WRITTEN QUESTION E-0309/04 by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Extension of TAEIX's area of activity to the Western Balkans.
Date: 2004-02-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community acquis, European Commission, European integration, Western Balkans, administrative expenditure (EU), legal cooperation, operation of the Institutions

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/769

to the public sector. A private-law entity is entitled to receive Community assistance from the
Cohesion Fund. In partnerships between the public and private sectors, the implementing bodies are
generally private-law companies.

The Commission has received a complaint relating to the compliance with Community competition
2.
law of the airport’s development and commercial operation. The complaint is in two main parts. The first
concerns the Greek Government’s imposition of an airport tax and its decision to grant exclusive rights to
the airport operator. The second relates to the charges payable in return for certain airport services.

On 22 May 2003 the Commission decided to close the first part of the complaint, i.e. that relating to
action taken by the Greek Government. The Commission is currently continuing to investigate the airport
charges, with a view to responding to the complainant regarding the second part of the complaint.

The company AIA Ltd has received the monthly invoices from the Greek firm (distinct from Hochtief
3.
Hellas) representing Hochtief AG, as well as the invoices from the Greek firms representing the
constructors’ consortium.

(2004/C 84 E/0865)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0309/04

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 February 2004)

Subject: Extension of TAEIX’s area of activity to the Western Balkans

The Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office (TAIEX) was set up to provide targeted technical
assistance to applicant countries in the area of the Community acquis. The Commission communication of
21 May 2003 (1) proposed that its services also be provided in future to the countries of the Western
Balkans.

Have further decisions already been taken regarding the extension of TAIEX services or similar assistance
to the countries of the Western Balkans?

What implementing provisions have been established?

What funding is being made available for services provided to Balkan countries?

How is this being carried out in practice?

To what extent are the new Member States involved (sharing experience, expertise, etc.)?

(1) COM(2003) 285.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 2004)

The Thessaloniki Agenda, endorsed i.a. by the Heads of State or Government of the Member States and of
the Western Balkans countries at the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003,
states that:

SAP countries will become eligible for technical assistance by TAIEX, including for monitoring the
compatibility of national legislations of SAP countries with the Community acquis. This technical
assistance will be delivered through activities adapted to their
specific needs and level of
rapprochement to the EU.

C 84 E/770

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

As a follow-up to this point of the Thessaloniki Agenda, a budget has been allocated from the CARDS
Regional Budget to the existing TAIEX office (2002: EUR 3,9 million, 2003: EUR 1,25 million) aimed at
establishing TAIEX services specifically for the administrations of the Western Balkans countries.

An introductory meeting was held in Brussels on 8 December 2003, at which representatives from the
administrations of all Western Balkans countries participated. At this meeting, which signified the formal
opening of TAIEX to the Western Balkans countries,
the
approach, activities and services of TAIEX.

the Commission gave information about

When providing TAIEX services to the Western Balkans countries the Commission has chosen a
progressive approach. Whereas (cid:1) as in the case of the enlargement countries (cid:1) the basic idea is for TAIEX
services to be provided on a demand-driven basis, the Commission will co-operate closely with the
countries to define the priorities for the services of TAIEX for each of the Western Balkans countries. The
Commission will present this year’s priorities to the individual countries’ governments shortly. Priorities
will be discussed with the individual countries and revised regularly.

TAIEX is expected to be fully operational in relation to the Western Balkans countries in the course of
March 2004. The Commission’s Delegations in the region (cid:1) as well as the European Agency for
Reconstruction and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (cid:1) will be
closely associated with the operation of TAIEX in the region which will also draw upon the experience and
expertise of the new Member States for its activities.

(2004/C 84 E/0866)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0313/04

by Dana Scallon (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject: Galway incinerator

The city of Galway plans the installation of an incinerator near Galway Bay, which is the only fresh water
source for the area. This area is also a designated tourist area.

Is the EU Commission aware of or involved in plans to monitor the installation of this incinerator? Can the
Commission confirm it is in line with the directives regarding the environment and consumer protection?

Would the EU Commission confirm its involvement in the construction of the incinerator in Vienna,
Austria?

Can the Commission explain the difference between the proposed Galway incinerator and the Vienna
model?

What advantages are there in choosing the so-called Vienna model? I am informed by residents in Galway
that the Vienna incinerator also heats homes and can blend into its surroundings. Can the Commission
confirm this, and is the Vienna incinerator the most up-to-date model available?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2004)

All installations which incinerate waste have to comply with Directive 2000/76/EC of the Parliament and
of the Council of 4 December 2000 on the incineration of waste (1). The Directive covers incineration and
co-incineration plants. The limit values set in Directive 2000/76/EC aim at preventing as far as practicable,
negative effects on the environment and the resulting risks to human health. The granting of permits for
waste incinerators falls under the responsibility of national authorities. The actual risk at local level has to
be assessed for each individual case within the authorization procedure. The national authorities do not
need to notify applications for the construction and operation of a waste incinerator, or the permits issued,
to the Commission. The Commission is therefore not aware of the request to construct the incinerator
mentioned by the Honourable Member.

(1) OJ L 332, 28.12.2000.