do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0037/01 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Council. Effects on soldiers' health of shells tipped with depleted uranium.
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Yugoslavia, access to information, cancer, military personnel, nuclear weapon

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/31

recognised by Community law (among others the protection of health and life of humans, animals or
plants) but shall not be discriminatory or constitute an unjustified restriction on trade between Member
States.

(1) OJ C 113 E, 18.4.2001, p. 134.
(2) OJ C 330 E, 21.11.2000.
(3) OJ C 203 E, 18.7.2000.
(4) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999.
(5) Debates of the European Parliament (December II 1999).
(6) OJ L 84, 5.4.1993.
(7) OJ L 69, 10.3.2001.
(8) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976.
(9) COM(2000) 347 final.

(2001/C 261 E/029)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0037/01

by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Council

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Effects on soldiers(cid:146) health of shells tipped with depleted uranium

The deaths from leukaemia and other forms of cancer of soldiers who took part in the Nato bombing of
the former Yugoslavia and the broader consequences for their health have caused widespread indignation
among European public opinion and have dented the credibility of the national governments and the
European institutions.

Does the Council intend to undertake comprehensive and systematic scientific studies concerning these
consequences and to announce the findings? What other measures does it intend to take to establish who
is responsible and to protect the citizens of Europe from these consequences?

Reply

(31 May 2001)

The Council acknowledges the great concern of the public opinion relating to the use of depleted uranium
in munitions. During their discussions on the occasion of 22 January 2001 meeting of the Council,
Ministers expressed their commitment to seek full clarity on this issue.

There was general agreement that in the first instance it was for NATO, as the institution organising crisis
management in Balkans, to assemble the information from participants on the use of depleted uranium, on
the locations of troops and on medical data. Ministers also called for full transparency and open exchange
the Member States, as well as with other organisations
of
investigating this matter.

information between the authorities of

Furthermore the Council noted that several bodies (United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
World Health Organisation (WHO), NATO, the committee set up by the Commission) are currently
examining this issue and the first reports are expected to be published shortly. Once these reports are
available, the Council has agreed to re-examine this issue in order to assess whether any specific initiative
or measures at EU level are warranted.
Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.2296 — ENI/Lasmo) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European Commission, economic concentration, exchange of information, financial institution, merger control, oil industry

C 13/4

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16.1.2001

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.2296 (cid:151) ENI/Lasmo)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2001/C 13/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 4 January 2001 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to
1.
Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2),
by which the Italian energy company ENI SpA (ENT), through its subsidiary Agip Investments plc (Agip
Investments), acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Regulation control of the whole of
Lasmo plc (Lasmo), by way of public aid announced on 21 December 2000.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

(cid:151) ENI: exploration and production of crude oil and gas, refining and marketing of petroleum products
through its Agip Petroli division and import, supply, transmission and wholesale distribution of gas
through its SNAM division. Through its Saipem subsidiary, ENI also provides oilfield services and
engineering,

(cid:151) Agip Investments: investment vehicle specifically formed for the acquisition,

(cid:151) Lasmo: exploration and production of crude oil and gas.

3.
On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within
the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant
to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under
Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (3), it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under
the procedure set out in the notice.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit

4.
proposed operation.

their possible observations on the

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication.
Observations can be sent by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference
COMP/M.2296 (cid:151) ENI/Lasmo, to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B (cid:151) Merger Task Force,
Rue Joseph II/Jozef II-straat 70,
B-1000 Brussels.

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 257, 21.9.1990, p. 13.
(2) OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17.
(3) OJ C 217, 29.7.2000, p. 32.
Euro exchange rates
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: euro, exchange rate, monetary union

C 13/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16.1.2001

COMMISSION

Euro exchange rates (1)

15 January 2001

(2001/C 13/02)

1 euro

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

7,4660

Danish krone

8,8695

Swedish krona

0,6388

Pound sterling

0,9428

United States dollar

1,417

Canadian dollar

111,92

Japanese yen

1,5427

Swiss franc

8,211

Norwegian krone

79,99

Icelandic kr(cid:243)na (2)

1,7048

Australian dollar

2,1234

New Zealand dollar

7,4363

South African rand (2)

(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.
(2) Source: Commission.
Termination of double-checking for textiles imports from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Baltic States, association agreement (EU), clothing, import policy, textile product

C 13/6

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

16.1.2001

Termination of double-checking for textiles imports from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

(2001/C 13/06)

Following consultations in the context of Agreed Minute No 5 Protocol 1 of the Association Agreement (1),
the European Community and Estonia have agreed to terminate, from 1 January 2001, the application of
the double-checking (licensing) system specified in Appendix A to the Protocol to imports into the
Community of textiles and clothing products from Estonia.

The application of double-checking requirements for imports into the Community of textiles and clothing
products from Latvia and Lithuania has also been terminated on 1 January 2001 upon expiry of the
Textiles Protocols to the respective Association Agreements.

(1) OJ L 68, 9.3.1998, p. 3.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4144/00 by Elizabeth Lynne (ELDR) to the Commission. The position of atheists, agnostics and humanists.
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC Directive, equal treatment, job access, religious discrimination

C 187 E/146

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 2001)

The evaluation of the common organization of the markets in the sheep and goat meat sector raised many
important and interesting points. In general terms it concluded that the premium regime has allowed
sheep and goat producers to maintain their relative position but that the method of calculation of the
premium is flawed. In particular, the quality of the data available leaves much to be desired. This concerns
price collection as well as the calculation of the technical coefficient.

The report identifies certain options, which it suggests should be considered. Essentially there is a choice
between improving the present system in order to obtain more accurate data necessary to calculate the
premium and the simplification of the system. The first solution would make an already complicated
system even more complicated.
In the light of this the Commission is examining the possibility of
simplifying the system by replacing the deficiency payment with a fixed premium. The overall objective
of the reform would be to provide a sound basis upon which producers could develop their enterprises
with the minimum of administrative interference. Furthermore, such an approach would be more adapted
to the aims of the World trade organisation (WTO) than the present price related system.

(2001/C 187 E/155)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4144/00

by Elizabeth Lynne (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: The position of atheists, agnostics and humanists

The Directive on Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation outlaws discrimination on the grounds
of age, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation. This is in line with Article 13 of the EC Treaty.
Is there a general definition of the term (cid:145)belief(cid:146), or is this determined by each Member State? What is the
position of atheists, agnostics and humanists with regard to the Directive on Equal Treatment in Employ-
ment and Occupation?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2001)

Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment
in employment and occupation (1) establishes a general principle of prohibition of any direct or indirect
discrimination based, inter alia, on religion or belief.

There is no general definition of the term (cid:145)belief(cid:146) in the Directive. The substance of the protection against
discrimination on the grounds of belief would have to be examined by the Court of Justice.

Without prejudice to Article 4(1) and (2) concerning occupational requirements, the general prohibition of
discrimination based on religion or belief applies also to atheists, agnostics and humanists.

(1) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000.
2001/68/EC: Commission Decision of 16 January 2001 establishing two reference methods of measurement for PCBs pursuant to Article 10(a) of Council Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCBs/PCTs) (notified under document number C(2001) 107)
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European standard, approximation of laws, chemical product, waste disposal, waste management

25.1.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 23/31

II

(Acts whose publication is not obligatory)

COMMISSION

COMMISSION DECISION

of 16 January 2001

establishing two reference methods of measurement for PCBs pursuant to Article 10(a) of Council
Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls
(PCBs/PCTs)

(notified under document number C(2001) 107)

(2001/68/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 96/59/EC of 16 September
1996 on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and poly-
chlorinated terphenyls (PCBs/PCTs (1), and in particular Article
10(a) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

The Commission, by virtue of Article 10(a) of
the
Directive 96/59/EC has the obligation to fix the refer-
ence methods for measurement to determine the PCB
content of contaminated materials.

For the time being it is possible to establish a reference
method for the determination of PCBs in petroleum
products and used oils as well as a reference measure-
ment method for the determination of PCBs in insu-
lating fluids.

The measures envisaged by this Decision are in accord-
ance with the opinion expressed by the Committee
established by Article 18 of Council Directive 75/
442/EEC (2),

Article 1

European standards EN 12766-1 and prEN 12766-2 and
subsequently upgraded versions shall be applied as the refer-
ence method for the determination of PCBs in petroleum prod-
ucts and used oils.

Article 2

European standard IEC 61619 and subsequently upgraded
versions shall be applied as the reference method for the deter-
mination of PCBs in insulating liquids.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the 30th day following
its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Article 4

Done at Brussels, 16 January 2001.

For the Commission

Margot WALLSTRÖM

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 243, 24.9.1996, p. 31.
(2) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p. 32.
Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.2228 — C & N/Thomas Cook) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European Commission, economic concentration, exchange of information, hotel industry, merger control, travel agency

16.1.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/5

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.2228 (cid:151) C & N/Thomas Cook)

(2001/C 13/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1.
On 8 January 2001 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to
Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2),
by which the German company C & N Touristic AG (C & N) acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b)
of the Regulation, control of the whole of the UK company Thomas Cook Holdings Ltd (T. Cook) by way
of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

(cid:151) C & N: tour operating, travel agencies, charter airlines, hotel operations,

(cid:151) T. Cook: tour operating, travel agencies, charter airlines.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within

3.
the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit

4.
proposed operation.

their possible observations on the

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication.
Observations can be sent by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference
COMP/M.2228 (cid:151) C & N/Thomas Cook, to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B (cid:151) Merger Task Force,
Rue Joseph II/Jozef II-straat 70,
B-1000 Brussels.

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 257, 21.9.1990, p. 13.
(2) OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4138/00 by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission. Euro Standard for LPG bottles and tanks.
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European standard, motor fuel, pressure equipment, transport safety, vehicle parts

C 318 E/24

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.11.2001

(2001/C 318 E/024)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4138/00

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Euro Standard for LPG bottles and tanks

Is there a Euro Standard for LPG gas bottles and tanks applicable across the EU and if not, why not?

Is the Commission aware of accidents caused by the absence of standardisation for this which causes
difficulties and sometimes danger for those using gas storage appliances when travelling (e.g. in a caravan)
from one Member State to another?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Bottles and tanks intended to contain liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are covered by Council Directive 1999/
36/EC of 29 April 1999 on transportable pressure equipment (1).

That Directive, which must be implemented by the Member States on 1 July 2001 in respect of bottles and
1 July 2003 in respect of tanks, is intended to improve the safety of that equipment and ensure its free
movement.

As regards the technical requirements applying to that equipment,
that Directive refers to Council
Directive 94/55/EC of 21 November 1994 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States with
regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road (2) and Council Directive 96/49/EC of 23 July 1996 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by
rail (3). References to European standards such as standard EN 1442: 1998 relating to LPG bottles have
been incorporated into the version of the annexes to those two latter Directives to apply from 1 July
2001. As regards tanks references to European standards should be incorporated into the version of the
annexes to those two latter Directives whose implementation is envisaged from 1 July 2003.

(1) OJ L 138, 1.6.1999.
(2) OJ L 319, 12.12.1994.
(3) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996.

(2001/C 318 E/025)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0068/01

by Herman Schmid (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 January 2001)

Subject: Refugees in Turkey

It is generally recognised that Turkey will have to make substantial improvements as regards human rights
for Kurds and other national minorities. However, in Eastern Turkey there are many thousands of refugees
from Kurdish regions of Iraq and Iran. Some of them are recognised by the UNHCR as refugees, others
have no recognised status at all. These groups are not automatically included in the demands made for
Kurds in Turkey since they are not Turkish citizens and are therefore more exposed to risks than other
groups of Kurdish origin.

What will the Commission do to protect these refugee groups and include them in the minority and
human rights programme designed to make Turkey qualified for EU membership?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4132/00 by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Council. Right of an Israeli national to play in German handball leagues.
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Germany, Israel, foreign national, free movement of persons, professional sport, sports body

21.8.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 235 E/77

(2001/C 235 E/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4132/00

by Rainer Wieland (PPE-DE) to the Council

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Right of an Israeli national to play in German handball leagues

Does the Council share the legal opinion that Israeli nationals are to be treated in the same way as EU
citizens in German handball leagues in terms of their ability to participate with the result that their players(cid:146)
passes do not need to be stamped with the letter A in accordance with Section 15 of the DHB(cid:146)s match
rules?

If not, does the Council intend:

1.

In the light of
20 November 1995,

the recent negotiations with Israel on updating the association agreement of

2. Mindful of the fact that Israeli sporting associations have for years participated in European football
and handball tournaments and similar major events and are thus a permanent feature of the European
(cid:145)internal market(cid:146) in sport with the result that it would be justified and consistent to create a uniform
area of service provision for sporting activities that included Israel,

to amend the above association agreement so that Israeli nationals are placed on an equal footing with EU
citizens in terms of freedom of movement pursuant to Article 39 of the EC Treaty?

Reply

(14 May 2001)

The EU-Israel Association Agreement which entered into force on 1 June 2000, does not
include
provisions for the free movement of persons. Therefore, the issue raised by the Honourable Member of
Parliament concerning the right of an Israeli national to play in German handball leagues falls under the
national competence of each Member State.

(2001/C 235 E/083)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4141/00

by Guido Sacconi (PSE) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: The EU(cid:146)s position with regard to the International Year of Mountains 2002

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year 2002 as International Year of Mountains (IYM)
in resolution A/RES/53/24, giving the FAO the main role in organising the initiative.

The International Year of Mountains is one of the fruits of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio.

One of the major achievements of the summit was Agenda 21, Chapter 13 of which is entitled (cid:145)Managing
fragile ecosystems: sustainable mountain development(cid:146).

The purpose of the IYM is to promote the conservation and sustainable development of mountain regions
(considered as vitally important for the supply of water and energy resources and biodiversity) on the same
level as other major topics (climate change, desertification and deforestation) in the worldwide debate on
the environment and development.
Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.2284 — ABN Amro/Perkins Food) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: economic concentration, financial institution, food industry, frozen product, merger control, prepared foodstuff

16.1.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/3

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.2284 (cid:151) ABN Amro/Perkins Food)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2001/C 13/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 5 January 2001 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to
1.
Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2),
by which the undertaking ABN Amro Private Equity Ltd (UK, ABN Amro), a subsidiary of ABN Amro
Group, acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Regulation, control of the whole of the
British undertaking Perkins Food by way of a public bid announced on 18 December 2000.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

(cid:151) ABN Amro: financial services,

(cid:151) Perkins Food: manufacturing of own-label frozen chilled and convenience food.

3.
On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within
the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant
to the Commission notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Regu-
lation (EEC) No 4064/89 (3), it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the
procedure set out in the notice.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit

4.
proposed operation.

their possible observations on the

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication.
Observations can be sent by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference
COMP/M.2284 (cid:151) ABN Amro/Perkins Food, to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B (cid:151) Merger Task Force,
Rue Joseph II/Jozef II-straat 70,
B-1000 Brussels.

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 257, 21.9.1990, p. 13.
(2) OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1; corrigendum: OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17.
(3) OJ C 217, 29.7.2000, p. 32.