WRITTEN QUESTION E-2598/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(14 August 2003)

Subject: Possible financial support for thermal spas

Numerous thermal spas exist in Italy, offering their clients both paramedical cures and mental and physical relaxation. In addition, thanks to the recognised curative power of suplhurated waters, specific therapies are offered for certain respiratory illnesses, skin disorders and gastro-intestinal and genital ailments. Thermal medicine is today considered to be on a par with other branches of medicine, and is seen as one of the most effective forms of non-drug treatment, both in the rehabilitation phase and in the therapeutic context proper.

In addition to the benefits arising from their primary activity, such spas have a major contribution to make to environmental development in their localities; and, last but not least, in employment terms they play a strategic role of interest to all operators in the sector.

The EU has for some years now shown proof of considerable openness to public health issues, and has allocated funding to numerous initiatives at Community level.

Following the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision(1) adopting a programme of action in the field of public health for the period 2001-2006, can the Commission state:

1. whether specific funding has been allocated to thermal spas?

2. whether additional funding could be allocated to such spas under other Community programmes, e.g. those relating to job creation, rural development or employment incentives?

(1) COM(2000) 285.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 2003)

No funding has been allocated to the operation of thermal spas for therapeutic purposes under the Community Programme of Public Health.

Article 152 paragraph 5 of the EC Treaty states that Community action in the field of public health shall fully respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. As thermal spas provided for therapeutic or rehabilitation reasons are considered as delivery of health services, the Community Action Programme in the field of Public Health does not provide funding for thermal spas.

Furthermore, in the selection criteria set out in the Rules, Criteria and Procedures for the Selection and Funding of Actions under the Public Health Programme, it is stated that the Commission will give priority to projects which are conducted in as many Member States, applicant countries and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries as possible. In the exclusion criteria set out in the same document it is stated that in principle, commercial companies cannot take part in calls for proposals unless they can demonstrate that the immediate objective of the project proposed is non-commercial and absolutely non-profit-making(1).

However, on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, the European Regional Development Fund may finance assistance for spas under operational programmes cofinanced by the Fund, where such programmes include this type of activity.

Operational programmes of course cover a specific geographical territory (regions in the case of Objective 1 and parts of regions in the case of Objective 2) and are implemented and managed by the regions themselves.

The Honourable Member can contact the appropriate regional authorities in order to ascertain whether their programmes include assistance for spas, and the relevant eligibility conditions and procedures.

In any event, neither the costs of medical or therapeutic treatment at spas, nor their administration costs, are eligible for Community funding.

(1) See: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/c_062/c_06220030315en00140020.pdf.