do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
2001/608/EC: Commission Decision of 19 July 2001 prolonging the period of validity of Decision 1999/10/EC establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to paints and varnishes (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2001) 2207)
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: ISO, dangerous substance, eco-label, international standard, paints and varnishes, product safety

8.8.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 214/43

COMMISSION DECISION

of 19 July 2001

prolonging the period of validity of Decision 1999/10/EC establishing the ecological criteria for the
award of the Community eco-label to paints and varnishes

(notified under document number C(2001) 2207)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2001/608/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 of the Euro-
pean Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on a
revised Community eco-label award scheme (1), and in partic-
ular Articles 4 and 6 thereof,

Whereas:

companies that have been awarded the eco-label
to
continue using the eco-label at least until a revision of
Decision 1999/10/EC is deemed necessary.

(5)

(6)

The period of validity set out in Article 3 of Decision
1999/10/EC should therefore be extended.

The measures set out in this Decision are in accordance
with the opinion of the committee set up under Article
17 of Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000,

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 provides for the award
of an eco-label to a product possessing characteristics
which enable it to contribute significantly to improve-
ments in relation to key environmental aspects.

According to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1980/
2000, specific eco-label criteria should be established
according to product groups, and a review of the eco-
label criteria as well as of the assessment and verification
requirements related to the criteria should take place in
due time before the end of the period of validity of the
criteria specified for each product group, resulting in a
proposal for prolongation, withdrawal or revision.

By Decision 1999/10/EC (2) the Commission established
ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-
label to paints and varnishes, which, according to Article
3 thereof, expire on 31 December 2001.

Following the review,
it is considered appropriate to
prolong the period of validity of the definition of the
product group and the ecological criteria, unchanged,
for a period of 18 months, in particular to allow those

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The period of validity set out in Article 3 of Decision 1999/
10/EC for the product group definition and the criteria of the
product group bearing the administrative code number 007 is
prolonged until 30 June 2003.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Article 2

Done at Brussels, 19 July 2001.

For the Commission

Margot WALLSTRÖM

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 237, 21.9.2000, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 5, 9.1.1999, p. 77.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2250/01 by Richard Balfe (PSE) to the Commission. The return of the Aksum Obelisk to Ethiopia.
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ethiopia, Italy, competence of the Member States, cultural heritage, heritage protection, re-export

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/227

2.

If so, how does it justify funding these bodies;

Does not the Commission consider that Community funds should not be used to finance institutions

3.
which does not respect other cultures and religions?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 2001)

1.
The Commission is not involved in the project to construct an astronomical observatory in Arizona
(United States) and does not provide funding for this project via the three European Astronomy Research
Institutes mentioned by the Honourable Member.

Out of these three institutes only the Max Planck Institute f(cid:252)r Astronomie in Heidelberg is a partner in a
thematic network on astronomy, which is funded under the specific Community Research Programme on
improving the human research potential and the socio-economic knowledge base.

2.
It is not up to the Commission to take position on a research infrastructure project that does not
meet the requirements of Community interest and is undertaken outside the Community co-operation
framework.

3.
The Commission provides Community Research funding to research projects which result from calls
for proposals and which must not only fulfil the conditions of scientific excellence and Community-added
value but which must also comply with fundamental ethical principles in conformity with Community law
and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

(2002/C 40 E/246)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2250/01

by Richard Balfe (PSE) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: The return of the Aksum Obelisk to Ethiopia

As Article 37 of the Italian Peace Treaty, which became effective in September 1947, specified that Italy
should return within 18 months all loot taken from Ethiopia; and as the Italo-Ethiopian Agreement of
1997 laid down that the Aksum obelisk, looted on Mussolini(cid:146)s personal orders in 1937 and erected in
the
Rome to commemorate the (cid:145)March on Rome(cid:146), would be returned within the year 1997, will
Commission raise with the Italian Foreign Ministry the matter of the return of the obelisk and ask them to
announce when the promised return can in fact be expected?

Could the Commission also ask the Ministry to make a statement on the return of other articles looted
from Ethiopia, and in particular when the Ethiopian pre-war national archives, currently incorporated in
the Italian State archives, and the pre-war Ethiopian aeroplane (cid:145)Tsehai(cid:146), currently held in the Italian
Aviation Museum, will be returned?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

The matter in question does not fall within the Commission(cid:146)s competences and the Commission is
therefore unable to supply the information requested.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2168/01 by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Invitation to tender for the provision of ambulance services in Norrland.
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Sweden, air transport, application of EU law, award of contract, competition law, control of State aid, transport company, transport of patients

C 81 E/124

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.4.2002

On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission cannot assess
whether the washing method used in the plant PoligÆs, is sufficient to remove all residues of dangerous
substances to the extent that none of the hazardous properties are displayed anymore. Neither can the
Commission assess if the composition of the packaging in question makes it hazardous.

For the assessment of the compatibility of the system with health and safety Community legislation further
information would be needed.

(1) OJ L 377, 31.12.1991.

(2002/C 81 E/146)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2168/01

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: Invitation to tender for the provision of ambulance services in Norrland

An invitation to tender for the provision of ambulance services in Norrland was organised some years ago.
In Lycksele, rival bids were submitted by the armed forces and a civil firm (Norrlandsflyg). In the end, the
armed forces won the contract, but Norrlandsflyg argued that they had not competed on a level playing
field. The case was notified to the Commission. The last time we looked into this matter, in May 1999, the
investigation had not been completed. Can the Commission state what progress has been made with this
case?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2001)

Since 1995, in response to complaints by private Swedish companies operating helicopter air services, the
Commission has been examining, under the rules of the EC Treaty on State aid, the conditions in which
helicopter transport contracts have been awarded to the Swedish army within the framework of invitations
to tender.

After a thorough examination of this case, the Commission has not found any elements of State aid as
defined in Article 87(1) (ex Article 92) of the EC Treaty. That said, the Commission is still looking at
whether the Swedish State can benefit from an operating licence as provided for in Article 4 et seq. of
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992, on the licensing of air carriers (1).

(1) OJ L 240, 24.8.1992.

(2002/C 81 E/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2169/01

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: Interreg project and free competition

TV2, a Danish television channel which is privately owned and financed by advertising and Swedish
Television(cid:146)s Sydnytt channel are collaborating on a project using a satellite link for the rapid transmission
of television spots between Copenhagen and Malm(cid:246). The project has received SEK 12,5 million worth of
EU aid (under the Interreg programme) towards a total cost of SEK 25 million.
Initiation of proceedings (Case COMP/M.2380 — FöreningsSparbanken/SEB) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: economic concentration, merger control

C 203/4

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

19.7.2001

Initiation of proceedings

(Case COMP/M.2380 (cid:151) F(cid:246)reningsSparbanken/SEB)

(2001/C 203/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 12 July 2001 the Commission decided to initiate proceedings in the abovementioned case after finding
that the notified concentration raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The
initiation of proceedings opens a second phase investigation with regard to the notified concentration. The
decision is based on Article 6(1)(c) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed concen-
tration.

In order to be fully taken into account in the procedure, observations should reach the Commission not
later than 15 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.2380 (cid:151) F(cid:246)reningsSparbanken/SEB, to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B (cid:151) Merger Task Force,
Rue Joseph II/Jozef II-straat 70,
B-1000 Brussels.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2175/01 by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Copyright dispute between the US and the EU.
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Union, TRIPS, United States, copyright, international standard, international trade, trade dispute

C 160 E/8

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.7.2002

market of new GMOs, under Part C of the Directive. Which Member States, if any, have declared such a
moratorium on the approval of GMOs under Part B of the Directive, i.e. a moratorium on field trials and
other experimental releases?

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, p. 15.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

The Commission is not aware that any Member State in the Community has declared a moratorium on the
approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under Part B of Council Directive 90/220/EEC of
23 April 1990 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the number of notifications for Part B releases in the Community has
decreased over the last three years. However, this decline may be related to many diverse factors and it
would be premature to draw any conclusion from this development at the current time.

(2002/C 160 E/008)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2175/01

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: Copyright dispute between the US and the EU

The Dispute-Settlement Body (TRIPS) set up as part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement
provides that all members of the WTO must comply with international norms in relation to copyright
protection which are set out in the Berne Convention.

The WTO Dispute-Settlement Body appointed a panel to investigate US copyright legislation and arbitrate
on this matter and, in due course, ruled that the US was not complying with its international obligations
under the above Agreement and Convention.

Since the deadline for the implementation of the WTO findings expires on 27 July 2001, and since the US
has yet to implement those findings, could the Commission please ensure that it will continue to urge the
US to implement
international obligations in copyright protection and bring the US in line with
international norms?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2001)

The Commission is very concerned about the lack of implementation by the United States of the World
trade organisation (WTO) ruling on Section 110(5) of the American Copyright Act. Consequently, the
Commission is taking every opportunity to remind the United States of its international obligations under
the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The Commission will continue to
insist that the United States brings its Copyright Act in conformity with the said Agreement.

However, in the interest of ensuring a satisfactory implementation of the WTO ruling for the benefit of
Community righ-holders,
the reasonable period for
the Community has agreed to an extension of
implementation, until end December 2001.
Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.2399 — Friesland Coberco/Nutricia) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: beverage industry, drinking milk, economic concentration, merger control

C 203/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

19.7.2001

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.2399 (cid:151) Friesland Coberco/Nutricia)

(2001/C 203/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1.
On 9 July 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 undertaking Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holdings NV (FCDF), controlled by the
Netherlands dairy cooperative Zuivelco(cid:246)peratie De Zeven Provinciºn UA, acquires, within the meaning
of Article 3(1)(b) of the Regulation, control of the whole of the undertaking Nutricia Dairy and Drinks
Group (NDDG), a division of Koninlijke Numico NV, Netherlands, by way of purchases of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

(cid:151) FCDF: develops, produces and sells a range of branded dairy products (including flavoured dairy drinks
and coffee whiteners) and fruit-based drinks. Some important brands are Frico, Completa, Friesche
Vlag, CoolBest and Taksi,

(cid:151) NDDG: develops, produces and sells a range of branded dairy products (including flavoured dairy
important brands are Chocomel/CØcØmel, Fristi, Nutroma,

Its most

drinks and coffee whiteners).
Trinkfit and P(cid:246)tty(cid:246)s Tœrœ.

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.2399 (cid:151) Friesland Coberco/Nutricia, 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-2176/01 by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission. EU Convention on Human Health and Biomedicine.
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Convention on Human Rights, accession to an agreement

C 40 E/208

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.2.2002

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 2001)

the single market and the single currency,

After
their essential
accompaniment, the single payments area, must be established. Within such an area any payment in
euros would be treated like any similar domestic or cross-border transaction. With this aim in mind, the
Commission adopted on 25 July 2001 a proposal for a Parliament and Council directive on cross-border
payments in euros (1). The proposal stipulates in particular that charges levied by retailers for cross-border
card payments must not be higher than those levied on domestic card payments.

the Commission considers

that

On the specific issue raised by the Honourable Member concerning relations with credit card issuers, the
Commission would point out that the rules applied by the VISA and Eurocard-MasterCard networks now
allow banks to sign up businesses in another Member State (including businesses whose sales outlets are
located in a single Member State).

(1) COM(2001) 439 final.

(2002/C 40 E/223)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2176/01

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: EU Convention on Human Health and Biomedicine

With regard to the EU Convention on Human Health and Biomedicine, concluded on 4 April 1997 in
Oviedo, Spain, could the Commission please indicate which countries have not yet
ratified that
Convention? Could it also indicate the date on which those countries who have signed the aforementioned
Convention, ratified it?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2001)

The Oviedo Convention is a Council of Europe initiative, which has been signed and ratified by the
following Member States:

Member State

Signed

Ratified

Denmark

Greece

Spain

France

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

Finland

Sweden

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

4 April 1997

10 August 1999

6 October 1998

1 September 1999

1 September 1999

1 September 1999

1 September 1999

1 September 1999

13 August 2001

13 August 2001

13 August 2001

Austria, Belgium, Germany,
Convention.

Ireland and the United Kingdom have neither signed nor ratified the
Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1369/2001 of 5 July 2001 opening tendering procedures for the sale of wine alcohol exclusively for use in third countries in the fuel sector (OJ L 183 of 6.7.2001)
Date: 2001-07-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export, motor spirit, third country

L 195/62

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

19.7.2001

CORRIGENDA

Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1092/2001 of 30 May 2001 laying down detailed rules for the
application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of
certain citrus fruits

(Official Journal of the European Communities L 150 of 6 June 2001)

On page 10, Article 11(2)(c):

for:

‘the quantities received, broken down by the resulting finished product;’

read:

‘the quantities received under contract, broken down by the resulting finished product;’.

Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1369/2001 of 5 July 2001 opening tendering procedures for
the sale of wine alcohol exclusively for use in third countries in the fuel sector

(Official Journal of the European Communities L 183 of 6 July 2001)

On page 5, Article 5:

for:

‘The minimum price which may be offered shall be EUR 10 per hectolitre of alcohol at 100 % vol for tendering
procedure No 295/2001 EC and EUR 7,5 per hectolitre of alcohol at 100 % vol for tendering procedures Nos
300/2001 EC to 309/2001 EC.’

read:

‘The minimum price which may be offered shall be EUR 10 per hectolitre of alcohol at 100 % vol for tendering
procedures Nos 300/2001 EC to 309/2001 EC.’