WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1791/97 by Anne POISSON to the Commission. Production of European Union official documents in braille
C 21/96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 1. 98 However, in line with the approach followed by the ágeneral systemí Directives, matters relating to the regulation of professions (requirements governing training and professional practice, competent authorities) fall under the Member States’ jurisdiction. Consequently, it is not for the Commission to accept or reject joint platforms established by European professional associations. In other words, the Commission does not formally recognize such joint platforms › even though it is aware of their benefit in promoting free movement of professionals within the single market. Joint platforms remain private initiatives, and thus cannot replace national regulation. Nevertheless, a certificate such as the ECP submitted by a migrant would provide the host Member State’s authorities with certain guarantees as regards the training undergone. Thus the success of initiatives such as that taken by the EAP largely depends on the national authorities’ acceptance of each joint platform as a yardstick. The fact that training leading to the award of the ECP is also open to members of other professions is an additional advantage in this regard. (1) OJ C 268, 26. 9. 1994. (2) OJ C 332, 28. 11. 1994. (3) OJ L 19, 24. 1. 1989. (4) OJ L 209, 24. 7. 1992. (98/C 21/198) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1787/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997) Subject: Television licences Cant he Commission comment on the current UK practice of charging people for the use of the same television at two separate addresses twice? This practice would seem to penalize those who need to use their television in two places and cannot be a fair practice. Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1997) The Commission cannot comment on the practice described by the Honourable Member. In general, licence fees fall within the competence of the Member States. For example, recital No 13 of directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities (1) stipulates that the Directive does not affect the responsibility of Member States with regard to the organisation and financing of programmes. However, measures taken by Member States in this regard must be compatible with Community law. The facts given in the question are not sufficient to indicate in themselves that there is any infringement of Community law. (1) OJ L 298, 17. 10. 1989. (98/C 21/199) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1791/97 by Anne Poisson (UPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997) Subject: Production of European Union official documents in braille The European Union, the European Parliament and other agencies and institutions produce and distribute a number of official documents providing information. Unfortunately they are not accessible to everyone, especially the blind