WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1657/99 by María IZQUIERDO ROJO Catastrophic losses in northern Granada
29. 1. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 27 E/159 A Joint Action was adopted on 15 July 1996 (1), which calls on Member States to ensure that a number of behaviours such as public dissemination or distribution of tracts, pictures or other material containing expressions of racism and xenophobia are punishable as a criminal offence or failing that, to derogate from the principle of double criminality for such behaviour. Each Member State should bring forward appropriate proposals to implement the joint action for consideration by the competent authorities with a view to their adoption. It seems from the information provided by the Honourable Member that the Italian law prohibits the sale of fascist symbols. It would therefore be for the Italian authorities to take any necessary measures to ensure an effective implementation of the legislation adopted in line with the requirements of the joint action. (1) OJ L 185, 24. 7. 1996. (2000/C 27 E/194) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1657/99 by María Izquierdo Rojo (PSE) to the Commission (14 September 1999) Subject: Catastrophic losses in northern Granada On 4 September 1999 one of the least-favoured rural areas of the province of Granada suffered huge losses in a violent downpour accompanied by whirlwinds. The damage caused has been estimated at more than ESP 1 billion. The olive, almond, maize and vegetable crops in the areas affected, namely the municipalities of Freila, Zujar, Benamaurel, Cullar and Baza, were almost totally destroyed and major damage was caused to both housing and infrastructure. These events have compounded the already difficult situation in an area in which 80 % of the population is living in poverty and which, in economic terms, falls far below the Community average. Given the great confidence which those affected have in the Community and the fact that they are European citizens and support the ámacro-technologicalí programmes administered by the Commission, and in view of the wide range of possibilities for Structural Fund intervention in the agricultural and rural development spheres, how does the Commission intend to bring assistance to the area affected? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 October 1999) The Commission wishes to manifest its full solidarity with the people of Andalusia who suffered serious losses and damage in the storm that hit the province of Granada on 4 September 1999. To help remedy the situation the Spanish authorities (Andalusian regional government and national government) may under the partnership arrangements wish to decide with the Commission that some of the Community funds assigned to Andalusia from the Structural Funds be used for restoration of the damaged infrastructure. (2000/C 27 E/195) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1658/99 by Arlindo Cunha (PPE-DE) to the Commission (14 September 1999) Subject: Berlin statement on the specific nature of Portuguese agriculture The Berlin European Council, held on 24-26 March 1999, issued a statement (point 25 of the presidency conclusions) recognising áthe need to improve the balance of the support granted to [Portuguese] agriculture by means of rural development measures, financed by EAGGF Guaranteeí. Bearing in mind that the rural development programmes of each Member State are now being studied with a view to their adoption, could the Commission give details of the Portuguese programme, especially as regards the budget funds to be earmarked in the light of the above statement and the related implementing measures?