WRITTEN QUESTION E-2917/01 by Carlos Carnero González (PSE) to the Commission. Incorrect use of Community funds by the Municipal Institute for Employment and Business Education (IMEFE).
Date: 2001-10-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU control, EU financing, European Anti-fraud Office, Spain, fraud against the EU, fund (EU), vocational training

6.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 134 E/147

The Council stresses, however, that in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 1073/1999 (1) and (Euratom)
No 1074/1999 (2) of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by OLAF, and Commission
Decision 1999/352/EC, ECSC, Euratom of 28 April 1999 establishing OLAF (3), it is not a prerogative of
the Council to intervene in internal procedures for appointments to OLAF.

(1) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 8.
(3) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 20.

(2002/C 134 E/146)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2911/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: Marginalisation of the French language

The French Government recently decided to suspend state funding of the French Institute (or ‘French
Academy’ as it is known in some countries,
including Greece). As a result, dozens of the Institute’s
branches throughout Europe will close down. The French language, French literature and philosophy are a
priceless part of the European cultural heritage, and the French Government’s recent decision will, in the
long term, consign great works of European thought with worldwide influence to the margins and
obscurity. This incomprehensible decision also paves the way for the complete and definitive dominance of
the American perspective with all its tainted ‘culture’, which the EU itself has repeatedly condemned.

What is the Commission’s view of this decision? What implications does it have for the influence of the
French language and the total dominance of US culture, many of whose products are of extremely poor
quality? In the light of the French Government’s decision and the fact that the Union designated 2001 the
European Year of Languages, will the Commission support the teaching of the French language and in
what way?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2002)

The language, literature and thought of all language communities in Europe form an important part of its
cultural heritage.

The Commission continues to promote the teaching and learning of all the official languages of the Union
and encourages national authorities to take steps to promote the teaching and learning of their official
languages both at home and abroad.

As far as the funding of the Institut de France is concerned, this is clearly the responsibility of France.

(2002/C 134 E/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2917/01

by Carlos Carnero González (PSE) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: Incorrect use of Community funds by the Municipal

Institute for Employment and Business

Education (IMEFE)

Is the Commission aware of the report by the General State Intervention Office (an agency of the Spanish
Finance Ministry) which states (cf. today’s edition of the newspaper ‘El País’) that the expenditure of EU

C 134 E/148

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

6.6.2002

monies to the sum of ESP 1,2 bn by the Municipal Institute for Employment and Business Education
(IMEFE), attached to the Madrid city council, is considered unjustified?

What action does the Commission intend to take under the existing Community legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2001)

In its answers to Written Questions P-0303/01 and P-355/01 and Oral Question H-368/01,
the
Commission informed the Honourable Member of the steps taken to guarantee protection of its financial
interests. In particular, the Commission has asked the Member State to carry out the appropriate checks
regarding European Social Fund aid awarded to the IMEFE (Instituto Municipal de Empleo de Madrid).

the national authorities
The Commission has already taken the necessary measures to ensure that
(Intervención General de la Administración del Estado ((IGAE) and the Ministry of Employment and Social
Affairs) check the validity of the information published in the press.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has also indicated that the investigation begun on 27 February
2001, as mentioned in the answer to the above oral question, is still under way.

As soon as the Spanish authorities have officially forwarded the relevant information, the Commission, in
close cooperation with the Member State, will take the appropriate financial measures in accordance with
the procedures provided for by Community and national rules.

(2002/C 134 E/148)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2918/01

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: The price of water as a result of the Spanish national plan for water resources

Spain recently approved a national plan for water resources in law 10/2001 of 5 July 2001.

Has the Commission ascertained whether this law respects the provisions of the Framework Directive on
water, in particular Article 9, which states that the Member States shall take account of a policy to recover
the real costs of water in order to ensure its efficient use?

Does it not consider that the application of this law will in effect constitute a concealed price subsidy for
water used in agriculture and tourism in certain Spanish regions and hence a case of unfair competition
vis-à-vis the other regions of Europe?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2001)

Spain has recently approved a national plan for water resources in law 10/2001 of 5 July 2001. The main
objective of this national plan is to reallocate surface water resources within Spain to areas that are facing
and will face in the future severe water shortage.