WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3419/98 by Amedeo AMADEO Framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998 - 2002)
Date: 1998-11-24
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU programme, administrative transparency, cooperation policy, energy policy, exchange of information, financial intervention, interinstitutional relations, productivity

11.10.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 289/47

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 1999)

The proposed limit values for sulphur dioxide in the proposal for a Council directive relating to limit values for
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (1) are
based on the new air quality guidelines adopted by the World health organisation in October 1996. They will
provide a high standard of protection for human health and the natural environment. They will also reduce
damage to materials. The Commission is of the opinion that it is not possible at present to develop and
implement separate limit values specifically for the protection of materials. The Commission is however
continuing to support research into the effects of sulphur dioxide and other pollutants on human health, the
natural environment and Europe’s cultural heritage. It will take into account the most recent scientific evidence
on effects in all these fields when it reports on implementation of the proposal by 31 December 2003.

(1) OJ C 360, 23.11.1998.

(1999/C 289/062)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3419/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002)

With reference to the proposal for a Council decision adopting a multiannual framework programme for
actions in the energy sector (1998-2002) and connected measures (COM(97) 0550 final 97/0302(CNS)) (1), it
is regrettable that the framework programme does not provide a general overview of all measures taken in the
energy sector but covers only programmes having financial implications for Directorate-General XVII; surely
this criterion for inclusion should have been clearly indicated in the document.

Would the Commission promote the further integration of energy policy measures?

(1) OJ C 46, 11.2.1998, p. 7.

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1999)

The multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector does indeed concentrate on existing
programmes with a view to guaranteeing the transparency, consistency and effectiveness of the actions
undertaken under those programmes. However, in adopting the proposal in question, the Commission has
decided that special emphasis should also be placed on the coordination of the energy components
incorporated under other Community policies. To this end, the Commission has set up a network of
Directors-General
in particular, for periodically
submitting a report on the progress of all actions incorporating an energy component.

involved in energy matters which will be responsible,

The Commission would also point out that, as a result of its communication entitled ‘An overall view of energy
policy and actions’ (1), there is now available, for the first time, a complete inventory, including details of
financial resources allocated, of all energy actions undertaken at Community level. This effort to achieve
transparency has been followed through with the transmission to the Council and to Parliament, in April
1998, of the communication on ‘financial assistance by the European Communities to the energy sector from
1995 to 1997’ (2).

(1) COM(97) 167 final.
(2) COM(98) 244 final.