do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1145/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: animal disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, drafting of EU law, food safety

20.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 53 E/83

(2001/C 53 E/103)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1144/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

Pathogens which are passed on by animal products (zoonoses) can have a serious impact on public health.
Correct information on the presence of zoonoses is a prerequisite for taking action (section 70).

A few years ago the EU sought, via the (cid:145)zoonoses(cid:146) directive, to enable Member States to take action to
combat zoonoses. Experience has shown that this problem is very complex and that Member States do not
have adequate resources to carry out preventive measures.

1. What (cid:145)more effective measures(cid:146) referred to in the White Paper will the Commission draws up?

2. What action programmes does the Commission have in mind for combating zoonoses?

(2001/C 53 E/104)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1145/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

The Commission has submitted to the Council and the European Parliament a comprehensive proposal
which summarises the measures needed to control BSE and other TSEs (section 71). The Commission is to
draw up proposals for suitable test programmes.

1. Will the Commission replace the ad hoc measures on BSE and other TSEs with comprehensive
legislation in order to create clarity? If not, in what way will the Commission create clarity in respect of
BSE and TSEs?

2. Will the Commission apply the improved Swiss methods for detecting BSE in the EU? If not, why
not?

(2001/C 53 E/105)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1146/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1138/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Food Safety Authority, food safety, intra-EU relations, powers of the institutions (EU)

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/131

The Authority will have the opportunity of communicating directly and openly with consumers. It can
provide all interested parties with direct information on its findings on both food safety and food. The
Commission will retain responsibility for communicating risk management decisions (section 51).

1. Where,
communication as a result of risk management?

in the Commission(cid:146)s opinion,

is the dividing line between informing the public and

2. Will the Authority be able, on its own initiative, to inform the public of the risks of certain products,
for example Listeria? If not, who will communicate this information, given its importance to consumers?

(2001/C 46 E/148)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1138/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

The role of the Authority in a crisis is to mobilise and support (and if necessary implement) (section 52 ff).
It will not take decisions on specific measures in crises. This will remain the task of the Commission and
the regulatory committees consisting of representatives of the Member States.

Does the Commission acknowledge that the current decision-making procedures have not always operated
satisfactorily in crises because of the different views of the Member States? If not, does the Commission
believe that the approach to crises hitherto has been exemplary? If so, is the Commission considering
giving the Authority responsibilities in future for tackling crises?

(2001/C 46 E/149)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1139/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

The Authority and the Commission have to work closely together (section 56 ff.). By operating in close
proximity to the Commission the Authority will remain well-informed and able to take due account of the
needs of the Commission(cid:146)s services.

Given the need for close cooperation and a smooth exchange of information, will the Authority be located
in the vicinity of the Commission? If not,
is not the location of the Authority an obstacle to close
cooperation and the smooth exchange of information with the Commission, as stated in the White Paper?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1136/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Food Safety Authority, interinstitutional relations (EU), scientific committee (EU)

C 46 E/130

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

(2001/C 46 E/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1135/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

The field of activities of the Authority covers the entire food chain, including both food safety and food-
related matters. The Authority will be given its own budget in urgent cases and will maintain contacts with
the scientific committees and the Commission (section 45 ff).

Increasing the size of the scientific secretariat to support scientific advisory activities is needed to improved
both the quality and the rapidity of scientific advice. A separate budget for ad hoc research will make for
greater flexibility. Furthermore, the composition of the Authority(cid:146)s staff is crucial.

1. What budget does the Commission propose for the Food Authority?

2. What are the criteria for the recruitment of staff? How many staff will the Food Authority have (at all
levels)?

(2001/C 46 E/146)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1136/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

Identifying and utilising information from within and outside the Community will be a key activity of the
Authority (section 49 ff). Information is important in order to identify potential problems as soon as
possible. The Authority will act as a watchdog with regard to emerging hazards.

To what extent can the Authority advise the Commission on potential problems without involving

1.
the scientific committees?

Does not the existence of a twin-track system of advice (cid:129) the Food Authority and the scientific
the Food Authority? If not, what guarantees does the

2.
committees (cid:129) undermine the efficiency of
Commission have that duplication of advice does not inhibit the effectiveness of the Authority?

(2001/C 46 E/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1137/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.
Decision No 1/2000 of the EU-Hungary Association Council of 11 April 2000 on the transition to the second stage of the Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Hungary, of the other part
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: EC–Hungary Association Council
Subjects: EU Member State, Hungary, agreement (EU)

L 114/32

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

13.5.2000

DECISION No 1/2000 OF THE EU-HUNGARY ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

of 11 April 2000

on the transition to the second stage of the Association between the European Communities and
their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Hungary, of the other part

(2000/327/EC)

THE EU-HUNGARY ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Europe Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of
the one part, and the Republic of Hungary, of the other part (1), and in particular Article 6(3) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Article 6(1) of the Europe Agreement provides for a transition period of a maximum of 10 years
divided into two successive stages, each in principle lasting five years.

The first stage began on 1 February 1994, the date of entry into force of the Europe Agreement, and
terminated on 31 January 1999.

The Association Council, in accordance with Article 6(2) of the Europe Agreement, has regularly
examined the application of the Europe Agreement and Hungary's accomplishments in the process
leading to a market economy system.

The Parties are determined to comply with the obligations deriving from the transition to the second
stage of the Association.

The Association Council is to decide on the transition to the second stage as well as on any possible
changes to be brought about as regards measures concerning the implementation of the provisions
governing the second stage,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The transition to the second stage referred to in Article 6(3) of the Europe Agreement between the
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Hungary, of the other
part, shall hereby take effect.

This Decision shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date of its adoption
by the Association Council.

Article 2

Done at Brussels, 11 April 2000.

For the Association Council

The President

J. GAMA

(1) OJ L 347, 31.12.1993, p. 2.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1135/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU expenditure, European Food Safety Authority, recruitment, size of business

C 46 E/130

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

(2001/C 46 E/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1135/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

The field of activities of the Authority covers the entire food chain, including both food safety and food-
related matters. The Authority will be given its own budget in urgent cases and will maintain contacts with
the scientific committees and the Commission (section 45 ff).

Increasing the size of the scientific secretariat to support scientific advisory activities is needed to improved
both the quality and the rapidity of scientific advice. A separate budget for ad hoc research will make for
greater flexibility. Furthermore, the composition of the Authority(cid:146)s staff is crucial.

1. What budget does the Commission propose for the Food Authority?

2. What are the criteria for the recruitment of staff? How many staff will the Food Authority have (at all
levels)?

(2001/C 46 E/146)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1136/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.

Identifying and utilising information from within and outside the Community will be a key activity of the
Authority (section 49 ff). Information is important in order to identify potential problems as soon as
possible. The Authority will act as a watchdog with regard to emerging hazards.

To what extent can the Authority advise the Commission on potential problems without involving

1.
the scientific committees?

Does not the existence of a twin-track system of advice (cid:129) the Food Authority and the scientific
the Food Authority? If not, what guarantees does the

2.
committees (cid:129) undermine the efficiency of
Commission have that duplication of advice does not inhibit the effectiveness of the Authority?

(2001/C 46 E/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1137/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority

The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is
concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food
safety.
Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 39/2000 of 11 April 2000 amending Protocol 31 to the EEA Agreement, on cooperation in specific fields outside the four freedoms
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: EEA Joint Committee
Subjects: EU action, action programme, child, violence, woman, young person

15.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 141/67

DECISION OF THE EEA JOINT COMMITTEE

No 39/2000

of 11 April 2000

amending Protocol 31 to the EEA Agreement, on cooperation in specific fields outside the four
freedoms

THE EEA JOINT COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, as adjusted by the Protocol adjusting the
Agreement on the European Economic Area, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’, and in particular
Articles 86 and 98 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

Protocol 31 to the Agreement was amended by Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 55/96 of
28 October 1996 (1).

It is appropriate to extend the cooperation of the Contracting Parties to the Agreement to include a
programme of Community action (the Daphne programme) (2000 to 2003) on preventive measures
to fight violence against children, young persons and women (Decision No 293/2000/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council (2)).

Protocol 31 to the Agreement should therefore be amended in order to allow for this extended
cooperation to take place from 1 January 2000,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 5 of Protocol 31 to the Agreement shall be amended as follows:

1. The following indent shall be added in paragraph 8:

Article 1

‘— 32000 D 0293: Decision No 293/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24
January 2000 adopting a programme of Community action (the Daphne programme) (2000 to
2003) on preventive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women (OJ L
34, 9.2.2000, p. 1).’

2. The text of paragraph 5 shall be replaced by the following:

‘5.
The EFTA States shall participate in the Community programmes and actions referred to in the
first two indents of paragraph 8 as from 1 January 1996 and in the programme referred to in the third
indent as from 1 January 2000.’

This Decision shall enter into force on the day after the last notification under Article 103(1) of the
Agreement has been made to the EEA Joint Committee.

It shall apply from 1 January 2000.

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the EEA Section of, and in the EEA Supplement to, the Official Journal of
the European Communities.

Article 3

Done at Brussels, 11 April 2000.

For the EEA Joint Committee

The President

F. BARBASO

(1) OJ L 85, 27.3.1997, p. 64.
(2) OJ L 34, 9.2.2000, p. 1.
Decision No 2/2000 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 11 April 2000 on the opening of negotiations aimed at the liberalisation of services and the mutual opening of procurement markets between the Community and Turkey
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: EC–Turkey Association Council
Subjects: Türkiye, association agreement (EU), freedom to provide services, originating product, right of establishment

9.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 138/27

DECISION No 2/2000 OF THE EC-TURKEY ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

of 11 April 2000

on the opening of negotiations aimed at the liberalisation of services and the mutual opening of
procurement markets between the Community and Turkey

(2000/377/EC)

THE ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Agreement of 12 September 1963 establishing an Association between the European
Economic Community and Turkey (1), and in particular Articles 13 and 14 thereof,

Having regard to the Additional Protocol (2), and in particular Article 41(2) thereof,

Having regard to Decision No 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on
implementing the final phase of the Customs Union (3), and in particular Article 48 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

Articles 13 and 14 of the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and Article 41(2) of the Additional
Protocol thereto envisage, by Decision of the Association Council, the progressive abolition of
restrictions on freedom to provide services and freedom of establishment, using the relevant
provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community as guidelines.

Article 48 of Decision No 1/95 provides that the Association Council will set a date for the initiation
of negotiations aimed at the mutual opening of the Parties' respective procurement markets.

In the negotiating guidelines for a Decision by the EC-Turkey Association Council on the liberalisa-
tion of services and procurement, adopted by the Council on 15 November 1999, the Council
reaffirmed its willingness to conclude such a Decision with Turkey,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

Negotiations aimed at the liberalisation of services and the mutual opening of procurement markets
between the Community and Turkey shall begin in April 2000.

Done at Luxembourg, 11 April 2000.

For the Association Council

The President

I. CEM

(1) OJ L 217, 29.12.1964, p. 3687/64.
(2) OJ L 293, 29.12.1972, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 35, 13.2.1996, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1113/00 by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Extension of the 1994 UK VAT Act.
Date: 2000-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: United Kingdom, VAT, application of EU law, competence of the Member States, museum, public institution

C 53 E/76

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.2.2001

(cid:129) Has the Commission any plans to revise the level of subsidies granted, e.g. by reference to the

subsidies paid for cows?

(cid:129) If no decisions have yet been taken, what is the timescale for taking such decisions?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2000)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (1)
includes under the agri-environment heading
Community support in promotion of genetic diversity. It is up to Member States to decide in line with
their individual situations and priorities whether or not to make use of this category of measure.

On the subsidy rate payable, (cid:145)Member States shall determine the need to provide an incentive (cid:133) on the
basis of objective criteria(cid:146) (Article 18 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1750/1999 of 23 July 1999 (2) on
application of Regulation No 1257/1999). This applies to all the agri-environment measures.

The Finnish authorities have proposed a subsidy programme for various local breeds (horses, cattle, sheep
etc.) specifying numbers of animals and rates.

The Commission(cid:146)s decision on this will be taken as soon as possible through the procedure indicated in
Article 50(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions
on the Structural Funds (3).

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
(2) OJ L 214, 13.8.1999.
(3) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

(2001/C 53 E/092)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1113/00

by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: Extension of the 1994 UK VAT Act

Would the European Commission have any objection to Section 33 of the 1994 UK VAT Act being
extended to nationally-funded museums and galleries whose trustees are appointed by the UK Govern-
ment?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(19 May 2000)

Section 33 of the 1994 British VAT Act introduced a refund scheme, whereby input VAT, for which the
recovery is not possible under the normal VAT procedure, is refunded to certain local authorities and
government departments. This refund scheme is a financial operation between different public bodies
which does not conflict with the European common VAT system and could be considered as a sort of
subsidy granted to certain local authorities and government departments. The question of which of these
bodies can be included in Section 33 of the 1994 British Act is a purely national matter to be determined
by the British authorities.