WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3065/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Marking of packaging
30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 134/67 (98/C 134/84) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3059/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 October 1997) Subject: Services of general interest in Europe The Commission has submitted a communication on services of general interest in Europe (COM(96) 443 final), which draws a distinction between áservices of general interestí and áuniversal serviceí. Is this distinction a useful one, particularly as the definitions given are a source of confusion? The concept of áuniversal serviceí involves a notion of quality which should also apply to sectors other than those mentioned by the Commission. Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (25 November 1997) The definition of the concept of services of general interest given in the Commission memorandum of 11 September 1996 (1) stems from the broad approach it takes to the subject. These services, both market and non-market, are at the heart of the European model of society because of the contribution they make to a dynamic economy, social solidarity and citizenship. The concept of universal service is enshrined in Community legislation relating to telecommunications and postal services. It is the expression of the concept of services of general interest in these sectors. What áuniversal serviceí means is that these services should be available to everybody throughout the Community. The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s view that the concept of quality should not be confined to universal service. In its memorandum the Commission stresses the need for high-quality services of general interest for the development of the European model of society. (1) COM(96) 443. (98/C 134/85) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3065/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 October 1997) Subject: Marking of packaging The proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on marking of packaging and on the establishment of a conformity assessment procedure (COM(96) 191 final › 96/0123 COD) (1) derives from the requirements concerning marking and conformity assessment laid down in Directive 94/62/EC (2) on packaging and packaging waste. The proposed marking is optional and will indicate whether the packaging can be re-used or recycled by means of a symbol; various marks are to be prohibited. Does the Commission not consider that a programme to reduce to a minimum the impact of packaging on the environment should be introduced and, in particular, to end the proliferation of self-validating marks designed to indicate whether packaging can be re-used or recycled? (1) OJ C 382, 18. 12. 1996, p. 10. (2) OJ L 365, 31. 12. 1994, p. 10