WRITTEN QUESTION E-1505/00 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission. Interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system.
Date: 2000-05-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: high-speed transport, national implementing measure

C 53 E/156

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.2.2001

The TRIPs Agreement contains certain minimum standards for the protection not only of copyright but all
categories of intellectual property. In the particular case of copyright, it requires WTO members to comply
with the major provisions of the Berne Convention. It also provides for the establishment of the TRIPs
Council to monitor the operation of the TRIPs agreement and WTO members(cid:146) compliance with it. In
carrying out its functions, the TRIPs Council may consult with and seek information from any source
including WIPO. The aim is to establish a mutually supportive relationship between WIPO and the WTO.
Moreover, on the basis of Article 68 of the TRIPs Agreement, both organisations have concluded co-
operation agreements. Accordingly, the mere fact that in relation to copyright, both treaties overlap to a
certain extent does not give rise to concern as regards question of competence and responsibility, as there
is no hierarchy between the Berne Convention, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the TRIPs Agreement.

(2001/C 53 E/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1505/00

by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission

(12 May 2000)

Subject: Interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system

Council Directive 96/48/EC (1) of 23 July 1996 on interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail
system established that the deadline for transposition would be 8 April 1999.

Would the Commission please indicated the countries which have not yet incorporated it in their
legislation?

(1) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996, p. 6.

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2000)

Council Directive 96/48/EC of 23 July 1996 on the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail
system provides that (cid:145)Member States shall amend and adopt their laws, regulations and administrative
provisions so as to authorise the use of interoperability constituents and the putting into service and
operation of subsystems which comply with this Directive no later than 30 months after entry into force
of this Directive(cid:146).

The Directive should therefore have been transposed by 8 April 1999.

To date, four Member States (Denmark, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands) have notified measures
incorporating the Directive into national law. Infringement proceedings have been brought against the
Member States which have not transposed the Directive, as provided for in Article 226 (ex Article 169) of
the EC Treaty.

(2001/C 53 E/201)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1506/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(12 May 2000)

Subject: Cost of transferring amounts reimbursed

I recently received via Western Union/GWK a payment of BEF 5 000 as reimbursement for the costs I
incurred in attending a European Commission Conference in Amsterdam. This payment was made from
rue Montoyer to rue Wiertz and cost BEF 630.

Does the Commission have any similar programmes for providing financial assistance to Belgian banks?
Has it considered delivering such sums by taxi, as it would be cheaper?