WRITTEN QUESTION E-3353/01 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The direct awarding of feasibility study contracts in Greece.
Date: 2001-12-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, Greece, Olympic games, Spain, award of contract, exchange of information, invitation to tender, town-planning profession

C 115 E/256

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

16.5.2002

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 2002)

the recognition of qualifications.

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that it has just completed a consultation
exercise with professional associations in order to seek their opinions on drawing up a new directive in the
field of
It has also received contributions from the Commission
européenne des accompagnateurs en montagne (European mountain leaders committee) and the Syndicat
National français des Guides de Montagne (French national mountain guides union). The Commission is at
the stage of analysing the results of the consultation and drawing up proposals. In accordance with the
timetable set, the Commission will adopt a position before the Barcelona European Council in spring
2002.

(2002/C 115 E/277)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3353/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 December 2001)

Subject: The direct awarding of feasibility study contracts in Greece

According to Greek press reports, the national authorities have decided to award directly a feasibility study
contract of Drs 4,1 billion to the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava relating to projects surrounding the
site of the Olympic stadium in Athens, works within the stadium and the electric rail link with the future
suburban rail service.

Council Directive 92/50/EEC (1) relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of public service
contracts stipulates tendering procedures for the award of feasibility study contracts and authorises the
direct award of such contracts only in emergencies, for example major natural disasters or if the service in
question can only be provided by one specific person or if it relates to the protection of intellectual
property rights. It is noteworthy, however, that none of the conditions laid down by the Council directive
appear to apply regarding the direct awarding of the feasibility study contract to Mr Calatrava, thereby
excluding dozens of other eminent architects throughout Europe from a tendering procedure which
should, under normal circumstances, have been announced and organised by the Greek authorities in a
manner entirely above reproach.

Is the Commission aware of the above situation? Does it consider that any infringement of Community
it apply to Greece if
legislation has occurred? If so, what steps will
appropriate?

it take and what sanctions will

(1) OJ L 209, 24.7.1992, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(16 January 2002)

The Commission would like to inform the honourable Member that it is aware of the award by negotiated
procedure without publication of a notice to the Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, of a series of studies
in connection with the preparations for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

The Commission has already contacted the Greek authorities with a formal request for information and
clarification on the matter. In their written reply, the Greek authorities confirmed the facts and justified
their decision to proceed in such a manner on the basis of the exceptions referred to in Article 11 (3) (b) of
Council Directive 92/50/EEC of 18 June 1992 relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of
(c) of Council Directive 93/38/EEC of 14 June 1993
public service contracts and Article 20 (2)
coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy,
transport and
telecommunications sectors (1). According to the provisions in question, the awarding authorities may
resort to a negotiated procedure without publication of a notice to award a contract for services when, for
artistic reasons, the services may be provided only by a particular service provider.

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/257

The Commission is in the process of considering the reply from the Greek authorities. At the moment,
therefore, it is not in a position to inform the honourable Member, of the action that will be taken in this
matter.

(1) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993.

(2002/C 115 E/278)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3355/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Appalling hygiene in the Rendi central meat market in Greece

(6 December 2001)

In reply to question E-2566/01 (1) the Commission states that it is looking into hygiene at the Rendi
central meat market in Greece.

What conclusions has the Commission drawn from its inquiry, and what steps does it intend to take to
ensure that hygiene is improved in this meat market?

(1) See page 122.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(24 January 2002)

The Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office has scheduled a specific inspection mission to the central
market in Rendi in January 2002.

A mission report will be drafted and transmitted to the Greek authorities in accordance with the
procedures set out in Commission Decision 98/139/EC of 4 February 1998 laying down certain detailed
rules concerning on-the-spot checks carried out in the veterinary field by Commission experts in the
Member States (1). The consolidated report will also be transmitted to Parliament and finally published on
the Internet at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/inspections/index_en.html.

The final report will be examined by the relevant departments of the Health and Consumer Protection
Directorate-General, which will decide on the most appropriate measures needed in the light of the
situation encountered.

(1) OJ L 38, 12.2.1998.

(2002/C 115 E/279)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3434/01

by Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(21 December 2001)

Subject: Stun weapon manufacturers using CE markings

In February 2001, a report by Amnesty International entitled ‘Stamp out Torture’ revealed that electro-
shock devices were still being used to torture or ill-treat people in prisons, detention centres and police
stations in at least 76 countries around the world. Even more alarming was the discovery that stun weapon
manufacturers are advertising that their products have been awarded the European CE standard mark.

I would therefore ask the Commission to:

F clarify the process by which European CE standard marks are awarded and the Commissioner

responsible;

F explain to the European Parliament how many stun weapon manufacturers are using CE markings on

their products.