WRITTEN QUESTION No. 82/99 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. Package Travel Directive
C 207/156 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 7. 1999 Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (2 March 1999) In the context of the Socrates programme, and in accordance with the procedures laid down in the applicants’ guide, the Commission has supported specific projects submitted by transnational partnerships involving local and regional authorities which are members of the DIECEC (Developing Intercultural Education through Cooperation between European Cities) network. Furthermore, the Commission has contributed to supporting and developing this network. The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the fact that the common position adopted by the Council (21 December 1998) concerning the second phase of the Socrates programme contains a specific action (Comenius, Action 3) aimed at supporting European networks working in the field of education. As a result, the procedures laid down in the context of the common position make it easier to provide financial support for organisations such as the DIECEC network, as they encourage participation by local and regional authorities. (1999/C 207/216) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4002/98 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (5 January 1999) Subject: The Package Travel Directive Consumer complaints about package tour operators continue to increase, despite the existence of the Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC (1). Particular concern has been expressed about what happens to package tour customers if their tour operator becomes insolvent and about the levying of surcharges on published prices. Is the Commission satisfied that the Directive gives consumers adequate protection in the event of a tour organiser’s insolvency, so that the organiser and/or retailer who is party to the contract are under an obligation to provide sufficient protection, in the event of insolvency, for the rapid reimbursement of all funds paid by the consumer? Why has the Commission been prepared to accept that the United Kingdom has transposed Article 4 of the Directive, concerning the possibility of revising published prices, in a less rigorous and precise form than that set out in the actual text of the Directive? Is the Commission preparing to come forward with amendments to the Directive in the light of these and other comments? (1) OJ L 158, 23. 6. 1990, p. 59. (1999/C 207/217) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0082/99 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (27 January 1999) Subject: Package Travel Directive Will the Commission support calls for tougher safeguards to protect consumers against the collapse of package tour operators by bringing forward proposals to amend the Package Travel Directive, in order to give consumers additional information on the safeguarding of pre-payments, enable bookings to be transferred if their holiday is jeopardised and ensure that holidaymakers are brought home if the company goes bankrupt?