do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2410/03 by Freddy Blak (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. German road charge.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Germany, common transport policy, restriction on competition, toll

13.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 65 E/143

Reply

(17 November 2003)

The Commission proposal to which the Honourable Member refers in her question is currently being
examined within the Council’s bodies.

Until those proceedings have been completed, the Council cannot reply to the Honourable Member’s
question.

(2004/C 65 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2410/03

by Freddy Blak (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: German road charge

According to the Danish newspaper Børsen of 10 July 2003 (front page), the Commission is considering
initiating proceedings against Germany for introducing road charges as this will result in unequal terms of
competition.

Can the Commission confirm this?

If so, will the Commission say what new circumstances have led it to consider this course of action?

I would refer back here to my Written Question No E-2684/02 (1), pointing out the competition-distorting
nature of the German road charge, which the Commission, however, denies in its answer.

(1) OJ C 110 E, 8.5.2003, p. 89.

(2004/C 65 E/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2608/03

by Peter Pex (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 August 2003)

Subject: Introduction of motorway tolls in Germany

The transport sector is becoming very concerned about the introduction of motorway tolls in Germany.
That concern has been somewhat alleviated by a report that the Commission has recommended that the
introduction of such motorway tolls should be deferred. In contrast to that report, I have read in the
German press that the German Commissioner, Günter Verheugen, has stated that the German Government
is fully entitled to introduce the tolls as scheduled. That contradicts statements made by his fellow
Commissioner Mrs Loyola de Palacio. On 23 July 2003, she said that the investigation initiated by the
Commission into the German compensation measures implied deferment of both the motorway tolls and
the German compensation measures relating thereto.

What is the Commission’s stance on the German motorway tolls? The Commission’s left hand does not
seem to know what its right hand is doing. Does the deferment apply solely to compensation or also to
the levying of the tolls themselves? Can the Commission rapidly eliminate the equivocal nature of its
stance that has resulted from the statement by the German Commissioner?

How will the Commission ensure that the introduction of these motorway tolls in Germany is not in
breach of Community law with regard to the free movement of goods and to non-discrimination?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2408/03 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Watching an LCD screen whilst driving a motor vehicle.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: audiovisual equipment, market approval, road safety, vehicle parts

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/111

Heads

CY (Cyprus)

CZ (Czech Republic)

EE Estonia

HU Hungary

LT Lithuania

LV Latvia

MT Malta

PL Poland

SI Slovenia

SK Slovak Republic

Cattle herd

58 139

1 511 000

253 000

770 000

779 100

388 100

18 770

Pig herd

490 818

3 505 000

345 400

5 082 000

1 061 000

453 200

78 303

5 420 987

18 997 030

473 240

607 835

655 665

1 553 880

Total Acceding Countries

10 280 171

32 222 296

Source: Eurostat, Cattle and pig survey, December 2002.

(2004/C 78 E/0112)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2408/03

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Watching an LCD screen whilst driving a motor vehicle

According to a report in the 28 June 2003 edition of the Flemish-language newspaper ‘Het Belang van
Limburg’, more and more drivers are installing in their vehicles LCD screens on which DVDs and video
games may be played. This does not always involve ‘operational’ information, such as route maps, or the
entertainment of passengers;
in many cases, the screen is also used for the driver’s own amusement.
Although some types of the equipment involved have a built-in safety device (cid:1) which ensures that the
screen may be used only when the handbrake is on (cid:1) that device is often overridden.

In many European countries, using a telephone whilst driving is forbidden unless the car is equipped with
a hands-free set. Since, on the one hand, watching a screen of this nature and, on the other, paying due
attention to the traffic situation are mutually exclusive, the Netherlands Government recently decided to
prohibit the installation of LCD screens which the driver may watch whilst driving.

Is the Commission aware of the fashion for installing LCD screens for drivers, and,
in line with the
Netherlands, is it thinking of introducing a Europe-wide ban on such products which distract drivers when
they are driving?

If so, what specific measures will it take, and will the ban apply to both ‘operational’ and ‘entertainment’
use?

If not, why will it not follow the example of the Netherlands Government?

(2004/C 78 E/0113)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2422/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: In-car LCD screens

In-car dashboard computer screens are all the rage in Belgium and the Netherlands. For young people, in
particular, it is considered cool to install an in-car LCD screen on which to play computer games or DVDs.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2402/03 by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Commission. Turkey: book-burning and State jobs for 15 000 imams.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Islam, Türkiye, accession criteria, book trade, freedom of religious beliefs

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/85

In the sixth package of political reforms adopted by the Turkish Parliament on 19 June 2003, some
measures have been taken to address the question of ‘honour killings’. In particular, Article 453 of the
penal code has been amended to increase the penalty for the killing of out-of-wedlock babies from four to
eight years to six to ten years. Article 462, which foresaw a reduction of sentence in the case of honour
killings, has been abrogated.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and in particular the implementation of
these new provisions.

(1) COM(2002) 700 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0092)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2402/03

by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Turkey: book-burning and State jobs for 15 000 imams

Western books considered ideologically incorrect according to Islam were recently burnt publicly on the
orders of the judiciary in Turkey. It has also recently been reported that the Turkish government has
decided to employ 15 000 imams at public expense to promote the Muslim faith further.

Does the Commission consider that these events constitute steps along the road to the ‘new’ Turkey’s
accession to the EU and adoption of its values?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 2003)

The Commission is not aware of the issue mentioned by the Honourable Member about judgements
concerning the public burning of books.

As regards the appointment of additional imams, the Commission is aware of a proposal of the Bureau of
Religious Affairs (Diyanet)
intended to fill vacancies existing in Turkey for Moslem cleric personnel.
According to our information this proposal has not been adopted by the Government.

As a Candidate Country, Turkey has undertaken to comply with the Copenhagen political criteria. These
criteria imply freedom of religion for all religious groups. The Commission makes a detailed assessment of
the situation in the area of freedom of religion in its Regular Report published annually, and will continue
to monitor developments.

(2004/C 88 E/0093)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2442/03

by Jürgen Zimmerling (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 July 2003)

Subject: Help for Madagascar

As part of the process of adjusting to NATO standards, the national armies of the accession countries are
having to renew old equipment and items such as tents and field kitchens.

The old equipment is still worth quite a lot and is in good condition, so could be used in the Third World,
since it is very suitable for non-military use.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2397/03 by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission. Legislation on fermented milk.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: fermented milk, food standard, foodstuffs legislation, product designation, yoghourt

C 65 E/142

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

13.3.2004

(2004/C 65 E/156)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2397/03

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Legislation on fermented milk

In the Commission’s answer to priority Written Question P-0027/03 (1) and to my Written Question
E-0873/03 (2) on the denomination ‘yoghurt’, Commissioner Fischler states that ‘the Commission received
several complaints concerning the Spanish legislation, based particularly on Directive 2000/13/EC of the
Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 (3) on the approximation of the laws of the Member
States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs’ and that it was ‘currently
examining these complaints and the legal situation in the Member States as regards the denomination of
yoghurt.’

In its turn, the Codex Alimentarious Commission, which was created in 1963 by the FAO and the World
Health Organisation (WHO) and is an international reference body that reports to the United Nations and
the WHO, adopted a standard on fermented milk at its meeting in Rome at the end of June 2003 that
makes it impossible for desserts pasteurised after fermentation to be denominated ‘yoghurts’, at least in
countries without any legislation governing this area.

In the light of the above, and to avoid creating any further confusion, how would the Commission view
the introduction of common legislation on fermented milk and regulation of the denomination ‘yoghurt’?

(1) OJ C 192 E, 14.8.2003, p. 147.
(2) OJ C 242 E, 9.10.2003, p. 209.
(3) OJ L 109, 6.5.2000, p. 29.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2003)

The Commission took notice of the adoption of a standard for fermented milk by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission. However, some aspects like presence of characteristic bacteria, permitted raw materials,
reference to heat treatment, content of non dairy ingredients and labelling may have to be addressed in a
more precise way than in the Codex standard. The Commission is therefore examining the need for
yoghurt legislation and may submit a proposal to the Council.

(2004/C 65 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2400/03

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Council

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Exemption from VAT on postage for charities

Further to the Commission proposal to put VAT on postage and recognising that this would impose a
severe financial burden on charities that depend on direct mail fundraising and are not eligible to reclaim
VAT in the same way as ordinary businesses.

Can the Council advise whether it will be possible for charities that have the specific difficulty of not being
able to reclaim VAT under Irish tax law to secure an exemption from this EU legislation?
2003/589/EC: Council Decision of 21 July 2003 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of Chile
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Chile, cooperation agreement (EU), scientific cooperation, technological change

7.8.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 199/19

COUNCIL DECISION

of 21 July 2003

concerning the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between
the European Community and the Republic of Chile

(2003/589/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 170(2)
in
conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of
Article 300(2) and Article 300(3) thereof,

thereof,

Article 1

The Agreement
for scientific and technological cooperation
between the European Community and the Republic of Chile is
hereby approved on behalf of the Community.

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),

Article 2

The President of
the
Community, give the notification provided for in Article 11 of
the Agreement.

shall, on behalf of

the Council

Done at Brussels, 21 July 2003.

For the Council

The President

F. FRATTINI

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

The Commission has negotiated with the Republic of
Chile, on behalf of the Community, an Agreement for
scientific and technological cooperation.

This Agreement was signed, on behalf of the Commu-
nity, on 23 September 2002 in Brussels, subject to a
possible conclusion at a later date.

(3)

The Agreement should be approved,

(1) Proposal of 24 February 2003 (not yet published in the Official

Journal).

(2) Opinion of 3 June 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
Council Joint Action 2003/537/CFSP of 21 July 2003 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process and amending Joint Action 2002/965/CFSP
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Middle East, appointment of staff, establishment of peace, joint action, the EU's international role

23.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 184/45

(Acts adopted pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL JOINT ACTION 2003/537/CFSP

of 21 July 2003

appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process and
amending Joint Action 2002/965/CFSP

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Article 2

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in parti-
cular Articles 14, 18(5) and 23(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Council Joint Action 2002/965/CFSP of 10 December
2002 amending and extending the mandate of
the
European Union Special Representative for the Middle
East peace process (1) was extended by Council
Joint
Action 2003/445/CFSP (2) until 31 December 2003.

Joint Action 2003/445/CFSP provides that the Council
should appoint a new EU Special Representative for the
Middle East Peace Process following the resignation of
Mr Miguel-Angel MORATINOS.

On 14 July 2003,
the Council decided to appoint
Ambassador Marc OTTE as the new EU Special Represen-
tative for the Middle East Peace Process.

Joint Action 2002/965/CFSP should be amended accord-
ingly,

Article 1 of Joint Action 2002/965/CFSP and Article 2 of Joint
Action 2003/445/CFSP are hereby deleted.

Article 3

This Joint Action shall enter into force on 14 July 2003.

It shall apply until 31 December 2003.

Article 4

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal of the
European Union.

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Done at Brussels, 21 July 2003.

Article 1

Mr Marc OTTE is hereby appointed European Union Special
Representative for the Middle East peace process.

For the Council

The President

F. FRATTINI

(1) OJ L 334, 11.12.2002, p. 11.
(2) OJ L 150, 18.6.2003, p. 70.