do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4017/98 by David HALLAM to the Commission. Discrimination against rural areas in the telecommunications industry
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, HALLAM
Subjects: United Kingdom, economic discrimination, monopoly, rural region, tariff policy, telecommunications













EUR-Lex - 91998E4017 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91998E4017

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4017/98 by David HALLAM to the Commission. Discrimination against rural areas in the telecommunications industry  


Official Journal C 297 , 15/10/1999 P. 0122 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-4017/98by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission(8 January 1999)Subject: Discrimination against rural areas in the telecommunications industryIs the Commission aware that, in the United Kingdom, the largest telecommunications company, British Telecom, has recently introduced what appears to be a discriminatory price differentiation for services provided to businesses located more than 25 kilometres from one of their fourteen service centres? Does the Commission plan to take any action to prevent such discrimination by monopoly undertakings against already disadvantaged rural areas?Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission(16 February 1999)Condition 17 of the British Telecom (BT) licence prohibits undue preference and undue discrimination. Users who claim to be suffering from undue discrimination in relation to any tariff can therefore submit their case to the Office of telecommunications (OFTEL) which has the power to investigate and where necessary enforce BT's licence conditions.Given the existence of this national procedure, and in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission does not intend to start an own-initiative inquiry regarding the practice described.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 37/1999 of 8 January 1999 fixing the standard fee per farm return for the 1999 accounting year of the farm accountancy data network
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU aid, farm accountancy data network, farm income, farm return, farmer

9. 1. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 5/61

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 37/1999

of 8 January 1999

fixing the standard fee per farm return for the 1999 accounting year of the farm
accountancy data network

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation No 79/65/EEC of
15 June 1965 setting up a network for the collection of
accountancy data on the incomes and business operating
of agricultural holdings
in the European Economic
Community (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
1256/97 (2), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No
1915/83 of 13 July 1983 on certain detailed implementa-
tion rules concerning the keeping of accounts for the
purpose of determining the incomes of agricultural hold-
ings (3) provides that a standard fee shall be fixed to be
paid by the Commission to the Member States for each
farm return completed;

Whereas Commission Regulation (EC) No 22/98 (4) fixes
the standard fee for the 1998 accounting year at ECU 126
per farm return;

Whereas the trend in costs and its effects on the cost of
completing the farm return do not justify a revision of the
fee;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are
in accordance with the opinion of
the Community
Committee on the Farm Accountancy Data Network,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard fee paid by the Commission to Member
States for each duly completed farm return is hereby fixed
at EUR 126 for the 1999 accounting year.

Article 2

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

It shall apply for the 1999 accounting year.

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

Done at Brussels, 8 January 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ 109, 23. 6. 1965, p. 1859/65.
(2) OJ L 174, 2. 7. 1997, p. 7.
(3) OJ L 190, 14. 7. 1983, p. 25.
(4) OJ L 4, 8. 1. 1998, p. 47.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 42/1999 of 8 January 1999 fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain, medium grain and long grain a rice in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2564/98
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: CCT duties, import, raw sugar, representative price, sugar, white sugar

L 5/68

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

9. 1. 1999

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 42/1999

of 8 January 1999

fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain, medium grain
and long grain A rice in connection with the invitation to tender issued in
Regulation (EC) No 2564/98

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of
22 December 1995 on the common organisation of the
market in rice (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
2072/98 (2), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

Whereas an invitation to tender for the export refund on
rice was issued pursuant to Commission Regulation (EC)
No 2564/98 (3);

Whereas Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No
584/75 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 299/
95 (5), allows the Commission to fix, in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 22 of Regulation (EC)
No 3072/95 and on the basis of the tenders submitted, a
maximum export
this
maximum, the criteria provided for in Article 13 of Regu-
lation (EC) No 3072/95 must be taken into account;
whereas a contract is awarded to any tenderer whose
tender is equal to or less than the maximum export
refund;

refund; whereas

in fixing

Whereas the application of the abovementioned criteria
to the current market situation for the rice in question
results in the maximum export refund being fixed at the
amount specified in Article 1;

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The maximum export refund on wholly milled round
grain, medium grain and long grain A rice to be exported
to certain third countries pursuant to the invitation to
tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2564/98 is hereby
fixed on the basis of the tenders submitted from 4 to 7
January 1999 at EUR 100,00 per tonne.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 9 January 1999.

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

Done at Brussels, 8 January 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30. 12. 1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 265, 30. 9. 1998, p. 4.
(3) OJ L 320, 28. 11. 1998, p. 43.
(4) OJ L 61, 7. 3. 1975, p. 25.
(5) OJ L 35, 15. 2. 1995, p. 8.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4030/98 by Honório NOVO to the Commission. Checks on the ban on the production and use of animal feed derived from cattle
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, NOVO
Subjects: EU Member State, Portugal, United Kingdom, animal disease, animal nutrition, meat product

15.10.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 297/123

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(16 February 1999)

Condition 17 of the British Telecom (BT) licence prohibits undue preference and undue discrimination. Users
who claim to be suffering from undue discrimination in relation to any tariff can therefore submit their case to
the Office of telecommunications (OFTEL) which has the power to investigate and where necessary enforce
BT’s licence conditions.

Given the existence of this national procedure, and in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission
does not intend to start an own-initiative inquiry regarding the practice described.

(1999/C 297/167)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4024/98

by Ben Fayot (PSE) to the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Subject: Adverse effect of distortion of competition on Luxembourgish SMEs

In 1997 new administrative and financial obstacles were erected in Germany, the result of which is that
Luxembourgish craft enterprises seeking to trade in Germany are exposed to distortion of competition.

For example, the German law on the posting of workers (1997) obliges Luxembourgish construction firms
operating in Germany to transfer 14,25 % of gross wages paid in Germany during the period of posting as
holiday pay to a German fund, although there are comparable obligations in Luxembourg, the posting country
(statutory holiday and obligatory holiday pay amounting to 11,77 % of gross pay). This double burden on
Luxembourgish firms is a violation of the rules of competition applying in the Infernal Market and it represents
a sealing off of the German market.

Does the Commission intend to defend vigorously the rules of the Internal Market in this instance, and to work
towards a situation where Luxembourgish and other European firms engaged in the construction trade in
Germany are freed from this additional burden?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 1999)

The honourable Member is referred to the Commission’s answer to Written Question E-3110/98 put by
Ms Reding (1). The Commission also wishes to point out that it served formal notice on the German
Government in November 1998.

(1) OJ C 135, 14.5.1999, p. 168.

(1999/C 297/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4030/98

by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Subject: Checks on the ban on the production and use of animal feed derived from cattle

From 1 January 1999 there will be an EU-wide ban on the production and use of animal feed made from any
substance and/or by-product originating in cattle.

However, it will still be possible to use animal feed (except for the feeding of cattle) made from substances
and/or by-products originating in other animals (pigs or fowl).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4034/98 by Undine-Uta BLOCH von BLOTTNITZ Support for extensive farming
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: BLOCH VON BLOTTNITZ, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, EU programme, agricultural structure, aid system, common agricultural policy, environmental protection, extensive farming, laying poultry, less-favoured agricultural area













EUR-Lex - 91998E4034 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91998E4034

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4034/98 by Undine-Uta BLOCH von BLOTTNITZ Support for extensive farming  


Official Journal C 289 , 11/10/1999 P. 0116 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-4034/98by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission(8 January 1999)Subject: Support for extensive farming1. What programmes are available in the European Union to support extensive farming?2. Are there any examples of support for projects concerned with flow pen systems for laying hens and, if so, what projects, when were they carried out and what was the level of EU funding?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission(11 February 1999)1. The common agricultural policy plays an important role in supporting marginal areas which are frequently characterised by extensive farming methods. Livestock premiums and, to a certain extent, compensatory allowances for farmers in less-favoured areas contribute significantly towards ensuring the viability and continuation of farming in such areas. The common organisation of markets specifically includes an additional extensification premium for cattle herds with a maximum density of 1,4 livestock units (LUs) per hectare, as well as the requirement for a maximum density of 2,0 LUs per hectare for premiums to be granted. However, particularly under agri-environmental programmes (Council Regulation (EEC) 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside(1)) Member States are encouraged to devise measures designed to promote extensive production which is beneficial to the environment, in order either to sustain existing extensive methods or to provide incentives for reducing livestock density. Evaluation has shown that Member States' programmes focus mainly on the latter type of measure.2. Regulation (EC) 950/97 on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures(2) provides for farmers to be granted investment aid for improving animal welfare in the egg and poultry sector, provided that there is no increase in capacity. Such aid is subject to the general requirements and aid ceilings stipulated in the Regulation. However, since it is for Member States to decide - in the light of their priorities - whether to grant this form of aid and for their authorities to approve individual applications, the Commission does not have information on funding for projects relating to flow pen systems for laying hens.(1) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.(2) OJ L 142, 2.6.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4026/98 by Mihail PAPAYANNAKIS Skhinias and the 2004 Olympic Games
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, PAPAYANNAKIS
Subjects: Greece, Olympic games, biotope, environmental impact, environmental protection, humid zone, impact study, protected area, protection of animal life, public works













EUR-Lex - 91998E4026 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91998E4026

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4026/98 by Mihail PAPAYANNAKIS Skhinias and the 2004 Olympic Games  


Official Journal C 289 , 11/10/1999 P. 0114 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-4026/98by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission(8 January 1999)Subject: Skhinias and the 2004 Olympic GamesAs work progresses on completing the facilities for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the threats to the environment and potential breaches of Community environmental legislation are becoming more apparent. In reply to a previous question, E-3097/97(1), the Commission gave assurances that it would monitor the relevant matters so that such problems did not arise.Will the Commission now consider the issue of the protected wetland at Skhinias, where there are plans to set up a rowing course with facilities for spectators etc. for the 2004 Games? Reliable sources of information claim that Skhinias is to be designated a "natural park" which will coincidentally(?) also incorporate these facilities. Is it possible to effect such a change without infringing Community legislation?Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission(23 February 1999)The Schinias wetland has not been classified as a special protection area under Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(2), nor as an important bird area. The site is not included either in the list of sites of Community importance communicated by the Hellenic authorities to the Commission under the provisions of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(3), for future inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. Although Schinias is listed in the relevant scientific inventory, hosting in particular several priority habitat types, no evidence exists at the moment of insufficient representation of those habitat types in the Greek national list which could justify the future addition of that site in the list of sites of Community importance.In the light of the above, Community nature protection legislation is not involved in this case. In any event, the Commission can only confirm the obligation for Member States to correctly implement all related Community legislation, including Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(4).(1) OJ C 117, 16.4.1998, p. 151.(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.(3) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.(4) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4022/98 by José BARROS MOURA EU- Switzerland negotiations
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: BARROS MOURA, European Parliament
Subjects: Switzerland, agreement (EU), free movement of persons, free movement of workers, international negotiations, international transport, single market, social security, unemployment insurance













EUR-Lex - 91998E4022 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91998E4022

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4022/98 by José BARROS MOURA EU- Switzerland negotiations  


Official Journal C 320 , 06/11/1999 P. 0109 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-4022/98by José Barros Moura (PSE) to the Commission(8 January 1999)Subject: EU-Switzerland negotiationsIn view of the news which has recently been released concerning the stage reached in the EU-Switzerland negotiations on the application of the rules governing the single market (in particular, those relating to transport), and having regard to the importance of the free movement of workers, would the Commission say what progress has been made and what differences remain, with particular reference to social security and, especially, unemployment benefit?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission(8 February 1999)The negotiations between the Community and Switzerland have led to the conclusion of a draft agreement concerning freedom of movement of people. This draft agreement will considerably improve the rights of Union citizens working in Switzerland and will ultimately lead to full freedom of movement of workers as guaranteed between the Member States. However, during an interim period, some limitations will still be applicable.In the field of social security, Union citizens will in general benefit from the same advantages as provided by Regulations (EEC) 1408/71 and No 574/72 (see proposal for a Council regulation (EC) 1408/71 as regards its extension to nationals of third countries(1)) as these Regulations will be incorporated in the agreement. Community rules regarding entitlement to unemployment benefits will also apply with only one exception during the interim period. For workers who have worked in Switzerland for less than one year, periods of employment in other Member States will not be aggregated to overcome the waiting period (six months) for entitlement to Swiss unemployment benefits.(1) OJ C 6, 10.1.1998.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 34/1999 of 8 January 1999 fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled medium round grain and long grain a rice in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2565/98
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, rice

9. 1. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 5/55

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 34/1999

of 8 January 1999

fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled medium round grain and
long grain A rice in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation
(EC) No 2565/98

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of
22 December 1995 on the common organisation of the
market in rice (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
2072/98 (2), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

Whereas an invitation to tender for the export refund on
rice was issued pursuant to Commission Regulation (EC)
No 2565/98 (3);

Whereas Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No
584/75 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 299/
95 (5), allows the Commission to fix, in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 22 of Regulation (EC)
No 3072/95 and on the basis of the tenders submitted, a
maximum export
this
maximum, the criteria provided for in Article 13 of Regu-
lation (EC) No 3072/95 must be taken into account;
whereas a contract is awarded to any tenderer whose
tender is equal to or less than the maximum export
refund;

refund; whereas

in fixing

Whereas the application of the abovementioned criteria
to the current market situation for the rice in question
results in the maximum export refund being fixed at the
amount specified in Article 1;

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The maximum export refund on wholly milled medium
round grain and long grain A rice to be exported to
certain third countries of Europe pursuant to the invita-
tion to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2565/98 is
hereby fixed on the basis of the tenders submitted from 4
to 7 January 1999 at EUR 104,00 per tonne.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 9 January 1999.

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

Done at Brussels, 8 January 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30. 12. 1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 265, 30. 9. 1998, p. 4.
(3) OJ L 320, 28. 11. 1998, p. 46.
(4) OJ L 61, 7. 3. 1975, p. 25.
(5) OJ L 35, 15. 2. 1995, p. 8.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4038/98 by Wilfried TELKÄMPER to the Commission. Risks posed by EDF's nuclear power station at Fessenheim on the Upper Rhine in Alsace
Date: 1999-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, TELKAEMPER
Subjects: Alsace, nuclear power station, nuclear reactor, nuclear safety, public safety

15.10.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 297/125

(1999/C 297/170)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4035/98

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission

Subject: Dolphins kept in dolphinariums

(8 January 1999)

Dolphins are kept and put on show in numerous recreational and leisure parks, and also in zoos.

How does the Commission guarantee that these animals are kept in natural conditions?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 1999)

The import of dolphins is regulated in Council Regulation (EC) 338/97 on the protection of species of wild
fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (1). As all cetacean species are listed in Annex A to the Regulation,
dolphins cannot be imported for primarily commercial purposes. In addition, a Member State’s scientific
authority must be satisfied that the intended accommodation is equipped to conserve and care for the animal
properly. The authorised location will be prescribed in the import permit and any movement from that
location requires prior authorisation.

(1) OJ L 61, 3.3.1997.

(1999/C 297/171)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4038/98

by Wilfried Telkämper (V) to the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Subject: Risks posed by EDF’s nuclear power station at Fessenheim on the Upper Rhine in Alsace

On 11 December 1998 the second generating unit of the Fessenheim nuclear power station had to be shut
down because of deformation of a flexible metal bellows in the cooling system. The first unit was shut down
in August 1998 for the same reason.

What information does the Commission have of the nature, extent and impact of the incident at the
Fessenheim power station and does it see a need for an inspection of the power station and the security system
by an independent expert institution to provide the public in Switzerland, Germany and France with adequate
protection against any risk?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(15 February 1999)

On 11 December 1998, during restart operations in Unit 1 at the Fessenheim power plant, deformation of the
flexible metal bellows was noted in the spray cooling system for the containment. It was decided to replace
those bellows. Investigations were immediately carried out on the counterparts in Unit 2, where the same type
of deformation was identified. Therefore, as a precautionary measure in compliance with the safety rules the
power plant’s management decided to shut Unit 2 down for the necessary work to be carried out. The repairs
proceeded according to plan, thus enabling Unit 2 to be restarted on 28 December and the start-up operations
for Unit 1to be reinitiated. Unit 1 should restart around mid-January.

The French safety authorities are responsible for licensing the nuclear power installations and for compliance
with the safety requirements and practices applying in France.