WRITTEN QUESTION E-2040/99 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission. The Commission and tourism.
C 219 E/74 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 1. 8. 2000 environment (1) and, in particular, appears to be a project of the classes listed in Annex II of the Directive (No 12: modifications to development projects included in Annex I). Such projects should be made subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) where Member States consider that their characteristics so require. However, Member States are considered to be obliged to make a pre-assessment in order to establish whether projects of Annex II need to be made subject to an EIA procedure. Not being aware of the situation described by the Honourable Member, the Commission will take the appropriate steps in order to gather detailed information about it and to ensure the observance of relevant Community law. (1) Directive 97/11/EC amending Directive 85/337/EEC is not relevant because it applies only to requests for development consent submitted to a competent authority after 14 May 1999. (2000/C 219 E/088) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2040/99 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission (3 November 1999) Subject: The Commission and tourism Tourism is a vital economic activity in the European Union and a major source of jobs. As a horizontal activity, it is heavily interdependent with other sectors, such as transport, communications, basic amenities, safety standards and cultural, environmental, financial and monetary policies. Will the Commission therefore specify: ü how tourism is to be dealt with under its current reorganisation plans? ü what type of coordination is planned within the institution between the various areas connected with tourism? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (21 December 1999) As from 1 January 2000 the unit dealing with tourism within the Enterprise directorate-general will be part of a newly created directorate with responsibility for áservices, commerce, tourismí. This arrangement will allow tourism to benefit from the synergies arising from its association with other major services sectors within the same directorate, and will ensure that the contribution of European tourism to the achievement of Community objectives is fully recognised. It will be among the responsibilities of the tourism unit to ensure effective co-ordination in relation to Community measures affecting tourism. The approach to be taken will focus in particular on the areas in which close co-operation between the Commission services can lead to progress on issues identified in the Council conclusions of 21 June 1999, in relation to tourism and employment, namely facilitating the exchange and dissemination of information, improving training, improving the quality of tourist products, and promoting environmental protection and sustainable development In that context particular account will be taken of the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). in tourism