WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2130/98 by Felipe CAMISÓN ASENSIO to the Commission. Implementation of the Ecos-Ouverture programme in Extremadura
C 31/124 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 5. 2. 1999 Will the Commission provide a summary of the documentation regarding child health and consumer consultation, the evidence on which the decision not to amend was based and state on what grounds this argument was rejected? (1) OJ C 402, 22. 12. 1998. (2) OJ L 306, 11. 12. 1993, p. 27. Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (8 September 1998) An amendment to Commission Regulation (EC) 3392/93, to bring the semi-skimmed milk subsidy in line with that of whole milk would require a prior amendment of Council Regulation (EEC) 1842/83 (1) that lays down criteria for the fixing of the aid levels for different dairy products. Under the existing rule, the amounts of aid are fixed taking into account the milk content of the products concerned. Therefore, this is a strictly technical matter in which no budget considerations are involved. The consequence of applying the existing rule is that the selling price to the pupils of whole milk and semi- skimmed milk should be reduced down to the same level and, consequently, not influence their choice for the one or the other. On these grounds, the Commission believes that the existing rule is neutral vis-à-vis consumer choice and health considerations. (1) OJ L 183, 7. 7. 1983. (1999/C 31/172) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2130/98 by Felipe Camisón Asensio (PPE) to the Commission (10 July 1998) Subject: Implementation of the Ecos-Ouverture programme in Extremadura Does the Commission believe that it would be worth considering a request for regional cooperation under the Ecos-Ouverture programme, based on an exchange of experience or transfers of working techniques in the field of cynegetic development between the Spanish region of Extremadura and Hungary or Romania? When could a formal proposal in that regard be expected? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1998) On 13 June 1998 (1) the Commission published the last call for proposals under Ecos-Ouverture for the current programming period. The fields of cooperation envisaged concern only the following: improvement of local authoritiesí working methods and tools; improvement of the support services for modernisation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises; the safeguard and stewardship of the environment with a view to sustainable development, and exploiting the economic potential of the cultural heritage of the regions for the purpose of maintaining or creating long-term employment. Hunting as such is not financed within this framework but measures which connect this topic to, for example, sustainable development or environmental protection could be eligible, subject to scrutiny by the Commission. The final date for submitting projects is 15 November 1998. (1) OJ C 183, 13. 6. 1998