WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3497/98 by Helwin PETER Planned factory outlet mall in Zweibrücken
11. 10. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 289/53 In many cases, however, the environmental dimension is taken fully into account although the exact presentation may vary from case to case. For example, significant environmental input has been made in the course of 1997 and 1998 to such important proposals as the Agenda 2000 (2) package where the environmental issues are integrated into the proposals themselves and this interface is explained in the ‘explanatory memorandum’ of these critical proposals. In order to achieve a more effective operation of the system, the Commission is currently reviewing its internal procedures to give more attention to: ) earlier policy dialogue between services to identify areas of environmental interfaces; ) systematic use, and further development, of the screening which is included in the Commission’s internal manual of procedures to assist in identification of areas of environmental interest and criteria for assessment; ) further development of training of staff in policy services in environment appraisal; ) systematic monitoring and control by both the general secretariat and the environment service; ) a more substantial manpower input from the environment service to integration issues. This review is due to be completed by the end of the year in order to ensure a more substantive and systematic approach related to the implementation of the 1999 work programme. The Commission will report on progress on internal integration measures when it reports on progress of the overall integration process. (1) COM(98) 333 final. (2) COM(97) 2000 final. (1999/C 289/070) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3497/98 by Helwin Peter (PSE) to the Commission (25 November 1998) Subject: Planned factory outlet mall in Zweibrücken In its answer to my Written Question E-1408/98 (1) the Commission states that it has requested additional information from the German federal government in this matter. Has the Commission received the information, can a decision now be taken in this matter and, if so, what decision has been taken? (1) OJ C 402, 22. 12. 1998, p. 128. Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (15 December 1998) The information from the German government mentioned in answer to the Honourable Member’s Written Question E-1408/98 reached the Commission. However, the documents did not allow a conclusive analysis, especially with regard to the question whether state aid is involved and whether it is to be regarded as compatible with the common market. Therefore, an on-the-spot-investigation was held together with the German authorities at federal level as well at the Land level at the end of October 1998. The oral arguments then presented indicate the complaints are ready for decision. As soon as the German authorities have sent the written documents in order to substantiate their orally presented arguments, the Commission will address to the complainants a letter containing an analysis of the situation