WRITTEN QUESTION E-2473/99 by Brian Simpson (PSE) to the Commission. Problems of Air Traffic Control.
8. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 225 E/141 During a meeting between the Commission and the Austrian authorities on 3 December 1999, the municipality of Vienna declared that it will publish all the contracts as of 2001. (1) OJ C 348, 3. 12. 1999, p. 149. (2000/C 225 E/153) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2473/99 by Brian Simpson (PSE) to the Commission (16 December 1999) Subject: Problems of Air Traffic Control Would the Commission agree that any increase in the average time of flight delays being experienced by airlines and passengers because of ATC restrictions is totally unacceptable? Furthermore, would it agree that this is principally the fault of the Member States who have failed to invest adequately in a modern ATC system, failed to produce a single ATC area covering the EU, failed to agree a common EU capacity plan and, as a result, are failing the travelling public? Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (19 January 2000) On 1 December 1999, the Commission adopted a communication on the current situation of air traffic delays and on new initiatives to be taken to provide the Community with the air traffic management system it needs to ensure the proper functioning of its internal market (1). The Commission has made a broad analysis of the causes of air traffic delays and their trend during last years. Several factors contribute to the situation of chronic congestion. The main factor is air traffic control restrictions as cited by the Honourable Member. It is also widely recognised that the present level of delays is not sustainable for passengers and airlines and it also may endanger the achievement of Community objectives, in particular in the field of air transport policy. The question raised by the Honourable Member, regarding the failure of Member States to provide the Community sky with a single air traffic control system and the urgent need for remedial actions, is answered in this document which has been communicated to the Council and the Parliament. (1) COM(1999) 614 final. (2000/C 225 E/154) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2475/99 by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Dioxin emission levels of incinerators in the EU (16 December 1999) Numerous urban waste incinerators in the Member States are still producing dioxin and furan emissions at levels exceeding the EUís recommended threshold. According to the first Spanish survey of emissions of those substances, recently made public by the Spanish Higher Scientific Research Council, certain incinerators have been registering emissions as high as 1,08 nanograms per cubic metre, while the EUís recommended threshold is 0,1 nanogram per cubic metre