WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1446/99 by Erik MEIJER Subsidised relocation of Akcros Chemicals B.V. from Roermond to Greiz
C 27 E/72 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 1. 2000 although such a distinction exists in practice. Given the forthcoming eastward enlargement of the EU and the consequent increase in the number of official languages, it would be appropriate for there to be a uniform and binding requirement concerning the working languages to be used in all European institutions and bodies. It is essential that any ruling on working languages in EU institutions and bodies allow for the equal use of German alongside English and French. Of the EUís total population of over 370 million, more than 90 million, i. e. one in four EU citizens, have German as their mother tongue. In 1997 Germany accounted for 62 % of net payments from the EU budget (Austria 4 %). In most Central and Eastern European countries German leads English as the most important foreign language and so performs an important bridging function in the accession process. When will the Commission be putting forward a proposal for the binding adoption of English, French and German as the working languages of the European institutions and bodies in place of the current, non- uniform system? (1) OJ 17, 6. 10. 1958, p. 385. Joint answer to Written Questions E-1445/99 and P-1495/99 given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1999) The Commission would draw the Honourable Memberís attention to the fact that under Article 290 of the EC Treaty (former Article 217) the rules governing the languages of the Community institutions are to be ádetermined by the Council, acting unanimouslyí. The Treaty does not provide for Commission proposals on this matter. (2000/C 27 E/088) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1446/99 by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Subsidised relocation of Akcros Chemicals B. V. from Roermond to Greiz Is the Commission aware that Akcros Chemicals B. V. (formerly Haagen Chemie, owned by AKZO 1. Nobel Chemicals) which produces lead and metal stearates and non-vinyl semi-finished products for the plastics industry intends to close its establishment in Roermond (Limburg, Netherlands) with 1 200 workers instead of carrying out its original intention of transferring production to the Limax site (also owned by Akcros) in Roermond-East, which is due to be developed? 2. Is the Commission also aware that the reason given by AKZO Nobel for this closure in Roermond ü a town with a high level of unemployment by Dutch standards ü is an investment subsidy of 35 % which it is being given to transfer non-vinyl production to Greiz (Thuringia, Germany) while the production of lead stearates is to be transferred to Düren (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)? 3. Can the Commission say whether this transfer is being wholly or partially funded by European Union money? If so, why? How does the expected growth in the number of jobs in Greiz match up to the expected job losses in Roermond? What are the costs of each new job? 4. Does the Commission think it right that promoting employment in an area with a shortage of jobs should be carried out by using public subsidies to take jobs away from another area where there is also a shortage? If not, what is the Commission intending to do to stop firmsí unnecessary juggling with jobs and the loss of employment?