Council Resolution of 28 June 1999 on measures to address the year 2000 computer problem
Date: 1999-06-28
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: computer network, computer system, computer systems, data protection, information technology user, technical cooperation

C 200/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15.7.1999

14. REITERATES that the development of measures in all three
strands as indicated in the Council’s Conclusions of 26
the needs
November 1998,
arising from the future enlargement of
the European
Union and the work of
international organisations
competent in the sphere of health;

should take into account

balance between the impact of the internal market and the
unchanged responsibilities of Member States
the
organisation and delivery of health services and medical
care;

for

15. UNDERLINES that, in order to strengthen the scientific basis,
research must have an essential role in underpinning the
Community’s future public health action. Public health-
related research at Community level,
to be
relevant for Community public health, has to respond to
the specific research needs and issues identified by the
public health sector whose access to research programmes
should be facilitated;

in order

cooperation and working methods

17. CONSIDERS IT APPROPRIATE that, following the entry into
force of the Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999, internal
organisation,
at
Community level should be reviewed with a view to
achieving a better coordination of health-related issues so
as to ensure a high level of human health protection in the
definition and implementation of all Community policies
and activities;

16. UNDERLINES the need to establish procedures through
which the Community and the Member States can
monitor the impact of Community policies and activities,
especially those relating to the internal market, on public
health and health care, in order to facilitate an adequate

18.

INVITES the Commission, as a matter of urgency and in
order to ensure continuity in the light of the expiration of
existing programmes, to make a proposal for a decision of
the European Parliament and the Council on a programme
of action in the field of public health, in time for the next
Council meeting devoted to health questions.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 28 June 1999

on measures to address the year 2000 computer problem

(1999/C 200/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Commission communication of 25
February 1998 entitled (cid:145)The year 2000 computer problem(cid:146);

Having regard to the Presidency Conclusion of
the Cardiff
European Council of 15 and 16 June 1998 which recognised
that problems associated with information technology and
other electronic systems arising from the year 2000 could
have serious cross-border effects, as well as the need for
to share best practice in addressing the
Member States
problem and
national
the
of
programmes
to raise awareness and prescribe action to
minimise possible disruption;

establishing

importance

Having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Vienna
European Council of 11 and 12 December 1998 which urged
Member States to implement timely plans for the protection of
their own infrastructure and to continue to raise awareness
across all sectors, focusing in particular on the public sector
and small and medium-sized enterprises, and to examine
closely the implications of
supply-chain
failures outside the European Union, to draw up contingency
plans to address this, and to exchange information with their
counterparts in other Member States;

the problem of

RECOGNISING that:

(cid:151) the problem is global in nature;

Having regard to the Commission report
to the Vienna
European Council of 11 and 12 December 1998 on (cid:145)How
the EU is tackling the year 2000 computer problem(cid:146);

(cid:151) year 2000 compliance can only be ensured by the suppliers
and users of computer-based systems and technical systems
with embedded electronics;

15.7.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 200/3

(cid:151) each Member State and each organisation, private or public,
should address
respective
environments and should take measures to minimise the
risks associated therein;

the problem within their

large,
need to disclose information to the public at
particularly consumers, as well as to other Member States
or to third countries having legitimate economic interests
in their country;

(cid:151) governments should inform the public at large about the
nature of the problem and the need to take timely action;
governments can demonstrate leadership and increase
public confidence by effectively tackling the problem in
the public sector;

(cid:151) ensure that contingency plans are in place to secure the
continuity of essential services in the event of disruptions of
normal services, and to handle emergencies should these
arise;

(cid:151) providing

information concerning
and
the public sector and of vital national and
an

progress of
international public utilities
and infrastructure
effective means of maintaining public confidence;

activities

the

is

(cid:151) the complex interactions and dependencies between organi-
sations and infrastructure is such that it is not possible to
provide absolute assurances that all aspects of
the year
2000 computer problem have been covered in spite of
the best efforts and that
there may still be problems
arising on or around 1 January 2000 which will require
immediate attention by all parties involved;

WELCOMES the initiative of the Commission in establishing a
group of experts from the Member States and representatives
of industry and of vital infrastructure providers on this topic,
and in hosting regular meeetings to facilitate the exchange of
information and experience within the European Union and
informed on
invites the Commission to keep the Council
these activities;

ENCOURAGES the Member States and the Commission as well
as the providers of vital infrastructure to share information and
models of best practice;

INVITES the Member States to:

(cid:151) continue to monitor and report on the progress of the
public sector and of key infrastructure, recognising the

ENCOURAGES companies and industry associations to:

(cid:151) establish an open and proactive information policy on the

year 2000 Computer Problem;

(cid:151) respond to rerquests for information by other organisations
large, particularly consumers, by
information on their

and the public
providing
timely
progress and acltivities in this domain;

at
and reliable

(cid:151) participate in the activities of relevant international bodies

addressing the year 2000 computer Problem;

CALLS ON THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION,
in
accordance with their respective competences, to work collab-
oratively on the identification of critical cross-border infra-
(both internal and external to the Union
structure or risks,
and including those provided or regulated by international
organisations), and to encourage appropriate measures to be
taken for maintaining the integrity and continuity of essential
services and to reduce potential cross-border risks.

including through international fora,

Furthermore, CALLS ON THE MEMBER STATES, together with
THE COMMISSION,
to further strengthen contacts, dialogue,
industry
and assistance,
associations and other appropriate bodies, with third countries
having significant
relations with the Union in terms of
important infrastructure or other interactions, to help ensure
that these countries are taking all appropriate measures with
respect to these linkages.