WRITTEN QUESTION No. 951/98 by José ESCUDERO to the Commission. Cultural cooperation
22. 12. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 402/47 Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1998) The Commission feels that it is up to the Member-State authorities to check compliance with the conditions laid down in the environmental impact assessment statement. The Commission has therefore contacted that Member State in order, as requested by the Honourable Member, to be informed of any effects that the activities in question could have. In addition, when the committee monitoring the Cohesion Fund meets, the Commission will ask for clarification and closer details in order to ensure that the work continues in line with the environmental impact assessment. (98/C 402/057) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0948/98 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (30 March 1998) Subject: Re-exportation of live animals within the EU and conditions in slaughterhouses Is the Commission aware of allegations that UK sheep are being exported to other Member States and then re- exported to Spain where they are slaughtered under conditions which are far from acceptable under EU legislation? Can the Commission confirm that the conditions in slaughterhouses in Spain are fulfilling the requirements as set out in EU legislation? What checks are undertaking by the authorities to ensure that this legislation is being adhered to? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 May 1998) The Commission is not currently aware of problems involving British sheep dispatched to one Member State being reconsigned to Spain. Depending on the category of sheep concerned and the length of stay in the first Member State and the certification accompanying the animals when dispatched from that Member State, such reconsignment does not necessarily infringe the relevant Community rules. The Commission has not received any recent complaint that the conditions in slaughterhouses in Spain are not fulfilling the animal welfare requirements as set out in Community legislation. The primary responsibility for the enforcement of the above mentioned legislation remains in the hands of the Member States. The Commission will request the Spanish authorities to indicate what checks are currently undertaken to ensure respect for this legislation. (98/C 402/058) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0951/98 by JosØ Escudero (PPE) to the Commission (30 March 1998) Subject: Cultural cooperation The report on Article 128, or the cultural aspects of the Communityís activities, the conclusions of the Cultural Affairs Councils and the European Parliamentís reports all call for cultural cooperation between international organizations such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe and the European Commission to be strengthened. Could the Commission say whether there is already a legal framework for cooperation of this nature? What form does this cooperation take, or what form should it take, in practice? Does the Commission intend to create the mechanisms needed for joint action and thereby increase the range of its operations by pooling its resources with those of other organizations whose aims it shares?