WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2052/98 by Carlos LAGE to the Commission. Porto metro
18. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 13/141 Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (7 September 1998) It is not for the Commission to interpret a convention between two Member States. That is their responsibility alone. (1999/C 13/199) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2052/98 by Carlos Lage (PSE) to the Commission (30 June 1998) Subject: Porto metro The city of Porto is the centre of an agglomeration which has a population of 1 200 000 and in which traffic problems have worsened dramatically in recent years. The construction of an underground rail network has therefore become a crucial and urgent issue. Now that the relevant studies, projects and invitations to tender have been completed, the metro is ready to start. Nevertheless, complaints made to the Commission by a consortium which was passed over in the final stage of the tender procedure are paralysing the commencement of work on the project, much to the detriment of the population. Why is the Commission taking such a long time to come to a decision on this urgent matter? When does it expect to reach a final decision? Is it aware of the damage being caused by its slowness in taking decisions? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (17 August 1998) The Commission is fully aware of the importance for the citizens of Oporto of the construction of an underground rail network in their city. Nevertheless, as guardian of the Treaties, it is responsible for ensuring that Community law is correctly applied and therefore has to investigate any complaints it receives alleging breaches of Community law. Where Community funds may be involved, as is the case here, the Commission is moreover under a particular obligation to see that they are used properly. It has taken care at all times to adopt an appropriate course of action in this matter, despite its complexity. In the light of the information it obtained at a bilateral meeting held in Portugal on 16 June 1998, at which the matter was discussed with the Portuguese authorities, the Commission found that there had been no breach of Community law and accordingly decided to close the case. (1999/C 13/200) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2053/98 by Elmar Brok (PPE) to the Commission (7 July 1998) Subject: Numbers of wild geese resting and wintering in Germany Over the past 20 years or more, numbers of wild geese resting and wintering in Germany and other European countries have increased significantly: three- or fourfold. The reasons lie in better provisions concerning protection of breeding areas, changes in migratory behaviour, the availability of ample food, and in some cases restrictions on shooting