WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2704/97 by Markus FERBER to the Commission. Protection of the Blackcock in Austria
C 102/96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3. 4. 98 total budget of some Drs 200 billion › is no more than 33%. In view of the fact that Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is one of the most isolated and least developed regions in Europe as well as in Greece (according to the Commissionís first report on cohesion, it is among the 25 poorest regions in Europe), will the Commission say what stage has been reached exactly in the implementation of the ROP for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace? What are the reasons for the long delays and what precise measures does it intend to take in cooperation with the Greek authorities to step up the pace of implementation of the programme? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997) The Commission confirms that the rate of absorption for the 1994-1999 operational programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is presently 33%. However, the rate of absorption is only one of many indicators of the progress of an operational programme, and does not reflect its implementation quality. In the case of the programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace the Commission has observed that both the quality of implementation and the rate of absorption are constantly improving. In order to improve the implementation of the Community support framework (CSF) as a whole, the Greek government has promoted in the field of public works a number of legislative acts and organizational adjustments modernizing relevant mechanisms and procedures and making them more effective. Furthermore, the Greek authorities and the Commission intend to make soon, where necessary, in the framework of the mid-term review of the CSF, programme adjustments in order further to promote their prompt and effective implementation. (98/C 102/139) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2704/97 by Markus Ferber (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Protection of the Blackcock in Austria Every two years in the Sulzberg region of Austria a blackcock can be shot for a fee of DM 1000. In Germany, however, the Blackcock is on the red list and is therefore protected throughout the year. While in Germany Black Grouse are protected, they may be shot in Austria. Why do two neighbouring countries, which are both members of the EU, have such differing provisions with regard to nature protection matters? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997) According to Article 7 of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds (1), the species listed in Annex II can be hunted under national legislation, as long as Member States ensure that the hunting of these species does not jeopardize conservation efforts in their distribution area. In the case of the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) mentioned by the Honourable Member, this species may only be hunted in those Member States for which it is indicated in annex II. 2. For Austria, hunting of both males and females is allowed whereas for Germany only males may be hunted. Therefore, the different hunting practices are in full accordance with the legal provisions of the Directive. (1) OJ L 103, 25. 4. 1979, as amended by accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden (OJ L 1, 1. 1. 1995)