WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3943/98 by Anita POLLACK Sustainable Cities and Towns campaign
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: EU aid, European Union, local authority, public awareness campaign, town, urbanisation

C 325/40

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.11.1999

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1999)

Although the United States have staked a considerable amount in the Station, in terms of image and of capacity
to be allotted to extensive international cooperation, this has only been modestly reflected in Europe since
involvement by the Member States, Norway and Switzerland only accounts for roughly 8,5 % of the total
estimated development cost, of EUR 35 000 million, or in other words some EUR 3 000 million.

Europe’s contribution to the international space station basically derives from decisions taken within the
European Space Agency. That contribution currently takes up 16 % of the current Agency budget and should
not exceed 20 % over the next five years. No development funding for the station is planned under the fifth
framework programme for research and development.

The station should enable a large number of the techniques needed to continue the conquest of space to be
tested and may, in view of its legal and financial aspects, be considered to be the prototype for the international
associations needed for this type of venture. However, in view of the restricted European commitment,
shutting down the station would have no impact on Europe’s space industry.

(1999/C 325/047)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3943/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Sustainable Cities and Towns campaign

What steps has the Commission taken to ensure that a legal basis exists to safeguard the future of the
Sustainable Cities and Towns campaign?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 1999)

The Commission has, on several occasions, recognised the usefulness of the activities of the European
Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign in promoting the application of Agenda 21 at local level.

In its communication entitled ‘Sustainable Urban Development in the European Union: A Framework for
Action’ (1) adopted on 28 October 1998, the Commission affirmed its intention to continue to provide aid to
local authority networking operations and referred specifically to the European Sustainable Cities and Towns
Campaign. The communication also states that the Commission will draw up the necessary legal instruments
to ensure the financing of activities of this type on a multiannual basis.

The main points contained in this communication were the subject of a presentation given by the Commission
at the Urban Forum held in Vienna on 26 and 27 November 1998. The initial exchange of views that took
place on this occasion helped to underline the urgent need to develop an appropriate legal basis for the
continuation and consolidation of activities of this type.

The Commission will take the initiative in drafting a proposal along these lines in the coming weeks.

(1) COM(98) 605 final.

(1999/C 325/048)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3947/98

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: UN World Food Programme

How does the Commission intend to respond to the UN World Food Programme’s assessment of the
worsening situation in southern Somalia? What assistance has the European Union provided to date, and what
further commitments will it be making?