WRITTEN QUESTION E-0373/00 by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Release of EU Structural Fund monies on the basis of the designation of FFH areas (Directive 92/43/EEC) in East German Länder.
Date: 2000-02-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: German Democratic Republic, Germany, Structural Funds, eligibility criteria, environmental impact

28.12.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 374 E/61

In relation to the ETF start-up facility, latest available figures show 49 Community SMEs have received an
investment from the funds participating in the facility. Detailed information on the employment creation
perspectives of the ETF start-up facility will become available in August 2000 when the EIF will have
received the first completed annual questionnaires from SMEs.

As far as JEV is concerned, it is too early to predict figures for job creation. The first stage of JEV support
is linked to a preparatory work phase and it is only thereafter that the SMEs will decide whether, and
under what conditions, the joint venture will be undertaken. Nevertheless, even in this very first phase,
SMEs have been asked to estimate the number of jobs that could be created. Based on this, for the 53 joint
venture projects approved and according to the declarations made by the applicants, the total job creation
could be 788 jobs (or an average of 15 jobs per project).

As regards the SME guarantee facility, latest available figures show 7 223 SMEs have benefited from the
SME guarantee facility and have declared that they have 32 869 employees. Also for this facility the SMEs
are required to estimate the number of jobs that should be created in the near future. Based on their
declaration, the total expected number of jobs one year after the signing of the loan agreement is 34 319,
i.e. an increase of 1 450 employees. This is expected to increase to 36 988 after another year, i.e. a further
increase of 2 669 employees. This would mean an overall increase of 13 % over two years.

(2000/C 374 E/071)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0373/00

by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Subject: Release of EU Structural Fund monies on the basis of the designation of FFH areas (Directive

92/43/EEC) in East German L(cid:228)nder

Since Germany and some L(cid:228)nder have not yet transposed Council Directive 92/43/EEC (1) of 21 March
1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (FFH Directive), even those
German L(cid:228)nder that have met with this obligation are threatened with having EU Structural Fund monies
frozen. Mecklenburg-West Pomerania,
for instance, has in the meantime designated 136 FFH areas,
totalling 181 000 ha (7,9 % of its surface area). The Commission(cid:146)s announced stance would mean that, in
particular for the structurally weak East German L(cid:228)nder, the disbursement of funding for Objective 1
assistance and EAGGF funding would be at least delayed. In view of these regions(cid:146) serious economic and
social problems, there would be extremely adverse consequences.

What action does the Commission propose to take to prevent those East German L(cid:228)nder which have met
their obligation under the FFH Directive from being penalised for the failings of the Federal Government
and of other L(cid:228)nder?

Does the Commission think it necessary or possible to consider releasing aid funding on a Land-specific or
project-specific basis and to act accordingly?

Does the Commission realise that a negative decision not only would have a grave economic and social
impact, but would also to lasting damage to the population(cid:146)s commitment to environmental protection,
whereas a positive decision would unquestioningly also be interpreted as recognition of an active
environmental policy?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 March 2000)

the Natura 2000 list of sites of Community
As the Honourable Member is aware, completion of
importance, which also covers sites under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and Council Directive of 2 April 1979 on
the conservation of wild birds (1) and which was to be drawn up by June 1998, was delayed by the fact
that several Member States, including Germany, failed to submit appropriate proposals. The deadline for
proposals elapsed in June 1995.

C 374 E/62

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

28.12.2000

In view of the late designation of protected sites, as well as to ensure that the Commission is able to fulfil
its duties under Article 6 EC Treaty, all Member States were formally reminded by the Commission on
23 June 1999 of their obligation to guarantee the consistency of programmes and projects with both
directives.

In the meantime, the German L(cid:228)nder (cid:129) including Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (cid:129) have announced
some protected sites and are preparing further notifications.

In view of the legal requirements, programming documents can only be approved if they contain a clear
commitment by the German authorities responsible for the relevant region that all possible negative
consequences for sites protected or to be protected under Natura 2000 will be properly assessed and
appropriate measures taken. In any case, the Commission will assess each plan or programme on its
individual content.

The Commission(cid:146)s objective is to promote the socio-economic development of the elegible areas in a way
that is consistent with the basic principles of sustainable development.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2000/C 374 E/072)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0378/00

by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Subject: Review of EU sheepmeat regime

Can the Commission confirm whether it is carrying out a review of the current EU sheepmeat regime and
its effectiveness and indicate when it is likely to publish its conclusions on the subject?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2000)

An evaluation study is presently being undertaken into the sheepmeat common market organisation. On
the basis of the findings of the study, which will be completed by about Easter, the Commission will draw
its own conclusions concerning any possible reform or modifications to the regime and, if appropriate,
present proposals to this effect later in the year.

(2000/C 374 E/073)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0380/00

by Juan Ojeda Sanz (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 February 2000)

Subject: Improvement of road infrastructures in the central and eastern European states

The considerable injections of funding provided to the so-called (cid:145)applicant states(cid:146) to the Union via various
European funding bodies (such as the EIB), and through the Union(cid:146)s budget line (the PHARE programme
and the ISPA instrument) should, together with the necessary investments each recipient government is
obliged to make, be used to put in place a road network that complies with the principle of (cid:145)interoper-
ability(cid:146) that is necessary to the effective establishment of a (cid:145)single market(cid:146).