WRITTEN QUESTION E-0123/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Computer recycling.
Date: 2000-01-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: computer, computer systems, cooperation in the field of education, cooperation policy, information technology, information technology user, waste recycling

21.11.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 330 E/87

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 2000)

The Commission has taken note that the draft ministerial decree introducing a ban on nightflights at
Zaventem airport has never been published in the (cid:145)Moniteur Belge(cid:146) and has been withdrawn on 12 January
2000, as indicated by the Honourable Member. Since the Belgian legislation banning nightflights at
Zaventem has been withdrawn before its entry into force, the question is no more of practical application.

The Commission understands that the Belgian authorities are now preparing in replacement of the
abovementioned ministerial decree a comprehensive set of rules addressing the noise problems at night
around Zaventem.

Finally, the Commission intends to address the issue of operational restrictions at airports through a
Community framework for operational restrictions and dissemination of best practices, as set out in its
recent Communication on Air Transport and Environment (1).

(1) COM(1999) 640 final.

(2000/C 330 E/096)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0123/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 January 2000)

Subject: Computer recycling

Because of the pace at which technology is advancing, many developed countries, companies, universities
and even ordinary citizens replace their PCs frequently because they are no longer of any use for their new
specialised requirements, while at the same time there is a new generation of (cid:145)electronic illiterates(cid:146) growing
up who could put them to good use. At the recent Medi@terra Mediterranean and Balkan symposium at
Athens, held under the patronage of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Culture, a proposal was put
forward to set up a scheme for recycling old computers, which would aim to channel them, after
collection, valuation and any necessary modifications, to countries in need of computers, together with
the provision of the necessary training and technical support.

Since, in the context of the Information Society, the European Union(cid:146)s interest in the dissemination of
information and technology to as many sections of the public as possible can be taken as read, can the
Commission say:

1. whether it agrees with the above suggestion,

2.

from which EU programmes an endeavour such as this could be funded, and

3. what legal problems would be likely to arise in connection with the donation of computers and,

particularly, software?

4. Could the Commission provide information on whether similar activities exist in other Member States?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2000)

1. and 2.
The Commission agrees that re-cycling old computers is in general economically and
environmentally appropriate. It is in favour of improving information technology in developing countries,
and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have the possibility under cofinanced projects to include a
computer recycling element.

C 330 E/88

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.11.2000

Following a call for tenders, the Commission has signed a contract with an NGO for the removal of its
own old computers. This enables this NGO to recycle these computers inside and outside the Community
in the course of its activities. Further the Commission cooperates on request with this NGO in the
preparation of computers for schools and associations in the community and for projects in third
countries.

3. and 4.
information of the kind requested.

In the performance of

its duties under the Treaties,

the Commission does not acquire

(2000/C 330 E/097)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0131/00

by Theodorus Bouwman (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Employment of (cid:145)third-country(cid:146) drivers

(18 January 2000)

The Belgian/Netherlands Transport Newsletter (NT) for 4 January 2000 carries a detailed report revealing
that illegal employment within the EU of drivers from non-EU countries (cid:129) in particular Eastern Europe (cid:129)
in the sense that work permits are not applied for and
is increasing sharply. The activity is (cid:145)illegal(cid:146)
employment contracts are not issued. The situation amounts to an inadmissible distortion of competition
and evasion of collective labour agreements.

Is the Commission alert to this phenomenon, and if so how widespread is it? Can the Commission

1.
provide an overview?

2. Major companies like Willy Betz operate a scam posing negligible risk of detection. They arrange, for
example, for East European drivers to drive in all EU Member States except the one in which the goods
vehicle concerned is registered. That, after all, is the only country in which any checks are likely to be
made on work permits. Is the Commission aware of this and other scams, and if so what action is it taking
to extend and harmonise the necessary checks?

Can the Commission provide an overview of its activities in this connection in arranging consulta-

3.
tions with Member States and drawing up directives and other relevant measures?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(29 February 2000)

The Commission is aware of the increasing number of drivers from outside the Community who are
1.
employed by haulage firms in the Community. It is likely that in many cases the employment conditions
of these drivers are contrary to the national rules of the Member States where the haulier is established.
The Commission is concerned about the distorting effects of this practice on road haulage competition
within the Community but has no data about the exact size of the problem.

2.
The Commission considers the difficult control of the (cid:145)legal(cid:146) employment status of drivers to be a
very pressing problem within the national and international road haulage industry. Indeed, for this reason
the Commission has already written to the Member States in order to raise awareness of the problem.

In order to grasp the extent of the problem of the often illegal use of third country drivers, the
3.
Commission has asked the Member States to provide an overview of the diverse social,
labour and
transport rules they apply in this area. A meeting with government experts will be organised shortly in
order to explore possible ways to address this issue. Industry will also be consulted.

Once it has gained an overview of the relevant rules and details determining current practice and has
explored possible measures,
the Commission will consider what precise action must be taken. The
Commission intends to adopt a communication on this matter in the course of this year.