WRITTEN QUESTION E-0297/01 by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Commission. Inclusion of seaports in the Canary Islands in trans-European transport networks.
Date: 2001-02-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Canary Islands, EU financing, harbour installation, trans-European network, transport network

C 261 E/80

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

(2001/C 261 E/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0296/01

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of regional policy in the Canary Islands

(9 February 2001)

What were the results of the implementation of EU regional policy in the Canary Islands, an outermost
region of the Union, in the period 1994-1999, broken down by sphere, subject matter and budgetary
allocation?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(18 April 2001)

During the last programming period 1994-1999 for the structural funds, and 1993-1999 for the Cohesion
Fund, the Canary Islands benefited from a total of € 1 585,4 million broken down as follows:

(cid:129) European Regional Development Fund: € 811,2 million

(cid:129) European Social Fund: € 192,6 million

(cid:129) European Agricultural Fund (Guidance): € 87,6 million

(cid:129) Community initiatives: € 230,8 million

(cid:129) Cohesion Fund: € 263,2 million

In addition, the Canary Islands benefited from an estimated € 530 million in Community assistance under
multiregional programmes run by the central ministries in Spain.

As demonstrated in the mid-term evaluation of the regional structural fund programmes, these significant
financial transfers have had a beneficial impact on the Islands(cid:146) economy and particularly on endowments
regarding economic and social infrastructure.

The statistical evidence points to a general improvement in the economic situation.

Projects for which financial commitments were made during the period 1994-1999 are still being
completed so that payments can be made. It is only when the payments regarding these projects have
been made (cid:129) for which the deadline is the end of 2001 (cid:129) that the Commission services will be able to
undertake a full impact evaluation. Accordingly, this work will begin in 2002.

(2001/C 261 E/083)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0297/01

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Commission

(9 February 2001)

Subject: Inclusion of seaports in the Canary Islands in trans-European transport networks

Will the Commission say whether all seaports located in the Canary Islands, an outermost region of the
European Union, have indeed been included in the trans-European transport networks and, if so, whether
they been added to the list of transport infrastructure projects selected by the Essen European Council?

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/81

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 2001)

Decision No 1692/96/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 1996 establishes Community
guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (1), which identify projects of
common interest. An amending Decision as regards seaports and inland ports as well as project No 8 in
Annex III is being examined by the Parliament and the Council. The Conciliation Committee adopted a
common draft at its meeting on 13 March 2001.

The amended text defines the categories of ports included in the network, as well as the general conditions
and specifications for projects of common interest concerning seaports in the network. Hence, any port-
related project of common interest complying with these conditions and specifications is suitable for
financing under the trans-European transport network funds.

Under the amended text, all ports located in the Canary islands, would become part of the trans-European
transport network, if they interconnect islands, peripheral or outermost regions by sea and/or connect
them with the central regions of the Community. Fishing ports and marinas are excluded from this
consideration.

With regard to the priority Essen projects concerning Spain, the Commission can inform the Honourable
Member that the priority project No 8 (cid:145)Multimodal link Portugal/Spain-Europe(cid:146) includes in fact port areas,
but the territory of the Canary islands is not covered by this project.

(1) OJ L 228, 9.9.1996.

(2001/C 261 E/084)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0298/01

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Council

(14 February 2001)

Subject: VAT increase in the tourism industry

It is being reported in financial circles that certain Scandinavian Member States are putting pressure on the
Commission to induce Spain to raise the rate of VAT it levies on the tourism industry to 16 %, the aim
being to harmonise taxation and thus avoid tax competition.

Will the Council say whether such pressure is indeed being exerted?

Reply

(31 May 2001)

The question raised by the Honourable Member is not within the Council(cid:146)s sphere of competence.

(2001/C 261 E/085)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0300/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Compliance with the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives during the organisation of the Olympic

Games in Greece

Greece is planning to undertake infrastructure works at Skhinias in connection with the 2004 Olympic
Games. This wetland area in the Bay of Marathon is covered by the Habitats and the Wild Birds Directives.
Skhinias is a unique biotope with 176 species of bird, rare species of fish and an interesting flora including
stone pines.