do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1802/03 by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission. Air passenger health.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU statistics, air transport, mortality, public health, transport accident, transport user

C 51 E/142

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

26.2.2004

(2004/C 51 E/156)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1802/03

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Air passenger health

Will the Commission give the figures for the number of deaths in the EU due to air transport crashes in
each year for the last five years? Will it also estimate the number of deaths attributable to air transport in
other ways (such as deep vein thrombosis)? Is the Commission satisfied that it is treating air transport
health issues with enough priority?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2003)

The number of passengers killed in commercial flights operated by Community carriers are given below:

(cid:1) 1998: 46;

(cid:1) 1999: 56;

(cid:1) 2000: 100;

(cid:1) 2001: 111;

(cid:1) 2002: 18.

(Source: Airclaims)

As for deaths caused by deep vein thrombosis attributable to air transport, this is not possible to estimate
at the present time. Deep vein thrombosis is linked to a number of factors and present data does not make
it possible to distinguish air transport from the others. However, the Commission is co-financing studies
designed to clarify the link between deep vein thrombosis and air transport, under the auspices of the
World Health Organisation. In early 2005 these will give results, which should allow conclusions to be
drawn on the link between air transport and deep vein thrombosis. In parallel, the Commission has
undertaken studies on the quality of cabin air and the health of aircrews, that might form the basis of
standards.

In addition to these initiatives, the Commission is contributing to a programme of work launched by the
European Civil Aviation Conference on the health of air passengers, including the collection of data on
medical incidents and the harmonisation of medical services to passengers.

(2004/C 51 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1810/03

by Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(2 June 2003)

Subject: Erasmus World programme

The Council recently reached a political agreement concerning the implementation of the Erasmus World
programme. The aim of this programme is to create a quality framework with a view to attracting greater
numbers of postgraduate students from all parts of the world.

It has been suggested in various milieux that this programme should be viewed as an opportunity to boost
competitiveness and further the objectives laid down by the Lisbon European Council in March 2000 with
the aim of making the EU ‘the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world’.
Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: State aid, United Kingdom, advertising, aid to agriculture, control of State aid, food production, marketing

28.5.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 126/5

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2003/C 126/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption of the decision:

23.4.2003

Member State:

Aid No:

Title:

Objective:

Legal basis:

Budget:

United Kingdom

N 658/02

Aid scheme for export promotion and advertising and for the
regional food

The proposed aid scheme is designed to help companies
producing or processing food or drink in the United
Kingdom to access and develop export markets, both in the
EU and in third countries, and to support the development of
the quality regional food sector. The measures cover partici-
pation in exhibitions and fairs,
information about United
Kingdom products, organisation of competitions and award
ceremonies, marketing of quality products, training and adver-
tising

The Agricultural Marketing Act 1983, as amended, and the
Regional Development Agencies Act 1998

GBP 52,5 million (EUR 79,1 million) for 2002 and 2003 to
2007 and 2008

Aid intensity or amount:

Duration:

Variable

Indefinite

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be
found at

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids

NOTIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS

(Case COMP/F-2/38 730 — BP Lubricants)

(2003/C 126/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 29 April 2003 the Commission received a notification of
standard distribution agreements pursuant to Articles 2 and 4
of Council Regulation No 17, which BP plc or its subsidiary
companies within the BP group have concluded or intend to
conclude with motor vehicle repairers across the European
Union.

These Agreements can be categorised into three different types
of agreement. The first of these is a loan/supply agreement, the
second is an equipment/supply agreement and the third is a
simple supply agreement. The economic effects of the loan/
in
supply and equipment/supply agreements are the same:

both cases, BP takes on a significant degree of risk on behalf
of the repairer, by way of providing a loan or equipment. The
repairer receives the benefit of this support and is obliged to
maintain minimum purchasing levels in return. The third type
of agreement, the simple supply agreement, may or may not
offer the repairer the same kind of support, but the repairer is
free to terminate at any time with notice.

These agreements are usually of a five year duration. Within
each type of agreement, there are some variations and these
differences are outlined below.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1804/03 by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission. Withdrawal by the Commission of proceedings against Sinaga following an ECJ decision.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Azores, Portugal, export, infringement procedure (EU), judgment of the Court (EU), sugar industry, supply

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/173

(2004/C 33 E/174)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1804/03

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Withdrawal by the Commission of proceedings against Sinaga following an ECJ decision

The Commission, acting in breach of the principle of the separation of powers which applies in all
democratic systems, took out legal proceedings against the Azores sugar refinery (Case C 2002-1098), over
a matter then being examined by the European Court of Justice.

The Court, in point 4 of the conclusions of its judgment of 15 May 2003 in Case C-282/00, rejected the
proposal of the sugar industry and the Commission for a ban on the marketing of unrefined sugar from
the Azores, thus removing the basis for both the legal proceedings and the associated financial sanctions
imposed on Portugal.

Is the Commission aware of the severe damage which has been caused to agriculture and industry in the
Azores by its action taken independently of the European Court of Justice?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2003)

In its judgment of 15 May 2003 in Case C-282/00 RAR v Sinaga (not yet published) the Court of Justice,
in answer to the referring court’s fourth question, confirmed the principle of free shipment to mainland
Portugal of white sugar produced from Azores sugarbeet.

The Commission welcomes the Court of Justice’s confirmation of that principle, which is in line with the
comments it presented and furthermore coincided with the view expressed by the Portuguese Government
and Sinaga.

In the Commission’s opinion, banning shipment of products which have been obtained in the Azores with
support for local production would have been highly detrimental to that outermost region’s agriculture.

The Commission has neither instituted infringement proceedings against, nor considered applying a
financial correction to, the Portuguese Republic in respect of shipment of white sugar produced from
Azores sugarbeet.

(2004/C 33 E/175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1805/03

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Repeal of Commission rules on traditional shipments of sugar from the Azores

The European Court of Justice’s ruling of 15 May 2003 on Case C-282/00 establishes (point 46) that
responsibility for the determination of traditional shipments of sugar from the Azores lies with the
national courts.

When does the Commission intend to repeal
its legislation relating to implementing provisions,
particular Article 17(1) of Regulation (EC) No 20/2002 (1), which runs contrary to the Court decision?

in

(1) OJ L 8, 11.1.2002, p. 1.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 943/2003 of 28 May 2003 fixing the maximum aid for concentrated butter for the 292nd special invitation to tender opened under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 429/90
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: aid system, award of contract, butter, concentrated product

29.5.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 133/65

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 943/2003

of 28 May 2003

fixing the maximum aid for concentrated butter for the 292nd special invitation to tender opened
under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 429/90

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 of 17
May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk
and milk products (1), as last amended by Commission Regula-
tion (EC) No 509/2002 (2), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

(2)

(3)

In the light of the tenders received, the maximum aid
should be fixed at the level specified below and the end-
use security determined accordingly.

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

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

(1)

In accordance with Commission Regulation (EEC) No
429/90 of 20 February 1990 on the granting by invita-
tion to tender of an aid for concentrated butter intended
for direct consumption in the Community (3), as last
amended by Regulation (EC) No 124/1999 (4), the inter-
vention agencies are opening a standing invitation to
tender for the granting of aid for concentrated butter;
Article 6 of that Regulation provides that in the light of
the tenders received in response to each special invita-
tion to tender, a maximum amount of aid is to be fixed
for concentrated butter with a minimum fat content of
96 % or a decision is to be taken to make no award; the
end-use security must be fixed accordingly.

Article 1

For the 292nd special invitation to tender under the standing
invitation to tender opened by Regulation (EEC) No 429/90,
the maximum aid and the amount of the end-use security shall
be as follows:

— maximum aid:

— end-use security:

EUR 105/100 kg,

EUR 116/100 kg.

This Regulation shall enter into force on 29 May 2003.

Article 2

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

Done at Brussels, 28 May 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 48.
(2) OJ L 79, 22.3.2002, p. 15.
(3) OJ L 45, 21.2.1990, p. 8.
(4) OJ L 16, 21.1.1999, p. 19.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1787/03 by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission. Open coordinated method.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: employment policy, political cooperation, report, social policy

C 280 E/182

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

21.11.2003

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2003)

The Member of the Commission responsible for Employment and Social Affairs requested the European
Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia in 2002 to organise, with the co-operation of Directorate
General (DG) Employment and Social Affairs, a series of Round Table meetings on Islamophobia and anti-
Semitism in Europe. Three meetings took place on anti-Semitism (5 December 2002),
Islamophobia
(6 February 2003) and Intercultural Dialogue (20 March 2003). The Member of the Commission called for
these Round Table meetings as she was concerned about the growing evidence of discrimination against
Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on
11 September 2001. The Member of the Commission also wished to explore how far intercultural and
inter-religious dialogue in Europe could contribute to lessening tensions between communities.

The three Round Tables brought together in total over 100 high-level experts, including religious leaders,
academics, journalists and non-governmental organisations, from across Europe to discuss the problems
facing religious minorities in Europe today.

together with the Commission, a conference report
The Monitoring Centre is currently preparing,
containing summaries of the three Round Table meetings and written contributions of key speakers.
Although a wide range of views and opinions were expressed during the three discussions, the aim of this
report is to draw out the themes and issues which recurred across all three meetings,
including in
particular the importance of action at local level, of the balanced portrayal of religious minorities in the
media, and of the vital role of education in promoting tolerance and respect. This report will be used to
disseminate to a wider audience the results of the discussions.

(2003/C 280 E/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1787/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Open coordinated method

What is the view of the Commission on the Report of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee on
the ‘open coordination method’ (A5-0143/2003 (cid:1) Smet, EPP-ED, B)?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2003)

The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to consult the results of the discussion on the Smet
Report which was held during the plenary sitting of 4 June 2003.

(2003/C 280 E/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1793/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Cervical cancer screening practices

What information does the Commission have on the variation in cervical cancer screening practices in EU
countries?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777/03 by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission. Veria Justice and Home Affairs Council.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: area of freedom, security and justice, criminal procedure, ministerial meeting, protection of freedoms, rights of the defence

C 78 E/386

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

Scientific advice provides a sound basis for the drafting of legislative and policy proposals and the
forthcoming legislative proposal on the protection of animals during transport, including horses, is only
one example of a Commission initiative aimed at safeguarding the welfare of equidae.

(1) OJ L 221, 8.8.1998.
(2) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990.
(3) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.
(4) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.

(2004/C 78 E/0408)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Veria Justice and Home Affairs Council

What progress was made at the Veria Justice and Home Affairs Council on implementing the Green Paper
on minimum procedural safeguards for defendants and suspects in criminal proceedings adopted by the
Commission on 19 February 2003?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2003)

The informal Justice and Home Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in Veria on 28 March 2003, was in part devoted
to a discussion on the Green Paper on procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal
proceedings throughout the Union (1). This meeting was intended as a first exchange of views, and was
useful insofar as it provided the Commission with an indication of the views of the Member States on this
issue.

At the meeting, the Commission presented the Green Paper and stressed the importance of safeguarding
citizens’ freedoms. During the course of a round table discussion, that ensued, Member States set out their
preliminary thoughts on the procedural safeguards initiative.

The Veria discussion represents an early stage in the course of the Green Paper. A public hearing on the
subject was on 16 June 2003. Over 50 replies have been received to the Green Paper and these will be
taken into account. The Commission, after those wide consultations with experts and interested parties,
intends to present a proposal for a Framework Decision on this subject in October 2003, in line with its
annual work programme for 2003.

(1) COM(2003) 0075 final.

(2004/C 78 E/0409)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1827/03

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(2 June 2003)

Subject: Reduced VAT on the rent or purchase of video cassettes and DVDs

Video cassette and DVD purchases have greatly stimulated the dissemination of culture, benefiting in
particular the European film industry, since high-quality reproduction can be obtained from equipment
which is reliable, easy to use and inexpensive.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 932/2003 of 28 May 2003 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agri-monetary policy, citrus fruit, fruit vegetable, import price, pip fruit, stone fruit

L 133/38

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

29.5.2003

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 932/2003

of 28 May 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 29 May 2003.

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

Done at Brussels, 28 May 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.

29.5.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 133/39

to the Commission Regulation of 28 May 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 90 70

0805 10 10, 0805 10 30, 0805 10 50

0805 50 10

0808 10 20, 0808 10 50, 0808 10 90

0809 20 95

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

(EUR/100 kg)

052
096
999

052
999

052
999

204
220
388
524
600
624
999

382
388
512
528
999

388
400
508
512
524
528
720
804
999

400
999

85,9
61,2
73,6

93,2
93,2

85,7
85,7

41,8
39,8
66,7
65,6
53,9
81,7
58,3

63,8
75,5
66,9
61,1
66,8

83,1
118,0
85,1
73,8
59,9
64,4
113,0
117,6
89,4

272,5
272,5

(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’.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1766/03 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Delays in the signing of concession contracts for the PATHE highway.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, award of contract, operational programme, road building, works contract

15.1.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 11 E/225

(2004/C 11 E/251)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1766/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Delays in the signing of concession contracts for the PATHE highway

The Greek Government has announced plans to award concession contracts for the construction of eight
sections of the PATHE highway linking Patras to Athens, Thessaloniki and Evzoni. Many of the preliminary
surveys were funded from the Second Community Support Framework. However, long delays have affected
the signing of those contracts. For example in September 2002 four consortia were shortlisted to submit
final competing bids for the 25-km Evangelismos-Skotina section incorporating two twin tunnels totalling
11 km in length. However, the companies whose bids were rejected immediately lodged an appeal. The
Ministry of
the
concession contract will finally be signed early in 2004, the project being scheduled for completion in
2008. At the same time, the awarding of concession contracts for other sections of the PATHE highway is
also being held up.

the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works is currently surmising that

Can the Commission provide the following information:

1. Has the competitive tendering procedure for the Evangelismos-Skotina section encountered legal

obstacles and, if so, what is the exact nature of these obstacles?

2. What was the initial timetable awarding concession contracts for the remaining sections of the PATHE

highway and what stage has been reached by proceedings?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2003)

The Commission is not informed of any legal obstacles regarding tendering procedures for the completion
of the Patras-Athens-Thessaloniki road axe.

Under the Operational Programme ‘Road Axes, Ports, Urban Development 2000-2006’, the European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will provide assistance for this project of EUR 125 million, in relation
to total public expenditure of EUR 250 million. It is expected that the Greek authorities will agree the
concession contracts by 2006. The public contribution from national and Community sources must be
paid to the final beneficiaries, in this case the concessionaries, by the end of 2008.

Payment of the public assistance provided for the PATHE concession contracts by the above mentioned
Operational Programme will be possible by the end of 2008.

(2004/C 11 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1779/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Doha trade talks and anti-retroviral drugs

What is the Commission’s view on the Doha Round of multilateral trade talks in relation to the improved
access to medicines including anti-retroviral drugs to treat HIV/Aids?