WRITTEN QUESTION E-1549/00 by Vitaliano Gemelli (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Economic and monetary policy.
Date: 2000-05-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Central Bank, economic and social cohesion, economic growth, economic policy, euro, exchange rate, single monetary policy, sustainable development

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Directive 92/14/EEC of 2 March 1992 on the limitation of the operation of aeroplanes covered by Part II,
Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition
(1988) (2) concern the noise emanating from the aircraft as products; the level of noise, for instance in line
with standards on maximum permitted noise, is not regulated. The same reasoning applies in the case of
night-time noise.

Sole responsibility for the planning of an airport, including its siting, rests with the Member States.

The Member States are also solely responsible for authorising the execution of a project, even where the
impact assessment demonstrates that the project has negative effects.

The new runway at Barajas Airport has been the subject of an impact assessment, compulsory in the case
in point, since the project in question is covered by Annex 1, point 7 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of
27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environ-
ment (3).

It should be noted that Directive 85/337/CEE has been amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March
1997 (4). However, under Article 3(2) of Directive 97/11/CE, if a request for development consent was
submitted before 14 March 1999, the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC prior to these amendments shall
continue to apply.

As for Council Directive 96/62/EEC of 27 September 1996 on the assessment and management of air
quality (5), this is a framework Directive which does not contain any specific obligations. Council Directive
1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of
nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (6), for its part, entered into force in July 1999. With
effect
the legislative measures for
transposing this Directive.

from 19 July 2001, Member States will be obliged to transmit

Article 3 of Council Directive 90/313/EEC of 7 June 1990 on freedom of access to information on the
environment (7) imposes an obligation on the authorities to make available, within two months, informa-
tion relating to the environment to any person requesting such information. The authorities have indeed
responded to such requests, albeit rather belatedly.

Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27 January 1997 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and
data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States (8)
seeks to organise the exchange of information among Member States. Accordingly, any non-compliance
with this Decision would not be relevant in the context of enlargement of the airport.

In the opinion of the Commission,
protection for the local population against airport noise.

it is incumbent on the Spanish authorities to provide adequate

(1) OJ L 18, 24.1.1980.
(2) OJ L 76, 23.3.1992.
(3) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(4) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(5) OJ L 296, 21.11.1996.
(6) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999.
(7) OJ L 158, 23.6.1990.
(8) OJ L 35, 5.2.1997.

(2001/C 113 E/020)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1549/00

by Vitaliano Gemelli (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 May 2000)

Subject: Economic and monetary policy

The continuing decline in the value of the Euro in relation to the dollar is causing serious concern in many
quarters in Europe. The political, economic, social services and financial sectors are calling for a clear
explanation of the EU(cid:146)s economic and monetary strategy, while the Commission continues to send out
reassuring messages and the Council simply turns its back on the problem. The ECB has confined itself to

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ordering a series of interest rate rises, a clear indication of the absence of any economic and monetary
strategy, as the authorities are evidently resorting to mere technical measures that do not address the
broader economic context. For while interest rate rises might
they will
undoubtedly also reduce the prospect of firms using the euro to finance investment. Yet such investment
is absolutely essential to help speed up the modernisation of the economy and solve the problem of
Europe(cid:146)s massive unemployment, which can hardly be regarded as cyclical, as it is the result of the
continuing structural rigidities in many areas and the Member States(cid:146) failure to harmonise their economic,
financial, fiscal and social policies. Up to now their respective policies have been notable for their
scepticism, protectionism, short-sightedness and attachment to outdated ideologies, which stands in the
way of measured discussion of means of improving the EU(cid:146)s competitive position on world markets.

the risk of

inflation,

limit

This being so:

(cid:129) What economic and monetary strategy does the Commission intend to follow?

(cid:129) Which political authority at European level determines the EU(cid:146)s economic and monetary policy,

without prejudice to the ECB(cid:146)s independence in technical and operational matters?

(cid:129) What measures do the EU and the Member States intend to adopt to modernise and develop the

European economy?

(cid:129) How does the Commission intend to solve the problem of Europe(cid:146)s massive unemployment, while
retaining and upholding the rules governing the movement and residence of non-Community
nationals?

(cid:129) What role does the Commission envisage the candidate countries playing to ensure that enlargement
is achieved as smoothly and swiftly as possible, and that the enlarged EU guarantees favourable
economic conditions and creates a climate of security and stability, thus improving the quality of life
of Europe(cid:146)s citizens?

(cid:129) What proposals does the Commission intend to submit to the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia,
China and all the international economic powers to persuade them to embark on a new round of
negotiations aimed at stabilising the financial and currency markets and protecting the general public,
investors and savers from the risk of economic collapse, the disastrous effects of which might
ultimately represent a threat to civil peace throughout the world?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2000)

The Commission has developed a comprehensive and coherent economic policy strategy that aims at
generating high rates of sustained, non-inflationary growth and thereby contributes to meeting key
challenges like restoring full employment. The strategy consists essentially of growth and stability-oriented
macroeconomic policies, including monetary policy that aims at maintaining price stability in accordance
with the Treaty, and economic reforms to enhance the functioning of product, capital and labour markets.

The overall strategy is laid out in the Commission(cid:146)s recommendation for the 2000 broad economic policy
guidelines of the Member States and the Community (BEPGs). It covers all major policy areas while the
Cardiff and Luxembourg processes deal with their respective subject matters in greater detail. It is for those
concerned to implement the strategy in line with the policy assignments, competencies and prerogatives as
set out in the Treaty.

the EC Treaty,

the ESCB is independent

The policy assignment in the Community follows clear rules. Monetary policy for the euro area is
conducted by the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). In pursuit of its tasks set out in Article 105
third parties, whilst central bank
of
representatives participate actively in economic policy dialogues in various fora,
including a regular
exchange of views with the Parliament. Monetary policy outside the euro area remains a national
responsibility. Budgetary policy and most other economic policies are determined at the national level, in
line with subsidiarity. However, in conducting their policies, Member States have to respect the Treaty as
well as the stability and growth pact obligations and the principle of close co-ordination. This implies in

from instructions of

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particular that they conduct and co-ordinate policies in the context of the BEPGs mentioned above.
The BEPGs are adopted by the Ecofin Council, which is at the centre of the co-ordination process, upon a
recommendation by the Commission and in the light of the priorities established by the European Council
as well as possible comments of other Council
formations on the Commission(cid:146)s recommendation.
Co-ordination of policies and reforms in the labour markets are governed in more detail by the employ-
ment guidelines established in the employment title of the Treaty, while the political process decided by
the European Council in Cardiff ensures a review of reforms in product and capital markets. Both these
processes observe the overall framework determined in the BEPGs.

This allocation of responsibilities calls for continuous and fruitful dialogue between those concerned.
The dialogue between the European central bank (ECB) and the Ecofin Council is conducted in various
forms and at different levels, involving the Commission and respecting all aspects of the independence of
the ESCB. The channels of communication provided by the Treaty are exploited. Informal discussions take
place within the Euro-11 Group, in the meetings of which the ECB regularly takes part. The dialogue
between ministers and monetary authorities is prepared and continuous at the level of senior officials
within the economic and financial committee. Moreover, the macroeconomic dialogue, established under
the European employment pact, brings together all concerned, including the social partners. This regular
dialogue is based on mutual trust and respects the independence and autonomy of participants in their
areas of responsibility.

The Commission, with a view to modernising the Community economy and to foster sustainable
development in line with the new strategic goal set by the Lisbon European Council, has presented in its
recommendation for the 2000 BEPGs a comprehensive and consistent set of policies.
It provides
operational content to the Lisbon Council conclusions and targets to improve the quality and sustainability
of public finances, foster a knowledge-based economy, ensure efficient product markets, promote better
integrated capital markets and invigorate labour markets. All are called upon to proceed in their respective
domains. The Commission will fully assume its responsibilities in monitoring progress in implementing
these policies.

The Luxembourg and Cardiff processes will develop the economic and social agenda within their respective
domains. According to the Lisbon European Council, the approach of open policy co-ordination at
Community level will be extended to new domains such as education and training, the promotion of the
information society and innovation, and social protection and social inclusion.

Every spring, a special European Council will review the strategy and its progress, in particular on the basis
of a synthesis report (cid:129) prepared by the Commission (cid:129) based on structural performance indicators of
employment, innovation, economic reform and social cohesion.

The Commission, as already noted, has developed an economic policy strategy for growth and employ-
ment that is set out in the BEPGs and the employment guidelines, which present in greater detail how to
make progress with the invigoration of labour markets. The strategy targets an endogenous economic
growth process, underpinned by a well functioning labour market. The objective is to arrive at a significant
increase in the overall employment rate in Europe on a lasting basis. The overall aim should be to raise the
employment rate from an average 61 % today to as close as possible to 70 % by 2010, and to increase the
number of women in employment from an average of 51 % today to more than 60 % by 2010.

In order to invigorate the labour markets, as stipulated by the BEPGs, the employment guidelines have set
out concrete objectives and steps. The focus is on improving employability, developing entrepreneurship,
encouraging adaptability and strengthening equal opportunities. This does not include a change in rules
governing migration in and out of the Community.

Implementation of the overall economic strategy set out in the BEPGs and the policy action advocated in
the employment guidelines is making progress. Employment is responding positively and unemployment is
declining. A thorough assessment of the impact of the Luxembourg process is foreseen for 2002.

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The central European candidate countries already achieved marked progress in their transition to
competitive market economies. Growth prospects have brightened in view of the positive effects of
domestic adjustment programmes and the improved external environment. The Commission considers
that the candidate countries must continue to pursue their reform efforts, within the framework of the pre-
accession programmes and as set out in more detail in the economic policy strategies as well as the
employment policy reviews jointly prepared by the candidate countries and the Commission. This is
preparing the ground for accession in due time, under conditions conducive to growth and prosperity in
both the accession countries and the present Community.

The Commission has already taken a number of initiatives to strengthen the efficiency and stability of the
Community financial system. These measures include the financial services action plan, which should be
implemented by 2005 (Lisbon European Council) and the recent review of the Community capital
adequacy framework.

Progress has also been made on the reform of the architecture of the international monetary system.
Discussions on these issues have been taking place in different fora, including the International monetary
fund (IMF) and the Group of seven most industrialised nations (G7). In order to accommodate the reality
of new emerging markets and of Economic and monetary union (EMU), the Commission is prepared to
play an active role in preparing and negotiating common positions, both internally and with G7 partners.
Until now, however, Member States have been reluctant to allow the Community dimension to become
more visible at international level.

(2001/C 113 E/021)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1564/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(24 May 2000)

Subject: Political dialogue meetings with the Turkish authorities

In answer to written question E-0028/00 (1) the Council states that it raises human rights issues at all
political dialogue meetings with the Turkish authorities at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and
political directors.

1.
Since when has the Council been raising human rights issues (cid:145)at all political dialogue meetings with
the Turkish authorities at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and political directors(cid:146)? (Please supply
dates and places of meetings and a list of persons present)

2. What human rights issues have been raised at the political dialogue meetings (Please supply dates and
places of meetings, lists of persons present and the response of the Turkish authorities)

(1) OJ C 280 E, 3.10.2000, p. 162.

Reply

(30 November 2000)

1.
At the meeting of the EC-Turkey Association Council on 6 March 1995, the EU and Turkey decided
to intensify the political dialogue at different levels. In that meeting, the EU also raised human rights and
fundamental freedoms, noting (cid:129) among other things (cid:129) that progress in the field of human rights was
insufficient since human rights violations still took place, newspapers were closed, journalists and authors
persecuted specifically mentioning Mr Kemal and Mr Birdal as well as detained Turkish parliamentarians.

At the following EC-Turkey Association Council meetings on 30 October 1995 and 29 April 1997,
2.
the EU again, among other things, reminded Turkey of the close interest the EU takes in human rights and
looked forward to a situation in which respect for human rights in Turkey will meet the standards required
of a potential member of the EU, especially noting the importance of conducting the fight against
terrorism with due respect for human rights and the rule of law. A further strengthening of the EU-
Turkey relationship was dependent on these factors.