WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3985/98 by Kirsi PIHA Operational recommendations relating to the northern dimension
C 320/102 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 6. 11. 1999 (1999/C 320/136) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3985/98 by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission (4 January 1999) Subject: Operational recommendations relating to the northern dimension The Commission’s communication concerning the northern dimension of the Union, to be presented to the Vienna summit, contains operational recommendations concerning, inter alia, cross-border cooperation and administrative training projects with Russia, Poland and the Baltic States. What kind of programmes and measures is the Commission preparing with a view to implementing these operational recommendations and what timetable does the Commission envisage for them? Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1999) In line with the conclusions of the Vienna European Council, the Commission is currently preparing to pursue discussions with all the parties involved in implementing the recommendations of the interim report on a northern dimension for the policies of the Union (1), with a view to defining with them both the concept of the northern dimension and guidelines for action in the relevant fields. (1) COM(98) 589 final. (1999/C 320/137) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3991/98 by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission (21 December 1998) Subject: Recognition of fully digital EU recording equipment in the AETR countries Following the amendment of Regulations (EEC) 3820/85 (1) and 3821/85 (2) by Regulation (EC) 2135/98 (3), certain vehicles used to transport goods and passengers which are put into service for the first time must be fitted with fully digital recording equipment. However, pursuant to Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) 2135/98, this requirement will take effect only after the adoption of a specific legal act laying down a 24-month transitional period. The introduction of the new, fully digital recording equipment is giving rise to uncertainty among road haulage companies as to whether the new equipment will also be recognised by the AETR countries, or whether lorries or coaches entering an AETR state will still be required to carry on board and use the old recording equipment. In the light of the above: 1. Is there a timetable for the adoption of the legal act called for in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) 2135/98, adoption which would mark the start of the 24-month transitional period in respect of the requirement that new lorries and coaches must be fitted with fully digital recording equipment? 2. Does the AETR Agreement stipulate that vehicles fitted with the new recording equipment must carry the old equipment on board when they enter an AETR country, or have legal rules been laid down providing for the recognition of the new, fully digital recording equipment by the AETR countries? 3. Does the Commission plan to conclude a special agreement with the AETR countries on recognition of the new recording equipment? (1) OJ L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1. (2) OJ L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 8. (3) OJ L 274, 9. 10. 1998, p. 1