do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2567/99 by LORD Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU law, Greece, lead, marketing, petrol

C 225 E/168

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

(2000/C 225 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2566/99

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Extending the deadline for discontinuing the use of super leaded petrol

What is the Commission(cid:146)s position on allowing extensions to the 1 January 2000 deadline for discontinu-
ing the use of super leaded petrol for some countries facing considerable difficulties, such as Greece where
an estimated two million vehicles or more will be directly affected unless an extension is granted?

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 2000)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it has granted Greece a derogation to
continue to permit the marketing of leaded petrol within its territory until 31 December 2001.

(2000/C 225 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2567/99

by LORD Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)

Does the Commission support the introduction of DAB across the Community and what steps is it taking
actively to promote it?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(10 January 2000)

The Commission welcomes the development of digital radio services on appropriate platforms in view of
the important role that radio plays in the Community in social, cultural and economic terms and taking
into account the current and potential advantages of digital transmissions. The Commission is therefore
following digital radio developments very closely, including DAB (1), and has regular contacts with the
parties involved in this process.

However the Commission considers that regulatory intervention in the area of electronic communications
should comply with a number of principles, and in particular the principle of technological neutrality (see:
(cid:145)Towards a new framework for electronic communications infrastructure and associated services (cid:129) The
1999 communications review (2)(cid:146)). Technological neutrality is particularly important because any kind of
service can increasingly be delivered by any network or platform as technologies converge. Radio services
are also being delivered via digital television platforms and the Internet; and new technologies such as
Universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS) are being considered. Promoting any particular
technology therefore carries a high risk of market distortion.

Consequently, the Commission is not actively promoting the introduction of any particular digital radio
system across the Community.

(1)

i.e the system developed by Project No 147 of the Eureka Programme. The main elements of this system have been
standardised by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
through norms EN 300 797;
EN 300 798 and EN 300 799 notably.

(2) COM(1999) 539 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2432/99 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Reintroduction of wolves, bears and lynx.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: economic support, environmental policy, protection of animals, wild mammal

1.8.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 219 E/161

Furthermore, the General Affairs Council has repeatedly called for intensified efforts by the Kosovars and
the international presence to fight against organized crime in Kosovo.
In this context, the Council
welcomed, in its meeting on 6 December, the intention of the Commission to include the fight against
organized crime in its programming for assistance to Kosovo in the year 2000 and invited member States
to identify appropriate assistance in this field.

(2000/C 219 E/204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2432/99

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Reintroduction of wolves, bears and lynx

Will the Commission say whether there are any specific measures in progress (co-financed or not) to
reintroduce wolves, bears and lynx? Have any measures been co-financed in the past for this purpose and
are there any plans to do so in the near future?

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2000)

Many projects have been financed under the financial instrument LIFE-Nature and its predecessors since
1988 aiming either directly or indirectly at the conservation of wolf, brown bear and lynx.

In particular the wolf has been one of the species targeted in 21 projects, the lynx in 14 and the brown
bear in 17.

These projects certainly represent the major Community investment for the protection of these species.

Further to that, Member States may have taken similar or complementary initiatives in the framework of
other Community funds.

Other projects for the conservation of these species may be financed in the future under LIFE III, provided
good quality projects are presented for this purpose.

(2000/C 219 E/205)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2436/99

by Diana Wallis (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Data-Protection Directive

Is the Commission aware that, owing to disparities in implementation at national
level of the 1995
EU Data-Protection Directive, national data-protection laws are prejudicing cross-border trade and that this
will have a considerable impact on the development of e-commerce within the EU?

One example is the extension of the scope of data-protection laws to cover not only personal data, as
envisaged by the Directive, but also the processing of corporate data.

Does the Commission plan any action to limit the damage to the principle of the internal market caused
by excessive (cid:145)gold-plating(cid:146) of the Directive on its transposition by the Member States?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2470/99 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission. Prodi's comments on cracks in European solidarity.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Austria, President of the Commission, Treaty on European Union, human rights, national election, speech

C 219 E/172

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

1.8.2000

(2000/C 219 E/219)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2470/99

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Prodi(cid:146)s comments on (cid:145)cracks in European solidarity(cid:146)

According to newspaper reports, the gains made by the right in elections in Austria, Italy and Switzerland
prompted the Commission President to warn, during a public appearance in Marzobotto, Italy, of (cid:145)cracks in
European solidarity(cid:146).

Can the Commission answer the following:

(cid:129) Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the original speech?

(cid:129) How are we to interpret this warning?

(cid:129) Which right-wing parties was the President referring to?

(cid:129) Are the parties concerned democratic parties?

(cid:129) What makes the Commission President think that the election results in Austria mean Europe is facing

a (cid:145)crisis(cid:146)?

(cid:129) Could the President define more precisely the (cid:145)crisis(cid:146) referred to?

(cid:129) How is this crisis manifested?

(cid:129) What information does the President have which would suggest that the election results in Austria are

giving rise to cracks in European solidarity?

(cid:129) What makes the Commission President think that the election results in Austria are giving rise to

cracks in European solidarity?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 2000)

Unfortunately, there is no copy of the speech to which the Honourable Member refers, as it was not based
on a written text.

Although it is not up to the Commission as a rule to intervene in the domestic affairs of Member States, it
is instructive here to recall the principle of solidarity enshrined in the preamble to the Treaty on European
Union. It is also useful to recall Article 6(1) of the Treaty:
(cid:145)The Union is founded on the principles of
liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles
which are common to the Member States.(cid:146) Mr Prodi is very attached to the principle of solidarity, and the
speech to which the Honourable Member refers must be interpreted in this light.

(2000/C 219 E/220)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2471/99

by Mathieu Grosch (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Agencies for European programmes in Belgium

Is it correct that the Commission is planning to merge the three agencies in Belgium responsible for
1.
implementing European programmes in the areas of education and training and further training (for the
Flemish-, French- and German-speaking communities respectively)
into a single agency which will be
responsible for the whole of the country?

2.

For how much longer will the system involving the three agencies definitely remain in place?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2409/99 by Manuel Pérez Álvarez (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Falling birth rates in the EU.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, birth policy, population ageing

18.7.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 203 E/171

The Community-United States understanding of 18 May 1998 represents a package of commitments by
both sides that attempt a full resolution of the bilateral issues raised by the United States extra-territorial
legislation. This package forestalls action by the Community in the World trade organisation (WTO) to
have this legislation declared incompatible with the United States(cid:146) multilateral trade commitments. Since
that understanding was reached, there has so far been no action against Community companies or
individuals under the Helms-Burton Act. The Community did, however, make it clear, at the time of the
understanding, that its commitment not to seek to establish a WTO panel against the Helms-Burton or
Iran/Libya Sanctions Acts only stood as long as no action were taken against Community companies or
individuals under these Acts.

In recent high-level contacts with the United States, the Commission has made its position on the issue of
Helms-Burton and the Community(cid:146)s concerns about the Sol-MeliÆ case unequivocally clear. The United
States has been urged to honour its commitments under the 18 May 1998 package with regard to Title IV
of the Helms-Burton Act.

The Commission is following this matter very closely and will keep the Parliament informed of any
significant new developments.

(2000/C 203 E/221)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2409/99

by Manuel PØrez `lvarez (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Falling birth rates in the EU

The fact that the EU(cid:146)s population figures are falling is reflected in a birth rate lower than has even been
known in peacetime or in a period without major epidemics, namely 1,45 children per woman. In the
southern countries the rate is lower still, 1,2 in Spain, Portugal and Italy, and as low as 0,8 in certain
regions such as Galicia, the East German l(cid:228)nder and northern Italy.

What is being done to study the phenomenon of the rapidly ageing European population? Have any
measures been put forward with a view to stimulating the birth rate and increase the population?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-1830/99 by
Mr Mar(cid:237)nos (1).

(1) OJ C 170 E, 20.6.2000, p. 110.

(2000/C 203 E/222)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2422/99

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Subsidies for coal and nuclear energy

The White Paper on renewable energy requires the Commission to take action against the subsidisation of
coal and nuclear energy.

1. What action has the Commission taken:

(a) against direct subsidies for coal,

(b) against indirect subsidies for coal,
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2522/99 by Niels Busk (ELDR) to the Commission. Sprat catches.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ukraine, cooperation agreement (EU), group of leading industrialised countries, nuclear power station, nuclear reactor, nuclear safety

C 225 E/156

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

There are also plans for a waste water purification plant (likewise to be financed by the EU) to be sited in
the same area, less than 100 yards away from the abovementioned project. This is discouraging local
residents from undertaking subsidised conversions of their homes to make them suitable for rural tourism.

In the same location, approval has been granted for short hiking trails funded by the Spanish Govern-
ment(cid:146)s Future programme through the regional tourist board. They too are beneficiaries of EU funding.

1.

Is the Commission aware of this contradictory situation?

2. What action is the Commission intending to take in order to sort out this matter?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 2000)

The Commission was not aware of these projects funded under the Community Initiative Leader II in 1999
in the region of Murcia.

However, the facts related by the Honourable Member do merit the attention of the Commission.

The Commission is making enquiries of the Member State and will keep the Honourable Member informed
about the result of this investigation.

(2000/C 225 E/171)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2522/99

by Niels Busk (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Sprat catches

To enable fishermen to keep abreast of important decisions of significance for them, will the Commission
say how long it takes in the Commission to deal with a proposal on sprat catches, from the drafting stage
through to finalised proposal?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 2000)

The elapsed time from the initiation of work by the services to the adoption of the proposal by the
Commission may be about six weeks. This includes consultation, translation and the very procedure of
adoption. However, this time may be extended if, during the process, changes are made to the proposal
following comments by associated services.

(2000/C 225 E/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2523/99

by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Chernobyl

I am alarmed at the decision by Ukraine to put back on stream reactor 3 at Chernobyl nuclear plant. The
Institute of Nuclear Protection and Safety (IPSN) has called for this reactor to be closed down as a matter
of urgency, as it is seriously damaged.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 2660/1999 of 16 December 1999 fixing the maximum export refund on common wheat in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2010/1999
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, common wheat, export refund

17. 12. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 325/39

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 2660/1999

of 16 December 1999

fixing the maximum export refund on common wheat in connection with the invitation to tender
issued in Regulation (EC) No 2010/1999

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 of 30
June 1992 on the common organisation of the market in
cereals (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1253/
1999 (2),

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 of
29 June 1995 laying down certain detailed rules for the
application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 on the
granting of export refunds on cereals and the measures to be
taken in the event of disturbance on the market for cereals (3),
as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2513/98 (4), and in
particular Article 7 thereof,

(1) Whereas an invitation to tender for the refund and/or
the tax for the export of common wheat to certain ACP
States was opened pursuant to Commission Regulation
(EC) No 2010/1999 (5);

(2) Whereas Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1501/95
provides that the Commission may, on the basis of the
tenders notified, in accordance with the procedure laid
down in Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92,
decide to fix a maximum export refund taking account
of the criteria referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EC)

No 1501/95; whereas in that case a contract is awarded
to any tenderer whose bid is equal to or lower than the
maximum refund, as well as to any tenderer whose bid
relates to an export tax;

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

(4) 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

For tenders notified from 10 to 16 December 1999, pursuant
to the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 2010/
1999, the maximum refund on exportation of common wheat
shall be EUR 45,50/t.

This Regulation shall enter into force on 17 December 1999.

Article 2

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

Done at Brussels, 16 December 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 181, 1.7.1992, p. 21.
(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 18.
(3) OJ L 147, 30.6.1995, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 313, 21.11.1998, p. 16.
(5) OJ L 248, 21.9.1999, p. 19.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2397/99 by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission. Road infrastructure in Carrara.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financial instrument, Italy, Structural Funds, Tuscany, road building

C 280 E/40

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.10.2000

Reply

(13 March 2000)

The Council has been discussing the problems posed by transport in the Alps in the light of the recent
accidents in the Tauern and Mont Blanc tunnels. It has recommended operational preventive measures
which could be planned at European level and offer greater safety to citizens travelling in Europe and has
invited the Commission to submit proposals enabling it to draw up recommendations for improving
tunnel safety and further developing uniform high safety standards applicable throughout Europe.

Regarding the specific question put by the Honourable Member, it is, however, not for the Council to
comment on a situation which is the responsibility of national authorities. The Council is still awaiting
Commission proposals.

(2000/C 280 E/038)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2397/99

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Road infrastructure in Carrara

In Carrara, in the region of Tuscany, Italy, marble-working is the largest economic sector, employing over
10 000 people.

Recently, the use of lorries with trailers for transporting the marble has been declared to have reached
critical levels because of the significant reduction in quality of life it is causing within the city.

The problem could be solved by constructing a road to the east of the city, about five kilometres in length,
for an investment of ITL 75 billion. This would halve transportation times for marble, reduce city traffic
and create an inter-regional route which would connect to the Tyrrhenian Sea (cid:129) Brenner Pass European
route.

The isolation of roads in the region could be overcome once and for all by building just 15 km of
expressway connecting eastern Lunigiana to the Apuan coast.

Could the Commission therefore say whether there are any specific financial aid measures for carrying out
infrastructure work of this kind?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 2000)

The Structural Funds may finance infrastructure projects such as that mentioned by the Honourable
Member, provided they are located in an eligible area.

The Commission is still awaiting the revised proposal by the Italian authorities under the regulatory
provisions governing Objective 2 during the next programming period (2000-2006 (1)).

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2577/99 by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Transport of animals.
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU law, animal welfare, operation of the Institutions, recruitment, transport of animals, veterinary inspection

C 225 E/172

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

It is up to the regulatory authorities in Member States to apply the above principles of Community
pharmaceutical legislation and to take concrete decisions on authorisations and restrictions (e.g. medical
prescription) for specific products. The Commission is not considering a proposal to change that approach.

In the context of this question, the attention of the Honourable Member is also drawn to the answer
already delivered by the Commission to Written Question P-2317/99 by Mr Fitzsimons (2) on regulatory
control on herbal medicinal products in the Community.

(1) OJ 22, 9.2.1965.
(2)
See page 97.

(2000/C 225 E/190)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2577/99

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Transport of animals

It is clear from recent television pictures of horse transport that the provisions of the Transport of Animals
Directive are not being properly enforced in many Member States.

The Commission has a duty to monitor the way that Member States are enforcing this Directive. However,
for some years now, only one Inspector from the Food and Veterinary Office has been given this task.
When will the Commission take its responsibilities in this area more seriously and increase the number of
Inspectors to 12, as demanded by the Council of Agriculture Ministers in June 1995?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 January 2000)

The Commission is aware of the problems in relation to animal welfare reported by different television
broadcasters in Europe. Reports by its food and veterinary office (FVO) and complaints from various
animal welfare organisations also indicate that problems continue to exist in this domain.

The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member(cid:146)s views on the importance of protecting animal
welfare in the field of transport.

The Commission is still in the process of recruiting inspection personnel and a number of new staff have
specific responsibilities for monitoring the implementation of animal welfare legislation which applies in
the Member States. The Commission is aware of the increasing importance attached to animal welfare by
consumers and will continue to ensure that, amongst its other responsibilities, animal welfare will be given
corresponding importance.

Given the importance of the issue, inspectors take account of animal welfare issues during missions in
Member States. The practice of performing combined inspections will increase the level of information
available concerning the enforcement of Community legislation in this field.