WRITTEN QUESTION E-1902/01 by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Society for Innovative Cooperation in Europe.
Date: 2001-06-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU office or agency, European association, administrative cooperation, innovation, social economy

4.4.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 81 E/73

In conclusion, (cid:145)beeffalo(cid:146) are eligible for the financial assistance granted in the beef and veal sector.

Conversely, subheading CN 0102 90 90, which corresponds to non-domestic animals of the bovine species
including bison (Bison bison) and buffalo, does not come within the scope of application laid down by the
above Regulation.

There is no official definition of a hybrid animal applicable to animals of the bovine species. However,
Council Directive 88/661/EEC of 19 December 1988 on the zootechnical standards applicable to animals
of the porcine species (2) contains a definition of a hybrid animal which may be of use in considering the
question from the Honourable Member.

This definition is as follows:

Article 1(b): hybrid breeding pig: any animal of the porcine species which fulfils the following criteria:

1.

It is produced by deliberate cross-breeding:

(cid:129) between pure-bred breeding pigs of different breeds or lines,

(cid:129) between animals which are themselves the outcome of a cross between different breeds or

lines,

(cid:129) or between pure-bred animals and animals belonging to one or other of the above categories;

2.

It must be entered in a register.

Moreover, Commission Decision 90/255/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria governing entry in
flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats (3) contains provisions on hybrid animals.

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
(2) OJ L 382, 31.12.1988.
(3) OJ L 145, 8.6.1990.

(2002/C 81 E/085)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1902/01

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Society for Innovative Cooperation in Europe

(28 June 2001)

Can the Commission indicate which budget line funds the Society for Innovative Cooperation in Europe
and answer the following questions:

(cid:129) What are the goals of this society, and what projects have been/are being carried out to date?

(cid:129) How much money does it receive in EU funding, for how long has it been receiving it, and have any

audits been carried out of the implementation of funds?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

The Association for Innovative Cooperation (AICE)
Commission since 1997.

in Europe has not received any grant from the

According to its statutes, as published in the (cid:145)Moniteur Belge(cid:146) of 11 July 1996, (cid:145)the Association is a non
profit-making organisation which focuses upon strenthening the cooperation between Foundations,

C 81 E/74

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.4.2002

Associations, voluntary bodies and other non-governmental organisations in Europe. In particular it aims
to act as a launching pad for new initiatives linking major European Foundations, focusing on projects
which place the emphasis on innovative approaches in the social and political fields(cid:146).

The main projects (in terms of amount granted) carried out by the AICE up to 1997 concerned projects in
the social economy sector, town twinning and for advancing the idea of Europe.

As stated, the AICE has not received any Community funding since 1997. No audits have been carried out
on the implementation of the funds received up to 1997 though of course the accounts on the use of the
grant had to be approved before the files were closed.

(2002/C 81 E/086)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1914/01

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Incentives for undertakings to adapt to the euro

(28 June 2001)

With only eight months left before the single European currency comes into circulation, the proportion of
undertakings in the EU that have adapted to the euro remains a mere one-third: for many businesses, the
euro is something to be dealt with in due course rather than an immediate cause for concern.

However, concrete measures are required to bridge the present gap and to provide incentives for
undertakings so that the cost of adaptation to the euro (between EUR 2 000 and EUR 6 000) can be
subsidised.

What action does the Commission intend to take to create incentives to help those undertakings which
have still not adapted to the euro to do so by providing subsidies of some kind to meet the adaptation
costs?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 2001)

The Ministers of Finance have adopted the general principle that each participant is to cover the costs it
incurs when switching to the euro. Within the limits of this framework, many Member States have decided
to cover the one-off costs arising from the introduction and withdrawal of banknotes and coins (e.g. the
costs of handling, counting and transporting them) and even to take tax measures to facilitate the
adaptation of cash registers (accelerated depreciation, deduction of charges, etc). Measures of this kind are
the responsibility of the national authorities, not the Commission.

(2002/C 81 E/087)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1917/01

by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Elimination of EU tobacco production aids

(28 June 2001)

Spanish tobacco producers, along with their counterparts in other Member States, have taken a firm stand
against the Commission(cid:146)s intended elimination of tobacco production aids, in view of the major social and
economic role played by this production in regions such as Andalusia where no alternative crops exist.

Tobacco production provides 6 500 Spanish growers with a living. Some 30 000 households, who have
received EU funding to the sum of ESP 18 billion, are directly or indirectly affected by what happens in the
sector.