WRITTEN QUESTION E-2403/99 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Proposed EUR 2 million cutback of the Poseima programme.
8. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 225 E/125 for verification is one of the alternatives already under consideration by some trade unionists. The fact that trade union members themselves have an interest in knowing how many colleagues belong to their organisation is widely recognised. No proposal made by the Commission would áviolateí freedom of association or any civil right to confidentiality. Allegations that any such proposal has been made are completely without foundation in fact. (2000/C 225 E/133) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2401/99 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Council (13 December 1999) Subject: Priority of international law over an EU directive, and compliance with provisions of treaties concerning the Iron Rhineí The increase in the budget for trans-European networks confirms their importance for the European Union. Both the construction of new transport infrastructure and the modernisation of existing infra- structure are eligible for co-financing. The question of the Iron Rhine is a matter which is particularly deserving of the Councilís attention in this respect. By virtue of Article 12 of the Belgium-Netherlands Arbitration Treaty (19 April 1839) and the Belgium-Netherlands treaties of 5 November 1842 and 13 January 1873 deriving therefrom (the Iron Rhine Treatyí), Belgium is entitled to a link via the Dutch district of Sittard to the German frontier. This international right of transit assumed physical shape between 1869 and 1879 with the construction of the first cross-border rail link in Europe. However, after the two world wars the Iron Rhine between Antwerp and the Ruhr in Germany fell into disuse. The Dutch authorities are currently using national legislation to put obstacles in the way of resuming this interna- tional rail link. Does the Council acknowledge that by virtue of Article 12 of the Belgium-Netherlands Arbitration 1. Treaty (19 April 1839), and the Belgium-Netherlands treaties of 5 November 1842 ands 13 January 1873 deriving therefrom, Belgium is entitled to a link via the Dutch district of Sittard to the German frontier? Is Dutch environmental 2. legislation pursuant to the habitats directive subordinate to the above- mentioned international agreements, given that one of the contracting parties to the Belgium-Netherlands Arbitration Treaty (Russia) is not an EU Member State? (N. B. : The Treaty of Vienna explicitly stipulates that international law takes precedence over national law. ) In the light of the answers to questions 1 and 2, will the Council call on the Dutch authorities to 3. comply with their obligations under the treaties, particularly as completion of the Iron Rhine is covered by the general principle of loyalty to the Community? If not, why not? Reply (28 February 2000) The question raised by the Honourable Member is not within the Councilís competence. (2000/C 225 E/134) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2403/99 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (16 December 1999) Subject: Proposed EUR 2 million cutback of the Poseima programme On 9 November the Commission submitted its fourth Letter of Amendment to the 2000 Budget to Parliament, proposing to cut EUR 2 million from the Poseima programme, while proposing increases for the Poseidom and Poseican programmes. C 225 E/126 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 8. 8. 2000 Given the specific difficulties ü noted in the Treaty ü which ultraperipheral regions face, and the cost of insular status, above all as regards agricultural and fishery products: ü what are the Commissionís reasons for proposing this fresh cutback in the Poseima programme, and ü what are the mechanisms it is using to ensure that the programmeís appropriations are being fully taken up? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 January 2000) The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that the amounts given under budget heading B1-321 (Poseima) are forecasts of the expenditure necessary for carrying out the measures required under that therefore, be construed as a cutback in the programme. item ü the reduction in appropriations cannot, As regards the specific issues raised, the Commission would point out that the proposed reduction is due entirely to the fact that the forecasts are based on the actual extent (in percentage terms) to which the supply balances have been implemented in the last few years. The rate of take-up of the appropriations is dependant on how effectively and correctly the beneficiary areas themselves have implemented the supply balances, or any other of the measures provided for in the legislation. It should also be noted that this item is exclusively concerned with agricultural products. Fishery products do benefit from the measures in the Poseima programme ü they are covered by other budget headings. (2000/C 225 E/135) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2406/99 by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Commission (16 December 1999) Subject: Senior EURO Pass Can the Commission provide information on the current status of its consideration of the introduction of a Senior EURO Pass or EURO Card for senior citizens which would grant a range of concessions (including transport) across the European Union following the study completed by AGE Concern with Commission support? Is the Commission considering making proposals with a view to the introduction of such a scheme of concessions in the Member States? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (28 January 2000) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-1054/99 by Mrs Billingham (1), to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-1023/98 by Robert Evans during question time at Parliamentís November 1998 part-session (2) and to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-1148/98 by Niall Andrews during question time at Parliamentís December 1998 part-session (3). The non-governmental organisation (NGO) members of the liaison group for older people have not come forward in support of the suggestions in the final report of the study, for example in the context of the preparation of the United Nations international year of older persons. In this light, the Commission has no present intention to come forward with any proposals for a senior EURO pass or over sixties card. (1) OJ C 348, 3. 12. 1999. (2) Debates of the European Parliament (November 1998). (3) Debates of the European Parliament (December 1998)