WRITTEN QUESTION E-0146/00 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission. Commission report on the veterinary mission carried out in Italy.
21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/91 their application (1), the contracting authority/national authorising officer is responsible for taking the final decision on the award of contracts in agreement with the Commission in accordance with Articles 313 and 317 of the fourth LomØ Convention. The Commission checks that the results of the evaluation of the tenders sent by national authorising officers comply with the relevant provisions in both administrative and technical respects. The Commission can provide certain details about the invitation to tender and lots concerned without derogating from the abovementioned general regulations or Convention. According to the Commissionís information, the evaluation procedure relating to lot 1 is still in progress and the contracting authority has taken no decision on the award of the contract. In accordance with Article 33. 7 of the general regulations, therefore, no information relating thereto may be disclosed. The Commission has checked that the procedure was carried out in accordance with the rules and approved the award of lot 2. As soon as the national authorising officer has given official notification of the award of the lot, any request for further information, in accordance with the provisions referred to above and Articles 37. 2 and 37. 3 of the general regulations, must be sent to the contracting authority, as the sole body authorised to provide information in that connection. (1) OJ L 382, 31. 12. 1990. (2000/C 330 E/101) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0146/00 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Commission report on the veterinary mission carried out in Italy On 13 October 1999 the Commission published a report on a veterinary mission to Italy. The report revealed serious breaches in Italy of Council Directive 91/628 (1) on the protection of animals during transport including incomplete route plans for animals imported from third countries and the failure to require animals which have travelled long distances from third countries to be rested for 24 hours on arrival in Italy. Moreover, the requirements for vehicles carrying animals for longer than 8 hours were often not complied with, either by Italian or by third country vehicles. In its previous mission to Italy, the Italian border inspection posts near the Slovenian border. In its new report, the Commission concluded that, since its previous mission in 1997, no substantial progress has been achieved. the Commission found serious shortcomings at What steps is the Commission taking to require the Italian authorities to ensure that the requirements of Council Directive 91/628 are properly complied with? (1) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1991, p. 17. Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (30 March 2000) The welfare of animals transported by road from Eastern European and Baltic third countries to Italy via the border crossings of Gorizia and Fernetti-Prosecco continues to be a matter of concern to the Commission. In addition to the adverse reports of the Commission veterinary inspectors mentioned by the Honourable Member, the matter has been the subject of complaints from animal welfare organisations. The Commission has intervened with the Italian authorities on a number of occasions concerning the inadequate enforcement of the national legislation transposing the requirements of Council Directive 91/ 628/EEC as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 concerning the protection of animals during transport (1). Although some short-term improvements were noted in respect of earlier interventions, it nevertheless appears that transport of the animals concerned is still frequently being carried out with inadequate respect of animal welfare requirements. C 330 E/92 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 When horses are imported from Central and Eastern European third countries to Italy, the greater part of the journey has taken place before reaching the Community border. The enforceability of Community legislation regarding the protection of animals during transport taking place before the Communityís frontier is still under examination. Irrespective of this question, it is clear that once the animals have reached the Communityís frontiers there can be no doubt that the relevant rules are fully applicable. There have been various contacts with the principal Central and Eastern European countries involved in the transport of livestock to the Community in relation to animal welfare, and the relevant legislation of those third countries has been obtained. The Commission will consider making more formal approaches to the third countries concerned in due course. In this framework, and given the priority of the subject, the issue of long distance transport of animals and in particular horses will be discussed and analysed in the second meeting of chiefs of veterinary services of the associated countries on 28/29th March 2000. The Commission will also in due course take a decision as to whether to open infringement proceedings under Article 226 (ex Article 169) EC Treaty in respect of Italyís failure to adequately enforce the rules of the animal transport directives. (1) OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995. (2000/C 330 E/102) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0149/00 by Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Traffic separation schemes and interpretation of rules to prevent collisions in the German Bight Concerning the interpretation of rules to prevent collisions in the German Bight, the frequency with which fines are imposed for infringement of these regulations are a source of irritation, in particular for German sailing federations. To what extent are rules to prevent collisions in the relevant areas of the German Bight inter- 1. nationally recognised? 2. 3. Is compliance of these rules monitored by international organisations? Is the Commission aware that these rules are interpreted differently in the various Member States? 4. What possibilities does the Commission see of harmonising at European level the interpretation and implementation of measures to prevent collisions? Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (2 March 2000) The navigation of all vessels (including small boats and yachts) is regulated by the Convention on the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (Colregs). 1. The Commission is aware of some legal discussions over the precise powers of the coastal state over navigation in areas of the German Bight which lie outside the territorial sea area. However, it is unaware of any special rules in the German Bight which conflict with the requirements of the Colregs. It would be expected that the Colregs would be applied and enforced in the German Bight area