WRITTEN QUESTION E-2840/99 by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Total number of applications relating to climate change research received in the first round of Calls for Proposals.
C 330 E/62 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 (2000/C 330 E/067) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2840/99 by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Total number of applications relating to climate change research received in the first round of Calls for Proposals What is the total number of applications received in the first round of Calls for Proposals under the Fifth Framework Programme which were considered relevant to sub-sections of the Fifth Framework Programme relating to understanding climate change? How many of these were selected for funding, and how many applications considered either ágood or excellentí in terms of their science and technology have not bee funded or selected for negotiations on the award of a research contract? Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission (15 February 2000) The total number of proposals in the first round of calls for proposals of the Fifth framework programme relevant to understanding climate change were approximately 85 out of which 35 were evaluated as eligible for funding. Unfortunately, due to the available budget only 15 could be funded. (2000/C 330 E/068) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2850/99 by Bartho Pronk (PPE-DE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Conversion of driving licences for migrant workers Council Directive 91/439/EEC (1) of 29 June 1999 on driving licences makes it possible for driving licences issued by the Member States to be converted into driving licences of another Member State. Under certain circumstances, Member States may also extend driving licences issued by other Member States. How do the provisions operate in practice? Does the Commission have any information about this? 1. What problems arise? 2. If the Commission does not have any information about the operation of the directive, will it make inquiries? Complaints about the matter are by no means uncommon, because national authorities are not always aware of the provisions of the directive. (1) OJ L 237, 24. 8. 1991, p. 1. Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (13 March 2000) Article 8(1) of Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licenses (1) provides that a holder of a driving license may request that it be exchanged for an equivalent license in the country where he has taken up normal residence. Article 8(3) describes the procedure to be followed when a license is exchanged. These provisions were correctly transposed into national law by the Member States and there have been no complaints from the public in relation thereto. However, the Commission deals with many complaints, petitions and enquiries from people who have problems regarding the recognition or renewal of their driving licenses, resulting from the application of provisions governing the period of validity of driving licenses and the frequency of medical checks. Article