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale
left 100 people dead and some 1000 others injured. The negligible contribution of this nuclear power plant to
Turkey’s energy requirements (2-3 %) casts doubt on the expediency of building it. It should also be stressed
that there will be serious environmental repercussions not only in the event of an accident but at all times, as
there is no safe way of disposing of the nuclear waste. What representations has the Commission made to the
Turkish Government and what measures will it take to safeguard the environmental balance in the eastern
Mediterranean region?

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

(15 January 1999)

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission’s answers to Written Questions P-662/98
(Mr Kaklamanis) (1), E-2107/98 (Mr Alavanos) (2), E-2190/98 (Mr Kaklamanis) (3) and to oral question
H-11/98 (question time at the February 1998 session -Ms Kokkola) (4).

The European strategy for Turkey includes closer cooperation on environmental matters with the aim inter alia
of bringing Turkey’s law into line with that of the Community. The ability to take specific cooperation
measures will depend on the budget appropriations available to implement the strategy. As requested by the
Cardiff European Council, the Commission adopted proposals on 21 October which are now before the
budget authority.

(1) OJ C 304, 20.10.1998.
(2) OJ C 96, 8.4.1999, p. 37.
(3) OJ C 96, 8.4.1999, p. 54.
(4) Debates of the European Parliament (February 1998).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3847/98 by Manuel ESCOLÁ HERNANDO Inclusion of Zaragoza airport in the Madrid-Zaragoza high- speed rail link
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: ESCOLA HERNANDO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, Spain, air transport, airport, combined transport, high-speed transport, rail transport, trans-European network, transport planning, transport policy

29.11.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 341/15

Supplementary answer
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question P-3790/98 (1).

(1)

See page 12.

(1999/C 341/023)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3824/98

by Outi Ojala (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Right of diplomats to purchase duty-free goods

Pursuant to a Commission decision, the sale of duty-free goods will cease on European internal routes from
1 July 1999, but diplomats, and EU Commissioners who are given the same treatment, will continue to be able
to purchase duty-free goods thanks to their annual duty-free purchase quota.

Does the Commission consider it right that highly-paid diplomats should be the very ones to retain their

1.
right to make duty-free purchases when ordinary EU citizens are to lose that right?

Does the Commission propose to take any action to rectify this state of affairs and if so, what? If not, why

2.
not?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3878/98 by
Mr De Coene (1).

(1) OJ C 325, 12.11.1999, p. 35.

(1999/C 341/024)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3847/98

by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Inclusion of Zaragoza airport in the Madrid-Zaragoza high-speed rail link

The 14 priority trans-European transport network projects adopted at the Essen European Council include the
construction of the southern European high-speed rail link between Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Perpignan
and Montpellier.

The construction of this link will reduce the journey time between Zaragoza and both Madrid and Barcelona
from the current three and a half hours to a little over one hour and fifteen minutes, which will have the effect
of bringing those cities considerably closer together.

The possibility is currently being discussed of routeing the new rail link via Zaragoza airport, which would
strengthen the intermodal aspect of the project. At the same time, more business would be attracted to an
under-used airport and some of the pressure on the airspace around Madrid and Barcelona would be relieved.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3822/98 by Concepció FERRER to the Commission. Subsidies for the Indian leather sector
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, FERRER
Subjects: Catalonia, EU aid, EU expenditure, EU financing, leather, regional policy

21.5.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 142/155

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(1999/C 142/211)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3822/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Subsidies for the Indian leather sector

Can the Commission list the projects funded by the Commission to the benefit of the Indian leather sector
(leather, footwear, leather goods), specifying the date on which each of the projects in question was
approved and its objectives?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(1999/C 142/212)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3829/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Costly consultancy and employment repercussions

1.
Is it true that in May 1996 DG V concluded an annual contract with the woman director of the ASSI
company for a study of the situation of elderly women in Europe, and that the Commission contributed a
total of ECU 243 100 to the cost of the inquiry, estimated at ECU 374 000?

If so, does the Commission not consider such expenditure to be excessive for a study that is
to the measures to combat unemployment being

2.
admittedly important but certainly not crucial
implemented by national governments and Commission alike?

3.
Is it true that the project leader is the wife of a Commissioner in office and that ASSI is located in the
same building in which they live? If so, has the Commission considered the advisability, even while
formally complying with the rules in force, of handing over such a sum to the wife of one of its Members
when it itself is facing serious charges of fraud and embezzlement?

4. What moral principles and principles of sound management underline the Commission’s decision to
grant such an exorbitant subsidy to a project that has no influence on job creation prospects?

5.
Is the Commissioner in question the same person who, according to the press of the time, authorised
massive expenditure in less than transparent circumstances for supervision of the construction of the
Hochtief building in Luxembourg?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3820/98 by Concepció FERRER Programmes and projects in the field of regional policy in Catalonia (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, FERRER
Subjects: Catalonia, EU aid, regional aid, regional policy

C 341/14

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.11.1999

(1999/C 341/020)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3818/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects in the field of the environment in Catalonia

Bearing in mind the policy of transparency pursued by the Commission in relation to its spending, can the
Commission say what projects implemented in Catalonia benefitted from each type of aid available in the area
of the environment for the period 1994-99?

Can the Commission further specify what amounts were finally allocated to each of the above projects?

Supplementary answer
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question P-3790/98 (1).

(1)

See page 12.

(1999/C 341/021)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3820/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects in the field of regional policy in Catalonia

Bearing in mind the policy of transparency pursued by the Commission in relation to its spending, can the
Commission say what projects implemented in Catalonia benefitted from each type of aid available in the area
of regional policy for the period 1994-99?

Can the Commission further specify what amounts were finally allocated to each of the above projects?

Supplementary answer
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question P-3790/98 (1).

(1)

See page 12.

(1999/C 341/022)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3822/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Subsidies for the Indian leather sector

Can the Commission list the projects funded by the Commission to the benefit of the Indian leather sector
(leather, footwear, leather goods), specifying the date on which each of the projects in question was approved
and its objectives?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3796/98 by Phillip WHITEHEAD Payments for projects undertaken as part of the TACIS programme
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, WHITEHEAD
Subjects: EU Member State, EU programme, European Commission, Georgia, USSR, application of EU law, invoicing, payment, simplification of formalities, technical cooperation

6.11.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 320/51

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(24 February 1999)

The standing working group on the safe transport of radioactive material, comprises experts from the Member
States designated by their safety and competent authorities, but who speak on their own behalf and express
their views in close confidence.

Furthermore, the work undertaken by the group consists only of exchanges of views and is of a purely advisory
and preparatory nature for the exercise of the Commission powers.

Therefore, the minutes of the meetings of the standing working group were only made available to the
members of the group and to the Commission services concerned.

After consultation of the standing working group the Commission is now able to indicate that, henceforth,
these minutes will also be available to the Committee on Research, Technological development and Energy of
the Parliament.

(1999/C 320/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3500/98

by Bryan Cassidy (PPE) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Late payment of invoices submitted under the TACIS programme

1. What representations have been received from:

(a)

each national government?

(b) other national organisations in each EU country?

(c)

individual companies in each EU country?

about the late payment of invoices submitted under the TACIS scheme?

Could the Commission also provide a list, broken down by EU Member State, of the number of invoices

2.
that remain outstanding for payment to firms under TACIS for:

(a) 2 months?

(b) 4 months?

(c) 5 months?

(d) 6 months?

(e) 9 months?

(f) 1 year?

(g) 18 months?

(h) 2 years?

(i) more than 2 years?

3. What is the total sum outstanding for each category (a-i), and what action is being taken to resolve the
problem?

(1999/C 320/068)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3796/98

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Payments for projects undertaken as part of the TACIS programme

Can the Commission reassure me that their system for making payments in relation to TACIS projects is not in
breach of the Late Payments Directive?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3819/98 by Concepció FERRER Programmes and projects in the field of social policy in Catalonia
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, FERRER
Subjects: Catalonia, EU aid, EU financing, European Social Fund, fight against unemployment, integration into employment, rural development, social policy

12.11.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 325/29

(1999/C 325/034)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3815/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects in the field of agriculture in Catalonia

Bearing in mind the policy of transparency pursued by the Commission in relation to its spending, can the
Commission say what projects implemented in Catalonia benefitted from each type of aid available in the area
of agriculture and fisheries for the period 1994-99?

Can the Commission further specify what amounts were finally allocated to each of the above projects?

Supplementary answer
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(12 May 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question P-3790/98 (1).

(1) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999, p. 150.

(1999/C 325/035)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3819/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Programmes and projects in the field of social policy in Catalonia

Bearing in mind the policy of transparency pursued by the Commission in relation to its spending, can the
Commission say what projects implemented in Catalonia benefitted from each type of aid available in the area
of social policy for the period 1994-99?

Can the Commission further specify what amounts were finally allocated to each of the above projects?

Answer given by Mr Flynn On behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Objective 2 of the European Social Fund (ESF) covers areas seriously affected by industrial decline. The total
amount allocated to Catalonia under this Objective during the period 1994-1999 is €263 662 237.

Objective 3 combats long-term unemployment, facilitates the integration into working life of young people
and of persons at risk of exclusion from the labour market, and promotes equal opportunities for men and
women. The total amount allocated to Catalonia under this Objective during the period 1994-1999 is
€403 782 193.

Objective 4 helps workers adapt to industrial changes and to changes in production systems. The total amount
allocated to Catalonia under this Objective during the period 1994-1999 is €133 801 800.

Objective 5b covers the development and structural adjustment of rural areas. The total amount allocated to
Catalonia under this Objective during the period 1994-1999 is €23 850 154.

The total amount allocated for all Objectives during the period 1994-1999 is €825 096 384.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3832/98 by Paul RÜBIG to the Commission. Impact of international financial turmoil on the European steel market - training and further training
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, RUEBIG
Subjects: competitiveness, economic recession, import policy, in-service training, iron and steel industry, production improvement, protectionism, steel, technical education, vocational training













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91998E3832

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3832/98 by Paul RÜBIG to the Commission. Impact of international financial turmoil on the European steel market - training and further training  


Official Journal C 207 , 21/07/1999 P. 0132 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3832/98by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission(22 December 1998)Subject: Impact of international financial turmoil on the European steel market - training and further trainingThe international steel trade faces new challenges; three major regions of the world - Russia, South-East Asia and Latin America - are facing economic problems. The consequences of this are twofold: the shift in traditional trade flows has led to massive increases in imports into Europe, with a 520 % rise in imports from Asia and a 109 % rise in imports from the USA in 1998, and the concentration of markets has resulted in a fall in European exports, exacerbated by a tendency towards regional protectionism. European steel producers have so far coped successfully with this development. In future there will also be a need for targeted training and further training for workers in this sector.What is the Commission's assessment of the current level of training and the further training available in the steel sector? Where should efforts be stepped up in the future?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission(8 February 1999)The steel industry has experienced many crises over the last twenty years. It has had to make fairly drastic cuts to its labour force, while retraining the workers kept on, in line with ongoing technological progress. As a result, the whole of the present labour force is generally regarded as having a good level of technical training.Recent examinations of this issue, particularly within the industry itself, suggest that the competitiveness and hence the economic viability of undertakings depend less on the adoption of new production methods and the adaptation of workers to those methods than was previously the case, although both those measures remain necessary. The competitiveness of undertakings would appear to depend increasingly on changes to their internal organisation, based to some extent on workers' individual and collective adherence to a company plan.Without neglecting technical training, which remains necessary depending on the circumstances, undertakings must therefore, in their workforce training plans, take account of, and perhaps even give priority to, measures designed to make workers more versatile and more collectively and individually aware of their role in the company.