WRITTEN QUESTION E-2092/99 by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Dispute between Kockums Computer Systems GmbH and the European Union.
Date: 1999-11-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, Germany, payment, type of business

C 203 E/134

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2000

(2000/C 203 E/170)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2092/99

by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Dispute between Kockums Computer Systems GmbH and the European Union

The company Hamburg Kockums Computer Systems GmbH (previously known as SCHIFFKO, Schiffskon-
struktion und Entwicklungs GmbH) is still claiming payments in relation to the 1988 (cid:145)full economic cost
contract(cid:146), number RI1B-0198-C, with the European Economic Community. In the dispute about the
outstanding payments,
letter of 13 May 1998 from Mr Arturo Garcia Arroyo, DG XII,
Directorate C, European Commission, announced that a (cid:145)full audit(cid:146) by the (cid:145)Commission services(cid:146) would be
undertaken so that the dispute could finally be settled. The company, Kockums Gmbh, and their lawyers,
Cyros, Makowski and Partner, Hamburg, are still waiting for the Commission(cid:146)s response.

the latest

The Commission is therefore asked:

1. Why has the Commission not yet replied to the many queries, sent on 20 July 1998, 14 September
1998, 3 November 1998, 4 January 1999 and 3 February 1999, from the lawyers Cyros, Makowski
and Partner, all of which were sent to Mr Arroyo in DG XII? When does the Commission intend to
reply?

2. What is the current position in this dispute? How does the Commission assess the claims? How is this

matter to be concluded?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1999)

From 1993 to 1998, the Commission has made it clear in writing, by telephone and in meetings with
Kockums Computer Systems GmbH and its legal representatives, that its cost claims under the above
research contract (1988-1992) had no foundation and has provided detailed information and documenta-
tion to this end. It had been proposed that a full financial audit be carried out, but this could not be
carried out as the contractual period in which this could be done had expired. However, the Commission
has exhausted all manner of response and maintains its position that it has fulfilled its obligations under
the contract. There is no further action foreseen on the part of the Commission.

(2000/C 203 E/171)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2095/99

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Use of force against young people in the USA

that such actions could be a direct consequence of

The media repeatedly carries reports of violence by American young people. It would not be unreasonable
to suspect
the violence they themselves have
experienced, as young people in the USA (and elsewhere) are the victims of acts of violence every day,
not least violence by the national authorities. The case of an 11-year-old boy with Swiss and American
nationality, who was taken from his bed by the police in handcuffs and shackles and is currently being
held on remand in America on charges of incest, provides evidence that children are forcibly removed
from their parents without proper evidence.

In the light of such horrifying cases, does the Commission intend:

(cid:129) to bring increasing pressure to bear on the United States to prevent such acts of violence being carried

out against children and young people, in particular by the national authorities?

(cid:129) to point out to the United States that, in view of its alleged support for observance of human rights
throughout the world, including China, it is essential that such rights are also observed at home?