WRITTEN QUESTION E-1588/00 by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Council. Western Sahara.
Date: 2000-05-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Morocco, Western Sahara, common foreign and security policy, military occupation, referendum, self-determination

20.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 89 E/55

In the field of research, Community support has been given to a number of projects investigating the
2.
link between air pollution (including particulate matter) and mortality, under the third research and
techological development (RTD) framework programme (1990-1994) and the fourth RTD framework
programme (1994-1998), as part of the (cid:145)Environment and climate(cid:146) research programme. In particular, the
APHEA-2 project under the fourth framework programme is examining the relationship between air
pollution and daily mortality and other health effects in 32 European areas, including Athens. This project,
the largest in this field in Europe, is co-ordinated by the University of Athens.

The fifth RTD framework programme in the quality of life programme, key action 4 (cid:145)Environment and
health(cid:146) is supporting two projects aimed at improving knowledge of the links between air pollution and
health, especially the impact of particulate matter, to a total amount of around € 3 million. The first of
these projects, Helios, is looking at the impact of ozone on the permeability of the lung membrane to
pollutants, including particulate matter, and its relation to both chronic and acute health effects. The
second project, Hepmeap, is a multicentre project looking at the impact of automobile engine exhaust,
including particulate matter, and ambient air pollution on health.

In addition, the pollution-related diseases action programme is currently funding a project of the Institut de
Veille Sanitaire on the creation of an European information system on the effects of air pollution on health
in Europe.

It is expected that several other research projects in this field will be funded during 2000 as a result of the
year 2000 calls for applications.

Directive 1999/30/EC sets limit values for PM 10, to be met by 31 December 2005. Member States will be
required to develop action programmes for the worst areas, showing how they will meet the limit values.
These action programmes should aim also to reduce concentrations of PM 2,5. The Commission will report
on implementation by the end of 2003 and will examine at that time whether to propose confirmation of
further indicative limit values for PM 10 to be met in 2010 and whether to propose limit values for PM 2,5
or some other measure of particulate matter. Recent legislation on vehicle emissions takes into account the
need to meet limit values for PM 10.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.
(2) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999.

(2001/C 89 E/053)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1588/00

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Council

(24 May 2000)

Subject: Western Sahara

Does the Council agree that the legal situation of the Western Sahara bears a number of resemblances to
the situation of East Timor prior to its recent independence?

Will the Council point out to Morocco that its continued occupation of the Western Sahara damages the
reputation of that country and entails a huge economic cost?

Will the Council press for early implementation of the envisaged referendum and counter any attempts to
delay it?

Reply

(23 October 2000)

Any durable solution for Western Sahara must be acceptable to and endorsed by all parties involved.
Convinced that such a solution can only be brought about in the framework of the United Nations, the

C 89 E/56

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.3.2001

Council fully supports the efforts of the UNSG, his Special Representative for Western Sahara and his
Personal Envoy, Mr James Baker. It fully supports the Settlement Plan for organising a free, proper and
impartial referendum.

The Council has taken note of the remarks by the United Nations Secretary-General that the timetable
envisaged for the referendum is no longer valid and that the date for the referendum can still not be set
with certainty at this juncture. In this context it welcomes the meetings held on 14 May and 28 June in
London (cid:129) and in more general terms the principle of direct talks between the parties to the conflict given
the complexity of the situation. It hopes that these will respond positively to Mr James Baker(cid:146)s task of
studying ways of reaching a swift, lasting and mutually agreed settlement of their dispute.

In its contacts with the United Nations and the parties to the conflict the Council stresses its willingness to
contribute to this process and to help build a climate of confidence and trust in order to find a solution
based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.

(2001/C 89 E/054)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1592/00

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 May 2000)

Subject: Breakdown of the URBAN Community initiative by Member State and outermost region

Will the Commission say what amounts have been distributed to each Member State and outermost region
from the funds provided for under the URBAN initiative?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2000)

On 28 April 2000 the Commission adopted guidelines for the URBAN II Community Initiative (1).
The total contribution from the European Regional Development Fund over the period 2000-2006 will
be € 700 million.

The Commission has also set the indicative allocation between Member States of the available commitment
appropriations:

Member State

Indicative allocation
(1999 prices)

(€ million)

Belgium
Denmark
Germany
Greece
Spain
France
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Austria
Portugal
Finland
Sweden
United Kingdom

Network

EUR-15

20
5
140
24
106
96
5
108
0
28
8
18
5
5
117

15

700

The precise breakdown of these amounts within each Member State will be decided by the national
authorities. These decisions have not yet been notified to the Commission.

(1) OJ C 141, 19.5.2000.