WRITTEN QUESTION E-0409/00 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Reduction of peat use in horticulture.
C 330 E/154 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 (2000/C 330 E/174) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0409/00 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission (15 February 2000) Subject: Reduction of peat use in horticulture What steps is the Commission taking to encourage a reduction in the use of peat in domestic and commercial horticulture and to promote the use of alternatives in order to protect lowland peatbog habitats? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (31 March 2000) With regard to the search for alternatives to the use of peat in horticulture, the Commission is evaluating the possibility of regulating the production of compost from the biodegradable fraction of municipal waste. Compost of suitable quality (in terms of presence of heavy metals, organic compounds and pathogens) may replace peat in a number of applications in domestic and commercial horticulture. However, the key mechanism involving the Community for the protection of lowland peatbog habitats is the establishment of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1). The Community has also supported many projects for the conservation and restoration of peatbogs under the Life Regulation. (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992, as amended by Council Directive 97/62/CE of 27. 10. 1997, OJ L 305, 8. 11. 1997. (2000/C 330 E/175) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0411/00 by Pasqualina Napoletano (PSE) to the Council (17 February 2000) Subject: Mission financed by the Commission for customs reform in Albania Mrs Natalina Cea, head of the mission financed by the Commission in Albania for customs reform, has announced that after three years she is leaving the post which she has filled with great professionalism, having shown commitment and courage in carrying out her tasks throughout this period. The mission has achieved positive results, having put the Albanian customs system back into operation and thus permitted a very large increase in State customs revenue; in addition, it has provided crucial help in redrafting Albanian customs legislation. Mrs Cea has reported a serious climate of intimidation and obstacles in carrying out her work. The Italian customs department, from which Mrs Cea was transferred, has always actively supported and valued the work of the head of the mission and, on learning of her request for rotation, submitted to the Commission a proposal for her replacement, thus confirming its own commitment to continuing in this difficult ongoing mission with the aim of combating illegality and intensifying the fight against crime. In the light of the above: 1. What is the Councilís view on the situation in Albania with regard to this specific delicate area of cooperation? 2. Does it not consider that the mission should be stepped up further and actively supported, despite the obstacles met with to date?