do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3346/00 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE-DE) to the Council. Revision of the Act concerning the election of Members of the European Parliament (Anastassopoulos Report).
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European electoral system

C 174 E/36

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

19.6.2001

(2001/C 174 E/037)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3346/00

by Ursula Schleicher (PPE-DE) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Revision of the Act concerning the election of Members of the European Parliament (Anastasso-

poulos Report)

The European Parliament is awaiting the Council(cid:146)s common position on the revision of the Act concerning
the election of Members of the European Parliament.

Will the French Presidency be seeking a decision on this matter?

Which Member States have particular problems in this respect?

Reply

(26 February 2001)

The Council attaches great importance to the procedure for the election of Members of the European
Parliament, laid down in Article 190(4) of the Treaty. After receiving the Parliament(cid:146)s Resolution of 15 July
1998, the Council undertook the examination of a draft act relating to the election of members of the
European Parliament by direct universal suffrage. In the same context, the Council considered the question
of the exact dates for the European vote.

Many aspects have been agreed, as stated in a letter to the President of the European Parliament on 22 May
2000. On other points, and particularly on possible amendments to Annex II of the 1976 Act, the dates
for the elections to be held in 2004, and incompatibilities, the Council is continuing to seek agreement.

The Honourable Member may be assured that the Council is making every effort to resolve the matters still
outstanding and to reach agreement on the arrangements to be covered by the procedure laid down in
Article 190(4).

(2001/C 174 E/038)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3347/00

by Paul R(cid:252)big (PPE-DE) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Visa requirement for Slovakian citizens on entry to Belgium

A Slovakian citizen who wishes to travel to Belgium must apply for a visa. Slovakia(cid:146)s successful efforts to
become a member of the European Union are to be welcomed and must be comprehensively supported.

It is therefore vitally important to ensuring progress with EU enlargement to the east for any adverse
effects to be counteracted at an early stage or not allowed to arise at all.

To make entry by a Slovakian citizen subject to a visa requirement could be characterised as discrimina-
tion.

Does such a procedure not amount to a racist act against the Sinti (gypsy people of German origin)?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3302/00 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission. Turkey and human rights.
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Türkiye, accession negotiations, torture

C 151 E/128

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

22.5.2001

To the Commission(cid:146)s knowledge, there is no scientific evidence proving that normal consumption of soy is
harmful. Abnormalities in the reproductive systems do not occur in the Oriental countries, where the
consumption of soy products is a part of the traditional diet. There are questions however, as to whether a
very high consumption of isoflavones over an extended period, may have harmful effects. The Commission
therefore agrees that more research is needed in order to clarify whether high dosage exposure to
isoflavones over an extended period may have adverse effects. Proposals in this area of research may be
submitted in the frame of key action 1 (Food, nutrition and health) of the specific programme (cid:145)Quality of
life and management of living resources(cid:146) of the fifth framework programme.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

(2001/C 151 E/143)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3302/00

by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Turkey and human rights

Last March the Turkish trade unionist, Suleyman Yeter, died in police custody after suffering torture. In the
opinion of Commissioner Verheugen what consequences does this apparent blatant breach of human
rights have on Turkey(cid:146)s application for membership?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2000)

According to the Commission(cid:146)s information, Mr Suleyman Yeter, member and education expert of Limter-
Is Union died in detention on 7 March 1999. Three police officers are currently on trial for causing his
death. A court hearing took place on 23 October 2000 in the Istanbul No 6 Heavy Penal Court and the
court is still in the process of hearing witnesses. Prison sentences of up to 13 years are demanded against
the police officers.

The Commission is monitoring closely developments in the human rights situation in Turkey, and made a
general assessment of this situation in its annual regular report on the progress of Turkey towards
accession, adopted on 8 November 2000.

(2001/C 151 E/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3305/00

by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Lido Pizzo

Does the Commission intend to take immediate action to ascertain the compatibility of the building
projects (for holiday homes) in the area known as Lido Pizzo near Gallipoli (Apulia, Italy) which the Italian
government has authorised and even (according to press reports) granted funding to under the (cid:145)Sviluppo
Italia(cid:146) national development scheme?

The problem is that this area has been listed as an SCI (site of Community importance) and should
therefore be the subject of environmental protection.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3298/00 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Council. Tobacco sponsorship of Formula One.
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: competence of the Member States, election financing, political parties, sponsorship, sporting event, tobacco industry

6.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 163 E/83

(2001/C 163 E/087)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3298/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Tobacco sponsorship of Formula One

In view of the payment of GBP 1 million to the British Labour Party prior to the last UK general election
by Mr Bernard Ecclestone,
the organiser of Formula One racing which is sponsored by tobacco
manufacturers, and in view of allegations that tobacco interests may have made similar donations to the
CDU in Germany, will the Council initiate an inquiry into the influence on political decision-taking across
the European Union of tobacco manufacturers seeking to support the continued promotion of tobacco
products?

Reply

(12 February 2001)

The Council is fully conscious of the great importance of, and public interest in, the issue of tobacco
promotion. We note, however, that your examples relate to the funding of national political parties. We
are obliged to emphasise that the funding of national political parties is strictly a matter for the Member
States. The Council has no competence in this area.

(2001/C 163 E/088)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3304/00

by Esko Sepp(cid:228)nen (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Remuneration of the experts assessing the situation in Austria

A group of three experts was set up by one of the EU institutions to assess the possibility of lifting the
sanctions against Austria. The group reported that it would indeed be possible to lift the sanctions. Which
institution remunerated the experts, and how much did they receive?

Reply

(12 February 2001)

The Council was not involved in setting up this group nor in its functioning; it has never taken a position
on the matter raised by the Honourable Member nor committed any appropriations allocated to it in the
Community budget for the expenditure in question.

(2001/C 163 E/089)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3315/00

by JosØ Garc(cid:237)a-Margallo y Marfil (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Mandarins (cid:129) satsuma and segmented in general

(18 October 2000)

The Valencia region produces 90 % of Spain(cid:146)s satsuma mandarins, a fruit which only Spain produces in
the EU.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3388/00 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. New aid scheme for coal with effect from 2002.
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing arrangements, coal industry

C 151 E/156

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

22.5.2001

the
In the specific case, not being aware of
Commission will take the appropriate steps in order to gather detailed information about it and to ensure
the observance of Community law.

the situation described by the Honourable Member,

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2001/C 151 E/176)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3388/00

by Laura GonzÆlez `lvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: New aid scheme for coal with effect from 2002

(25 October 2000)

At the (cid:145)coal(cid:146) seminar held on 17 October in Brussels and organised by the ECSC Advisory Committee, the
Commissioner responsible for energy and transport stated that, once the ECSC Treaty expires, much of
Community production will be unable to compete with imported coal, for which reason a new aid scheme
is to be proposed with effect from 2002, when the ECSC Treaty expires.

When is the Commission Green Paper on security of supply in respect of the various energy sources due
to be published and what role is it likely to allocate to Community coal?

What are to be the features of the new post-2002 aid scheme?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2000)

The Commission is intending to publish a Green Paper on security of supply before the end of the year
2000. It is planned that this document will present its reflections on the position of coal as part of
Community energy supply after the expiry of the ECSC Treaty.

The Commission will not however be able to define the features of any proposal for a coal aid scheme
until it has drawn conclusions from the discussion which the Green Paper ought to incite.

(2001/C 151 E/177)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3390/00

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: State aids in the manufacturing industry

Will the Commission enumerate how many investigations into the provision of State aid to French
manufacturing companies have taken place in the years 1995-2000? Could the Commission also set out
the names of the companies or holding companies concerned and the extent to which they are connected
to the water industries and manufacturing linked to them?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(24 November 2000)

Between 1 January 1995 and 25 October 2000 the Commission closed 272 investigations into the
provision of state aid to French companies in sectors other than agriculture, fisheries, transport and the
Commission Regulation (EC) No 2366/2000 of 25 October 2000 fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar for the 13th partial invitation to tender issued within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, white sugar

L 273/14

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.10.2000

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 2366/2000

of 25 October 2000

fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar for the 13th partial invitation to tender issued
within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No
1531/2000

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2038/1999 of 13
September 1999 on the common organisation of the markets
in the sugar sector (1), as amended by Commission Regulation
(EC) No 1527/2000 (2), and in particular the second subpara-
graph of Article 18(5) thereof,

and world markets in sugar, for the partial invitation to
tender in question.

(3)

(4)

Following an examination of the tenders submitted in
response to the 13th partial
invitation to tender, the
provisions set out in Article 1 should be adopted.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Sugar,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000 of 13 July
2000 on a standing invitation to tender to determine
levies and/or refunds on exports of white sugar (3),
requires partial invitations to tender to be issued for the
export of this sugar.

Pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1531/
2000 a maximum export refund shall be fixed, as the
case may be, account being taken in particular of the
state and foreseeable development of the Community

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 13th partial invitation to tender for white sugar issued
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000 the maximum
amount of the export refund is fixed at 39,403 EUR/100 kg.

This Regulation shall enter into force on 26 October 2000.

Article 2

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 25 October 2000.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 252, 25.9.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 175, 14.7.2000, p. 59.
(3) OJ L 175, 14.7.2000, p. 69.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3304/00 by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Council. Remuneration of the experts assessing the situation in Austria.
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Austria, administrative sanction, fact-finding mission, pay, self-employed person

6.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 163 E/83

(2001/C 163 E/087)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3298/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Tobacco sponsorship of Formula One

In view of the payment of GBP 1 million to the British Labour Party prior to the last UK general election
by Mr Bernard Ecclestone,
the organiser of Formula One racing which is sponsored by tobacco
manufacturers, and in view of allegations that tobacco interests may have made similar donations to the
CDU in Germany, will the Council initiate an inquiry into the influence on political decision-taking across
the European Union of tobacco manufacturers seeking to support the continued promotion of tobacco
products?

Reply

(12 February 2001)

The Council is fully conscious of the great importance of, and public interest in, the issue of tobacco
promotion. We note, however, that your examples relate to the funding of national political parties. We
are obliged to emphasise that the funding of national political parties is strictly a matter for the Member
States. The Council has no competence in this area.

(2001/C 163 E/088)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3304/00

by Esko Sepp(cid:228)nen (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Remuneration of the experts assessing the situation in Austria

A group of three experts was set up by one of the EU institutions to assess the possibility of lifting the
sanctions against Austria. The group reported that it would indeed be possible to lift the sanctions. Which
institution remunerated the experts, and how much did they receive?

Reply

(12 February 2001)

The Council was not involved in setting up this group nor in its functioning; it has never taken a position
on the matter raised by the Honourable Member nor committed any appropriations allocated to it in the
Community budget for the expenditure in question.

(2001/C 163 E/089)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3315/00

by JosØ Garc(cid:237)a-Margallo y Marfil (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Mandarins (cid:129) satsuma and segmented in general

(18 October 2000)

The Valencia region produces 90 % of Spain(cid:146)s satsuma mandarins, a fruit which only Spain produces in
the EU.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3341/00 by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Obstacle to the free movement of workers by car.
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Netherlands, application of EU law, free movement of persons, job application, vehicle registration

3.4.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 103 E/243

(2001/C 103 E/286)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3317/00

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Allocation of EU funds to London

What is the total of European Union funds spent in or allocated to London for each of the last five years,
for which figures are available?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2001/C 103 E/287)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3341/00

by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Obstacle to the free movement of workers by car

Residents of the Netherlands are not permitted to drive a car with a foreign number plate. Eight weeks are
needed to obtain a Dutch number plate.

Practical problems arise as a result. Anyone who goes to the Netherlands with the intention of becoming
established there for any period of time is deemed to be a (cid:145)resident(cid:146) within the meaning of the law. In
accordance with the Highway Code, a new resident in possession of a car is obliged to fit his car with a
Dutch number plate.

Under European law job-seekers are permitted to spend three months, on full unemployment benefit,
looking for a job in another Member State. If a European job-seeker goes to the Netherlands in search of a
job he is deemed to be a resident pursuant to Dutch law and is therefore obliged to fit his car with a
Dutch number plate. Until he has done so he is not allowed to use his car.

1.
To what extent does the Commission regard the Dutch law in question as an obstacle to the
opportunities available to job-seekers from outside the Netherlands for looking for work in the Nether-
lands?

Does the Commission believe that the Dutch law in question is an obstacle to the free movement of

2.
workers?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2000)

The Commission has asked the Member State concerned for information regarding the facts raised to by
the Honourable Member. It will inform him of its findings.
2.European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Hungary establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of combined transport (5948/1/2000/Cor1 – COM(1999) 665 — C5-0403/2000 — 1999/0268(AVC))
Date: 2000-10-25
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Hungary, carriage of goods, combined transport, road transport, transit

C 197/172

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.7.2001

Wednesday 25 October 2000

2.
European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the
conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Hungary
establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of combined
transport (5948/1/2000/Cor. 1 ’ COM(1999) 665 ’ C5-0403/2000 ’ 1999/0268(AVC))

(Assent procedure)

The European Parliament,

(cid:14) having regard to the proposal for a Council Decision (COM(1999) 665) (1),

(cid:14) having regard to the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Repub-
lic of Hungary establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of
combined transport (5948/1/2000/Cor. 1),

(cid:14) having regard to the Council’s request for Parliament’s assent pursuant to Article 300(3), second sub-

paragraph, in conjunction with Articles 71 and 93 of the EC Treaty (C5-0403/2000),

(cid:14) having regard to Rules 86 and 97(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

(cid:14) having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism

(A5-0278/2000),

1.

Gives its assent to the conclusion of the agreement;

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments

2.
and parliaments of the Member States and the Republic of Hungary.

(1) OJ C 89 E, 28.3.2000, p. 36.

3. EC-Bulgaria and EC-Hungary road transport agreements ***I (procedure with-

out debate)

A5-0085/2000

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation concerning the distribution of author-
isations among Member States received through the Agreements between the European Commu-
nity and the Republic of Bulgaria and between the European Community and the Republic of
Hungary establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of
combined transport (COM(1999) 667 ’ C5-0335/1999 ’ 1999/0264(COD))

The proposal was amended as follows:

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION (1)

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 1)
Article 2(3)

The authorisations for each year shall be allocated before

3.
15 November of the preceding year.

The authorisations for each year shall be allocated before

3.
15 October of the preceding year.

(1) OJ C 89 E, 28.3.2000, p. 33.