WRITTEN QUESTION E-1739/99

by Umberto Bossi (TDI) to the Commission

(1 October 1999)

Subject: Directive 96/0009/EC

Can the Commission specify if and how Italy has transposed Directive 96/0009/EC(1) of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases?

Can it also say which countries have not yet adopted national implementing measures with regard to the above directive?

(1) OJ L 77, 27.3.1996, p. 20.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 1999)

Italy has implemented Directive 96/0009/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases(1) by decreto legge No 169 of 6 May 1999(2). The Commission is currently examining this text.

The Commission has decided to bring before the Court of justice the failure of Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg and Portugal, to implement the Directive within specified time limits.

(1) OJ L 77, 27.3.1996.

(2) Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 138 of 15.6.1999.