title: INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA n. 1716/97 dell'on. Hiltrud BREYER alla Commissione. "Stromeinspeisegesetz" (legge tedesca in materia di approvvigionamento di energia elettrica)

eurovoc_concepts:
Germany
State aid
complaint to the Commission
electrical energy
electrical industry
infringement of EU law
production cost
restriction on competition
wind energy

text: C 21/86 IT Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunita‘ europee 22. 1. 98 (98/C 21/183) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1716/97 di Hiltrud Breyer (V) alla Commissione (23 maggio 1997) Oggetto: «Stromeinspeisegesetz» (legge tedesca in materia di approvvigionamento di energia elettrica) Nella sua lettera del 26 ottobre 1996 al ministro tedesco dell(cid:146)Economia Rexrodt, il Commissario van Miert dichiara che per il settore della generazione eolica di energia elettrica la Commissione si e‘ basata «per il 1990 su una capacita‘ di 20 megawatt e un maggior onere annuale compreso fra 500. 000 e 1. 000. 000 di marchi tedeschi per l(cid:146)insieme delle imprese tedesche fornitrici di energia elettrica». Facendo i calcoli su questa base, i costi addizionali legati all(cid:146)energica eolica ammontano al massimo a 0,0125-0,025DM/kWh. Tale calcolo coincide con la giurisprudenza tedesca in materia di intese o cartelli nonche· con le le cifre fornite dalle associazioni per le energie rinnovabili. Tale valore e‘ pero‘ al tempo stesso in stridente contrasto con i dati indicati al riguardo dal settore energetico tedesco e ripresi senza verifiche dalla Commissione, secondo i quali costi addizionali arriverebbero nel 2005 fino a 900 milioni di marchi (per una potenza installata di energia eolica stimata in 4. 000 MW). Seguendo invece la base di calcolo indicata dalla Commissione, per l(cid:146)intero complesso delle aziende tedesche fornitrici di energia si avrebbero nel 2005 costi addizionali di un importo non superiore a 100-200 milioni di marchi. Gli studi sull(cid:146)evoluzione dei costi nel settore dell(cid:146)energia eolica pubblicati in Germania all(cid:146)inizio del 1997 1. dimostrano che non si puo‘ certo parlare di un eccesso di sostegno in virtu‘ della «Stromeinspeisungsgesetz». Tali ricerche dimostrano che solo nelle localita‘ costiere piu‘ favorevoli gli abbuoni attualmente concessi sono sufficienti per un esercizio economicamente redditizio degli impianti. E in tali studi non si e‘ neppure tenuto conto di eventuali futuri incidenti e lavori di riparazione. La Direzione generale IV e‘ al corrente di tali ricerche? Ha intenzione, alla luce di queste nuove conoscenze, di circoscrivere la portata delle sue affermazioni dell(cid:146)ottobre 1996? 2. Il Commissario responsabile per la concorrenza e‘ a conoscenza del fatto che il suo Direttore generale Alexander Schaub, tedesco, e‘ iscritto allo stesso partito cui appartiene il ministro dell(cid:146)Economia Rexrodt, cui era diretta la lettera del 26 ottobre 1996? Non sussiste in questo caso un grave conflitto di interessi, soprattutto in considerazione del fatto che il signor Schaub risulta essere l(cid:146)estensore di una nota interna della Direzione generale IV sulla «Stromeinspeisungsgesetz», nella quale in modo del tutto palese viene ripresa, senza alcuna verifica, la posizione della ricorrente PreussenElektra, mentre non viene invece neppure citata la documenta- zione presentata dalle associazioni per le energie rinnovabili? Risposta data dal Sig. Van Miert in nome della Commissione (9 luglio 1997) 1. Nel corso del 1997, alla Commissione sono stati presentati diversi studi, attualmente in fase di esame, sull(cid:146)evoluzione dei costi di produzione dell(cid:146)energia eolica nella Repubblica federale di Germania. Nella misura in cui i risultati di tali studi possono risultare rilevanti ai fini della valutazione della «Stromeinspeisungsgesetz» (legge tedesca in materia di approvvigionamento di energia elettrica) alla luce delle norme sugli aiuti di Stato, la Commissione li prendera‘ in considerazione nel decidere come procedere nel caso in oggetto. 2. La Commissione e‘ tenuta ad esaminare le denunce presentate in merito all(cid:146)infrazione di regole di concorrenza comunitarie sia da imprese che da singoli cittadini. Nell(cid:146)adempiere questo obbligo, la Commissione chiede sistematicamente al governo dello Stato membro interessato di pronunciarsi sui fatti che sono addotti nella denuncia. Era dunque questo lo scopo della lettera inviata dalla Commissione al ministro dell(cid:146)Economia. (98/C 21/184) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-1726/97 di Richard Corbett (PSE) alla Commissione (23 maggio 1997) Oggetto: Southport Sea Wall 1. Conferma la Commissione di aver verificato che il Regno Unito ha rispettato le disposizioni previste nelle direttive 92/43 (1)(conservazione degli habitat) e 85/337 (2)(valutazione dell(cid:146)impatto ambientale) nell(cid:146)autorizzare la realizzazione del progetto in parola? A tale riguardo, ritiene che si sia tenuto sufficientemente conto dell(cid:146)alternativa rappresentata dalle «difese 2. marittime naturali» (cioe‘ permettere lo sviluppo delle dune di sabbia ancora in fase formazione)?


title: Geänderte Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über Massen und Abmessungen bestimmter Klassen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern und zur Änderung der Richtlinie 70/156/EWG

eurovoc_concepts:
approximation of laws
commercial vehicle
motor vehicle
road safety
weight and size

text: KOMMISSION DER EUROPÄISCHEN GEMEINSCHAFTEN Brüssel, den 22. 05. 1997 KOM(97) 229 endg. - COD 348 STELLUNGNAHME DER KOMMISSION gemäß Artikel 189 b, Absatz 2, Buchstabe d) des EG-Vertrages, zu den Abänderungen des Europäischen Parlaments des gemeinsamen Standpunkts des Rates betreffend den Vorschlag für eine RICHTLINIE DES EUROPÄISCHEN PARLAMENTS UND DES RATES über Massen und Abmessungen bestimmter Klassen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern und zur Änderung der Richtlinie 70/156/EWG ZUR ÄNDERUNG DES VORSCHLAGS DER KOMMISSION gemäß Artikel 189 a, Absatz 2 des EG-Vertrages Das Europäische Parlament hat am 9. 4. 1997 zwei Änderungsanträge zu dem vom Rat am 28. 11. 1996 angenommenen gemeinsamen Standpunkt über eine Richtlinie des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über Massen und Abmessungen bestimmter Klassen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern und zur Änderung der Richtlinie 70/156/EWG angenommen. Gemäß Artikel 189 Buchstabe b Absatz 2d EG-Vertrag gibt die Kommission hiermit aus folgenden Gründen eine befürwortende Stellungnahme zu diesen Änderungsanträgen ab: 1. Der vorgeschlagene zusätzliche Text in dem Änderungsantrag 1 (Erwägung 1 ) dient dem besseren Verständnis und der Absatz bleibt sinngemäß unverändert. 2. Der vorgeschlagene zusätzliche Text in dem Änderungsantrag 2 (Erwägung 6) bezieht sich auf "eine kontinuierliche Verbesserung der Sicherheit. , insbesondere im Hinblick auf bestimmte Klassen von Kraftfahrzeuganhängern ". Er unterstreicht die Bedeutung der verbesserten Sicherheit von Fahrzeugen und Fahrzeuganhängern, eines Zieles, dem sich die Kommission anschließen kann. Aus diesen Gründen hat die Kommission gemäß Artikel 189 Buchstabe a EG-Vertrag beschlossen, ihren Vorschlag zu ändern und die vom Parlament angenommenen Abänderungen in den Wortlaut ihres Vorschlags zu übernehmen. Angesichts der in dem gemeinsamen Standpunkt vorgesehenen kurzen Frist bis zu dem Inkrafttretungsdatum hält die Kommission es für dringend, daß der Rat seinen gemeinsamen Standpunkt entsprechend ändert und den betreffenden Text verabschiedet. Geänderter Vorschlag für eine Richlinie des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über Massen und Abmessungen bestimmter Klassen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern und zur Änderung der Richtlinie 70/156/EWG (gemäß Artikel 189 a, Absatz 2 des EG-Vertrages von der Kommission vorgelegt) Gemeinsamer Standpunkt des Rates Änderungsanträge des Parlaments (Änderungsantrag 1) Erwägung 1 Für das Funktionieren des Binnenmarktes Für das Funktionieren des Binnenmarktes ist die vollständige Harmonisierung der bei Gewährleistung eines hohen technischen Anforderungen an Siçtafaeitsnjveaus fiir die Bürger ist die Kraftfahrzeuge erforderlich. vollständige Harmonisierung technischen Anforderungen Kraftfahrzeuge erforderlich. der an (Änderungsantrag 2) Erwägung 6 Eine Harmonisierung der höchstzulässigen Eine Harmonisierung der höchstzulässigen Massen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Massen von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern, die in den Kraftfahrzeuganhängern, die in den Mitgliedstaaten zugelassen werden sollen, Mitgliedstaaten zugelassen werden sollen, ist daher offensichtlich kurzfristig nicht ist daher offensichtlich kurzfristig nicht erreichbar. Andererseits dürfte es bereits erreichbar. Andererseits dürfte es bereits zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt möglich sein, die zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt möglich sein, die Höchstabmessungen dieser Fahrzeuge Höchstabmessungen dieser Fahrzeuge soweit wie möglich zu harmonisieren und soweit wie möglich zu harmonisieren, die die Frage der Massen in der Weise zu Frage der Massen in der Weise zu regeln, regeln, daß die Möglichkeit eines daß die Möglichkeit eines einheitlichen einheitlichen Verfahrens zur Bestimmung Verfahrens zur Bestimmung der zulässigen der zulässigen Zulassungs-/Betriebsmassen Zulassungs-/Betriebsmassen von von Fahrzeugen in jedem Mitgliedstaat Fahrzeugen in jedem Mitgliedstaat vorgesehen wird. vorgesehen wird, sowie kontinuierliche Verbesserung eine der Sicherheit anzustreben, insbesondere im Hinblick auf bestimmte Klassen von Fahrzeuganhängern. 4- ISSN 0254-1467 KOM(97) 229 endg. DOKUMENTE DE 07 06 Katalognummer : CB-CO-97-219-DE-C ISBN 92-78-19732-7 Amt für amtliche Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaften L-2985 Luxemburg


title: PREGUNTA ESCRITA n. 1720/97 del Heidi HAUTALA al Consejo. Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas

eurovoc_concepts:
EU Member State
United Nations Charter
common position
human rights
indigenous population

formats: html pdf print

text: 22. 6. 98 ES Diario Oficial de las Comunidades Europeas C 196/1 I (Comunicaciones) PARLAMENTO EUROPEO PREGUNTAS ESCRITAS CON RESPUESTA (98/C 196/01) PREGUNTA ESCRITA E-1720/97 de Heidi Hautala (V) al Consejo (22 de mayo de 1997) Asunto: Declaracio·n de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de los pueblos ind(cid:14)·genas En noviembre de 1995 el Parlamento aprobo· una resolucio·n sobre el proyecto de Declaracio·n de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de los pueblos ind(cid:14)·genas (B4-1415/95) (1). Desde entonces se han celebrado dos sesiones del grupo de trabajo de la Comisio·n especial de Derechos Humanos sobre la Declaracio·n. 1. 2. 3. ¿Han participado los Estados miembros de la UE en los trabajos de este grupo de trabajo? En caso afirmativo, ¿ha habido una posicio·n comu·n de la UE? Si no es as(cid:14)·, ¿por que· no? ¿Esta· estudiando el Consejo la posibilidad de debatir una posicio·n comu·n con relacio·n a la Declaracio·n y/o 4. con relacio·n al problema de los pueblos ind(cid:14)·genas en general? (1) DO C 323 de 4. 12. 1995, p. 117. Respuesta (30 de marzo de 1998) No ha habido una posicio·n comu·n de la UE sobre el asunto al que Su Sen(cid:152)or(cid:14)·a se refiere en su pregunta. El Consejo no esta· en condiciones de indicar cua·les de los Estados miembros de la UE han participado en la actividad del Grupo de trabajo de la Comisio·n de Derechos Humanos sobre la Declaracio·n. Esta materia corresponde a la competencia nacional de los Estados miembros. Por el momento el Consejo no esta· estudiando una posicio·n comu·n en relacio·n con la Declaracio·n ni en relacio·n con la cuestio·n de los pueblos ind(cid:14)·genas en general. (98/C 196/02) PREGUNTA ESCRITA P-2729/97 de Marianne Thyssen (PPE) a la Comisio·n (30 de julio de 1997) Asunto: Re·gimen compensatorio para los concesionarios de gasolineras neerlandeses a lo largo de las fronteras belga y alemana Parece ser que a partir del 23 de julio de 1997 entra en vigor un re·gimen para los concesionarios de gasolineras neerlandeses a lo largo de las fronteras belga y alemana que compensa a estos agentes comerciales por las pe·rdidas sufridas por el aumento del precio de la gasolina en su pa(cid:14)·s, como consecuencia del aumento de los impuestos


title: Proposal for a Council Decision providing macro- financial assistance to Bulgaria

eurovoc_concepts:
Bulgaria
aid policy
economic policy
financial aid

formats: html pdf pdfa1b print

text: COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES •ir * Brussels, 22. 05. 1997 COM^l) 234 final 97/0143 (CNS) Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION providing macro-financial assistance to Bulgaria (presented by the Commission) EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 1. INTRODUCTION Following several preliminary contacts with the Commission, Bulgaria presented its request for macrofinancial assistance from the Community and the Group of Twenty-four industrial countries at a high level G-24/Consultative Group meeting which took place in Brussels on April 8 jointly organized by the World Bank and the European Commission. The request for assistance is in support of the government's economic programme which is the basis for a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) board on April 11. The purpose of the G-24/Consultative Group Meeting was to review Bulgaria's past and future stabilization and reform path and to secure the external funding needed to ensure that the government's programme was adequately financed. In the light of an agreement in principle from the Council, the Commission announced at the meeting its intention to propose Community macro-financial assistance of up to ECU 250 million in favour of Bulgaria. Other bilateral donors also gave indications of support. Bulgaria's relations with the European Union are governed by the Association Agreement which entered into force on 1 February 1995. Bulgaria submitted on 14 December 1995 an application to become a member of the Union. This application is currently being considered by the Commission. The Council has decided two previous macrofinancial loans in favour of Bulgaria, in each case in the context of IMF-supported economic adjustment programmes. A first loan of 290 MECU was decided in 1991 and disbursed in two instalments in 1991 and 1992. A second loan was decided in October 1992. However, because of repeated policy slippages, disbursement was much delayed. A first instalment was disbursed in 1994, while the final instalment was only disbursed in 1996. 2. ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROGRESS WITH STABILIZATION AND REFORM Bulgaria is beginning to emerge from its severe economic and social difficulties. Following a period of acute instability in 1996 when GDP fell by almost 10% and the first weeks of 1997, when the population suffered hyperinflation, considerable and rapid progress has been made in restoring a degree of both economic and political stability. Bulgaria's transition to a market economy has been particularly difficult Bulgaria started economic reform under exceptionally unfavourable conditions. The legacy of central planning included an excessively developed heavy industrial sector, based in part on artificially cheap energy and lax regulation of pollution, and systematic neglect of the traditionally competitive agricultural sector. From 1990, the country also suffered a number of serious external shocks: - the collapse of trade with the CMÉA, and in particular the USSR, on which Bulgaria was particularly dependent - the need to import energy at world prices to replace cheap Soviet supplies - the lack of access to commercial credit as a result of the unilateral moratorium on external debt declared in March 1990 - the effect of international embargoes on Iraq and Serbia. In these difficult circumstances, Bulgaria made a late but bold start to economic reform. Prices of most goods were liberalized, subsidies were sharply reduced, a floating exchange rate was introduced, and the state monopoly on foreign trade was abolished. Good progress was made also in establishing the legislative basis for a market economy: by mid-1992 much of the legal framework was in place. However, structural change was slow. Initial progress in restructuring state enterprises stalled as the political and social consensus surrounding reform began to break down. Nevertheless, agreement reached in 1994 between Bulgaria and its commercial bank creditors on a Debt and Debt Service Reduction (DDSR) operation appeared to have a healthy effect on confidence, and. Bulgaria enjoyed two years of relatively good economic performance. Gross Domestic Product grew in real terms by 1. 8% and 2. 6% in 1994 and 1995 respectively. By early 1996 annual inflation had fallen to under 30%. The macroeconomic recovery did not have a solid structural base, due to a lack of structural reform. From the second half of 1995, signs that the recovery was unsustainable began to appear. Industrial output slowed, the balance of payments weakened, and in early 2996 the national currency came under pressure on the foreign exchange market. Individuals lost confidence in the banking system, withdrew their savings and converted them into dollars. A steep depreciation of the leva got underway. This continued until February this year, by which time the leva had lost approximately 95% of its April 1996 value against foreign currencies. Hyperinflation reduced the real value of wages and pensions to pitiful levels: in early 1997, the average monthly wage was less than US$15, while the average pension was worth no more than US$4. In response to this desperate situation, the European Union decided to allocate 20 MECU from the PHARE programme to a special programme in support of the social safety net. 3. THE MEDIUM-TERM ECONOMIC PROGRAMME OF BULGARIA In the wake of the deep economic crisis of winter 1996/97, a new consensus behind market reforms has emerged. Exceptionally, the interim government formed pending parliamentary elections on April 19 was mandated to negotiate agreement with the International Financial Institutions and other lenders to obtain support for an economic reform programme. The government's economic programme which formed the basis for the agreement with the IMF commits Bulgaria to the adoption of a currency board arrangement, probably in June of this year. The introduction of the currency board entails fixing the exchange rate and limiting the amount of domestic currency in circulation through a central bank guarantee to exchange domestic currency for foreign currency, at the fixed exchange rate. The success of this policy crucially depends on adherence by the government to a responsible fiscal policy. The programme also includes ambitious targets for the rapid privatization of the enterprise and banking system, price liberalization, and reform of the agriculture sector. This far-reaching package of structural reforms is expected to be supported by the World Bank through a Financial and Enterprise Sector Adjustment Loan. Additional World Bank lending will cover support to agricultural restructuring and for the improvement of the social safety net. It is planned to complete the privatization of state enterprises and banks by the end of 1998. As confidence in the health of the banking sector is another key to successful operation of a currency board arrangement, capital adequacy requirements are to be gradually strengthened, so that all banks will have to meet the Basle requirements on capital adequacy by mid-1998. Foreign investment in the banking and enterprise sectors will also be encouraged. Implementation of the programme has begun with liberalization of almost all prices, other than five basic foodstuffs, for which strict ceilings have been placed on budgetary subsidies. The authorities have implemented steep increases in fuel and utility prices, in order to stem losses of public enterprises in these sectors. In the agriculture sector, land restitution will be accelerated. Combined with price liberalization and extensive privatization, this is expected to contribute to the development of a land market and a recovery in agricultural output. The land market will also be promoted through legislative reform which will facilitate leasing and mortgaging of farmland. 4. BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS AND FINANCING NEEDS Since the DDSR operation, Bulgaria has serviced its external obligations promptly. In 1996, the current account of the balance of payments is provisionally estimated to have recorded a small surplus. This is expected to continue to be the case in 1997 and 1998. Bulgaria's balance of payments difficulties are concentrated in the capital account. In 1996, a large capital outflow was recorded linked to the loss of confidence in the banking system. While this should not recur, Bulgaria is faced with a net outflow of capital in the coming years due to foreign debt amortization, which is expected to be only partly offset by inflows of foreign direct investment. Bulgaria is at present unable to raise funds on the international capital markets. Combined with the need to rebuild the central bank's foreign reserves, this yields an external financing gap for 1997-98 of some US$1. 9 billion. In support of Bulgaria's reform programme the International Monetary Fund on April 11 granted Bulgaria a fourteen-month Stand-by Arrangement of SDR 372 million (US$510 million) and a proposed drawing of SDR 107 million (US$148 million) under the cereals component of the Compensatory and Contingency Financing Facility. In addition, the World Bank is expected to commit in excess of US$250 million in the form of two Financial and Enterprise Sector Adjustment Loans, an Agriculture Sector Adjustment Credit, and support for the reform of the social security system. An additional US$400 million is projected to be raised from privatization. Taking this and the contributions of the IMF and World Bank into account, the remaining residual financing gap is estimated at US$ 550 million for the programme period. Unless this remaining gap can be closed, Bulgaria's ability to implement its structural adjustment programme and to meet its external financial commitments would be put under severe strain. Indeed, attempts to relaunch economic reform in Bulgaria could be derailed almost before they had begun. Pro-reform forces would have their position seriously undermined. The success of the Bulgarian government's programme depends in the first instance on its vigorous implementation by the national authorities. But it also requires an appropriate response by the international community, and in particular from the Community. It is important for the Union's credibility that it provide adequate support to an Associated Country and potential future member of the Union. 5. PROPOSED FURTHER MACRO-FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BULGARIA AND MAIN FEATURES OF THE LOAN The Commission is proposing that the Community would make available to Bulgaria a balance of payments loan of up to ECU 250 million with a maximum duration of ten years. The proposed duration of the loan is consistent with the medium and long-term balance of payments outlook for Bulgaria, which is expected to face substantial financing needs for the years to come. The assistance would be granted in the context of the present Stand-by Arrangement with the IMF and would complement resources made available by the International Financial Institutions and bilateral donors. The assistance would be released in two instalments subject to a satisfactory track record of the country's economic programme agreed with the IMF and progress with respect to structural reforms. This will include observance of a number of performance criteria which would be agreed between the Bulgarian authorities and the Commission in consultation with the Monetary Committee. Its effective implementation would take place on the understanding that Bulgaria will continue to remain current with respect to all its external financial obligations. As in the case of similar operations in favour of other partner countries, the Community would provide the funds through market borrowing with a guarantee by the general budget. Bulgaria would subsequently borrow from the Community. The borrowing and lending operations would be perfectly matched and without any commercial risk for the Community. £* In accordance with the Guarantee Fund mechanism, the budgetary implications of a decision to make available assistance of up to ECU 250 million to Bulgaria would imply an ECU 37. 5 million provisioning of the Fund. Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION providing macro-financial assistance for Bulgaria THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal of the Commission1, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament2, Whereas the Commission has consulted the Monetary Committee before submitting its proposal; Whereas Bulgaria is undertaking fundamental economic reforms and is making strenuous efforts to implement a market economy model; Whereas Bulgaria and the European Union have concluded a Europe Agreement establishing a relationship of association; Whereas, by Decision 91/311/EEC3, the Council decided to grant Bulgaria medium- term financial assistance for an amount of ECU 290 million, to ensure a sustainable balance of payments by that country, and whereas, by Decision 92/511 /EEC4, the Council decided to grant Bulgaria further assistance for an amount of ECU 110 million; Whereas however additional adjustment and reform measures are necessary in Bulgaria to strengthen the financial sector and to accelerate privatization; Whereas Bulgaria has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in April 1997 on an economic programme which would be supported by a Stand-By Arrangement; Whereas the authorities of Bulgaria have requested financial assistance from the international financial institutions, the Community and other bilateral donors, and whereas, over and above the estimated financing which could be provided from private sources and by the IMF and the World Bank, a residual financing gap of l 2 3OJ No L 174, 3. 7. 1991, p. 36 4OJ No L 317, 31. 10. 1992, p. 94 some US$550 million remains to be covered during the programme period in order to strengthen Bulgaria's reserve position and support the policy objectives attached to the government's economic programme; Whereas the provision by the Community of a new long-term loan to Bulgaria is an appropriate measure to support the balance of payments and to strengthen the country's reserve position; Whereas the Community loan should be managed by the Commission; Whereas, for the adoption of this Decision, the Treaty does not provide for powers to act other than those of Article 235, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS : Article 1 1. The Community shall make available to Bulgaria a long-term loan facility of a maximum principal amount of ECU 250 million, with a maximum maturity of ten years, with a view to ensuring a sustainable balance-of-payments situation and strengthening the country's reserve position. 2. To this end, the Commission is empowered to borrow, on behalf of the European Community, the necessary resources that will be placed at the disposal of Bulgaria in the form of a loan. 3. This loan will be managed by the Commission in close consultation with the Monetary Committee and in a manner consistent with any agreement reached between the International Monetary Fund and Bulgaria. Article 2 1. The Commission is empowered to agree with the authorities of Bulgaria, after consultation with the Monetary Committee, the economic policy conditions attached to the loan. These conditions shall be consistent with the agreements referred to in Article 1(3). 2. The Commission shall verify at regular intervals, in collaboration with the Monetary Committee and in co-ordination with the International Monetary Fund, that Bulgaria's economic policy is in accordance with the objectives of this loan and that its conditions are being fulfilled. S ArtickS 1. The loan shall be made available to Bulgaria in two instalments. Subject to Article 2 the first instalment is to be released on the basis of the completion of the first review of the "stand-by arrangement" agreed with the International Monetary Fund. 2. Subject to Article 2 the second instalment shall be released on the basis of a satisfactory continuation of the "stand-by arrangement" and not before one quarter after the release of the first instalment. 3. The funds shall be paid to the Bulgarian National Bank. Article 4 1. The borrowing and lending operations referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out in the using the same value date and must not involve the Community transformation of maturities, in any exchange or interest rate risk, or in any other commercial risk. 2. The Commission shall take the necessary steps, if Bulgaria so requests, to ensure that an early repayment clause is included in the loan conditions and that it may be exercised. 3. At the request of Bulgaria, and where circumstances permit an improvement in the interest rate on the loans, the Commission may refinance all or part of its initial borrowings or restructure the corresponding financial conditions. Refinancing or restructuring operations shall be carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 1 and shall not have the effect of extending the average duration of the borrowing concerned or increasing the amount, expressed at the current exchange rate, of capital outstanding at the date of refinancing or restructuring. 4. All related costs incurred by the Community in concluding and carrying out the operation under this Decision shall be borne by Bulgaria. 5. The Monetary Committee shall be kept informed of developments in the operations referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 at least once a year. Article 5 At least once a year the Commission shall address to the European Parliament and to the Council a report, which will include an evaluation, on the implementation of this Decision. Done at , For the Council The President FINANCIAL RECORD 1. Title of operation Macro-financial assistance to Bulgaria 2. Budget heading involved Heading BO-2132 reflecting the budget guarantee for the Community loan facility to Bulgaria (to be created through an amending and/or a supplementary budget). 3. Legal basis Article 235 of the Treaty 4. Description and Justification for the action a) Description of the action Provision of a Community loan (to be financed by Community borrowing on the international capital markets) in the amount of up to ECU 250 million with a view to supporting Bulgaria's adjustment and reform efforts. b) Justification for the action The viability of Bulgaria's external accounts heavily depends on external financial assistance from official sources. 5. Classification of the Expenditure Obligatory 6. Nature of the expenditure Potential activation of budget guarantee for the Community borrowing aimed to fund the loan to Bulgaria. 7. Financial Impact a) Method of calculation A token entry is proposed given that the amount and timing of any call on this budget line cannot be calculated in advance and because it is expected that this budget guarantee will not be called. b) Effect of the action on intervention credits Only in the case of an effective call on the guarantee. 4o c) Financing of intervention expenditure In case of call on the budget guarantee: - Recourse to the Guarantee Fund established by Council Regulation (EC, EURATOM) n° 2728 of 31 October 1994. - In case the Guarantee Fund did not contain sufficient resources, additional payments would be called up from the budget by transfer: • of any margin remaining in the Reserve for guarantees; • of any late payments to the budget for which the budget guarantee the Financial has been activated (under article 27(3) of Regulation); • of any margin available under the ceiling of category 4 of the financial perspectives or redeployment therein. - In order to fulfil its obligations, the Commission can provisionally ensure the debt service with funds from its treasury. In that case. Article 12 of the Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) n° 1552/89 of 29. 5. 1989 will apply. 8. Fraud prevention measures The funds will be paid directly to the Central Bank of the beneficiary country only after verification by the Commission Services, in consultation with the Monetary Committee and in liaison with the IMF and World Bank Services, that the macroeconomic policies implemented in this country are satisfactory and that the specific conditions attached to this assistance are fulfilled. 9. Elements of cost-effectiveness analysis a) Grounds for the operation and specific objectives By supporting the beneficiary country's macroeconomic reform efforts and complementing financing by the International Community provided to this country in the context of an IMF agreed programme, this assistance would underpin its transition towards a market economy, improve growth prospects and alleviate social unrest. b) Monitoring and evaluation This assistance is of a macroeconomic nature and its monitoring and evaluation is undertaken in the framework of the IMF-supported adjustment and reform programme that the beneficiary country is implementing. The Commission services will monitor the action on the basis of a genuine system of macroeconomic and structural policy indicators to be agreed with the authorities of the beneficiary country. They will also remain in close contact with •ii the IMF and World Bank services and will benefit from their assessment of the recipient country's stabilization and reform achievements. An annual report to the European Parliament and to the Council is foreseen in the proposed Council decision, which will the implementation of this operation. include an evaluation of 10. Administrative expenditure This action is exceptional in nature and will not involve an increase in the number of Commission staff. U ANNEX BUDGETARY RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR THE PROVISIONING OF THE GUARANTEE FUND IN 1997 AND MARGIN UNDER THE RESERVE FOR LOANS AND LOANS GUARANTEE IN FAVOUR OF THIRD COUNTRIES (IN ECU MILLION) Operations Decided operations - Project-related assistance EIB/MED EIB/PVDALA EIB/SOUTH AFR. EIB/Renewal of mandates 4 Macro-financial assistance Slovakia (Cancellation) Belarus (Suspension) Proposed operations Project-related assistance EIB/Turkey 5 EIB/FYROM 6 EIB/ Croatia 7 Macro-financial assistance Georgia, Armenia and, if appropriate, Tajikistan ' FYROM 9 Bulgaria 9 Basis of the Calculation Provisioning of the Fund1 Reserve Margin 329. 0 2 330. 7 336. 0 327. 8 97. 3 115. 5 119. 3 103. 5 98. 3 90. 9 65. 4 59. 4 21. 9 -14 -38 55 1536. 5 -130 -25 105 35 49 170 40 250 -1. 71 -5. 32 8. 25 230. 48 -18. 20 -3. 75 15. 75 5. 25 7. 35 25. 50 6. 00 37. 50 According to the provisioning rules provided in the Council regulation (EC, Euratom) n° 2728/94 of 31 October 1994. After a first drawing of the Guarantee Fund, and in compliance with Article 5 of the Regulation, the rate of provisioning for new operations has been increased from 14 % to 15% in 1995. New macro-financial assistance operations have been provisioned with a 15% rate. Reserve amount in 1997 under the financial perspective. Corrections of the amounts to be transfered to the Fund in compliance with annex to Council regulation n° 2728/94. Council Decision of 14 April 1997. Proposal for a Council regulation relative to a special action of financial cooperation in favour of Turkey (COM(95) 389 final). Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with FYROM (COM(96) 533 final) of 25 November 1996. Cooperation agreement EC/Croatia (SEC(95) 180/final). Negotiations suspended since Summer 1995. It is therefore unlikely that this operation would be implemented in 1997. Commission proposal for a Council decision (COM(97) 24 final) of 3 February 1997. Commission proposal. n ISSN 0254-1475 COM(97) 234 final DOCUMENTS EN 01 11 Catalogue number : CB-C0-97-225-EN-C ISBN 92-78-19800-5 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg /¥-


title: ΓΡΑΠΤΗ ΕΡΩΤΗΣΗ αρ θ. 1722/97 του Ana PALACIO VALLELERSUNDI προς το Συμβούλ ο. Πρόσβαση του κοινού στα έγγραφα του Συμβουλίου

eurovoc_concepts:
Council of the European Union
EU competence
European Ombudsman
Treaty on European Union
access to EU information
dissemination of EU information

text: 17. 3. 98 EL Epi·shmh Efhmeri·da tvn Eyrvpai¤kv· n Koinoth·tvn C 82/15 Symfvnei· to Symboy·lio o·ti me ayto·n ton tro·po epiba·llontai periorismoi· sto e·rgo toy Diamesolabhth· kai, ea·n nai, se poia· nomikh· ba·sh sth·rije thn apo·fash ayth·; Koinh· apa· nthsh stiw grapte·w ervth· seiw E-1722/97 kai E-1813/97 (28 Oktvbri·oy 1997) Ta thw armodio·thtaw toy Eyrvpai·oy diamesolabhth· ryumi·zontai sto a·ruro 138 E thw Synuh·khw E. K. H Synuh·kh ayth· tygxa·nei efarmogh·w ston ti·tlo VI thw Synuh·khw E. E. , efo·son ypa·rxei sxetikh· pro·blech sto a·ruro K. 8 thw S. E. E. To a·ruro 138 3 o·mvw den perie·xetai ston kata·logo tvn diata·jevn thw S. E. K. oi opoi·ew tygxa·noyn efarmogh·w ston ti·tlo VI thw S. E. E. H ne·a synuh·kh toy `msterntam ori·zei o·ti oi kat(cid:146) a·ruro 138 E thw SEK diata·jeiw ua tygxa·noyn efarmogh·w stiw diata·jeiw poy a·ptontai tvn tome·vn toy ti·tloy VI thw S. E. E. Me epistole·w poy ape·steile stiw 26 Marti·oy kai stiw 20 Ioyni·oy 1997, to Symboy·lio apa· nthse diejodika· sto Diamesolabhth· sxetika· me tiw aitia·seiw toy k. Bunyan. Anti·grafo tvn dy·o aytv· n epistolv· n ua diabibasuei· ap(cid:146) eyuei·aw stoyw ajio·timoyw k. k. boyleyte·w (1). (1) H aitiolo·ghsh thw sxetikh·w ch·foy tvn melv· n toy Symboyli·oy do·uhke sth dhmosio·thta. (98/C 82/21) GRAPTH ERVTHSH E-1746/97 ypobolh· : Hono·rio Novo (GUE/NGL) kai Se·rgio Ribeiro (GUE/NGL) prow to Symboy· lio (22 Mai(cid:143)oy 1997) Ue·ma: Eisagvge·w klvstoy¤fantoyrgikv· n proi¤o·ntvn kai eidv· n e·ndyshw apo· thn Indonhsi·a Me ba·sh ton tropopoihue·nta kanonismo· ariu. 3030/93 (1), poy egkri·uhke ton Ianoya·rio toy 1997 kai kyrv· uhke apo· to Symboy·lio stiw 29. 4. 1997, h Epitroph· ene·krine e·na eidiko· kanonismo· me skopo· na epitrapei· h eisagvgh· pro·suetvn posoth·tvn klvstoy¤fantoyrgikv· n proi¤o·ntvn kai eidv· n e·ndyshw apo· thn Indonhsi·a. Uevrei· a·rage to Symboy·lio o·ti h apo·fash· toy thw 29. 4. 1997 syna·dei me thn parabi·ash tvn apofa·sevn toy OHE ek me·royw thw Indonhsi·aw kai me th ue·sh toy Eyrvpai¤koy· Koinoboyli·oy kai thw Eyrvpai¤kh·w (cid:201)nvshw na ejartv· ntai oi emporike·w sxe·seiw me thn en lo·gv xv· ra apo· to zh·thma toy Anatolikoy· Timo·r; (1) EE L 275 thw 8. 11. 1993, sel. 1. Apa· nthsh (28 Oktvbri·oy 1997) H eisagvgh· pro·suetvn posoth·tvn orisme·nvn klvstoy¤fantoyrgikv· n proi¤o·ntvn apo· thn Indonhsi·a apofasi·- sthke me ton kanonismo· thw Epitroph·w (1) ariu. 560/97 thw 26. 03. 97 o opoi·ow te·uhke se isxy· prin apo· thn hmeromhni·a e·kdoshw toy kanonismoy· (EK) ariu. 824/97 (2) gia thn tropopoi·hsh toy kanonismoy· (EK) 3030/93 peri· koinv· n kano·nvn eisagvgh·w apo· orisme·new tri·tew xv· rew. O proanaferuei·w kanonismo·w (EK) ariu. 824/97 ekdo·uhke me thn epify·lajh thw ue·shw thw Eyrvpai¤kh·w (cid:201)nvshw vw prow ta politika· zhth·mata poy aforoy·n tiw tri·tew xv· rew. O kanonismo·w ayto·w empi·ptei stiw armodio·thtew thw Epitroph·w h opoi·a epikoyrei·tai apo· thn epitroph· diaxei·rishw «Klvstoy¤fantoyrgika·». Stiw 25 Ioyni·oy 1996, to Symboy·lio kauo·rise koinh· ue·sh h opoi·a kauori·zei thn politikh· thw Eyrvpai¤kh·w (cid:201)nvshw e·nanti toy Anatolikoy· Timo·r. Ayth· h koinh· ue·sh den perilamba·nei kane·na me·tro emporikoy· xarakth·ra e·nanti thw Indonhsi·aw. (1) EE L 85 thw 27. 03. 1997. (2) EE L 119 thw 08. 05. 1997


title: RÈGLEMENT (CE) N° 917/97 DE LA COMMISSION du 22 mai 1997 fixant la restitution maximale à l'exportation de riz blanchi à grains longs dans le cadre de l'adjudication visée au règlement (CE) n° 530/97

eurovoc_concepts:
award of contract
export refund
rice
third country


title: PREGUNTA ESCRITA n. 1711/97 del Hiltrud BREYER al Consejo. Ley de entrada de corriente

eurovoc_concepts:
Germany
clean technology
electrical energy
energy policy
energy production
environmental protection
price of energy
renewable energy
research and development
wind energy

text: C 76/46 ES Diario Oficial de las Comunidades Europeas 11. 3. 98 (98/C 76/126) PREGUNTA ESCRITA E-1713/97 de Hiltrud Breyer (V) al Consejo (22 de mayo de 1997) Asunto: Ley de entrada de corriente Las energ(cid:14)·as renovables desempen(cid:152)an un cometido destacado para el medio ambiente y la proteccio·n del clima. As(cid:14)· se confirmo· recientemente en el Libro Verde sobre las energ(cid:14)·as renovables (COM(96)0576/final). Por consiguiente, es imprescindible adoptar medidas eficaces para promover y conseguir una ra·pida introduccio·n en el mercado de las energ(cid:14)·as renovables. En Alemania existe desde hace an(cid:152)os con Ley de entrada de corriente de las energ(cid:14)·as renovables un instrumento eficaz con el que en seis an(cid:152)os se han instalado ma·s de 1. 600 Mw de energ(cid:14)·a eo·lica. El e·xito de dicha medida jur(cid:14)·dica es indiscutible, pero tambie·n provoco· la resistencia del sector alema·n de la energ(cid:14)·a, caracterizado por unas estructuras monopolistas, que, repentinamente, se vio enfrentado a una concurrencia no deseada en el a·mbito de la produccio·n. 1. ¿Co·mo evalu·a el Consejo de Ministros el debate en materia de Derecho de subvenciones sobre la Ley de entrada de corriente y la carta del Comisario Van Miert al ministro federal alema·n de Econom(cid:14)·a de 26 de octubre de 1996? ¿Comparte el Consejo de Ministros la opinio·n de que el principio de quien contamina paga establecido en el 2. apartado 2 del art(cid:14)·culo 130 R del TCE permite la creacio·n de mecanismos que permitan atribuir los posibles costes adicionales de una produccio·n ecolo·gica de energ(cid:14)·a a todos los consumidores de energ(cid:14)·a, segu·n se contempla, por ejemplo, en la Ley de entrada de corriente de energ(cid:14)·a renovable en Alemania? 3. ¿Co·mo evalu·a el Consejo de Ministros el cometido de las energ(cid:14)·as renovables en el cumplimiento de los compromisos para la proteccio·n del clima contra(cid:14)·dos por la Unio·n Europea? ¿No son necesarias para cumplir dicha tarea medidas especiales de promocio·n para la introduccio·n en el mercado de las energ(cid:14)·as renovables? Respuesta comu· n a las preguntas escritas E-1707/97, E-1709/97, E-1711/97 y E-1713/97 (25 de septiembre de 1997) 1. El Consejo esta· de acuerdo con Su Sen(cid:152)or(cid:14)·a en que la energ(cid:14)·a renovable tiene un papel importante que desempen(cid:152)ar en los intentos de la Comunidad y de los Estados miembros de proteger el medio ambiente. En su posicio·n comu·n sobre la revisio·n del programa comunitario de pol(cid:14)·tica y actuacio·n en materia de medio ambiente y desarrollo sostenible «Hacia un desarrollo sostenible» (1), el Consejo sugirio· prioridades para el sector de la energ(cid:14)·a. Entre dichas prioridades figuran: promover la eficacia energe·tica y el uso racional de la energ(cid:14)·a y favorecer el desarrollo y aplicacio·n de tecnolog(cid:14)·as y pra·cticas de ahorro de energ(cid:14)·a, incluidas las fuentes de energ(cid:14)·as renovables y la produccio·n combinada de electricidad y calor mediante programas y medidas adecuadas, as(cid:14)· como medidas de sensibilizacio·n e informacio·n, y establecer criterios para la seleccio·n de los reg(cid:14)·menes de ayuda a fin de corregir aquellos incentivos que provoquen efectos perjudiciales. Adema·s, la Resolucio·n del Consejo sobre fuentes de energ(cid:14)·as renovables, aprobada por los ministros de Energ(cid:14)·a en la sesio·n del Consejo del 27 de mayo de 1997 contiene la posicio·n del Consejo respecto de varios puntos relacionados con las fuentes renovables y, ma·s concretamente, con los temas citados en el Libre Verde de la Comisio·n para una estrategia comunitaria › Energ(cid:14)·a para el futuro: fuentes renovables de energ(cid:14)·a. La Resolucio·n contiene una lista de las medidas que podr(cid:14)·an aumentar el consumo de energ(cid:14)·as renovables. Esto incluye acciones y medidas en los a·mbitos de los investigacio·n, el desarrollo y la demostracio·n, las condiciones del mercado, la informacio·n y la confianza del consumidor y la coordinacio·n y el control. La Resolucio·n toma asimismo nota de que para mejorar la competitividad de las fuentes renovables es necesaria una pol(cid:14)·tica gubernamental activa, tanto a escala de los Estados miembros como comunitaria. Por lo tanto, el Consejo esta· al corriente de los esfuerzos que se requieren para alcanzar el objetivo indicativo de doblar la parte global de fuentes renovables para 2010