WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3359/98 by Irene SOLTWEDEL-SCHÄFER to the Council. Eco-audit
C 142/124 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 5. 1999 Can the Commission therefore say: − whether the decree in question does not constitute State aid; − whether there are not sufficient reasons to justify infringement proceedings against the Italian State, which continues to maintain a protected market in this sector in blatant contravention of Community rules on free competition? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (15 December 1998) The Commission asked the Italian authorities about alleged state aid to Poligrafico in April 1997. The information submitted by the Italian authorities on several occasions has not reassured the Commission on the absence of state aid. Therefore, the Commission, by decision of 28 October 1998, decided to open proceedings under Article 93(2) EC Treaty. This will allow the Commission to assess the presence of state aid, and, if so, its compatibility with the common market, in the capital increases in favour of Cartiere Miliani di Fabriano, controlled by Poligrafico, and in the exclusive contracts granted to Poligrafico itself for the provision of products and services to the state. On the basis of the observations submitted by the Italian government, the Commission will assess the measures in accordance with the state aid rules of the EC Treaty, and in particular with Articles 92 and 93. (1999/C 142/156) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3359/98 by Irene Soltwedel-Schäfer (V) to the Council (16 November 1998) Subject: Eco-audit 1. The eco-audit which has existed in the EU since 29 June 1993 has so far been carried out by about 1960 undertakings. To what extent was Council Regulation (EEC) 1836/93 (1) taken into account in the European Parliament’s new buildings in Brussels (Rue Wiertz) and Strasbourg? 2. What potential water and energy savings were taken into account in the two new buildings, and what technical means were used to achieve them? 3. What potential energy savings did the installation of solar cell units make possible? 4. What waste avoidance strategies has the European Parliament’s administration adopted or im- plemented for Parliament’s buildings? (1) OJ L 168, 10. 7. 1993, p. 1. Reply (25 January 1999) The Council considers it is for the European Parliament to reply to the questions raised by the Honourable Member