title: 1999/275/EC: Commission Decision of 25 November 1998 on State aid granted by Germany to Draiswerke GmbH (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(1998) 3800)

eurovoc_concepts:
Germany
State aid
aid for restructuring
aid to undertakings
restriction on competition

text: L 108/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 4. 1999 COMMISSION DECISION of 25 November 1998 on State aid granted by Germany to Draiswerke GmbH (notified under document number C(1998) 3800) (Only the German text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (1999/275/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 93(2) thereof, Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 62(1)(a) thereof, Having called on interested parties comments pursuant to those provisions, to submit their Whereas: 1. PROCEDURE By letter dated 30 August 1996, Denmark informed the Commission of State aid which, according to an article appearing in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of 8 August 1996, was apparently being granted to the firm Draiswerke GmbH, Mannheim. By letter dated 26 September 1996, the Commission asked Germany for its comments. Germany replied by letter dated 18 February 1997 and confirmed that several transactions involving public funds had taken place. The Commission took the view that these transactions might contain State aid that was not covered by an approved aid scheme. The matter was therefore registered on 19 March 1997 as ‘unnotified aid'. By letter dated 21 March 1997, the Commission asked Germany to supply the information necessary for the assessment of restructuring aid. Germany replied to this request on 2 June 1997. The Commission requested further information by letter dated 18 July 1997, since some important details had not been supplied. In its letter of 8 September 1997, Germany indicated that some of the information previously submitted had been revised, and reference was made to a further transaction. By letter dated 26 January 1998, the Commission asked Germany to clarify these points. Germany replied to this request by letter dated 16 February 1998. By letter dated 25 March 1998, the Commission informed Germany that it had decided to initiate proceedings under Article 93(2) of the EC Treaty in respect of the unnotified measures. A Commission notice to this effect was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (1). The Commission called on interested parties to submit their comments. The Commission received no comments from interested parties. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURES The company was in severe liquidity difficulty in 1996. The Mannheim city authorities arranged negotiations between banks and the owners to keep the firm in busi- ness. The parties involved decided to adopt restructuring measures and thus averted the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings. In its decision to initiate Article 93(2) proceedings, the Commission noted the following meas- ures: (a) In August 1996, the Mannheim city authorities put up a loan of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) for ten months at an interest rate of 5 %. (b) On 21 August 1996, the Landeskreditbank Baden(cid:190) W(cid:129)rttemberg (hereinafter referred to as ‘LAKRA') put up a 50 % deficiency guarantee in respect of DEM 6 million (ECU 3 million). This was originally sched- uled to expire on 30 June 1997, but was extended on 27 June 1997 for a further year until 30 June 1998. The guarantee was subject to a one-off fee of 1 % and an annual charge of 0,5 % of the outstanding guar- antee amount. (c) The public bank Sparkasse Mannheim granted loans secured by the abovementioned guarantees. These took the form of an overdraft facility of DEM 4 million (ECU 2 million) at an initial interest rate of 8 % (currently 8,25 %) and a guarantee loan of DEM (1) OJ C 207, 3. 7. 1998, p. 14. 27. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 108/45 2 million (ECU 1 million) at an interest rate of 1 %. These loans were originally scheduled to expire on 30 June 1996, but were subsequently extended until 30 June 1998. Sparkasse Mannheim was not one of the firm’s previous lenders. (d) In August 1996, the Mannheim city authorities purchased a 5 944 m2 plot of land from the former shareholders’ private estate. The former shareholders injected the proceeds from the sale, totalling DEM 1,2 million (ECU 0,6 million), into the firm as a final contribution to restructuring. In its decision to initiate proceedings, the Commis- sion took the view that, on the basis of the informa- tion provided, Germany had not demonstrated that the restructuring measures fulfilled the conditions laid down in the Community guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty (2) (here- inafter referred to as the ‘guidelines'). The Commis- sion took the preliminary view that the loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee granted by LAKRA constituted State aid within the meaning of Article 92 of the EC Treaty and that these transactions were unlawful since Germany failed to notify them in accordance with Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty. Furthermore, the Commission considered that the loan granted by the Sparkasse Mannheim and the transfer price for sale of land might contain State aid elements. 3. COMMENTS FROM GERMANY Germany submitted its comments on the Commission’s decision to initiate proceedings by letter dated 17 July 1998. successful restructuring. Germany pointed out that it had already submitted a report by Deutsche Gesellschaft f(cid:129)r Mittelstandsberatung mbH (‘DGM'), which had been drawn up in August 1996. Germany explained that the restructuring programme was designed to demonstrate the company’s ability to achieve a Furthermore, Germany provided details on a more comprehensive restructuring plan drawn up on 16 December 1996, a comprehensive business plan drawn up by Draiswerke on 20 May 1998, the 1997 annual statement of accounts of Draiswerke, monthly cash-flow forecasts, profit-and-loss-account fore- casts and balance-sheet forecasts for the years 1998 to 2001. Germany takes the view that the restructuring plan is now realistic and coherent. their letters, Draiswerke’s prospects. the banks gave a favourable opinion on Germany pointed out that the loan of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) granted by the Mannheim city author- ities, which had a maturity of 10 months, had been repaid with interest on schedule at the end of May 1997. Germany argued that, although the company was in diffi- culty, the amount of the loan could not be regarded as State aid. Any benefit by way of interest savings were covered by the de minimis rule. Germany stated that the granting of the guarantee by LAKRA was covered by the guidelines on the grant of guarantees to business by the Land of Baden-W(cid:129)rttem- berg (Richtlinien fur die (cid:154)bernahme von B(cid:129)rgschaften des Landes Baden-W(cid:129)rttemberg f(cid:129)r die gewerbliche Wirtschaft). Germany submitted the detailed workforce figures for the years 1996 to 1998 and showed that, at the time the guarantee was extended, Draiswerke GmbH had 279 employees, which is below the 300 threshold above which Germany had undertaken to notify guarantees individually. Germany explained that Draiswerke had engaged the to find investors. Germany M & A firm B. Metzler forwarded a report which had been drawn up by B. Metzler on 23 June 1998. Germany pointed out that a new investor would be beneficial to the company’s restructuring, but stressed that this was not a condition sine qua non. Germany provided a letter from Sparkasse Mannheim, dated 16 June 1998, in which the bank stated that it had acted in accordance with the ‘market economy investor principle' in providing loans to Draiswerke. Germany took the view that the transfer price for the sale the land did not contain State aid elements and of provided as evidence an estimate of the Mannheim District Land Valuation Committee (Gutachterausschuss fur die Ermittlung von Grundst(cid:129)ckswerten des Stadtk- reises Mannheim). Germany also submitted, as part of its comments, a state- ment made by Draiswerke on 30 June 1998 to the effect that it was convinced that the restructuring would be successful. Germany forwarded letters from Draiswerke’s banks, namely Deutsche Bank (4 June 1998), Dresdner Bank (12 June 1998) and Sparkasse Mannheim (19 June 1998). In (2) OJ C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 12. The Commission assessed the case in the light of the information sent to it by Germany by letter dated 17 July 1998. 4. ASSESSMENT L 108/46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 4. 1999 4. 1. The recipient The firm Draiswerke GmbH is situated in the Land of Baden-W(cid:129)rttemberg, outside an assisted area. In 1996, Draiswerke employed an average of 334 workers and had a turnover of DEM 55 million (ECU 27,5 million) and an end-of year balance sheet total of DEM 41 million (ECU 20,5 million). According to the definition set out in the 1996 Commission concerning the definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (3), the company was a large enterprise due to the fact that its workforce exceeded the threshold of 250 employees. The former shareholders, all members of the same company’s family, employees in 1996. recommendation sold their 3 April to the shares of special machinery in two Draiswerke manufactures product areas: dispersion and micro-wet-milling and machinery for mixing and reaction purposes. The firm supplies the chemical, coating, food, paper, pharmaceut- ical, detergent and ceramic industries. In the first half of 1996, it recorded heavy losses. Its main lender lost confidence in the firm and, on 31 July 1996, called in its loan. As a consequence, another credit insti- tution also called in its loan, and Draiswerke became insolvent. Accordingly, at that time, Draiswerke was a company in difficulty. 4. 2. State aid the company’s total the special Draiswerke operates in two sub-sectors of machinery industry, in which there are a number of competitors within the EEA. In the product area of dispersion and micro-wet-milling, which accounts for approximately 60 % of turnover, Draiswerke’s main competitors are the Swiss company B(cid:129)hler AG and the German company Erich Netzsch GmbH & Holding KG. Both competitors have subsidia- ries in several Member States. The second product area, machinery for mixing and reaction purposes, accounts for 40 % of the company’s turnover. Draiswerke’s main competitor in this product area is the German company Gebr(cid:129)der Lodige Maschinenbau GmbH, which has also subsidiaries in several Member States. The loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee granted by LAKRA were provided by government bodies. Both measures were therefore financed through State resources. The loan and the guar- antee were provided with the intention of enabling the ailing firm to remain in business. These measures there- fore placed Draiswerke in a more favourable position than its competitors. Both State measures are therefore liable to affect the economic position of its competitors in other Member States. Accordingly, the loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee granted by LAKRA distort or threaten to distort trade between the Member States and constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 92(1) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. The Mannheim city authorities did not grant their restructuring loan to Draiswerke under an approved scheme. The Commission cannot agree with Germany’s view that the amount of the loan does not constitute State aid and that any benefit by way of interest saving is covered by the de minimis rule. In line with long- standing Commission practice, the loan’s face amount of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) must be regarded as State aid since the company is in difficulty and would not have been able to raise the loan on financial markets. In accordance with the Commission notice on the de minimis rule for State aid (4), the amount of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) exceeds the de minimis threshold of ECU 100 000 over a three-year period. More- over, the Commission would remind Germany that the loan must be cumulated with other restructuring meas- ures, notably the guarantee granted by LAKRA. Accord- ingly, Germany should have notified the loan to the Commission pursuant to Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty. Germany failed to comply with this requirement. The measure was accordingly unlawful. The State-owned bank LAKRA provided the guarantee under the Guidelines on the grant of guarantees to busi- ness by the Land of Baden-W(cid:129)rttemberg. That scheme was approved by the Commission by letter of 5 June 1984. In the context of proceedings in Case C 57/86, Germany undertook, by letter dated 6 February 1987, to notify individually any guarantee granted under this scheme to firms in difficulty with more than 300 employees. According to the company’s annual report, Draiswerke had 334 employees in 1996. The Commission should therefore have been informed of the guarantee pursuant to Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty. When LAKRA granted an extension of the guarantee in June 1997, the number of employees was 279 (cid:190) below the threshold of 300. However, the extension of the duration of the guar- antee is linked to the initial granting of the guarantee in 1996, when Draiswerke had more than 300 employees. The Commission cannot therefore share Germany’s view the guarantee by LAKRA was that the extension of (3) OJ L 107, 30. 4. 1996, p. 4. (4) OJ C 68, 6. 3. 1996, p. 9. 27. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 108/47 covered by the guidelines on the grant of guarantees to business by the Land of Baden-W(cid:129)rttemberg. Con- sequently, the extension also required individual noti- fication pursuant the EC Treaty. to Article 93(3) of Germany failed to comply with these requirements. The initial provision of the guarantee and the extension were accordingly unlawful. Germany stated that Sparkasse Mannheim and Drais- werke’s two other banks, Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Bank, formed a banking consortium. The provision of loans was made under the condition that all three banks act unanimously. Thus, Sparkasse Mannheim provided the loans only on condition that the other two banks agreed to re-open their credit lines. Furthermore, Spar- kasse Mannheim continued to provide loans only if the other banks extended their credit lines and Draiswerke’s prospects justified the provision of further funds to Drais- werke (5). Moreover, Sparkasse Mannheim and the other two banks based the granting of their loans on the restructuring plan drawn up by Draiswerke and the busi- firm DGM (6). Furthermore, Sparkasse ness consultant Mannheim has a representative on the supervisory board of Draiswerke, which allows it to have a sound knowledge of the company’s financial and strategic position. Finally, the loans provided by Sparkasse Mannheim were secured by the guarantee granted by LAKRA. In the light of the the financing above, activities of Sparkasse Mannheim were consistent with the market economy investor principle and did not constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 92 of the EC Treaty. the Commission concluded that Germany provided evidence that the transfer price of DEM 1,2 million (ECU 0. 6 million), which the Mannheim city authorities paid for the 5 944 m2 plot of land to the former shareholders, was based on an estimate of the Mannheim District Land Valuation Committee. The Commission reviewed their estimate and verified that it was carried out in line with the rules generally applic- able for land valuation. Moreover, the valuer took the lower and more prudent gross rental value (Ertragswert) instead of the asset value (Sachwert). Taking into account these aspects, the Commission concluded that the price corresponds to the market price and does not contain State aid elements within the meaning of Article 92 of the EC Treaty. (5) In their letters, Draiswerke’s banks gave a favourable opinion on the firm’s prospects. is explained later, (6) As the restructuring plan is a feasible, coherent and far-reaching plan and that it is designed to restore the firm’s long-term viability within a reasonable time scale. the Commission considers that 4. 3. Exemptions Article 92(1) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement lay down the principle that aid having the characteristics specified therein is incompatible with the common market. Article 92(2) and (3) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(2) and (3) of the EEA Agreement list exemptions under which aid may be found compatible with the common market. The Commission examined whether State aid of DEM 3,8 million (ECU 1,9 million), namely the DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) loan of the Mannheim city authorities and the 50 % guarantee of LAKRA for DEM 6,0 million (ECU 3,0 million), could be deemed compatible with the common market under one of these exemptions. The exemptions set out in Articles 92(2) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(2) of the EEA Agreement do not apply, since the aid is not aid having a social character granted to individual consumers, nor does it serve to make good the damage caused by natural disasters, nor is it granted to the economy of certain areas of the Federal Republic of Germany affected by the division of Germany. The exemptions set out in Article 92(3)(a) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(a) of the EEA Agreement and the regional aspect of the exemptions provided for in Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement are not relevant, since the firm is located outside an assisted area. As far as the exemptions provided for in Article 92(3)(b) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(b) of the EEA Agreement are concerned, the Commission found that the measure in question does not fulfil the criteria which the Commis- sion usually applies to projects of common European interest and that the aid was also not intended to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State. The exemptions provide for in Article 92(3)(d) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(d) of the EEA Agreement sim- ilarly do apply, since the aid is not designed to promote culture and heritage conservation. Consequently, only the first part of the exemptions provided for in Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement might apply, if the aid contributes to the development of certain economic activities without adversely affecting trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. L 108/48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 4. 1999 4. 4. Community guidelines Draiswerke is a company in difficulty. The loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee provided by LAKRA constitute restructuring aid. The Community guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty (7) set out the conditions under which restructuring aid may be considered compat- ible with the common market. Under the guidelines, restructuring must take place in the context of a feasible, coherent and far-reaching plan designed to restore a firm’s long-term viability within a reasonable time scale and on the basis of realistic assump- tions as to its future operating conditions. Restructuring plans must take account of, inter alia, the circumstances giving rise to the firm’s difficulties, market supply and demand for the relevant products as well as their expected development and the specific strengths and weaknesses of the firm. They should allow an orderly transition of the firm to a new structure that gives it viable long-term prospects and will enable it to operate on the strength of its own resources without requiring further State as- sistance. Restructuring usually involves the reorganisation and rationalisation of the firm’s activities on to a more effi- cient basis typically involving the withdrawal from activi- ties that are no longer viable or are already loss-making, the restructuring of those existing activities that can be made competitive again and, possibly, the development of or diversification into new viable activities. Financial restructuring usually has to accompany the physical restructuring. According to Section 3 of the Community guidelines, the Commission has to examine whether the restructuring satisfies the following conditions in particular: first, it must restore the long-term viability of the company within a reasonable timescale; secondly, undue distortions of competition through the aid must be avoided; thirdly, the aid must be in proportion to the restructuring costs and benefits. 4. 5. Long-term viability By letter dated 17 July 1998, Germany submitted a real- istic, coherent and far-reaching restructuring plan, drawn up by Draiswerke and the business consultant firm DGM. The restructuring programme takes account of the circumstances giving rise to the firm’s difficulties, notably an unfavourable cost-structure, insufficient cost-transpar- ency and an unsound financial position. In order to improve its cost-structure, Draiswerke had primarily to reduce staff costs, which were almost 50 % of turnover in 1996. As provided for in the restructuring (7) See footnote 2. plan, Draiswerke’s employees agreed to a significant reduction in wages per hour. Draiswerke also reduced its workforce by 62 persons. As a result, wage costs were DEM 5,2 million (ECU 2,6 million) lower in 1998 than in 1996, a reduction of 18 %. In addition, Draiswerke took a number of measures to improve the efficiency of its production process. In order to improve its cost-transparency, Draiswerke significantly upgraded its cost accounting and cost control methods. As a result, Draiswerke also gave up producing turn-key plants, reduced the range of products and decided to concentrate more on the company’s core busi- ness. shareholders, The restoration of the company’s financial position was the primarily financed by the former employees and measures taken by the company. The former shareholders issued a letter of subordination for a shareholders’ loan of DEM 7,2 million (ECU 3,6 million) at the beginning of August 1996. At the same time, Gustav Eirich KG, which is owned by the former share- holders, issued a letter of subordination for a loan of DEM 2 million (ECU 1 million). Finally, the former share- holders, issued a letter of subordination for a Loan of DEM 2 million (ECU 1 million). Finally, the former shareholders injected the proceeds from the sale of land, totalling DEM 1,2 million (ECU 0,6 million), into the firm as a final contribution to restructuring. In November 1996, the employees provided the company with a subor- dinated and interest-free loan of DEM 746 000 (ECU 373 000). Draiswerke was also able to reduce its accounts receivable from sales and services from DEM 17,8 million (ECU 8,9 million) at the end of 1996 to DEM 9,3 million (ECU 4,6 million) at the end of 1997. The value of stocks was reduced from DEM 6,5 million (ECU 3,2 million) to DEM 3,5 million (ECU 1,7 million) in the same period. Finally, the Mannheim city authorities provided a loan of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) and LAKRA provided the 50 % guarantee for DEM 6,0 million (ECU 3,0 million). The restructuring was also accompanied by a shareholder change. Draiswerke’s employees took over the firm for DEM 1 from the former shareholders. Two new executive directors with experience in restructuring measures were appointed. The management board and the new share- holders of Draiswerke decided to find a strategic investor. Draiswerke entrusted the task of finding an investor to the company B. Metzler GmbH. The Commission takes that, according to Germany, a new note of investor would help the company’s strategic position, but is not a condition sine qua non for a successful restruc- turing. the fact 27. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 108/49 The Commission examined the forecasts for the balance sheets, profit-and-loss accounts and cash flow figures, which were drawn up for the period until the year 2001, to assess whether the restructuring measures would result in the restoration of Draiswerke’s viability. The Commis- sion notes that the forecasts are presented in detail with statements on the underlying assumptions. In line with its strategy of abandoning loss-making activities and concen- trating on the company’s core business, Draiswerke reduced its output in 1997 by more than 10 % compared with the previous year. The Commission notes that, despite the reduction in output, the operating result was already positive in 1997. The net result in that year was negative because of physical restructuring measures amounting to DEM 4,7 million (ECU 2,4 million). According to the plan, Draiswerke will turn around its profitability in 1998. In 1998, Draiswerke is expected to achieve a DEM 1,2 million (ECU 0,6 million) positive turnover). activities result According to the forecasts, Draiswerke will increase its profits to DEM 8,8 million (ECU 4,4 million) in the year 2001 (12,8 % of turnover). This figure implies that the company will be highly profitable and competitive in the year 2001. on ordinary (2,2 % of Draiswerke’s forecasts expect an increase in turnover of on average 9 % a year until the year 2001 and a con- tinuous reduction of staff expenditures to 35 % of turn- over in the year 2001, with all other cost items remaining stable. Accordingly, the restructuring will be effected mainly by a reduction in staff expenditures, already under way, and improvements in the production process. The Commission considers these assumptions optimistic but achievable. The Commission also notes that Draiswerke provided a detailed geographical breakdown of turnover for both business areas and showed that it has signi- ficantly reduced its turnover expectations in Asia as a result to the prevailing economic crisis and currency depreciations. The company will still have negative equity capital in 1998. However, according to Germany, from a going- concern perspective, the company has considerable hidden reserves of DEM 16,8 million (ECU 8,4 million), as confirmed by the accountancy firm Schitag Ernst & Young. Draiswerke did not therefore have to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. Moreover, according to the plan, Draiswerke will retain its future profits. This policy will to DEM 15,4 result million (ECU 7,7 million) (37,7 % of the balance-sheet total) by the year 2001. The forecasts indicate that Drais- werke does not plan significant investments until the year 2001. Draiswerke would therefore be able to reduce its liabilities and to achieve a sound financial position in the year 2001. in an increase in equity capital The Commission takes the view that the forecasts indicate that Draiswerke has viable long-term prospects and is able to operate on the strength of its own resources without requiring further state assistance. The following tables summarise the main factors in the Commission’s analysis: Profit and loss account (in DEM thousands) 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total operating income 56 476 50 557 52 900 59 250 62 750 68 750 Operating result –2 417 412 Result from ordinary activities –3 204 –4 260 2 048 1 208 4 007 3 107 7 152 6 352 9 516 8 816 Balance sheet (in DEM thousands) 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Capital stock Liabilities Balance sheet total 2 931 –1 392 38 176 41 107 29 441 28 049 –350 34 750 34 400 1 150 31 050 32 200 6 700 28 700 35 400 15 400 25 500 40 900 The Commission notes that Draiswerke has committed itself to implementing the restructuring plan. The Commission also notes that Draiswerke’s banks, namely Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank and Sparkasse Mannheim, have given a favourable opinion as to Draiswerke’s prospects and expressed their readiness to provide loans to it. L 108/50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 4. 1999 4. 6. Avoidance of undue distortions of competition through the aid financial expenditures is still small (DEM 21 000 or ECU 10 500). The Commission has examined whether measures have to be taken to off-set adverse effects of the restructuring aid on competitors. The restructuring aid in the form of a loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee granted by LAKRA may generate two different distortive effects. First, the aid affects the market, since Draiswerke is still in business. Secondly, the restructuring aid may reduce Draiswerke’s financial expenditure. As to the first effect, the Commission has reviewed the market data available to it and the market report provided by Germany. As regards the first product area dispersion and micro-wet-milling (cid:190) market demand is expected to expand over the coming years. As regards the second product area (cid:190) machinery for mixing and reaction purposes (cid:190) market demand is highly dependent on investment by the chemical industry, and there are there- fore good growth prospects here as well. No excess capacity was evident in either of the two product areas. This view is also underlined by the fact that the Commis- sion has not received any comments from third parties. As was stated in point 3. 2. 2(ii) of the Community guide- lines, where there is no structural excess of production capacity in a relevant market in the Community served by the recipient, the Commission will normally not require a reduction of capacity in return for the aid. As to the 50 % guarantee provided by LAKRA, the Commission notes that Draiswerke paid a one-off fee of 1 % and an annual charge of 0,5 % of the outstanding guarantee amount. The 0,5 % fee can be compared with the l % interest rate on the DEM 2 million (ECU 1 million) guarantee loan which Sparkasse Mannheim provided to Draiswerke. Since LAKRA and Sparkasse Mannheim share the risk equally, the Commission assumes that the LAKRA fee is 0,5 % below the market rate. This results in an advantage to Draiswerke of DEM 50 000 (ECU 25 000) over the guarantee’s duration of 22 months. The amount of the loan of DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) and the guarantee amount of DEM 3 million (ECU 1,5 million) (50 % of DEM 6 million) constitute State aid, since the company is in difficulty and would not have received the loan and the guarantee on the financial market. However, the Commission takes the view that the advantages conferred by the loan and the guarantee in the form of reduced financial charges are small (0,1 % of turnover) and will not noticeably affect the company’s operating costs or its profitability. Moreover, there is no evidence of excess capacity, the company’s market share is small, and it has abandoned some of its activities. The Commission therefore considers that no measures are necessary to offset adverse effects of the aid on competi- tors. the Commission notes that Draiswerke has Moreover, abandoned some activities and reduced its product range. Account must also be taken of the fact that Draiswerke, which is at present an SME, holds a small market share in the relevant market and that its main competitors, namely B(cid:129)hler AG, Erich Netzsch GmbH & Holding KG and Gebr(cid:129)der L(cid:148)dige Maschinenbau GmbH, are far larger than Draiswerke in terms of turnover and staff. 4. 7. Aid in proportion to the restructuring costs and benefits The Commission has examined whether the aid was limited to the minimum needed for the company’s restructuring. As to the second possible effect, the Commission notes that Draiswerke paid 5 % interest on the 10-month DEM loan granted by the 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) Mannheim city authorities. This interest rate was below the 6,7 % reference rate for Germany in 1996. The advantage to Draiswerke from the lower interest rate on the loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities would thus amount to DEM 11 000 (ECU 5 500). Even if the Commission were to compare the interest rate on the loan with the higher 8,25 % interest rate charged by Sparkasse Mannheim, the advantage in terms of reduced The restructuring aid helped to ease Draiswerke’s shortage of liquidity, triggered by heavy losses in previous years. In 1995, Draiswerke recorded a loss on its ordinary activities of DEM 8,9 million (ECU 4,4 million) (18 % of turnover). In 1996, it recorded a loss of DEM 1,9 million (ECU 1,0 million) (3,3 % of turnover). In 1997, it disclosed a loss of DEM 4,3 million (ECU 2,2 million), mainly because of physical restructuring costs of a similar amount. The losses reduced Draiswerke’s liquidity by approximately DEM 14 million (DEM 7,0 million) over the period from 1995 to 1997. 27. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 108/51 forecasts shows that The Commission’s assessment of cash-flow calculations and balance-sheet the DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) loan granted by the Mannheim city authorities and the 50 % guarantee provided by LAKRA for the DEM 6 million (ECU 3 million) credit line made available by Sparkasse Mannheim did not lead to a cash surplus, but were limited to the amount needed to keep Draiswerke in business and enable it to finance the necessary restructuring measures. The Commission notes that Draiswerke benefited from the DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) for only ten months and reim- bursed the loan in June 1997 at a time when the compa- ny’s financial position was still very weak; for instance, the company had still a negative equity capital. The guar- antee, which was provided until June 1998, was necessary to obtain interim finance for its ordinary activities on the financial markets. This was a precondition for remaining in business. The Commission takes into account the fact that the restructuring aid was accompanied by significant contri- butions by the former shareholders (DEM 10,4 million, or ECU 5,2 million) and the new shareholders (DEM 746 000, or ECU 373 000). It notes that, at the beginning of August 1996, the former shareholders issued a letter of subordination for a shareholders’ loan of DEM 7,2 million (ECU 3,6 million) and that Gustav Eirich KG, which is also owned by the former shareholders, issued a letter of subordination for a loan of DEM 2 million (ECU 1 million). Furthermore, the former shareholders injected the proceeds from the sale of land, totalling DEM 1,2 million (ECU 0,6 million), into the firm as a final contri- bution to the employees, who are the new shareholders, provided the company with a subordinated and interest-free loan of DEM 746 000 (ECU 373 000). The employees also agreed to significant wage reductions and to staff cutbacks that resulted in staff costs being DEM 5,2 million (ECU 2,6 million) lower in 1998 than in 1996. In November restructuring. 1996, the Mannheim city authorities and the guarantee provided by LAKRA meet laid down in the conditions Community guidelines for firms in difficulty, namely that the restructuring aid will restore the long-term viability of the company within a reasonable timescale, avoids undue distortions of competition and is in proportion to the restructuring costs and benefits. The Commission therefore concludes that the State aid contributed to the development of economic activities without adversely affecting trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. The Commission has therefore decided that the State aid can be deemed compatible with the common market under the first part of the exemptions provided for in Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement. The Commission requests Germany to provide detailed annual reports in order to demonstrate that the restruc- turing plan is being implemented properly, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The State aid which Germany granted to Draiswerke in the form of a DEM 0,8 million (ECU 0,4 million) loan provided by the Mannheim city authorities and the 50 % guarantee provided by LAKRA is compatible with the common market. Article 2 Germany shall submit detailed annual reports to the Commission in order to demonstrate that the restruc- turing plan is being implemented properly. Article 3 Accordingly, the Commission considers that the State aid measures were in proportion to the restructuring costs and to the contributions of the shareholders. This Decision is addressed to the Federal Republic of Germany. 5. CONCLUSIONS Done at Brussels, 25 November 1998. The Commission considers that the loan and the guar- antee were granted unlawfully in breach of Article 93(3) of the EC Treaty. However, the Commission takes account of the fact that Draiswerke was receiving restructuring aid the loan granted by the for the first time and that For the Commission Karel VAN MIERT Member of the Commission


title: Nariadenie Komisie (ES) č. 2527/98 z 25. novembra 1998, ktoré dopĺňa prílohu k nariadeniu (ES) č. 2301/97 o zápise niektorých označení do Registra osvedčení špecifického charakteru, ustanoveného v nariadení Rady (EHS) č. 2082/92 o osvedčeniach špecifického charakteru pre poľnohospodárske výrobky a potravinyText s významom pre EHP

eurovoc_concepts:
agricultural product
designation of origin
foodstuff
product designation

formats: html pdf print

text: 146 SK Úradný vestník Európskej únie 03/zv. 24 31998R2527 L 317/14 ÚRADNÝ VESTNÍK EURÓPSKYCH SPOLOČENSTIEV 26. 11. 1998 NARIADENIE KOMISIE (ES) č. 2527/98 z 25. novembra 1998, ktoré dopĺňa prílohu k nariadeniu (ES) č. 2301/97 o zápise niektorých označení do Registra osvedčení špecifického charakteru, ustanoveného v nariadení Rady (EHS) č. 2082/92 o osvedče- niach špecifického charakteru pre poľnohospodárske výrobky a potraviny (Text s významom pre EHP) KOMISIA EURÓPSKYCH SPOLOČENSTIEV, hlavných údajov, týkajúcich sa špecifikácie; so zreteľom na Zmluvu o založení Európskeho spoločenstva, júla so zreteľom na nariadenie Rady (ES) č. 2082/92 z 14. 1992 o osvedčeniach špecifického charakteru pre poľnohospo- dárske výrobky a potraviny (1), a najmä článok 9 (2) b), keďže v súlade s článkom 7 nariadenia (EHS) č. 2082/92 podali členské štáty Komisii žiadosti o zapísanie označení do registra osvedčení špecifického charakteru; keďže u takto registrovaných označení opis „tradičná špecialita zaručená“, ktorý je pre ne vyhradený; je povolené používať keďže označenie Mozzarella je oprávnené na zápis do Registra osvedčení špecifického charakteru a na ochranu tradičnej špeciality zaručenej na úrovni spoločenstva podľa článku 13 (1) nariadenia (EHS) č. 2082/92; keďže táto skutočnosť nebráni v pokračovaní používania označenia v súlade so špecifikáciou inou, ako je tá, ktorá je chránená za predpokladu, že na ozna- čení nie je uvedený znak alebo opis spoločenstva; keďže príloha k tomuto nariadeniu dopĺňa prílohu k naria- deniu Komisie (ES) č. 2301/97 (3), naposledy zmenenú a dopl- nenú nariadením (ES) č. 954/98 (4); keďže opatrenia ustanovené v tomto nariadení sú v súlade so stanoviskom Regulačného výboru pre osvedčenia špecifického charakteru, keďže po uverejnení hlavných údajov žiadosti o registráciu v Úradnom vestníku Európskych spoločenstiev (2) bolo Komisii zaslaných množstvo námietok týkajúcich sa označenia Mozza- rella v súlade s článkom 8 uvedeného nariadenia; PRIJALA TOTO NARIADENIE: keďže Komisia v súlade s článkom 9 (2) uvedeného nariadenia požiadala dotknuté členské štáty o dosiahnutie vzájomnej dohody; keďže nebola dosiahnutá žiadna dohoda a je teda na Komisii, aby rozhodla o registrácii príslušného označenia; keďže posudzovanie viacerých z uvedených námietok nepreu- kázalo, že špecifikácia predložená žiadajúcim členským štátom nespĺňa podmienky ustanovené v článku 2, 4, 5 a 6 uvede- ného nariadenia; keďže v skutočnosti je táto špecifikácia schopná vytvoriť špecifickú a tradičnú vlastnosť; keďže vzhľadom na preverenie špecifického charakteru výrobku uvedeného v článku 6 uvedeného nariadenia žiadajúci členský štát vyhlásil, že sa musí uskutočniť fyzická inšpekcia s cieľom kontroly na prítomnosť a správnu prípravu prírodnej mliekar- skej štruktúry; keďže inšpekcia taktiež zahŕňa odobratie vzoriek konečného výrobku na účely kontroly jeho organoleptických, chemických a mikrobiologických vlastností pri použití oficiál- nych alebo uznaných metód, keďže tieto faktory sú obsahom Článok 1 Označenie v prílohe I k tomuto nariadeniu sa týmto dopĺňa do prílohy k nariadeniu (ES) č. 2301/97 a zapíše sa do Registra osvedčení špecifického charakteru v súlade s článkom 9 (1) nariadenia (EHS) č. 2082/92. Bude chránené v súlade s článkom 13 (1) uvedeného naria- denia. Hlavné údaje špecifikácie sú uvedené v prílohe II. Nahrádzajú údaje uverejnené v Úradnom vestníku Európskych spoločenstiev C 246 z 24. augusta 1996, strana 9. Článok 2 Toto nariadenie nadobúda účinnosť v deň jeho uverejnenia v Úradnom vestníku Európskych spoločenstiev. (1) Ú. v. ES L 208, 24. 7. 1992, s. 9. (2) Ú. v. ES C 246, 24. 8. 1996, s. 9. (3) Ú. v. ES C 319, 21. 11. 1997, s. 8. (4) Ú. v. ES C 133, 7. 5. 1998, s. 10. 03/zv. 24 SK Úradný vestník Európskej únie 147 Toto nariadenie je záväzné vo svojej celistvosti a je priamo uplatniteľné vo všetkých člen- ských štátoch. V Bruseli 25. novembra 1998 Za Komisiu Franz FISCHLER člen Komisie 148 SK Úradný vestník Európskej únie 03/zv. 24 Syry — Mozzarella PRÍLOHA I PRÍLOHA II „Žiadosť o registráciu špecifického výrobku Nariadenie Rady (EHS) č. 2082/92 Národný dotazník číslo: 1 1. Príslušný úrad (autor správy): Názov: Ministero Delle Risorse Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali Tel. : (39 6) 4665; Fax: 06/4743971 2. Skupina žiadateľov: a) Názov: Associazione Italiana Lattiero-Casearia b) Adresa: Corso di Porta Romana 2, Miláno, Taliansko c) Zloženie: Družstvá a súkromní výrobcovia v mliekarenskom priemysle, z ktorých približne 50 členov vyrába syr mozzarella (na základe priložených právnych predpisov) a) Názov: Confederazione Cooperative Italiane Settore Lattiero-Caseario b) Adresa: Via Dei Gigli DOro 21, Rím, Taliansko c) Zloženie: Družstvá v mliekarenskom priemysle, z ktorých približne 20 členov vyrába syr mozzarella (na základe priložených právnych predpisov) 3. Označenie výrobku: Mozzarella (tradičné označenie nepreložiteľné do iných jazykov) so symbolom ES a označením podľa nariadenia (ES) č. 2515/94 4. Typ výrobku: 1. 3 5. Špecifikácia: [zhrnutie požiadaviek podľa článku 6 (2)] a) Označenie výrobku: Mozzarella (tradičné označenie nepreložiteľné do iných jazykov) so symbolom ES a označením podľa nariadenia (ES) č. 2515/94 b) Špecifická výroba alebo výrobná metóda: zahŕňa výlučne nasledujúce štádiá, ktoré sa postupne uskutočňujú v tej istej továrni: — v prípade potreby štádium dozrievania mlieka pomocou mliekarskej kultúry (1), 03/zv. 24 SK Úradný vestník Európskej únie 149 — pasterizácia mlieka pri minimálnej teplote 71,7 °C počas 15 sekúnd alebo rovnocenný proces, — naočkovanie mlieka prírodnou mliekarskou kultúrou, — doplnenie tekutého hovädzieho syridla, s aktivitou pepsínu od 20 do 30 %, — zrážanie syridlom od 35 do 39 °C, — krájanie, miešanie a oddelenie srvátky od syreniny, — mliečne dozrievanie syreniny pri pH od 5,0 do 5,4, — krájanie dozretej syreniny na kúsky, — dohrievanie zrna (proces dohrievania horúcou vodou, niekedy s prídavkom soli, s konečnou teplotou syre- niny od 58 °C do 65 °C), — formovanie syreniny za tepla, — spevňovanie studenou vodou, niekedy s prídavkom soli, — balenie. (1) Príprava prírodnej mliekarskej štruktúry Počiatočný zákys — tepelné spracovanie surového mlieka, ktoré nebolo chladené, na teplotu najmenej + 63 °C minimálne počas 15 minút (alebo kombinácia čas/teplota s rovnocenným minimálnym účinkom) — ochladenie na inkubačnú teplotu (t = 42 °C až 50 °C) — inkubácia až do kyslosti od 14 °C do 24 °SH na 100 ml — ochladenie na teplotu najviac + 8 °C — skladovanie v chlade pri teplote najviac + 4 °C. Následné syridlá — naočkovanie surového mlieka, ktoré mohlo byť tiež ochladené, minimálne so 4 % počiatočného zákysu — tepelné spracovanie ako u počiatočného zákysu — ochladenie na inkubačnú teplotu (t = 42 °C až 50 °C) — inkubácia až do kyslosti od 14 °C do 24 °SH na 100 ml — ochladenie na teplotu najviac + 8 °C — skladovanie v chlade pri teplote najviac + 4 °C. Syridlo pripravené na použitie Syridlo pripravené na použitie musí: — mať kyslosť medzi 16 °C až 30 °SH na 100 ml, — mať minimálny obsah termofilných streptokokov 108 cfu (*)/ml, — mať skúšku fosfatázovej aktivity negatívnu, — byť použitý vo výrobe do troch dní nasledujúcich po príprave. (*) cfu = jednotky tvoriace kolónu c) Tradičné vlastnosti: Mozzarella je výrobok, ktorý je vyrobený pomocou tradičnej technológie syrenia čerstvej formovanej syrovej hmoty a je súčasťou talianskej mliekarenskej tradície. Vo svojej najtradičnejšej forme – príslušná forma v špecifikácii tohto výrobku – mozzarella musí byť vyrobená z plnotučného mlieka, ktoré je surové v čase jeho dodania do závodu a upravené, ak je to potrebné, len pokiaľ ide o obsah tuku, rozhodujúcim faktorom je počiatočný zákys, ktorý musí byť pripravený z mlieka pochádzajú- ceho z rovnakej oblasti ako je tá, v ktorej sa nachádza závod na výrobu syra a musí byť použitý priamo na mieste. Ide o kultúru mliečnej baktérie, charakteristickú svojou odolnosťou na teplo, rýchlosťou rozmnožovania a acidifi- káciou. Dosahuje sa výberovým obohatením mliečnej mikroflóry prirodzene prítomnej v surovom mlieku a syridlom, ktoré udržiava pôvodnú mikrobiologickú kvalitu mlieka. Správne pripravený počiatočný zákys je obyčajne pripravený z neurčenej zmesi kmeňov Streptococcus thermophilus s možnou prítomnosťou enterokokov a termorezistentných mliečnych baktérií. Táto skupina mliečnej flóry má určujúci vplyv na konečné vlastnosti výrobku. 150 SK Úradný vestník Európskej únie 03/zv. 24 d) Opis výrobku: Tradičný druh mozzarelly je čerstvý formovaný mäkký syr (podľa definície v Codex Alimentarius) s mliečnym kvasením. Môže mať guľatý tvar (vážiaci od 20 do 250 g), niekedy s ‚hlavou‘, alebo môže byť vo forme vrkočov (vážiacich od 125 do 250 g). Tradičný druh mozzarelly je balený a predávaný v ochrannom obale s tekutinou pozostávajúcou z vody a nie- kedy aj soli, ktorá je priamo v kontakte s výrobkom, ak je obal hermeticky uzavretý; táto tekutina sa stráca, ak je obal poškodený alebo priepustný. O r ganolep tic ké vlastnosti Vzhľad: — povrch syra je bez hrubej kôry, len s jemnou kôrou — hladký, lesklý, jemný povrch, mliečnobielej farby — typická vláknitá konzistencia, spočiatku výraznejšia, s vrstvami, v ktorých sa po prekrojení alebo stlačení objavuje mliečna tekutina. V tom prípade môže mať vrecúška, v ktorých sa táto tekutina zhromažďuje. — v hmote nie sú oká — rovnorodý, mliečnobielej farby, bez škvŕn a vlákien Konzistencia: mäkká a jemne pružná Chuť: typická, lahodná, čerstvá, jemne kyslastá Aróma: typická, voňavá, delikátna, jemná kyslo-mliečna Che mi cké vla stnosti — obsah tuku v sušine: minimálne 44 % (m/m) — vlhkosť: pre guľatý tvar od 58 do 66 % (m/m), pre tvar vo forme vrkočov od 52 do 66 % (m/m) — vlhkosť v pomere k netučným zložkám: od 69 do 80 % (m/m) — skúška fosfatázovej aktivity najviac 12 µg fenolu na gram syra — pH: od 5,1 do 5,6 — L (+) kyselina mliečna: viac ako 0,2 % (m/m) vo vzorke analyzovanej do troch dní od dátumu výroby — Chlorid sodný (NaCl) najviac 1 % (m/m) — Furozín: maximálne od 10 mg do 100 g proteínu M i kr obi ologi cké v la stnosti Typická mikroflóra odolná voči tvarovaniu, v množstve nie menšom ako 107 cfu/g vo vzorke analyzovanej do troch dní od dátumu výroby. U c h o v á v a n i e Výrobok by sa mal skladovať pri teplote od 0 do + 4 °C. Maximálna teplota pri skladovaní musí byť uvedená na obale spolu s dátumom spotreby, ktorý je uvedený slovami ‚Spotrebujte do. ‘ a následne vyjadrený údajom o dni a mesiaci. e) Minimálne požiadavky a kontrolné postupy: Kontrola pozostáva z nasledovného: — v prevádzkarňach podnikov (v štádiu výroby): kontrola, či príprava prírodného syridla (počiatočný zákys, následné syridlá a syridlo pripravené na použitie) je správna, tento aspekt je definovaný ako faktor určujúci tradičný charakter výrobku, — neskôr pozostáva kontrola z odoberania vzoriek konečného výrobku v prevádzkarňach podniku a distribu- térov s cieľom kontroly organoleptických vlastností, všetkých chemických vlastností (pri použití štandardne uznaných oficiálnych metód, napr. metódy IDF alebo ISO) a mikrobiologických vlastností s ohľadom na množstvo charakteristickej mikroflóry (použijúc mikrobiologické metódy, ktoré sú buď štandardné, alebo uznané odbornou literatúrou vo vzťahu k predmetnej problematike). 6. Žiadosť o ochranu podľa článku 13 (2): nie“


title: PREGUNTA ESCRITA n. 3505/98 del Amedeo AMADEO Keksintöjen suojelu hyödyllisyysmallin avulla

eurovoc_concepts:
EC Regulation
European industrial area
copyright
designs and models
proposal (EU)

text: C 320/52 Diario Oficial de las Comunidades Europeas ES 6. 11. 1999 Respuesta común a las preguntas escritas E-3500/98 y E-3796/98 dada por el Sr. van den Broek en nombre de la Comisión (27 de enero de 1999) La Comisión estableció normas internas para los plazos de pago en 1997, antes de presentarse la propuesta de Directiva sobre morosidad de los pagos (1), y determinó que los pagos han de efectuarse en el plazo de 60 días a partir de la recepción de la solicitud de pago. Este período puede suspenderse, por ejemplo, si la solicitud de pago no se acompaña de los documentos justificativos adecuados o si se precisan más comprobaciones. En el caso de TACIS y de PHARE, se ha superado el plazo en varios casos con lo que, en los primeros diez meses de 1998, el plazo medio de pago fue de 73,6 días. Se trata de una media general para todos los beneficiarios, independientemente de la calidad de los expedientes presentados. La Comisión ha recibido protestas formales por retrasos de pago en relación con TACIS de varias organizaciones y particulares, principalmente de consultores establecidos en el Reino Unido. La Comisión remite a Sus Señorías a su respuesta a la pregunta escrita E-3236/98 planteada por el Sr. Mather (2). La Comisión no recopila las estadísticas de facturas pendientes por países de origen de los contratistas, ya que ello mermaría los recursos disponibles para comprobar y cursar las reclamaciones de pago. En cuanto al futuro, el Servicio Común Relex recién creado está poniendo medios para reducir cuanto antes los atrasos de pago y la situación ha mejorado ya notablemente. Por otra parte, la Comisión está reexaminando la estructura financiera de los contratos con objeto de reforzar las condiciones de verificación y de simplificar y armonizar los procedimientos. (1) COM(98)615 final. (2) DO C 182 de 28. 6. 1999, p. 53. (1999/C 320/069) PREGUNTA ESCRITA E-3505/98 de Amedeo Amadeo (NI) a la Comisión (25 de noviembre de 1998) Asunto: Protección de las invenciones mediante el modelo de utilidad En relación con la propuesta de directiva del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo relativa a la aproximación de los regímenes jurídicos de protección de las invenciones mediante el modelo de utilidad (COM(97)0691 final < 97/0356 COD) (1), y teniendo en cuenta el alcance reducido de la definición de modelo de utilidad que se da en el artículo 1, ¿podría hacer la Comisión que, en caso de que se mantenga la redacción actual de dicho artículo, figuren directamente en la definición las nociones de «actividad inventiva» y de nuevas invenciones «susceptibles de tener una aplicación industrial», ya que, tal y como reconoce la Comisión en el artículo 3 de la propuesta, se trata de los verdaderos conceptos operativos? (1) DO C 36 de 3. 2. 1998, p. 13. Respuesta del Sr. Monti en nombre de la Comisión (14 de enero de 1999) La Propuesta de Directiva del Parlamento y el Consejo relativa a la aproximación de los regímenes jurídicos de protección de las invenciones mediante el modelo de utilidad, que la Comisión presentó el 12 de diciembre de 1997, está siendo examinada dentro del procedimiento de codecisión por los órganos del Consejo y del Parlamento. Las preocupaciones que Su Señoría expresa en lo tocante a los conceptos de actividad inventiva y nuevas invenciones susceptibles de tener una aplicación industrial se refieren, en efecto, a puntos esenciales de la Propuesta de Directiva


title: WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3497/98 by Helwin PETER Planned factory outlet mall in Zweibrücken

eurovoc_concepts:
EU control
Germany
State aid
control of State aid
economic conversion
fraud
property development
public financing
supermarket
supervisory power

text: 11. 10. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 289/53 In many cases, however, the environmental dimension is taken fully into account although the exact presentation may vary from case to case. For example, significant environmental input has been made in the course of 1997 and 1998 to such important proposals as the Agenda 2000 (2) package where the environmental issues are integrated into the proposals themselves and this interface is explained in the ‘explanatory memorandum’ of these critical proposals. In order to achieve a more effective operation of the system, the Commission is currently reviewing its internal procedures to give more attention to: ) earlier policy dialogue between services to identify areas of environmental interfaces; ) systematic use, and further development, of the screening which is included in the Commission’s internal manual of procedures to assist in identification of areas of environmental interest and criteria for assessment; ) further development of training of staff in policy services in environment appraisal; ) systematic monitoring and control by both the general secretariat and the environment service; ) a more substantial manpower input from the environment service to integration issues. This review is due to be completed by the end of the year in order to ensure a more substantive and systematic approach related to the implementation of the 1999 work programme. The Commission will report on progress on internal integration measures when it reports on progress of the overall integration process. (1) COM(98) 333 final. (2) COM(97) 2000 final. (1999/C 289/070) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3497/98 by Helwin Peter (PSE) to the Commission (25 November 1998) Subject: Planned factory outlet mall in Zweibrücken In its answer to my Written Question E-1408/98 (1) the Commission states that it has requested additional information from the German federal government in this matter. Has the Commission received the information, can a decision now be taken in this matter and, if so, what decision has been taken? (1) OJ C 402, 22. 12. 1998, p. 128. Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (15 December 1998) The information from the German government mentioned in answer to the Honourable Member’s Written Question E-1408/98 reached the Commission. However, the documents did not allow a conclusive analysis, especially with regard to the question whether state aid is involved and whether it is to be regarded as compatible with the common market. Therefore, an on-the-spot-investigation was held together with the German authorities at federal level as well at the Land level at the end of October 1998. The oral arguments then presented indicate the complaints are ready for decision. As soon as the German authorities have sent the written documents in order to substantiate their orally presented arguments, the Commission will address to the complainants a letter containing an analysis of the situation


title: SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL nr. 3511/98 af Amedeo AMADEO til Kommissionen. Varemærkeforfalskede og piratkopierede varer

eurovoc_concepts:
EU customs procedure
customs fraud
customs regulations
export restriction
industrial counterfeiting
intellectual property

text: C 182/90 De Europæiske Fællesskabers Tidende DA 28. 6. 1999 det ærede parlamentsmedlem. Ved behandlingen af Europa-Parlamentets udtalelse i Rådets arbejdsgruppe blev det dog forslået at føje den økonomiske og sociale samhørighed til listen over politikker, der skal prioriteres særlig højt. (1999/C 182/118) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-3508/98 af Amedeo Amadeo (NI) til Kommissionen (25. november 1998) Om: Fællesskabets statistiske program Kan Kommissionen i forbindelse med Forslaget til Rådets beslutning om Fællesskabets statistiske program 1998-2002 (KOM(97) 0735-98/0012 CNS) og (ØSU 800/98-98/0012 CNS) understrege, at det er hen- sigtsmæssigt at nå frem til en fælles metode for indsamling af statistiske oplysninger om udviklingen i forbrugerpriser og i købekraftpariteten samt fremsætte yderligere oplysninger om de statistikker, der er nødvendige for vedtagelsen af en definitiv merværdiafgiftsordning på fællesskabsplan? Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Yves-Thibault de Silguy (22. januar 1999) Behovet for sammenlignelighed i fællesskabsstatistikker, som nødvendiggør harmonisering af metoder og nomenklaturer, er specifikt nævnt i tredje betragtning i det forslag, hvortil det ærede parlamentsmedlem henviser, og er et gennemgående tema inden for alle emneområder i Fællesskabets statistiske program. Det er således en vigtig komponent i arbejdet vedrørende forbrugerpriser og købekraftspariteter. Kommissionen mangler at lægge sidste hånd på sine forslag til et permanent merværdisystem i Fællesskabet. Ud fra de mulige løsningsmodeller har Eurostat allerede indledt foreløbige drøftelser med de nationale statistiske kontorer om den potentielle indvirkning på de statistiske indikatorer. Dette aspekt er omhandlet i programmets bilag 1, afsnit V. I overensstemmelse med Parlamentets udtalelse er denne del af programmet blevet drøftet og præciseret i Rådets arbejdsgruppe. (1999/C 182/119) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-3511/98 af Amedeo Amadeo (NI) til Kommissionen (25. november 1998) Om: Varemærkeforfalskede og piratkopierede varer I forbindelse med Forslag til Rådets forordning (EF) 3295/94 om foranstaltninger med henblik på at forbyde overgang til fri omsætning, udførsel, genudførsel og henførsel under en suspensionsprocedure af vare- mærkeforfalskede og piratkopierede varer (KOM(98) 0025-98/0018 ACC) (1) understreges det, at direkte forbindelser mellem rettighedsindehaverne (virksomheder) og toldmyndighederne er nødvendige for at øge toldmyndighedernes motivation. Muligheden for at begrænse anmodningen om beslaglæggelse ved grænserne til visse EU-lande er i modstrid med EU-mærkets grundprincip. Da dette udgør et fælles mærke med et fælles retsgrundlag i hele Fællesskabet, består den eneste rimelige løsning på lang sigt i en fælles anmodning om beslaglæggelse ved grænsen, som er gyldig i alle medlemsstater. Kan Europa-Kommissionen på denne baggrund intervenere hensigtsmæssigt i denne retning? (1) EFT C 108 af 7. 4. 1998, s. 63


title: QUESTION ECRITE no 3523/98 de Amedeo AMADEO à la Commission. Système de compensation pour refus d'embarquement

eurovoc_concepts:
air transport
carriage of passengers
indemnification

text: 28. 6. 1999 FR Journal officiel des Communautés européennes C 182/91 (1999/C 182/120) QUESTION ÉCRITE E-3512/98 posée par Amedeo Amadeo (NI) à la Commission (25 novembre 1998) Objet: Marchandises de contrefaçon ou pirates S’agissant de la «Proposition de règlement (CE) 3295/94, fixant des mesures en vue d’interdire la mise en libre pratique, l’exportation, la réexportation et le placement sous un régime suspensif des marchandises de contrefaçon et des marchandises pirates» (COM(98) 0025 final. 98/0018 ACC) (1), la Commission pourrait- elle attirer l’attention des gouvernements nationaux sur le fait qu’il est urgent d’adopter une procédure plus efficace, conformément aux dispositions de la troisième partie de l’accord sur les aspects des droits de la propriété intellectuelle qui touchent au commerce (ADPIC)? (1) JO C 108 du 7. 4. 1998, p. 63. (1999/C 182/121) QUESTION ÉCRITE E-3513/98 posée par Amedeo Amadeo (NI) à la Commission (25 novembre 1998) Objet: Marchandises de contrefaçon ou pirates S’agissant de la «Proposition de règlement (CE) 3295/94, fixant des mesures en vue d’interdire la mise en libre l’exportation, la réexportation et le placement sous un régime suspensif des marchandises de pratique, contrefaçon et des marchandises pirates» (COM(9) 0025 final. 98/0018 ACC) (1), il convient de souligner que le système se heurte à une difficulté particulière: tant que les modalités d’application seront fixées par les législations nationales, les dispositions n’auront qu’une portée limitée au niveau communautaire. Par conséquent, la Commission pourrait-elle procéder à une harmonisation sur le plan économique, afin que les dispositions principales en la matière soient effectivement appliquées? (1) JO C 108 du 7. 4. 1998, p. 63. (1999/C 182/122) QUESTION ÉCRITE E-3523/98 posée par Amedeo Amadeo (NI) à la Commission (25 novembre 1998) Objet: Système de compensation pour refus d’embarquement S’agissant de la «Proposition de règlement (CE) 295/91 établissant des règles communes relatives à un système de compensation pour refus d’embarquement dans les transports aériens réguliers» (COM(98) 0041 final. 98/0022 SYN) (1), la Commission pourrait-elle proposer une méthode de calcul claire concernant l’augmen- tation des compensations en question, ainsi qu’une procédure de consultation des États membres et des parties concernées, avant que ces augmentations ne soient adoptées? (1) JO C 120 du 18. 4. 1998, p. 18. Réponse commune aux questions écrites E-3511/98, E-3512/98, E-3513/98 et E-3523/98 donnée par M. Monti au nom de la Commission (4 février 1999) La Commission recueille les informations nécessaires pour répondre à la question posée. Elle ne manquera pas de communiquer le résultat de ses recherches dans les plus brefs délais


title: INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA n. 3485/98 dell'on. Nikitas KAKLAMANIS alla Commissione. Assunzione di personale alla Banca centrale europea

eurovoc_concepts:
European Central Bank
European official
Greece
recruitment

text: C 207/76 Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee IT 21. 7. 1999 fornito un ulteriore sussidio di 24 mio EUR destinati al settore sanitario, all’igienizzazione e alle emergenze alimentari relative allo stesso periodo. La Commissione sta attualmente riflettendo sulle modalità per la concessione di un eventuale aiuto alimentare e per l’avvio di un programma di rilancio dell’agricoltura destinati alla Repubblica democratica popolare di Corea da attuare nel 1999, ma non si è ancora giunti ad una decisione definitiva. Dal momento che le carenze sono principalmente strutturali (a seguito della politica agricola e, più in generale, della politica economica della Repubblica democratica popolare di Corea), la Commissione ritiene che, per essere efficiente e sostenibile, il suo supporto dovrà essere accompagnato da un adeguamento delle politiche, da parte delle autorità della Repubblica coreana, che dovrebbero mirare a modernizzare le pratiche agricole e ad avviare la realizzazione di ulteriori iniziative ad ampio raggio orientate al mercato. (1999/C 207/099) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3485/98 di Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) alla Commissione (25 novembre 1998) Oggetto: Assunzione di personale alla Banca centrale europea Quanti funzionari di cittadinanza greca sono in servizio presso la Banca centrale europea? Quali posti occupano? Qual è il numero totale per Stato membro, dei funzionari di questo nuovo organo il cui personale dovrà essere assunto ovviamente in base a criteri di trasparenza, oggettività e pieno rispetto del principio di equa e proporzionale rappresentanza dei funzionari di tutti gli Stati membri dell’UE? Risposta data dal sig. de Silguy in nome della Commissione (8 febbraio 1999) La Commissione non ha alcuna competenza per rispondere all’interrogazione dell’onorevole parlamentare, che andrebbe rivolta all’istituzione interessata. (1999/C 207/100) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3486/98 di Robin Teverson (ELDR) alla Commissione (25 novembre 1998) Oggetto: Norme per la produzione di carne Quali sono le proposte della Commissione per garantire che le norme del Regno Unito per la produzione di carne siano imposte alle importazioni di carne da Paesi terzi terzi? Risposta data dal sig. Fischler in nome della Commissione (11 gennaio 1999) Le norme relative alla produzione di carni sono state armonizzate a livello comunitario con la direttiva 91/ 497/CEE del Consiglio, del 29 luglio 1991, che modifica e codifica la direttiva 64/433/CEE relativa a problemi sanitari in materia di scambi intracomunitari di carni fresche onde estenderla alla produzione e immissione sul mercato di carni fresche (1). Le prescrizioni comunitarie per le importazioni di carni fresche dai paesi terzi sono state stabilite con la direttiva 72/462/CEE del Consiglio, del 12 dicembre 1972, relativa a problemi sanitari e di polizia sanitaria all’importazione di animali della specie bovina e suina e di carni fresche in provenienza dai paesi terzi (2). Tale direttiva prevede che le importazioni di carni devono soddisfare le norme comunitarie. (1) GU L 268 del 24. 9. 1991. (2) GU L 302 del 31. 12. 1972


title: QUESTION ECRITE no 3488/98 de Anne McINTOSH à la Commission. Matériel publicitaire l'Union européen

eurovoc_concepts:
EU publication
United Kingdom
accession to the European Union
advertising
costing
educational institution
monetary union
operating cost
promotion of the European idea
teaching method

text: 15. 10. 1999 FR Journal officiel des Communautés européennes C 297/75 Les unités DG VIII/A/4 et SCR/C/5 se sont concertées pour établir un système d’information mutuelle qui devrait garantir que tout élément important et de nature à influencer le jugement sur l’éligibilité d’une ONG soit disponible au moment voulu. Les rapports d’évaluation seront automatiquement communiqués à la DG VIII/A/4. En outre, il y aura des réunions mensuelles entre les deux unités sous la présidence des deux chefs d’unité, ce qui devrait assurer un flux d’information adéquat. (1999/C 297/099) QUESTION ÉCRITE E-3482/98 posée par Marialiese Flemming (PPE) à la Commission (25 novembre 1998) Objet: Critères de sécurité appliqués dans les centrales nucléaires des États de l’ancien bloc de l’Est candidats à l’adhésion On sait que certaines des centrales nucléaires des pays de l’ancien bloc de l’Est candidats à l’adhésion se trouvent dans un état lamentable. Une commission d’experts de l’Union européenne a jugé que plusieurs de ces centrales sont impossibles à assainir. À ce qu’il paraît, la Commission ne fait actuellement aucun effort pour garantir par voie de directive l’application de normes de sécurité uniformes en Europe. Quelles initiatives la Commission envisage-t-elle de prendre pour porter au niveau en vigueur à l’Ouest les normes de sécurité appliquées dans les centrales nucléaires des États de l’ancien bloc de l’Est candidats à l’adhésion? Comment, si nulle directive en la matière n’a été adoptée, la Commission compte-t-elle obtenir que, en cas d’adhésion de l’un des pays en question, des normes de sécurité uniformes soient appliquées? Quelles mesures compte-t-elle prendre pour que les centrales nucléaires que la commission d’experts susmentionnée juge impossibles à assainir soient fermées dès l’adhésion des pays en question à l’Union européenne? Réponse donnée par M. van den Broek au nom de la Commission (6 janvier 1999) Les États membres sont seuls compétents en ce qui concerne les normes de sécurité présidant à la conception, la construction et l’exploitation des sites nucléaires qui sont de leur ressort. L’acquis communautaire dans le domaine de la sûreté nucléaire s’appuie sur le traité Euratom, et en particulier sur son chapitre III (santé et sûreté). Cela étant, une «culture de la sûreté», s’appuyant sur une perception commune des défis liés à l’utilisation de l’énergie nucléaire et l’élévation de la sûreté au rang de priorité absolue, s’est développée au fil des années dans l’ensemble des États membres. La Commission a, afin de renforcer le niveau de sûreté dans les pays de l’Est, appuyé, par le biais de programmes d’assistance communautaire, la mise en place d’autorités solides, compétentes et indépendantes en matière de sûreté nucléaire et aidé les exploitants de sites nucléaires à renforcer la sûreté. Dans sa communication (1) au Conseil et au Parlement, la Commission a précisé les actions qu’elle propose d’entreprendre afin d’arriver à un niveau élevé de sûreté nucléaire dans ces pays. La position de la Commission concernant les centrales non améliorables est définie dans Agenda 2000 (2) ainsi que dans les décisions concernant les partenariats d’adhésion adoptées par le Conseil. Les calendriers de fermeture des unités «condamnées», acceptés par les gouvernements concernés moyennant un certain nombre de conditions, doivent être respectés. Cela concerne en particulier Bohunice V1 en Slovaquie, Ignalina en Lituanie et les unités 1 à 4 de Kozloduy en Bulgarie. (1) COM(98) 134. (2) COM(97) 2000 final. (1999/C 297/100) QUESTION ÉCRITE E-3488/98 posée par Anne McIntosh (PPE) à la Commission (25 novembre 1998) Objet: Matériel publicitaire l’Union européen La Commission peut-elle indiquer le coût du matériel publicitaire actuellement distribué dans les écoles britanniques concernant l’Union européenne et préciser qui supporte ce coût?


title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE Nr. 3492/98 von Luigi MORETTI an die Kommission. Verschmutzung von Oberflächenwasser

eurovoc_concepts:
EU environmental policy
surface water
wastewater
water pollution
water treatment

text: 21. 7. 1999 DE Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften C 207/77 (1999/C 207/101) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-3491/98 von Luigi Moretti (NI) an die Kommission (25. November 1998) Betrifft: Antennenanlagen für Relaisstationen von Rundfunk und Fernsehen in den Wohngebieten Immer häufiger kommt es zur Errichtung von Antennenanlagen für Relaisstationen von Rundfunk und Fernsehen in der Nähe von Wohngebieten, wenn nicht gar in den Stadtzentren selbst. Die von diesen Antennenanlagen ausgestrahlten Magnetwellen sind schädlich für die Gesundheit des Bürgers, der immer häufiger unter physischen Störungen leidet (Taubheit, Schlafstörungen, Leukämie usw. ): 1. Beabsichtigt die Kommission, genauere Angaben über die potentielle Gefahr dieser Antennenanlagen in den Stadtgebieten zu machen? 2. Beabsichtigt die Kommission, die Ausarbeitung eines Vorschlags für eine Verordnung in Betracht zu ziehen, in dem die Sicherheitsabstände der Wohnungen und insbesondere der Schul- und Krankenhaus- gebäude angegeben werden? (1999/C 207/102) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE P-3724/98 von David Hallam (PSE) an die Kommission (25. November 1998) Betrifft: Elektromagnetische Strahlung und ihre gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen Hat die Kommission Kenntnis von Forschungsarbeiten über die Auswirkungen elektromagnetischer Felder (emittiert von Telekommunikationsmasten und elektrischen Freileitungen) auf die menschliche Gesundheit oder die Gesundheit von Vieh, das im Bereich dieser Felder weidet? Wenn solche Forschungsarbeiten nicht durchgeführt worden sind, würde die Kommission dann in Erwägung ziehen, Forschungsarbeiten über die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen der von elektromagnetischen Feldern ausgehenden Strahlung durchzufüh- ren? Falls sich dabei herausstellt, daß die Volksgesundheit in irgendeiner Weise gefährdet ist, würde die Kommission dann die Vorlage von Rechtsvorschriften in Betracht ziehen, die den kommunalen, regionalen oder nationalen Behörden die Regulierung von Vorschlägen für die Errichtung von Telekommunikations- masten ermöglichen? Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Flynn im Namen der Kommission auf die Schriftlichen Anfragen E-3491/98 und P-3724/98 (11. Januar 1999) Im Juni 1998 hat die Kommission einen Vorschlag für eine Empfehlung des Rates zur Begrenzung der Exposition der Bevölkerung durch elektromagnetische Felder vorgelegt (1). Dabei wurde die wissenschaftliche Stellungnahme der Internationalen Kommission für den Schutz vor nichtionisierender Strahlung berück- sichtigt, der sich der Wissenschaftliche Lenkungsausschuß der Kommission angeschlossen hat. Der Text wird zur Zeit im Rat diskutiert, der den Vorschlag auch dem Parlament zur Stellungnahme übermittelt hat. Die Ergebnisse derzeitiger und künftiger Forschungen in diesem Bereich werden im Rahmen des in diesem Text vorgesehenen Berichterstattungsverfahrens berücksichtigt. (1) KOM(98) 268 endg. (1999/C 207/103) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-3492/98 von Luigi Moretti (NI) an die Kommission (25. November 1998) Betrifft: Verschmutzung von Oberflächenwasser Häufig sehen die Kanalisationsnetze in den Wohngebieten keine Ableitung von Oberflächenwasser oder Regenwasser in die entsprechenden Kläranlagen vor, und daher fließt dieses in Flüsse, Bäche und Seen


title: INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA n. 3524/98 dell'on. Amedeo AMADEO Procedure e mezzi per potenziare le reti d'informazione e valorizzazione dei programmi RST applicati in Europa

eurovoc_concepts:
EU programme
Structural Funds
action programme
aid system
information network
principle of subsidiarity
research and development
school-industry relations
small and medium-sized enterprises

text: 6. 11. 1999 IT Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee C 320/53 Tuttavia, visto che il Parlamento non ha ancora completato l’esame della proposta di direttiva, la Commissione ritiene che sia prematuro, a questo stadio, prendere posizione sulle preoccupazioni espresse dall’onorevole parlamentare. Essa lo invita quindi a presentare le sue eventuali proposte nel quadro delle discussioni in corso presso i competenti organi del Parlamento. (1999/C 320/070) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3524/98 di Amedeo Amadeo (NI) alla Commissione (25 novembre 1998) Oggetto: Procedure e mezzi per potenziare le reti d’informazione e valorizzazione dei programmi RST applicati in Europa In relazione al tema «Procedure e mezzi per potenziare le reti d’informazione e di valorizzazione dei programmi RST applicati in Europa» (CES 965/98), potrebbero i servizi della Commissione europea presentare una comunicazione che definisca una strategia globale nel settore delle reti d’informazione, d’accompagna- mento e di valorizzazione in materia di ricerca-sviluppo ed innovazione, essendo inteso che tale strategia dovrà contemplare la razionalizzazione dei meccanismi esistenti ed integrare le diverse politiche europee interessate? Nel quadro di tale strategia globale, si raccomanda di avvalersi dei mezzi esistenti (Quinto programma quadro di RST, fondi strutturali, programmi d’istruzione e formazione, programmi PMI, ecc. ) al servizio delle reti di supporto specializzate intese a promuovere il principio di mediazione. Tramite tali reti di mediazione occorre favorire le strategie d’alleanza tra imprese, i legami impresa-ricerca-università, il controllo tecnologico e l’intelligenza economica, l’ingegneria di progetto (sul piano giuridico, finanziario, ecc. ). (1999/C 320/071) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3557/98 di Amedeo Amadeo (NI) alla Commissione (1o dicembre 1998) Oggetto: Procedure e mezzi per potenziare le reti d’informazione e valorizzazione dei programmi RST applicati in Europa In relazione al tema «Procedure e mezzi per potenziare le reti d’informazione e di valorizzazione dei programmi RST applicati in Europa» (doc. CES 965/98) e con riferimento alle reti comunitarie d’informazione/ accompagnamento, da un lato, e di valorizzazione, dall’altro, si chiede alla Commissione europea di garantire un migliore coordinamento assicurandone l’indispensabile complementarità. La Commissione deve integrarle in un dispositivo più ampio di sostegno alla mediazione ed orientarle esclusivamente in funzione delle esigenze degli utenti e non in quanto reti di promozione delle proprie politiche. Risposta comune data dal sig. Bangemann in nome della Commissione alle interrogazioni scritte E-3524/98 e E-3557/98 (18 gennaio 1999) La Commissione attribuisce estrema importanza al coordinamento e alla razionalizzazione delle reti di informazione, di assistenza e di valorizzazione dei programmi europei di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (RST). Il Quinto programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo prevede una serie di iniziative di coordinamento e razionalizzazione delle reti di informazione e di valorizzazione, tenendo conto in particolare delle esigenze degli utilizzatori e del ruolo di mediazione di tali reti. In base al principio della sussidiarietà, le iniziative in questione verranno avviate in collaborazione con gli Stati membri, onde ottenere le migliori sinergie possibili all’interno della Comunità


title: SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL nr. 3517/98 af Amedeo AMADEO til Kommissionen. Kontrol med statsstøtte

eurovoc_concepts:
EU Official Journal
State aid
administrative transparency
control of State aid
dissemination of EU information

text: 21. 5. 1999 DA De Europæiske Fællesskabers Tidende C 142/141 (1999/C 142/185) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL P-3503/98 af Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) til Kommissionen (12. november 1998) Om: Taxivirksomheder i Danmark Ifølge dansk lovgivning om taxi-kørsel m. v. kan taxivirksomhed kun drives i Danmark mod en særlig tilladelse, der tildeles af den enkelte kommunalbestyrelse. Selvstændige taxivognmænd skal derudover tilsluttes et bestillingskontor. Et bestillingskontor modtager bestillinger og videreformidler herefter en vogn til kunden fra én af de vogne, der er tilsluttet bestillingskontoret. Taxivognmandens virksomhed har således ikke i sig selv den direkte kontakt med kunderne. Tilslutningspligten til bestillingskontorerne gælder alene i kommuner, hvor antallet af taxibevillinger er fastsat til 10 eller derover. Et bestillingskontor kan ikke oprettes frit af vognmænd, idet det kræver en godkendelse af den danske trafikminister. I mange danske provinsbyer er der ofte kun godkendt ét bestillingskontor og kommunalbestyrelserne fastsætter maksimumpriser. Enkelte bestillingskontorer har samordnet praksis, således at der ikke er nogen prisforskel, uanset hvilket bestillingskontor og dermed hvilke vognmænd der vælges. I praksis betyder dette lovbestemte krav om tilslutning til et bestillingskontor, at det danske marked for taxivirksomheder er helt lukket for konkurrence mellem de selvstændige taxivognmænd. Finder Kommissionen det i overensstemmelse med det indre markeds regler og den fri og lige konkurrence, at danske selvstændige taxivirksomheder, ifølge dansk lovgivning på området, skal være tilsluttet et godkendt bestillingskontor? Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Mario Monti (7. januar 1999) Kommssionen er i færd med at indhente de oplysninger, der er nødvendige for at besvare spørgsmålet, og skal meddele resultatet af sine efterforskninger, så snart det foreligger. (1999/C 142/186) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-3517/98 af Amedeo Amadeo (NI) til Kommissionen (25. november 1998) Om: Kontrol med statsstøtte Der henvises til Forslag til Rådets forordning (EF) om fastlæggelse af regler for anvendelsen af EF- traktatens artikel 93 (KOM(98) 0073) − 98/0060(CNS)) (1). Kommissionens bestræbelse på at effektivi- sere foranstaltningerne til tilbagebetaling af ulovlig støtte, særlig gennem påbud om indstilling og foreløbig tilbagebetaling (art. 11) samt gennem artikel 14, stk. 3, der fastsætter, at »retsmidler i henhold til national ret har ikke opsættende virkning«, bør støttes, men det skal understreges, at det ikke fastsættes i forordningen, hvad der sker, hvis de nationale retsprocedurer ikke muliggør en omgående og effektiv gennemførelse. Af hensyn til et elementært princip om lige betingelser bør medlemsstaterne bestræbe sig på at muliggøre omgående tilbagebetaling. Kan Kommissionen på denne baggrund sørge for, at der ikke indføres eller gennemføres undtagelses- procedurer, da det skal stå fast, at støtte, der udbetales uretmæssigt, skal tilbagebetales på det tidspunkt, hvor den bliver uforenelig med fællesskabsbestemmelserne og dermed i princippet bliver ulovlig? (1) EFT C 116 af 16. 4. 1998, s. 13


title: PERGUNTA ESCRITA n. 3517/98 do Deputado Amedeo AMADEO à Comissão. Controlo dos auxílios estatais

text: 21. 5. 1999 PT Jornal Oficial das Comunidades Europeias C 142/141 (1999/C 142/185) PERGUNTA ESCRITA P-3503/98 apresentada por Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) à Comissão (12 de Novembro de 1998) Objecto: Empresas de táxis na Dinamarca De acordo com a legislação dinamarquesa, só é possível operar uma empresa de táxis mediante uma licença especial cuja concessão compete exclusivamente à Câmara Municipal. Os taxistas independentes têm de aderir a uma central de chamadas. Estas centrais recebem os pedidos e enviam uma viatura ao cliente, da sua lista de aderentes. Deste modo, não há um contacto directo entre a empresa de táxis e o cliente. A adesão obrigatória a uma central só é aplicável nos municípios em que o número de licenças emitidas é igual ou superior a dez. Uma central de chamadas não pode ser criada por livre iniciativa dos taxistas, pois terá de ser autorizada pelo Ministro dos Transportes. Em muitas cidades de província na Dinamarca, é autorizada uma única central de chamadas, e a Câmara Municipal estabelece as tarifas máximas. As centrais coordenam a actividade entre si por forma a que não se verifiquem discrepâncias nas tarifas e, em consequência, preferências na escolha dos táxis. A obrigatoriedade de adesão a uma central de chamadas, estabelecida na lei, implica na prática que o mercado dinamarquês de exploração de táxis é totalmente fechado à concorrência entre taxistas independentes. Considera a Comissão que a situação que vigora na Dinamarca, onde as empresas de táxis independentes, nos termos da legislação dinamarquesa na matéria, devem obrigatoriamente aderir a uma central de chamadas autorizada, é conforme com as regras do mercado interno e da livre concorrência em condições equitativas? Resposta dada pelo Sr. Monti em nome da Comissão (7 de Janeiro de 1999) A Comissão está a proceder à recolha das informações necessárias para responder à pergunta colocada. A Comissão não deixará de comunicar o resultados das suas pesquisas no mais curto prazo. (1999/C 142/186) PERGUNTA ESCRITA E-3517/98 apresentada por Amedeo Amadeo (NI) à Comissão (25 de Novembro de 1998) Objecto: Controlo dos auxílios estatais Relativamente à proposta de regulamento (CE) do Conselho que estabelece regras de execução do artigo 93o do Tratado CE (COM(98) 0073 final − 98/0060(CNS)) (1), salienta-se que, ao apoiar o esforço da Comissão para tornar mais eficaz a situação da recuperação dos auxílios ilegais, em particular com a injunção para suspender ou para recuperar provisoriamente o auxílio (artigo 11o) e tendo em conta o facto de que, como prevê o no 3 do artigo 14o, «os recursos interpostos com base no direito nacional não têm efeito suspensivo», o regulamento não diz o que acontece se os procedimentos judiciários nacionais não permitirem a execução imediata e efectiva. Em prol de um elementar princípio de paridade de condições, os Estados-membros deverão esforçar-se por possibilitar a recuperação imediata. Nesta óptica, pode a Comissão velar para que não sejam instituídos ou aplicados procedimentos dilatórios, atendendo a que os auxílios executados abusivamente devem ser recuperados no momento em que se tornam incompatíveis com as regras comunitárias e passam, por conseguinte, a ser manifestamente ilegais? (1) JO C 116 de 16. 4. 1998, p. 13


title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE Nr. 3524/98 von Amedeo AMADEO Mittel und Wege für den Ausbau der Netze zur Information über die in der Gemeinschaft durchgeführten FTE-Programme

text: 6. 11. 1999 DE Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften C 320/53 Da das Parlament aber seine Prüfung noch nicht abgeschlossen hat, würde es die Kommission für verfrüht halten, sich zu den Vorschlägen des Herrn Abgeordneten zu äußern. Daher fordert sie ihn auf, etwaige Anregungen im Rahmen der gegenwärtigen Erörterung des Parlaments zu unterbreiten. (1999/C 320/070) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-3524/98 von Amedeo Amadeo (NI) an die Kommission (25. November 1998) Betrifft: Mittel und Wege für den Ausbau der Netze zur Information über die in der Gemeinschaft durchgeführten FTE-Programme Könnten die Dienststellen der Kommission im Zusammenhang mit dem Thema „Mittel und Wege für den Ausbau der Netze zur Information über die in der Gemeinschaft durchgeführten FTE-Programme und zur Nutzung der Ergebnisse“ (WSA 965/98) eine Mitteilung vorlegen, die eine umfassende Strategie im Bereich von Netzen zur Information, Begleitung und Ergebnisverwertung im Bereich Forschung und Entwicklung sowie Innovation definiert, wobei diese Strategie die Rationalisierung der vorhandenen Mechanismen und eine Integration der verschiedenen europäischen Politiken zu behandeln hätte? Im Rahmen dieser umfassenden Strategie wird empfohlen, sich auf die vorhandenen Instrumente zu stützen (Fünftes FTE-Rahmenprogramm, Strukturfonds, Bildungs und Berufsbildungsprogramme, KMU-Programme usw. ), die für die auf Vermittlung spezialisierten Netzen zur Verfügung stehen. Mit Hilfe dieser Vermitt- lungsnetze sind strategische Allianzen zwischen Unternehmen ebenso zu fördern wie die Schnittstellen Unternehmen A Forschung A Hochschulen, ferner die Erfassung technologischer Entwicklungen, Wirt- schaftsintelligenz sowie Projektmanagement (auf juristischer und finanzieller Ebene usw). (1999/C 320/071) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-3557/98 von Amedeo Amadeo (NI) an die Kommission (1. Dezember 1998) Betrifft: Mittel und Wege für den Ausbau der Netze zur Information über die in der Gemeinschaft durchgeführten FTE-Programme und zur Nutzung der Ergebnisse Im Zusammenhang mit dem Thema „Mittel und Wege für den Ausbau der Netze zur Information über die in der Gemeinschaft durchgeführten FTE-Programme und zur Nutzung der Ergebnisse“ (Dok. WSA 965/98) und in bezug auf die Netze der Gemeinschaft zur Information/Begleitung einerseits und zur Nutzung der FTE- Ergebnisse andererseits wird die Kommission aufgefordert, Maßnahmen zu ergreifen, um eine bessere Koordinierung zu gewährleisten und die Komplementarität dieser Netze sicherzustellen. Die Kommission muß diese Netze zur besseren Abstimmung in einen breiteren Rahmen integrieren und ausschließlich an den Erfordernissen der Benutzer orientieren und darf sich dieser Netze nicht zur Förderung ihrer eigenen Politiken bedienen. Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Bangemann im Namen der Kommission auf die Schriftlichen Anfragen E-3524/98 und E-3557/98 (18. Januar 1999) Die Kommission mißt der Koordinierung und Rationalisierung der Netze zur Information, Unterstützung und Ergebnisbewertung der europäischen Programme für Forschung und technische Entwicklung(FTE)große Bedeutung bei. Im Fünften Rahmenprogramm für Forschung und technologische Entwicklung ist eine Reihe von Maßnahmen zur Koordinierung und Rationalisierung dieser Netze vorgesehen, wobei die Ansprüche der Benutzer und die Mittlerrolle der Netze besonders berücksichtigt wurden. Die Maßnahmen werden unter Anwendung des Subsidiaritätsprinzips gemeinsam mit den Mitgliedstaaten durchgeführt, um die besten Synergieeffekte in der Gemeinschaft zu erzielen


title: PERGUNTA ESCRITA n. 3540/98 dos Deputados Laura GONZÁLEZ ÁLVAREZ , Pedro MARSET CAMPOS Arbetsolyckor i Spanien

eurovoc_concepts:
Spain
coal mining
mortality
occupational accident
occupational health
occupational safety
statistics
working conditions

formats: html print


title: SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL nr. 3475/98 af Giacomo LEOPARDI til Kommissionen. Undersøgelser, forslag, initiativer eller retsakter om distribution af lægemidler og om apotekernes tjenesteydelser

eurovoc_concepts:
distance selling
marketing
medicinal product
pharmaceutical industry
pharmaceutical product
single market

text: 28. 6. 1999 DA De Europæiske Fællesskabers Tidende C 182/87 Maksimalgrænseværdierne for de forskellige pesticidrester i og på de forskellige fødevarer er fastlagt i direktiv 76/895/EØF (frugt og grønsager) (2), 86/362/EØF (korn) (3), 86/363/EØF (levnedsmidler af animalsk op- rindelse) (3) og 90/642/EØF (produkter af vegetabilsk oprindelse, herunder frugt og grønsager) (4). Siden 1996 har der eksisteret årlige EF-programmer for overvågning af pesticidrester i fødevarer. Resultaterne af det første af disse overvågningsprogrammer fra 1996 foreligger nu og vil blive offentliggjort af Kommissionen i den nærmeste fremtid. (1) (2) (3) (4) EFT L 230 af 18. 8. 1991. EFT L 340 af 9. 12. 1976. EFT L 221 af 7. 8. 1986. EFT L 350 af 14. 12. 1990. (1999/C 182/113) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-3474/98 af Gianni Tamino (V) til Kommissionen (25. november 1998) Om: Sponsorering fra Europa-Kommissionens italienske repræsentation af et initiativ fra Alleanza Nazionale Det fremgår af en annonce i det italienske dagblad »Il Giornale« onsdag den 28. oktober, at delegationen fra Alleanza Nazionale i Europa-Parlamentet torsdag den 29. oktober skulle afholde et møde i Italien med titlen »En sjæl for Europa« med deltagelse af Christiana Muscardini, Gerard Collins og Raul Miguel Rosado Fernandes. Ifølge annoncen i »Il Giornale« var mødet sponsoreret af Europa-Kommissionens repræsentation i Milano. Kan Kommissionen oplyse, om dette er korrekt? Kan den i bekræftende fald yderligere oplyse, om alle politiske partiers møder kan sponsoreres og efter hvilke kriterier, der træffes afgørelse om støtte? Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Marcelino Oreja (3. februar 1999) Efter en anmodning fra Christiana Muscardini af 1. oktober 1998 sponsorerede Kommissionens repræsenta- tion i Milano et kollokvium, der angiveligt havde til formål at »genopdage de etiske, kulturelle og politiske værdier«, der ligger til grund for Unionen, for at undgå, at kontinentets forening bliver et rent kommercielt anliggende. Til kollokviet, hvis officielle betegnelse var »Un’anima per l’Europa« (En sjæl for Europa), og som fandt sted den 29. oktober 1998 i Lombardiets hovedstad Milano (i regionsmyndighedernes ceremonisal), var indbudt parlamentarikere fra flere medlemsstater, italienske myndigheder på nationalt og regionalt plan og Alleanza Nazionale’s nationale ansvarlige for statslige anliggender. Det er udelukkende det i spørgsmålet nævnte dagblads fortolkning, at der var tale om et møde med deltagelse af et parti eller en delegation. (1999/C 182/114) SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-3475/98 af Giacomo Leopardi (PPE) til Kommissionen (25. november 1998) Om: Undersøgelser, forslag, initiativer eller retsakter om distribution af lægemidler og om apotekernes tjenesteydelser Kan Kommissionen oplyse, om den i øjeblikket behandler eventuelle undersøgelser, forslag, initiativer eller retsakter om distribution af lægemidler og om apotekernes tjenesteydelser?