WRITTEN QUESTION E-2016/00 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. EU shipbuilding industry.
Date: 2000-06-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU industrial policy, control of State aid, less-favoured region, peripheral region, shipbuilding

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/169

In its decision on the aid scheme described above, the Commission took account of the specific problems
relating to the economic and employment situation in the Mezzogiorno.

As regards the aid deemed incompatible with the common market, Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (2) states
that, where negative decisions are taken in cases of unlawful aid, the Commission must decide that the
Member State concerned take all necessary measures to recover the aid from the beneficiary.

(1) OJ L 42, 15.2.2000.
(2) OJ L 83, 27.3.1999.

(2001/C 72 E/215)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2010/00

by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 June 2000)

Subject: Changing old coins into euros

No later than 1 January 2002, the old currencies in the euro zone will be changed directly into euros.
According to information from Regional Central Banks in Germany, no scheme has yet been devised for
changing foreign coins (cid:129) i.e. coins from other Member States in the euro zone (cid:129) into euros. It is quite
probable that European citizens are holding in their pockets and purses foreign coins worth billions.

The Commission:

1. What does it think should happen with such coins?

2.

Should not the various Central Banks be required by law to change into euros (banknotes and coins)
not only banknotes from other countries in the euro zone but also coins from other countries in the
euro zone?

3. What specific measures is the European Commission intending to take on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

It is worth recalling that it has so far generally not been possible in any Member State of the euro zone to
exchange coins of another Member State. The questions therefore are whether such a new service should
be established on the occasion of the introduction of euro coins, what its price and its modalities should
be and who should bear the costs.
the logistical problems of handling various coin
denominations, the conversion of the stocks which exist in the Community would probably require
substantial resources, regardless of whether the service would be provided by the private or the public
sector, including central banks. However, the Commission is aware of the problem and is examining how
to find a solution which is both economically sensible and satisfactory for the citizens.

In view of

(2001/C 72 E/216)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2016/00

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: EU shipbuilding industry

(21 June 2000)

In his reply to my question E-2795/99 (1), Commissioner Monti said that while under Council Regulation
1540/98 (2) establishing new rules on aid for shipbuilding operating aid is to be abolished at the end of
2000, the same Regulation also (cid:145)provides for a range of other aids that may be granted to shipbuilding

C 72 E/170

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

6.3.2001

subject to certain conditions up until 2003, including closure and restructuring aids, aids for research and
development, aids for innovation, and regional
investment aids for upgrading or modernising existing
yards(cid:146).

Can the Commission state whether this is a closed list of the types of aid that may be authorised up to
2003, or whether other forms of aid to protect the EU shipbuilding industry may in fact be permitted,
particularly in the event of South Korea continuing with its practices of unfair competition in shipbuilding
after September 2000?

Can the Commission state whether it has adopted or intends to adopt special aid measures for shipyards
located in Objective 1 maritime regions in the outlying parts of the Union?

(1) OJ C 280 E, 3.10.2000, p. 132.
(2) OJ L 202, 18.7.1998, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

The first paragraph of Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1540/98 of 29 June 1998 on establishing
new rules on aid to shipbuilding makes it clear that the only aids to shipbuilding that may be considered
compatible with the common market are those complying with the Regulation. No other types of aid are
allowed.

As regards special aid measures for shipyards based in objective 1 maritime regions, regional considera-
tions are taken into account as regards certain categories of aid covered by the Regulation. In the case of
aids for research and development and aids for environmental protection, there is the possibility of top-ups
above the normally applicable ceiling for yards in disadvantaged regions. In addition, the Regulation also
allows investment aids for upgrading or modernising existing yards in regions eligible for regional aids
under Article 87.3 (ex Article 92)(a) and (c) of the EC Treaty.

(2001/C 72 E/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025/00

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Budgetary contributions of Member States

(21 June 2000)

Can the Commission indicate the net contributions or receipts of each of the Member States for the last
financial year?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

The latest year for which data on budgetary balances are available is 1998.

The estimates for 1999 will be reported in tandem with the 1999 Report on the Allocation of EU
Expenditure, which is currently being prepared. As in any other year, the report will probably be available
at
is a public document and will also be available on the
Commission Internet page.

the beginning of autumn. This report

Data on budgetary data related to previous years (in particular 1992-1998) can be found in the 1998
allocated expenditure report entitled (cid:145)Allocation of 1998 EU operating expenditure by Member State(cid:146). This
report is available at the following address:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/budget/pdf/agenda2000/statdepenses98.pdf.