WRITTEN QUESTION P-1742/01 by Gorka Knörr Borràs (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Air traffic.
Date: 2001-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Spain, air traffic, civil aviation, ground staff, professional qualifications, transport regulations, transport safety

C 364 E/194

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.12.2001

(2001/C 364 E/210)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1742/01

by Gorka Kn(cid:246)rr Borr(cid:224)s (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Air traffic

Since the creation of AENA (Spanish airports and air traffic), a public body established in 1990, all
technical staff specialising in air traffic operations and services who are employed in air traffic services
must have qualifications and a licence, in accordance with European rules (Eatchip I and II) and those of
the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). A document produced recently by the ICAO states
explicitly that Spain is the only country that fails to comply with these rules. Is the Commission aware of
this problem?

Given the danger to air traffic that a lack of appropriate training could represent, what action does the
Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2001)

The Commission is not aware of the allegations raised by the Honourable Member(cid:146)s communication but
can inform that at present there are no Community wide provisions for the licensing/certification of Air
Traffic Management (ATM) personnel.

its November 2000 meeting, adopted a Eurocontrol Safety Regulation Requirement
Eurocontrol at
(ESARR) on ATM Services(cid:146) Personnel requiring the Designated Authorities of the Member States of
Eurocontrol, which include Spain, to ensure that all personnel responsible for tasks in the provision of air
traffic services, which are considered to be related to the safety of air traffic, are competent to carry out
those tasks and satisfy applicable medical fitness requirements. Such competencies shall be subject to
appropriate measures to ensure their ongoing viability and recognised by an appropriate certification/
licensing system. These provisions are to become effective within three years from the date of adoption by
Eurocontrol, i.e. November 2003.

The Commission is closely following the development and implementation of these requirements with
a view to their transposition into Community law at some future date.

(2001/C 364 E/211)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1748/01

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

(15 June 2001)

Subject: Takeover of HidrocantÆbrico by the Villar Mir and EnBW group

The takeover of HidrocantÆbrico by the Villar Mir and EnBW group threatens to strengthen the dominant
position jointly held in the electricity generation market on the Spanish mainland. As a result, effective
competition in that market may be obstructed to a significant extent.

Furthermore, the reported takeover affects competition in regional and local markets for the distribution
and marketing of electricity in which HidrocantÆbrico is present. These markets present all
the
characteristics of a distinct market and do not represent a substantial part of the common market.

Does the Commission consider that, under Article 9(3)(b) of Regulation 4064/89 (1), the competent Spanish
authorities should decide on the matter with a view to application of national
legislation to protect
competition, specifically Article 14 et seq. of Law 16/1989 of 17 July on the protection of competition
and Royal Decree 1080/1992 which develops that law?

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1.