title: Commission Regulation (EC) No 913/98 of 29 April 1998 fixing the export refunds on milk and milk products

eurovoc_concepts:
export refund
milk
milk product

text: L 128/32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 4. 98 COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 913/98 of 29 April 1998 fixing the export refunds on milk and milk products THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, (a) prices ruling on third country markets; Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, (b) the most favourable prices in third countries of des- tination for third country imports; Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organization of the market in milk and milk products (1), as last amended by Regula- tion (EC) No 1587/96 (2), and in particular Article 17 (3) thereof, Whereas Article 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 provides that the difference between prices in inter- national trade for the products listed in Article 1 of that Regulation and prices for those products within the Community may be covered by an export refund within the limits resulting from agreements concluded in ac- cordance with Article 228 of the Treaty; Whereas Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 provides that when the refunds on the products listed in Article 1 of the abovementioned Regulation, exported in the natural state, are being fixed account must be taken of: (cid:190) the existing situation and the future trend with regard to prices and availabilities of milk and milk products on the Community market and prices for milk and milk products in international trade, (cid:190) marketing costs and the most favourable transport charges from Community markets to ports or other points of export in the Community, as well as costs incurred in placing the goods on the market of the country of destination, (cid:190) the aims of the common organization of the market in milk and milk products which are to ensure equi- librium and the natural development of prices and trade on this market, (cid:190) the limits resulting from agreements concluded in accordance with Article 228 of the Treaty, and (cid:190) the need to avoid disturbances on the Community market, and (cid:190) the economic aspect of the proposed exports; Whereas Article 17 (5) of Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 provides that when prices within the Community are being determined account should be taken of the ruling prices which are most favourable for exportation, and that when prices in international trade are being determined particular account should be taken of: (c) producer prices recorded in exporting third countries, account being taken, where appropriate, of subsidies granted by those countries; and (d) free-at-Community-frontier offer prices; Whereas Article 17 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 provides that the world market situation or the specific requirements of certain markets may make it necessary to vary the refund on the products listed in Article 1 of the abovementioned Regulation according to destination; Whereas Article 17 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 provides that the list of products on which export refunds are granted and the amount of such refunds should be fixed at least once every four weeks; whereas the amount of the refund may, however, remain at the same level for more than four weeks; is applied only if the latter component Whereas, in accordance with Article 12 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1466/95 of 27 June 1995 on specific detailed rules for the application of export refunds on milk and milk products (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 897/98 (4), the refund granted for milk products containing added sugar is equal to the sum of the two components, one of which is intended to take account of the quantity of milk products and the other is intended to take account of the quantity of added sucrose; whereas, however, the added sucrose was produced from sugar beet or cane harvested in the Community; whereas, for products falling within CN codes ex 0402 99 11, ex 0402 99 19, ex 0404 90 51, ex 0404 90 91 and ex 0404 90 93, with a fat content by weight not exceeding 9,5 % and a non-fatty milk content in the dry matter equal to or greater than 15 % by weight, the former abovementioned component is fixed for 100 kilograms of the whole product; whereas, the other products containing added sugar falling within CN codes 0402 and 0404, that component is calculated by multiplying the basic amount by the milk products content of the product concerned; whereas that basic amount is equal to the refund to be fixed for one kilogram of milk products contained in the whole product; ex 0404 90 53, for (1) OJ L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 13. (2) OJ L 206, 16. 8. 1996, p. 21. (3) OJ L 144, 28. 6. 1995, p. 22. (4) OJ L 126, 29. 4. 1998, p. 22. 30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 128/33 Whereas the second component is calculated by multi- plying the sucrose content of the product by the basic amount of the refund valid on the day of exportation for the products listed in Article 1 (1) (d) of Council Regula- tion (EEC) No 1785/81 of 30 June 1981 on the common organization of the markets in the sugar sector (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1599/96 (2); Whereas the level of refund for cheeses is calculated for products intended for direct consumption; whereas the cheese rinds and cheese wastes are not products intended for this purpose; whereas, to avoid any confusion in inter- pretation, it should be specified that there will be no refund for cheeses of a free-at-frontier value less than ECU 230,00 per 100 kilograms; Whereas Commission Regulation (EEC) No 896/84 (3), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 222/88 (4), laid down additional provisions concerning the granting of refunds on the change from one milk year to another; whereas those provisions provide for the possibility of varying refunds according to the date of manufacture of the products; Whereas for the calculation of the refund for processed cheese provision must be made where casein or caseinates are added for that quantity not to be taken into account; Whereas it follows from applying the rules set out above to the present situation on the market in milk and in particular to quotations or prices for milk products within the Community and on the world market that the refund should be as set out in the Annex to this Regulation; Whereas the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 The export refunds referred to in Article 17 of Regu- 1. lation (EEC) No 804/68 on products exported in the natural state shall be as set out in the Annex. 2. There shall be no refunds for exports to destination No 400 for products falling within CN codes 0401, 0402, 0403, 0404, 0405 and 2309. 3. There shall be no refunds for exports to destinations No 022, 024, 028, 043, 044, 045, 046, 052, 404, 600, 800 and 804 for products falling within CN code 0406. Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force on 4 May 1998. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 29 April 1998. For the Commission Franz FISCHLER Member of the Commission (1) OJ L 177, 1. 7. 1981, p. 4. (2) OJ L 206, 16. 8. 1996, p. 43. (3) OJ L 91, 1. 4. 1984, p. 71. (4) OJ L 28, 1. 2. 1988, p. 1. L 128/34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 4. 98 ANNEX to the Commission Regulation of 29 April 1998 fixing the export refunds on milk and milk products (in ECU/100 kg net weight unless otherwise indicated) Product code Destination (*) 0401 10 10 9000 0401 10 90 9000 0401 20 11 9100 0401 20 11 9500 0401 20 19 9100 0401 20 19 9500 0401 20 91 9100 0401 20 91 9500 0401 20 99 9100 0401 20 99 9500 0401 30 11 9100 0401 30 11 9400 0401 30 11 9700 0401 30 19 9100 0401 30 19 9400 0401 30 19 9700 0401 30 31 9100 0401 30 31 9400 0401 30 31 9700 0401 30 39 9100 0401 30 39 9400 0401 30 39 9700 0401 30 91 9100 0401 30 91 9400 0401 30 91 9700 0401 30 99 9100 0401 30 99 9400 0401 30 99 9700 0402 10 11 9000 0402 10 19 9000 0402 10 91 9000 0402 10 99 9000 0402 21 11 9200 0402 21 11 9300 0402 21 11 9500 0402 21 11 9900 0402 21 17 9000 0402 21 19 9300 0402 21 19 9500 0402 21 19 9900 0402 21 91 9100 0402 21 91 9200 0402 21 91 9300 0402 21 91 9400 0402 21 91 9500 0402 21 91 9600 0402 21 91 9700 970 * * * 970 * * * 970 * * * 970 * * * 970 * * * 970 * * * 970 * * * + 970 * * * + + 970 * * * 970 * * * + + 970 * * * + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Amount of refund 2,327 (cid:190) 2,327 (cid:190) 2,327 (cid:190) 3,597 (cid:190) 2,327 (cid:190) 3,597 (cid:190) 4,551 (cid:190) (cid:190) 4,551 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 10,50 (cid:190) 15,77 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 15,77 (cid:190) 38,32 59,85 66,00 38,32 59,85 66,00 75,22 110,55 129,01 75,22 110,55 129,01 68,00 68,00 0,6800 0,6800 68,00 90,54 95,38 102,60 68,00 90,54 95,38 102,60 103,34 104,05 105,34 112,58 115,09 124,73 130,38 Product code Destination (*) 0402 21 91 9900 0402 21 99 9100 0402 21 99 9200 0402 21 99 9300 0402 21 99 9400 0402 21 99 9500 0402 21 99 9600 0402 21 99 9700 0402 21 99 9900 0402 29 15 9200 0402 29 15 9300 0402 29 15 9500 0402 29 15 9900 0402 29 19 9200 0402 29 19 9300 0402 29 19 9500 0402 29 19 9900 0402 29 91 9100 0402 29 91 9500 0402 29 99 9100 0402 29 99 9500 0402 91 11 9110 0402 91 11 9120 0402 91 11 9310 0402 91 11 9350 0402 91 11 9370 0402 91 19 9110 0402 91 19 9120 0402 91 19 9310 0402 91 19 9350 0402 91 19 9370 0402 91 31 9100 0402 91 31 9300 0402 91 39 9100 0402 91 39 9300 0402 91 51 9000 0402 91 59 9000 0402 91 91 9000 0402 91 99 9000 0402 99 11 9110 0402 99 11 9130 0402 99 11 9150 0402 99 11 9310 0402 99 11 9330 0402 99 11 9350 0402 99 19 9110 0402 99 19 9130 0402 99 19 9150 0402 99 19 9310 0402 99 19 9330 0402 99 19 9350 0402 99 31 9110 0402 99 31 9150 0402 99 31 9300 0402 99 31 9500 0402 99 39 9110 0402 99 39 9150 0402 99 39 9300 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Amount of refund 136,76 103,34 104,05 105,34 112,58 115,09 124,73 130,38 136,76 0,6800 0,9054 0,9538 1,0262 0,6800 0,9054 0,9538 1,0262 1,0334 1,1258 1,0334 1,1258 (cid:190) (cid:190) 11,31 13,85 16,84 (cid:190) (cid:190) 11,31 13,85 16,84 (cid:190) 19,91 (cid:190) 19,91 (cid:190) (cid:190) 63,94 63,94 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 0,2555 0,3067 0,4077 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 0,2555 0,3067 0,4077 (cid:190) 0,4245 0,3832 0,6600 (cid:190) 0,4245 0,3832 30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 128/35 Product code Destination (*) 0402 99 39 9500 0402 99 91 9000 0402 99 99 9000 0403 10 11 9400 0403 10 11 9800 0403 10 13 9800 0403 10 19 9800 0403 10 31 9400 0403 10 31 9800 0403 10 33 9800 0403 10 39 9800 0403 90 11 9000 0403 90 13 9200 0403 90 13 9300 0403 90 13 9500 0403 90 13 9900 0403 90 19 9000 0403 90 31 9000 0403 90 33 9200 0403 90 33 9300 0403 90 33 9500 0403 90 33 9900 0403 90 39 9000 0403 90 51 9100 0403 90 51 9300 0403 90 53 9000 0403 90 59 9110 0403 90 59 9140 0403 90 59 9170 0403 90 59 9310 0403 90 59 9340 0403 90 59 9370 0403 90 59 9510 0403 90 59 9540 0403 90 59 9570 0403 90 61 9100 0403 90 61 9300 0403 90 63 9000 0403 90 69 9000 0404 90 21 9100 0404 90 21 9910 0404 90 21 9950 0404 90 23 9120 0404 90 23 9130 0404 90 23 9140 0404 90 23 9150 0404 90 23 9911 0404 90 23 9913 0404 90 23 9915 0404 90 23 9917 0404 90 23 9919 0404 90 23 9931 0404 90 23 9933 0404 90 23 9935 0404 90 23 9937 0404 90 23 9939 0404 90 29 9110 0404 90 29 9115 0404 90 29 9120 0404 90 29 9130 0404 90 29 9135 0404 90 29 9150 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 970 * * * + + + + 970 * * * + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Amount of refund 0,6600 0,7522 0,7522 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 66,85 66,85 89,73 94,53 101,68 102,44 0,6685 0,6685 0,8973 0,9453 1,0168 1,0244 2,327 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 15,77 (cid:190) 38,32 59,85 66,00 75,22 110,55 129,01 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 68,00 (cid:190) 11,31 68,00 90,54 95,38 102,60 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 11,31 13,85 16,84 19,91 20,81 103,34 104,05 105,34 112,58 115,09 124,73 Product code Destination (*) 0404 90 29 9160 0404 90 29 9180 0404 90 81 9100 0404 90 81 9910 0404 90 81 9950 0404 90 83 9110 0404 90 83 9130 0404 90 83 9150 0404 90 83 9170 0404 90 83 9911 0404 90 83 9913 0404 90 83 9915 0404 90 83 9917 0404 90 83 9919 0404 90 83 9931 0404 90 83 9933 0404 90 83 9935 0404 90 83 9937 0404 90 89 9130 0404 90 89 9150 0404 90 89 9930 0404 90 89 9950 0404 90 89 9990 0405 10 11 9500 0405 10 11 9700 0405 10 19 9500 0405 10 19 9700 0405 10 30 9100 0405 10 30 9300 0405 10 30 9500 0405 10 30 9700 0405 10 50 9100 0405 10 50 9300 0405 10 50 9500 0405 10 50 9700 0405 10 90 9000 0405 20 90 9500 0405 20 90 9700 0405 90 10 9000 0405 90 90 9000 0406 10 20 9100 0406 10 20 9230 0406 10 20 9290 0406 10 20 9300 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * Amount of refund 130,38 136,76 0,6800 (cid:190) 0,2555 0,6800 0,9054 0,9538 1,0262 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 0,2555 0,3067 0,4077 0,4245 1,0334 1,1258 0,4601 0,6600 0,7522 165,85 170,00 165,85 170,00 165,85 170,00 165,85 170,00 165,85 170,00 165,85 170,00 176,22 155,49 161,71 216,00 170,00 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 22,83 22,83 37,68 (cid:190) (cid:190) 21,24 15,29 35,05 (cid:190) (cid:190) 9,329 7,834 15,39 L 128/36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 4. 98 Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund Product code Destination (*) 0406 10 20 9610 0406 10 20 9620 0406 10 20 9630 0406 10 20 9640 0406 10 20 9650 0406 10 20 9660 0406 10 20 9830 0406 10 20 9850 0406 10 20 9870 0406 10 20 9900 0406 20 90 9100 0406 20 90 9913 0406 20 90 9915 0406 20 90 9917 0406 20 90 9919 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + + + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * (cid:190) (cid:190) 30,98 30,98 51,11 (cid:190) (cid:190) 31,42 31,42 51,83 (cid:190) (cid:190) 35,06 35,06 57,86 (cid:190) (cid:190) 51,54 48,35 85,03 (cid:190) (cid:190) 42,95 25,44 70,86 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 15,93 13,38 26,28 (cid:190) (cid:190) 19,31 16,22 31,87 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 35,62 31,59 58,77 (cid:190) (cid:190) 47,01 42,12 77,56 (cid:190) (cid:190) 49,94 44,75 82,41 (cid:190) (cid:190) 55,82 50,02 92,10 0406 20 90 9990 0406 30 31 9710 0406 30 31 9730 0406 30 31 9910 0406 30 31 9930 0406 30 31 9950 0406 30 39 9500 0406 30 39 9700 0406 30 39 9930 0406 30 39 9950 0406 30 90 9000 0406 40 50 9000 + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * Amount of refund (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 9,54 8,346 17,88 (cid:190) (cid:190) 13,99 12,25 26,24 (cid:190) (cid:190) 9,54 8,346 17,88 (cid:190) (cid:190) 13,99 12,25 26,24 (cid:190) (cid:190) 20,36 17,81 38,17 (cid:190) (cid:190) 13,99 12,25 26,24 (cid:190) (cid:190) 20,36 17,81 38,17 (cid:190) (cid:190) 20,36 17,81 38,17 (cid:190) (cid:190) 23,02 21,14 43,16 (cid:190) (cid:190) 24,15 21,14 45,28 (cid:190) (cid:190) 54,55 32,98 90,00 30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 128/37 Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund 0406 40 90 9000 0406 90 13 9000 0406 90 15 9100 0406 90 17 9100 0406 90 21 9900 0406 90 23 9900 0406 90 25 9900 0406 90 27 9900 0406 90 31 9119 0406 90 33 9119 0406 90 33 9919 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * (cid:190) (cid:190) 56,01 32,98 92,42 (cid:190) (cid:190) 60,16 60,16 99,26 (cid:190) (cid:190) 62,17 62,17 102,58 (cid:190) (cid:190) 62,17 62,17 102,58 (cid:190) (cid:190) 61,63 44,53 101,68 (cid:190) (cid:190) 36,51 18,57 75,31 (cid:190) (cid:190) 36,98 21,16 76,25 (cid:190) (cid:190) 33,48 18,57 69,06 (cid:190) (cid:190) 38,17 25,56 62,99 (cid:190) (cid:190) 38,17 25,56 62,99 (cid:190) (cid:190) 34,36 20,33 56,69 0406 90 33 9951 0406 90 35 9190 0406 90 35 9990 0406 90 37 9000 0406 90 61 9000 0406 90 63 9100 0406 90 63 9900 0406 90 69 9100 0406 90 69 9910 0406 90 73 9900 0406 90 75 9900 0406 90 76 9300 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * (cid:190) (cid:190) 36,20 20,01 59,72 28,95 28,95 61,40 61,40 101,30 (cid:190) (cid:190) 54,68 40,19 90,22 (cid:190) (cid:190) 60,16 60,16 99,26 40,61 40,61 65,82 57,27 108,59 37,12 37,12 63,89 63,89 105,42 29,52 29,52 48,93 48,93 80,75 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 48,93 48,93 80,75 (cid:190) (cid:190) 52,63 52,63 86,83 (cid:190) (cid:190) 51,97 22,27 85,75 (cid:190) (cid:190) 34,88 20,12 71,94 L 128/38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 4. 98 Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund 0406 90 76 9400 0406 90 76 9500 0406 90 78 9100 0406 90 78 9300 0406 90 78 9500 0406 90 79 9900 0406 90 81 9900 0406 90 85 9910 0406 90 85 9991 0406 90 85 9995 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * (cid:190) (cid:190) 40,07 23,22 82,65 (cid:190) (cid:190) 38,60 23,22 79,62 (cid:190) (cid:190) 32,73 18,14 67,50 (cid:190) (cid:190) 40,07 20,12 82,65 (cid:190) (cid:190) 40,07 23,22 82,65 (cid:190) (cid:190) 30,31 19,23 62,51 (cid:190) (cid:190) 53,71 47,61 88,63 28,95 28,95 59,27 59,27 97,79 (cid:190) (cid:190) 54,68 40,19 90,22 (cid:190) (cid:190) 51,97 21,16 85,75 0406 90 85 9999 0406 90 86 9100 0406 90 86 9200 0406 90 86 9300 0406 90 86 9400 0406 90 86 9900 0406 90 87 9100 0406 90 87 9200 0406 90 87 9300 0406 90 87 9400 0406 90 87 9951 0406 90 87 9971 0406 90 87 9972 + + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 099 400 * * * (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 29,74 27,65 61,34 (cid:190) (cid:190) 30,78 30,30 63,48 (cid:190) (cid:190) 34,58 34,28 71,32 (cid:190) (cid:190) 43,80 40,24 90,34 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 24,78 24,78 51,11 (cid:190) (cid:190) 28,27 28,02 58,31 (cid:190) (cid:190) 30,66 30,66 63,25 (cid:190) (cid:190) 42,19 42,19 87,04 (cid:190) (cid:190) 42,07 34,41 86,78 16,03 13,67 33,07 30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 128/39 Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund Product code Destination (*) Amount of refund 0406 90 87 9973 0406 90 87 9974 0406 90 87 9979 0406 90 88 9100 0406 90 88 9105 0406 90 88 9300 2309 10 15 9010 2309 10 15 9100 2309 10 15 9200 2309 10 15 9300 2309 10 15 9400 2309 10 15 9500 2309 10 15 9700 2309 10 19 9010 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + 037 039 099 400 * * * 037 039 099 400 * * * + + + + + + + + (cid:190) (cid:190) 37,66 24,08 77,68 (cid:190) (cid:190) 42,07 24,08 86,78 (cid:190) (cid:190) 36,51 24,08 75,31 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 52,46 30,30 86,56 (cid:190) (cid:190) 31,84 30,30 52,55 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 2309 10 19 9100 2309 10 19 9200 2309 10 19 9300 2309 10 19 9400 2309 10 19 9500 2309 10 19 9600 2309 10 19 9700 2309 10 19 9800 2309 10 70 9010 2309 10 70 9100 2309 10 70 9200 2309 10 70 9300 2309 10 70 9500 2309 10 70 9600 2309 10 70 9700 2309 10 70 9800 2309 90 35 9010 2309 90 35 9100 2309 90 35 9200 2309 90 35 9300 2309 90 35 9400 2309 90 35 9500 2309 90 35 9700 2309 90 39 9010 2309 90 39 9100 2309 90 39 9200 2309 90 39 9300 2309 90 39 9400 2309 90 39 9500 2309 90 39 9600 2309 90 39 9700 2309 90 39 9800 2309 90 70 9010 2309 90 70 9100 2309 90 70 9200 2309 90 70 9300 2309 90 70 9500 2309 90 70 9600 2309 90 70 9700 2309 90 70 9800 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 13,85 18,47 23,09 27,70 32,32 36,94 40,63 (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) (cid:190) 13,85 18,47 23,09 27,70 32,32 36,94 40,63 (*) The code numbers for the destinations are those set out in the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2317/97 (OJ L 321, 22. 11. 1997, p. 19). However: (cid:190) ‘099' covers all destination codes from 053 to 096 inclusive, (cid:190) ‘970' covers the exports referred to in Articles 34(1)(a) and (c) and 42(1)(a) and (b) of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3665/87 (OJ L 351, 14. 12. 1987, p. 1). For destinations other than those indicated for each ‘product code', the amount of the refund applying is indicated by ***. Where no destination (‘+') is indicated, the amount of the refund is applicable for exports to any destination other than those referred to in Article 1(2) and (3). NB: The product codes and the footnotes are defined in Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3846/87 (OJ L 366, 24. 12. 1987, p. 1), as amended


title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE Nr. 1183/98 von Nikitas KAKLAMANIS an die Kommission. Ablehnung eines Vorhabens durch die Europäische Kommission

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text: C 386/90 Amtsblatt der Europ(cid:228)ischen Gemeinschaften DE 11. 12. 98 (98/C 386/118) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE P-1179/98 von Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) an die Kommission (6. April 1998) Betrifft: Folgen der Einstellung des Programms Med-Media Aufgrund der Einstellung des Programms Med-Media haben zahlreiche Gremien, die in diesem Rahmen Beihilfen erhalten sollten, nicht die versprochenen Hilfen erhalten und mu(cid:223)ten auf ihre Vorhaben verzichten. Einige Unternehmen befinden sich heute in einer prek(cid:228)ren Situation, weil sie dadurch umfangreichen Schaden erlitten haben. Kann die Europ(cid:228)ische Kommission mitteilen, was sie zu tun beabsichtigt, um die gesch(cid:228)digten Unternehmen zu entsch(cid:228)digen und das Programm Med-Media wiederaufzunehmen? Antwort von Herrn Marin im Namen der Kommission (5. Mai 1998) Im Anschlu(cid:223) an ausf(cid:252)hrliche Diskussionen mit dem Parlament hat die Kommission festgestellt, da(cid:223) die von diesem genannten Voraussetzungen f(cid:252)r die Wiederaufnahme der dezentralisierten Zusammenarbeit im Mittel- meerraum nunmehr erf(cid:252)llt sind. Folglich hat die Kommission beschlossen, die dezentralisierte Zusammenarbeit im Mittelmeerraum wiederauf- zunehmen. Die Wiederankurbelung wird drei Programme betreffen: MED-CAMPUS, mit dem die Zusammen- arbeit zwischen den Universit(cid:228)ten gef(cid:246)rdert werden soll; MED-MEDIA, das die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Medien (Ausbildung) betrifft und MED-URBS, das sich an die kommunalen K(cid:246)rperschaften richtet. Au(cid:223)erdem weist die Kommission im Rahmen der Erkl(cid:228)rung von Barcelona auf die Bedeutung einer direkten Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Beteiligten der Zivilgesellschaft hin, die im Hinblick auf eine Ann(cid:228)herung und ein besseres Verst(cid:228)ndnis zwischen den V(cid:246)lkern Europas und des Mittelmeerraums unerl(cid:228)(cid:223)lich ist. Obgleich gegen(cid:252)ber den Tr(cid:228)gern von 1995 ausgew(cid:228)hlten Projekten MED-MEDIA keinerlei Verpflichtung eingegangen wurde, k(cid:246)nnen im Rahmen der Wiederaufnahme der Programme einige von ihnen m(cid:246)glicherweise eine finanzielle Unterst(cid:252)tzung erhalten. (98/C 386/119) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1183/98 von Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) an die Kommission (29. April 1998) Betrifft: Ablehnung eines Vorhabens durch die Europ(cid:228)ische Kommission Am 18. Februar 1998 hat die Europ(cid:228)ische Kommission das (cid:132)EUROP˜ISCHE KUNSTZENTRUM(cid:147)(EUARCE) unterrichtet, da(cid:223) die GDX/C. 4. folgendes im Rahmen des Programms (cid:132)RAPHAEL(cid:147) unterbreitete Vorhaben abgelehnt hat: (cid:132)Musikalische Komposition und Poetik der Orthodoxie › der patriarchalische Stil im byzantini- schen Kirchenlied › Lexikographie der byzantinischen Musik(cid:147). Es ist darauf hinzuweisen, da(cid:223) dieses Vorhaben sich in (cid:228)u(cid:223)erst akribischer Weise mit in der ganzen Welt anerkannten Arbeiten befa(cid:223)t, die dem Nachweis und der Auslegung wahrer Kompositionskodizes der byzantini- schen Kirchenmusik gewidmet sind, und die unter der Schirmherrschaft des (cid:214)kumenischen Patriarchen Bartholom(cid:228)us durchgef(cid:252)hrt wurden. F(cid:252)r das Zentrum, das zu den angesehensten in Griechenland geh(cid:246)rt, wurden bisher noch keine gemeinschaftlichen Haushaltsmittel aufgewandt. Der Beschlu(cid:223) (cid:252)ber die Ablehnung dieses Vorhabens ist daher (cid:228)u(cid:223)erst befremdend, wie auch die mangelnde Begr(cid:252)ndung daf(cid:252)r. 1. Kann die Kommission im einzelnen die ausf(cid:252)hrlichen Gr(cid:252)nde f(cid:252)r diesen Beschlu(cid:223) darlegen? 2. Welche Institute und Zentren erhielten eine Finanzhilfe im Rahmend des Programms RAPHAEL, in welchen Mitgliedstaaten der EU sind sie gelegen, welche Forschungsthemen sind Gegenstand ihrer Vorhaben und welche Betr(cid:228)ge wurden ihnen gew(cid:228)hrt?


title: Kommissionens direktiv 98/28/EG av den 29 april 1998 om medgivande av undantag från vissa bestämmelser i direktiv 93/43/EEG om livsmedelshygien när det gäller sjötransport av råsocker i bulklast (Text av betydelse för EES)

eurovoc_concepts:
European standard
derogation from EU law
food hygiene
maritime transport
product safety
raw sugar

text: L 140/10 SV Europeiska gemenskapernas officiella tidning 12. 5. 98 KOMMISSIONENS DIREKTIV 98/28/EG av den 29 april 1998 om medgivande av undantag fr(cid:134)n vissa best(cid:132)mmelser i direktiv 93/43/EEG om livsmedelshygien n(cid:132)r det g(cid:132)ller sj(cid:148)transport av r(cid:134)socker i bulklast (Text av betydelse f(cid:148)r EES) EUROPEISKA GEMENSKAPERNAS KOMMISSION HAR ANTAGIT DETTA DIREKTIV med beaktande av F(cid:148)rdraget om uppr(cid:132)ttandet av Euro- peiska gemenskapen, med beaktande av r(cid:134)dets direktiv 93/43/EEG av den 14 juni 1993 om livsmedelshygien (1), s(cid:132)rskilt artikel 3. 3 i detta, och med beaktande av f(cid:148)ljande: Det har visat sig att till(cid:132)mpningen av det andra stycket i punkt 2 i kapitel IV i bilagan till direktiv 93/43/EEG r(cid:148)rande transport av of(cid:148)rpackade livsmedel flytande form eller i form av granulat eller pulver i beh(cid:134)llare eller containrar/tankar som endast anv(cid:132)nds f(cid:148)r livsmedelstran- sporter inte (cid:132)r praktikabel och inneb(cid:132)r en orimlig ekono- misk belastning f(cid:148)r livsmedelsf(cid:148)retag n(cid:132)r den till(cid:132)mpas p(cid:134) sj(cid:148)transport av r(cid:134)socker som f(cid:148)rst efter en fullst(cid:132)ndig och effektiv raffineringsprocess (cid:132)r avsett som livsmedel eller som ingrediens i livsmedel. i Det (cid:132)r dock n(cid:148)dv(cid:132)ndigt att s(cid:132)kerst(cid:132)lla att ett likv(cid:132)rdigt skydd av folkh(cid:132)lsan uppr(cid:132)tth(cid:134)lls vid medgivandet av l(cid:134)ta s(cid:134)dana undantag (cid:134)tf(cid:148)ljas av undantag, genom att villkor. Tillg(cid:134)ngen till beh(cid:134)llare eller containrar/tankar som endast anv(cid:132)nds f(cid:148)r sj(cid:148)transport av livsmedel (cid:132)r otillr(cid:132)cklig f(cid:148)r att t(cid:132)cka behoven f(cid:148)r transport av r(cid:134)socker som f(cid:148)rst efter en fullst(cid:132)ndig och effektiv raffineringsprocess (cid:132)r avsett som livsmedel eller som ingrediens i livsmedel. livsmedelstransporter. De erfarenheter som samlats under de senaste (cid:134)ren har visat att inga f(cid:148)roreningar upptr(cid:132)der i raffinerat socker framst(cid:132)llt av r(cid:134)socker som transporterats till sj(cid:148)ss i beh(cid:134)l- lare eller containrar/tankar som inte uteslutande anv(cid:132)nds f(cid:148)r eller containrar/tankar som tidigare anv(cid:132)nts f(cid:148)r transporter skall dock p(cid:134)visligen har rengjorts noggrant. Denna reng(cid:148)ring (cid:132)r av avg(cid:148)rande betydelse f(cid:148)r den allm(cid:132)nna raffinerade sockrets livsmedelss(cid:132)kerheten och f(cid:148)r det oskadlighet. beh(cid:134)llare S(cid:134)dana Detta s(cid:132)rskilda undantag p(cid:134)verkar inte de allm(cid:132)nna f(cid:148)re- skrifterna i direktiv 93/43/EEG. Vetenskapliga livsmedels- kommitt(cid:130)n har r(cid:134)dfr(cid:134)gats. De (cid:134)tg(cid:132)rder som f(cid:148)reskrivs i detta direktiv (cid:132)r f(cid:148)renliga med yttrandet fr(cid:134)n St(cid:132)ndiga livsmedelskommitt(cid:130)n. H(cid:142)RIGENOM F(cid:153)RESKRIVS F(cid:153)LJANDE. Artikel 1 I detta direktiv medges undantag fr(cid:134)n f(cid:148)reskrifterna i kapitel IV, andra stycket i punkt 2 i bilagan till direktiv 93/43/EEG, och fastst(cid:132)lls motsvarande villkor f(cid:148)r att s(cid:132)kerst(cid:132)lla skydd av folkh(cid:132)lsan och de ber(cid:148)rda livsmed- lens livsmedelss(cid:132)kkerhet och oskadlighet. Artikel 2 1. Sj(cid:148)transporter av r(cid:134)socker i bulklast som f(cid:148)rst efter en fullst(cid:132)ndig och effektiv raffinerginsprocess (cid:132)r avsett som livsmedel eller som ingrediens i livsmedel till(cid:134)ts i beh(cid:134)llare eller containrar/tankar som inte uteslutande anv(cid:132)nds f(cid:148)r livsmedelstransport. S(cid:134)dana beh(cid:134)llare eller containrar/tankar som avses i 2. punkt 1 skall uppfylla f(cid:148)ljande villkor: (cid:190) F(cid:148)re lastningen av r(cid:134)socker skall beh(cid:134)llaren eller containern/tanken effektivt reng(cid:148)ras f(cid:148)r att avl(cid:132)gsna rester av f(cid:148)reg(cid:134)ende last och andra f(cid:148)roreningar. Detta skall s(cid:132)kerst(cid:132)llas genom inspektion. (cid:190) Det gods som transporterats i den transport som omedelbart f(cid:148)reg(cid:134)r r(cid:134)sockertransporten skall inte ha varit i flytande form i bulklast. Artikel 3 I enlighet med artikel 8 i direktiv 93/43/EEG skall medlemsstaterna utf(cid:148)ra kontroller f(cid:148)r att s(cid:132)kerst(cid:132)lla att detta direktiv till(cid:132)mpas. (1) EGT L 175, 19. 7. 1993, s. 1. 1. Det livsmedelsf(cid:148)retag som b(cid:132)r ansvar f(cid:148)r sj(cid:148)transport av r(cid:134)socker skall tillhandah(cid:134)lla dokumentation som i detalj redog(cid:148)r f(cid:148)r den last som direkt f(cid:148)reg(cid:134)ende transpor- terats i den ber(cid:148)rda beh(cid:134)llaren eller containern/tanken, samt typ och effektivitet av den reng(cid:148)ring som utf(cid:148)rdes f(cid:148)re transporten av r(cid:134)socker. f(cid:148)r 12. 5. 98 SV Europeiska gemenskapernas officiella tidning L 140/11 2. Denna dokumentation skall medf(cid:148)lja godset under hela transporten till raffinaderiet d(cid:132)r det ocks(cid:134) skall finnas en kopia av den. Dokumentationen skall m(cid:132)rkas tydligt och med permanent skrift p(cid:134) ett eller flera av gemen- skapens spr(cid:134)k: ”Denna produkt skall raffineras innan den anv(cid:132)nds som livsmedel”. P(cid:134) beg(cid:132)ran skall det livsmedelsf(cid:148)retag som b(cid:132)r ansvar 3. f(cid:148)r raffineringspro- transporten av r(cid:134)sockret och/eller cessen (cid:148)verl(cid:132)mna den dokumentation som avses i punk- terna 1 och 2 till den beh(cid:148)riga kontrollmyndigheten f(cid:148)r livsmedel. Artikel 4 1. R(cid:134)socker som har transporterats till sj(cid:148)ss i beh(cid:134)llare eller containrar/tankar som inte uteslutande (cid:132)r avsedda f(cid:148)r livsmedelstransport skall genomg(cid:134) en fullst(cid:132)ndig och effektiv raffineringsprocess innan det f(cid:134)r anses l(cid:132)mpligt som livsmedel eller livsmedelsingrediens. 2. De livsmedelsf(cid:148)retag som b(cid:132)r ansvaret f(cid:148)r transport och raffinering skall betrakta den reng(cid:148)ring som (cid:132)gt rum f(cid:148)re lastningen av r(cid:134)sockret som en kritisk punkt f(cid:148)r det raffinerade sockrets livsmedelss(cid:132)kerhet och oskadlighet, i (cid:148)verensst(cid:132)mmelse med artikel 3. 2 i direktiv 93/43/EEG, och d(cid:132)rvid beakta typen av den f(cid:148)reg(cid:134)ende last som trans- porterats i beh(cid:134)llaren eller containern/tanken. Artikel 5 1. Medlemsstaterna skall s(cid:132)tta i kraft de lagar och andra f(cid:148)rfattningar som (cid:132)r n(cid:148)dv(cid:132)ndiga f(cid:148)r att f(cid:148)lja detta direktiv den 1 augusti 1998. De skall omg(cid:134)ende underr(cid:132)tta kommissionen om detta. 2. N(cid:132)r en medlemsstat antar dessa best(cid:132)mmelser skall de inneh(cid:134)lla en h(cid:132)nvisning till detta direktiv eller (cid:134)tf(cid:148)ljas av en s(cid:134)dan h(cid:132)nvisning n(cid:132)r de offentligg(cid:148)rs. N(cid:132)rmare f(cid:148)reskrifter om hur h(cid:132)nvisningen skall g(cid:148)ras skall varje medlemsstat sj(cid:132)lv utf(cid:132)rda. Artikel 6 Detta direktiv skall tr(cid:132)da i kraft dagen efter det att det offentliggjorts i Europeiska gemenskapernas officiella tidning. Artikel 7 Detta direktiv riktar sig till medlemsstaterna. Utf(cid:132)rdat i Bryssel den 29 april 1998. P(cid:134) kommissionens v(cid:132)gnar Martin BANGEMANN Ledamot av kommissionen


title: Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Communication from the Commission entitled "Growth and Employment in the stability-oriented framework of EMU - Economic policy reflections in view of the forthcoming 1998 Broad Guidelines"'

eurovoc_concepts:
Economic and Monetary Union
budget policy
economic growth
economic policy
employment policy
monetary policy

text: C 214/104 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 7. 98 Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Communication from the Commission entitled “Growth and Employment in the stability-oriented framework of EMU — Economic policy reflections in view of the forthcoming 1998 Broad Guidelines”’ (98/C 214/27) On 2 March 1998 the European Commission, acting in accordance with Article 198 of the EC Treaty, decided to ask the Economic and Social Committee for an opinion on the above-mentioned communication. The Section for Economic, Financial and Monetary Questions, which was instructed to prepare the Committee’s work on this matter, adopted its opinion on 3 April 1998 (rapporteur: Mr de Bigault du Granrut). The Committee adopted the opinion set out below at its 354th plenary session held on 29 and 30 April 1998 (meeting of 29 April). The opinion was adopted by 70 votes to 36, with 19 abstentions. 1. Introduction 2. Contents of the report The Commission has submitted its 1998 annual 1. 1. economic report. This report: — has been issued in a new form: it summarizes the major challenges confronting the EU, namely growth and employment; — comes at a historic moment in time, namely in the run-up to the decisions on the third stage of economic and monetary union (participating states, rates of exchange); and — coincides with a period of exceptional stability, in view of the degree of convergence achieved by the Member States as they move towards EMU. 1. 2. The Committee welcomes this opportunity to give its views on the Commission report, despite the short deadline for the preparation of its opinion. The report will provide the basis for formulation by the Council, in June, of the ‘Broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and of the Community’ (Article 103 of the EC Treaty). These ‘broad guidelines’ will increasingly function as the benchmark for the economic policies of the EU and its Member States and also for the policies which fall within the remit of the EU social partners and socio-economic associations. 1. 3. The Committee notes that the Commission’s economic forecasts are based on estimates made in autumn 1997 and in essentials confirmed by the March 1998 estimates. The forecasts fundamentally point to maintenance of stability and growth and, consequently, of employment. The report is clearly optimistic, but it does also demonstrate how essential it is to persist with the convergence and stability policy — shortly to be bolstered by the institutional framework for EMU — if the EU is finally to make progress as regards employment. It is against this background that the Committee has considered the Commission’s report. 2. 1. The ‘Autumn economic forecasts’, published by the Commission in October 1997, stated that the annual growth rate would turn out to be 2,6 % in 1997 and would gradually increase to 3 % in 1998 and 1999. This rate of growth signifies a net increase in jobs of 0,5 % in 1997, 0,8 % in 1998 and 1,3 % in 1999. Bearing in mind the increase in the workforce (particularly women workers), the unemployment rate in the EU is expected to fall from 10,7 % in 1997 to 10,3 % in 1998 and 9,8 % in 1999. 2. 1. 1. The ‘Spring 1998 Economic Forecasts’ refer to the events which have taken place in Asia and alter only very slightly the figures set out in the Autumn 1997 Economic Forecasts: growth is expected to rise from 2,8 % in 1998 to 3 % in 1999. The rate of unemployment is expected to fall from 10,7 % in 1997 to 10,2 % in 1998 and 9,8 % in 1999. These same forecasts clearly indicate that in 2. 2. the course of the period under-review (1997-1999), investment and personal consumption will progressively take over from exports as the driver of growth. 2. 3. The EU’s poor record as regards growth (1,6 % per year in the period 1991 to 1996) and employment (- 0,4 %) can mainly be put down to an ill-judged economic policy mix which failed to prevent consider- able tensions and monetary upheavals. In general terms, the following obstacles may be identified: — stability conflict of fiscal policy, wage policy and monetary policy; — the increase in long-term interest rates and the 1995 monetary crisis; — the fall in investment rates in the climate of instability which has prevailed since the first oil crisis. 10. 7. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 214/105 2. 4. It is imperative to avoid these obstacles in future. There is a good chance that this can be done. The EMU will bring stability to the EU; against this background Member States will pursue stringent economic policies, facilitated by price stability, wage moderation, low long-term interest rates and the absence of perturbations in the exchange rates of EMU states against each other. The EU should continue rigorously to enforce the economic strategy of ‘the broad economic policy guide- lines’. The factors conducive to growth are, in particu- 2. 5. lar, supply-side factors: — inflation is under control; — investments are achieving an increasingly high level of return of investment; — slack in the economy. in demand. This 2. 6. Monetary conditions, including long-term inter- est rates and exchange rates are favourable to an internally-generated increase is important since demand must not be stimulated by excessive wage increases or expansionary fiscal spend- ing. In the years ahead, growth is expected to stem increasingly from domestic demand, in response to favourable monetary conditions, especially contracting risk premiums of long-term interest rates, the strength of the dollar against European currencies, and improved confidence of business and consumers. These favourable monetary conditions were brought about by the remark- able progress made by the vast majority of Member States towards convergence of inflation rates and the correction of excessive fiscal imbalances (second para- graph of point 1. 1 of the Commission’s communication). 2. 7. The Commission takes the view that, whilst it brings risks, growth in the EU will only be marginally affected by the crisis that is having such a devastating effect on Asia. The negative effects on trade could be offset by a further easing on the monetary front and the dynamics of domestic demand. 2. 8. With a view to maintaining monetary stability and market confidence (in the short-term) and trans- forming the economic upturn into strong sustainable growth (in the medium-term), there is a need to ensure a harmonious transition to EMU and steadily resolve the unemployment problem. The fundamental prerequisites are in place. What is needed is a willingness to implement both macro-economic and structural policies which match up to the task. 3. The unemployment challenge: the Commission’s view 3. 1. Within the space of some three pages the Com- mission gives an excellent survey of the unemployment challenge facing the EU. The Commission draws atten- tion first of all to Article 2 of the EC Treaty (subsequently amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam) which stipulates, inter alia, the need to achieve ‘a high level of employ- ment’. It can be argued that a competitive economy has 3. 2. three characteristics: (1) productivity gains not less than those of a state’s principal trading partners, (2) an external trade equilibrium based on an open market economy and (3) a high level of employment. The EU may be regarded as ‘competitive’ only in terms of conditions (1) and (2). The employment performance of the EU economy is mediocre. In 1997 the EU unemployment rate was 10,7 % 3. 3. of the labour force, i. e. 18 million people had no jobs. The level of employment (number of persons in employment divided by the number of persons of working age) has fallen from 67 % in 1961 to 60 %; the current figure for the US and Japan is 74 %. If the employment rate in the EU is to be increased to 67 % or 72 % the EU economy will have to create a total of 22 million jobs or 34 millions jobs respectively. The Commission points out that whilst unem- 3. 4. it does however ployment constitutes a weakness, provide the EU with a potential for growth — over and above productivity gains — which is not available to the US and Japan. This potential is all the greater in that, if we take account of the various part-time working arrangements, the level of employment in the EU is 55 %. Exploitation of this potential would make it possible to promote the European social model and switch to ‘greener’ production methods. 3. 5. This employment potential should be exploited by enhancing the ‘employability’ of workers, on the one hand, and job creation by the economy, on the other hand. The provision of upskilling training for all workers (both employed and unemployed) is important but the overriding factor for persons who are unemployed is that jobs should be available. It is not vocational training which constitutes the bottleneck on the EU labour market. The Commission has shown that of the 10,7 % of the labour force which is currently unemployed 6 percentage points could re-enter the job market if jobs were offered to them. 3. 6. Over the last 20 years, the annual productivity gain has held steady at 2 %. Growth increase will have to be significantly higher than 2 % if the requisite number of jobs are to be generated. Agreement on moderate wage increases could, however, slow down the substitution of capital for labour (this factor is responsible for approximately half productivity gains). The Commission also points out that ‘by incorporating new technologies, the new investment [backed up by C 214/106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 7. 98 wage moderation, which increases the profitability prospects] will contribute to sustaining total factor productivity growth and, to the extent it is capacity widening, slow down the substitution process’ (substi- tution of capital for labour) (see page 8 of the Com- mission’s Communication). 3. 7. The Commission highlights the success of the common, consensus-based macroeconomic strategy pur- sued by the EU, within the framework of the ‘broad economic policy guidelines’. This common macro- economic strategy comprises: — a stability-oriented monetary policy; — progress towards sounder public finances (in accord- ance with Article 104 of the EC Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact); — wage trends consistent with the price stability objec- tive and the need to increase the return on investment and the purchasing power of workers. 3. 8. Once again the Commission underlines the fact that ‘the more the stability task of monetary policy is facilitated by appropriate budgetary measures and wage development, the more monetary conditions, including exchange rates and long-term interest rates, will be favourable to growth and employment’ (page 9). The realization of EMU will consequently rule out exchange- rate turbulence, avoid stability conflicts between mone- tary policy, on the one hand, and fiscal and wage trends, on the other hand, improve investment prospects, strengthen production capacity and, consequently, gen- erate more jobs. 3. 9. In a subsection entitled ‘monetary policy’ the Commission points out that the primary monetary objective will be to maintain price stability in the euro land; the ECB and the ESCB will also have to play their part in achieving the economic objectives of the EU set out in Article 2 of the EC Treaty, including sustained, non-inflationary growth and a high level of employment. The credibility of the ECB as guardian of price stability will promote low long-term interest rates and appropri- ate wage trends. 3. 10. On the basis of the Stability and Growth Pact, fiscal policy will increasingly: — promote private-sector investment, given that long- term interest rates will drop as the state syphons off a lower percentage of savings; — more headroom for fiscal policy once fiscal equilib- rium is restored; — reduce debt-servicing and therefore make it possible to redirect social and quasi-fiscal expenditure. 3. 11. The Commission points out that, overall, the reduction in fiscal deficits in the EU over the last few years has been brought about as a result of a reduction in the percentage of GDP accounted for by public expenditure; the Commission does, however, recognize that the Member States should do more to reduce taxation, in particular taxes on wages, the real rate of which has gone up from 35 % in 1980 to 42 %. 3. 12. Wage movements are the province of manage- ment and labour but governments also have a role to play as large employers. Whilst paying due regard to the subsidiarity principle, stakeholders in the economy cannot disregard what is going on in the EU as a whole, where responsibility for monetary stability falls within the remit of the Community authorities. Increases in nominal wages have to be compatible with price- stability. Real wage increases linked to productivity should help to increase returns on investment, whilst at the same time maintaining purchasing power of wages. If productivity conditions differ, it will be both 3. 13. possible and necessary for wage increases to differ according to regions and skills. If wage trends fail to reflect productivity patterns, they may destroy jobs. Any asymmetric shocks which may occur should be dealt with by means of increased market flexibility. The Commission draws attention to the import- 3. 14. ance of structural policies which promote growth and employment. The Community framework for such policies is not well defined; these policies are also subject to the principle of subsidiarity. There are however a number of provisions which provide the basis for a more consensus-driven approach in this field, namely: the programmes for completing the single market; the broad economic policy guidelines; and the employment chapter agreed upon at Amsterdam. It has not, however, yet been possible to reach the same level of consensus in this field as that achieved on macroeconomics. The fundamental economic role played by structural policies is to: a) shield the process of macro-economic growth from upheavals; (b) make the EU more competitive (and thereby enhance its productivity potential); and (c) ensure that growth leads to the creation of more jobs and is more environmental-friendly. If they are to be really effective, however, structural policies must not run counter to the pursuit of sound macro-economic policies. EMU will, moreover, make it necessary to pay more attention to structural adjustments. The Commission draws attention to the earlier commitments in respect of TENs and the promotion of SMEs but does not provide any further details with regard to the action taken in respect of these commitments. 10. 7. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 214/107 3. 15. The Commission calls for improvements to be made in the operation of the markets in goods and services so as to give free rein to competition and to enable market-driven sectoral adjustments to take place against a background of growth. There are still too many unnecessary rules and regulations which are damaging to employment. We therefore need to speed up the implementation of the Commission’s action plan for the internal market. The most significant barriers are to be found in the fields of public procurement and the construction industry. There are also major barriers affecting services to business and consumers. The Commission is endeavouring to simplify the business environment through its SLIM BEST programmes. 3. 16. Turning to labour-market measures, attention is drawn to the ‘Employment Guidelines’, which seek to: — improve the ‘employability’ of manpower; — promote entrepreneurship; — encourage the adaptability of firms and workers; — strengthen equal-opportunity policies. (See point 4. 5 of the Commission’s communication. ) 3. 17. Finally, the Commission examines a number of areas in which the labour-intensity of growth could be increased through structural measures. These areas are as follows: — a slow down in the process of substituting capital for labour, to be achieved by broadening the spread of wage costs; the Commission puts forward two options: downward widening of wage-(income) dis- tribution — a development regarded as unattainable by the Commission — and/or reducing non-wage labour costs; — a reduction in working hours, subject to a number of conditions. 4. Observations The Economic and Social Committee congratu- 4. 1. lates the Commission on the conceptual quality of the 1998 economic report, which clearly pinpoints the economic priorities of the Commission — and thus of the European Union — namely growth and employment. 4. 2. With a view to achieving these objectives, the Committee shares the Commission’s view as to the importance of further convergence and monetary stab- ility. The Committee welcomes the fact that a decision will very soon be taken as to which Member States — and the Committee hopes that it will be a large number — will be in the first wave to adopt the single currency. The euro-area is set to be an area of stability which will promote investment and therefore encourage growth and employment. 4. 3. The Committee is pleased to note that it is clear from the forecasts that the export-led economic upturn brought about in 1996 is now developing into growth led by investment and personal consumption. The Committee would however point out that the figures for 1998 and, more especially those for 1999 are only forecasts and there is at present no guarantee that demand will continue to expand. Whilst the growth forecasts for 1998 may be regarded as reliable, uncertain- ties remain as regards 1999. 4. 4. In particular, the crisis affecting Asian states and the impact of this crisis on the Japanese and US economies could have a very much worse effect on the EU than suggested by the low proportion of overall EU trade which is with the south-east Asian states concerned (1). Given this possibility, the EU must be in a position to react swiftly by introducing a series of appropriate macro-economic measures. Such measures are that much more likely to be successful if the underlying economic and monetary situation in the EU is sound and if fiscal deficits are brought down or even, if possible, eliminated. 4. 5. The forecasts for the EU are mean figures which frequently mask considerable differences as between Member States; this applies particularly in the case of the forecasts with regard to the corporate sector (investments). 4. 6. The Committee takes the view that the situation and prospects described in the Commission’s report are based on an optimistic diagnosis. The Committee would like to share this optimism but notes that unemployment remains at a high level and current expectations are that the increase in the number of jobs will not be adequate. 4. 6. 1. The figures set out in point 3. 3 underline the extent of the challenge facing the EU if it wishes to achieve an employment rate comparable to that of the USA and Japan. Over a period of ten years the employment rate would need to increase by between 20 % and 25 %. 4. 7. The Committee thus totally endorses the state- ment by the Commission, in its proposal for guidelines for Member States’ employment policies in 1998 (2), that if there is to be real progress at EU level, member governments will have to put forward detailed action plans which not only reflect the situation applying in their own countries but are also formulated and implemented within a joint European framework of objectives and guidelines. (1) It is always possible that this crisis will have medium-term effects, because of its impact on investment flows. (2) OJ C 95, 30. 3. 1998. C 214/108 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 7. 98 to pursue 4. 8. The Committee shares the Commission’s view that the EU, its Member States and the social partners the macro-economic should continue approaches advocated in the broad economic policy guidelines so as to pursue the drive for stability and growth in order to generate the jobs which the Com- munity needs. The policy pursued to this end in a number of Member States is already bearing fruit. 4. 9. Economic and monetary union should certainly provide favourable conditions for revival of investment and consequently of growth. Lasting, dynamic growth is the sine qua non for the creation of jobs. Appropriate economic and structural policies also have a vital role to play. joined the ERM and the measures taken by this country to enable it to participate in EMU without delay. 4. 13. The Committee agrees that every effort should be made to avoid bottlenecks on the labour market, in order to achieve an optimum balance between supply and demand. Vocational training must match future jobs. The Committee attaches crucial importance 4. 13. 1. to the measures set out in the Employment Guidelines for improving the labour-market situation (see point 3. 6 above). 4. 9. 1. The minimal inflation and low interest rates (for short- and long-term loans) resulting from monetary stability will be a key factor in boosting investment and creating sufficient production capacity for a non- inflationary increase in demand. 4. 13. 2. The Committee urges that the ratio of unem- ployment benefit to wages be set at a level which takes account of the need to (a) ensure an appropriate net income, (b) encourage people to look for and take jobs and (c) encourage people to be ready, in some cases, to accept a place on a vocational training scheme. This prospect must be backed up by a wage 4. 9. 2. policy which takes account of the need for wage increases not to outstrip productivity, whilst at the same time providing for real annual wage increases which are adequate to stimulate demand. 4. 10. If the Member States are to be in a position to reflate the economy when and where necessary, they must continue to pursue the convergence policy which was launched at Maastricht and has subsequently been backed up by the Stability and Growth Pact; there must, however, be no increase in the overall tax-burden. By controlling public-sector deficits, Member States will provide themselves with new scope for action in the event of a subsequent recession. 4. 11. There can be no changes in exchange rates within euro land, and thus there can be no devaluations to offset wage-driven erosion of competitiveness. This will be conducive to the establishment of appropriate wage trends, i. e. wage increases linked to increased productivity and geared towards monetary stability and economic growth. 4. 12. The Committee believes that it is in the interests of the EU as a whole that Member States which do not join EMU from the outset should nonetheless apply the broad economic guidelines and adhere to the stability and growth pact, in order to ensure continuation of economic convergence between all Member States. If those Member States (temporarily) remaining outside the euro land joined the EMS this would remove one of the final obstacles to their participation in EMU. The Committee welcomes the fact that Greece has recently 4. 14. The EU should invest in manpower. People must be ready to change jobs several times during their working careers and therefore need access to on-going training. The broadest possible basic education is a fundamental prerequisite for this training. Special attention should be paid to the training requirements of women rejoining the labour market. 4. 15. The Committee draws attention to point 3. 11 above; it shares the Commission’s view that the Member States should endeavour to reduce the tax burden on wages. 4. 16. Selective — and fiscally neutral — action in respect of non-wage costs (at the lower end of the wage scale) could in a number of cases make growth more employment-intensive. Recent surveys have shown that service industries, such as hotels and restaurants, are an important source of jobs, even though they may not always be full-time jobs. As tourism is becoming ever more important because people have more free time, the prospects in this sector are favourable and they deserve to be encouraged. Social services and the health sector are also major sources of job. 4. 17. Negotiated reorganization and reduction of working time, as outlined by the Committee in one of its earlier opinions (1) may make a significant contri- (1) OJ C 18, 22. 1. 1996. 10. 7. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 214/109 bution to the improvement of the employment situation, and therefore to social progress and well-being, in the European Union. — the quantitative distinction between full-time and part-time working and the calculations used to determine equivalent full-time jobs; 4. 18. Financial market trends need to be carefully monitored. These markets are increasingly globalized; portfolio managers therefore constantly seek to improve returns to their investors; often to the detriment of labour — and hence employment. 4. 19. Improving the way in which the markets in goods and services operate must remain an ongoing priority in the context of the completion of the single market. The single market is still burdened with too much unnecessary red tape. The Committee is addressing this issue in greater detail in its work on the Single Market Observatory. In this opinion it would draw attention to the need to combat — possibly working together with the WTO — the restrictions hampering EU exports of goods and services, particularly exports involving intellectual property. 5. Comparability of employment statistics The Committee(1) wishes to highlight the lack 5. 1. of comparability between national unemployment stat- istics. The figures used in all international analyses should be the harmonized figures published by the Statistical Office of the European Communities. The statistics forwarded by the Member States should also be comparable, i. e. compiled by harmonized methods. If a full and accurate assessment is to be made 5. 1. 1. of the problem of employment, the following conditions need to be met: a) A precise picture needs to be available with regard to employment levels in the various EU Member States; this picture should be based on statistics, compiled using the same method throughout the EU, which make it possible to compare the following factors: — the conditions for including persons on the lists of job-seekers. This data should indicate, inter alia, the way in which each Member State applies international standards, such as those in respect of the minimum number of hours which have to be worked a week before persons are excluded from the list of job-seekers and the conditions in respect of the exclusion of persons receiving invalidity pensions from the list of job-seekers; — the quantitative distinction between permanent full/part-time and fixed term contract working; — the distinction between persons choosing to work under a fixed term contract and those who do so while seeking permanent full or part-time employment (2). b) The potential of the sectors which offer promising prospects for employment, such as services during periods of growth, as opposed to the sectors currently shedding labour (industrial sector) needs to be explored more effectively; c) Job-creation broken down by size of enterprise needs more careful study. 5. 1. 2. possible to: The abovementioned statistics will make it — identify measures which have proved successful in Member States with the best record in combating unemployment; — identify, in a pragmatic way, those sectors in which it will be possible to create long-term jobs. 6. Conclusions 6. 1. Employment remains the major challenge facing not only the Member States and the EU, but also the socio-economic organizations. The goal should be sustained strong growth in order to generate a sufficient number of jobs to offset productivity gains and the number of new arrivals on the labour market and thereby bring down the level of unemployment, as soon as possible, to levels which can be supported by society. Unemployment continues to have serious consequences in terms of individual suffering and hardship; it is therefore unworthy of a highly-developed industrial society. Unemployment brings about the destruction of human resources, thereby giving rise to enormous costs. Unemployment jeopardizes the credibility of politics in the eyes of the public, whereas we should endeavour to increase this credibility and acceptability with a view to future projects, such as the single currency and EU enlargement. 6. 2. The driving forces of growth should shift more quickly towards increased investment and private con- sumption. Vocational training and other structural measures to facilitate the achievement of a better balance (1) OJ C 19, 21. 1. 1998. (2) OJ C 129, 27. 4. 1998. C 214/110 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 7. 98 between supply and demand on the labour market remain necessary. dialogue, the macroeconomic strategy geared to growth and employment and appropriate structural measures. 6. 3. The broad economic policy guidelines are a very important tool for coordinating the economic policies of the Member States. These guidelines should continue to target growth and job-creation, whilst being backed up by: EMU, the Stability and Growth Pact, the social Finally, the Committee calls upon the EU, the 6. 4. Member States and the social partners to reach the consensus in respect of structural policy that they have already achieved for macro-economic policy, so as to enable the latter policy to fulfil all its job-creating potential. Brussels, 29 April 1998. The President of the Economic and Social Committee Tom JENKINS APPENDIX to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee The following amendment, supported by at least a quarter of the votes cast, was rejected in the course of the debate: Point 4. 15 Amend the final part of the sentence to read as follows: ‘. should endeavour to reduce taxation which is placing an excessive burden on labour. ’ Reasons One of the key conclusions of the Ruding Report on taxation dealt with fiscal competition between the Member States. Such competition leads to a redistribution of the burden of taxation between the different production factors. A higher level of taxation has been applied to factors which are more immovable, such as labour, whilst the reverse has been the case with regard to moveable factors, such as capital (tax on savings and profits). In its document the Commission does, however, once again call for a reduction in the taxation on labour with a view to reversing the trend which has been in evidence for about ten years. In its opinion the Committee, too, should highlight this priority which is based on phenomena which have been duly recorded and fully studied in surveys carried out at both national and EU level. Result of the vote For: 33, against: 53, abstentions: 4. The following passages contained in the section opinion were amended in the course of the debate but their retention was supported by at least a quarter of the votes cast: Point 4. 17 ‘The realignment of working hours — and hence the reshaping of the living conditions of the persons concerned — together with the acceptance of greater flexibility in the field of employment regulations continue to be key objectives with a view to creating jobs across the economy. This is a task for management, labour and other socio-economic organizations at EU level. ’ 10. 7. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 214/111 Voting on the deletion of this point For: 77, against: 31, abstentions: 9. Point 4. 18 The EU has to reduce payroll taxes, rather than increase them, in order to boost the economic performance and international competitiveness of its enterprises, to prevent relocations and ensure that an adequate level of investment, in real terms, is maintained within the EU. Voting on the deletion of this point For: 57, against: 53, abstentions: 14