WRITTEN QUESTION E-2838/01

by Giuseppe Nisticò (PPE-DE), John Purvis (PPE-DE),Giacomo Santini (PPE-DE), Mario Mauro (PPE-DE)and Giorgio Lisi (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 October 2001)

Subject: Measures to combat potential bioterrorist attacks in Europe

- Following the tragic terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington,

- given the danger of terrorist attacks recurring and increasing around the world, including inside the European Union, when the USA attacks terrorists in Afghanistan,

- having regard, in particular, to the possibility of specific bioterrorist attacks, using chemical, bacteriological and viral weapons,

- given that the terrorists' potential targets include the European Parliament's places of work in Strasbourg and Brussels and that one of their objectives might be to take strong action to blackmail Europe into putting a stop to attacks by the USA and, possibly, its allies against the terrorists and countries supporting them,

the Commission:

1. Does it not consider it necessary, in addition to strengthening traditional medical prevention and treatment facilities, to set up emergency clinical toxicology and intensive care facilities as soon as possible in the vicinity of the European Parliament's premises?

Such facilities should have qualified personnel and all the necessary scientific equipment, as well as all antidotes, antagonists and serums known to be effective against intoxication by nerve gas or other chemical, bacteriological or viral substances.

2. What measures does it intend to take, for the purposes of protecting the health of European citizens, to recommend that all EU Member States set up emergency clinical toxicology and intensive care facilities in the major cities of Europe and to strengthen existing medical facilities in hospital emergency units in those cities?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2002)

Quickly after the 11 September 2001 events, the Commission and Member States reacted in full co-operation with each other and in keeping with their respective responsibilities, to consider the need for care facilities and supplementary arrangements concerning threats or outbreaks in which biological and chemical agents can be used.

In the field of public health there is already in place a basis at Community level on which one can build up an effective mechanism for an early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases, also related to terrorist attacks. Work on the Community communicable disease network(1) has been under development and is now being accelerated urgently with the necessary assistance of Member States. Following consultation of representatives of Union Health Ministers, the Commission proposed at the Health Council of 15 November 2001, to complement the current two strands of the network, tracking diseases and rapid alert, by a third strand: emergency preparedness. The emergency coordination mechanism will in particular, address progress of preparedness planning and prepare decision making mechanisms for emergency situations. The aim is to target a wider range of emerging threats and to be able to deliver authoritative expert analysis rapidly. It is also foreseen to address the issue of adequacy of services to cope with the consequences of attacks with a view to recommending relevant measures and arrangements. By consequence, Community response will be built on resources existing in the Member States and at Community level and directed at gaining real added value through more effective and stronger coordination.

Member States have already taken steps to ensure that safety and security checks and vigilance are increased and procedures established and adhered to for dealing with suspicious objects, circumstances or occurrences at buildings and structures in which the public has access. The Commission, as part of its action on the state of alertness and prevention capacity for emergencies linked to bioterrorism, will keep relevant arrangements under review.

With full backing from Member States the Commission moved to anticipate entry into force of a new Civil Protection Mechanism (foreseen for 1 January) co-ordinated by the Commission, which reinforces the EU civil protection capabilities.

In light of the events, the co-operation was extended to include:

- The pooling of expertise in the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical fields (NBC experts), available 24 hours a day to assist any country that requests help;

- Enhanced co-operation on information-sharing concerning antidotes, vaccines, antibiotics, and access to hospital treatment for any victims of such attacks;

- Creation of a system of immediate and systematic exchange of information relating to accidents or threats of terrorist attack;

- Creation of a Civil Protection monitoring and information centre in the Commission.

At the European Council in Ghent, the Heads of State and Government called on the European Commission and the Council to organise an urgent and co-ordinated program to respond to the threat of bio-terrorism.

In response to the request by EU Heads of State and Government, the European Commission approved on 28 November a Communication setting out the action it has taken to mobilise its resources, expertise and networks in the area of civil protection to respond to terrorist threats. The Commission proposed to appoint a European Co-ordinator for Civil Protection.

Moreover, it has been decided to organise a workshop mid December under the Belgian Presidency; the latter will be entrusted with setting up a short, medium and long term working programme.

With regard to specific measures in the vicinity of the European Parliament's premises, the Honourable Member is advised to refer to the Administration of that institution.

(1) Parliament and Council Decision No 2119/98/EC, OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, Commission Decision 2000/57/EC, OJ L 21, 26.1.2000 and Commission Decision 2000/96/EC, OJ L 28, 3.2.2000.