WRITTEN QUESTION E-2186/99 by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Infringement of Community Customs Code.
18. 7. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 203 E/147 A temporary derogation has been granted in order to allow fishermen to adapt to this new situation. The derogation is expected to end on 31 December 2001 unless scientific evidence shows that its continuation will have no negative impact on fish resources. The Commission, on the basis of the most recent scientific studies, will prepare a proposal to the Council on whether the derogation should or should not continue. The decision is to be taken by the Council by qualified majority. This procedure is not particularly rigid or exceptional. In fact, similar procedures have been foreseen in a number of similar situations (as an example, see Articles 3(1) and 6(1) of the Regulation to which the Honourable Member refers). (2000/C 203 E/187) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2186/99 by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission (29 November 1999) Subject: Infringement of Community Customs Code Community customs legislation applies to the transport, transit and storage in free zones of Community goods to which (and to which only) the provisions concerning simplified procedures and formalities apply. In Greece, the local customs offices and the customs authorities are jointly responsible with the Piraeus Port Authority for implementing Community Regulations and the Community Customs Code. Obviously, the transit and temporary storage of the goods within the free zones does not change the rules governing the goods in transit and does not affect their being subject to the simplified procedures. Companies in the business of transporting Community goods have repeatedly asked the customs authorities, particularly those in Piraeus and the Piraeus Port Authority, for permission to use wharves in the port of Piraeus or any other location for unloading Community goods where the simplified procedures for the transit and storage of Community freight apply, so that the companies concerned can avoid moving their goods several times and incurring higher costs and delays, etc. Both the customs authorities and the Piraeus Port Authority have put forward various reasons for not applying these procedures to Community goods in transit or storage. Will the Commission investigate the arrangements for the transit and storage of Community goods and the failure to apply the simplified procedures in cases where those procedures must be applied? What measures will infringement of Community legislation and, in particular, to the failure of the customs authorities themselves and the Piraeus Port Authority in Greece to apply Community Regulations and the Community Customs Code correctly? the Commission take in response to the flagrant Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1999) I would refer the Honourable Member to the reply which the Commission gave to written question E-762/ 98 put by Mr Georg Jarzembowski. (1) C 203 E/148 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 18. 7. 2000 The Commission would add that on 26 August 1999 it issued a reasoned opinion in accordance with Article 226 (formerly Article 169) of the EC Treaty. If Greece does not comply, the Commission could pursue the matter with the Court of Justice. (1) OJ C 323, 23. 10. 1998. (2000/C 203 E/188) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2194/99 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission (19 November 1999) Subject: Microwave radiation and electromagnetic fields Can the Commission inform us what research, if any, has been undertaken into the dangers caused by microwave dishes for mobile phones? Are there any plans for further investigation in this area? How does the Commission react to claims that people exposed to microwave radiation could be prone to leukaemia and other cancers? Is there any EU legislation in place which deals with this subject? How do different states differ in their approach and regulation on this matter? Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (16 December 1999) On 9 March 1999, the Council and the Parliament adopted Directive 1999/5/EC on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (1). This lays down the requirements that radio transmitters need to meet in order to be placed on the market and be operated. It envisages that Member States may restrict operation for health reasons, e. g. by imposing minimum distances between the transmitter and the public. On 12 July 1999, the Council adopted Recommendation 1999/519/EC proposed by the Commission on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (2). This takes account of the scientific opinion of the International commission on non-ionizing radiation, supported by the Commis- sionís scientific steering committee referring to established effects on human health of exposure to electromagnetic fields. In this context, it should be noted that the extensive research done in Europe through the co-ordinated action of the COST 244 and 244bis projects over the last decade has not demonstrated any reproducible detrimental effects on health at the levels of radio-frequency emissions typical of mobile phones and cell masts. If there is any adverse health effect, it can only be a longer term effect, which is as yet unknown. Therefore, research should further continue to measure such longer term effects. The results of on-going and future research in this area will be considered in the context of the reporting procedure provided for in the text of the Recommendation. In the context of the Fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstra- tion, the programme on Quality of life and management of living resourcesí foresees in its key action 4 áenvironment and healthí specific research on the health effects of electromagnetic radiation and in particular epidemiological and biomedical studies to determine possible effects linked to non-ionising radiation, particularly from cellular phones and antennas (point 2 of the quality of life work pro- gramme) (3). Several applications relevant to this field are now being evaluated and are processed for possible funding for the 1999 budget. (1) OJ L 91, 7. 4. 1999. (2) OJ L 199, 30. 7. 1999. (3) Commission decision no C/99/493 of 4. 3. 1999