WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1023/98 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Council. Schengen Agreement and need for more personnel at Greek borders
21. 10. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 323/107 Answer (13/14 July 1998) The Council would refer the Honourable Member to the reply that the Commission gave on 14 May to his question on the same subject (Written Question E-1018/98). In its reply the Commission said that it was planning to continue in 1999 the financial support traditionally granted by the Community to the European City of Cultureí project. (98/C 323/160) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1023/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Council (3 April 1998) Subject: Schengen Agreement and need for more personnel at Greek borders Article 1 of the Convention applying the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985í defines the internal and external borders of the Schengen countries. Articles 2 and 3 concern the crossing of the internal and external borders. Implementation of the Agreement calls for an increase in personnel to guard the external borders, particularly in the case of countries such as Greece which, following its adoption of the Agreement, is required to man hundreds of Schengen entry points. It should be noted that the Greek coastline is 80% the length of Africaís and 150% that of Europeís, while its mainland borders (all with non-Schengen countries) are over 1 500 km. Is there any provision for financial assistance to Greece to cover the sharp increase in manning requirements at Schengen entry points, a cost which the rest of the countries participating in the Schengen Agreement not only do not have but have been relieved of to a significant extent as they were able to release a substantial number of personnel from duty at their borders with countries which are also members of Schengen? Answer (29 June 1998) The question put by the Honourable Member is connected with the application of the Schengen Agreement and does not therefore fall within the Councilís field of competence. (98/C 323/161) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1031/98 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (6 April 1998) Subject: City of Dresden 5‰% Sterling Loan of 1927 › 7 certificates of £100 In 1927, the City of Dresden and the State of Saxony sought help from Lazard Bros and Hambros bank so that they might raise money in Britain. Investors paid cash in return for Loan Bonds that were to be repaid no later than 1952. Interest of 5‰% was to be paid by Dresden and 6% by Saxony. In 1939, the interest payments ceased, and Saxony and Dresden were subsequently occupied by Soviet troops. Although they are now part of the reunified German Republic, no one wishes to accept liability to UK Bondholders. Could the Commission advise my constituent, Mrs Briggs, whether the above bonds are still valid and if so, who is responsible for paying out? Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (29 April 1998) The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned