WRITTEN QUESTION E-1798/00 by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Ban on fireworks.
Date: 2000-06-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Sweden, explosive, free movement of goods, infringement of EU law, market approval

C 89 E/88

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.3.2001

As to the compatibility of the aid with the common market, point 3.4 of the guidelines states that the
Commission does not normally approve operating aid, which relieves firms of costs resulting from the
pollution they cause. However, the Commission may authorise a temporary relief from new environmental
taxes where it is necessary to offset losses in competitiveness, particularly at international
In
principle, the aid should be degressive. A further factor to be taken into account is what the firms
concerned have to do in return, to reduce their pollution. The reduced CO2 tax rate on coal and natural
gas used in industrial manufacturing was approved until the end of 1999. The Commission has just
received further information from the Swedish authorities on the planned prolongation of the scheme, and
will proceed to assess it (2).

level.

(1) OJ C 72, 10.3.1994.
(2) State aid case N 2/2000.

(2001/C 89 E/091)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1797/00

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 June 2000)

Subject: Cutbacks in Swedish customs service

What are the Commission(cid:146)s views on the proposal for cutbacks in the Swedish customs service, which
include a risk that Gotland, for example, will be left completely unmanned? Since Gotland should be
regarded as an external EU border, has the Commission examined the customs service(cid:146)s reductions in staff
and its plans for future activities?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2000)

The legal basis for protecting the external borders of the Community when it comes to matters of
Community competence is contained in the relevant Community legislation. Member States, acting on the
basis of such legal provisions, apply any resulting measures on behalf of the Community. The manner in
which they do this and the resources allocated to such actions fall under the responsibility of Member
States. The Commission is then able to check the application of any such measures through control visits
to Member States under its own resources responsibilities. The Commission also works with Member
States under the Customs 2002 programme on means of ensuring greater effectiveness of controls across
the Community.

(2001/C 89 E/092)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1798/00

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 June 2000)

Subject: Ban on fireworks

A ban on the sale of fireworks is being discussed in Sweden. Is such a ban consistent with internal market
principles concerning the free movement of goods when fireworks are allowed to be sold in other Member
States?

20.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 89 E/89

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 2000)

All goods, including fireworks, that are approved for legal use in one Member State are able to circulate
freely within the Community (Article 28 (ex Article 30) of the EC Treaty). A Member State which has or
introduces safety measures against a type of product may be allowed to do so if the measure is not a
means of arbitrary discrimination, and is necessary and proportionate. In this case, a national measure
could be based on Article 30 (ex Article 36) of the EC Treaty (public safety) provided that the measure is
necessary and proportionate in relation to a well defined and clear public security interest. A measure
imposing a total ban could be considered disproportionate as other measures, such as stricter storage and
handling requirements may well fulfil the same purpose.

The Commission invites the Honourable Member to consult preceding replies by the Commission
concerning fireworks: P-4053/97 by Mr Whitehead (1), E-3184/96 by Mrs Waddington (2), E-3644/95 by
Mr Pronk (3), E-853/94 by Mr Ford (4), E-1036/93 by Mr Smith (5), E-1152/86 (6) by Mr Pitt, E-3102/85 by
Mr Pitt (7) and E-465/80 by Mr Walter (8).

(1) OJ C 187, 16.6.1998.
(2) OJ C 138, 5.5.1997.
(3) OJ C 161, 5.6.1996.
(4) OJ C 17, 23.1.1995.
(5) OJ C 140, 21.5.1994.
(6) OJ C 54, 2.3.1987.
(7) OJ C 249, 6.10.1986.
(8) OJ C 198, 4.8.1980.

(2001/C 89 E/093)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1809/00

by Linda McAvan (PSE) to the Commission

(8 June 2000)

Subject: Welfare of chickens reared for meat production

The EU(cid:146)s Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (Scahaw) recently published a report
expressing concern about the health and welfare of broiler chickens being reared for meat production. The
report highlighted how the broiler industry(cid:146)s drive for ever faster growth rates has led to painful
leg
disorders and sudden death syndrome in birds reared for meat.

Will the Commission consider proposing legislation designed to address the serious health and welfare
problems highlighted in the Scahaw report?

(2001/C 89 E/094)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1848/00

by Linda McAvan (PSE) to the Commission

(9 June 2000)

Subject: Welfare of chickens kept for meat production

The EU(cid:146)s Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (Scahaw) recently published a report
expressing concern about the health and welfare of broiler chickens being kept for meat production. The
report highlighted how the broiler industry(cid:146)s drive for ever faster growth rates has led to painful
leg
disorders and sudden death syndrome in birds reared for meat.

Will the Commission state whether it will consider proposing a directive designed to address the serious
health and welfare problems highlighted in the Scahaw report?