WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Polluting activities of olive kernel oil plant in Crete.
Date: 2000-03-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Crete, Greece, environmental impact, infringement of EU law, location of industry, olive, waste recycling

C 46 E/76

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

concrete measures for achieving the targets set in the Community drug strategy. The strategy and the
action plan set up a common framework for drug related actions inside the Community.

The strategy also emphasises the importance of facing the challenges posed by modern technology like the
Internet. On the other hand, Internet may also be used for drug demand reduction.

As the Honourable Members know, defining the underlying reasons of drug use is beyond the scope of this
answer. Reasons leading to drug use are a complicated mixture of social, economic and cultural factors. In
general, ecstasy-type synthetic drugs are most often used at clubs and dance parties during weekends. The
increased use of cannabis among young people has connections with different youth cultures and drugs
are often used instead of alcohol. Innovative demand reduction approaches are needed to take into account
the specific characteristics of these groups of drug users.

Drug legislation falls mostly within the competence of the Member States. Despite differences in legislation
on drug addiction and drug-related crimes, the practice in Member States is increasingly convergent.
Harmonisation of legislation is only needed when there is a legal vacuum, like with the control of new
synthetic drugs. The joint action on new synthetic drugs (1) may be used to place substances under control
in all Member States. It has been used to control a substance called 4-MTA. The Commission also intends
to launch a study on common definitions, incrimination and sanctions regarding drug trafficking.

(1) OJ L 167, 25.6.1997.

(2001/C 46 E/080)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 March 2000)

Subject: Polluting activities of olive kernel oil plant in Crete

In reply to my question E-2328/99 (1) on health problems arising from the operation of an olive kernel oil
plant in Iraklion, Crete, the Commission states that it (cid:145)does not have any information on the pollution
caused by this plant(cid:146) and asks me to send it (cid:145)a dossier describing the plant(cid:146)s polluting activities(cid:146).

As I am informed that the problems persist and are making living conditions in the area unbearable, I am
handing over to you a dossier containing documents from the ministries concerned, the local authorities
and local organisations in the town, together with press reports. Will the Commission then answer my
questions and provide further information if possible?

(1) OJ C 225 E, 8.8.2000, p. 103.

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

(18 May 2000)

The Commission has just received the dossier concerning the pollution caused by the olive oil plant in
Iraklion, Crete. This type of activity is listed in Annex II to Directive 85/337/EEC as amended by
Directive 97/11/EC (1).

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The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, will investigate the case to check that Community law was
impact assessment presented by the company concerned was
not infringed when the environmental
prepared.
it will decide whether
infringement proceedings should be initiated against Greece under Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC
Treaty.

If the Commission finds that Community law has been infringed,

(1) Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of certain public

and private projects on the environment, OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2001/C 46 E/081)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0908/00

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Council

(24 March 2000)

Subject: Referendum in Western Sahara

On 29 February 2000 the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Western Sahara in connection
with the Peace Plan drawn up for this territory, which had been accepted and signed by the parties
concerned (cid:129) the Kingdom of Morocco and the Saharoui Democratic Republic (cid:129) with a view to holding a
referendum to determine the future of the area.

Does the Council intend, via the High Representative for the common foreign and security policy, to
include in its work programme participation in the control and monitoring of issues affecting the future of
the Sahara, in particular as regards the referendum, since all this may directly affect certain areas of the
European Union?

Reply

(10 July 2000)

The Council closely follows issues affecting the future of Western Sahara. It fully supports the efforts of the
United Nations Secretary-General, his Special Representative for Western Sahara and his Personal Envoy,
James Baker, concerning the future of Western Sahara. The Council is willing to contribute to this process
and help build a climate of confidence and trust among the interested parties in order to find a solution
acceptable to all interested parties of the region and based on respect for human rights and democratic
principles.

The Council takes note of the observation in the latest report of the United Nations Secretary-General that
the timetable envisaged is no longer valid and that the date for the referendum can still not be set with
certainty at this juncture. It welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to ask his Personal Envoy to
explore ways and means to achieve an early, durable and agreed solution of the dispute. The Council also
supports Mr Baker(cid:146)s initiative with respect to direct talks and welcomes the holding of a first meeting on
14 May in London.

(2001/C 46 E/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0912/00

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 March 2000)

Subject: Viagra

1. Why has viagra been authorised as a drug by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal
Products although, in trials, out of 4000 people taking part, 22 cases of death occurred in the group to
which the active substance was administered (compared with two deaths in the group to which a placebo
was administered)?