WRITTEN QUESTION E-3983/03 by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission. Closure of the multiregional operational programme for water resources under Objective 1 for Italy in the context of the 1994-1999 Community Support Framework.
Date: 2004-01-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community support framework, Italy, exchange of information, operational programme, report, water resources

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/125

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2004)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is
aware that the Italian authorities are conducting a judicial investigation into a company on charges of
defrauding the Union.

As the judicial proceedings are already in progress at the Catania public prosecutor’s office in Italy, OLAF
would be prepared to provide any assistance that the judicial authorities concerned might request.

(2004/C 84 E/0161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3983/03

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(6 January 2004)

Subject: Closure of the multiregional operational programme for water resources under Objective 1 for

Italy in the context of the 1994-1999 Community Support Framework

Given that:

(cid:1) In letters dated 31 March, 29 April and 25 November the questioner asked the Regional Policy DG
for access (cid:1) by virtue of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 (1) on public access to documents (cid:1) to the
final assessment report on the multiregional operational programme on water resources in the
Objective 1 regions (cid:1) Regulation (EEC) No 2081/93 (cid:1) CSF 1994-1999.

(cid:1) Each time the Commission replied that it was waiting until the end of the programme when the
documents would be available and then that it was waiting a few more months, the next deadline
specified being January 2004.

(cid:1) On 19 November 2002,

in its press release 47/2002 on Special Report 1/2002 concerning the
multiregional operational programme for water resources (cid:1) CSF 1994-1999 (cid:1) the Court of Auditors
pointed out, pending certification of the expenditure balance, which was expected to be forwarded
during 2002, the achievement of two not insignificant results: full utilisation of the Community funds
and completion of the planned measures.

Can the Commission say:

(cid:1) when Italy sent the final assessment report, or what the timetable was for the final closure of the

programme;

(cid:1) whether and how many times it asked for explanations about and corrections to the final report;

(cid:1) whether it is normal for a programme, which was supposed to be concluded in 1999, to be concluded
four years later and why, one year after the actual conclusion, the final report is still not available?

(1) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2004)

We can inform the Honourable Member that the final assessment report from the national authorities
reached us on 24 November 2003.

C 84 E/126

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

In his second question he speaks of the ‘final report’ and not of the ‘final assessment report’. These are in
fact two different documents.

The ‘final report’, which is required before action can be taken to close the programme, was sent by Italy
on 7 March 2003, i.e. within the time limit set in Article 52(5) 2nd subparagraph of Regulation (EC)
No 1260/1999 (1).

In a note of 12 May we then asked for further information on this ‘final report’ and by a note of
24 November received a full reply from Italy.

On that basis we sent a proposal for closure to Italy on 4 December, and received Italy’s assent to this on
16 January.

In reply to the Honourable Member’s last question, the programme was closed in line with the Regulation
(EC) No 1260/1999 procedures.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds,

OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

(2004/C 84 E/0162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3985/03

by Caroline Lucas (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(6 January 2004)

Subject: Sourcing of timber for the refurbishment of Commission buildings

What timbers are being used in the refurbishment of the Berlaymont Building?

Which companies have supplied these timbers, and what evidence was requested by the Commission, and
what evidence was provided by the suppliers, to confirm that all the timbers being used come from legal
and sustainable sources?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2004)

In line with its policy of green housekeeping, the Commission’s technical buildings specification rules
provide that any timber used in the refurbishment of Commission-owned buildings must be sourced from
environmentally sustainable managed forests. Proof of this can be provided by forest certification schemes
such as the PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification) or the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label.

In relation to the renovation of
the Commission explicitly required that
Berlaymont 2000 SA (the management company owned by the Belgian State) procured timber as described
above.

the Berlaymont building,

As Berlaymont 2000 SA is the awarding authority responsible for all calls for tenders related to this
renovation, the names of the companies which have supplied the timber are not currently available to the
Commission.

The Honourable Member may wish to know that an examination of the compliance with the requirements
regarding the sustainability of the timber will be carried out by the Commission during its acceptance
procedure for the building, and production of documentary evidence of compliance with legislative and
contractual requirements will be required.