do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4070/98 by John CUSHNAHAN to the Commission. Misleading labelling
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: CUSHNAHAN, European Parliament
Subjects: Ireland, competence of the Member States, consumer protection, labelling, originating product, perishable goods

C 207/164

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

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

(16 February 1999)

The Commission is aware that the Czech Republic intended to increase import duties on Community pigmeat
to counter the negative impact on the Czech market of imports, in particular those from the Community. The
Commission had set refunds at a level designed to promote exports of pigmeat, primarily to Russia, in an
attempt to solve the problems on the Community pigmeat market, but this also led to an increase in exports to
the Czech Republic and other associated countries destabilising their pigmeat markets.

Other associated countries were planning similar measures. The Commission has had talks with the authorities
of the countries in question with a view to ensuring that they continue to respect the provisions of the Europe
Agreements. The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that, as a result of these consultations,
none of the countries in question have applied such measures.

(1999/C 207/227)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4070/98

by John Cushnahan (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Misleading labelling

Is the Commission aware that poultry/pigmeat products are being imported into Ireland in significant
numbers and are being passed off as Irish through inadequate and misleading labelling? Will the Commission
investigate this matter?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 1999)

The Commission has in its possession no information concerning the facts referred to by the Honourable
Member.

Article 2 of Council Directive 79/112/EEC of 18 december 1978 (1), on the labelling of foods specifies that
such labelling shall not mislead consumers, more particular as regards the origin or source of those foods. It is
for the inspection authorities in the Member States to comply with that provision. In this instance any inquiry
must therefore be conducted by the Irish inspection authorities.

(1) OJ L 33, 8.2.1979.

(1999/C 207/228)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4083/98

by Françoise Grossetête (PPE) to the Commission

(14 January 1999)

Subject: Network for the surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseases

In view of the European Parliament and Council decision of 24 September 1998 establishing a network for the
epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseases;

In view of the pilot scheme currently being funded by the Commission for an epidemiological surveillance
network for the epidemiological surveillance of alveolar hydatid disease, a parasitic disease transmitted
through food but also closely linked to environmental factors and water;

In view of the spread of this disease in France and Germany, its appearance in the Netherlands and the threat it
represents in the United Kingdom;
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3870/98 by Christoph KONRAD Independence of the European Central Bank
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, KONRAD
Subjects: European Central Bank, European System of Central Banks, administrative autonomy, central bank, decision-making body (EU), financial policy, monetary policy, monetary union, price stability













EUR-Lex - 91998E3870 - EN






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91998E3870

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3870/98 by Christoph KONRAD Independence of the European Central Bank  


Official Journal C 289 , 11/10/1999 P. 0100 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3870/98by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Council(4 January 1999)Subject: Independence of the European Central BankThe latest opinion polls in the countries participating in monetary union confirm a sharp rise in the population's confidence in the common European currency. One reason for this is the effort so far made to achieve and respect the convergence criteria, particularly price stability.Under Article 107 of the EC Treaty, the governments of the Member States undertake to respect the independence of the European Central Bank and of the national central banks and not to seek to influence the members of their decision-making bodies in the performance of their tasks. This independence secures the overriding objective of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB): maintaining price stability. The shaping of monetary policy is therefore the sole responsibility of the decision-making bodies of the ESCB which have undertaken that task.How does the Council plan to ensure, in the light of the most recent discussions, that the key Treaty provisions on safeguarding the independence of the ESCB are also respected in the future?Reply(29 March 1999)Article 107 of the Treaty establishing the European Community imposes the obligation on, inter alia, the Community institutions to respect the independence of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks.The Council intends to respect that obligation.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3990/98 by Frank VANHECKE to the Commission. Participation by European citizens in elections to the European Parliament in Member States whose nationality they do not possess
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, VANHECKE
Subjects: EC Directive, EU national, EU statistics, European Parliament, European election, application of EU law, residence, right to stand for election, right to vote

21.7.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 207/155

A contribution from the Commission may be obtained on presentation, by a European cooperation
2.
network consisting of partners from at least three countries eligible under the Raphael programme, of a project
for the study of the common problem evoked and the development of a common methodology for innovative
interventions which will serve as an example at a European scale and a case study. The closing date for
presenting projects is 26 March 1999.

(1) OJ C 342, 10.11.1998.

(1999/C 207/214)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3990/98

by Frank Vanhecke (NI) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Participation by European citizens in elections to the European Parliament in Member States whose

nationality they do not possess

In his answer to my Written Question E-3595/96 (1) Commissioner Monti said that the information requested
(my Written Question E-3314/95) (2) was still being collected in the Member States. The activities also had
been extended to include data on the first European Parliament elections in Sweden, Austria and Finland in the
report to Parliament and the Council.

Does the Commission now possess the statistics requested, broken down by nationality and by Member State?

What percentage of the persons in questions exercised their right to vote?

Has there been a previous report to Parliament and the Council? if so, where is it published?

(1) OJ C 217, 17.7.1997, p. 28.
(2) OJ C 91, 27.3.1996, p. 58.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1999)

All the information available to the Commission has been published in the report of 7 January 1998 from the
Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Directive 93/109/EC (1).

(1) COM(97) 731 final.

(1999/C 207/215)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3998/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Funding for groups of children from the Socrates programme

(5 January 1999)

The DIECEC network (Developing Intercultural Education through Cooperation between European Cities)
deals with the educational needs of disadvantaged groups of children; its activities have been funded hitherto
by the Socrates programme.

Following the recent revision of the Socrates programme, will the above network continue to be funded from
that programme?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3876/98 by Ernesto CACCAVALE Protectionism and barriers to free trade on the Italian digital television market
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: CACCAVALE, European Parliament
Subjects: Italy, dominant position, high-definition television, inter-company agreement, pay television, protectionism, restriction on competition, satellite communications

C 320/84

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

6.11.1999

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No E-3596/98 by
Mr Friedrich (1).

(1) OJ C 297, 15.10.1999, p. 84.

(1999/C 320/112)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3876/98

by Ernesto Caccavale (UPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Protectionism and barriers to free trade on the Italian digital television market

An outcry has been caused in Italy by the Murdoch television group’s entry onto the digital television market in
the form of the newly-established company News Corp Europe and the draft agreement between the new
company and Telecom Italia, which already has a presence on the market through its Stream company. The
Murdoch group’s new company would operate in Italy alongside the two existing structures: Telecom Italia,
with Stream, and Canal Plus, with Telepiù and D+.

The Italian Government’s reaction to the proposed agreement between Telecom Italia and Murdoch has been
extremely negative, since such a move would place the Italian partners in both structures in a subordinate
position.

The Communications Minister, Salvatore Cardinale, has expressed concern about Murdoch’s disproportionate
economic power and said that a period of ‘protectionism’ is required in order to enable Rai and Mediaset to
develop their own technologies and become competitive with the other international television groups.

Given the above, would the Commission:

@ check that the agreement between Telecom Italia and the Murdoch group company complies fully with

the rules on free competition;

@ establish whether the Italian Government’s ‘protectionist’ attitude is itself not in breach of European

competition rules, and state what action it intends to take should this prove to be the case.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

There are at present two digital pay-TV operators on the Italian market. Tele+ is controlled by Canal+ and
provides pay-TV services by satellite and microwave link. Stream, which is currently controlled by Telecom
Italia, provides cable and satellite services.

From a competition viewpoint, Tele+ occupies an undisputed dominant position in Italy, with over 90 % of the
pay-TV market. This is due to the fact that it began operating its pay-TV platform well before Stream and also
because it owns the most important broadcasting rights, such as those over films produced by the major US
studios and those over major sporting events.

The Commission is following closely developments on the market in view of the proposed link-up between the
Murdoch Group and Stream. It will continue to ensure that the Community rules are properly implemented.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3889/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. EU tropical forestry sourcebook
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: EU aid, EU publication, forest conservation, paper, recycled product, tropical forest

C 207/142

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

Reply

(9 March 1999)

The Honourable Member suggests devising a system that would permit the establishment of a European
Civilian Service; however, the Treaties do not give the European Union any powers to harmonise Member
States’ legal systems in this regard.

(1999/C 207/193)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3889/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: EU tropical forestry sourcebook

In November 1998, Members of the European Parliament received from the Commission a copy of a 400-page
sourcebook on EU aid to tropical forestry printed on art paper in A4 format.

Can the Commission confirm that the EU tropical forestry sourcebook was produced with recycled paper?

Does the Commission know how many trees were used to produce the entire edition of this publication?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 1999)

The ‘EU Tropical Forestry Sourcebook’, a joint publication of the Commission and the Overseas development
institute, was produced entirely from sylvan coat 8 a recycled paper.

It is not possible to calculate how many trees were used as recycled paper uses pulp in a way which makes it
very difficult to measure.

(1999/C 207/194)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3890/98

by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission

Subject: Action aimed at young people in the Mediterranean area

(4 January 1999)

In its reply to Written Question E-1253/98 (1), which was put to it in April 1998, the Commission stated that,
in connection with the Barcelona Conference, ‘a Euro-Mediterranean youth exchange programme should be
established’ and that ‘specific initiatives for youth will be put forward shortly.’

Would the Commission say what measures it has launched thus far, given its statement to the effect that such
activities might be introduced in 1998?

(1) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998, p. 100.

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

On 27 October 1998 the Commission approved the setting-up of the Euro-Mediterranean youth action
programme. This programme will receive EUR 6 million in MEDA funds over two years to finance youth
exchanges, the integration of young people in social and professional life and the democratisation of civil
society in the Mediterranean partner countries. It is also aimed at fostering citizenship among young people in
their local communities and actively involving young people and their organisations in enhancing the
employability of the young people concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4045/98 by Nelly MAES to the Commission. Activities of the European information outlets financed under budget line B3-301
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, MAES
Subjects: Belgium, EU financing, EU initiative, access to EU information, information, information network

C 297/126

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

15.10.1999

(1999/C 297/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4044/98

by Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NG) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: ERDF funding for the Lorca-Águilas trunk road in the Spanish region of Murcia

The Lorca-Águilas trunk road in the Spanish region of Murcia is being partly financed by ERDF funding.
Section I of the road (0-3,8 km) has yet to be completed, although work apparently started on it recently.

Does the Commission know that the construction of this section was held up because of an adverse

1.
environmental impact assessment?

Does the Commission know whether changes were made subsequently to enable a favourable

2.
environmental impact assessment to be made?

3.
Does the Commission consider that the construction of this section complies with European environ-
mental provisions, in particular Directive 85/337/EEC (1) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment?

Can the Commission supply information on progress made in the construction of the section of the road

4.
in question?

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.

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

(21 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 297/173)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4045/98

by Nelly Maes (V) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Activities of the European information outlets financed under budget line B3-301

On 15 December 1998 Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control agreed to the transfer of appropriations
amounting to ECU 3 million to budget line B3-301: Information outlets. During the 1998 financial year some
ECU 13,5 million has been included in the budget under this item.

The three main objectives of this budget line are:

< to help finance information and documentation outlets for the public at large in collaboration with the

national authorities;

< to help finance a total of 500 initiatives, including rural information forums, the European Documenta-
tion Centres, the Info Points, reference collections in national libraries and the forums for sustainable
development;

< to finance information campaigns by the International Federation of Europe Houses (of which there are

100 throughout Europe).

1.
Can the Commission provide a detailed breakdown of all initiatives financed in Belgian under this budget
line, stating the persons and/or groups who have received financial aid, what was subsidised (leaflets, staff,
information material, the policy areas covered) and the addresses where the partners subsidised carry out their
activities?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3895/98 by Karl-Heinz FLORENZ to the Commission. Directive 81/851/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, FLORENZ
Subjects: approximation of laws, equidae, horsemeat, human nutrition, veterinary drug, veterinary legislation













EUR-Lex - 91998E3895 - EN






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91998E3895

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3895/98 by Karl-Heinz FLORENZ to the Commission. Directive 81/851/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products  


Official Journal C 142 , 21/05/1999 P. 0156 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3895/98by Karl-Heinz Florenz (PPE) to the Commission(4 January 1999)Subject: Directive 81/851/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal productsDoes the Commission share the view that Directive 81/851/EEC(1) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products needs amending in order to ensure that medicinal products may be administered to animals which are of minor importance in the food chain (in this instance, horses), should such treatment be the only treatment possible, although those products are not authorised for those animals?Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission(25 January 1999)The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question 1495/98 by Mr Kindermann(2).(1) OJ L 317, 6.11.1981, p. 1.(2) OJ C 31, 5.2.1999, p. 42.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3974/98 by Frédéric STRIBY Areas eligible for Objective 2 funding
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, STRIBY
Subjects: France, State aid, Structural Funds, eligibility criteria, eligible region, regional aid, regional policy, town and country planning













EUR-Lex - 91998E3974 - EN






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91998E3974

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3974/98 by Frédéric STRIBY Areas eligible for Objective 2 funding  


Official Journal C 325 , 12/11/1999 P. 0044 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3974/98by Frédéric Striby (I-EDN) to the Commission(4 January 1999)Subject: Areas eligible for Objective 2 fundingAgainst the backdrop of the future enlargement towards the East, the Structural Fund reform being implemented by the Commission and the reform of the French Government's regional aid measures will bring about major changes in the way European funds are allocated to various areas.Given the Commission's desire to concentrate structural operations, some areas run the risk of not being declared eligible for the regional planning grant (PAT) by the French Government, which would decrease the likelihood of their being eligible for funding under the future Objective 2. This would lead to imbalances between regions and would be a severe blow to a pro-active regional planning policy.Would the Commission not agree that it should increase the margin for manoeuvre by 2 % so as to enable areas not covered by regional aid measures to become eligible for Objective 2 funding?Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission(3 March 1999)The communication from the Commission to the Member States on the links between regional and competition policy(1), adopted on 17 March 1998, called for consistency between the two policies to be reinforced. The Commission believes that national measures and Community structural measures should be directed at the regions and areas which are most in need.It will be principally for each Member State to ensure consistency between the map of areas which are eligible under Objective 2 and the map of areas which qualify for national regional aid under Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.The Commission considers that the possibility of proposing, under Objective 2, areas which are not covered by the exceptions provided for in Article 92(3)(c) and containing overall not more than 2 % of the national population not covered by Objective 1 gives each Member State sufficient flexibility.However, it should be borne in mind that this question is being discussed in the negotiations which are taking place on the legislation contained in the Agenda 2000 package. The final outcome will not be known until these negotiations have been concluded and the new regulations have been formally adopted.(1) OJ C 90, 26.3.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3890/98 by Odile LEPERRE-VERRIER to the Commission. Action aimed at young people in the Mediterranean area
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, LEPERRE-VERRIER
Subjects: EU financing, Mediterranean third countries, action programme, democratisation, integration into employment, social integration, voluntary military service, young person, youth exchange scheme, youth movement

C 207/142

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

Reply

(9 March 1999)

The Honourable Member suggests devising a system that would permit the establishment of a European
Civilian Service; however, the Treaties do not give the European Union any powers to harmonise Member
States’ legal systems in this regard.

(1999/C 207/193)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3889/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: EU tropical forestry sourcebook

In November 1998, Members of the European Parliament received from the Commission a copy of a 400-page
sourcebook on EU aid to tropical forestry printed on art paper in A4 format.

Can the Commission confirm that the EU tropical forestry sourcebook was produced with recycled paper?

Does the Commission know how many trees were used to produce the entire edition of this publication?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 1999)

The ‘EU Tropical Forestry Sourcebook’, a joint publication of the Commission and the Overseas development
institute, was produced entirely from sylvan coat 8 a recycled paper.

It is not possible to calculate how many trees were used as recycled paper uses pulp in a way which makes it
very difficult to measure.

(1999/C 207/194)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3890/98

by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission

Subject: Action aimed at young people in the Mediterranean area

(4 January 1999)

In its reply to Written Question E-1253/98 (1), which was put to it in April 1998, the Commission stated that,
in connection with the Barcelona Conference, ‘a Euro-Mediterranean youth exchange programme should be
established’ and that ‘specific initiatives for youth will be put forward shortly.’

Would the Commission say what measures it has launched thus far, given its statement to the effect that such
activities might be introduced in 1998?

(1) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998, p. 100.

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

On 27 October 1998 the Commission approved the setting-up of the Euro-Mediterranean youth action
programme. This programme will receive EUR 6 million in MEDA funds over two years to finance youth
exchanges, the integration of young people in social and professional life and the democratisation of civil
society in the Mediterranean partner countries. It is also aimed at fostering citizenship among young people in
their local communities and actively involving young people and their organisations in enhancing the
employability of the young people concerned.