WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3700/98 by Gerhard HAGER Studies on transitional periods
6. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 320/67 jet printing technology for the textiles, Another project in the same programme dealing with digital photographic and graphic industries has developed a printing system as well as environmentally friendly high gloss coated paper and polyester ink jet films with high light and water fastness. Although within these projects the question of permanent paper and stable acid-based inks was not specifically addressed, the improved know-how on printing inks and printing technology should have increased the overall scientific knowledge in this area. (1999/C 320/090) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3700/98 by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission (7 December 1998) Subject: Studies on transitional periods In the run-up to the Pörtschach summit Austria’s Federal Chancellor referred to a study which had been commissioned from research institutes in agreement with the heads of government of the candidate countries and ‘is to contain the data needed for the calculation of the transitional periods’. 1. 2. Is the Commission aware of this? Does it have any information on whether and where these studies have been commissioned? Have tenders been invited, or are they being invited, for these studies throughout the Union, or is this a 3. purely Austrian initiative? Is the Commission cooperating in these studies with the material at its disposal, especially its experience 4. and data in connection with the southward enlargement? Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (26 January 1999) The Commission is not aware of the specific study mentioned by the Honourable Member. On the issues related to the accession negotiations many studies are produced. The transitional periods will be decided in the framework of the accession negotiations. (1999/C 320/091) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3701/98 by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission (7 December 1998) Subject: Impending shortage of labour At the informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Vienna Mrs Gradin referred to a study which stated that, ‘even though the Union has 18 million unemployed today, it may face a shortage of labour in 20 years’. 1. Was the Commissioner quoted correctly, and does she confirm this statement? 2. If so, can she give the precise title of the study and say who wrote it and where it was published?