do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1284/03 by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Council. European Union action to ensure civil and respectful treatment for prisoners of war in Iraq.
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Iraq, cruel and degrading treatment, international human rights law, prisoner of war, the EU's international role

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/73

budget by activity. The Commission therefore has no intention of proposing use of the instruments
provided for in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999, i.e. proposing that funds over and above
the existing funding for heading 4 be mobilised.

(1) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.

(2004/C 51 E/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1284/03

by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Council

(4 April 2003)

Subject: European Union action to ensure civil and respectful treatment for prisoners of war in Iraq

Right from the outset of the war in Iraq we have seen disturbing images of the inhuman treatment to
which prisoners from the Anglo-American alliance are being subjected. The conduct of the Iraqi authorities
manifestly contravenes the provisions of the Geneva Convention as regards respect for prisoners of war.
It may very soon be that EU citizens are prisoners of war of the Iraqi authorities too.

What action will the Council take in this regard?

Reply

(29 September 2003)

The Council

is strongly attached to the full respect of the Geneva Convention relative to the
1.
treatment of prisoners of war by all parties to a conflict, in particular as regards the general protection of
prisoners of war under part II of the Geneva Convention, and especially its Article 13, which provides
inter alia that prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated, and that prisoners of war must at all
times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public
curiosity.

2.
Regarding the last element of the question, as the war in Iraq has ended with the Iraqi regime’s defeat
and the liberation of all prisoners held by Iraqi forces, no more particular action to ensure the protection
of prisoners of war in captivity by the Iraqis is required.

(2004/C 51 E/083)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1288/03

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(4 April 2003)

Subject: Law No 383 of 18 October 2001

The Italian Government has amended Law No 383 of 18 October 2001 (the so-called ‘Tremonti Two’ Act),
which has been in force since 25 October 2001, to limit the scope of the measures to certain areas of
Italy, and in particular to those hit by natural disasters in recent months. In this way, Law No 383 will no
longer apply to general impacts but to very localised ones with respect to potential beneficiaries.

Bearing in mind that it would be appropriate for this provision to be submitted to the European
Commission for scrutiny, even though it has received no notification of it to date and the decrees
implementing the law are soon to be issued, could the Commission indicate what action it will take to
avert the risk of a potential infringement of EU competition rules?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1292/03 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission. Export of live cattle to third countries.
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: cattle, export (EU), live animal, trade statistics

C 33 E/104

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

(2004/C 33 E/104)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1292/03

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(4 April 2003)

Subject: Export of live cattle to third countries

How many live cattle for (i) slaughter, (ii) fattening and (iii) breeding were exported in 2002 from each
Member State to each individual third country of destination?

How much was paid out in export refunds in 2002 in respect of the export of live cattle from the EU to
third countries for (i) slaughter, (ii) fattening and (iii) breeding?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

A table which shows the quantities of Union exports of live bovine animals for 2002 by Member State and
country of destination, is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat.

Based on export licences for live bovine animals issued in 2002, export refunds amount to:

(cid:1) EUR 10,0 million for pure-bred breeding animals;

(cid:1) EUR 51,8 million for slaughter and other animals (including animals for fattening) (1).

(1) No separate figures are available for animals for slaughter and for other animals.

(2004/C 33 E/105)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1314/03

by Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(7 April 2003)

Subject: Voting rights for EU citizens when living in another EU country

I have recently been contacted by a British citizen who has been living in Austria since 1981.

As a result of his extended absence he is unable to vote in national elections in the UK, due to UK rules
which state that after 15 years of absence a citizen can no longer vote in UK elections.

However, he is not able to vote in national elections in Austria either. Austrian rules allow non-Austrian
citizens to vote only in local and European elections.

There is no time limit on how long Austrian citizens living abroad are able to continue voting in Austrian
national elections. This difference in attitude of the Austrian and UK authorities has led to this anomalous
situation.

This situation is problematic, as clearly as a British and EU citizen this individual ought to be able to vote
in the national elections either of his country of residence or of his country of citizenship. Voting is a key
democratic right and to be denied this right is serious.

What is the Commission’s view on this situation?
Commission Regulation (EC) No 616/2003 of 4 April 2003 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agri-monetary policy, citrus fruit, fruit vegetable, import price, perennial vegetable, pip fruit

5.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 89/1

I

(Acts whose publication is obligatory)

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 616/2003

of 4 April 2003

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and
vegetables

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

(2)

In compliance with the above criteria,
the standard
import values must be fixed at the levels set out in the
Annex to this Regulation,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 of
21 December 1994 on detailed rules for the application of the
import arrangements
last
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1947/2002 (2), and in parti-
cular Article 4(1) thereof,

fruit and vegetables (1), as

for

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Whereas:

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 lays down, pursuant to the
outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade nego-
tiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the
standard values for imports from third countries,
in
respect of the products and periods stipulated in the
Annex thereto.

The standard import values referred to in Article 4 of Regula-
tion (EC) No 3223/94 shall be fixed as indicated in the Annex
hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 5 April 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2003.

For the Commission

J. M. SILVA RODRÍGUEZ

Agriculture Director-General

(1) OJ L 337, 24.12.1994, p. 66.
(2) OJ L 299, 1.11.2002, p. 17.

L 89/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

5.4.2003

to the Commission Regulation of 4 April 2003 establishing the standard import values for determining the
entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

ANNEX

CN code

0702 00 00

0707 00 05

0709 10 00

0709 90 70

0805 10 10, 0805 10 30, 0805 10 50

0808 10 20, 0808 10 50, 0808 10 90

0808 20 50

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

(EUR/100 kg)

052
204
212
999

052
068
204
999

220
999

052
204
999

052
204
212
220
600
624
999

060
388
400
404
508
512
524
528
720
728
999

052
388
512
528
999

109,8
110,8
125,1
115,2

86,5
77,0
111,3
91,6

187,0
187,0

80,7
176,7
128,7

76,0
48,6
57,6
41,5
65,8
65,8
59,2

69,0
79,0
111,7
87,3
80,9
92,6
78,1
79,3
116,9
102,5
89,7

74,9
74,0
64,1
60,2
68,3

(1) Country nomenclature as fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2020/2001 (OJ L 273, 16.10.2001, p. 6). Code ‘999’ stands for

‘of other origin’.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 619/2003 of 4 April 2003 fixing the maximum subsidy on exports of husked long grain rice B to Réunion pursuant to the invitation to tender referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1895/2002
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Réunion, award of contract, export subsidy, rice

L 89/6

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

5.4.2003

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 619/2003

of 4 April 2003

fixing the maximum subsidy on exports of husked long grain rice B to Réunion pursuant to the
invitation to tender referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1895/2002

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of 22
December 1995 on the common organisation of the market in
rice (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No
411/2002 (2), and in particular Article 10(1) thereof,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2692/89 of
6 September 1989 laying down detailed rules for exports of
rice to Réunion (3) as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1453/
1999 (4), and in particular Article 9(1) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1895/2002 (5) opens an
invitation to tender for the subsidy on rice exported to
Réunion.

Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 2692/89 allows the
Commission to fix,
in accordance with the procedure
laid down in Article 22 of Regulation (EC) No 3072/95
and on the basis of the tenders submitted, a maximum
subsidy.

(3)

(4)

The criteria laid down in Articles 2 and 3 of Regulation
(EEC) No 2692/89 should be taken into account when
fixing this maximum subsidy. Successful tenderers shall
be those whose bids are at or below the level of the
maximum subsidy.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
the Management
accordance with the opinion of
Committee for Cereals,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

A maximum subsidy on exports to Réunion of husked long
grain rice B falling within CN code 1006 20 98 is hereby set
on the basis of the tenders lodged from 31 March to 3 April
2003 at 302,00 EUR/t pursuant to the invitation to tender
referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1895/2002.

This Regulation shall enter into force on 5 April 2003.

Article 2

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30.12.1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 62, 5.3.2002, p. 27.
(3) OJ L 261, 7.9.1989, p. 8.
(4) OJ L 167, 2.7.1999, p. 19.
(5) OJ L 287, 25.10.2002, p. 3.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 620/2003 of 4 April 2003 fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain rice to certain third countries in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1896/2002
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, rice, third country

5.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 89/7

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 620/2003

of 4 April 2003

fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain rice to certain third countries in
connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1896/2002

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of 22
December 1995 on the common organisation of the market in
rice (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No
411/2002 (2), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

(3)

(4)

The application of the abovementioned criteria to the
current market situation for the rice in question results
the
in the maximum export
amount specified in Article 1.

refund being fixed at

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Cereals,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

An invitation to tender for the export refund on rice was
to Commission Regulation (EC) No
issued pursuant
1896/2002 (3).

Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 584/
75 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1948/
2002 (5), allows the Commission to fix,
in accordance
with the procedure laid down in Article 22 of Regula-
tion (EC) No 3072/95 and on the basis of the tenders
submitted, a maximum export refund.
In fixing this
maximum, the criteria provided for in Article 13 of
Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 must be taken into
account. A contract is awarded to any tenderer whose
tender is equal to or less than the maximum export
refund.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain rice
to be exported to certain third countries pursuant to the invita-
tion to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1896/2002 is
hereby fixed on the basis of the tenders submitted from 31
March to 3 April 2003 at 154,00 EUR/t.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 5 April 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30.12.1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 62, 5.3.2002, p. 27.
(3) OJ L 287, 25.10.2002, p. 5.
(4) OJ L 61, 7.3.1975, p. 25.
(5) OJ L 299, 1.11.2002, p. 18.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 618/2003 of 4 April 2003 fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled long grain B rice to certain third countries in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2002
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, rice, third country

5.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 89/5

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 618/2003

of 4 April 2003

fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled long grain B rice to certain third countries in
connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2002

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of 22
December 1995 on the common organisation of the market in
rice (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No
411/2002 (2), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

(3)

(4)

The application of the abovementioned criteria to the
current market situation for the rice in question results
the
in the maximum export
amount specified in Article 1.

refund being fixed at

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Cereals,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

An invitation to tender for the export refund on rice was
to Commission Regulation (EC) No
issued pursuant
1898/2002 (3).

Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 584/
75 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1948/
2002 (5), allows the Commission to fix,
in accordance
with the procedure laid down in Article 22 of Regula-
tion (EC) No 3072/95 and on the basis of the tenders
submitted, a maximum export refund.
In fixing this
maximum, the criteria provided for in Article 13 of
Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 must be taken into
account. A contract is awarded to any tenderer whose
tender is equal to or less than the maximum export
refund.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The maximum export refund on wholly milled long grain B
rice to be exported to certain third countries pursuant to the
invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2002 is
hereby fixed on the basis of the tenders submitted from 31
March to 3 April 2003 at 295,00 EUR/t.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 5 April 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30.12.1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 62, 5.3.2002, p. 27.
(3) OJ L 287, 25.10.2002, p. 11.
(4) OJ L 61, 7.3.1975, p. 25.
(5) OJ L 299, 1.11.2002, p. 18.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 621/2003 of 4 April 2003 fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain, medium grain and long grain A rice to be exported to certain third countries in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1897/2002
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, rice, third country

L 89/8

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

5.4.2003

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 621/2003

of 4 April 2003

fixing the maximum export refund on wholly milled round grain, medium grain and long grain A
rice to be exported to certain third countries in connection with the invitation to tender issued in
Regulation (EC) No 1897/2002

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 of 22
December 1995 on the common organisation of the market in
rice (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No
411/2002 (2), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

(3)

(4)

The application of the abovementioned criteria to the
current market situation for the rice in question results
in the maximum export
the
amount specified in Article 1.

refund being fixed at

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
the Management
accordance with the opinion of
Committee for Cereals,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

An invitation to tender for the export refund on rice was
issued pursuant
to Commission Regulation (EC) No
1897/2002 (3).

Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 584/
75 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1948/
2002 (5), allows the Commission to fix,
in accordance
with the procedure laid down in Article 22 of Regula-
tion (EC) No 3072/95 and on the basis of the tenders
submitted, a maximum export refund.
In fixing this
maximum, the criteria provided for in Article 13 of
Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 must be taken into
account. A contract is awarded to any tenderer whose
tender is equal to or less than the maximum export
refund.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The maximum export refund on wholly milled grain, medium
grain and long grain A rice to be exported to certain third
countries pursuant to the invitation to tender issued in Regula-
tion (EC) No 1897/2002 is hereby fixed on the basis of the
tenders submitted from 31 March to 3 April 2003 at 154,00
EUR/t.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 5 April 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 329, 30.12.1995, p. 18.
(2) OJ L 62, 5.3.2002, p. 27.
(3) OJ L 287, 25.10.2002, p. 8.
(4) OJ L 61, 7.3.1975, p. 25.
(5) OJ L 299, 1.11.2002, p. 18.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1282/03 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Red diesel in agricultural vehicles.
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Germany, Netherlands, customs harmonisation, diesel fuel, excise duty, fuel tax

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/21

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1148/03 and E-1150/03
given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The Community’s relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States, as defined in the Cotonou
Agreement, are based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Measures taken to improve democratisation and good governance in the Seychelles include the provision
of substantial support for the development and consolidation of non-state entities through a capacity-
building programme for Civil Society (15 % of 9th European Development Fund (EDF) allocated as funds
directly accessible to non-state actors). This measure is designated to build capacity of non-state actors
allowing them to develop into a valued and constructive partner in Seychelles’s development.

In addition, the Commission has taken a number of initiatives in support of the democratic process over
the past years (e.g. Delegation presence at elections; discussions with leaders of the opposition in Brussels
as well as in Seychelles, etc.).

Concerning an eventual action the Union could take with regard to the specific allegations of torture, the
Commission will contact the local Presidency in the Seychelles.

(2004/C 88 E/0021)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1282/03

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(4 April 2003)

Subject: Red diesel in agricultural vehicles

Dutch farmers and contractors carrying out agricultural activities both in the Netherlands and in Germany
encounter problems in Germany if the fuel tanks of their agricultural vehicles contain red diesel. The
German tax authorities have already fined Dutch contractors on a number of occasions.

Although, in certain specific instances, Member States may themselves decide whether to allow the use of
red diesel, Article 8(1) of Directive 92/81/EEC (1) seeks to prevent double taxation. Member States may
therefore not levy excise duty on fuel obtained in another Member State.

According to a statement by the Netherlands’ State Secretary for Finance, this issue has been discussed on
the Commission’s Excise Committee. The Commission has pledged to make a proposal to resolve the
problems referred to.

Can the Commission say what progress has been made on producing the proposal to resolve the problems
referred to and when it thinks it will be able to submit the proposal?

(1) OJ L 316, 31.10.1992, p. 12.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission’s answer to Written Question E-0904/03 (1) by
Mr Jan Mulder.

(1) See page 17.
Euro exchange rates
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: euro, exchange rate

4.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/1

I

(Information)

COMMISSION

Euro exchange rates (1)

3 April 2003

(2003/C 81/01)

1 euro =

USD

JPY

DKK

GBP

SEK

CHF

ISK

NOK

BGN

CYP

CZK

EEK

HUF

LTL

Currency

US dollar

Japanese yen

Danish krone

Pound sterling

Swedish krona

Swiss franc

Iceland króna

Norwegian krone

Bulgarian lev

Cyprus pound

Czech koruna

Estonian kroon

Hungarian forint

Lithuanian litas

Exchange
rate

1,0702

127,85

7,4261

0,6853

9,2017

1,4854

83,28

7,825

1,95

0,585

31,855

LVL

MTL

PLN

ROL

SIT

SKK

TRL

AUD

CAD

HKD

NZD

Currency

Latvian lats

Maltese lira

Polish zloty

Romanian leu

Slovenian tolar

Slovak koruna

Turkish lira

Australian dollar

Canadian dollar

Hong Kong dollar

New Zealand dollar

15,6466

SGD

Singapore dollar

Exchange
rate

0,6231

0,4233

4,3587

36 310

232,0224

41,116

1 800 000

1,7936

1,5773

8,3468

1,9585

1,901

246,21

3,453

KRW

ZAR

South Korean won

1 342,99

South African rand

8,4907

___________
(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.