do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2819/99 by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission. WTO dispute between France and Canada on the ban on asbestos.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Canada, France, asbestos, common commercial policy, trade dispute

C 303 E/116

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

24.10.2000

(2000/C 303 E/113)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2818/99

by Pietro-Paolo Mennea (ELDR) to the Council

(10 January 2000)

Subject: Enactment of Community criminal legislation to combat doping

Doping is an increasingly widespread problem and is having an adverse effect on the world of both
professional and amateur sport and, unfortunately, even the youngest athletes. Continual drug abuse
seriously damages the health and bodies of sportsmen and women. Athletes and others who use drugs are
therefore subjecting themselves to grave risks. In all these years, however, the various national and
international sports federations and organisations, which were supposed to help to keep sports doping in
check via their own sports tribunals, have not managed to combat the phenomenon. Cases of sports
doping are regularly brought before the national courts in several Member States and the problem is
causing increasing concern in the sports world. It is therefore essential that common legislation be enacted
for all Member States.

In view of the above, can the Council use its powers to promote the introduction of Community criminal
legislation, whose general principles would be adopted by, and binding on, all Member States?

Reply

(10/11 April 2000)

The Council is aware of the problem posed by doping in the world of sport and attaches great importance
to it. No initiative has been submitted to the Council.

(2000/C 303 E/114)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2819/99

by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: WTO dispute between France and Canada on the ban on asbestos

What is the latest news on the outcome of the WTO dispute between France and Canada on the French
ban on asbestos, and what action has the Commision taken itself on the matter?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 2000)

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel set up on 25 November 1998 for the Community at Canada(cid:146)s
request over the French ban on the import of asbestos and products containing asbestos has not yet
finished its work. The complexity of the scientific data concerned has led to considerable delays. The
panel(cid:146)s meeting with the experts and the second hearing only took place in January, so we cannot expect
the panel(cid:146)s report before May.

However, this delay testifies to the quality of the scientific evidence presented by the Community in this
dispute. The health risks involved would appear to justify the substantial effort put into this case.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0132/00 by Francesco Speroni (TDI) to the Commission. Road signs in Italy.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Italy, common transport policy, motorway, road safety, traffic signs

21.11.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 330 E/89

(2000/C 330 E/098)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0132/00

by Francesco Speroni (TDI) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Road signs in Italy

Italian motorways are full of fifty kph speed-limit signs underneath which is attached another sign
indicating that this limit applies only in case of fog. Since this stipulation appears in Italian only, drivers
unfamiliar with that language are likely to be confused by the signs.

Would the Commission not agree that, in the interests of road safety, action should be taken t make those
signs readily understandable to all?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2000)

Road safety is a key issue within the European transport policy and the Commission fully understands the
Honourable Member(cid:146)s concerns about road signs.

Their characteristics, for example their size, shape and colour, are governed by an international agreement
administered by the United Nations economic commission for Europe and these signs usually take the
form of a pictogram to avoid difficulties of understanding as mentioned by the Honourable Member.

However, where it is not the case, it is up to the individual Member State which is a signatory to the
Convention to propose a modification to replace text messages with pictograms.

(2000/C 330 E/099)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0136/00

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Council

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Setting up of Eurojust

At the Tampere Summit, the European Council decided to set up an agency to provide a more vigorous
response to the most serious forms of organised crime (Eurojust). The Council was asked to adopt the
necessary legislation by the end of the year 2001.

1. What progress has been made concerning specific plans to set up Eurojust?

2.

In so far as it is possible to say at present, how will the agency be structured in organisational terms?

3. What are the Council(cid:146)s estimates concerning the future staffing levels of Eurojust?

4. What are the Council(cid:146)s estimates regarding costs?

Reply

(2 May 2000)

The Portuguese Presidency submitted to the Council a discussion paper examining all the possible options
regarding setting up Eurojust. A first discussion of this document has already been held within the
competent Council bodies. The Presidency also submitted the question of setting up Eurojust to the Justice
and Home Affairs ministers at the informal meeting in Lisbon at the beginning of March 2000.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 106/2000 of 18 January 2000 repealing Regulation (EC) No 2341/1999 of 3 November 1999 prohibiting fishing for sprat by vessels flying the flag of Denmark
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Denmark, authorised catch, catch quota, fishing area, sea fish, ship's flag

19. 1. 2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 13/5

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 106/2000

of 18 January 2000

repealing Regulation (EC) No 2341/1999 of 3 November 1999 prohibiting fishing for sprat by
vessels flying the flag of Denmark

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 of 12
October 1993 establishing a control system applicable to the
common fisheries policy (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC)
No 2846/98 (2), and in particular Article 21(3) thereof,

(3)

(4)

The quota for sprat in ICES divisions IIa (EC zone), IV
(EC zone) available to Denmark has been raised to
187 380 tonnes.

Fishing for sprat in the waters of ICES divisions IIa (EC
zone), IV (EC zone) by vessels flying the flag of Denmark
or registered in Denmark should therefore be authorised.
Regulation (EC) No 2341/1999 should therefore be
repealed,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2341/1999 (3) prohi-
bits fishing for sprat in the waters of ICES divisions IIa
(EC zone), IV (EC zone) by vessels flying the flag of
Denmark or registered in Denmark.

On 7 December 1999, the Council amended for the
second time Council Regulation (EC) No 48/1999 (4)
fixing, for certain fish stocks, the total allowable catches
for 1999 and certain conditions under which they may
be fished.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EC) No 2431/1999 is hereby repealed.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

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

Done at Brussels, 18 January 2000.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 261, 20.10.1993, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 358, 31.12.1998, p. 5.
(3) OJ L 281, 4.11.1999, p. 29.
(4) OJ L 13, 18.1.1999, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2833/99 by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Strategic reasons for undertaking research on climate change.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, climate change

3.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/143

(2000/C 280 E/155)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2832/99

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

Subject: Gaps in research into climate change

(18 January 2000)

What gaps in research into climate change have been identified by either the European Commission, or
specialist advisers, or by the Advisory Committee set up to monitor the work of the Energy, Environment,
and Sustainable Development research programme?

(2000/C 280 E/156)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2842/99

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

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Including research tasks 2.1.3 (cid:145)Climate change prediction and scenarios(cid:146) in the Second Call for

proposals

Can the Commission confirm that it has no immediate plans to include research task 2.1.3 (cid:145)Climate change
prediction and scenarios(cid:146) in the Second Call for proposals under the Energy, Environment and Sustainable
Development research programme, and, if so, explain whether this is for administrative reasons, budgetary
reasons, or because it believes that all necessary research in this field is now being undertaken?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2832/99 and E-2842/99
given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2000)

The work programme of the first two calls has been meticulously designed and formulated in consultation
with the expert advisory group and the programme management committee. Further discussions will be
undertaken with these bodies in the light of the calls.

Mainly due to budgetary reasons, but also following the advice of the above mentioned bodies, the sub-
theme 2.1.3 (cid:145)Climate change prediction and scenarios(cid:146) was opened in the first call and is not included in
the second call, but will be opened in the 2001 call.

(2000/C 280 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2833/99

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

Subject: Strategic reasons for undertaking research on climate change

(18 January 2000)

In which areas does the European Commission believe it is important to undertake research related to
climate change for (cid:145)strategic reasons(cid:146) (cid:129) for example, related to cooperation with the United States, or
meeting the needs agreed in international research groups established within the framework of the United
Nations programmes?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Strategically, and in the context of cooperation with the United States and Japan, several priority themes
have been identified. These include climate prediction, carbon cycle and climate impacts research.
Similarly, post-Kyoto research themes are being addressed as a priority.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0070/00 by Gerardo Galeote Quecedo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. EU relations with Libya.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Libya, bilateral relations, common foreign and security policy

C 280 E/170

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.10.2000

2.

Has the Council amended the (non-binding) Calea resolution over the years?

If so:

(a) what changes have been made,

(b) when,

(c) why, and

(d) at whose request?

3.
Does the Council not think it would be better to draw up a (cid:145)public(cid:146) directive in order to permit
democratic accountability? If not, why does the Council not think that there is a need for such democratic
accountability?

Reply

(13 March 2000)

The Council Resolution of 17 January 1995 on the lawful interception of telecommunications has

1.
been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (1).

2.

The Council has not amended the above-mentioned Resolution of 17 January 1995.

If the development of new technologies makes adjustments necessary, the Council will examine the

3.
possible adaptation of the requirements listed in the above Council Resolution.

(1) OJ C 329, 4.11.1996, p. 1.

(2000/C 280 E/193)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0070/00

by Gerardo Galeote Quecedo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: EU relations with Libya

Is there any truth in the European media reports to the effect that the President of the Commission has
invited Mr Muammar Gadhafi to make an official visit to the Commission?

If those reports are accurate, what strategy is being pursued by means of such a step?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 2000)

President Prodi held telephone conversations with Colonel Gaddafi over Christmas (when the possibility of
a visit was first mooted) and on 21 January 2000. He was seeking to ascertain whether the political
conditions could be met for a visit by Colonel Gaddafi to the Commission.

President Prodi reaffirmed the established policy of the Union to seek to integrate Libya into the Euro-Med
process, provided that Libya fully accepts the principles laid down in the Declaration of Barcelona.
President Prodi reiterated that unless written unconditional acceptance of such principles was given, a
visit could not take place.

The Libyan authorities replied on 22 January 2000 confirming Libya(cid:146)s deep interest in participating in the
Euro-med process while stating at the same time that Libya is at present unable to give any formal
commitment to the full acceptance of the Barcelona acquis. It was concluded that in these circumstances a
visit at this stage would be inapppropriate. Discussions will continue in order to ascertain whether the
conditions for a visit could be met.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2841/99 by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Priority given to research tasks relating to the Arctic and polar regions.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, climate change, polar region, stratospheric pollution

3.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/145

(2000/C 280 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2841/99

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

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Priority given to research tasks relating to the Arctic and polar regions

What research tasks relating to the Arctic and polar regions have been identified as matters of priority by
European Commission officials, or their advisers?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2000)

Research tasks relating to polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic) are described in the work programme under
the area 2.1.4 Climate variability and abrupt climate changes (e.g. hydrological cycle and its link to polar
processes, quantification of its changes and its impacts on and interactions with cryosphere). In addition,
research on stratospheric ozone and impacts in the Arctic remains an important research task (e.g. Theseo:
Third European stratospheric experiment on ozone).

(2000/C 280 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2843/99

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

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Climate changes and variations on the mainland of the European continent

What priority (cid:129) if any (cid:129) will be given under research task 2.1.4. (cid:145)Climate variability and abrupt climate
change(cid:146) to understanding climate changes interacting with variations on the mainland (including moun-
tains and lakes) of the European continent?

(2000/C 280 E/163)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2844/99

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

Subject: EU-supported research on climate change

(18 January 2000)

Has the Commission undertaken any analysis of the extent to which EU-supported research onclimate
change and its future impact has given attention to the main European continental land mass relevant to
the majority of EU citizens?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2843/99 and E-2844/99
given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2000)

The area (cid:145)Climate variability and abrupt climate changes(cid:146) does include understanding of climate changes
and its impacts on European land masses both in the past and the future. For instance, the hydrological
cycle and its interactions and impacts with the geosphere-biosphere are important research tasks.
Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions - (codified version) (COM(1999) 109 - C5-0067/1999 - 1997/0357(COD))
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: banking, credit institution, right of establishment

24.10.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 304/53

TEXTS ADOPTED

Tuesday 18 January 2000

1. Taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions ***I (procedure

without report)

C5-0067/1999

Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive relating to the taking up and
pursuit of the business of credit institutions (codified version) (COM(1999) 109 , C5-0067/1999 ,
1997/0357(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The proposal was approved.

2. Labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs ***I (procedure without

report)

C4-0212/1999

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (codified ver-
sion) (COM(1999) 113 , C4-0212/1999 , 1999/0090(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The proposal was approved.

3. System of the Communities’ own resources * (procedure without report)

C4-0018/1998

Proposal for a Council regulation (EC, Euratom) implementing Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom on
the system of the Communities’ own resources (codified version) (COM(1997) 652 , C4-0018/
1998 , 1997/0352(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The proposal was approved.

4. EC-São Tomé e Príncipe fisheries agreement * (procedure without debate)

A5-0106/1999

Proposal for a Council regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out for the period
1 June 1999 to 31 May 2002 the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided
for in the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of the Democratic
Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe on fishing off the coast of São Tomé e Príncipe (COM(1999) 550
, C5-0305/1999 , 1999/0228(CNS))

The proposal was approved.
2000/63/EC: Commission Decision of 18 January 2000 amending Decision 96/627/EC implementing Article 2 of Council Directive 77/311/EEC on the driver-perceived noise level of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors (notified under document number C(1999) 3546) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agricultural vehicle, drivers, noise level, noise protection, occupational health, tractor

L 22/66

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

27. 1. 2000

COMMISSION DECISION

of 18 January 2000

amending Decision 96/627/EC implementing Article 2 of Council Directive 77/311/EEC on the
driver-perceived noise level of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors

(notified under document number C(1999) 3546)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2000/63/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 77/311/EEC of 29 March 1977 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the driver-perceived noise level of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors (1), as
last amended by Directive 97/54/EC (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council, and in particular
Article 2 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

It has proved technically impossible in the case of virtually all tractors without cabs to meet the
expiry date for the transitional period laid down by Commission Decision 96/627/EC (3). It is
necessary in those circumstances to postpone the end of the transitional period laid down by that
Decision for those vehicles.

The mesures provided for in this Decision are in conformity with the opinion delivered by the
Committee on the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directives on the removal of technical
barriers to trade in agricultural or forestry tractors,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1 of Decision 96/627/EC is replaced by the following:

‘Article 1

Article 1

The transitional period referred to in Article 2(2) of Directive 77/311/EEC shall expire on:
— 1 October 2001 for all new types of tractor,
— 1 October 2003 for all new tractors.’

Member States shall adopt the provisions necessary to comply with this Decision by 30 September 2001 at
the latest. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Article 3

Done at Brussels, 18 January 2000.

For the Commission

Erkki LIIKANEN

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 105, 28.4.1977, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 277, 10.10.1997, p. 24.
(3) OJ L 282, 1.11.1996, p. 72.