title: Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of the Directive on the establishment of a European works council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees (Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994)

text: COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 04. 04. 2000 COM(2000)188 final REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the application of the Directive on the establishment of a European works council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees (Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994) 1. INTRODUCTION Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European works council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees was adopted by the Council on 22 September 1994. Its legal basis is Article 2 (2) of the Agreement on Social Policy annexed to Protocol 14 on Social Policy appended to the Treaty establishing the European Community. The Directive thus applies to all the Member States of the European Community except the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Council Directive 97/74/EC was adopted on 15 December 1997, extending application of Directive 94/45/EC to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Directive 94/45/EC was due to be transposed by the Member States, with the exception of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, by 22 September 1996. Directive 97/74/EC must be transposed by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all Member States, by 15 December 1999 at the latest. Consequently, this report deals only with the status of transposition of Directive 94/45/EC. A further report covering transposition of Directive 97/74/EC will be presented in due course. In its analytic part concerning the national legal implementation, the report follows the logic and structure of the Directive itself. 2. IMPLEMENTATION BY LEGAL MEASURES AND EVALUATION OF THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION The vast majority of countries made a major effort not only to meet the deadline for implementation, i. e. 22 September 1996, but also to integrate the Directive faithfully into their national law. Five countries met the deadline for transposition (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Ireland and (partly) Belgium)1, all of which adopted a transposition text which took effect on 22 September 1996. They were closely followed by Austria (17 October 1996), Italy (partial transposition 6 November 1996), France (12 November 1996) and Germany (1 November 1996). Transposition in the Netherlands (5 February 1997), Greece (1 March 1997) and Spain (24 April 1997) came somewhat later. Portugal was very late in adopting a transposing act (it was published on 9 June 1999 and entered into force on 9 July 1999). 1 The country abbreviations used in this report are as follows: A:Austria, B:Belgium, D:Germany, DK:Denmark, EL:Greece, E:Spain, FIN:Finland, F:France, I:Italy, L:Luxembourg, NL:Netherlands, P:Portugal, S:Sweden. IRL:Ireland, 2 The Luxembourg text is currently being implemented. In Italy, the Directive has only been partly transposed, through the signing of an interconfederal agreement on 6 November 1996, and this has to be supplemented by a law extending the collective agreement erga omnes and adopting, inter alia, rules on sanctions and court jurisdiction. The interconfederal agreement represents only partial implementation of the Directive, as its content and scope are limited (not all occupational sectors are covered). In Belgium, the collective agreement has been supplemented by two laws. The manner in which the Directive is implemented is in keeping with each country’s domestic legal order. As a rule, laws (acts) have been adopted by parliament. In Italy and Belgium, collective agreements (supplemented in Belgium by an extension procedure) have been preferred. The social partners have often been involved in the transposition procedure, either formally or informally. 2. 1. Evaluation of implementing legislation The evaluation of the quality of implementing measures, even though it is not long since the entry into force of the Directive, is clearly very positive. In this connection, the expert group responsible for ensuring proper implementation played a pioneering role, with the Commission providing coordination. This method of following up the transposition work should be adopted generally, in the light of the results obtained in implementing this Directive - a Directive that was particularly complex because of its transnational nature and the combined use of Community concepts and rules of private international law. However, completed transposition (Luxembourg and Italy). full results cannot be provided until the remaining countries have Infringement proceedings were started against Luxembourg and Portugal. In the latter case the Commission has suspended the proceedings following entry into force of the transposing act. Unless Italy takes appropriate action to supplement the interconfederal agreement signed in 1996, the Commission will open infringement proceedings for incomplete transposition. This report draws attention to a number of minor discrepancies between the Directive and the transposing acts (method of counting part-time workers, number of representatives in the SNB (Special negotiating body) higher than the limit laid down in the Directive) or aspects where there is a lack of detail (preparatory meetings). In any event, these discrepancies must be interpreted as being in the spirit of the Directive. There were no difficulties in integrating the Directive into domestic legal orders, firstly because the Directive very often refers to internal mechanisms in each Member State, and secondly because it has enshrined the principle of collective autonomy which in many cases is at the basis of employment law in the European 3 Union. Even in countries such as Ireland, where representation mechanisms are optional, the Directive was well received. However, regardless of the quality of implementing measures, there is a need for further interpretation of some issues, which have already been identified and relate to: - the concept of “controlling undertaking”; - the effects of geographical and proportional criteria; - the conditions for renewing agreements already in force (Article 13); - changes in the structure of the group; - the very concept of “expert”. In a significant number of cases those issues have been solved or will be solved by the parties concerned. In other cases the specific nature of each individual problem of interpretation means that they can best resolved by the courts. As regards legal analysis, problems arise in determining the legal personality of the EWC in many countries, the law applicable to agreements and, naturally, the legal status of these agreements, all of which has a direct impact on the rules on international jurisdiction. 2. 2. Evaluation of the practical application of the Directive outlook 2. 2. 1. General considerations Clearly, it is very difficult to produce a genuine summary of how the Directive has been implemented in practice, as this took place very recently, and the Annex to the Directive, which establishes subsidiary requirements, has not yet been applied. However, a number of general observations can be made on the basis of experience to date. As already emphasised, up to now the Directive has been smoothly integrated into the industrial relations systems of the different countries, thanks to the Member States’ freedom as regards the choice of representation mechanisms. The attempt to ensure a harmonious link between worker representation at national level was one of the legislators’ main concerns in level and at transnational transposing the Directive. In a large majority of countries the trade union organisations have been recognised as key players, so that they can preserve the role they play in national relations. There is every reason why the transnational representation body should fit in well with the existing structures of worker representation, although it is stressed that besides the positive effects the creation of a transnational body may eventually create certain problems. Naturally it is to be hoped that the EWC (European Works Council) will give a new impetus to consultation and that a fresh dialogue will begin between the elected bodies, the trade union organisations and the “European” bodies. But there is also the possibility of conflicts with transnational repercussions, such as the closure of establishments, and possible friction between the positions of “national” and “European” workers’ representatives. Some countries have tried to strengthen the part played by the social partners. In particular, the provision in the Directive allowing for the appointment of an expert to 4 assist the SNB and EWC has facilitated the participation of the Social Partners in the process. Another point to note is the practical benefit, as regards cohesion and consultation, of national measures which require details of the composition of the SNB and EWC to be sent local management and national workers’ representatives. to all the group’s decentralised levels, Repeatedly the importance of opening up employment relations to the transnational dimension both with regard to worker representation and in the context of collective bargaining has been stressed. On the purely conceptual level, it should also be noted that the Member States concerned have agreed to respect the sometimes innovative concepts enunciated in the Directive. In the field of workers representation, always a sensitive question at European level, such precision is important. As regards common principles, the Directive and the implementing texts introduce an obligation to negotiate in good faith, based on a spirit of cooperation between the parties into European employment relations. In the framework of construction of Europe, the pooling of knowledge, reciprocal influence and strategies, as well as the synergy of interests of workers belonging to the same group, are all positive factors. Transnational information and transnational representation of workers constitute a new and essential response to the impact of the global economy on Europe. In specific terms, the implementation of transnational representation is already effective in that nearly 600 groups with a Community dimension, including the largest ones, signed pre-Directive agreements before 22 September 1996 or signed agreements based on Article 6 of the Directive after that date. Article 13 made it easier to sign pre-Directive agreements: it allowed their validation and made it possible for the social partners themselves, and transnational firms, to carry on their own negotiations. The European trade union organisations also played an essential role in this first phase of negotiating agreements. At the moment, there are very few contentious points relating to pre-Directive agreements. 2. 2. 2. Specific considerations A major conference on “European works councils: practice and development” was organised in Brussels by the social partners (ETUC, UNICE and CEEP), with the support of the European Commission, on 28-30 April 1999. This event represented a unique opportunity for nearly 650 practitioners (representatives of undertakings which have set up a European works council, EWC members, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organisations at national and European levels, and representatives of the Member States) to take stock of all the experience acquired in implementing the Directive. Although none of the above social partner organisations called for an immediate revision of the Directive, the debates highlighted a number of legal and practical 5 problems relating to its application. The following list of problems should not be regarded as exhaustive: a) The Directive is based on the principle of quasi-absolute priority and the freedom of the social partners to negotiate appropriate agreements. This approach has proved effective and is the reason why so many agreements have been signed. However, some of these agreements seem to guarantee only a very low level of transnational consultation and information. b) A merger of undertakings or groups of undertakings might result in there being two or more European works councils in the new undertaking or group. The Directive does not currently require existing agreements to contain an adaptation clause covering changes in the make-up of the undertaking or group. However, the spirit of the Directive is that agreements must cover all workers at all times. Some Member States have in fact already made provision for adaptation clauses to existing agreements. c) Between adoption of the Directive (22 September 1994) and transposition (22 September 1996), some 450 “pre-Directive agreements” were signed. After 22 September 1996, the frequency and number of agreements signed fell sharply. The success of pre-Directive agreements is explained by the extensive involvement of European trade unions in the negotiating process leading up to most of these agreements, which is not the case with agreements negotiated on the basis of Articles 5 and 6 of the Directive. Another reason for the fall in the number of negotiations and agreements might be the fact that most large undertakings already have an agreement, and it is now the turn of small and medium-sized multinationals to establish European works councils. These undertakings have specific characteristics and requirements, and often only a small proportion of their employees are members of a union. d) Although the Directive on European works councils has given rise to few disputes, considering the novelty of the transnational provisions designed to set up a cross- border system of information and consultation, one case in particular has highlighted the problem of whether the present text is sufficiently clear with regard to ensuring that information is provided and consultation takes place “within a reasonable time limit” and in any event before a decision is taken. e) During the debates on the practical application of the Directive, repeated reference was made to the importance of the right to training for members of the special negotiating body and the European works council. The main argument put forward is that the Directive on the European works councils is an instrument of transnational representation opening up new possibilities for the representation of interests and for transnational communication. Consequently, a certain skill level is needed by the members of the European works council. f) Another problem raised during the discussions on the practical application of the Directive concerns the effectiveness of the flow of information between the different levels of worker representation. In order to exchange information and be consulted information and effectively at Community level, consultation systems to exist at national level and for the different levels of worker is necessary for efficient it 6 representation within undertakings or groups of undertakings to be linked with each other. Article 15 of Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European works council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purpose of informing and consulting employees states that: “Not later than 22 September 1999, the Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States and with management and labour at European level, review its operation and, in particular, examine whether the workforce size thresholds are appropriate with a view to proposing suitable amendments to the Council, where necessary”. In order to comply with this Article, the Commission consulted the Member States and the social partners at European level. The review process will continue taking into consideration the debates in the Council and in the European Parliament on the dossiers closely linked with the Directive (proposal for a Directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European Community (COM(98)612 final, 11. 11. 1998), Draft Directive on employee involvement within the European Company). On the basis of the results of this review as well as on the basis of the evolution of the other dossiers the Commission will at the given moment decide on the possible revision of the Directive. 3. ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATING MEASURES 3. 1. Scope 3. 1. 1. Material and geographical scope a) All Member States stipulate that the territorial scope is the European Union and the European Economic Area. As some of them have specifically excluded the United Kingdom, their provisions must be amended before 15 December 1999 following the extension to the United Kingdom of Directive 94/45/EC under the terms of Directive 97/74 of 15 December 1997. b) In certain countries, the scope of the transposition text implicitly or explicitly includes the merchant navy (B, E, IRL, FIN, S, D, A, P), whereas other countries (EL, I) exclude this sector. In Denmark and the Netherlands, persons working in the merchant navy are not excluded from the scope of the transposition text, but they may not be elected or appointed as members of the special negotiating group or European works council. c) All Member States respect the material domain of application laid down by the Directive, both as regards the number of employees which Community-scale undertakings and groups must have (1 000 in total, and at least 150 in two subsidiaries or establishments) and the requirement that there must be units in at least two Member States. 7 d) In calculating the size of the workforce, all countries use the definition of in accordance with the lex fori “employee” provided by their national qualification procedure authorised by the Directive. The essential criteria applied for defining an employment relationship are the payment of a remuneration and a subordination relationship. law, In calculating workforce numbers as such, reference is made directly or indirectly to a period of two years. There are differences in the way part-time employees are taken into account. In Belgium the calculation method used diverges slightly from the pro rata temporis rule2. In Ireland, if workers have worked less than eight hours a week for less than 13 weeks, they are not taken into account in calculating the workforce. In Spain, part- time workers may or may not be counted depending on the length of their employment contract3. Employees are counted as full-time workers in seven countries (A, D, EL, F, FIN, NL, P), while elsewhere the pro rata temporis rule applies (I). Certain categories are excluded, such as apprentices (I, IRL), homeworkers (I), seasonal/casual workers (FIN), or management personnel (A, D, IRL). e) All countries except France, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden make provision in their transposition text for the powers and responsibilities of the information and European works councils and the scope of procedures for consultation of workers to relate, in the case of a Community-scale undertaking, to all establishments situated in the Member States and, in the case of a Community- scale group of undertakings, all the member undertakings situated in the Member States; nevertheless, the agreement referred to in Article 6 of the Directive may provide for a wider scope. 3. 1. 2. Concept of undertaking or group of undertakings a) In many countries, the concept of “undertaking” as such is not defined; those countries refer explicitly (EL, IRL, I) or implicitly to the definition adopted by the Court of Justice of the European Communities (CJEC). The concept of “establishment” is spelt out in Ireland on the basis of a criterion of geographic separation. In Belgium, an establishment is a part of an undertaking which does not possess legal personality. The Austrian transposition text refers to section 34 of the Work Organisation Act. Only the Spanish and Swedish transposition texts explicitly mention the case of public-sector undertakings. Public-sector undertakings are not covered in Italy and Belgium, where the Directive has been transposed into national legislation by means 2 3 If employees work three-quarter time they are counted as full-time workers, if not they are counted as half-time workers. Part-time workers with open-ended contracts or contracts for more than two years are included in their undertaking's permanent workforce. Fixed-term contracts of less than two years are taken into account on the basis of the number of days worked over the last two years preceding the date on which the negotiation procedure started. One additional worker is counted for every 400 days or part-days worked. 8 of collective agreements (in Belgium supplemented by a royal extending decree which does not cover public-sector undertakings). This gap must be plugged. b) The concept of “controlling undertaking” is sufficiently developed in the text of the Directive, such that the transposition texts have not sought to amend it. The text has been incorporated as it stands by Italy, Greece, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark and Portugal. Sometimes the terms used are different, although they tally with the presumptions of the Directive and their hierarchy; this is the case in Ireland, Germany and Spain and also, with some additional qualifications, in France. The transposition acts also frequently refer to ordinary company law, either in fleshing out or in supplementing the general mechanisms of the Directive. In the Netherlands, for example, the Directive’s presumptions, as well as their hierarchy, are respected, but the text, in determining capital and voting rights, excludes situations in which an undertaking holds rights on behalf of another (indirect participation). On the other hand, bonded shares are allocated to creditors. the Directive’s In Finland the reference to company law would suggest presumptions are also upheld, as well as the criterion of “controlling interest” in describing control of subsidiaries. that The Irish text has the merit of addressing the difficulty created by the inclusion of joint ventures (50%/50% holdings). 3. 2. Request to open negotiations All countries comply with the Directive’s requirements as regards both the obligations incumbent on the central management and selection of the bodies entitled to initiate negotiations (100 employees or their representatives in at least two States). Italy's provisions also stipulate that the trade union organisations which have signed the collective agreement applicable may request the creation of a special negotiating body. The obligations incumbent on the central management are spelt out in detail in Sweden and reinforced in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria as regards the circulation of information to local management and trade union organisations. In Austria, requesting parties are entitled to ask central and local management how many persons are employed in the undertaking or establishment. These details are of interest in that information concerning the creation of an SNB is then conveyed to all interested parties in the Community-scale group. 3. 3. Special negotiating body (SNB) 3. 3. 1. Geographical and proportionality criteria All countries comply with the Directive as regards the geographical distribution of SNB members (one per country) and the proportional distribution of additional members as a function of the size of the workforce in each country. Several Member States have introduced a finer-grained breakdown (six workforce size classes), and Denmark has established thresholds for the additional members (thresholds of 2 000, 9 then 5 000), but the principle of proportionality seems to have been respected in all cases. 3. 3. 2. Number of representatives The number of representatives on the SNB (3-17) is often stipulated (DK, EL, FIN, I, IRL, NL) but sometimes omitted (B, D, E, S, A, P). In some cases distribution is not consistent with the maximum of 17 members stipulated in the Directive (A, D, E, F), but the group has to be established in more than 14 States for the maximum of 17 to be exceeded in these countries. 3. 3. 3. Modification of the structure of the group during negotiations Most countries do not provide for changes to the composition of the SNB during negotiations (A, F, FIN, I). However, specific rules have been laid down in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and Greece covering changes to the structure of the Community-scale undertaking or group of undertakings. 3. 3. 4. Representatives of third countries Most Member States provide for including representatives of third countries, but procedures differ from country to country. They may be included as observers without voting rights (EL, E, F, NL, P), they may be entitled to be elected or appointed as full members in accordance with national legislation (DK), or provision may be made for details concerning their appointment and status to be set out in an agreement signed by the central management and the SNB (A, D, EL). In Portugal, the central management is not obliged to cover observers' costs. Finland, Denmark, Italy and Belgium do not have any provisions concerning third countries outside the EEA. 3. 3. 5. Information on the composition of the SNB Most Member States require the central management to be informed of the composition of the SNB, but others (e. g. Finland) widen the scope of this information obligation to include all employees. The scope has been extended in Italy to include trade union organisations and local management, and in Austria it includes local management. Similarly, in Germany, the central management must inform local management, employee representatives, and trade unions present in establishments located in Germany. 3. 3. 6. Composition of the SNB In each country the appointment of SNB representatives depends on and is in line with the country’s existing representation arrangements. Election by the members of the works council if there is one, or Belgium: otherwise by the health and safety committee. Failing this, the joint committee may allow the trade union delegation to select the SNB members for Belgium. Denmark: Election by the representatives of the cooperation committee, otherwise by the shop stewards, or failing that by the employees. 10 Germany: Appointment by the existing structures in the following order of priority: group committee, central works council (Zentralbetriebsrat), works council (Betriebsrat), or works committee (Betriebsauschuss). Greece: organisations, in their absence by the works council, or failing that by the workers. Election in the following order of priority: by the trade union Spain: Appointment by joint agreement among the trade union representatives, who together form the majority of members of the works council(s), or the employee delegates where appropriate, or by agreement of the majority of the members of those councils and delegates. Appointment by the trade union organisations from among the elected France: members of the works council or establishment council or from the trade union representatives in the group; in the absence of a trade union organisation in the group in France, election by the employees. Ireland: between central management and employees. Appointment or election by the employees, possibility of an agreement Appointment by the trade union organisations that have signed the Italy: collective agreement. Otherwise, agreement between the trade union organisations and the central management on the appointment of members. Netherlands: Election by the highest-level council: group council, central council, works council; if not all the works councils are represented in these other councils, the appointment must be made jointly by the councils that are not represented and the group council; if some of the workers are not represented on the works council, they must be consulted on the choice of SNB members; in the absence of a works council, election by the employees. Appointment by existing structures in the following order of priority: Austria: group committee, works council or works committee; trade union representatives may be appointed as SNB members even if they are not members of a committee or council. Portugal: Appointment by joint agreement between, in order, the elected bodies and trade unions, between the elected bodies if no trade unions are represented in the undertaking or establishment, between the trade unions representing at least two thirds of the workers, or between the trade unions representing at least 5% of the workers; failing agreement, if no representatives are appointed, if there is no elected body or trade union, or if at least one third of the workers so request, the SNB members are directly elected by secret ballot, on the basis of lists presented by at least 100 or 10% of workers. Organisation of an election by agreement; in the absence of an Finland: agreement, the election must be organised by the health and safety delegates and the most representative workforce delegates. Election by the trade union which has signed the collective agreement Sweden: with the controlling undertaking; if there are several such unions they must negotiate an agreement the most representative union makes the appointment. in the absence of agreement, to organise the election; 11 Hence, in all the countries which give the works council or elected representatives a major role in the representation of workers, notably as regards information and consultation of workers (or co-decision), it is they who appoint the members of the SNB. Thus the central role is vested in the works council (or central council or group the Netherlands and council) in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Belgium, while workforce delegates or shop stewards play a subsidiary role in Denmark and Belgium. The trade unions play a central role in appointing members in Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain, jointly with the works council. But they also have an indirect role, either because the trade union organisations draw up the lists of candidates (F, S), because they play an essential part in constituting the works council or group council, or because the members of the SNB must have been elected from the lists prepared by the trade union organisations (F) or appointed on a delegation basis (B). The trade union organisations also play an important role in Sweden, where elections are organised amongst the representatives of the unions which have signed the collective agreement applicable. Because of the voluntary approach to representation in Ireland, the election system there is not grounded in already existing representation. Election by all employees may thus be replaced by an agreement signed by the employees and management of each undertaking concerned by transnational representation. In the absence of the body chiefly responsible for appointing or electing SNB members, the Member States rely on various systems: either appointments are made by the workforce delegates (B, DK) or the health and safety delegates (B, FIN), or the members are appointed by agreement between the central management and the trade union organisations (I) or employees (IRL), or they are elected by all the employees (F, NL, P). In Sweden, in the absence of a trade union bound by a collective agreement with the controlling undertaking, the local employees' organisation representing the greatest number of employees assumes responsibility for appointing the members. Only three Member States have failed to provide for subsidiary mechanisms, namely Spain, Germany and Austria. In these countries workers have the right to establish representations, and it is their responsibility if there is no works committee. The threshold for the creation of such a committee is very low (five employees in Austria and Germany, and six in Spain). Finally, all Member States have taken measures to ensure worker representation and establish a system for the appointment of SNB members which is in keeping with their domestic representation arrangements and the role handed down to the trade union organisations in each country. 3. 4. Agreements - Article 6 Most Member States comply with the Directive's provisions concerning the content of the agreement resulting from negotiations between the central management and 12 the SNB. However, several of them have inserted in their national texts certain rules which are not laid down in the Directive: - rules concerning the selection of workers' representatives for the negotiations and the establishment of the European works council are provided for in Spanish, Finnish, French, Irish and Italian legislation; - concerning the content of the agreement establishing the European works council, the Spanish and Greek legislation requires full identification of the parties to the agreement; the Italian interconfederal agreement requires the content of information and consultation to be laid down in the agreement; the Irish act requires the agreement to specify how the information given to employees' representatives is to be passed on to employees in the Member State concerned and how employees' opinions on that information are to be recorded; Portuguese legislation allows the parties to specify the law applicable to the agreement and the subjects to be treated as confidential; - concerning the content of the agreement establishing the information and consultation procedures, French, Irish and Netherlands legislation requires the agreement to stipulate the establishments to which the procedure is to apply, the way in which workers or their representatives are to be informed and consulted on transnational questions significantly affecting the workers, the material and financial resources allocated for the procedure, the duration of the agreement and the procedure for renegotiating it. Austrian legislation requires the agreement to specify the consequences to the EWC in the event of restructuring. Most of the transposition texts refer to the principle of collective autonomy. The others assume it implicitly. Hence in all countries the agreement must lay down all the conditions for the creation and operation of the transnational representation body chosen. Several texts establish the principle of negotiating in good faith or in a climate of cooperation4. In Spain there is an express provision that negotiations may be suspended in the case of bad faith on the part of one party, which is regarded as equivalent to refusing to start negotiations. Belgium, in addition to the compulsory particulars required under the Directive, prescribes the preparation of a protocol laying down all the concrete rules governing the operation of the European works council. In the other countries these rules are set out in detail in the works council’s rules of procedure. With regard to the operation of the European works council and the worker relations with the central information and consultation procedures management, the Danish, French, Finnish and Netherlands texts do not explicitly impose an obligation to work in a spirit of cooperation in compliance with their reciprocal rights and obligations. in their 4 In their transposition texts, Finland, France, the Netherlands and Sweden omit any reference to negotiating in a spirit of cooperation. However, in some States, including the Netherlands, negotiating in a spirit of good faith is a general principle of civil law. Furthermore, given the legal scope of the preamble and national case law on the subject, the absence of this concept in certain transposition texts does not limit its legal scope. 13 A two-thirds majority is required in several countries (A, D, F, I, E, P) in order to decide not to start negotiations or to suspend negotiations in progress. This point is not specifically covered in the other Member States' transposition texts. 3. 5. Subsidiary requirements the subsidiary All Member States respect requirements (refusal to commence negotiations within six months of being requested to do so and failure to reach an agreement within three years). Sometimes there are variations. the conditions for application of Finland, Italy and Sweden make provision for the application of the subsidiary requirements where an expired agreement predating the Directive has not been renewed within six months of termination (FIN) or expiry (S). Spain and Sweden make provision for the application of the subsidiary requirements where an agreement post-dating the Directive has not been renewed within six months of the expiry of its period of validity. 3. 5. 1. Composition of the European works council All Member States have adopted rules governing appointment to the European works council which are identical to those used for the SNB. The rules on geographical distribution are also identical to those for the SNB (one member per country). The same applies to the proportional distribution of members as a function of workforce size. All Member States provide for the possibility of appointing a select committee of three members. In some (B, E, IRL), the select committee may be enlarged in exceptional circumstances. Most Member States expressly prescribe a minimum of three and a maximum of thirty members (not specified in B, NL and P). Austria and Denmark permit the presence of permanent trade union representatives if they are already members of a works council. 3. 5. 2. Information and consultation All Member States provide for information and consultation of workers within the meaning of the Directive, including (in Italy, France, Spain, Greece and Portugal) the right to express an opinion in exceptional circumstances. In the Netherlands an opinion may be delivered within a reasonable time limit after a meeting. Certain Member States (e. g. IRL) specify that the SNB must be informed and consulted in good faith. Even if texts do not spell out the need for this spirit of cooperation, it may be considered as implicit, or as resulting from the spirit of the text or from general legal principles. Austria and Germany partially exclude ideologically oriented enterprises from the domain of information and consultation of the EWC. Sweden merely excludes them in relation to the objectives and direction of their activities. 14 3. 5. 3. Competence of the European works council The competence of the European works council as prescribed by the Directive, as regards both the annual meeting and exceptional circumstances, have been faithfully reproduced by all Member States. As regards the transnational dimension of the subjects dealt with, the wording of national provisions sometimes differs slightly from that of the Directive. As regards the annual meeting, besides the requirement on the prior circulation of an information report, the provisions governing general competence are taken over almost verbatim by all Member States. Italy adds equal opportunities, while the Netherlands adds the environment. As in the Directive, the list of subjects is not exhaustive. Exceptional circumstances within the meaning of the Directive (or similar terms, as in Italy, where reference is made to a substantial impact on workers’ interests) are valid grounds for extraordinary meetings in all Member States. Finally, preparatory meetings are explicitly provided for in certain national texts (A, B, IRL, P) to enable the European works council to be convened before meeting the central management. Other Member States do not mention this possibility, even though preparatory meetings are specifically provided for in the Directive. But the lack of appropriate provisions does not entitle the central management to disallow such meetings, or any other measure, if they are necessary for the operation of the European works council. 3. 5. 4. Temporal organisation of information and consultation The terms used in some transposition texts concerning the moment of consultation in the event of exceptional circumstances are different, but all are inspired by the principle of timely fulfilment of obligations enshrined by the CJEC. Consultation must take place either as soon as possible (IRL, FIN, NL, P) or soon enough to have a useful effect (E). The absence of specific provisions does not detract from the obligation on the central management to comply with its information and consultation obligations “in good time”, in line with the CJEC’s interpretation of the obligation to ensure that Community legislation has a useful effect. This interpretation is also binding on national courts. Several Member States (A, I, F, NL, P) also require negotiations to be reopened within four years of the application of the subsidiary requirements with specific provisions. In Germany and Austria, the EWC must make a decision with a view to reopening negotiations based on Article 6 of the Directive. 3. 5. 5. Changes to the structure of the group Adjustments to the composition of the European works council are provided for: in Denmark, Germany and Portugal as a function of the number of employees in the different countries; in France when a new European works council is appointed (every two years); 15 in the Netherlands when justified by changes (integration of additional members). 3. 5. 6. Chairing of the EWC Specific rules have been adopted in some Member States for selecting the chairman of the European works council. He or she may be appointed on the basis of an agreement between the central management and the European works council (EL, E, IRL), the chair may alternate between the management and the European works council (NL), the rules of procedure may cover the matter (B), the members of the European works council may elect the chairman (A, D) or the head of the controlling undertaking may take the chair (F). 3. 6. Agreements in force - Article 13 All Member States comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the Directive concerning the applicability of agreements already in force. In several countries there is a gap between the date laid down in the Directive (22/09/1996) and the date of entry into force of the transposition text validating these agreements (D, F). The Austrian legislation backdates the validity of agreements to the date stipulated in the Directive. Italy and the Netherlands make provision for the validity of agreements signed after 22 September 1996; in Italy, agreements signed by November 1996 are valid, in the Netherlands those signed by February 1997. The Portuguese act explicitly recognises agreements entered into in third countries, provided they comply with the conditions laid down there, wherever national law is applicable. The conditions set out in the Article are spelt out explicitly in Belgium (where all situations in which signatures validate the agreement are provided for5), in Germany and the Netherlands (where appropriate worker participation is required) and in Spain (where the legitimacy of signatories is checked)6. In addition, some Member States have introduced additional criteria to those laid down in Article 13 of the Directive for the validity of agreements in force. In Ireland, the agreement must have been accepted by the majority of the workforce to which it applies. In Austria, the protection of workers' representatives applies ex lege, also in the case of Article 13 agreements, and all bodies representing staff must be informed of the text of the agreement. In Denmark, the agreement must relate to information and consultation on matters concerning undertakings or establishments located in several Member States. Certain Member States (A, B, D, FIN) allowed revision of agreements in force within the six months following 22 September 1996, with a view to making them compatible with the requirements of Article 13. 5 6 Signature by the trade unions that have signed the collective agreement and are represented in the group, by the majority of workforce delegates in the country concerned, by the majority of employees, by a European organisation acting on behalf of the undertaking’s trade union organisations. This presumption of validity for certain types of signatory also exists in Germany, France and Italy. Provision for checking the legitimacy of signatories is also made in Finland and the Netherlands. 16 In Greece and Belgium, conditions governing the written form of agreements have been added to authorise their validation. Ireland, Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands provide for the possibility of renewing these agreements. The provisions differ, depending on whether or not agreements were concluded for a specific period. Finally, some Member States provide for incorporating changes in the structure of the group into the system established through earlier agreements (NL after five years). 3. 7. Experts All countries have provisions authorising the SNB and the European works council to consult experts. Most countries stipulate that recourse to experts must be essential (EL, DK, FIN, S) and/or that the associated costs may be charged to the central management in respect of one expert only (A, D, B, EL, F, IRL, NL, P). Netherlands law specifies that this means one expert per agenda item. The right to consult several experts, even if the central management must pay for only one of them, means that SNBs and EWCs can draw on the assistance of trade union representatives belonging to national or European confederations, while at the same time seeking the help of a “technical” expert. In agreements concluded pursuant to Article 6, the consultation of experts and rules on the covering of costs are clearly matters for negotiation. 3. 8. Other operating rules 3. 8. 1. Material and financial resources All countries stipulate that the central management shall bear the operating expenses of the transnational representation bodies. As regards the SNB, it is generally specified that these expenses include the material and financial resources it needs to perform its task (DK, FIN, P, A). Even if this is not spelt out, it is clear that the expenses to be borne by the central management are those essential to the functioning of the SNB. Sometimes, these are set out in detail (I, IRL, P, A): meetings, equipment, travel, translation, accommodation, experts’ costs. In Sweden and Spain, the costs of appointing the SNB members are also mentioned. As regards EWCs set up under the subsidiary requirements, the same general formula applies: the central management has to cover essential operating expenses. These are almost of meetings, accommodation, equipment (without details as regards fax machines, telephones or computers). In Germany, the central management has to provide premises. organisation translation, specified: always travel, All countries anticipate disputes as to whether costs incurred by the EWC are necessary and/or reasonable. The national courts carry out an assessment based on the objective utility of operating expenses transnational representation. in the context of 17 3. 8. 2. Resources given to the representatives In all countries, representatives are entitled to paid absence to perform their duties. However, the number of hours granted varies tremendously: 20 hours a month in France, eight hours every four months in Italy, two hours a week in Greece, 60 hours a year in Spain, necessary absence in Austria, reasonable absence in Ireland, a non- specified general entitlement in the Netherlands, and absence agreed between the employer and the representative employees' organisation in Sweden. 3. 9. Confidentiality 3. 9. 1. General confidentiality requirement With the exception of Belgium, where the confidentiality requirement is contained only in a text accompanying the transposition act, all countries' transposition texts impose confidentiality requirements on SNB and EWC representatives and experts. The requirement is a general and continuous one, generally of unlimited duration, but sometimes limited in time (end of all terms of office in Ireland, three years in Italy). Naturally the confidentiality requirement covers representatives' and experts' in Sweden and Austria the it does not bind relations with third parties, but representatives inter se, so as to avoid disputes concerning the circulation of information within the EWC. 3. 9. 2. Right to withhold confidential information The central management’s right to withhold information it deems to be confidential (Article 8) has been enshrined in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal. France and Austria have not made use of this possibility, and Germany has not used it for the SNB. The confidential nature of information must be assessed on the basis of objective criteria. Besides standard legal procedures, specific procedures are sometimes provided for in Greece, Belgium and Portugal, while Finland makes provision for arbitration. 3. 9. 3. Penalties for infringement of the confidentiality requirement All countries provide for penalties, but their nature differs from one country to another. Sometimes civil penalties are stipulated (F, P), but as a rule sanctions are of a penal nature: Ireland ("offence"), Germany, Finland, France ("manufacturing secrets"). Spain and Greece do not make specific provision for penalties. In Denmark, penalties are set out in a separate text (not in the transposition text). Several countries have specific (often emergency) procedures for disputes relating to infringement of manufacturing secrets (notably France, Germany and Belgium). 18 3. 10. Protection of workers’ representatives Protection is provided in all countries for workers exercising representative functions. The principle of equal treatment is expressly reiterated in certain countries (D, EL, IRL) as a fundamental guarantee of performance of the functions in question. In each country, protection is organised in line with the rules governing worker representation. Sometimes, this protection results from a collective agreement (DK), but as a rule the transposition text contains a reference to the country’s general rules governing representatives (shop stewards or trade union representatives) (B, E, F, I, NL, S, A, P). Representatives may be dismissed only on serious grounds not related to the activity, or for serious misconduct (FIN, F). Grounds which the employer may not invoke are specified in Finland (illness, strike, religious opinions, etc. ). Specific procedures concerning prior authorisation of dismissal exist Germany and Finland. in France, 3. 11. Penalties All countries prescribe penalties in the event of infringement of the Directive’s requirements, as regards both the obligation to set up a special negotiating body (SNB) and obligations concerning the operation of the transnational representation body. There are various systems: penalties for infringement of collective agreements (DK, S), or general procedures under employment law. Some countries impose penalties in the form of various types of fine ("compensatory fine" in DK, "conditional fine" in FIN) or, more broadly, penal sanctions which in some cases allow the court to impose a range of penalties: IRL ("offence"), EL, E ("administrative offence"), B ("administrative fines"), A and D ("administrative offence"), F ("obstructionism"), P ("quasi-offence"). Not all countries specify how these penalties are to be applied in the case of infringement of obligations entered into under an earlier agreement, and so it may be assumed that they also apply in this case, except in Denmark and Sweden, where agreements already in force are not covered by the system of penalties. As a rule, penalties are imposed by the general courts. In Greece it is the prefectoral administration that is responsible, and fines are paid into a workers’ welfare fund. 3. 12. Remedies Jurisdiction in all countries lies with the courts that adjudicate on disputes concerning worker representation. These are usually (A, B, D, E, EL, F, I, S, NL, P) the employment tribunals for individual disputes and/or the general courts (DK, FIN, F for collective disputes), or courts dealing with company law (NL). 19 In Ireland, arbitration is the rule. This should be emphasised in the light of the transnational nature of disputes (appeals possible only if questions of law are involved). some countries have particular the Ministry of Finally, Employment has a supervisory role, while in Italy the interconfederal agreement provides for the creation of a special committee to deal with questions connected with the transnational body. In Finland, rules. 20 ANNEX References of measures transposing Directive 94/45/EC on European works councils – Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees - Published: Official Journal of the European Communities; 30. 9. 1994; L 254/64 – Council Directive 97/74/EC of 15 December 1997 extending, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees - Published: Official Journal of the European Communities; 16. 1. 1998; L 10/23 Belgium – Arrêté royal du 22. 03. 1996 rendant obligatoire la convention collective de travail n° 62, conclue le 6 Février 1996 au sein du Conseil national du Travail, concernant l’institution d’un comité d’entreprise européen ou d’une procédure dans les entreprises de dimension communautaire et les groupes d’entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d’informer et de consulter les travailleurs. Published: Moniteur Belge, 11. 04. 1996, p. 8465. – Arrêté royal du 27. 11. 1998 rendant obligatoire la convention collective de travail n° 62bis du 6 octobre 1998 modifiant la convention collective de travail n° 62 du 6 février 1996, conclue au sein du Conseil national du Travail, concernant l’institution d’un comité entreprises de dimension d’entreprise communautaire et les groupes d’entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d’informer et de consulter les travailleurs. Published: Moniteur Belge, 16. 12. 1998, p. 935. européen ou d’une procédure dans les – Arrêté royal portant exécution de l'article 8 de la loi du 23 avril 1998 portant des mesures d'accompagnement en ce qui concerne l'institution d'un comité d'entreprise européen ou les groupes d'une procédure dans les entreprises de dimension communautaire et d'entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d'informer et de consulter les travailleurs. Published: Moniteur Belge, 17. 10. 1998, p. 1252. – Loi du 23 avril 1998 portant des mesures d'accompagnement en ce qui concerne l'institution d'un comité d'entreprise européen ou d'une procédure dans les entreprises de dimension communautaire et les groupes d'entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d'informer et de consulter les travailleurs – Published: Moniteur Belge, 21. 05. 1998, p. 2192. – Loi du 23 avril 1998 portant des dispositions diverses en ce qui concerne l'institution d'un comité d'entreprise européen ou d'une procédure dans les entreprises de dimension communautaire et les groupes d'entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d'informer et de consulter les travailleurs – Published: Moniteur Belge, 21. 05. 1998, p. 2192. 21 Denmark Lov N. 371 af 22. 05. 1996 om europæiske samarbejdsudvalg - Published: Ministerialtidende, j. nr. 1996-534-8 Germany Gesetz Bundesgesetzblatt Teil I, 31. 10. 1996, S. 1548 über Europäische Betriebsräte (EBRG) vom 28. 10. 1996 - Published: Greece Presidential Decree n° 40/97; 18. 3. 1997 - Published: FEK A n° 39; 20. 3. 1997; p. 599 Spain Ley 10/1997, de 24 de abril, sobre derechos de información y consulta de los trabajadores en las empresas y grupos de empresas de dimensión comunitaria N 10/97; 24. 4. 1997 - Published: Boletín oficial del Estado N 99; 25. 4. 1997; p. 13258 France Loi N. 96-985 du 12. 11. 1996 relative à l’information et à la consultation des salariés dans les entreprises et les groupes d’entreprises de dimension communautaire, ainsi qu’au développement de la négociation collective - Published: Journal Officiel de la République Française; 13. 11. 1996; p. 16527 Intégration au Code du Travail sous les articles L 439-1 modifié, L 439-6 à L 439-24, L 483- 1-2 Ireland Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act of 1996; Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act of 1996 (Commencement) Order of 1996; 3. 7. 1996 - Published: Statutory Instruments n° 20 of 1996; Statutory Instruments n° 276 of 1996 Italy Accordo Interconfederale per 06. 11. 1996 Netherlands il Recepimento della direttiva 94/45 CE del 22. 9. 1994; Wet van 23. 1. 1997 op de Europese ondernemingsraden tot uitvoering van richtlijn nr. 94/45/EG - Published: Staatsblad 1997/32 pp 1-15 ; 4. 2. 1997 Portugal Lei n° 40/99 de 9 de Junho que assegura a informação e consulta dos trabalhadores em empresas ou grupos de empresas transnacionais e regula a instituição de conselhos de empresa europeus ou de procedimentos simplificados de informação e consulta em empresas e grupos de empresas de dimensão comunitária. DR n° 133, 9. 6. 1999, p. 3237 et seq. Entry into force: 9. 7. 1999. 22 Austria Bundesgesetz vom 17. Oktober 1996, mit dem das Arbeitsverfassungsgesetz, das Arbeits- und Sozialgerichtsgesetzes und das Bundesgesetz über die Post-Betriebsverfassung geändert werden - Published: Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich Nr. 601/96, 31. 10. 1996 Finland Laki yhteistoiminnasta yrityksissä annetun lain muuttamisesta 614/96; 9. 8. 1996 Sweden Lag (1996:359) om europeiska företagsråd; utfärdad den 9 maj 1996 Luxembourg Transposition delayed 23


title: Komisijas Regula (EK) Nr. 709/2000 (2000. gada 4. aprīlis) par dažu preču klasifikāciju Kombinētajā nomenklatūrā

eurovoc_concepts:
Combined Nomenclature
customs regulations
import
legal code
textile product

formats: html pdf print

text: 02/9. sēj. LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 373 32000R0709 L 84/3 EIROPAS KOPIENU OFICIĀLAIS VĒSTNESIS 5. 4. 2000. KOMISIJAS REGULA (EK) Nr. 709/2000 (2000. gada 4. aprīlis) par dažu preču klasifikāciju Kombinētajā nomenklatūrā EIROPAS KOPIENU KOMISIJA, ņemot vērā Eiropas Kopienas dibināšanas līgumu, jūlija Regulu (EEK) ņemot vērā Padomes 1987. gada 23. Nr. 2658/87 par tarifu un statistikas nomenklatūru un par kopējo muitas tarifu (1), kurā jaunākie grozījumi izdarīti ar Komisijas Regulu (EK) Nr. 2626/1999 (2), un jo īpaši tās 9. pantu, des, bet kas neatbilst šai regulai, preču turētājs var turpināt izmantot 60 dienas, pamatojoties uz 12. panta 6. punktu Padomes 1992. (EEK) Nr. 2913/92, ar ko izveidots Kopienas Muitas kodekss (3), kurā jaunākie grozījumi izdarīti ar Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes Regulu (EK) Nr. 955/1999 (4). gada 12. oktobra Regulā (5) Šajā regulā paredzētie pasākumi atbilst Muitas kodeksa komitejas atzinumam, tā kā: (1) (2) (3) (4) Lai nodrošinātu minētās regulas pielikumā pievienotās Kombinētās nomenklatūras vienotu piemērošanu, ir jāpa- redz pasākumi attiecībā uz šīs regulas pielikumā minēto preču klasifikāciju. Regulā (EEK) Nr. 2658/87 ir paredzēti vispārīgi Kombinē- tās nomenklatūras interpretācijas noteikumi. Šie noteikumi attiecas arī uz jebkuru citu nomenklatūru, kuras pamatā pilnībā vai daļēji ir Kombinētā nomenklatūra vai kura tai pievieno jaunas apakšnodaļas un kura ieviesta ar īpašiem Kopienas noteikumiem, ņemot vērā tarifu un citu pasā- kumu piemērošanu preču tirdzniecībā. Atbilstīgi minētajiem vispārīgajiem noteikumiem preces, kas raksturotas šīs regulas pielikuma tabulas 1. ailē, jākla- sificē ar KN kodiem, kas norādīti tabulas 2. ailē, ņemot vērā 3. ailē izklāstīto pamatojumu. Ir lietderīgi, ka — ievērojot Kopienas noteikumus par div- kāršās pārbaudes sistēmām, kā arī iepriekšēju un retrospek- tīvu Kopienas uzraudzību attiecībā uz tekstilizstrādāju- miem, saistošu informāciju par tarifiem, ko attiecībā uz preču klasifikāciju Kombinētajā nomenklatūrā sniedz dalībvalstu muitas iestā- importējot Kopienā — juridiski tos IR PIEŅĒMUSI ŠO REGULU. 1. pants Preces, kas raksturotas pielikuma tabulas 1. ailē, Kombinētajā nomenklatūrā klasificē ar KN kodiem, kas norādīti minētās tabulas 2. ailē. 2. pants Ievērojot Kopienā spēkā esošos noteikumus attiecībā uz divkāršas pārbaudes sistēmām un iepriekšēju un retrospektīvu Kopienas uzraudzību attiecībā uz tekstilizstrādājumiem, tos importējot Kopienā, saskaņā ar Regulas (EEK) Nr. 2913/92 12. panta 6. punktu juridiski saistošu informāciju par tarifiem, ko sniedz dalībvalstu muitas iestādes un kas neatbilst šai regulai, var turpināt izmantot 60 dienas. 3. pants Šī regula stājas spēkā 20. dienā pēc publicēšanas Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī. Šī regula uzliek saistības kopumā un ir tieši piemērojama visās dalībvalstīs. Briselē, 2000. gada 4. aprīlī Komisijas vārdā — Komisijas loceklis Frederik BOLKESTEIN (1) OV L 256, 7. 9. 1987. , 1. lpp. (2) OV L 321, 14. 12. 1999. , 3. lpp. (3) OV L 302, 19. 10. 1992. , 1. lpp. (4) OV L 119, 7. 5. 1999. , 1. lpp. 374 LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 02/9. sēj. PIELIKUMS Iedalījums KN kods (2) 6106 10 00 Pamatojums (3) Klasifikāciju nosaka pēc 4. un 6. vispārīgā Kom- binētās nomenklatūras interpretācijas notei- kuma, 4. piezīmes attiecībā uz 61. nodaļu un pēc KN kodu 6106 un 6106 10 00 teksta Skatīt arī Kombinētās nomenklatūras paskaidro- jumus par pozīciju 6106 attiecībā uz blūzēm Ņemot vērā tā griezumu un ļoti dziļo kakla izgriezumu, šis apģērbs ir jāklasificē kā blūze 6110 20 99 Klasifikāciju nosaka pēc 1. un 6. vispārīgā Kom- binētās nomenklatūras interpretācijas noteikuma un KN kodu 6110, 6110 20 un 6110 20 99 apraksta Skatīt arī Kombinētās nomenklatūras paskaidro- jumus attiecībā uz pozīciju 6110 Ņemot vērā apģērba kopējo izskatu un to, kāda ir drāna, no kuras izgatavots šis apģērbs, tas ir jāklasificē kā puloveram līdzīgs apģērbs Preču apraksts (1) 1. Vienkrāsains adīts apģērbs (95 % kokvilna, 5 % elastāns) ar vairāk nekā 10 valdziņiem centimetrā, skaitot visos virzienos laukumā, kas ir vismaz 10 cm x 10 cm liels. Tas ir pare- dzēts ķermeņa augšdaļai un tam ir taisns pie- griezums, kas sniedzas pāri jostas vietai (59 cm), un tikai viena piedurkne. Tam ir asimetrisks un ļoti dziļš kakla izgrie- zums bez atvēruma Priekšējā daļā uz kakla izgriezuma līnijas un piedurknes tas ir dekorēts ar izšuvumu Tam ir arī kakla izgriezuma līnijai un pie- durknes galā piešūtas auduma apmales un apvīlēta lejasdaļa (Blūze) (Skatīt fotogrāfiju Nr. 593) (*) 2. Taisna griezuma no trikotāžas drānas izgata- vots vienkrāsains apģērbs ar garenisku rievo- jumu un īsām piedurknēm (100 % kokvilna), tas ir paredzēts ķermeņa augšdaļai un snie- dzas pāri jostas vietai (62 cm) Tam ir V veida kakla izgriezums bez atvē- ruma un dekoratīvs izšuvums priekšpusē Piedurkņu gali, kakla līnija un apģērba lejas- daļa ir ar eģi (Apģērbs ir līdzīgs puloveram) (Skatīt fotogrāfiju Nr. 595) (*) Klasifikāciju nosaka pēc 1. un 6. vispārīgā Kom- binētās nomenklatūras interpretācijas notei- kuma, 61. nodaļas 1. piezīmes un 9 piezīmes otrās daļas un KN kodu 6110, 6110 30 un 6110 30 99 apraksta Skatīt arī Harmonizētās sistēmas paskaidroju- mus attiecībā uz pozīciju 6109 un Kombinētās nomenklatūras paskaidrojumus attiecībā uz pozīciju 6110 Ņemot vērā to, ka šim apģērbam nav aizdares, to nevar klasificēt kā pozīcijas 6106 blūzi 3. Daudzkrāsains apģērbs, kas izgatavots no mākslīgās šķiedras drānas velveta adījumā (80 % viskoze, 20 % poliesters), 6110 30 99 Šā apģērba piegriezums ir cieši piegulošs un sedz ķermeņa augšdaļu, sniedzoties pāri jos- tas vietai Šim apģērbam ir garas cieši piegulošas pie- durknes, apaļš kakla izgriezums bez atvē- ruma un dekoratīvs raksts priekšējā daļā Kakla līnija un piedurkņu gali ir apdarināti ar trikotāžas drānas piestiprinātu apmali, un apģērba apakša apvīlēta (Apģērbs ir līdzīgs puloveram) (Skatīt fotogrāfiju Nr. 585) (*) (*) Fotogrāfijas dotas tikai informatīvā nolūkā. 02/9. sēj. LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 375 Preču apraksts (1) 4. Cieši piegulošs svītrota adījuma apģērbs (bie- zums: (1,5 mm, 70 % akrils, 30 % poliesters), paredzēts ķermeņa augšdaļai, sniedzas līdz jostas vietai (51 cm). Tas ir bez piedurknēm un gareniski rievots. Tam ir apaļš kakla izgriezums bez atvēruma. Tas ir apšūts ap kakla izgriezumu un roku izgriezumiem. (Apģērbs ir līdzīgs puloveram) (Skatīt fotogrāfiju Nr. 589) (*) (*) Fotogrāfijas dotas tikai informatīvā nolūkā. Iedalījums KN kods (2) 6110 30 99 Pamatojums (3) Klasifikāciju nosaka pēc 1. un 6. vispārīgā Kom- binētās nomenklatūras interpretācijas notei- kuma, 1. piezīmes un 9. piezīmes pirmās daļas attiecībā uz 61. nodaļu un KN kodu 6110, 6110 30 un 6110 30 99 apraksta. Skatīt arī Kombinētās nomenklatūras paskaidro- jumus attiecībā uz pozīciju 6110 Ņemot vērā šā apģērba svaru un biezumu, šo apģērbu nevar klasificēt kā 6109 pozīcijas apak- škreklu vai vesti 376 LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 02/9. sēj. 02/9. sēj. LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 377


title: KIRJALLINEN KYSYMYS E-1051/00 esittäjä(t): Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) komissiolle. EU:n asetuksen N:o 850/98 mukaiset eri kampelalajien vähimmäiskoot.

eurovoc_concepts:
common fisheries policy
fishery management

text: C 72 E/16 Euroopan yhteis(cid:246)jen virallinen lehti FI 6. 3. 2001 Jos virkamiehen ammatillisen luotettavuuden suhteen esitet(cid:228)(cid:228)n perusteettomasti vakavia syyt(cid:246)ksi(cid:228), hallin- non on henkil(cid:246)st(cid:246)s(cid:228)(cid:228)nt(cid:246)jen 24 artiklan nojalla toteutettava tarvittavat toimenpiteet virkamiehen maineen puhdistamiseksi. T(cid:228)llaisissa tapauksissa hallinnolla on laaja harkintavalta sen suhteen, mit(cid:228) keinoja virka- miehen avustamisessa k(cid:228)ytet(cid:228)(cid:228)n, jollei yhteis(cid:246)jen tuomioistuin toisin p(cid:228)(cid:228)t(cid:228). Sen on kumottava syyt(cid:246)kset ja pyritt(cid:228)v(cid:228) kaikin keinoin palauttamaan virkamiehen maine. Henkil(cid:246)st(cid:246)s(cid:228)(cid:228)nt(cid:246)jen 24 artiklan mukaiset avustustoimet riippuvat uhkauksen tai kantelun luonteesta ja uhrin toiveista. Henkil(cid:246)st(cid:246)s(cid:228)(cid:228)nt(cid:246)jen 17 artiklan mukaan virkamiehen on noudatettava ehdotonta vaitiolovelvollisuutta sellaisten asioiden ja tietojen suhteen, jotka h(cid:228)n saa tietoonsa hoitaessaan teht(cid:228)vi(cid:228)(cid:228)n tai niiden yhteydess(cid:228). OLAF:n henkil(cid:246)st(cid:246) ei siis saa k(cid:228)ytt(cid:228)(cid:228) salaisia tietoja mihink(cid:228)(cid:228)n muuhun tarkoitukseen kuin virkamiehelle uskottujen teht(cid:228)vien hoitamiseen. Viraston johtajan vastuulla on toteuttaa tarvittavat organisatoriset toimenpiteet, mik(cid:228)li h(cid:228)n katsoo, ett(cid:228) virkamiehen virkavelvollisuudet ja h(cid:228)nen ammattiyhdistystoimintansa saattavat aiheuttaa eettisi(cid:228) ongelmia. (2001/C 72 E/019) KIRJALLINEN KYSYMYS E-1051/00 esitt(cid:228)j(cid:228)(t): Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) komissiolle (4. huhtikuuta 2000) Aihe: EU:n asetuksen N:o 850/98 mukaiset eri kampelalajien v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoot liite XII ei sis(cid:228)ll(cid:228) eri kampelalajien (kampela, piikkikampela, Uuden EU:n asetuksen N:o 850/98 (1) silokampela, pikkup(cid:228)(cid:228)kampela, mustaev(cid:228)kampela ja hietakampela) v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskokoja, toisin kuin asetuksen aiempi versio. Voiko komissio t(cid:228)st(cid:228) syyst(cid:228) vastata seuraaviin kysymyksiin: J(cid:228)iv(cid:228)tk(cid:246) kampelalajien v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoot vahingossa vaille huomiota vai poistettiinko ne asetuksesta 1. tarkoituksella? Jos kampelalajien v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoot poistettiin asetuksesta tarkoituksella, miksi komissio p(cid:228)(cid:228)tyi t(cid:228)h(cid:228)n 2. ratkaisuun? Onko komissio sit(cid:228) mielt(cid:228), ett(cid:228) kullekin kulutushy(cid:246)dykkeeksi tarkoitetulle kalalajille on m(cid:228)(cid:228)ritelt(cid:228)v(cid:228) 3. v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoko, jotta laji voi kutea edes kerran ja jotta sen kanta voidaan turvata? 4. Onko komissio tietoinen, ett(cid:228) alimittaisia kaloja ei voida myyd(cid:228), koska niiss(cid:228) on vain v(cid:228)h(cid:228)n lihaa? Onko komissio t(cid:228)st(cid:228) syyst(cid:228) sit(cid:228) mielt(cid:228), ett(cid:228) punakampelan v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoko ei saisi alittaa 25 cm:(cid:228), 5. jotta se voidaan viel(cid:228) luokitella kulutushy(cid:246)dykkeeksi? (1) EYVL L 318, 27. 11. 1998, s. 63. Franz Fischlerin komission puolesta antama vastaus (31. toukokuuta 2000) jotka johtivat Koillis-Atlantin Poisto tehtiin tarkoituksella ja j(cid:228)senvaltiot hyv(cid:228)ksyiv(cid:228)t sen neuvotteluissa, teknisen toimenpidepaketin tarkistukseen kalavarojen s(cid:228)ilytt(cid:228)misest(cid:228) nuorten meren eli(cid:246)iden suojelemiseksi toteutettavien teknisten toimenpiteiden avulla 30. maaliskuuta 1998 annetun neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 850/98 mukaisesti. Komission t(cid:228)rkein tavoite teknisen toimenpidepaketin tarkistamisessa oli lis(cid:228)t(cid:228) mahdollisuuksien mukaan kalastusv(cid:228)lineiden valikoivuutta yhteis(cid:246)n kalavesien t(cid:228)rkeimmiss(cid:228) kalalajeissa. Harvoja poikkeuksia lukuun ottamassa neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 850/98 liitteess(cid:228) XII joita kalastetaan eniten. Komissio yritti (cid:129) j(cid:228)lleen mahdollisuuksien mukaan (cid:129) vahvistaa aluksesta purettavan kalan v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoot suhteessa n(cid:228)iden lajien pyynniss(cid:228) k(cid:228)ytettyjen kalastusv(cid:228)lineiden valikoivuuteen. tarkoitetut kalalajit ovat niit(cid:228), 6. 3. 2001 FI Euroopan yhteis(cid:246)jen virallinen lehti C 72 E/17 Parlamentin j(cid:228)senen luettelemat kampelalajit eiv(cid:228)t ole yleisimpi(cid:228) lajeja. N(cid:228)iden lajien yksil(cid:246)it(cid:228) j(cid:228)(cid:228) kalastus- v(cid:228)lineisiin, joita k(cid:228)ytet(cid:228)(cid:228)n ensisijaisesti yleisten lajien pyyntiin. Kaikki pyydykseen j(cid:228)(cid:228)neet ja sen j(cid:228)lkeen mereen lasketut kalat, my(cid:246)s parlamentin j(cid:228)senen luettelemat, ovat joko kuolleita tai kuolemaisillaan. Mereen laskemisella on v(cid:228)h(cid:228)n tai ei lainkaan vaikutusta kalavarojen s(cid:228)ilymiseen. Jotta kullekin lajille voitaisiin m(cid:228)(cid:228)ritt(cid:228)(cid:228) sellaiset maihin tuotavan kalan v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoot, ett(cid:228) niiden yksil(cid:246)t voivat kutea ainakin kerran, olisi hyv(cid:228)ksytt(cid:228)v(cid:228) hyvin suuret silm(cid:228)koot. Vain siten voitaisiin taata, ettei mink(cid:228)(cid:228)n lajin yksil(cid:246)it(cid:228) pyydet(cid:228) eik(cid:228) tapeta, ennen kuin ne kypsyv(cid:228)t kutuik(cid:228)(cid:228)n. Parlamentin j(cid:228)senen ehdottamien edellytysten luominen esimerkiksi kampelalle vaatisi yli 130 millimetrin silm(cid:228)kokoa. Valitet- tavasti t(cid:228)m(cid:228)n kokoisiin verkkoihin j(cid:228)isi vain v(cid:228)h(cid:228)n merianturoita. Kampelaa pyydet(cid:228)(cid:228)n hyvin usein yhdess(cid:228) merianturan kanssa, jonka pyynniss(cid:228) optimaalinen silm(cid:228)koko on 80 millimetri(cid:228). Jos j(cid:228)lkimm(cid:228)ist(cid:228) silm(cid:228)ko- koa k(cid:228)ytet(cid:228)(cid:228)n kampelan ja merianturan sekakalastuksessa, saataisiin 17 senttimetrin pituisia ja sit(cid:228) suurempia kampeloita. Kampela on kutuik(cid:228)(cid:228)n ehtiess(cid:228)(cid:228)n reilusti yli 17 senttimetrin pituinen. T(cid:228)h(cid:228)n ongelmaan ei ole tyydytt(cid:228)v(cid:228)(cid:228) ratkaisua, kuten ei moniin muihinkaan samankaltaisiin sekakalastuksen ongelmiin. (cid:148)Alimittaisia(cid:148) kaloja ei pit(cid:228)isi tuoda maihin, vaan ne olisi laskettava mereen, koska ne ovat pienempi(cid:228) kuin neuvoston asetuksessa (EY) N:o 850/98 s(cid:228)(cid:228)det(cid:228)(cid:228)n. Jos v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskokoa ei ole m(cid:228)(cid:228)ritelty, kaikki kalat saa tuoda maihin, mutta se ei ole pakollista. Jos pienille kaloille ei ole markkinoita, kalastajat saavat heitt(cid:228)(cid:228) ne pois. Jos markkinoita l(cid:246)ytyy, ne olisi parempi tuoda maihin ja myyd(cid:228) kuin heitt(cid:228)(cid:228) takaisin mereen kuolleina tai kuolemaisillaan. Kalastettaessa merianturaa 80 millimetrin silm(cid:228)koolla pyydykseen j(cid:228)(cid:228) my(cid:246)s paljon kampeloita. N(cid:228)iss(cid:228) olosuhteissa v(cid:228)hint(cid:228)(cid:228)n 17 senttimetrin kampelat otetaan alukseen. T(cid:228)m(cid:228) oli perusteena komission alkuper(cid:228)isess(cid:228) ehdotuksessa, jossa kampelalle esitettiin 17 senttimetrin v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskokoa. Lopulta p(cid:228)(cid:228)stiin sopimukseen 22 senttimetrin v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoosta. Jos nyt vahvistetaan 25 senttimetrin v(cid:228)himm(cid:228)iskoko, kaikki 17(cid:129)24 senttimetrin pituiset kampelat olisi laskettava mereen, kuolleina tai kuolemaisillaan. T(cid:228)ll(cid:228) olisi vain v(cid:228)h(cid:228)n tai ei lainkaan vaikutusta kampelavarojen s(cid:228)ilytt(cid:228)miseen. On my(cid:246)s t(cid:228)hdennett(cid:228)v(cid:228), ettei kalaa luokitella pelk(cid:228)st(cid:228)(cid:228)n (cid:148)kulutushy(cid:246)dykkeeksi(cid:148). Joitakin silliin liittyvi(cid:228) poikkeustapauksia lukuun ottamatta maihin tuotua kalaa saa k(cid:228)ytt(cid:228)(cid:228) mihin tahansa tarkoitukseen. (2001/C 72 E/020) KIRJALLINEN KYSYMYS E-1052/00 esitt(cid:228)j(cid:228)(t): Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) komissiolle (4. huhtikuuta 2000) Aihe: EU:n asetuksen N:o 850/98 III osaston 29 artiklan s(cid:228)(cid:228)nn(cid:246)sten noudattamista koskeva valvonta (maksimaalinen moottorin teho 221 kW) EU:n asetuksessa N:o 850/98 (1) s(cid:228)(cid:228)det(cid:228)(cid:228)n merkityist(cid:228) alueista, joilla kampelaa saa kalastaa vain suhteellisen alhaisilla moottorin tehoilla varustetuilla aluksilla (enint(cid:228)(cid:228)n 221 kW). S(cid:228)(cid:228)nn(cid:246)ksell(cid:228) on tarkoitus suojella kampelakantaa. Luokituslaitos Germanischer Lloyd on kuitenkin ilmoittanut, ett(cid:228) moottoreiden valvonnasta ja varmistamisesta huolimatta kaikkia moottorityyppej(cid:228), erityisesti elektronisia suihkutusmoottoreita, voidaan manipuloida moottorin tehon nostamiseksi yli sallitun enimm(cid:228)israjan. Voiko komissio t(cid:228)t(cid:228) taustaa vasten vastata seuraaviin kysymyksiin: 1. Pit(cid:228)(cid:228)k(cid:246) komissio moottorin tehoja koskevaa valvontaa riitt(cid:228)v(cid:228)n(cid:228), vaikka tehoja on moottorien varmistamisesta huolimatta mahdollista manipuloida? 2. Onko komissio sit(cid:228) mielt(cid:228), ett(cid:228) teknisi(cid:228) m(cid:228)(cid:228)r(cid:228)yksi(cid:228) (esimerkiksi silmukoiden m(cid:228)(cid:228)r(cid:228) verkossa) pit(cid:228)isi jolloin niit(cid:228) olisi my(cid:246)s hankalampi manipuloida, mik(cid:228) voida tarkastaa helpommin ja nopeammin, edist(cid:228)isi kalakantojen suojelua?


title: SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1063/00 von Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission. Das Eid-el-Kabir Ritual ‐ eine Mißachtung von EU-Richtlinien und Französischen Gesetzen.

eurovoc_concepts:
France
cultural event
infringement of EU law
sheep
slaughter of animals

text: C 374 E/204 Amtsblatt der Europ(cid:228)ischen Gemeinschaften DE 28. 12. 2000 Antwort von Frau Diamantopoulou im Namen der Kommission (15. Mai 2000) Wie die Kommission in ihrer Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage der Frau Abgeordneten P-0555/00 (1) ausgef(cid:252)hrt hat, f(cid:228)llt die aufgeworfene Frage in die Zust(cid:228)ndigkeit der d(cid:228)nischen Beh(cid:246)rden, sofern die d(cid:228)nischen Rechtsvorschriften in der ge(cid:228)nderten Fassung gew(cid:228)hrleisten, da(cid:223) Artikel 7 der Richtlinie des Rates 93/104/EG vom 23. November 1993 (cid:252)ber bestimmte Aspekte der Arbeitszeitgestaltung (2) einge- halten wird. l(cid:228)(cid:223)t sich hierzu allerdings feststellen, da(cid:223) Rechtsvorschriften in den Mitgliedstaaten bei den Generell Rechten und Pflichten der B(cid:252)rger aus verschiedenen Gr(cid:252)nden vielfach unterschiedlich verfahren. Soweit diese Differenzierung jedoch nicht aus Gr(cid:252)nden erfolgt, die gegen Gemeinschaftsrecht versto(cid:223)en, mu(cid:223) die Vertretbarkeit solcher Bestimmungen auf nationaler Ebene bewertet werden. (1) ABl. C 303 E vom 24. 10. 2000. (2) ABl. L 307 vom 13. 12. 1993. (2000/C 374 E/241) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1063/00 von Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) an die Kommission (4. April 2000) Betrifft: Das Eid-el-Kabir Ritual (cid:129) eine Mi(cid:223)achtung von EU-Richtlinien und Franz(cid:246)sischen Gesetzen Der Kommission m(cid:252)(cid:223)te bekannt sein, da(cid:223) das religi(cid:246)se Schafschlachten bei dem allj(cid:228)hrlich stattfindenden Eid-el-Kabir Festival bei Paris brutal und illegal ist. Es verst(cid:246)(cid:223)t in eklatanter Weise nicht nur gegen franz(cid:246)sisches Recht, sondern auch gegen die Richtlinie 93/ 119 EG des Rates (1), die insbesondere rituales Schlachten im Freien verbietet. Au(cid:223)erdem werden die Tiere vor dem Schlachten oft sehr gequ(cid:228)lt und mi(cid:223)handelt, was gegen Artikel 3 der Richtlinie 93/119 EG verst(cid:246)(cid:223)t. 1. Warum hat die EU-Kommission, als H(cid:252)terin der Europ(cid:228)ischen Vertr(cid:228)ge und Gesetzgebung, bislang nichts unternommen? 2. Wann wird die Kommission gegen Frankreich ein Vertragsverletzungsverfahren (nach Artikel 226) wegen Nichtumsetzung der Richtlinie 93/119 EG einleiten? (1) ABl. L 340 vom 31. 12. 1993, S. 21. Antwort von Herrn Byrne im Namen der Kommission (11. Mai 2000) Die Mitgliedstaaten sind f(cid:252)r die Durchsetzung der Gemeinschaftsgesetzgebung f(cid:252)r das Schlachten und T(cid:246)ten von Tieren gem(cid:228)(cid:223) den Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 93/119/EG des Rates vom 22. Dezember 1993 (cid:252)ber den Schutz von Tieren zum Zeitpunkt der Schlachtung oder T(cid:246)tung verantwortlich. Die Kommission ist (cid:252)ber die Behandlung der Tiere beim Schlachten unterrichtet. Unzul(cid:228)ngliche Schlacht- hauskapazit(cid:228)t in bestimmten Stadtbezirken Frankreichs werden als einer der Gr(cid:252)nde f(cid:252)r die anl(cid:228)(cid:223)lich dieses Festivals festgestellte Behandlung der Tiere genannt. Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, da(cid:223) die franz(cid:246)sischen Beh(cid:246)rden praktische L(cid:246)sungen f(cid:252)r das Problem der Schlachthauskapazit(cid:228)t finden m(cid:252)ssen. Andererseits ist es nicht hinnehmbar, da(cid:223) Tiere w(cid:228)hrend des Einsperrens und des Schlachtens leiden. Die franz(cid:246)sischen Beh(cid:246)rden wurde auf notwendige Verbesserungen der Ma(cid:223)nahmen hingewiesen. Hierbei wurde vor dem Festival erneut versichert, da(cid:223) die franz(cid:246)sischen Beh(cid:246)rden ein breites Spektrum von Ma(cid:223)nahmen, einschlie(cid:223)lich enger Kontakte mit den verschiedenen islamischen Religions- und Kultur- gruppen, ergreifen werden, um diese umfassender in die Diskussion (cid:252)ber dieses Problem einzubeziehen, so da(cid:223) Tierschutz und Hygienebedingungen verbessert werden k(cid:246)nnen. 28. 12. 2000 DE Amtsblatt der Europ(cid:228)ischen Gemeinschaften C 374 E/205 Nach diesem Festival wird von den franz(cid:246)sischen Beh(cid:246)rden ein formaler Bericht erwartet, bevor die Kommission ggf. weitere Initiativen, einschlie(cid:223)lich der Er(cid:246)ffnung eines Verfahrens nach Artikel 226 (Ex- Artikel 169) des EG-Vertrags, ergreift. (2000/C 374 E/242) SCHRIFTLICHE ANFRAGE E-1066/00 von Glyn Ford (PSE) an die Kommission (4. April 2000) Betrifft: Microcredit Microcredit ist eine Organisation, die kleine Geldmengen (haupts(cid:228)chlich) an Frauen verleiht, um ihnen die M(cid:246)glichkeit zu geben, f(cid:252)r ihre eigene finanzielle Unabh(cid:228)ngigkeit ein eigenes Unternehmen zu gr(cid:252)nden. Kann die Kommission darlegen, welche Mittel die Europ(cid:228)ische Union f(cid:252)r die Vergr(cid:246)(cid:223)erung von Micro- credit zugewiesen hat? Kann sie ferner erl(cid:228)utern, welche Ma(cid:223)nahmen sie eingeleitet hat, um zu gew(cid:228)hr- leisten, da(cid:223) das Geld m(cid:246)glicherweise diejenigen erreicht, die es am dringendsten brauchen? Antwort von Herrn Liikanen im Namen der Kommission (18. Mai 2000) Leider ist es nicht m(cid:246)glich die eigens f(cid:252)r die Ausweitung von Microcredit bereitgestellten Mittel beispiels- weise getrennt von den Geldern f(cid:252)r die Schulung k(cid:252)nftiger Unternehmer anzugeben, ohne umfangreiche Nachforschungen durch die Finanzintermedi(cid:228)re durchf(cid:252)hren zu lassen, die f(cid:252)r die Durchf(cid:252)hrung der erw(cid:228)hnten Programme in den Mitgliedstaaten zust(cid:228)ndig sind. In vielen ihrer Ma(cid:223)nahmen verwendet und f(cid:246)rdert die Kommission jedoch Kleinstkredit-Aktivit(cid:228)ten. Diese Ma(cid:223)nahmen sind in hohem Ma(cid:223)e darauf ausgelegt, Kleinunternehmern ohne ausreichendes Eigenkapital bzw. Mittel, die ihnen die Finanzierung auf dem regul(cid:228)ren Kapitalmarkt beispielsweise durch Banken erm(cid:246)glichen, den Zugang zu Existenzgr(cid:252)nderdarlehen zu erleichtern. Einige Ma(cid:223)nahmen wurden im Rahmen der Programme des Europ(cid:228)ischen Sozialfonds (ESF) eingeleitet. So erprobt z. B. die Pilotaktion (cid:132)Lokales Kapital f(cid:252)r soziale Zwecke(cid:147) nach Artikel 6 der ESF-Verordnung derzeit in 31 unterschiedlichen Gebieten der Gemeinschaft den Einsatz kleiner Darlehen zur F(cid:246)rderung von Projekten f(cid:252)r den sozialen Zusammenhalt und die Gr(cid:252)ndung von Kleinstunternehmen. Die Gemeinschaft hat w(cid:228)hrend der Programmlaufzeit 1994 bis 1999 durch ihre Besch(cid:228)ftigungsinitiative NOW (Chancen- gleichheit f(cid:252)r Frauen im Bereich Besch(cid:228)ftigung und berufliche Bildung) zahlreiche Projekte gef(cid:246)rdert, die insbesondere durch ein Schulungsangebot die Finanzierungsm(cid:246)glichkeiten f(cid:246)rdern sollen. Etwa ein Drittel dieser Ma(cid:223)nahmen ist auf die Existenzgr(cid:252)ndung ausgerichtet. Mit Hinblick auf die Einbeziehung des Zieles der Chancengleichheit von Mann und Frau in das Pilotprojekt (cid:132)Lokales Kapital f(cid:252)r soziale Zwecke(cid:147) wird in der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1262/1999 des Europ(cid:228)ischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 21. Juni 1999 betreffend den Europ(cid:228)ischen Sozialfonds (1) ein angemessener Betrag der f(cid:252)r die Intervention gem(cid:228)(cid:223) Ziel 1 und 3 bereitgestellten Mittel des Fonds f(cid:252)r die Verteilung geringer Zuschu(cid:223)bet(cid:228)ge vorgesehen. Zus(cid:228)tzlich sieht die Verordnung vor, da(cid:223) der Fonds F(cid:246)rderaktivit(cid:228)ten zur Entwicklung des Unternehmergeistes im allgemeinen (Artikel 2. 1. d) unterst(cid:252)tzt und auch den Zugang von Frauen zum Unternehmertum verbessert (Artikel 2. 1. e). Die Programmplanung f(cid:252)r den Zeitraum 2000-2006 ist noch nicht weit genug fortgeschritten, um konkrete Zahlen erkennen zu lassen, aber es scheint sehr wahrscheinlich, da(cid:223) die F(cid:246)rderung von Unternehmerinnen in diesem Zeitraum verst(cid:228)rkt werden wird. Es ist hierbei anzumerken, da(cid:223) die obengenannten Ma(cid:223)nahmen nicht (cid:252)ber einen direkten Mitteltransfer von der Kommission zu den Endempf(cid:228)ngern finanziert werden. Die Mitgliedstaaten (cid:252)bernehmen eine Kofinanzierung dieser Ma(cid:223)nahmen und Finanzintermedi(cid:228)re zahlen auf lokaler Ebene die Gelder aus. Die Gemeinschaftsgelder werden unter voller Einhaltung des Subsidiarit(cid:228)tsprinzips ausgezahlt, das ein wichtiger Faktor f(cid:252)r die finanzielle Sicherheit bei solchen Ma(cid:223)nahmen ist, in denen eine vor Ort bestehende genaue Kenntnis der Empf(cid:228)nger und ihrer Bed(cid:252)rfnisse entscheidend daf(cid:252)r ist, da(cid:223) die F(cid:246)rderung gezielt eingesetzt und nicht fehlgeleitet wird. (1) ABl. L 161 vom 26. 6. 1999


title: WRITTEN QUESTION E-1032/00 by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission. Protection of European companies in Kosovo.

eurovoc_concepts:
European Union
European undertaking
Kosovo
UNO
administrative structures
company law
service
the EU's international role

text: 13. 3. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 81 E/15 (2001/C 81 E/016) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1032/00 by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Protection of European companies in Kosovo (4 April 2000) Mr Patten(cid:146)s answer to my question P-2439/99 (1) raises serious doubts about the credibility of the European Parliament(cid:146)s exercise of parliamentary scrutiny of the Commission in that there is a huge discrepancy between his oral answer (H-0608/99) to me in plenary in Strasbourg on 16 November 1999 and his actual written answer. Whereas, the necessary investigations as the Commissioner responsible, his written answer is devoid of any reference to the findings of those investigations. in his oral answer, he pledged that he would carry out Since I am sure that it is not Mr Patten(cid:146)s intention to avoid answering the substance of the question and since I think it likely that responsibility for the attempt to avoid the question lies with the departments concerned, will the Commission say: 1. what steps it will take to ensure that its departments carry out their work on this specific issue in a reliable manner, 2. whether it is aware that, in giving such an answer, its departments are covering up irregular activities of certain groups within UNMIK, compromising Mr Patten before the European Parliament, 3. whether it will investigate whether pressure has been exerted, and of what kind, on members of its departments(cid:146) staff to avoid answering the substance of the question, 4. how it interprets the conflicting behaviour of its departments, which has resulted in Mr Patten providing a detailed answer to other questions I have asked on Kosovo (E-2827/99 and E-0490/00) and avoiding answering the question in point, and 5. returning to the subject of my question on the protection of European companies in Kosovo: (a) what action it will take to protect the interests of the particular companies concerned, and (b) whether it intends to give a precise answer to the substance of the matter as set out in my question P-2439/99? (1) OJ C 26 E, 26. 1. 2001, p. 6. Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (23 June 2000) The Honourable Member(cid:146)s allegation that I or my DG have attempted to mislead the Parliament or to avoid answering a parliamentary question is wholly without justification. Addressing the specific elements of the question: (cid:129) the relevant Directorate-general has carried and will continue to carry out its work on this, as on all other issues, in a reliable manner; (cid:129) the allegation that the relevant Directorate-general is covering anything up is regrettable and unfounded. The allegation about (cid:145)irregular activities of certain groups within United Nations mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)(cid:146) is also unfounded, and will, if addressed to the correct entity (cid:129) UNMIK (cid:129) equally be rebutted; (cid:129) the allegation that any pressure, of whatever kind, has been exerted on any member of the relevant Directorate-general (cid:145)to avoid answering the substance of the question(cid:146) is absolutely unfounded; (cid:129) the reason that Written Question P-2439/99 does not contain any reference to the results of investigations is that there is no additional information to report compared to the previous reply. The situation remains, as has been explained in response to previous questions on this subject, that C 81 E/16 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 13. 3. 2001 the issue of the protection of the legal rights of companies in Kosovo, Union or otherwise, is not a question for the Commission but, rather, falls under the direct competence of the UNMIK which is responsible for the international civil administration of Kosovo. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 clearly authorises the establishment of an international civil presence, the main responsibilities of which include: 11 (cid:133) (b) Performing basic civilian administrative functions where and as long as required (cid:133) (g) Supporting the reconstruction of key infrastructure and other economic reconstruction (cid:133) (cid:129) as has previously been explained, UNMIK has a complete file concerning the issues raised by the Honourable Member. The Commission will draw UNMIK(cid:146)s attention to the issues raised by the Honourable Member, but is for UNMIK to respond directly to the Honourable Member. The Honourable Member may, of course, wish to contact UNMIK directly, and the name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the relevant official are sent direct to the Honourable Member as well as to Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat general. it (2001/C 81 E/017) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1082/00 by Laura GonzÆlez `lvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Council (6 April 2000) Subject: Prostitution rings run by Albanian mafia groups in EU Member States Albanian mafia groups are profiting from the Kosovo conflict and illegal immigration into Italy to run female prostitution rings in EU Member States. Young women are recruited under false pretences, kidnapped or bought at refugee camps and then sent to towns in Germany, Italy, Belgium, France and Spain. This type of exploitation and treatment of women is particularly prevalent in Paris (where estimates put the number Albanian and Kosovo Albanian women at 300), Strasbourg, Lyon and Nice. The case of Italy is also alarming, with several cities in the south, as well as Milan in the north, serving as staging posts between Tirana and other EU Member States. The Belgian police force has been uncovering instances of women being sexually exploited by Albanian mafia groups since 1997. Other countries in Europe, such as Germany, where 10 000 or so women are forced to work as prostitutes, are experiencing the same problem. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in all some 300 000 women from eastern Europe are engaged in prostitution in western Europe. Alberto Maritati, Under-Secretary of State at the Italian Ministry of the Interior, has called for international action. This problem was addressed at a symposium organised in Bari by the Council of Europe in November 1999, which condemned the existence of genuine forms of torture and slavery. According to police superintendent Christian Amiard, who heads the Central Office on the Treatment of Human Beings (OCRTEH), many women are raped and initiated into prostitution in (cid:145)real-life concentration camps(cid:146). Is the Council aware of the scale and seriousness of this form of international organised crime? What measures have been taken in this area? What initiatives does the Council intend to develop in order to combat the activities of these mafia groups and dismantle the prostitution rings they run? Could it and the High Representative for Kosovo take preventive action in Kosovo? What action could be taken within the context of cooperation with Albania? What cooperation initiatives and measures involving Europol and Eurojust could be adopted? Reply (29 September 2000) International organisations, human right reports and authorities in Member States as well as in candidate countries outline the serious problem of international organised crime in general and the trafficking in women and young girls in particular. Source and transit areas have been identified in South Eastern, Central and Eastern Europe. In the past, Albanian networks used mainly women of their own ethnical


title: PREGUNTA ESCRITA E-1057/00 de Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) a la Comisión. Chipre.

eurovoc_concepts:
Cyprus
EU financing
EU programme
accession to the European Union
settlement of disputes

text: C 53 E/64 Diario Oficial de las Comunidades Europeas ES 20. 2. 2001 (2001/C 53 E/075) PREGUNTA ESCRITA E-1057/00 de Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) a la Comisi(cid:243)n (4 de abril de 2000) Asunto: Chipre Las negociaciones de adhesi(cid:243)n con Chipre plantean una serie de retos espec(cid:237)ficos a la Uni(cid:243)n Europea. ¿CuÆl es el volumen total de los fondos destinados hasta la fecha a la financiaci(cid:243)n de la adhesi(cid:243)n de Chipre? ¿CuÆles son los compromisos contra(cid:237)dos en cuanto a la financiaci(cid:243)n futura? ¿Se han asignado fondos a proyectos destinados a promover la reconciliaci(cid:243)n entre las dos comunidades de Chipre? En caso afirmativo, ¿puede la Comisi(cid:243)n dar detalles de la naturaleza y el nœmero de estos proyectos de reconciliaci(cid:243)n? La Resoluci(cid:243)n de Naciones Unidas no 1283, aprobada en 1999, afirma que los v(cid:237)nculos y los contactos entre las comunidades grecochipriota y turcochipriota son muy limitados, en buena parte a causa de las restricciones impuestas por el rØgimen turcochipriota («rØgimen Denktash»). ¿Ha encontrado la Comisi(cid:243)n, o sus agentes o empleados, alguna dificultad en la ejecuci(cid:243)n de proyectos destinados a promover la reconciliaci(cid:243)n entre las dos comunidades chipriotas? En caso afirmativo, ¿podr(cid:237)a facilitar la Comisi(cid:243)n informaci(cid:243)n detallada sobre estas dificultades e indicar si estÆn aœn por resolver o no? Concretamente, ¿podr(cid:237)a indicar quØ acciones ha llevado a cabo el rØgimen Denktash para bloquear u obstaculizar dichos proyectos de reconciliaci(cid:243)n? ¿Sabe la Comisi(cid:243)n de alguna iniciativa no comunitaria destinada a promover la reconciliaci(cid:243)n entre las dos comunidades chipriotas que haya sido bloqueada u obstaculizada por el rØgimen Denktash? Respuesta del Sr. Verheugen en nombre de la Comisi(cid:243)n (27 de abril de 2000) La Comisi(cid:243)n estÆ de acuerdo con Su Seæor(cid:237)a en que las negociaciones de ampliaci(cid:243)n con Chipre suponen un desaf(cid:237)o para la Uni(cid:243)n. Sin embargo, la Comisi(cid:243)n espera que la oportunidad que tiene Chipre de formar parte de la Uni(cid:243)n sirva de catalizador en las negociaciones de aproximaci(cid:243)n que actualmente estÆn en curso bajo los auspicios de las Naciones Unidas. Hasta ahora, Chipre se ha beneficiado de cuatro protocolos financieros que cubr(cid:237)an subvenciones, capital de riesgo y prØstamos del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI). El cuarto de estos protocolos (74 M€, que se desglosan en 50 M€ en prØstamos del BEI, 22 M€ en subvenciones y 2 M€ en capital de riesgo) expir(cid:243) el 31 de diciembre de 1999. Uno de los proyectos financiados bajo este protocolo estÆ destinado a una traducci(cid:243)n del acervo comunitario al turco. En el futuro, todos los fondos disponibles para Chipre para el per(cid:237)odo 2000-2004 estarÆn regulados por el nuevo reglamento financiero, adoptado por el Consejo el 13 de marzo de 2000 (1). Este reglamento constituye ahora la base jur(cid:237)dica para la asociaci(cid:243)n con Chipre con vistas a la adhesi(cid:243)n. Durante dicho per(cid:237)odo se destinarÆn 57 M€ para la isla; 9 M€ comprometerÆn durante el aæo 2000, de los cuales, 6 M€ serÆn para proyectos de armonizaci(cid:243)n en el marco de la estrategia de preadhesi(cid:243)n, y los 3 M€ restantes se reservarÆn para proyectos bicomunales. Para el nuevo Reglamento financiero, y tras la reciente visita a Chipre del Comisario responsable de la ampliaci(cid:243)n, la Comisi(cid:243)n estÆ estudiando proyectos cuyo objetivo sea reunir a las dos comunidades. Este trabajo se encuentra actualmente en la fase de preprogramaci(cid:243)n. (1) DO L 68 de 16. 3. 2000


title: WRITTEN QUESTION P-1110/00 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission. Freedom of movement in Italy for unidentifiable immigrants.

eurovoc_concepts:
Italy
application of EU law
migration control

text: 24. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 303 E/211 the directive should be revised in order to fill this gap. Will the Should this indeed be the case, Commission therefore propose an updated, revised version of the directive on the establishment of European works councils in the case of company mergers? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (17 April 2000) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to his oral question H-0238/00 during question time at Parliament(cid:146)s March I 2000 part-session (1). (1) Debates of the European Parliament (March I 2000). (2000/C 303 E/244) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1110/00 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement in Italy for unidentifiable immigrants (4 April 2000) On 6 March 2000 the Italian Ministry of the Interior issued a circular to all police headquarters and border control points suggesting that they should not detain non-Community citizens of national or ethnic origins for which, on the basis of past experience, repatriation is likely to prove unsuccessful because of the lack of cooperation on the part of the diplomatic authorities of their presumed countries of origin in seeking to establish their identity during the period for which they can be kept in the temporary detention centres specially set up to house unauthorised immigrants (immigrants who are illegal, without identity documents or awaiting repatriation). The provision refers in particular to immigrants of Yugoslav, Algerian, Ecuadorian, Iraqi and Turkish nationality and to Kurds. In other words, the circular authorises the free movement of illegal and (cid:145)unidentifiable(cid:146) in breach inter alia of the Napolitano-Turco law, which is supposed to regulate immigration. The result is that in practice Italy is applying the principle of free movement for immigrants unable to produce identity documents and unwilling to divulge their identity. immigrants, Can the Commission answer the following: 1. Is it aware of this provision? 2. Has it considered the effects that application of this provision will have on neighbouring Member States which have signed the Schengen Agreement? 3. Does it think that these proposals comply with the Schengen Agreement? 4. If not, will it propose that Italy be suspended from the agreement in order to safeguard the rights of Member States with regard to controlling immigration within their territory? 5. Does it not think that ill-judged provisions of this kind help to foster xenophobic sentiments among the population? Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission (19 April 2000) The Commission has no knowledge of the facts referred to by the Honourable Member. It has asked the Member State concerned for information and will inform the Honourable Member of its findings