WRITTEN QUESTION E-0344/00 by Juan Naranjo Escobar (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Reorganisation of the DG for Energy and Transport.
C 330 E/134 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 (2000/C 330 E/150) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0343/00 by Elizabeth Lynne (ELDR) to the Commission (14 February 2000) Subject: Ageism in the aviation industry Would the Commission indicate the action it proposes to take to ensure a level playing field for pilots over 60 in the Community, given the refusal of the French authorities to allow pilots between 60 and 65 to fly over their territory? Would the Commission confirm that this directly contravenes Article 39 of the Treaty on European Union, which reads: Such freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment. Would the Commission indicate how it has encouraged coordination of employment policy in this field under Article 140 of the Treaty? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (11 April 2000) The Commission considers that, there is no discrimination based on nationality which is prohibited under Article 39 (ex Article 48) of the EC Treaty. in the case referred to by the Honourable Member, Measures by the Member States to promote employment are coordinated in accordance with Article 128 (ex Article 109 Q) of the EC Treaty. The employment guidelines adopted by the Council on 13 March 2000 pursuant to this Article do not make any reference to the matter raised by the Honourable Member. The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commissionís answer to written question P-1797/99 submitted by Ms Sanders-Ten Holte (1). (1) OJ C 203 E, 18. 7. 2000, p. 50. (2000/C 330 E/151) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0344/00 by Juan Naranjo Escobar (PPE-DE) to the Commission Subject: Reorganisation of the DG for Energy and Transport (14 February 2000) In view of the merging of the Directorates-General for Transport and Energy into a single DG and the reduced importance of the energy sector, in particular the new energy technologies repeatedly supported by Parliament, can the Commission say what proportion of the staff of the new Directorate-General will deal specifically with energy, and of these how many will be devoted to renewable energy? Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (29 March 2000) Following the merger of the Directorates general for energy and transport 142 officials of categories A, B and C deal specifically with energy (of whom 26 officials deal specifically and exclusively with renewable energy sources) and 189 officials of categories A, B and C deal specifically with transport. 21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/135 tasks on energy and Moreover, approximately 200 officials are dealing with important horizontal transport, including internal market issues, international co-operation, environmental protection, informa- tion, communication and dissemination of technologies, as well as Trans-European networks. Because of the integrated approach to energy and transport issues, it is not possible to specify the exact breakdown between energy and transport for these officials. It should be noted however, that a significant number of officials working in horizontal directorates have important tasks related to renewable energy policy and technology promotion, for example with regard to environmental protection and dissemination of innovative technologies. In total, therefore, promotion of renewable energy has been strengthened in the new organisation. (2000/C 330 E/152) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0347/00 by Jaime Valdivielso de CuØ (PPE-DE) to the Commission (14 February 2000) Subject: Trade French lorry drivers started a protest including, among other things, blocking the most important roads in France. This behaviour constitutes a violation of one of the principles of the European Union ü the free movement of goods ü and is affecting Spain in particular, since its products have to pass through France. Can the Commission explain what steps it will take to ensure the free movement of goods in the European Union? What sanctions does it envisage imposing to punish such behaviour? What compensation is envisaged for the businesses which have suffered? Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission (27 March 2000) The Honourable Member has drawn the Commissionís attention to the serious economic impact of the border blockades imposed by French lorry drivers in recent weeks. The Commission would like to stress that under Community law it is the responsibility of the Member States to take all necessary and proportionate measures to restore the free movement of goods in their territory when events of this nature occur. The Commission would also point out that it is for the Member States to pay compensation to individuals who have suffered as a result of violations of Community law for which these Member States are held to be responsible. Moreover, the entry into force of Council Regulation (EC) No 2679/98 of 7 December 1998 on the functioning of the internal market in relation to the free movement of goods among the Member States (1) provided the Commission with a legal instrument which gives it the power to take rapid action in this type of situation. It should also be emphasised that this Regulation obliges Member States to inform the Commission of unforeseen actions by private individuals which might have a serious impact on the free movement of goods. The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that, with regard to the dispute of 31 January and 1 February 2000, the French authorities sent a note to the Commission on Friday 28 January in which they undertook to give their European partners as much real-time information as possible and to facilitate the free movement of goods, whilst respecting the workersí right to strike