WRITTEN QUESTION P-0540/00 by Marialiese Flemming (PPE-DE) to the Commission. WTO ‐ agriculture, environment.
C 374 E/100 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 28. 12. 2000 The Commission has drawn up a list of projects cofinanced in 1998 and 1999, broken down by the three types of beneficiary, which will be sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliamentís Secretariat. The Commission would recall that a report on the implementation of all the programmes in 1998 has been sent to Parliament (2). With regard to the monitoring of the implementation and financing of projects, the fact that payments are made in instalments enables the Commission to ensure that the various stages of the projects are carried out properly. The last instalment is conditional on the beneficiary producing a report on implementation. The Commission participates as far as possible in the projects, which enables it to make sure on the spot that implementation of the projects matches the award criteria and decisions. The Commission found that the beneficiaries were highly motivated, with the result that targets were met and cooperation often went far beyond the projects financed. Moreover, independent experts are currently evaluating all programmes, and this will make it possible to assess the results of the projects already completed under the Falcone programme since it came into operation at the end of 1998. (1) OJ C 355, 8. 12. 1999. (2) SEC(1999) 1955. (2000/C 374 E/115) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0540/00 by Marialiese Flemming (PPE-DE) to the Commission (21 February 2000) Subject: WTO ü agriculture, environment As the negotiations on a comprehensive WTO Round in Seattle were unsuccessful, it is certain that the issues on the ábuilt-in agendaí ü agriculture and services ü will at least be discussed. On the other hand, there is uncertainty about how the negotiations on a new WTO Round will continue. Does the comprehensive approach adopted by the Commission in Seattle retain its validity for the new WTO Round? How does the Commission intend to meet the need for the issue of the environment to be included in the new WTO Round? What steps will the Commission initiate with a view to involving NGOs in the WTO context? Will the Commission forward to the European Parliament all information relating to the negotiations? Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission (20 March 2000) As the Honourable Member is aware, the Communityís approach with regard to a new World trade organization (WTO) Round was reconfirmed, both by the Council and by the Parliament in its resolution of 15 December 1999. The overall approach with regard to a new Round therefore remains valid. This includes the need to make sure that the WTO is responsive to legitimate trade-related concerns, such as in the area of environment. Although this is still a controversial issue, the Commission is convinced that the basic objectives remain valid. It is currently reflecting on how to take this particular theme forward in its continued efforts to launch the New Round, for instance through intensified efforts to explain more clearly the objectives, to engage in a confidence-building exercise to alleviate concerns of some trade partners, particularly developing countries, and to evaluate the means to achieve these basic WTO objectives. 28. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 374 E/101 It is also continuing, as part of the preparations for the launch of future negotiations, the sustainability impact assessment, which includes an examination of the potential impact on the environment of further liberalisation and changes to WTO rules. The Parliament has been kept informed of the progress of this project and members have been invited to meetings with Member States and civil society on it. The Commission has sought to involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations both at the level of the WTO and at the Community level. The Member of the Commission responsible for trade held a number of consultations with NGOs before Seattle. In the WTO the Commission has made proposals for increased transparency in terms of document availability. It continues to reflect on further means to improve transparency and dialogue with the NGO community, both at the level of the Community, and in the context of the WTO. Regarding the transmission of information to the Parliament, the Honourable Member is aware of the commitment by the Commission to provide documents and information on a regular basis to the Parliament, both during the preparation and in the course of negotiations, as appropriate. (2000/C 374 E/116) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0543/00 by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Council (2 March 2000) Subject: Draft new Community framework on State aid for environmental protection The Commission is currently discussing with the Member States an important document on a Community framework for State aid for environmental protection. This is to come into force in July 2000. The Community framework is essential for the management of State environmental aid, for example with regard to Member Statesí promotion of renewable energy sources. 1. What are the main criteria by which the Council judges State aid for environmental protection? 2. More precisely, what approach to support for renewable energy sources underlies the Community framework? How will the Council ensure the transparency and cooperation with Parliament promised by the 3. Commission President, Romano Prodi? Reply (18 May 2000) The Council has, on many occasions, emphasised the importance of promoting renewable sources of energy as a means of achieving the goals of both energy policy and environment policy. In this context, the Commission is to submit a proposal for a Directive on access for electricity from renewables to the internal electricity market in the very near future. With respect to state aid, the Council recalls its Resolution on renewable sources of energy (1), adopted on 8 June 1998 in which it noted áthat Member States choose the most appropriate means of promoting use of renewables which are best suited to their national circumstances and are in conformity with Treaty obligations and comply with Community state aid guidelines for environmental protectioní. Moreover, the Council welcomed the intention of the Commission áto consider appropriate modifications in favour of renewable energy sources during the revision of the guidelines for Community state aidí. (1) OJ C 198, 8. 6. 1998, p. 1