WRITTEN QUESTION E-0214/97 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) and Marianne Eriksson (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (5 February 1997)

Subject: Citizens' involvement to promote greater integration of the European institutions in Brussels

Residents' associations from around the rond-point Schuman set up a marquee in the Van Maerlant car park from 19 to 25 January 1997 in which they organized meetings with the residents and media to promote greater integration of the European institutions in Brussels.

Although it has perhaps come too late, the recent proposal by Commissioner Liikanen to halt the construction of new buildings and create pedestrian and green areas was welcomed by the residents' associations.

Given the prospect of active and responsible citizenship, what will the Commission do to strengthen dialogue between the European institutions, traders' and residents' associations and trade unions representing European officials and other agents in order to arrive at joint ways of thinking and acting and determine what has to be done for residents and the environment, such as accompanying socio-economic measures, pleasant pedestrian areas, green areas, social housing, retail shops, local services and meeting places to make the European district a more human and lively area?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (11 March 1997)

As the Honourable Member has pointed out, the Member of the Commission responsible for Personnel and Administration has clearly indicated, in several public statements, the interest he takes in the integration of the European institutions into the urban area in which they are located. Anxious to prevent offices from mushrooming in districts which are already saturated with them, he has expressed the wish that the Schuman district be restructured to the advantage of the inhabitants, for example by creating green spaces and pedestrian areas and by developing accommodation and local trade.

While assisting the Brussels local and regional authorities with the development of projects, the Commission has frequently pointed out that the European institutions must not replace these authorities in a field which falls within their competence and responsibility.

The Commission actively participates in the studies which are under way in this area. In addition to fruitful contacts with Mr Flahut, relating mainly to the renovation of the Berlaymont, talks are taking place with several other government bodies. The Commission participates, for example, in the 'Sentiers de l'Europe' working party under the aegis of Mr Hasquin. It is also represented on the 'Europe-habitants' monitoring committee under the aegis of Mr Simons, who is responsible for Urban Planning in Brussels and regularly takes part in studies organized by private associations such as the 'Comité de Quartier de la rue de la Loi.' Representatives from the European Parliament and the Council's Secretariat are also involved in the work of these groups.

These matters are of particular concern to the staff of the European institutions, many of whom live in the city and take an active part in the discussions held by district committees, and are regularly dealt with in the concertation meetings between the Commission and staff representatives.