title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1140/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission. Weißbuch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit und Europäische Lebensmittelbehörde.

text: 20. 2. 2001 DE Amtsblatt der Europ(cid:228)ischen Gemeinschaften C 53 E/81 M(cid:252)ssen die Regelungsgremien, in diesem Fall die Aussch(cid:252)sse mit Vertretern der Mitgliedstaaten, verpflich- tet sein, Rechenschaft abzulegen, wenn ihre Beschl(cid:252)sse von den wissenschaftlichen Empfehlungen abwei- chen? a) Falls ja, wie sollte diese Rechenschaft nach Auffassung der Kommission abgelegt werden? b) Falls nein, warum h(cid:228)lt die Kommission es nicht f(cid:252)r erforderlich, da(cid:223) die Regelungsaussch(cid:252)sse ihre abweichen- den Beschl(cid:252)sse (cid:246)ffentlich vertreten? (2001/C 53 E/098) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1128/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (11. April 2000) Betrifft: Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit und Europ(cid:228)ische Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde Im Januar 2000 erschien das Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit (KOM(1999) 719 endg. ). In Kapitel 4 wird die Einrichtung einer Europ(cid:228)ischen Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde behandelt. In Kapitel 5 wird auf die rechtlichen Aspekte der Lebensmittelsicherheit eingegangen. Im Wei(cid:223)buch sind drei Gr(cid:252)nde daf(cid:252)r genannt, da(cid:223) das Risikomanagement nicht in das Mandat der Beh(cid:246)rde einbezogen wird (Punkt 33). So wird implizit u. a. unterstellt, da(cid:223) der derzeitige Beschlu(cid:223)fassungs- proze(cid:223) ein ausreichendes Ma(cid:223) an demokratischer Rechenschaftslegung und Transparenz aufweist. Diese Feststellung entspricht nicht den Tatsachen. In den meisten Mitgliedstaaten ist wenig demokratische Kontrolle (cid:252)ber die Beschlu(cid:223)fassung in Regelungsaussch(cid:252)ssen vorhanden. (cid:220)ber die Sitzungen der Rege- lungsaussch(cid:252)sse stehen meist keine Tagesordnungen, Protokolle und Berichte zur Verf(cid:252)gung. Die derzeitige Beschlu(cid:223)fassung ist daher undurchsichtig. Wird die Kommission Ma(cid:223)nahmen ergreifen, um die demokratische Kontrolle der Regelungsaussch(cid:252)sse zu verbessern? a) Falls ja, welche? b) Falls nein, warum steht sie einer demokratischen Kontrolle der Regelungsaussch(cid:252)sse ablehnend gegen(cid:252)ber? (2001/C 53 E/099) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1140/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (11. April 2000) Betrifft: Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit und Europ(cid:228)ische Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde Im Januar 2000 erschien das Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit (KOM(1999) 719 endg. ). In Kapitel 4 wird die Einrichtung einer Europ(cid:228)ischen Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde behandelt. In Kapitel 5 wird auf die rechtlichen Aspekte der Lebensmittelsicherheit eingegangen. Die bestehenden Rechtsvorschriften sind nicht koh(cid:228)rent. Nach Auffassung der Kommission ist eine (cid:220)berpr(cid:252)fung des Lebensmittelrechts erforderlich (Punkt 64). Beobachtern zufolge sind die geltenden insbesondere als Reaktion auf den einheitlichen Markt zustandege- Rechtsvorschriften f(cid:252)r Lebensmittel kommen. Eine (cid:220)berpr(cid:252)fung der Rechtsvorschriften sollte auf klaren Grunds(cid:228)tzen basieren. Ist die Kommission bereit, ein allgemeines EU-Lebensmittelgesetz auszuarbeiten, durch das die gesamte Nahrungskette abgedeckt wird? Falls nein, warum und aufgrund welcher Argumente lehnt die Kommission das Zustandekommen eines allgemeinen EU-Lebensmittelgesetzes ab? Falls ja, bis zu welchem Zeitpunkt kann ein derartiges EU-Lebensmittelgesetz ausgearbeitet werden? (2001/C 53 E/100) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1141/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (11. April 2000) Betrifft: Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit und Europ(cid:228)ische Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde Im Januar 2000 erschien das Wei(cid:223)buch zur Lebensmittelsicherheit (KOM(1999) 719 endg. ). In Kapitel 4 wird die Einrichtung einer Europ(cid:228)ischen Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde behandelt. In Kapitel 5 wird auf die rechtlichen Aspekte der Lebensmittelsicherheit eingegangen


title: Förslag till rådets förordning om ändring av förordning nr 2505/96 om öppnande och förvaltning av autonoma gemenskapstullkvoter för vissa jordbruks- och industriprodukter

eurovoc_concepts:
agricultural product
chemical product
industrial product
tariff quota

formats: html pdf

text: EUROPEISKA GEMENSKAPERNAS KOMMISSION Bryssel den 11. 04. 2000 KOM(2000) 201 slutlig Förslag till RÅDETS FÖRORDNING om ändring av förordning nr 2505/96 om öppnande och förvaltning av autonoma gemenskapstullkvoter för vissa jordbruks- och industriprodukter (framlagt av kommissionen) MOTIVERING 1. 2. På flera medlemsstaters begäran har kommissionen i samarbete med de berörda regeringsexperterna undersökt lämpligheten av att öppna och öka tullkvoter för vissa industriprodukter. Till följd av denna genomgång som företogs vid ett möte i gruppen Tulltaxefrågor av Ekonomisk Art konstaterades att det var möjligt för medlemsstaterna att godkänna öppnande och ökning av tullkvoter för de produkter som avses i detta förslag till förordning utan att detta stör marknaden för denna produkt. Detta är avsikten med det förslag till förordning som bifogas 2 Förslag till RÅDETS FÖRORDNING om ändring av förordning nr 2505/96 om öppnande och förvaltning av autonoma gemenskapstullkvoter för vissa jordbruks- och industriprodukter EUROPEISKA UNIONENS RÅD HAR ANTAGIT DENNA FÖRORDNING med beaktande av fördraget om upprättandet av Europeiska gemenskapen, särskilt artikel 26 i detta, med beaktande av kommissionens förslag1, och av följande skäl: (1) (2) Rådet öppnade genom sin förordning (EG) nr 2505/962 gemenskapstullkvoter för vissa jordbruks- och industriprodukter. Gemenskapens försörjningsbehov av produkterna i fråga bör gemenskapstullkvoter med nolltullsats öppnas för lämpliga volymer och mängden ökas för vissa gällande tullkvoter utan att marknaden för dessa produkter störs. gynnsammast möjliga villkor. Därför tillgodoses bör på Med tanke på denna förordnings ekonomiska betydelse för den europeiska industrin och eftersom den måste börja tillämpas den 1 juli 2000 är det lämpligt att utnyttja det undantag om brådskande till som nämns Amsterdamfördraget om de nationella parlamentens roll i Europeiska unionen. I. 3 i protokollet i punkt fall (3) Förordning (EG) nr 2505/96 bör därför ändras. HÄRIGENOM FÖRESKRIVS FÖLJANDE. Artikel 1 För kvotperioden från och med den 1 januari till och med den 31 december 2000 skall bilaga I till förordning (EG) nr 2505/96 ändras på följande sätt: – Kvotmängden för tullkvoten med löpnummer 09. 2950 skall vara 5. 000 t. Tabellen i bilaga I till förordning nr 2505/96 skall ändras med tabellen i bilagan till denna förordning. Artikel 2 1 2 EGT L EGT L 345, 31. 12. 1996, s. 1. Förordningen senast ändrad genom förordning (EG) nr 2745/1999 (EGT L 331, 23. 12. 1999, s. 17). 3 Artikel 3 Denna förordning träder i kraft den sjunde dagen efter det att den har offentliggjorts i Europeiska gemenskapernas officiella tidning. Den skall tillämpas från och med den 1 juli 2000 utom för artikel 1 vilken skall börja tillämpas från och med den 1 januari 2000. Denna förordning är till alla delar bindande och direkt tillämplig i alla medlemsstater. Utfärdad i Bryssel den På rådets vägnar Ordförande 4 KN-nummer Taric Varuslag Kvotmängd BILAGA ex 3824 90 95 74 4. 000 tons Löp- nummer 09. 2986 Tullsats (%) 0 Kvotperiod 1. 7. - 31. 12. 2000 09. 2987 ex 3905 91 00 09. 2988 ex 4823 90 50 ex 4823 90 90 93 30 13 1. 000 tons 705 tons 0 0 1. 7. - 31. 12. 2000 1. 7. - 31. 12. 2000 Blandning av tertiära aminer innehållande - minst 60 viktprocent dodecyldimetylamin - minst 20 viktprocent tetradecyldimetylamin - minst 0,5 viktprocent hexadecyldimetylamin Sampolymerer av eten och vinylalkohol (EVOH) Papper av den typ som används vid framställning av elektrolytkondensatorer (kondensatorpapper), framställt av annat material än alfa- och espartofibrer, med en sulfathalt av högst 5 mg/kg och en kloridhalt av högst 1 mg/kg, med en tjocklek av minst 25 µm men högst 80 µmr och en bredd av högst 800 mm 5 FINANSIERINGSÖVERSIKT 1. ÅTGÄRDENS BETECKNING Förslag till Rådets förordning (EG) om ändring av förordning (EG) nr 2505/96 om öppnande och förvaltning av autonoma gemenskapstullkvoter för vissa jordbruks- och industriprodukter. 2. BERÖRD BUDGETPOST Kapitel 12, artikel 120 (1210 + 1060) 3. RÄTTSLIG GRUND Artikel 26 i fördraget 4. 4. 1 5. 5. 1 BESKRIVNING AV ÅTGÄRDEN Allmänt mål att Säkerställa gynnsammast möjliga villkor. behoven i gemenskapens förädlingsindustri tillgodoses på BUDGETKONSEKVENSER Metod för att beräkna åtgärdens totala kostnad (i förekommande fall: samband mellan de enskilda kostnaderna och den totala kostnaden) Varubeskri vning Ändring av tullkvotvolymer (enhet/ton) Ändring av beräknat pris /enhet) € ( Blandni ng 09. 2986 Sampol y-merer 09. 2987 Papper 09. 2988 + 4. 000 t (ursprunglig mängd: 0 t) + 1. 000 t (ursprunglig mängd: 0 t) + 705 t (ursprunglig mängd: 0 t) 0 (ursprungligt pris: 1. 470) 0 (ursprungligt pris: 5. 378) 0 (ursprungligt pris: 6. 153) Ändring av kvottull- satsen (i %) 0 0 0 Ändring av den vanliga tullsatsen (i %) (GTA 2000) 0 (ursprungligt tull: 6,5) 0 (ursprungligt tull: 8,9) 0 (ursprungligt tull: 4,6 (genomsnittstull)) Förväntad ändring av inkomstbortfallet jämfört med föregående tullkvotperiod (i € ) + 383. 200 + 478. 642 + 199. 541 Sammanlagt € + 1. 060. 383 inkomstbortfall jämfört med föregående tullkvotperiod: 6 6. BESTÄMMELSER OM BEDRÄGERIBEKÄMPNING I bestämmelserna om förvaltningen av tullkvoter fastställs nödvändiga åtgärder för förebyggande av och skydd mot bedrägerier och oegentligheter. 7


title: INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1141/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione. Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorità alimentare europea.

eurovoc_concepts:
amendment of a law
drafting of EU law
food safety
mutual recognition principle

formats: html pdf print

text: 20. 2. 2001 IT Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunit(cid:224) europee C 53 E/81 in materia di regolamentazione, nella fattispecie i comitati comprendenti Gli organismi competenti rappresentanti degli Stati membri, saranno responsabili delle loro decisioni qualora tali decisioni si di discostino dal parere scientifico? a) In caso affermativo in che modo, a giudizio della Commissione, essi saranno responsabili? b) In caso negativo, per quale motivo la Commissione non ritiene necessario che i comitati regolamentari giustifichino pubblicamente le decisioni che si discostano dal parere scientifico? (2001/C 53 E/098) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1128/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione (11 aprile 2000) Oggetto: Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea Nel gennaio 2000 Ł stato pubblicato il Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare (COM(1999) 719 def. ). Il capitolo 4 tratta dell(cid:146)istituzione di un(cid:146)Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea e il capitolo 5 della legislazione in materia di sicurezza alimentare. Il libro bianco indica tre motivi per i quali la gestione dei rischi non rientra nel mandato dell(cid:146)Autorit(cid:224) par. 33). Si parte implicitamente dal presupposto che l(cid:146)attuale processo decisionale offra sufficienti garanzie di responsabilit(cid:224) democratica e trasparenza. Tale presupposto contrasta con la realt(cid:224). Nella maggior parte degli Stati membri il controllo democratico sul processo decisionale nel contesto dei comitati regolamen- tari Ł insufficiente. Nella maggior parte dei casi non si redigono ordini del giorno delle riunioni dei comitati regolamentari nØ sono disponibili documenti o verbali delle riunioni. L(cid:146)attuale processo decisio- nale pertanto non Ł trasparente. Intende la Commissione prendere iniziative per intensificare il controllo democratico sui comitati regolamentari? a) In caso affermativo, quali iniziative? b) In caso negativo, per quale motivo la Commis- sione Ł contraria ad un controllo democratico dei comitati regolamentari? (2001/C 53 E/099) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1140/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione (11 aprile 2000) Oggetto: Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea. Nel gennaio 2000 Ł stato pubblicato il Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare (COM(1999) 719 def. ) il cui capitolo 4 tratta dell(cid:146)istituzione di un(cid:146)Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea mentre il capitolo 5 si sofferma sugli aspetti normativi. L(cid:146)incoerenza della vigente normativa postula, a giudizio della Commissione, una revisione della legislazione in campo alimentare (punto 64). Secondo osservatori la vigente normativa sui prodotti alimentari Ł stata il frutto di una reazione al mercato unico. Una revisione della stessa deve pertanto basarsi su principi univoci. Ci(cid:242) premesso, Ł la Commissione disposta a predisporre una normativa organica dell(cid:146)UE in materia alimentare che abbracci l(cid:146)intera catena alimentare? In caso negativo, potrebbe essa indicarne i motivi? In caso affermativo, entro quale data potrebbe essere varata una siffatta normativa dell(cid:146)UE in materia alimentare? (2001/C 53 E/100) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1141/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione (11 aprile 2000) Oggetto: Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea Nel gennaio 2000 Ł stato pubblicato il Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare (COM(1999) 719). Il capitolo 4 tratta dell(cid:146)istituzione di un(cid:146)Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea e il capitolo 5 della legislazione in materia di sicurezza alimentare. C 53 E/82 Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunit(cid:224) europee IT 20. 2. 2001 Si avanzano proposte per la creazione di un quadro generale in relazione a settori in cui non esistono regole specifiche armonizzate (in tale contesto, per il momento, vige il riconoscimento reciproco). Intende la Commissione proporre una nuova legislazione orizzontale? In caso negativo, la legislazione esistente Ł sufficiente a garantire il riconoscimento reciproco dei prodotti, malgrado le procedure lunghe e complesse che essa richiede? (2001/C 53 E/101) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1142/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione (11 aprile 2000) Oggetto: Libro Bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea Nel gennaio 2000 Ł stato pubblicato il Libro Bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare (COM(1999) 719 def). Il capitolo 4 riguarda l(cid:146)istituzione di un(cid:146)autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea (AAE). Il capitolo 5 prende in esame gli aspetti normativi della sicurezza alimentare. I principi della sicurezza alimentare dovrebbero essere applicabili anche al settore dei mangimi (paragrafo 69). Gli incidenti avvenuti negli ultimi anni dimostrano che il settore dei mangimi Ł parte integrante della catena alimentare. E(cid:146) necessario definire chiaramente i materiali che possono essere usati o meno nella produzione di mangimi, compresi i sottoprodotti di origine animale. Sarebbe auspicabile un elenco positivo di ingredienti di mangimi, ma la procedura preliminare Ł complessa e richiede tempo. Nel breve termine si deve pertanto provvedere ad ampliare l(cid:146)attuale elenco negativo. Nel medio termine la Commissione Ł impegnata a procedere verso l(cid:146)elaborazione di un elenco positivo. La normativa verr(cid:224) modificata in modo tale da escludere carcasse e materiali di scarto dalla produzione di mangime per gli animali. A tale fine possono essere utilizzati soltanto materiali derivati da animali sani. E(cid:146) gi(cid:224) stata avviata la procedura di elaborazione di un elenco positivo? In caso negativo, quando 1. intende la Commissione avviare tale procedura? 2. Quale procedura segue o seguir(cid:224) la Commissione per elaborare questo elenco positivo? (2001/C 53 E/102) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1143/00 di Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) alla Commissione (11 aprile 2000) Oggetto: Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare e Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea Nel gennaio 2000 Ł stato pubblicato il Libro bianco sulla sicurezza alimentare (COM(1999) 719). Il capitolo 4 riguarda l(cid:146)istituzione di un(cid:146)Autorit(cid:224) alimentare europea (AAE). Il capitolo 5 prende in esame gli aspetti normativi della sicurezza alimentare. ¨ necessario definire chiaramente i diversi gruppi di prodotti che vengono utilizzati nell(cid:146)alimentazione animale per evitare zone grigie. Nel medio periodo sar(cid:224) possibile evitare nell(cid:146)UE l(cid:146)uso di antibiotici quali fattori che favoriscono la crescita, tenendo conto del loro possibile uso nella medicina umana e in quella veterinaria. Gli antibiotici che non sono utilizzati a scopi terapeutici nella medicina umana e in quella veterinaria 1. potranno continuare ad essere usati nell(cid:146)alimentazione animale, contrariamente agli altri antibiotici? Intende la Commissione (far) condurre una ricerca anche sul rischio dell(cid:146)utilizzazione di antibiotici 2. nell(cid:146)alimentazione animale? 3. Intende la Commissione impegnarsi a livello internazionale per un(cid:146)armonizzazione delle normative concernenti gli antibiotici, tenuto conto delle distorsioni della concorrenza che queste comportano. In caso negativo, quale politica intende condurre la Commissione se i produttori europei si ritengono penalizzati in quanto non possono utilizzare determinati strumenti?


title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1138/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission. Weißbuch über die Lebensmittelsicherheit und die Europäische Lebensmittelbehörde.

eurovoc_concepts:
European Food Safety Authority
food safety
intra-EU relations
powers of the institutions (EU)

text: 13. 2. 2001 DE Amtsblatt der Europ(cid:228)ischen Gemeinschaften C 46 E/131 Die Beh(cid:246)rde hat die M(cid:246)glichkeit, direkt und offen mit den Verbrauchern zu kommunizieren. Sie kann alle Betroffenen direkt (cid:252)ber ihre Ergebnisse, was die Lebensmittelsicherheit und die Ern(cid:228)hrung angeht, infor- mieren. Die Kommission bleibt weiterhin f(cid:252)r die Kommunikation von Entscheidungen, die das Risiko- management angeht, verantwortlich (Punkt 51). 1. Wo liegt nach Auffassung der Kommission die Grenze zwischen Unterrichtung der (cid:214)ffentlichkeit und Kommunikation in Verbindung mit Risikomanagement? Darf die Beh(cid:246)rde aus eigener Initiative heraus die Bev(cid:246)lkerung (cid:252)ber Risiken bestimmter Produkte 2. unterrichten, beispielsweise (cid:252)ber Listeria? Falls nein, wer (cid:252)bernimmt diese Kommunikation angesichts der Bedeutung f(cid:252)r den Verbraucher? (2001/C 46 E/148) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1138/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (11. April 2000) Betrifft: Wei(cid:223)buch (cid:252)ber die Lebensmittelsicherheit und die Europ(cid:228)ische Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde Im Januar 2000 wurde das Wei(cid:223)buch (cid:252)ber die Lebensmittelsicherheit ver(cid:246)ffentlicht (KOM(1999) 719 endg. ). Kapitel 4 behandelt die Einrichtung einer Europ(cid:228)ischen Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde. In Kapitel 5 wird auf die rechtlichen Aspekte der Lebensmittelsicherheit eingegangen. Der Beh(cid:246)rde kommt in Krisensituationen eine Informationen beschaffende und unterst(cid:252)tzende (m(cid:246)glicher- weise auch ausf(cid:252)hrende) Rolle zu (Punkt 52 und folgende). Die Beh(cid:246)rde wird keine Entscheidungen (cid:252)ber konkrete Ma(cid:223)nahmen bei Krisensituationen treffen, dies bleibt eine Aufgabe der Kommission und der Regelungsaussch(cid:252)sse, die aus Vertretern der Mitgliedstaaten bestehen. R(cid:228)umt die Kommission ein, da(cid:223) die bestehenden Entscheidungsverfahren in Krisensituationen nicht in allen F(cid:228)llen wegen der unterschiedlichen Auffassungen der Mitgliedstaaten zufriedenstellend gewirkt haben? Falls nein, ist die Kommission dann der Auffassung, da(cid:223) die Bew(cid:228)ltigung von Krisensituationen bislang vorbildlich war? Falls ja, erw(cid:228)gt die Kommission, der Beh(cid:246)rde k(cid:252)nftig Verantwortung bei der Bew(cid:228)ltigung von Krisensituationen zu geben? (2001/C 46 E/149) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1139/00 von Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (11. April 2000) Betrifft: Wei(cid:223)buch (cid:252)ber die Lebensmittelsicherheit und die Europ(cid:228)ische Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde Im Januar 2000 wurde das Wei(cid:223)buch (cid:252)ber die Lebensmittelsicherheit ver(cid:246)ffentlicht (KOM(1999) 719 endg. ). Kapitel 4 behandelt die Einrichtung einer Europ(cid:228)ischen Lebensmittelbeh(cid:246)rde. In Kapitel 5 wird auf die rechtlichen Aspekte der Lebensmittelsicherheit eingegangen. Die Beh(cid:246)rde und die Kommission m(cid:252)ssen eng zusammenarbeiten (Punkt 56 ff. ). Eine enge Zusammen- arbeit bewirkt eine gute Unterrichtung der Beh(cid:246)rde (cid:252)ber die laufenden Entwicklungen, und sie ist dadurch in der Lage, den Bed(cid:252)rfnissen der Kommissionsdienststellen Rechnung zu tragen. Wird die Beh(cid:246)rde angesichts der Notwendigkeit einer engen Zusammenarbeit und eines raschen Informa- tionsaustausches in der N(cid:228)he der Kommission angesiedelt? Falls nein, ist ein Standort, der nicht in der N(cid:228)he der Kommission liegt, nicht ein Hindernis f(cid:252)r eine enge Zusammenarbeit und einen raschen Informationsaustausch mit der Kommission, wie sie im Wei(cid:223)buch bef(cid:252)rwortet werden?


title: PERGUNTA ESCRITA E-1159/00 apresentada por Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) à Comissão. Livro Branco sobre a segurança dos alimentos e a autoridade alimentar europeia.

eurovoc_concepts:
extra-EU trade
food safety
foodstuff
labelling

text: C 72 E/20 Jornal Oficial das Comunidades Europeias PT 6. 3. 2001 Os Estados-membros sªo responsÆveis pela aplica(cid:231)ªo no quotidiano da legisla(cid:231)ªo comunitÆria. Todavia, sªo efectuadas periodicamente inspec(cid:231)ıes no local por peritos da Comissªo, de modo a garantir a aplica(cid:231)ªo uniforme da directiva, bem como a assegurar que as autoridades dos Estados-membros verificam o cumprimento das disposi(cid:231)ıes da mesma. A aprova(cid:231)ªo pelas autoridades de planos de viagem inadequados, bem como a utiliza(cid:231)ªo de ve(cid:237)culos nªo conformes ao Regulamento (CE) no 411/98 do Conselho (3), de 16 de Fevereiro de 1998, relativo a normas complementares em matØria de protec(cid:231)ªo dos animais, aplicÆveis aos ve(cid:237)culos rodoviÆrios utilizados no transporte de animais vivos em viagens de dura(cid:231)ªo superior a oito horas, constituem infrac(cid:231)ıes relatadas pelas missıes de inspec(cid:231)ªo do Servi(cid:231)o Alimentar e VeterinÆrio da Comissªo. Foram jÆ iniciados procedimentos de infrac(cid:231)ªo relativamente (cid:224) GrØcia, estando em prepara(cid:231)ªo procedimentos similares relativamente a outros Estados-membros. Entretanto, a Comissªo adoptou recentemente diversas iniciativas complementares com o objectivo melhorar vÆrios aspectos da protec(cid:231)ªo dos animais durante o transporte. O artigo 13o da Directiva 91/628/CEE do Conselho, com a redac(cid:231)ªo que lhe foi dada pela Directiva 95/29/CEE do Conselho, prevŒ que a Comissªo deverÆ apresentar ao Conselho um relat(cid:243)rio sobre a experiŒncia adquirida pelos Estados-membros com a aplica(cid:231)ªo da directiva, eventualmente acompanhado de propostas. O relat(cid:243)rio, que serÆ apresentado ao Conselho atØ Junho de 2000, terÆ em conta todas as informa(cid:231)ıes dispon(cid:237)veis, nomeadamente os resultados das missıes do Servi(cid:231)o Alimentar e VeterinÆrio referidos pela Sra Deputada. A Comissªo apresentarÆ propostas de altera(cid:231)ªo da legisla(cid:231)ªo em vigor, de modo a assegurar uma melhor aplica(cid:231)ªo com base nas conclusıes do relat(cid:243)rio supracitado. (1) (2) (3) JO L 340 de 11. 12. 1991. JO L 148 de 30. 6. 1995. JO L 52 de 21. 2. 1998. (2001/C 72 E/023) PERGUNTA ESCRITA E-1159/00 apresentada por Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) (cid:224) Comissªo (11 de Abril de 2000) Objecto: Livro Branco sobre a seguran(cid:231)a dos alimentos e a autoridade alimentar europeia Em Janeiro de 2000 foi publicado o Livro Branco sobre a seguran(cid:231)a dos alimentos (COM(1999) 719 final). O seu cap(cid:237)tulo 4 trata da cria(cid:231)ªo de uma Autoridade Alimentar Europeia (AAE) e o cap(cid:237)tulo 5 dos aspectos regulamentares em matØria de seguran(cid:231)a dos alimentos. A rotulagem tornou-se uma questªo de pol(cid:237)tica comercial em diversos dom(cid:237)nios, num dos quais a seguran(cid:231)a dos alimentos. A Comissªo promove a adop(cid:231)ªo de directrizes multilaterais em matØria de rotulagem (no 99). (cid:201) l(cid:243)gico que aos produtos alimentares importados sejam aplicadas normas de rotulagem idŒnticas (cid:224)s aplicÆveis aos produtos alimentares produzidos na UE. EnvidarÆ a Comissªo esfor(cid:231)os no sentido de que as directrizes multilaterais sobre rotulagem sejam pelo menos equivalentes (cid:224)s directivas da UE? Em caso afirmativo, foram jÆ dados passos nesse sentido nos fora internacionais? Em caso negativo, por que razªo Ø a Comissªo contrÆria a directrizes multilaterais equivalentes e de que alternativas dispıe para aplicar aos produtos alimentares importados normas de rotulagem idŒnticas (cid:224)s aplicadas aos produtos alimentares produzidos na UE? Resposta dada pelo ComissÆrio Lamy em nome da Comissªo (16 de Junho de 2000) A Comissªo considera que a rotulagem obrigat(cid:243)ria deve ser aplicada de igual forma tanto aos produtos comunitÆrios como aos importados de pa(cid:237)ses terceiros. A actual legisla(cid:231)ªo comunitÆria relativa (cid:224) rotulagem de alimentos jÆ estabelece normas gerais e espec(cid:237)ficas aplicÆveis tanto aos produtos da Comunidade como aos importados. AtØ ao presente, estas exigŒncias nªo foram contestadas. Todavia, existem factores importantes que devem ser tomados em considera(cid:231)ªo no contexto do comØrcio internacional. 6. 3. 2001 PT Jornal Oficial das Comunidades Europeias C 72 E/21 A rotulagem Ø um termo lato que pode ter vÆrios objectivos, que incluem as informa(cid:231)ıes aos consumidores sobre os conteœdos, os mØtodos de aplica(cid:231)ªo e os ingredientes, assim como advertŒncias sobre determinados riscos potenciais para a saœde (por exemplo, a poss(cid:237)vel presen(cid:231)a de alergØnios). A rotulagem estÆ prevista no acordo sanitÆrio e fitosanitÆrio da Organiza(cid:231)ªo Mundial de Saœde (OMS), sempre que esteja directamente relacionada com a seguran(cid:231)a alimentar. Por outro lado, estÆ igualmente abrangida pelo Acordo sobre os ObstÆculos TØcnicos ao ComØrcio (OTC) da OMS ou, ainda, pelo Acordo Geral de Tarifas e ComØrcio (GATT). O acordo OTC procura assegurar que as medidas tØcnicas nªo dificultem o comØrcio internacional. As medidas restritivas do comercio apenas sªo permitidas se visarem determinado objectivo legitimo. AtØ ao momento, as informa(cid:231)ıes ao consumidor nªo estªo explicitamente mencionadas na lista OTC, mas os assuntos relacionados com a saœde e com a preven(cid:231)ªo de prÆticas enganadoras sªo explicitamente mencionados. Isto nªo significa que as informa(cid:231)ıes ao consumidor nªo possam ser consideradas como um objectivo leg(cid:237)timo no (cid:226)mbito do acordo sobre os OTC, visto que, o acordo nªo s(cid:243) autoriza a rotulagem quando esta Ø utilizada para prevenir prÆticas que possam induzir em erro, mas tambØm devido ao facto da lista dos objectivos leg(cid:237)timos nªo ser exaustiva. A Comissªo gostaria que se realizassem discussıes multilaterais com vista a obter um acordo internacional sobre estas questıes. O Codex Alimentarius estabeleceu normas gerais e espec(cid:237)ficas para determinadas categorias de produtos. A Comissªo participa nas reuniıes do Codex e, juntamente com os Estados- -membros, continuarÆ a envidar os seus melhores esfor(cid:231)os a fim de obter um acordo que satisfa(cid:231)a os objectivos comunitÆrios em rela(cid:231)ªo (cid:224) protec(cid:231)ªo da saœde humana e (cid:224)s informa(cid:231)ıes ao consumidor. (2001/C 72 E/024) PERGUNTA ESCRITA P-1169/00 apresentada por Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) (cid:224) Comissªo Objecto: Sementes de algodªo geneticamente manipuladas (10 de Abril de 2000) Nos termos dos Regulamentos comunitÆrios 90/220 (1) e 98/95 (2) Ø proibida a importa(cid:231)ªo e cultura de sementes geneticamente manipuladas na Uniªo Europeia. Na GrØcia, segundo informa(cid:231)ıes, foram impor- tadas sementes de algodªo de variedades convencionais que contŒm tambØm sementes geneticamente manipuladas. Segundo informa(cid:231)ªo da Uniªo dos Organismos Oficiais de Certifica(cid:231)ªo de Sementes (AOSCA) (cid:129) entidade internacional competente para a certifica(cid:231)ªo de sementes (cid:129), os Estados Unidos nªo emitem certificados comprovativos de que as sementes que exportam estªo isentas de material genetica- mente manipulado. Dado que a legisla(cid:231)ªo europeia proibe a comercializa(cid:231)ªo e a utiliza(cid:231)ªo de sementes geneticamente manipuladas pergunta-se (cid:224) Comissªo: 1. 2. Se tenciona proibir a importa(cid:231)ªo dos Estados Unidos e outros pa(cid:237)ses para a UE de sementes de algodªo e outras plantas relativamente (cid:224)s quais nªo existe certifica(cid:231)ªo oficial de que nªo contŒm materiais geneticamente manipulados e Se os Estados-membros podem unilateralmente, com base na legisla(cid:231)ªo comunitÆria em vigor, proibir a importa(cid:231)ªo destas sementes? (1) (2) JO L 117 de 8. 5. 1990, p. 15. JO L 25 de 1. 2. 1999, p. 1. Resposta dada pelo ComissÆrio David Byrne em nome da Comissªo (15 de Junho de 2000) AtØ (cid:224) data, nenhuma variedade de algodªo geneticamente modificado recebeu autoriza(cid:231)ªo de 1. coloca(cid:231)ªo no mercado comunitÆrio ao abrigo da parte C da Directiva 90/220/CEE do Conselho, de 23 de Abril de 1990, relativa (cid:224) liberta(cid:231)ªo deliberada no ambiente de organismos geneticamente modificados. Encontram-se actualmente pendentes de aprova(cid:231)ªo, com base no procedimento de autoriza- (cid:231)ªo previsto na directiva, dois pedidos, relativos (cid:224) coloca(cid:231)ªo no mercado de algodªo com resistŒncia a insectos e toler(cid:226)ncia a herbicidas


title: WRITTEN QUESTION E-1131/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.

eurovoc_concepts:
European Commission
European Food Safety Authority
interinstitutional relations (EU)

text: 13. 2. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 46 E/129 (2001/C 46 E/142) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1130/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Authority will be responsible for scientific advice and it has to acquire the status of a visibly appreciated point of reference. It must be available to give consumers information on developments in food safety. Finally, it has to work in close collaboration with national bodies and network with them. 1. What form will cooperation on providing information to consumers between the EFA and the national information bodies take? Will the Authority and the national bodies have clearly defined powers in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity? 2. What form will cooperation on scientific advice take between the Authority and the national information bodies? Will the Authority and the national bodies have clearly defined powers in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity? (2001/C 46 E/143) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1131/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Commission believes that the Authority should have legislative status in order to perform its tasks independently, to maximise its impact on protection of the health of consumers and to be independent of the EU Institutions. Does the intended independent position give the Authority the power to ask the Commission for an interpretation of policy decisions reached in the light of opinions from the Authority? If not, why does the Commission not think it necessary for the Authority to be able to inquire into the follow-up to, or implementation of, its opinions? (2001/C 46 E/144) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1132/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Commission does not rule out an extension of the Authority(cid:146)s competencies in the future (section 40). 1. What new competencies does the Commission have in mind? 2. When will this extension of competencies take place?


title: 2000/805/EC: Commission Decision of 11 April 2000 on State aid implemented by France for the pig-farming sector (notified under document number C(2000) 1169) (Only the French text is authentic)

eurovoc_concepts:
France
State aid
control of State aid
infringement of EU law
producer organisation
swine

text: 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/65 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 11 April 2000 on State aid implemented by France for the pig-farming sector (notified under document number C(2000) 1169) (Only the French text is authentic) (2000/805/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 88(2) thereof, Having called on interested parties to submit their comments pursuant to those provisions and having regard to those comments, Whereas: I PROCEDURE (1) (2) Following a press article of 11 September 1998 mentioning a French Government decision concerning aid measures for pig-farmers, the Director-General for Agriculture sent the French authorities a request for notification on 15 September 1998. The French authorities notified the measures referred to by letter of 2 October 1998, recorded as received on 9 October 1998. A request for further information was sent on 28 October 1998. The purpose of the letter was to request documents setting out the technical arrange- ments to be sent It drew attention to Article 88(3) of the Treaty, which prohibits the imple- mentation of State aid. It also mentioned the principle that aid which is not compatible with the common immediately. is to be market information recovered. containing additional details reached the Directorate- General for Agriculture on 27 November and 1 and 2 December 1998. Further (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) The Commission initiated the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty in respect of the above aid measure by letter No SG (98) D/12216 of 22 December 1998. The decision to initiate the procedure was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (1). The Commission called on the other Member States and interested parties to submit their comments on the aid in question. By letter of 31 March 1999 the Commission received the comments of the Danish authorities on the initiation of the procedure by the Commission. France forwarded its comments by letter of 12 February 1999. The Commission wrote again to the French authorities by letters from the Director-General for Agriculture of 1 June and 20 October 1999. The French authorities replied by letter of 24 November 1999. II DESCRIPTION By letter of 2 October 1998 to the Commission, the French authorities wrote concerning the arrangements as follows: ‘Following the crisis in the pig-farming industry, characterised by a sharp fall in prices and an unprece- dented level of excess production in the Community, in to back up market measures decided at order Community level, the French authorities have taken a number of financial and social measures. ’ The measures notified are described below. (1) OJ C 61, 3. 3. 1999, p. 7. L 326/66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 Stabiporc Carry-over of social-security contributions (8) (9) The French authorities intend to restart the scheme of advances refundable to the Caisse professionnelle de régulation porcine (hereinafter referred to as ‘stabiporc’). The scheme involves paying fully refundable advances to producer groups to enable them to regularise the prices for pork pigs paid to pig-farmers belonging to the scheme. It is therefore intended to regularise pig-farmers' incomes, which are affected by the crises in pigmeat production. Stabiporc is a company constituted under civil law whose purpose is to raise funds from a number of financial partners in order to provide pig-farmers with refundable advances. This calls for agreement and cooperation among the various partners. The Commission has already stated a position on the scheme. Two negative decisions were adopted in the past (1) concerning aid, deemed unlawful, to be provided to beneficiaries under the scheme. The rates of interest on advances granted were well below the market rates and advances not refunded by producer groups were defrayed by the Office national interprofessionnel des viandes, de l'élevage et de l'aviculture (hereinafter referred to as ‘Ofival’). (10) The arrangements will be adjusted in line with the Euro- pean Commission's remarks in the decisions it took previously. As a result: — the public authorities' contribution will be confined to authorising Ofival to join the financial partners in financing a loan amounting to FRF 72 million (approximately EUR 11 million). In addition, Ofival will not act as guarantor in the event of debts outstanding or arrears in payment. Contractual rela- tions between Ofival and Stabiporc will state expli- citly that, in the event of debts outstanding or arrears in payment on the reimbursement of the capital of and interest on Ofival loans, Ofival will be entitled to seize sums due, plus interest on late payments, from producer groups, i. e. — the interest rate on loans will be fixed on the basis of the normal market rate, the Paris interbank offered rate (PIBOR) + 0,6 %. The value for PIBOR used will be the most recent available quarterly indi- cator. The loans granted to pig-farmers will vary in duration depending on the economic situation at the time and in particular on the level of market prices. At all events, the rate will be fixed for one year and it will never be less than the reference rate in force for loans of a duration of one year or less. Loans are granted to solvent producer groups only. (1) Commission Decisions of 27 July 1994 (Aid C 8/94) (OJ L 335, 23. 12. 1994, p. 82) and of 31 October 1995 (Aid C 38/94) (OJ L 114, 8. 5. 1996, p. 26). (11) In order to determine which holdings are eligible for the carry-over of social-security contributions, the authori- ties will conduct audits at department level. In order to assess how real and how serious the difficulties these holdings are facing are, three criteria will be considered in particular: — a significant decline in turnover or a reduction in the trade margin recorded in 1996 and 1997 and the first few months of 1998, — specific as increased level of short-term debt, financial difficulties shown by an — delays in meeting terms of payment for banking or social-security commitments. (12) In the light of the audit findings, holdings experiencing financial difficulties that are not likely to jeopardise their viability will be offered the possibility of staggering payment of their personal social-security contributions (this will not affect payment of contributions due as employers). The measure is estimated to cost FRF 6 million (approximately EUR 914 000). Beneficiaries (13) Only farmers whose holdings are deemed viable under the departmental audit findings will be eligible. Farmers whose payment records in previous years show unjusti- fied incidents will not be granted loans. The measure will be available only to farmers whose turnover from pig-farming accounts for at least 50 % of the total turn- (35 % for breeders). Lastly, over of pigfarms must comply with the terms of their author- isations or their declarations in accordance with French Law No 76-663 of 18 July 1976 on establishments classified for environmental protection. their holdings Rules (14) Payment schedules may extend for up to two years. The loans may cover technical and additional agricultural sickness contributions (AMEXA), old-age pension contri- butions, family allowance and widows' pension contri- butions outstanding under the self-employed agricultural workers' scheme. Payment by instalments will relate only to the balance of social-security contributions payable in respect of 1998 after payments on account have been made, which will represent 15 % to 20 % of total contributions. (15) Detailed arrangements for recovering contributions will be a matter for each separate agricultural social-security mutual fund. They are responsible for deciding the terms under which eligible farmers may pay their contribu- tions without losing social-security cover. Failure on the part of the farmer to comply with the payment schedule decided by the fund will lead to immediate suspension of this facility. 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/67 (16) (17) (18) (19) In the present case, State assistance is intended to supplement the benefits normally provided by the agri- cultural social-security funds, which are not in a position to offer facilities for staggering payment of social- security contributions to all the producers concerned, given the magnitude of the problems they face and in view of their concentration in certain regions. The crisis affecting the pig-farming sector is so serious that many farmers are facing problems that could have major social and family repercussions (such as the loss of all social- security cover). This is why the authorities have decided to shoulder part of the cost of staggering the payment of contributions. Recent investors This measure consists in relieving pig-farmers of part of the burden of interest payments on their bank loans. The arrangements involve taking over 3 % to 5 % of the volume of loans concluded in 1996 to 1998. The relief is calculated on the basis of the bank lending alone. Priority will be given to farmers whose borrowing was intended to finance initial investments in the industry. Furthermore, beneficiary farms must comply with the regulations on the environment. The borrowing base taken into account for the measure will not include household loans, real-estate financing or livestock loans. The French authorities pointed out that arrangements of this type in favour of recent investors were applied in the pig-farming sector in 1993. The Commission expressed its views on the compatibility of the arrange- ments in its decision of 27 July 1994 (Aid measure NN 116/93, later C 9/94). According to the French authori- ties, the support measures for small producers are comparable with those for recent investors. The arrange- ments contemplated will take account of the Commis- sion's remarks; accordingly: — the aid must relate to loans taken out to finance (23) investments already made, — the aggregate grant equivalent of any existing aid and the new aid may not exceed the rates generally authorised by the Commission. Special attention will be paid to cases where more than one start-up aid scheme is applied (start-up loans for young farmers and start-up allowances) to ensure that the aggregate grant equivalent complies with Community aid ceil- ings. Priority will be given to farmers with moderni- sation loans, — aid will be granted after readjustment of rates on new loans to take account of changes in the cost of borrowing, or should involve agricultural holdings offering guarantees of viability, in particular where financial costs resulting from existing loans are such that the holdings may be threatened and possibly at risk of bankruptcy. (20) The measure is forecast to cost FRF 30 million (approxi- mately EUR 4,5 million). (21) As far as Stabiporc is concerned, when it initiated the procedure for the examination of measures notified the Commission took the view that State aid for viable undertakings would be confined to the granting of loans at the normal market interest rate. This market interest rate follows the reference rate and stood at 4,30 % in January 1999. The (interbank rate for one year) French authorities have provided evidence that the rate of interest applied is never below the reference rate in force for loans of a duration of one year or less. This measure thus implies no favour and therefore no aid. (22) However, when the procedure was initiated, the Commission considered that the measures consisting in a carry-over of social-security contributions and the partial defraying of interest on bank loans constituted an advantage for pig-farmers. This aid was therefore not regarded in principle as compatible with the common market, unless it could qualify under one of the excep- tions provided for in Article 87(2) or (3) of the Treaty. On the basis of the information available to it, the Commission had no evidence enabling it to conclude that the aid was compatible with the common market; it would seem to constitute operating aid. More especially, while the French authorities considered that the scheme could be covered by the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty (1), they did not provide information enabling the Commis- those Guidelines have been sion to conclude that followed. The Commission therefore deemed it neces- sary to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the Treaty. III COMMENTS FROM FRANCE By letter of 12 February 1999, the French authorities presented their remarks concerning the Commission's decision to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the Treaty in respect of the aid measure noti- fied. (24) confirmed the The French authorities information provided in the past concerning the Stabiporc scheme, both as regards its objective (to pay fully refundable advances to producer groups to enable them to regu- larise the prices for pork pigs paid to pig-farmers belonging to the scheme) and the mechanism whereby it operated (by granting loans at the market rate). (1) OJ C 283, 19. 9. 1997, p. 2. These Guidelines have been replaced by a new version (OJ C 288, 9. 10. 1999, p. 2). L 326/68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 (25) As regards the aid by way of carry-over of personal social-security contributions and the measures for recent investors, the French authorities broadly confirm the information provided to the Commission, while pointing out that the two measures meet the requirements of the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. (26) As regards the carry-over of personal social-security the the French authorities contributions, measure consists in staggering payment of the balance of the contributions payable in respect of 1998 after payment of the payments on account. Having regard to the criteria in the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty, they point out the following,: state that (a) restoring an undertaking's long-term viability: an audit of each potential beneficiary conducted at departmental level by a committee reporting to the agricultural social-security mutual fund is carried out to determine which farmers are capable of recov- ering; (b) preventing undue distortion of competition in a sector suffering from structural excess capacity, through the irreversible reduction or closing-down of production capacity: the Guidelines, in accordance with the exemption provided for in point 3. 2. 5(c)(i) of for measures targeting a particular category of products or opera- tors, where the totality of decisions taken in favour of all beneficiaries over any consecutive 12-month period does not involve a quantity of product which exceeds 3 % of the total annual production of such products in that country, the Commission, subject to adherence to all other conditions, will waive the capacity reduction requirements. The French authorities assert this principle since the estimated budget for the measure amounts to FRF 6 total annual production in million, and 3 % of France, taking the average for the three preceding years, represents FRF 780 million in value; (c) aid in proportion to the costs and benefits of restructuring: the measure does not involve the State's defraying of the contributions. The farmer pays his contributions in instalments and therefore only enjoys facilities in payment; (d) full implementation of restructuring plan and annual report to the Commission: the French authorities undertake to meet these two conditions. (27) As regards the measure for recent investors, the French authorities point out that having regard to the criteria in the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty: (a) restoring the undertaking's long-term viability: the audit of each beneficiary conducted by Ofival seeks to assess the undertaking's capacity to survive the short-term difficulties. It involves in particular a detailed analysis of the loans taken out and the corresponding amortisation schedules, (b) preventing undue distortion of competition in a sector suffering from structural excess capacity, through the irreversible reduction or closing-down of production capacity: for the French authorities point to the exemption provided for in point 3. 2. 5(c)(i) of the Guidelines, since the estimated budget the measure is FRF 30 million, and 3 % of total annual production in France, taking the average of the three preceding years, represents FRF 780 million in value and 780 000 pigs (source: Eurostat). A initial estimate by the French authorities puts the number of pork pig places under the measure at 60 000; (c) aid in proportion to the costs and benefits of restructuring: the arrangements involve taking over 3 % to 5 % of the volume of loans concluded in 1996 to 1998. The loans taken out in 1996, 1997 and 1998, particularly those going back furthest in time, were concluded at high interest rates that are far above the current rates for borrowing. Rates of 8,5 %, 7,6 % and 7,10 % are accordingly frequent while the PIBOR currently stands at 3,85 %, which means the bank is taking 4,5 %. As a consequence, the aid, which is equivalent to the granting of a sum in proportion to the amount, only represents a part of the annual financial burden, with the producer bearing the greater part; (d) full implementation of the restructuring plan and annual report to the Commission: the French authorities undertake to meet these two conditions. The French authorities also state that only small and medium-sized holdings (with between 42 and 200 sows in production under the breeder-fattener system), gener- ally employing the farmer and his spouse and sometimes one employee, qualify under this measure. The beneficia- ries under the measure therefore fall within the category of small agricultural enterprises (SAEs) employing less than 10 annual work units. The arrangements accord- ingly contribute towards maintaining farmers and their families in rural areas where jobs are scarce. 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/69 (28) (29) IV COMMENTS FROM OTHER PARTIES By letter of 31 March 1999, the Commission received the comments of the Danish authorities, which were then forwarded to the French authorities. The Danish authorities expressed their agreement with the Commis- sion's initial conclusions concerning the three measures in question, but they pointed out that the measures would set the French pig-farming sector at an advantage over industries in the other Member States. They also said that support for the pig-farming sector can only be provided through the existing Community arrange- ments, while noting that the market had been signifi- cantly stabilised by drawing on the possibilities of aid under in pigmeat. the common organisation of the market (31) V OTHER MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY FRANCE than once to the same beneficiaries, which would be a breach of the principles laid down in the Community Guidelines for the granting of this type of aid. On several occasions (letters of 11 January, 19 April, 16 June and 14 December 1999), the Commission wrote to the French authorities to request them to confirm or deny the information on the new aid measures and to notify any aid to the pig-farming industry. By letter of 16 June 1999 the French authorities replied that the measure concerning the slaughter of piglets had not been introduced or financed by the authorities and that it was an exclusively interbranch measure. By letter of 24 November 1999, they confirmed that at the height of the crisis, the authorities had announced a series of measures for the pig-farming industry. However, as the situation on the market for pigmeat had improved in spring 1999, thanks in particular to the introduction of the food-aid programme and the Community manage- ment the French authorities decided not to follow up some of the arrangements announced. Accordingly, in addition to the measures covered by this procedure, the only measure was the aid for discontinuing activity, notified to the Commission on 5 July 1999 (see recital 29). No reply has, however, been provided to date as regards the plan presented on 9 December 1999. instruments (refunds), by several followed in early January 1999, The Commission's initiation of the examination proce- dure was announcements concerning the implementation of other measures for the pig-farming sector, which were not, moreover, noti- fied to the Commission. Thus, according to information published in France aid amounting to around FRF 10 million (approximately EUR 1,5 million) was granted by the French Govern- ment in the form of a premium of FRF 2 per kilogram of pork paid to certain traders, who were supposed to pass it on to the producers through the slaughterhouses. On 7 April 1999 the French Agriculture Minister Mr Glavany announced aid totalling FRF 140 million (approximately EUR 21,3 million) by way of direct support for pigfarms. In addition, on 28 April 1999 French pig-farmers announced a measure that involved withdrawing animals from the market by slaughtering piglets (80 000 between May and August 1999). Lastly, on 9 December 1999 Mr Glavany outlined supporting arrangements for pig-farmers in difficulty to the repre- sentatives of the national branch organisations. These the were to take the form of arrangements for assistance for the amicable settlement of bankruptcy proceedings in the pigmeat sector, intro- duced in spring 1999, notified to the Commission on 5 July 1999 and authorised by the latter under State aid measure N 405/99 (1). loans to supplement VI ASSESSMENT (32) In accordance with Article 87(1) of the Treaty and save for the derogations provided for in that Treaty, any aid granted by the Member States or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods is, in so far as it affects trade between Member States, incompatible with the common market. (33) Article 21 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat (2), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 (3), provides that, save as otherwise provided therein, Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty are to apply to the production of and trade in pigmeat. (30) The Commission wanted a comprehensive view of all the measures that the French authorities might have implemented in support of the pigmeat sector, in partic- ular in order to prevent State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty from being granted more (34) The measures notified by France fall in principle under aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the Treaty in so far as they seek to relieve certain producers of the economic and financial burdens affecting competitors who are not in receipt of this assistance. (1) Commission letter No SG(99) D/8509 of 25 October 1999 to the French authorities. (2) OJ L 282, 1. 11. 1975, p. 1. (3) OJ L 349, 31. 12. 1994, p. 105. L 326/70 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 Stabiporc (35) As far as Stabiporc is concerned, the French authorities explained that the State aid for viable undertakings (1) will solely involve granting loans at the normal market interest rate. The French authorities provided evidence that the rate of interest applied is never lower than the reference rate in force for loans not exceeding one year in duration. Furthermore, the contracts governing relations between Ofival and Stabiporc will explicitly mention that should amounts not be paid or delays arise in payment in connection with the reimbursement of the capital and interest of the Ofival loan, Ofival will be entitled to seize the sums due, plus interest on late payment, from the producer groups. Under those conditions, the possibility of any advantage, and consequently aid, may be discarded. The Commission therefore concludes that the Stabiporc scheme and the detailed arrange- ments for its application as they are currently contemplated by the French authorities comply with the provisions of the Treaty in so far as the scheme comprises no element of aid in accordance with Article 87(1) of the Treaty. At all events, if loans providing for more favourable conditions than these were to be contemplated in the future, the French authorities should inform the Commission. (36) The French authorities are requested to present an annual report to the Commission setting out the details of the way the scheme operates, and in particular the advances paid during the financial year, the interest rates applied, the amounts reimbursed and/or in arrears, the balances of advances, etc. Carry-over of social-security contributions and recent investors (37) (38) The purpose of these two measures is to relieve certain producers of economic and financial burdens; this would give them an advantage over competitors who are not in receipt of this assistance. As a consequence, the measures distort or threaten to distort competition in the abovementioned way and as a result they fall within the definition of State aid in Article 87(1) of the Treaty. The aid is likely to affect trade between Member States in so far as it favours national production over that of the other Member States. The pigmeat sector is especially open to competition at Community level, and therefore in France, and it is consequently very sensitive to any measure favouring production in any country. (39) The following table shows the volume of trade in pigmeat between France and the other Member States. Imports from EU-14 (1 000 ECU) 1998 1999 Tonnes — carcase weight 1998 1999 Pigmeat 899 584 821 979 524 935 532 044 Agricultural produce covered by WTO 18 644 780 19 007 811 Total 185 465 865 194 409 593 Exports from EU-14 (1 000 ECU) 1998 1999 Tonnes — carcase weight 1998 1999 Pigmeat 763 029 682 965 431 625 395 877 Agricultural produce covered by WTO 25 430 299 25 670 810 Total 178 384 485 188 441 594 (1) ‘Viable undertaking’ means any undertaking not experiencing economic difficulties within the meaning of the Commu- nity Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/71 1998 EUR-15 France France/EUR-15 Current prices and current exchange rates Pigs (1 000 ECU) 21 263 2 844 13,4 % Total final (agricultural) production 213 467 46 187 21,6 % (40) However, there are exceptions to the principle concerning the incompatibility of State aid set out in Article 87(1) of the Treaty. (41) (42) The exceptions to the principle of incompatibility laid down in Article 87(2) clearly do not apply. Moreover, the French authorities did not claim they did. The exceptions provided for in Article 87(3) of the Treaty must be interpreted strictly when any regional or sectorial aid programme or any individual case of application of general aid schemes is being considered. They may in particular be allowed only where the Commission is able to establish that the aid is necessary to achieve one of the aims in question. Allowing such exceptions to apply to aid not meeting that condition would be tantamount to allowing trade between Member States to be affected and permitting distortion of competition that has no justification having regard to the Community interest and, by the same token, undue advantages for the operators of certain Member States. (43) Article 87(3)(c) provides that aid to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas may be considered to be compatible with the common market where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. (44) More specifically as regards the measure concerning the carry-over of social-security contributions, according to the decisions of the Court of Justice (1), payment facilities in respect of social security contributions granted in a discretionary manner to an undertaking by the body responsible for collecting such contributions constitute State aid for the purposes of Article 87(1) of the Treaty if, having regard to the size of the economic advantage so conferred, the undertaking would manifestly have been unable to obtain comparable facilities from a private creditor in the same situation vis-a-vis that undertaking as the collecting body. At no time have the French authorities claimed that such carry-overs do not fall within the scope of State as aid referred to above. Furthermore, the Commission does not have any information allowing it to conclude that the measure in question does not fall within the scope of State aid. (45) The aid must be assessed in particular in the light of those provisions and of the special provisions governing the case in point. (46) When it initiated the procedure, the Commission held that, in so far as the beneficiary undertakings were profitable establishments not covered by any restructuring or rescue plan, the exception provided for in Article 87(3)(c) (first part of the first phrase) could not be entertained. None the less, the French authorities subsequently took the view that the aid must be considered in the light of the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. (47) If aid schemes for rescuing and restructuring are to be approved, the beneficiaries must be small and medium-sized enterprises in accordance with the Community definition. Small agricultural enter- prises (SAEs) are those employing no more than 10 annual work units. The French authorities state that the beneficiaries under the measure for recent investors are SAEs. No details are given as regards the measure for the carry-over of personal social-security contributions. If the measure also covered enterprises other than SMEs, the French authorities should have notified the measure in respect of each individual beneficiary. (1) Judgment in Case C-256/97 Déménagements-Manutention Transport SA (DMT) [1999] ECR I-391. L 326/72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 (48) In accordance with the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty, this type of aid must comply with the following conditions. (a) Existence of financial difficulties (49) (50) (51) (52) In accordance with the Community Guidelines for this type of aid, the Commission deems that an enterprise is in difficulty ‘where it is unable, whether through its own resources or with the funds it is able to obtain from its owner/shareholders or creditors, to stem losses which, without outside intervention by the public authorities, will almost certainly condemn it to go out of business in the short or medium term. ’ It cannot be concluded from the information provided by the French authorities that the beneficiary undertakings are in financial difficulty within the meaning referred to above. The French authorities actually contemplate granting aid to holdings that are in awkward financial situations which do not jeopardise the holdings' viability. (i) Thus, as far as the first type of aid is concerned (carry-over of personal social-security contribu- tions), the measure seeks to prevent any undesirable effects, such as the loss of all social-security cover that could arise from the farmers' failure to pay their contributions. While the Commission agrees that the situation currently affecting the sector is likely to put certain producers in an awkward situation, it considers that the fact that one of the conditions for entitlement to the aid is the undertaking's viability means that the scheme is in direct conflict with the Community rules applicable to firms in difficulty. The producers concerned may be going through a difficult phase, but their survival does not appear to be in jeopardy as a result of these difficulties, and State intervention is therefore not justified. (ii) The way the second measure (recent investors) is applied does not imply that all the producers in question are facing a situation that could condemn them to go out of business. The Commission refers to the description of the measure in recitals 17 to 20 and recital 27 for the French claims. The Commission therefore takes the view that the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty are not adequately applied in the case in point. In their letter of 12 February 1999, the French authorities seek to show that certain conditions for this type of aid are met, without however targeting the beneficiaries who are eligible under the Community rules. The Commission's misgivings regarding the individual beneficiaries' financial status have not been dispelled as far as the situation prior to the initiation of the procedure (recital 46) is concerned. The Commission wishes to point out, moreover, that the arguments put forward by the French authorities at the time of the original notification and those presented once the procedure had been initiated appear to contradict each other. The former do not give the impression of a situation that can still force the undertakings out of business and the aid is not even described as measures for rescuing and restructuring the firms concerned. The latter suggest that the undertakings are facing economic difficulties when they state that the aim of the audit is to assess the farm's capacity to survive the current difficulties. But no argument is put forward to back up this statement and support the conclusion that the condition as to the existence of financial difficulties is thus met. The short-term nature of the difficulties, according to the French authorities, is such as to corroborate the Commission's arguments in recitals 49 and 50. (b) Restoring an undertaking's long-term viability (53) Aid for restructuring must be linked to a viable restructuring or recovery plan, which together with all the necessary details; must be submitted to the Commission, and validated by the latter. The plan must enable the undertaking's competitiveness to be restored within a reasonable timescale. The plan, the duration of which must be as limited as possible, must comprise a market study covering a series of points as set out in Annex I to the Community Guidelines. In addition, the undertaking's viability must mainly result from the internal measures laid down in the plan and it cannot therefore be based on external factors over which the undertaking has practically no influence, such as market trends. 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/73 (54) (55) The French authorities point out that for both measures, audits are performed on each potential beneficiary with the aim of determining the farmers whose situations can actually be restored (recitals 26 and 27). Even assuming that the condition under (a) is fulfilled, the Commission considers that the informa- tion provided does not prove that this condition is actually met. Audits of holdings are not the same as restructuring plans. The former only serve to ascertain the economic situation of the holding and at most to determine its degree of solvency, but it cannot ensure the restoration of the holding's long-term viability. Audits are therefore confined to preventing holdings not viable at the present time from qualifying for aid, but they have no effect, via any action plan, on the long-term viability of many undertakings in a climate of production surpluses and cyclical crises. The aid measures notified by France are de facto similar to rescue aid to the extent that they are intended to provide an immediate response to a situation of economic crisis besetting many producers, but no restructuring is undertaken under a plan or guaranteed by the measures proposed. According to the Community Guidelines, rescue aid is temporary assistance that makes it possible to keep an ailing firm afloat for the time needed to work out a restructuring or liquidation plan and/or for the length of time the Commission needs to be able to reach a decision on that plan. (56) Restructuring plans must principally serve to programme measures to be undertaken to restore the competitiveness of holdings within a reasonable time. Accordingly, given the type of undertakings targeted and the environment in which they operate, the Commission considers that restoring the viability of the undertakings affected cannot be guaranteed simply by relieving their short-term financial burden following a financial audit. (c) Preventing undue distortion of competition in a sector where there is structural excess capacity by reducing or definitively closing down production capacity (57) (58) The French authorities refer to the exemption for the agricultural sector provided for in point 3. 2. 5(c)(i) of the Guidelines (point 5. 4(c)(i) of the new Guidelines) for measures aimed at a particular category of products or operators. Where the totality of decisions taken in favour of all beneficiaries over any consecutive 12-month period does not involve more than 3 % of the total annual production of such products in that country, the Commission, subject to compliance with all other conditions, will waive the capacity reduction requirement (recitals 26 and 27). The Commission has no objections regarding the data provided with regard to the measure for recent investors. However, those relating to the measure concerning the carry-over of social-security contributions relate solely to the proportion of the aid as compared with the figure of 3 % of total national production. The important point for the exemption referred to in point 57 is the quantity of products to which the aid applies as compared with annual production. The data provided do not specify, however, the number of animals covered by the aid. Given this lack of information, the Commission is not in a position to verify compliance with this condition. (59) Even if one were to agree that in purely arithmetical terms, and in the light of the figures that France may submit, this condition is likely to be met, the Commission is not always in a position to waive this requirement because the conditions referred to under (a) and (b) are not met. (d) One time, last time principle (60) Even assuming that the condition under (a) is met, any failure to comply with the condition in (b) puts observance of this principle in jeopardy. The lack of a plan for restoring viability raises doubts as to the long-term recovery and viability of the undertakings, all the more so as the implementation of schemes notified in a climate of overall, cyclical crisis in the pig-farming sector provides no guarantee that in the future the same holdings will not be faced once more with situations of short-term financial difficulty that could induce the State to come to their assistance again. L 326/74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 (e) Aid must be in proportion to the costs and benefits of restructuring. (f) Full implementation of the restructuring plan and annual report to the European Commission (61) Any failure to meet the conditions in points (a), (b) and (d) makes an assessment of compliance with these two conditions pointless. As regards point (e) more specifically and in order to limit the amount and rate of the aid to what is absolutely necessary, the Commission points out that the aid beneficiaries must make a significant contribution to the restructuring plan by mobilising their own resources or through external financing obtained at market conditions. This point is not raised by the French authorities. On the other hand, the French authorities' undertaking to meet the condition in point (f) calls for their compliance with the other conditions mentioned as a precondition for acceptance. (62) As regards the compliance of the scheme under consideration with the principles outlined, the Commission considers that the French authorities have not satisfactorily demonstrated the ‘difficulty’ of the economic situation facing all the holdings targeted. Even had they, despite the Commission's requests at no point in the procedure did they submit a plan for the recovery of the undertakings concerned. As a result, the aid could only temporarily relieve certain producers' lack of liquidity, without ensuring that the measures necessary to ensure their long-term competitiveness were taken. The impact on competition is not offset by the existence of any clear plan for the future. The Commission has also not been apprised of the size of the undertakings covered by the measure for the carry-over of social-security contributions. This conclusion regarding the scheme does not prejudge the assessment of any individual cases, not notified by the French authorities, that meet the requirements of the Guidelines. (63) Furthermore, as regards the French authorities' comment in recital 19, the Commission points out that the positive decision of 27 July 1994 (Aid NN 116/93, later C 9/94) was adopted on the basis of criteria (1) that ceased to apply to the agricultural sector on 1 January 1998 (2) for purposes of determining whether this type of aid is compatible with the common market. (64) The French authorities are of the opinion that the criteria in the Guidelines are fulfilled while they emphasise the measure's slight impact in terms of distortion of competition. (65) However, in accordance with the Community Guidelines, the basic principle governing this type of aid is to authorise restructuring aid only in cases where it can be shown that granting such aid is not contrary to the Community interest. This will only be possible on the basis of strict criteria and the assurance that any distortion of competition will be offset by the benefits arising from the survival of the undertaking and, where appropriate, by sufficient compensation for the competitors. (66) The measures proposed by the French authorities come in direct response to the crisis situation in the pig-farming sector following the collapse of pigmeat prices throughout the Community (recital 7). The Commission is of the opinion that in a situation of this sort, any measure favouring any particular undertaking is likely to create particularly serious distortion of competition in a sector as sensitive and subject to such permanent excess capacity as the pig-farming industry, and that other Community undertakings in the same situation could be especially affected. Accordingly, only measures adopted under the Community agricultural policy and, more specifically, under the common organisation of the market concerned could ensure that the overall interests of the players on that market are taken into account. In this connection it should be remembered that recourse by a State to Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty cannot take precedence over the Regulation governing the organisation of the market in question (3). The application of those Articles continues to be subject to the provisions of the Regulations concerned. The Commission cannot approve aid measures which, by nature (4), are incompatible with the provisions governing the common organ- isation of a market or which hamper the proper operation of the market organisation concerned. (1) Criteria applied by the Commission for financial charges on loans being paid off for investments already made (SG(89) 343/2, 7. 3. 1989). (2) Date of entry into force, for this sector, of the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. (3) Judgment of the Court in Case 177/78 Pigs and bacon Commission v McCarren and Company Limited [1979] ECR-2161. (4) See recital 69. 22. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 326/75 (67) Accordingly, in the light of the information available, bearing in mind the crisis situation under which the measure was taken and mindful of the pressures exerted on several Governments in the Community to take national measures to assist the sector, the Commission is of the opinion that the aid contemplated — is tantamount to a response to a call for help prompted by the crisis affecting the pig-farming industry and cannot be regarded as forming an integral part of a real restructuring plan for the undertakings concerned. As a consequence, the Commission must conclude that the measures contemplated cannot qualify under the derogation provided for in Article 87(3)(c), which provides that aid to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas may be considered to be compatible with the common market where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. As a consequence, the measures constitute operating aid that is not compatible with the Treaty. VII CONCLUSION (68) (69) The measure notified by France that consists in restarting the scheme of advances refundable to the Caisse professionnelle de régulation porcine (Stabiporc), under the conditions now contemplated by the authorities in that country, does not constitute State aid within the meaning of Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty. The aid schemes that consist in carrying over social-security contributions and granting aid for recent investors do not qualify under the derogation provided for in Article 87(3) of the Treaty, since they do not meet all the conditions laid down in the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. As a consequence, they are not compatible with the Treaty and cannot therefore be implemented. (70) Where aid is not compatible with the common market, Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 88 of the EC Treaty (1) provides that the Commission is to decide that the Member State concerned is to take all necessary measures to recover the aid from the beneficiary. Such reimbursement, involving the cancellation of all the financial advantages from which beneficiaries of the aid granted unlawfully have benefited unduly since the date of granting of the aid, is necessary to re-establish the situation applying previously. (71) However, since the measures notified have not been applied to date, as confirmed by the letter of 24 November 1999 from the French authorities stating, with regard to the measures taken in response to the pig-farming crisis, that the only measure finally decided was the aid for discontinuing activity, notified on 5 July 1999 (C 405/99) and that no rescue or restructuring aid was granted, no decision need be taken to recover the aid, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 1. The measure notified by France that consists in restarting the scheme of advances refundable to the Caisse professionnelle de régulation porcine, under the conditions contemplated by the authorities in that country, does not constitute State aid within the meaning of Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty The aid schemes that consist in carrying over social-security contributions and granting aid for recent 2. investors cannot qualify under the derogation provided for in Article 87(3) of the Treaty and as a consequence they constitute operating aid that is not compatible with the Treaty. France shall be required to cancel the aid schemes referred to in Article 1(2). Article 2 France shall inform the Commission, within two months of notification of this Decision, of the 1. measures that it has taken to comply therewith. Article 3 (1) OJ L 83, 27. 3. 1999, p. 1. L 326/76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 2000 The French authorities shall send the Commission an annual report providing details of the way the 2. scheme of advances refundable to the Caisse professionnelle de régulation porcine operates, including in particular the amounts paid in advance in the course of the financial year, the rates of interest applied, the amounts refunded and in arrears, the balances of the advances, etc. Those details must include the information needed by the Commission to ascertain that the undertakings that have benefited under the scheme are viable within the meaning of the Community Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. This Decision is addressed to the French Republic. Article 4 Done at Brussels, 11 April 2000. For the Commission Franz FISCHLER Member of the Commission


title: Απόφαση της Μεικτής Επιτροπής του ΕΟΧ αριθ. 40/2000, της 11ης Απριλίου 2000, για την τροποποίηση του πρωτοκόλλου 31 της συμφωνίας για τον ΕΟΧ σχετικά με τη συνεργασία σε ειδικούς τομείς εκτός του πλαισίου των τεσσάρων ελευθεριών

eurovoc_concepts:
EU programme
action programme
aid to disaster victims
civil defence
public safety

text: L 141/68 EL Επίσηµη Εφηµερίδα των Ευρωπαϊκών Κοινοτήτων 15. 6. 2000 ΑΠΟΦΑΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΙΚΤΗΣ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΟΧ αριθ. 40/2000 της 11ης Απριλίου 2000 για την τροποποίηση του πρωτοκόλλου 31 της συµφωνίας για τον ΕΟΧ σχετικά µε τη συνεργασία σε ειδικούς τοµείς εκτός του πλαισίου των τεσσάρων ελευθεριών Η ΜΕΙΚΤΗ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΕΟΧ, Έχοντας υπόψη τη συµφωνία για τον Ευρωπαϊκό Οικονοµικό Χώρο, όπως τροποποιήθηκε από το πρωτόκολλο προσαρµογής της συµφωνία για τον Ευρωπαϊκό Οικονοµικό Χώρο, (εφεξής «η συµφωνία»), και ιδίως τα άρθρα 86 και 98, Εκτιµώντας τα ακόλουθα: (1) (2) (3) Το πρωτόκολλο 31 της συµφωνίας τροποποιήθηκε µε την απόφαση αριθ. 71/1999 της Μεικτής Επιτροπής του ΕΟΧ, της 2ας Ιουνίου 1999 (1). Κρίνεται σκόπιµο να επεκταθεί το πεδίο συνεργασίας των συµβαλλοµένων µερών της συµφωνίας ώστε να συµπεριλάβει και την απόφαση 1999/847/ΕΚ του Συµβουλίου, της 9ης ∆εκεµβρίου 1999, σχετικά µε τη θέσπιση κοινοτικού προγράµµατος δράσης στον τοµέα της πολιτικής άµυνας (2). Εποµένως, το πρωτόκολλο 31 της συµφωνίας θα πρέπει να τροποποιηθεί ώστε να καταστεί δυνατή η επέκταση της εν λόγω συνεργασίας από 1ης Ιανουαρίου 2000, ΑΠΟΦΑΣΙΖΕΙ: Άρθρο 1 Στο άρθρο 10 παράγραφος 8 (πολιτική άµυνα) του πρωτοκόλλου 31 της συµφωνίας, προστίθεται η ακόλουθη περίπτωση: «— 399 D 0847: απόφαση 1999/847/ΕΚ του Συµβουλίου, της 9ης ∆εκεµβρίου 1999, σχετικά µε τη θέσπιση κοινοτικού προγράµµατος δράσης στον τοµέα της πολιτικής άµυνας (ΕΕ L 327 της 21. 12. 1999, σ. 53). » Άρθρο 2 Το άρθρο 10 του πρωτοκόλλου 31 της συµφωνίας τροποποιείται ως εξής: 1. Η λέξη «πρόγραµµα» στις παραγράφους 5, 6 και 7 αντικαθίσταται από τη λέξη «προγράµµατα». 2. Η λέξη «επιτροπή» στην παράγραφο 7 αντικαθίσταται από τη λέξη «επιτροπές». 3. Η λέξη «πράξη» αντικαθίσταται από τη λέξη «πράξεις». Η παρούσα απόφαση αρχίζει να ισχύει την 1η Ιουλίου 2000, υπό την προϋπόθεση ότι έχουν πραγµατοποιηθεί προς τη Μεικτή Επιτροπή του ΕΟΧ όλες οι κοινοποιήσεις που προβλέπονται στο άρθρο 103 παράγραφος 1 της συµφωνίας (*). Άρθρο 3 Εφαρµόζεται από 1ης Ιανουαρίου 2000. Άρθρο 4 Η παρούσα απόφαση δηµοσιεύεται στο τµήµα ΕΟΧ και στο συµπλήρωµα ΕΟΧ της Επίσηµης Εφηµερίδας των Ευρωπαϊκών Κοινοτήτων. Βρυξέλλες, 11 Απριλίου 2000. Για τη Μεικτή Επιτροπή του ΕΟΧ Ο Πρόεδρος F. BARBASO (1) ∆εν έχει δηµοσιευθεί ακόµα στην Επίσηµη Εφηµερίδα. (2) ΕΕ L 327 της 21. 12. 1999, σ. 53. (*) Αναφέρονται συνταγµατικές απαιτήσεις


title: SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL E-1149/00 af Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) til Kommissionen. Hvidbog om fødevaresikkerhed og en europæisk fødevaremyndighed.

eurovoc_concepts:
European social policy
food safety
nuclear accident
radioactive pollution

text: 20. 2. 2001 DA De Europ(cid:230)iske F(cid:230)llesskabers Tidende C 53 E/89 (2001/C 53 E/118) SKRIFTLIG FORESP(cid:216)RGSEL E-1162/00 af Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) til Kommissionen (12. april 2000) Om: Hvidbog om fłdevaresikkerhed og en europ(cid:230)isk fłdevaremyndighed I januar 2000 offentliggjorde Kommissionen sin hvidbog om fłdevaresikkerhed (KOM(1999) 719 endelig). Kapitel 4 vedrłrer oprettelse af en europ(cid:230)isk fłdevaremyndighed. Kapitel 5 omhandler lovgivningen om fłdevaresikkerhed. Nogle forbrugere vil gerne vide, hvor deres fłdevarer kommer fra (punkt 103). Der foreligger ikke mange oplysninger om omkostningerne ved systemer, der sikrer dette, og om de praktiske muligheder. Vil Kommissionen foresl(cid:229) at m(cid:230)rke de ingredienser, der er fremstillet p(cid:229) grundlag af genetisk 1. modificerede organismer? Hvorfor anser Kommissionen det i ben(cid:230)gtende fald ikke for nłdvendigt at m(cid:230)rke ingredienser, der er fremstillet p(cid:229) denne m(cid:229)de, p(cid:229) baggrund af deres »sl(cid:230)gtskab« med genetisk modificerede organismer og forbrugernes ret til information? Hvordan vil Kommissionen i bekr(cid:230)ftende fald fasts(cid:230)tte retsforskrifter herfor? 2. Hvilken supplerende m(cid:230)rkning vil Kommissionen foresl(cid:229) for tils(cid:230)tningsstoffer og aromaer, der er fremstillet ved hj(cid:230)lp af genetisk modificerede organismer, ud over de m(cid:230)rkningsregler for s(cid:229)danne stoffer, der allerede blev vedtaget i januar 2000? Samlet svar afgivet p(cid:229) Kommissionens vegne af David Byrne p(cid:229) skriftlige forespłrgsler E-1122/00, E-1127/00, E-1128/00, E-1140/00, E-1141/00, E-1142/00, E-1143/00, E-1144/00, E-1145/00, E-1146/00, E-1147/00, E-1148/00, E-1150/00, E-1151/00, E-1152/00, E-1153/00, E-1155/00, E-1156/00, E-1157/00, E-1158/00, E-1160/00, E-1161/00 og E-1162/00 (9. juni 2000) De spłrgsm(cid:229)l, det (cid:230)rede medlem har rejst, er ved at blive undersłgt med henblik p(cid:229) frems(cid:230)ttelse af lovgivningsforslag i overensstemmelse med den tidsplan, der er fastsat i hvidbogen om fłdevaresikkerhed. Det ville v(cid:230)re uhensigtsm(cid:230)ssigt p(cid:229) dette stadium at foregribe detaljerne i de enkelte forslag. (2001/C 53 E/119) SKRIFTLIG FORESP(cid:216)RGSEL E-1149/00 af Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) til Kommissionen (11. april 2000) Om: Hvidbog om fłdevaresikkerhed og en europ(cid:230)isk fłdevaremyndighed I januar 2000 offentliggjorde Kommissionen sin hvidbog om fłdevaresikkerhed (KOM(1999) 719 endelig). Kapitel 4 vedrłrer oprettelse af en europ(cid:230)isk fłdevaremyndighed. Kapitel 5 omhandler lovgivningen om fłdevaresikkerhed. Findes der p(cid:229) EU-plan et scenarie for de foranstaltninger, der skal tr(cid:230)ffes i tilf(cid:230)lde af en kernekraftulykke i eller i n(cid:230)rheden af EU? I bekr(cid:230)ftende fald, hvad er de centrale linjer i disse foranstaltninger? I ben(cid:230)gtende fald agter Kommissionen nu at udarbejde en handlingsplan i tilf(cid:230)lde af en kernekraftulykke? Svar afgivet p(cid:229) Kommissionens vegne af Margot Wallstr(cid:246)m (14. juni 2000) Alle levnedsmidler af s(cid:229)vel animalsk som vegetabilsk oprindelse rummer bestemte risici i form af mikro- biologisk og kemisk, herunder radioaktiv, forurening. I hvidbogen om fłdevaresikkerhed (1) bekr(cid:230)ftes og understreges betydningen af at indtage en pro-aktiv holdning i forhold til alle former for forurening samt fortsat at fłlge udviklingen i situationen efter atomkraftulykken i Tjernobyl nłje. C 53 E/90 De Europ(cid:230)iske F(cid:230)llesskabers Tidende DA 20. 2. 2001 Efter Tjernobyl-ulykken vedtog F(cid:230)llesskabet allerede i 1987 en r(cid:230)kke f(cid:230)llesskabsbestemmelser, hvori der fastsattes maksimalt tilladte niveauer for radioaktiv forurening i forbindelse med forhandling og eksport af levnedsmidler og foder efter en nuklear ulykke eller andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare. Det drejer sig om R(cid:229)dets forordning (Euratom) nr. 3954/87 af 22. december 1987 om fasts(cid:230)ttelse af de maksimalt tilladte niveauer for radioaktivitet i levnedsmidler og foder som fłlge af nukleare ulykker eller andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lings- fare (2), (cid:230)ndret ved R(cid:229)dets forordning (Euratom) nr. 2218/89 af 18. juli 1989 (3) og suppleret med andre forordninger (4). I henhold til artikel 2 i forordning (Euratom) nr. 3954/87 vedtager Kommissionen, hvis den (cid:129) navnlig i overensstemmelse med enten f(cid:230)llesskabsordningen for hurtig udveksling af information i tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare som fastsat i R(cid:229)dets beslutning 87/600/Euratom om en f(cid:230)llesskabsordning for hurtig udveksling af information i tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare (2), eller i henhold til IAEA-konventionen af 26. september 1986 om hurtig anmeldelse af kernekraftuheld (cid:129) modtager officielle oplysninger om uheld eller om andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare, der godtgłr, at de maksimalt tilladte v(cid:230)rdier i bilag I til forordning (Euratom) nr. 3954/87 m(cid:229) antages at blive n(cid:229)et, łjeblikkelig en forordning, som bringer de maksimalt tilladte niveauer i anvendelse. En s(cid:229)dan forordning er kun gyldig i et begr(cid:230)nset tidsrum (hłjst tre m(cid:229)neder). Inden for dette tidsrum forel(cid:230)gger Kommissionen R(cid:229)det et forslag til forordning om bekr(cid:230)ftelse af de trufne foranstaltninger eller om nłdvendigt om tilpasning af niveauerne til, hvad ulykken kr(cid:230)ver, under behłrig hensyntagen til łkonomiske og sociale faktorer. (1) KOM(1999) 719 endelig udg. (2) EFT L 371 af 30. 12. 1987. (3) EFT L 211 af 27. 7. 1989. (4) Kommissionens forordning (Euratom) nr. 944/89 af 12. april 1989 om fasts(cid:230)ttelse af de maksimalt tilladte niveauer for radioaktivitet i mindre vigtige levnedsmidler som fłlge af nukleare ulykker eller andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare (cid:129) EFT L 101 af 13. 4. 1989. R(cid:229)dets forordning (E(cid:216)F) nr. 2219/89 af 18. juli 1989 om s(cid:230)rlige betingelser for udfłrsel af levnedsmidler og foder efter nukleare ulykker eller i andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare (cid:129) EFT L 211 af 27. 7. 1989. Kommissionens forordning (Euratom) nr. 770/90 af 29. marts 1990 om fasts(cid:230)ttelse af de maksimalt tilladte niveauer for radioaktivitet i foder som fłlge af nukleare ulykker eller andre tilf(cid:230)lde af str(cid:229)lingsfare (cid:129) EFT L 83 af 30. 3. 1990. (2001/C 53 E/120) SKRIFTLIG FORESP(cid:216)RGSEL P-1168/00 af Helena Torres Marques (PSE) til Kommissionen (10. april 2000) Om: Opfłlgning af liberaliseringen af lufttransporten Form(cid:229)let med liberaliseringen af lufttransporten var i fłrste r(cid:230)kke at forbedre borgernes adgang til denne transportform. Det blev anset for givet, at liberaliseringen ville fłre til en łget konkurrence mellem luftfartsselskaberne, og det ville igen resultere i: (cid:129) et stłrre antal selskaber, som opererede p(cid:229) samme rute (forbedret brugervalg) (cid:129) flere afgange (bedre mulighed for at v(cid:230)lge den mest fordelagtige afgangstid) (cid:129) generelt prisfald og bedre service Efter en indledende fase, som virkede ret lovende med hensyn til opfyldelse af disse m(cid:229)ls(cid:230)tninger, kan det nu konstateres, at visse uheldige faktorer undergraver m(cid:229)ls(cid:230)tningerne. Alliancer mellem luftfartsselskaberne i fusioner, code sharing eller andre arrangementer har gradvist fłrt til dominerende stillinger, som er alvorligere end tidligere, hvad der har haft meget skadelige fłlger for passagererne. form af