WRITTEN QUESTION E-3856/03 by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Contracts under the Eighth EDF.
Date: 2003-12-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: ACP countries, European Development Fund, award of contract, contract

C 84 E/254

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

As the present time is, unfortunately, typified by almost daily acts of terrorism, such as the attacks in
Turkey and Iraq, the safety of the public is an issue of prime concern. The following recent experience was,
therefore, instructive.

A few days ago, the authors of this question travelled to Brussels airport together. After going through the
usual check-in procedures and having our hand-luggage checked, we still had time to have a meal in one
of the restaurants in the departure lounge. We were somewhat taken aback to see that travellers could help
themselves from an array of sharp, pointed knives. Obviously, a potential hijacker could pocket one before
proceeding through the departure gate and boarding. There were no further checks of our hand luggage or
persons. A potential terrorist (cid:1) however unprepared (cid:1) would have no trouble in hijacking an aircraft.
Furthermore, we realised that if a passenger checked in electronically at the appropriate desk, nobody
would check his passport either at the initial checkpoint at the entrance to the departure lounge or at the
point where hand-luggage was checked. Consequently, a terrorist would have no difficulty getting on
board an aircraft at the airport in Brussels, the European city that is the seat of so many institutions and
offers so many targets for terrorists. So much for ‘security’.

Would the Commission state its views on this state of affairs?

Does the Commission envisage mandatory security standards for airports? If not, what does the
Commission intend to do to ensure that such standards are introduced in the interests of public safety?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2004)

The Honourable Members raise several questions regarding aviation security. It should firstly be noted that
it is not appropriate in a reply that shall be placed in the public domain to discuss the security standards
of a specific airport. The answer shall, therefore, examine the general issues raised.

Mandatory European security standards have existed since 19 January 2003 when Regulation (EC)
No 2320/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 establishing common rules in
the field of civil aviation security (1) came into force. This has been complemented by further regulations,
one of which specifies all items that are prohibited to be taken onto aircraft in the EU.

As regards restaurants located beyond the security control points of airports,
it is the obligation that
cutlery used there shall not be considered to be dangerous. In this regard, the approach used shall be no
different to that taken towards cutlery provided on aircraft where metal knives may be permitted provided
that they are blunt.

In general, the Commission is continually reviewing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 and its associated
implementing rules in order to seek high levels of aviation security throughout the European Union. In this
instance, the Commission is willing to write to all Member States requesting information on the use of
metal cutlery at airport restaurants located beyond airport security screening points.

(1) OJ L 355, 30.12.2002.

(2004/C 84 E/0301)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3856/03

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Contracts under the Eighth EDF

Would the Commission state the number of contracts awarded, and the number of unsuccessful projects
submitted, under the eighth EDF, and how much they were worth?

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.