WRITTEN QUESTION E-3319/02 by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission. EDF — financing salvaging of the vessel Le Joola.
Date: 2002-11-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Development Fund, Senegal, maritime safety, maritime transport, transport infrastructure

7.11.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 268 E/29

Is the Commission of the opinion that the introduction of this measure may distort competition between
Austrian ornamental plant exporters and ornamental plant exporters in other Member States, given that
products grown in Austria can reach the market the next day while, because of the new arrangements,
non-Austrian exporters need at least one more day?

Is the Commission prepared to inform the Austrian authorities of its answer to this question and, possibly,
take further action?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2003)

The Commission is aware of the problem the Honourable Members have raised regarding the ban on night
movements of heavy goods vehicles on the Inntal motorway in Austria between Kundl and Ampass.

In 1998, the Commission submitted a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the
Council (1) on a transparent system of harmonised rules for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles involved
in international
transport on the trans-European network (TEN). As the text was not adopted, the
Commission presented an amended proposal in November 2000 (2) which Parliament approved in July
2002. On that occasion, the Commission accepted most of the amendments adopted by Parliament at first
reading, including the exemption of the transport of flowers and horticultural products from the scope of
the Directive. An amended proposal is currently being drafted.

Accordingly, as the legislation has not yet been adopted and there are no harmonised common rules
regarding restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles involved in international transport,
measures such as that adopted by the President of Tyrol can be examined only against the general
principles of Community law and other specific provisions which may apply. The Commission will
therefore assess this measure against the criteria of non-discrimination, proportionality, the free movement
of goods and any common environmental rules which may apply. The application of these criteria should
prevent any form of discrimination, including that referred to in the written question.

(1) COM(98) 115 final, OJ C 198, 24.6.1998.
(2) COM(2000) 759 final, OJ C 120 E, 24.4.2001.

(2003/C 268 E/033)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3319/02

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: EDF (cid:1) financing salvaging of the vessel ‘Le Joola’

(22 November 2002)

Senegal is receiving EUR 209 million from the 9th EDF. Out of that sum, transport and infrastructure
improvements, inter alia, have to be financed. Re-establishing the ferry link between Ziguinchor/Karabane
and Dakar is of great economic importance to the Casamance region, in the south of Senegal, and to the
country in general. Travelling overland is too dangerous, and travelling through The Gambia is virtually
impossible.

This grant could possibly be used to salvage the ‘Le Joola’: it covers re-establishment of transport facilities.
The boat is now moored at a location which is hazardous for Senegalese fishing vessels and other
shipping. Furthermore, the Senegalese Government itself has stated that it regards salvaging the ‘Le Joola’
as a priority.

Does the Commission agree that salvaging the ‘Le Joola’ is necessary in order to restore infrastructure in
the region?

C 268 E/30

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

7.11.2003

Does the Commission think that, by making salvaging the ‘Le Joola’ a priority, the Senegalese Government
meets the ownership criterion?

Will the Commission examine whether salvaging the ‘Le Joola’ can be funded under the EDF as part of
transport and infrastructure improvements?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 2003)

Restoring the maritime link between Dakar and Ziguinchor is of great economic and political importance
for the Casamance region and Senegal in general. However, salvaging and repairing the Joola does not
seem to be a cost-effective way of restoring this link and therefore alternatives will have to be found. The
Government of Senegal is apparently focusing on the purchase of two new ships with the help of the
German cooperation and other possible donors, which could take around two years to realize. In the
interim the Government is looking for a private operator to supply and manage its own ship.

Within the framework of the 9th European Development Fund, resources have been earmarked for two
major priorities, roads with regional importance and water and sanitation.

(2003/C 268 E/034)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3328/02

by Toine Manders (ELDR) to the Commission

(25 November 2002)

Subject: Cash card fraud

There is currently talk in the Netherlands of large-scale cash card fraud (see, inter alia, ANP press report of
18 October 2002). PIN number fraudsters appear to copy the data from cash cards by placing a small box
in cash dispensers and then transferring the data to a blank card. As soon as they have obtained the PIN
code of their victim by cracking or copying the code, the victims’ accounts are quickly cleared by phantom
withdrawals made with the help of these falsified cards, while the unsuspecting account holders still have
their cash cards in their possession. Banks are covering up the situation for fear of losing their customers,
and assuring clients that electronic means of payment and the security devices protecting them are fraud-
proof.

Consumers have become largely dependent for their financial transactions on electronic banking and
electronic means of payment, and are now in danger of becoming victims of these. The rise in the number
of recent cases both at home and abroad and the amounts involved make new policies both desirable and
necessary. The introduction of the euro and the agreement reached earlier this year by European banks
whereby cash can be withdrawn free of charge from dispensers throughout Europe using a national cash
card are positive developments in European financial policy, which are, however, being overshadowed by
this fraud. The cash card fraud is thus counteracting the positive effect of European policy in this area.

Electronic payment has a significant role to play in the completion of the single financial market in 2005.
A loss of consumer confidence in electronic payment could constitute a serious obstacle to the completion
of this aspect of the single market. The situation in the Netherlands thus has European implications,
making this a European problem requiring a clear European solution.

1.

Is the Commission aware of the above situation?

Does the Commission agree with the conclusion that this large-scale fraud is undermining consumer
2.
confidence in electronic payment and in so doing preventing the completion of the single financial
market?

Is the Commission prepared to take action in response to the situation described above and, if so,

3.
what action?