WRITTEN QUESTION P-1743/01

by Paul Lannoye (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Council Recommendation 1999/519/EEC on electromagnetic fields

Council Recommendation 1999/519/EEC(1) of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) resulted from the process launched by the Commission with the publication of a draft recommendation in July 1998. This draft recommendation was submitted for consultation to the European Parliament, which adopted the Tamino report on the same subject on 10 March 1999.

Parliament's resolution called on the Commission to adopt the recommendation by 1 January 2001 in view of the long-term effects highlighted by all scientific publications on this question and taking into account the provisions already existing in the Member States and the precautionary principle.

What action does the Commission intend to take in response to Parliament's request and within what timescale, given that the deadline it proposed has already passed?

It should also be pointed out that for the 10 kHz to 300 GHz frequency range, Italy and Luxembourg have adopted stricter threshold values than those proposed by the Commission, and that numerous experts in the field recommend even lower threshold values for this frequency range.

(1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) authorises Member States, in accordance with the EC Treaty, to introduce a higher level of protection than that provided for and calls on the Commission to keep the matters covered by this recommendation under review, with a view to its revision and updating, taking into account also possible effects, which are currently the object of research, including relevant aspects of precaution and to prepare a report, within five years, taking into account the reports of the Member States and the latest scientific data and advice.

Nevertheless, given the rapid development of new technologies in this area and the public interest in health, the Commission has asked its Scientific Committee on Toxicology-Ecotoxicology and the Environment to deliver a new opinion on the validity of the protection levels set by the Council Recommendation. This is expected to be published in autumn 2001. The Commission will respond to any new evidence of health risks which is not currently being taken into account.

The Commission has also, in accordance with the Council Recommendation, given European standardisation bodies a mandate to set European standards in line with the recommended limits of exposure to electromagnetic fields from electrical equipment included in the scope of the low voltage and radio equipment Directives(1). The references of the first four standards harmonised under this mandate will be published in the Official Journal this summer. Once published, these standards will replace existing national standards and will thus ensure compliance with exposure standards for products placed on the market.

(1) Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (OJ L 77, 26.3.1973). Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999).