do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1490/99 by Pat GALLAGHER The new EQUAL Community initiative
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, GALLAGHER PAT
Subjects: EU initiative, worker with disabilities

C 27 E/94

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.1.2000

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(7 October 1999)

One of the aims of developing the trans-European transport network is to use the existing waterways in
order to build up a consistent, interoperable and economically and ecologically rational network of inland
waterways which will enable these to provide a cheap, safe and environmentally-friendly form of transport
in an optimum manner.

Moreover, inland waterways perform multiple functions, in addition to that of transport, such as water-
borne tourism, regional planning, water management (irrigation, drinking water and groundwater replen-
ishment) apart from that of (cid:145)heritage(cid:146) (Canal du Midi
in France, boat lifts on the Canal du Centre in
Belgium). These are both factors that the Commission is attempting to include in its various areas of
thinking, such as those relating to infrastructure charges.

Against
highlighting the part played by waterways, including the World Canals Conference.

this backdrop the Commission is noting, with interest,

the outcome of the various events

(2000/C 27 E/115)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1489/99

by Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Radiation from office computers

The Commission will be aware of new research which suggests that office computers are capable of
making office workers sick by flooding their bodies with harmful radiation but that a new device can be
installed on top of computer screens which is designed to counter the effects of such radiation.

How does the Commission, therefore, intend to respond to the conclusion that low frequency magnetic
fields account for over a third of sick building syndrome?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1999)

In June, 1998 the Commission presented a proposal for a Council recommendation (1) on the limitation of
exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. This was adopted by the Council on 8 June
1999 (2).

This text takes account of the scientific opinion of the International commission on non-ionising radiation,
supported by the Commission(cid:146)s scientific steering committee.

The results of ongoing and future research in this area will be considered in the context of the reporting
procedure provided in this text.

(1) COM(99) 247 final.
(2) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.

(2000/C 27 E/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1490/99

by Pat Gallagher (UEN) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: The new EQUAL Community initiative

Under the new Structural Fund proposals, the existing ADAPT and Employment initiatives are to be
replaced with a single initiative to be called EQUAL.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1497/99 by Hans KRONBERGER Groups hiring out mercenaries
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, KRONBERGER
Subjects: common foreign and security policy, mercenary

C 27 E/98

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.1.2000

(2000/C 27 E/121)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1497/99

by Hans Kronberger (NI) to the Council

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Groups hiring out mercenaries

There have recently been increasingly frequent reports of groups hiring out mercenaries, usually from
Europe and mainly to Africa, but also to other theatres of war.

1.

2.

3.

Is the Council aware of these activities?

Does the Council see action to combat such groups as a task to be performed at Union level?

Has the Council already taken steps to prevent such machinations? If so, what steps? If not, why not?

Reply

(22 October 1999)

The Council has taken note of the numerous reports of foreign mercenaries of different nationalities in
countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Angola and in the Western Balkans.

The Council expressed its position on foreign mercenaries in particular in its Conclusions on Prevention
and Resolution of Conflicts in Africa of 2 June 1997, in which Member States have committed themselves
to study the possibility of taking further measures to restrain their citizens from acting as mercenaries in
violent conflicts.

(2000/C 27 E/122)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1499/99

by Hans Kronberger (NI) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Authorisation to market Austrian products in Italy

Time and again Austrian manufacturers of technical products encounter problems when exporting their
goods to Italy. These problems are due to the delay in obtaining authorisation to market these products in
Italy. (This may in fact constitute an insurmountable barrier to market access for manufacturers who, being
of a typically Austrian size, do not have the financial resources to see such lengthy and expensive
procedures through.)

It takes Austrian manufacturers of trailers for transporting semi-liquid manure, for example, excessive time
and effort to obtain certificates of roadworthiness for their products in Italy. As this measure has the same
impact as quantitative restrictions, it has an adverse effect on the free movement of goods within the
Union.

Please indicate:

1.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

2. Has it already taken action to prevent it, and if so, what action?

3. Or does it intend to do so?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1528/99 by Monica FRASSONI Waste tip in Dos Aguas, Valencia (Spain)
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, FRASSONI Monica
Subjects: Spain, application of EU law, environmental impact, waste management, water pollution

29.1.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 27 E/111

The Commission has not considered until now the creation of a rapid environmental intervention body.
However, in the Commission communication on implementing Community environmental law of October
1996 (3), several mechanisms to improve effective implementation were envisaged such as guidelines on
minimum criteria for environmental inspections (the Parliament gave its opinion on 16 September 1999
to a proposal
for a Parliament and Council recommendation providing for minimum criteria for
inspections in the Member States (4)) and the setting up of complaints mechanisms at
environmental
Member States(cid:146) level, together with improved access to justice in environmental matters. This latter issue is
being considered in the broader context of the ratification of the Aarhus Convention.

(1) OJ C 341, 29.11.1999.
(2) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999.
(3) COM(96) 500 final.
(4) COM(98) 772.

(2000/C 27 E/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1527/99

by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Position of the Somalia people in Somalia

What steps is the Commission taking to promote creative solutions to the problem which will:

a)

b)

allow for nominal inclusion of Somalia within the ACP group of countries, with a provision for formal
accession should a recognised government emerge? and

allow European Development Funds to be channelled to the Somali people in the absence of a
recognised government?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 1999)

In order to ensure nominal inclusion of Somalia within the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of
countries, a special article (364a) for Somalia was included in the last LomØ convention, allowing it to
accede to the convention at the request of a new government (should this emerge) and after a decision of
the Council of Ministers.

In the absence of a recognized government, the balance remaining (47 million €) on the European
development fund (EDF) 5 and 6 was combined for Somalia(cid:146)s second rehabilitation programme. As these
funds have all been committed now, a 15 % ceiling increase has been requested (7 million €) for further
funding. All projects are being implemented by non-governmental organisations and United Nations
organisations. The Commission also manages Italian cofinancing and administers humanitarian aid.

(2000/C 27 E/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1528/99

by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Waste tip in Dos Aguas, Valencia (Spain)

(1 September 1999)

In September 1998 a large-scale waste tip was opened in Dos Aguas, a village in Valencia near the river
Jœcar. The waste tip is situated in a natural ravine on a 35 % gradient, only 400 metres from the river and
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1451/99 by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission. Financing of projects in Ischia (Italy).
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Regional Development Fund, Italy, freshwater, harbour installation, town and country planning, transport infrastructure

C 219 E/2

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

1.8.2000

Furthermore, also in the framework of the Phare programme, more than € 1 million have been allocated
to support the nuclear security authority in Slovenia, notably to transfer methodologies and procedures
from Community nuclear safety regulators. A technical support to the Slovenian nuclear safety authority to
review the results of the seismic analysis of the Krsko plant is also foreseen.

(1) COM(98) 134 final.

(2000/C 219 E/002)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1451/99

by Herbert B(cid:246)sch (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Financing of projects in Ischia (Italy)

Three projects on Ischia (cid:129) two in the port of Ischia and one to do with the untapped medicinal spring of
Nitrodi outside the town of Ischia (cid:129) are to be supported by the European Union.

Construction has not yet started.

1.

In what form are these projects being supported by the European Union?

2. How is the overfall financing being planned and what system will be used for the breakdown of

funding between the EU and the region?

3. What is the timescale envisaged for completion of these projects?

Supplementary answer
by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1999)

According to information from the Italian authorities, these projects are being part-financed by the
European Regional Development Fund under the operational programme (cid:145)Development of sustainable
tourism in the Objective 1 regions(cid:146) for the current programming period 1994-1999. Implementation of
the programme is the responsibility of the department of Tourism, which reports to the Prime Minister(cid:146)s
Office.

The Community is contributing 50 % of the total cost of the works for each project, the final date for the
commitment of resources is 31 December 1999 and the final date for payments is 31 December 2001.

Part-financing for the four projects concerning the port of Ischia totals EUR 2,5 million (ITL 4 882 million)
and that for development of the spa at Nitrodi totals EUR 691 000 (ITL 1 337 million).

Work on these projects should be complete by December 2000.

(2000/C 219 E/003)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1453/99

by Christa Kla(cid:223) (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Commission supply contracts in the area of internal logistics

The Commission is making efforts to cut costs for the provision of materials in the internal sector,
essentially through the centralised selection of a number of large suppliers and by concluding long-term
contracts.

Is the Commission aware that this results in small, and medium-sized enterprises being excluded from the
award of contents and new firms having little prospect of being considered for future contracts.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1409/99 by Glyn FORD Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, FORD
Subjects: EU Member State, countryside conservation, life sciences

29.1.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 27 E/53

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 1999)

The Commission considers that job sharing can be a very useful means of improving flexibility and
reconciling work and family life. In general, it is important, however, that the arrangements are voluntary
and that all the parties concerned are fully committed and flexible enough to make the system work. In
these circumstances,
the Commission does not consider that a Community directive to require the
introduction of compulsory job-sharing schemes would be appropriate. It does, however, consider that it
would be appropriate for Member States to examine their laws and other regulatory provisions to ensure
that they do not inhibit the development of job sharing arrangements, provided that adequate security
continues to be provided to the workers concerned. This would be consistent with the 1999 Employment
Guidelines (Guideline 17).

(2000/C 27 E/062)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1409/99

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Can the Commission indicate what percentage of its land each of the fifteen Member States currently
designates as worthy of conservation and therefore of listing as Sites of Special Scientific Interest?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(10 September 1999)

The Honourable Member asked the Commission what percentage of
their land the Member States
designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. However, while that classification is used in the United
Kingdom, it does not exist under Community law.

On the other hand the Commission publishes a (cid:145)NaturabaromŁtre(cid:146) stating the percentage of the land
surface of each Member State that is proposed under the Community Birds and Habitats Directives, namely
Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (1), and Council Directive
92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2).

This (cid:145)NaturabaromŁtre(cid:146) is updated every 4 months. It is published in the free information bulletin entitled
(cid:145)Natura 2000(cid:146) and is available on website http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg11/nature/natura.htm.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.
(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2000/C 27 E/063)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1410/99

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Licensing of children(cid:146)s entertainers

Will the Commission please indicate what legislation exists within the EU governing the licensing and
training of children(cid:146)s entertainers, and whether such persons are required to bring safety equipment with
them to performances? Are they also required to insure themselves to at least a minimum level?
Information from the Commission - Nomination of members of the Committee on Commerce and Distribution
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: appointment of staff, committee (EU), distributive trades

1.9.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 248/3

Nomination of members of the Committee on Commerce and Distribution

(1999/C 248/03)

The Committee on Commerce and Distribution was instituted by Commission Decision 81/428/EEC of 20
May 1981 (1), as amended by the Act of Accession in respect of Spain and Portugal (2) and the Decision of
the Council of the European Union of 1 January 1995 adjusting the instruments concerning the accession
of new Member States to the European Union (3).

By decision of 27 July 1999 the Commission appointed the following as Members of the Committee from
1 October 1999 for a period of two years:

D. ARMENAKIS

M. BAXEBANIS

A. BAY PETERSEN

A. BERGLUND

S. E. BERGSTR(cid:214)M

J. BERTELSEN

G. BONETTI

P. BRACKEN

R. R. BRINKMAN

M. CAMPILLI

M. DE LIMA AMORIM

J. M. DE MINGO CONTRERAS

J. DEMESMACRE

J. DERMAGNE

P. DETTMANN

D. DIMITRIADIS

A. DONNAN

G. DUMONTANT

F. ERNSTER

K. FEINEN

J. F. FERREIRA SINDE MONTEIR

R. FORESI

A. FREI

N. FRIOB

L. GERLI

M. HOWARD

A. H(cid:220)NERBEIN

J. L. INVERNO PEREIRA

S. JANSON

P. KARELLAS

J. P. KARELSE

J. KUISMA

P. LAGACHE

EL
EL
DK
S
FIN
DK
I
IRL
D
I
P
E
B
F
S
EL
IRL
F
L
D
P
I
B
L
I
IRL
D
P
S
EL
NL
FIN
F

R. L˜HTEENM˜KI

J. I. LAMATA COTANDA

E. LEMLER

P. LLORENS LORENTE

E. MADEIRA LOPES

P. MANN

N. MATTHEWS

M. MICMACHER

L. MORGANTI

G. PEDRELLI

J. L. P(cid:201)REZ DE ARRILUCEA Y REVUELTA

G. PRAAST

P. RABIT

L. F. ROSEL CASTELLANOS

M. ROUGE

M. RYCKEN

M. SANDSTR(cid:214)M

U. SCHILLERT

J. SCHIRAK

P. SJ(cid:214)QVIST

P. SLAGMULDER

W. STIFT

K. TAMLIN

C. VAN DEN BROEK

R. VAN DER GEEST

R. VAXELAIRE

J. VOSE

A. WICHTL

P. WILHELM

R. WILLIAMS

T. WILSON

R. D. WOLF

FIN
E
A
E
P
UK
UK
F
I
I
E
D
F
E
F
D
S
D
A
DK
NL
A
UK
NL
NL
B
UK
A
B
UK
UK
D

(1) OJ L 165, 23.6.1981, p. 24.
(2) OJ L 302, 15.11.1985, p. 218.
(3) OJ L 1, 1.1.1995, p. 161.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1550/99 by Graham WATSON Presidential elections in Togo
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: Togo, common foreign and security policy, democratisation, fact-finding mission, fourth Lomé Convention, international human rights law, presidential election, terms for aid

29.1.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 27 E/127

(2000/C 27 E/154)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1550/99

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Presidential elections in Togo

Is the Commission aware that a number of members of Amnesty International have been detained by the
Togolese authorities following the publication of a report by AI which reveals compelling evidence that
intimidation, torture and extrajudicial executions were commonplace during and after the 1998 presiden-
tial election campaign?

What pressure will
the Commission bring to bear the Togolese authorities given the demands for
upholding democratic rights and principles placed on signatory nationals of the Fourth LomØ Convention
in Article 5?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(12 October 1999)

The Commission is aware of the report entitled Togo: Rule of Terror published by Amnesty International
on 5 May 1999. However, being unable to confirm or deny the extremely serious occurrences denounced
in the report, it would support an international inquiry, possibly under the auspices of the United Nations.

The Commission has taken a consistent stand since 1992, when it suspended financial and technical
cooperation because of grave human rights violations.

Following serious irregularities reported in the course of the presidential election in June 1998, it held
consultations with Togo. The EU informed the Togolese authorities that cooperation would not resume as
long as there continued to be blatant violations of human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law,
the key principles set out in Article 5 of the LomØ Convention that underpin relations between the EU and
the ACP countries.

Since then, the only projects implemented have been decentralised cooperation projects directly benefiting
the people of Togo, and projects to uphold human rights.

At the same time, the Commission intends to continue to support the mission of the European facilitators
which has brought about dialogue between the authorities and the Togolese opposition with a view to
organising direct elections in a democratic and transparent manner.

(2000/C 27 E/155)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1551/99

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Subsidies for organic farmers

Given food scandals in Britain and, more recently, on the continent does the Commission believe that
measures which disadvantage organic farming practices are becoming increasingly untenable?

Does the Commission agree that tiering subsidies, thus enabling the farmer to have more capital to
expand, might be one approach in encouraging alternative forms of farming from conventional, intensive
practices?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1394/99 by Jannis SAKELLARIOU Paul van Buitenen
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, SAKELLARIOU
Subjects: European Commission, European official, corruption, disciplinary proceedings, fraud against the EU, reassignment

29.1.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 27 E/43

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 1999)

The attention of the Commission was drawn by the Honourable Member(cid:146)s letter of 22 June 1999 to
alleged state aid of the Land Bavaria in favour of Vion VvaG.

As explained in a letter dated 16 July 1999 the Commission has asked the German authorities for a
statement and information about the alleged state aid. The German authorities have not yet answered this
letter.

The Commission will inform the Honourable Member about the results of the investigation.

(2000/C 27 E/050)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1394/99

by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Paul van Buitenen

According to a report in the S(cid:252)ddeutsche Zeitung of 7.6.1999, the EU official Paul van Buitenen who,
through his report to the Commission last December, played a decisive part in the exposure of cases of
corruption and fraud, has been transferred to a department which does not match his qualifications and
skills ((cid:145)counting light bulbs(cid:146)).

Has van Buitenen in fact been transferred to the materials procurement department, and since when

1.
has he been employed there and for what work is he specifically responsible?

If such a transfer has taken place, was it the Commission(cid:146)s intention to disqualify van Buitenen from

2.
an appropriate position by transferring him in this way for disciplinary reasons?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1999)

1. Mr Van Buitenen was transferred to a new post, in the interests of the service, by decision of the
Appointing Authority (AIPN) of 9 April 1999, with effect from 16 April 1999.

In the Commission(cid:146)s view, his new post does match his professional qualifications. It requires sound
practical experience in the field of accounting as well as a thorough knowledge of the financial regulation
and the use of computer tools, all of which Mr Van Buitenen possesses.

In this post he is responsible for a new, centralised accounting team for the Buildings Policy and
Management Unit. This team is responsible for general and analytical accounting, including outside the
budget. The annual budget it is required to manage amounts to approximately EUR 210 million, plus
around EUR 29 million more for its activities outside the budget. Mr Van Buitenen(cid:146)s first job is to set up
this new team, which will be about ten strong.

2.
It was decided to create this post last year, and the vacancy notice was published in March 1999
independently of Mr Van Buitenen(cid:146)s assignment to the post. His transfer to such a post cannot be seen as a
punishment.