WRITTEN QUESTION E-3858/03 by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Invalidity pensions in the European Union.
Date: 2003-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European official, disability insurance, medical examination

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/255

Furthermore, would the Commission state how many of the contracts were concluded in accordance with
the rules applying to contracts, whether there were any delays and what costs (cid:1) if any (cid:1) arose as a result
of arbitration, disputes or price adjustments?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2004)

Under the 8th European Development Fund (EDF), a total of 6 199 contracts (1 851 of which are already
closed) were awarded for a value of EUR 8,925 billion. The Commission does not keep records of
unsuccessful tenders or of the reasons for closing a contract. Contracts normally include provisions
allowing the parties to achieve the objectives of the contract even if the implementing conditions change;
it would therefore be reasonable to conclude that the vast majority of contracts met their objectives in
accordance with the terms of the contract.

The rules relating to the award of contracts laid down in the Lomé Conventions and by the general
regulations on contracts (Decision No 3/90 of the ACP-EEC Council of Ministers of 29 March 1990) (1) are
respected. The Lomé Convention specifies that it is the national authorising officer who is in charge of
tender and contract award procedures and who is also responsible for compliance with schedules.

Three cases of disputes came to light in respect of the 8th EDF and were still ongoing at 30 November
2003. However, the EDF National Authorising Officer is allowed to negotiate directly with contractors
without the Commission’s involvement. No specific records are kept of changes to contract costs resulting
from negotiations or price adjustments under contracts.

(1) OJ L 382, 31.12.1990.

(2004/C 84 E/0302)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3858/03

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Invalidity pensions in the European Union

It transpires from the Court of Auditors’ Special Report 3/2003 (1), on the invalidity pensions scheme of
the European institutions, that in 2001, 0,78 % of the European Communities’ staff retired due to
invalidity.

Could the Commission state the percentage of staff awarded invalidity pensions in 2002, and what checks
and controls have been undertaken?

(1) OJ C 109, 7.5.2003, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2004)

In 2002 invalidity pensions were awarded to 1,1 % of Commission staff (officials and temporary agents).

In those instances where,
in its decision granting invalidity, the Invalidity Committee recommend that
checks are necessary, they are carried out systematically until the former official reaches the age of 60
(in accordance with Article 15 of Annex VIII of the Staff Regulations).

Every individual official subject to such checks is required to undergo an in-depth examination by the
medical service. If deemed appropriate, that examination is complemented by a further analysis carried out
by external experts.

C 84 E/256

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

In 2002, 154 such checks were carried out. Three officials were reinstated during this period.

The attention of the Honourable Member is drawn to the reply by the Commission to the special report
from the Court of Auditors 3/2003, in which the Commission announced its intention of developing an
overall policy aimed at both preventing invalidity and helping and encouraging rehabilitation, and to
inform the Parliament of the results of its work.

(2004/C 84 E/0303)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3866/03

by Robert Sturdy (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Bird-trapping in Cyprus

In view of continued reports of bird trapping in Cyprus, what action is the Commission taking to ensure
the adequate implementation and enforcement of the EC Birds Directive in Cyprus?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2004)

The Commission continues to monitor the situation and the progress made by Cyprus in working towards
meeting its obligations under Community law, not just in transposition but also in implementation and
enforcement. As an Acceding Country, Cyprus will be required to fully implement and enforce the Birds
Directive (1) (79/409/EEC) on 1 May 2004. No transition period has been given and no specific derogations
have been requested by Cyprus. In October 2003 Cyprus adopted national legislation to transpose the
requirements of both the Birds and Habitats Directives (92/43/EEC) (2).

The Commission clearly pointed out during the negotiation for accession that certain bird-trapping
methods, like the ones involving the use of mist nets and lime sticks, are incompatible with the provisions
of the Birds Directive. The practice is illegal
in Cyprus and the Cypriot authorities have assured the
Commission that they would step up efforts for effective enforcement of the law in question. Should
problems be observed, then the Commission would raise them with the national authorities to seek their
resolution. The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member that it will not hesitate to take all
the appropriate measures, in order to guarantee the correct application of Community environmental law
by its Member States.

(1) Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.
(2) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,

OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2004/C 84 E/0304)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3876/03

by Francesco Fiori (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Exceeding of the basic cultivation areas for 2003 and application of penalties

With regard to the problems of maize production and the exceeding of the basic cultivation area for 2003,
with the consequent application of penalties, and also in the light of the communication by Agea (Italy) on
the expected 18,6 % reduction in the CAP premium arising from the imposition of a ceiling on the area
reserved for maize (cid:1) even though Italy’s maximum guaranteed area has not been exceeded (cid:1) it is now
essential, as a matter of urgency, to ask the Commission to rescind the (at all events exceptional) penalties.