WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1367/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. Zero Emissions Research Initiative
Date: 1998-05-07
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: EU programme, Japan, development policy, foundation, industrial policy, research and development, school-industry relations, scientific research, sustainable development, technological change

22.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 50/31

(1999/C 50/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1367/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Zero Emissions Research Initiative

The Zero Emissions Research Initiative (ZERI) Foundation aims to design corporate strategies and industrial
policies based on the principle of sustainable social and economic development.

Does the Commission intend to send a representative to the forthcoming ZERI conference in Geneva?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1363/98, E-1364/98, E-1365/98, E-1366/98 and E-1367/98
given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1998)

The Japanese ZERI (zero emission) research project was launched in 1994 by the (cid:145)Institute for Advanced Studies(cid:146)
of the Tokyo United Nations university. The Commission does not participate in the project and has no detailed
information on its work programme or on the existence of a corresponding ZERI schools initiative.

In the Community research aiming at reducing emissions is carried out within the 4th Research technology and
development (RTD) framework-programme (1). This research is accomplished within various specific research
programmes (cid:145)Environment and Climate(cid:146), (cid:145)Non-nuclear energy(cid:146), (cid:145)Industrial technologies(cid:146), (cid:145)Transport(cid:146).

The Commission is not aware of any specific overlap between the Community programmes and the ZERI project.

In the absence of any active involvement in the ZERI project the Commission does not intend to send a
representative to the forthcoming ZERI conference in Geneva.

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990.

(1999/C 50/044)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1370/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Restructuring of Greek postal services

(7 May 1998)

In view of the fact that the Greek Government has announced its intention to restructure Greek postal services
(ELTA), can the Commission say how the Second CSF funds earmarked for the ELTA have been used so far and
how the relevant development programmes can be squared with the Greek Government(cid:146)s plans? Can the
Commission confirm that the restructuring plans will take into account the recommendations made by the
European Parliament?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 1998)

A work plan for the Greek postal service (ELTA) was drawn up in 1995 with the help of European Regional
Development Fund part-financing. This document served as the basis for preparing an operational programme on
the postal services as part of the second Community support framework for Greece.

The launch of this operational programme is imminent. An international consultancy has been engaged to assist
ELTA in implementing the projects and undertaking its own reorganisation. A special unit has been created
within ELTA, consisting of the consultancy and various specialists, to carry out the projects in the operational
programme. It is intended to begin the programme proper at the end of May, which will involve setting out an
action plan and completing the staffing of the special unit.