do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2836/99 by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Future of research on climate change.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, climate change

C 280 E/144

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.10.2000

(2000/C 280 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2834/99

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Approximate amounts of funding for research directly linked to climate change

What are the approximate amounts of funding for research directly linked to climate change allocated in
the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Framework Programmes for Research and Development?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2000)

Approximately, the allocated budgets for climate research were ECU 17 million in FP1, ECU 40 million in
FP2, ECU 90 million in FP3, ECU 150 million in FP4 and € 240 million in FP5.

(2000/C 280 E/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2836/99

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Future of research on climate change

(18 January 2000)

When does the Commission expect that research on climate change will no longer be needed, or could be
limited to a few areas, and on what basis?

(2000/C 280 E/160)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2837/99

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Areas of climate-related research in previous programmes no longer included

Are there areas of climate-related research which have been included in previous programmes which are
no longer included, and if so which are these?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2836/99 and E-2837/99
given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2000)

Research on climate change is a long-term approach since it involves basic understanding of the complex
earth system, its evolution and change, prediction, detection and monitoring or documentation of changes.
Given the non-linearity of earth system and the political significance of the issue it is desirable to continue
Community support for an undetermined period of time. Priorities need to be set as is the case for the
recent call.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2783/99 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Shortcomings of public works in Greece.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community support framework, EU financing arrangements, Greece, product quality, public works

C 203 E/178

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2000

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-669/99 by
Mr Mar(cid:237)nos during question time at Parliament(cid:146)s December 1999 part-session (1).

(1) Debates of the European Parliament (December 1999).

(2000/C 203 E/231)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2783/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Shortcomings of public works in Greece

(18 January 2000)

In its answer (P-2120/98) (1) to my question concerning compliance with quality standards in public works
in Greece (2), the Commission pointed out that the first ESPEL (special quality control council) quarterly
report found that problems of the kind mentioned do exist and stressed that it (cid:145)expects this matter to make
rapid progress and hopes that any financial, disciplinary, penal or other consequences for those responsible
will have a dissuasive effect in the future and will result in lasting improvements to the situation as regards
quality(cid:146). It also noted that, depending on their seriousness, the shortcomings suffered by the projects would
either have to be corrected by the contractors, or the costs involved would be deducted from their
payments, or else the projects would have to be rebuilt at the contractors(cid:146) own expense.

Given that ESPEL recently forwarded to the services of the Ministry for Economic Affairs reports on 44
public works, of which it transpires that only four projects meet all the necessary standards:

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. Will it say what progress has been made in each case in dealing with the shortcomings mentioned in
its answer, on which it expected (cid:145)rapid progress(cid:146) to be made?

2. What information does it have on further shortcomings and what measures does it intend to take?

(1) OJ L 135, 14.5.1999, p.16.
(2) Written Question E-2592/98, OJ C 31, 5.2.1999, p. 151.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(27 January 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2000/C 203 E/232)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2854/99

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Stockholm information office scandal

Moderate Party MEP Per Stenmark was quoted in Aftonbladet on 20 November 1999 as saying that the
Commission should close its Stockholm office.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2852/99 by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Medical insurance in the European Union.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Netherlands, application of EU law, free movement of workers, health insurance

3.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/149

The Netherlands authorities confirm that entitlement to these benefits and advantages is not conditional
either on the possession of a residence permit or on enrolment with the communal registers (GBA).

The Netherlands authorities guarantee that the residence permit mentioned in the circular of 28 April
1998 (cid:129) referred to in Written Question E-2744/98 (1) by the Honourable Member (cid:129) is of a purely
declaratory nature.

In these circumstances the Commission (cid:129) which incidentally has not received any recent complaints on
this subject (cid:129) considers that the abovementioned instrument does not discriminate against Community
nationals.

The Commission will carefully monitor the enforcement of the instrument in question.

(1) OJ C 118, 29.4.1999.

(2000/C 280 E/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2852/99

by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Medical insurance in the European Union

In his answer of 22 January 3294/98 (1), Mr Flynn said that the Commission expected to give its
conclusions once answers to supplementary questions had been received from the Dutch Government.

Now, almost a year later, has the Dutch Government provided answers to the supplementary

1.
questions?

2.

3.

If so, what conclusions does the Commission draw from the answer?

If not, when can an answer from the Dutch government be expected?

(1) OJ C 320, 6.11.1999, p. 40.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 2000)

After examining the information provided by the Dutch authorities, the Commission concludes that
private health insurance schemes existing in the Netherlands are not to be considered as statutory schemes
within the scope of Council Regulation EC No 118/97 of 2 December 1996 amending and updating
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons, to self-
employed persons and to members of their families moving within the Community and Regulation (EEC)
No 574/72 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (1).

(1) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, last amended by OJ L 28, 30.1.1997.

(2000/C 280 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2856/99

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: The Commission(cid:146)s approach to employment policy

Dagens Nyheter of 8 December 1999 reported on an internal agreement between the Commissioner,
Mrs Diamantopoulou and her Director-General Allan Larsson on the division of responsibilities between
them for the Commission(cid:146)s work on employment matters. There has been debate in Sweden on the extent
to which the conflict between the Commissioner and the Director-General might be ascribed to their
differing administrative backgrounds. Mr Larsson has now announced his departure from his present post
this spring.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2736/99 by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Retired widow Mrs Maria Luisa Bolzoni ‐ 16-year wait for pension.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, Italy, competence of the Member States, survivor's benefit

3.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/119

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 2000)

The Commission has no legal basis to request a Member State to repeal such a measure. The organisation
of social protection systems within the Member States is a national competence, provided that certain
fundamental principles of Community law are respected. Community law does not, however, confer any
right to equal treatment between different age groups.

On 25 November 1999, the Commission adopted a package of two legislative proposals and a programme
to combat discrimination in the Community based on Article 13 (ex Article 6a) of the EC Treaty (1). These
proposals must be accepted by the Council before they can take effect.

One of these initiatives is a horizontal directive to combat discrimination on grounds of disability or age.
However, the scope of the proposal is limited to the field of employment and occupation. Therefore, social
protection benefits are not covered by this proposal.

(1) COM(99) 564 final.

(2000/C 280 E/126)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2736/99

by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Retired widow Mrs Maria Luisa Bolzoni (cid:129) 16-year wait for pension

Is the Commission aware of the fact that in a number of Member States there are very serious delays in the
payment of old-age pensions?

Does the Commission intend to approach the INPS, which is responsible for paying pensions in Italy, in
order to ensure that Mrs Maria Luisa Bolzoni, born on 3 November 1928 in Scandolara Ravara and
resident in Bergamo, at 15 via Bonomelli, is at last paid the pension increase requested on 26 November
1994 in accordance with Article 6 of Law No 638/1983 and due to her, under Italian law, from 1 October
1983, not least because she has been waiting patiently for 16 years to be paid the pension increase to
which she is entitled as a category SO-96000064 widow?

Can the Commission say how many more years this seventy-one year old Italian pensioner will have to
wait?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2000)

The Commission has no say in the matter raised by the Honourable Member, as it is a purely internal
matter which is outside Community jurisdiction.

With regard to social welfare, the only binding Community provisions are the Regulations on social
security for migrant workers and the Directives on equal treatment for men and women in social security
schemes.

The organisation and operation of a scheme, eligibility for an old-age or retirement pension and the
question of when the various benefits are to be awarded are matters which fall within the exclusive
competence of the national authorities, provided that the above Community provisions are observed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2813/99 by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Administration of calls for tenders in connection with common agricultural policy funding.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, common agricultural policy, invitation to tender, public awareness campaign

C 330 E/54

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.11.2000

No change is proposed to the provisions on Community production. Growers will still be able to benefit
fully from the compensatory aid scheme.

The proposal will be thoroughly discussed in the Council and Parliament.

(1) OJ L 47, 25.2.1993.
(2) COM(1999) 582 final.

(2000/C 330 E/058)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2813/99

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Administration of calls for tenders in connection with common agricultural policy funding

In order to allocate funding in the context of the common agricultural policy, in particular under budget
heading B2-5122, the Commission issued a call for tenders for the financing of projects submitted by
operators in the sector.

The deadline for submitting projects was 15 November 1999.

Among the entities taking part in the procedure was the forestry consortium (cid:145)Terra dei Santi e Colline del
Po(cid:146), which requested a subsidy for the creation of a centre for agriculture and the sustainable development
of the hill area concerned.

All the documentation regarding the project was submitted on 13 November 1999 to Unit VI.AII.1 of the
Commission(cid:146)s Directorate-General for Agriculture, at 200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels.

However, the Commission rejected the project, explaining that the final deadline had been brought forward
from 15 November to 31 October 1999, and that the project had therefore been submitted after expiry of
the deadline.

Can the Commission say whether it considers it right to decide to bring forward an established deadline to
the detriment of participants, making it impossible for them to have access to funding?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2000)

The intention behind budget heading B2-5122 was to enhance public awareness of
the common
agricultural policy. No call for tenders or proposals was made but a guide for potential applicants was
published on the Directorate-General for Agriculture(cid:146)s internet site.

The guide initially stated that applications could be sent to the Commission up to 15 November 1999.
That date was changed to 31 October 1999 to give the Commission more time to process applications
before closure of the budgetary procedures in 1999. The change was notified using the same information
medium as the guide, i.e. the internet.

The application by the Consorzio Forestale Terra dei Santi e Colline del Po arrived on 13 November but
was in fact carefully examined and found to be ineligible under heading B2-5122.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0100/00 by Theresa Zabell (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Social security arrangements for sportsmen and women.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU Member State, disability insurance, legal basis, social security, sport

C 46 E/4

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

As a result of these factors the noise levels to which the public is subjected will be progressively reduced
and public health will therefore improve,
in accordance with the competence conferred on the Com-
mission by Article 152 (ex Article 129) of the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 344, 6.12.1986.
(2) OJ L 137, 24.5.1986.
(3) COM(94) 284 final.
(4) COM(96) 540 final.
(5) OJ C 219, 30.7.1999.

(2001/C 46 E/005)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0100/00

by Theresa Zabell (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Social security arrangements for sportsmen and women

Can the Commission provide information regarding the social security arrangements introduced in the
various European Union countries for the benefit of sportsmen and women who are regarded as amateurs
but who nonetheless engage in sport at Olympic and/or some other high level?

1. What cover is provided during and after any sporting activity?

2. What are the entitlements in the event of temporary or permanent disablement?

3.

Is there any relevant EU legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2000)

The legislation applicable to amateur sportspersons is the same as that applicable to employed or self-
employed persons, and their contributions are paid into the national social security systems in accordance
with the laws of the Member States in which they are insured. For information on social protection
systems in the Member States, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its MISSOC
(Mutual Information System on Social Protection in the European Union) Report which can be found on
the Europa website at the following address:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg05/soc-prot/missoc98

Where amateur sportspersons move within the Member States their rights are coordinated by Regulation
(EEC) No 1408/71 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 118/97 of 2 December 1996 amending and
updating Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons,
to self-employed persons and to members of their families moving within the Community, and Regulation
(EEC) No 574/72 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (1), which
also covers, among other things, the risk of disablement.

(1) OJ L 28, 30.1.1997.

(2001/C 46 E/006)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0183/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Pollution of the ground water in various regions of Greece

(31 January 2000)

According to recent Greece press reports, the ground water in a number of regions of Greece, and in
particular in the plains of Thessaly, Ilia, Messinia and Thessaloniki, contains concentrations of nitrates far
above the permitted limit.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2717/99 by Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Human rights violations in Iran.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Iran, common foreign and security policy, international human rights law

3.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/111

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(2 February 2000)

Community exports to Iran amounted to € 4 389 million in 1998. Imports amounted to € 3 980 million.
Figures for 1999 are not yet available. The Commission is not aware of any arms deliveries from Member
States to Iran. Relevant arms export control regimes are in force.

(2000/C 280 E/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2717/99

by Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Human rights violations in Iran

(18 January 2000)

What is the Commission(cid:146)s general view on the latest human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of
Iran?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 2000)

The Commission follows with concern the human rights situation in Iran. It has taken an active part in
Union action in this area, through demarches and in the Union-Iran comprehensive dialogue.

Although widespread human rights violations continue in Iran, there has been progress made in the last
few years. One of the latest examples is the recent release of the German businessman, Mr Hofer, which
the Commission warmly welcomes.

The Commission will continue to follow developments in Iran closely in areas of concern, in particular
regarding human rights, issues of non-proliferation and Iran(cid:146)s attitude to the Middle East Peace Process.

In the light of these developments, and in the hope that they will be continued, the Commission would
wish to see a gradually improving relationship with Iran. It will watch with particular attention the coming
Majlis elections and any further policy development thereafter.

(2000/C 280 E/117)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2720/99

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Money transactions

I am deeply concerned that European consumers are being misled in money exchanges across Europe.
I have noted that, in the event of money exchange, customers are not being given a net receipt prior to the
exchange which shows the exchange rate, commission and other deductions.

Can the Commission indicate whether there are any plans to introduce legislation which would protect
consumers in these situations?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2724/99 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission. Aeolus project.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU environmental policy, competence of the Member States, environmental impact, power plant, wind energy

C 280 E/114

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.10.2000

(2000/C 280 E/120)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2724/99

by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Aeolus project

As part of the Leonardo programme, the EU finances research and professional training in alternative
energy sources under the Aeolus project. One of the sources concerned is wind power, which, as well as
certain advantages, also has several drawbacks, including the high noise levels generated by the windmills
and the visual impact of these large constructions on the countryside, frequently in areas of outstanding
natural beauty.

In view of the Community requirement for at least 10 % of electricity to be produced from renewable
sources by 2010, and given the ubiquitous construction of wind farms, in increasing numbers each year,
has the Commission considered making an environmental impact assessment obligatory for wind farms
built using Community funds? Would the Commission be prepared to carry out a study into how their
environmental impact could be kept to a minimum?

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

(22 February 2000)

Point 3i of Annex II to Council Directive 97/11/EEC amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of
the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (1), provides for an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) for installations for the harnessing of windpower for energy production.

Article 4 of the abovementioned Directive states that, for projects listed in Annex II, Member States may
decide whether projects are to be made subject to an EIA, on the basis of a case by case examination or
thresholds or criteria set by the Member State. It is therefore for the Member State to determine whether
or not a project is to be made subject to an EIA. If it is, measures may be laid down to reduce its impact
on the environment.

(1) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2000/C 280 E/121)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2725/99

by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Accident rate in the fishing industry

The accident rate in the European Union(cid:146)s fishing sector has reached an alarming level. Fatal accidents
occur as a result of the particular conditions in which fishermen work.

Is the Commission in possession of country-specific figures on work-related accidents in the fishing sector
over recent years? Can it provide figures on the death rate in the sector? Can the Commission provide a
breakdown of the numbers of deaths caused by shipwreck and the numbers owing to other causes, such as
accidents on board?

What measures is the Commission taking or does it intend to take to reduce the number of accidents?