WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2068/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. Report on osteoporosis in the EC
Date: 1998-07-07
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: European Union, applied research, disease prevention, genetics, health policy, illness, report, research programme

29.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 118/21

(1999/C 118/024)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2068/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

Subject: Report on osteoporosis in the EC

(7 July 1998)

Following the launch of the report on osteoporosis in the EC, (cid:145)Action for Prevention(cid:146) does the
Commission propose funding cross-border research projects into the disease?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1998)

The Commission(cid:146)s proposal for a specific programme for research and technological development (RTD)
and demonstration on (cid:145)Quality of life and management of living resources(cid:146) (1) addresses osteoporosis and
its prevention and treatment by promoting, under the key action (cid:145)Ageing population(cid:146), research into age-
related illnesses and health problems with high morbidity. This is in line with the main research related
recommendations of the (cid:145)Report on osteoporosis in the EC(cid:146), namely that research should aim for
preventive or onset-delaying interventions, but also offer improved means for rehabilitation, better
mobility and effective pain reduction.

Efforts for improved understanding of osteoporosis and skeletomuscular disorders will also benefit from
the RTD activities of generic nature, where for example public health research is urged to contribute to
better quantitative European data and cost-effectiveness of health promotion. The suggested generic
research activities within the same specific programme also include research on life-style dependent or
nutritional risk factors as well as genetic and physiological parameters.

(1) COM(98) 305 final.

(1999/C 118/025)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2075/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Unfair tax treatment of single-income families

In its Judgment No 358 of 13 and 14 July 1995 on the lawfulness of Presidential Decree No 597 of
29 September 1973, particularly Article 3, the Italian Constitutional Court ruled that the current system for
taxing single-income families was wholly iniquitous as regards the restitution of 50 per cent of the
personal income tax and referred all corresponding decisions to the legislator. This tax system conflicted
with Article 3 (equality before the law for spouses), Articles 29 and 31 (protection of the family) and
Article 53 (fair taxation) of the Italian Constitution.

In the light of this clear ruling by the Italian Constitutional Court,
the European Commission(cid:146)s
pronouncements on taxation and the initiatives taken by certain trade-union organizations, including
the SAPEF (Sindacato Autonomo Pensionati Ferrovie) [Independent Union of Retired Railway Workers],
will the Commission say whether:

1.

it agrees that the Italian authorities should be asked to put an end to this unlawful and unequal
treatment of Italian citizens?

2.

there are any European directives which impose equal tax treatment on the Member States?

3.

it will state its general position on the matter?