WRITTEN QUESTION E-2533/99 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Harmonisation of Greek maritime law with community legislation.
Date: 2000-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU law, Greece, maritime law, national law, trade union, vessel

8.8.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 225 E/159

Does the Commission agree that this programme should also include the classical languages ancient Greek
and Latin, which constitute the cornerstone of European literary culture and civilisation? Does it not agree
that such a move would send a positive message in the face of the decline of the teaching of these
languages in the Member States? Will it support such a proposal if it is made by the government of a
Member State?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2000)

On 13 October 1999 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Decision of the Parliament and of the
Council (1) to establish a European Year of Languages in 2001.

The objective of the European Year of Languages is to raise public awareness of linguistic diversity, to
encourage lifelong language learning and to disseminate information on learning opportunities.

Knowledge of languages is important particularly in terms of the personal and professional development of
the individual, intercultural understanding and the competitiveness of European companies. In addition, it
allows us to benefit fully from free movement in the Community.

While the principal message of the European Year should not be directed at specific languages, the target
languages are in fact defined in the Decision as the official
Irish,
Luxembourgish and the other languages recognised by the Member States.

the Community,

languages of

(1) COM(1999) 485 final.

(2000/C 225 E/175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2533/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(4 January 2000)

Subject: Harmonisation of Greek maritime law with community legislation

With a view to bringing Greek legislation in line with Directive 75/34 (1) (Article 7) and Regulation 1251/
70 (2) (Article 7) and the ECJ judgment of 27 November 1997 the Greek Government recently issued a
presidential decree abolishing Article 5 of the Code of Public Maritime Law which states that only vessels
which are more than 50 % owned by Greek shipowners are deemed Greek vessels.

Seamen(cid:146)s and shipowners(cid:146) union organisations are concerned lest vessels with owners from other
Community Member States receive more favourable treatment than vessels with Greek owners.

Given the concerns expressed by these trade union organisations, will the Commission say:

1.

Is there any possibility that (cid:145)foreign(cid:146) vessels which will be based in Greece may receive more
favourable treatment?

2. Will the Greek legal provisions applicable to Greek vessels apply to such vessels without discrimina-
tion, such as the provisions on the composition of crews, the establishment of a common working
language, the granting of licences, manning, rescue measures etc.?

(1) OJ L 14, 20.1.1975, p. 10.
(2) OJ L 142, 30.6.1970, p. 24.

C 225 E/160

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2000)

The draft Presidential Decree amending Article 5 of Order No 187 of 29 September (cid:129) 3 October 1973
promulgating the code of public maritime law follows up the EC Judgment of 27 November 1997 in Case
C62/96 on the conditions attached to ship registration. That draft was submitted for scrutiny by the
Commission and considered to be in line with Community law and, once it has been published, will enable
the infringement procedure to be filed.

Under Article 43 (former Article 52) of the EEC Treaty, ships belonging to Member State citizens or
companies that have been entered in the Hellenic Register, must be subject to the same conditions as those
applying to all other Greek ships. The provisions of Greek law relating to crew composition, the
introduction of a common working language, the issue of operating licences, safety staff and other
requirements of Greek law will also apply, without distinction, to such ships.

(2000/C 225 E/176)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2535/99

by Heidi Hautala (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 January 2000)

Subject: Inequality under the Austrian law on universities

Articles 149 and 150 of the Treaty of Amsterdam state that students(cid:146) opportunities to study in other
Member States should be encouraged. Freedom of movement for students and researchers improves
individual citizens(cid:146) freedom of choice and their opportunities for personal development, and enhances
the educational and intellectual resources of the Community.

The Austrian law on universities (Hochschulstudiumsgesetz, S. 7(1)) imposes requirements on applicants
for a study place coming from other Member States different to those imposed on the country(cid:146)s own
nationals.
leaving
In order to obtain a place, Austrians are required to show their (cid:145)general(cid:146) school
certificate. However, a general school leaving certificate issued in Finland, for example, is not regarded as
In practice this
sufficient
requirement has been interpreted as meaning that applicants for a study place must show that they
already have a place to study in the same field at a university in their home country. Only after five years(cid:146)
residence in Austria are other EU nationals freed from this requirement to hold two study places, which
naturally cannot be demanded of Austrians.

leaving certificate must also be shown.

in Austria, and a (cid:145)special(cid:146) school

Is the Commission aware of
the problems caused by the Austrian law on universities? Does the
Commission agree that legislation and practice in Austria hinder the free movement of students instead
of encouraging it and accord differing status to different EU nationals? Does the Commission consider that
the Austrian law on universities is in conflict with Articles 149 and 12 of the Treaty of Amsterdam? Does
the Commission propose to take measures pursuant to Article 226 to remedy the situation?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 2000)

The Commission notes that the mobility of students within the Community is based on respect for the
principle of equal treatment in access to education in another Member State. This principle is ignored
where the conditions imposed are such that, either directly on grounds of nationality or indirectly by other
means, they put Community students in a less favourable position than students who hold national
certificates, with the result that the former are denied admission to educational institutions.