WRITTEN QUESTION E-0522/00 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Procedure followed by Poste Italiane SpA for the award of contracts for mail delivery services.
21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/179 In order to improve the understanding of inflation differentials in EMU, the Commission expects to launch an external study analysing the sources of sustained inflation differentials in a modified Balassa-Samuelson framework. The results of this study, which are expected at the end of 2000, will be made public. More important than providing a set of ex ante estimates of the scope for inflation differentials in EMU, the study is intended to help in improving and refining the framework used by the Commission to assess cyclical divergence and inflation differences across EMU. (2000/C 330 E/205) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0519/00 by Elizabeth Lynne (ELDR) to the Commission (28 February 2000) Subject: Transparency In the Briefing of the European Parliament Press Service for the part session 12-16 February 1996, it is stated that, regarding the matter of the Wild Birds Directiveí, áthe Commission is also proposing that in future such decisions would be taken in secret by a special committee, away from the glare of publicity and not subject to Parliamentary scrutinyí. Can the Commission provide details of the context of this statement? Has the Commission specified a lack of Parliamentary scrutiny on other occasions? If so, in what circumstances is this deemed appropriate? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (4 April 2000) The statement of the Parliament Press Service was made in the context of the first reading at the Parliament ü session of 15 February 1996 ü of the Commissionís proposal (1) to modify Article 7(4) of Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (2). The Commission does not share the sentiment of the statement quoted by the Honourable Member. On the contrary, from the seven amendments voted by the Parliament (3), the Commission immediately agreed with amendment No 4 concerning the transmission of the composite report of the application of the Directive to the Member States and the Parliament. Furthermore, the Parliament is informed by the Commission of committee proceedings on a regular basis, as set out in Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (4). (1) OJ C 100, 9. 4. 1994. (2) OJ L 103, 25. 4. 1979. (3) Bulletin, 1996/1/2, p. 1. 3. 152. (4) OJ L 184, 17. 7. 1999. (2000/C 330 E/206) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0522/00 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (28 February 2000) Subject: Procedure followed by Poste Italiane SpA for the award of contracts for mail delivery services Does the Commission intend to take steps to check the regularity of the procedures for the award of contracts followed by Poste Italiane SpA, the Italian postal services provider, with particular reference to the priority mail service? C 330 E/180 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 freight by rail was Last year the agreement with the Italian state railways on the distribution of discontinued. Can the Commission state whether the new transport service providers were chosen on the basis of a regular call for tenders in line with the procedures laid down by Community legislation? The strategy of integrating environmental policies into other Community policies is a priority for the European Union, as established in the Treaty of Amsterdam. The European Union has undertaken to reduce CO2 emissions, as required by the Kyoto Convention. Does the Commission consider that, wherever possible and providing the same standards of efficiency are assured, preference should be given to rail rather than road transport? Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission (7 April 2000) The Commission has no knowledge of any alleged infringements of Community procurement law that would allow it to approach the Italian authorities in order to check the regularity of procedures for the award of contracts mentioned by the Honourable Member. The Commission would therefore be particularly grateful if the Honourable Member could forward any information she has on the subject. The Commission will launch an investigation on the basis of this information to assess whether any infringements of Community law on public contracts have occurred, and to take any necessary measures laid down in the EC Treaty in order to ensure that the procedure in question complies with Community law on public contracts. Current Commission policy in the rail sector aims to give rail transport a competitive position in the transport market by creating a framework which will allow it to compete on equal terms with other modes of transport. (2000/C 330 E/207) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0523/00 by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission (28 February 2000) Subject: Investigating and preventing mobbing in Europe The scientific literature defines ámobbingí as systematic and continuous victimisation of an employee, by his colleagues or superiors, with a view to forcing him out of his job. It involves repeated non-physical attacks of various kinds and degrees including continuous and unjustified criticism, slander, making the victim perform thankless or degrading tasks, and any action that could damage his professional or personal standing in the eyes of third persons, superiors or business contacts. The consequences of such incidents should not be underestimated. The first studies indicate that mobbing is not only detrimental to the victimsí health, but causes firms significant social costs. It is reported that the work rate of a person subjected to such treatment can decline by 80 %, as it affects workersí performance, resistance and concentration and can eventually result in physical and psychological illnesses involving protracted absences from work. Recently, this problem has aroused growing interest at European level. The various national statutory provisions do not at present provide an adequate basis for the establishment of measures to prevent mobbing, protect the victims and provide compensation. A few references to the subject exist in the legislation, but there is no separate body of law aimed at providing a global and effective response. What does the Commission intend to do to address this problem in Europe?