WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/00 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Mr Fischler's visit to Morocco on 17 January.
24. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 303 E/153 Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (9 February 2000) One of the main objectives set in Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1) is the creation of a network of natural protected sites of Community importance called Natura 2000. Maríne sites may be part of this network. The Habitats Directive contributes to the general aim of sustainable development. Its objective is to encourage the preservation of biodiversity while taking account of scientific, economic, social, cultural and regional requirements. The purpose of the Natura 2000 network is therefore not to create nature sanctuaries where all human activity will be systematically excluded. The preservation of biodiversity in the designated sites may require human activities to be maintained or encouraged. However, human activities must remain compatible with the conservation aims of the designated sites. It is the competence of Member States to establish which activities are compatible, e. g. through specific site management plans. Any activity financed by the Community in the field of tourism or fisheries must obviously comply with the provisions of the directive. (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992. (2000/C 303 E/167) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/00 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 January 2000) Subject: Mr Fischlerís visit to Morocco on 17 January The fisheries agreement with Morocco expired on 30 November 1999. As a result, the fleet operating in Moroccan waters has been laid up, leading to all the inevitable socio-economic consequences. The fleet includes about 30 Portuguese vessels, which employ some 700 fishermen and provide 3 000 spin-off jobs, primarily in two communities dependent on the fisheries sector, Sesimbra and Olhªo/Fuzeta. is specialised to enable it to operate in the Moroccan fishing grounds and would therefore be quite difficult to convert to other uses. It According to an Agence Europe report dated 18 January 2000, it emerged from the meeting between the Member of the Commission concerned, Franz Fischler, and the Moroccan State Secretary Taieb Fassifihiri that the agreement will not be renewed. To quote the bulletin, The EU notes the fact that cooperation based on extraction activities is now over and plans to explore other solutionsí. How much credence should be attached to the above report? Has the Commission now ruled out the 1. possibility of renewing the fisheries agreement? 2. What steps has it already taken in view of the fact that the fleet has been laid up because the agreement has expired? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 February 2000) The Commission confirms that it is liaising with the Moroccan authorities in exploring all possible forms of new partnership that could be established with Morocco in the fisheries sector which would be mutually advantageous to both sides. The Commission position remains unchanged from that set out over recent months, which is based essentially on the negotiating brief approved by the Council on 15 October 1999. C 303 E/154 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 24. 10. 2000 Financial support measures for shipowners and crews affected by the non-renewal of the agreement with Morocco have been authorised by the Commission already. As from 1 January 2000 these will be financed as part of programmes under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) 2000-2006 for Spain and Portugal, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the new FIFG Regulation. (2000/C 303 E/168) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0164/00 by Rosa Díez GonzÆlez (PSE), Fernando PØrez Royo (PSE) and Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Competition transition costs (CTC) in Spain Without prejudice to the outcome of the assessment of the Spanish electricity sector entrusted to an independent expert by the Commission, will the Commission say how it determined which costs not able to be covered during the transition to competition derive directly from the regulatory framework adopted by Spain in the past? Has the Commission checked whether compensation has been paid to cover these costs in the past? Does it not find it unacceptable that consumers (whether eligible or not) should have to meet costs for CTC which in no way correspond to the definition of such costs? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (28 February 2000) The Commission has not yet completed its examination of Spanish stranded costs and cannot therefore give an immediate answer to the first question put by the Honourable Members. It is clear in any event that costs already compensated for in the past will not be regarded as stranded costs. Electricity consumers will have to meet only costs which the Commission regards as stranded. (2000/C 303 E/169) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0169/00 by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Piecework The German firm Volkswagen has reintroduced piecework to the European car industry. Its 5 000 x 5 000 plan includes a condition unprecedented in this industry whereby working time is to be made a variable element of employment for which employees themselves are responsible. Does the Commission have any views on this new working arrangement involving a fixed salary for variable working hours? Could it be put forward as one way of helping to fight unemployment and create jobs in Europe? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (3 March 2000) The Commission considers that new forms of work organisation are likely to be most successful when they are introduced in agreement between the social partners. It is also important to ensure a suitable balance of flexibility and security. Innovative forms of work organisation can lead to an increase in employment, but this will depend very much on the particular circumstances