WRITTEN QUESTION P-2214/00 by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission. Exclusion of EU-based Japanese car companies.
Date: 2000-06-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, Japan, committee (EU), motor vehicle industry, motor vehicle pollution

C 72 E/186

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

6.3.2001

(2001/C 72 E/239)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2212/00

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Subject: Funding of information booklets

Last September, ILGA Europe (the European branch of the International Lesbian and Gay Association)
(cid:145)After Amsterdam: sexual orientation and the European Union(cid:146), which
published a booklet entitled:
attracted funding from the Commission.

The preface states that the guide was produced as part of a project supported by the Commission (DG X)
under the Information Programme for the European Citizen (Prince).

In view of the foregoing, would the Commission state:

1. What are the objectives and implementing procedures of the Prince programme?

2.

In what circumstances would it be be deemed permissible for the Commission to provide a private
organisation with funds to publish information material aimed at European citizens?

3. Whether the subject matter of the publication in question can be regarded as falling within the scope

of public information for the European citizen on the funding of Community institutions?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 September 2000)

The aim of the Prince programme (Information Programme for the European Citizen)
is to provide
European citizens with information on EU-related issues which are considered to be a priority. The choice
of priority areas is decided, under the budgetary procedure, on the basis of the recommendations of the
interinstitutional consultative working party, which brings Parliament and the Commission together at the
highest level.

Implementation of the Prince programme is based on the principle of partnership either with the
government authorities in the Member States if they are interested (agreement) or with organised civil
society on the basis of a call for proposals for information projects which are then cofinanced. By
organised civil society we mean the voluntary sector, non-governmental organisations, federations, trade
unions, etc.

In the specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member, the International Lesbian and Gay Association
(ILGA) Europe, like all associations which have a recognised legal status, is eligible for assistance provided
the project presented by this association is accepted by the project selection panel.

All Europeans have the right of access to information to allow them to form opinions on all issues. This
right to information also applies to the booklet entitled (cid:145)After Amsterdam: sexual orientation and the
European Union(cid:146).

(2001/C 72 E/240)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2214/00

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(28 June 2000)

Subject: Exclusion of EU-based Japanese car companies

Why are EU-based Japanese car companies excluded from Commission working parties involved in Climate
Change and Auto Oil II?

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/187

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

The Auto-Oil II programme is now finished. The reports are being finalised, and the Commission intends
to adopt in September 2000 a communication presenting the outcome of the programme.

Auto-Oil II was characterised by the involvement of a wide range of parties. Automobile manufacturers
were represented in particular by the European association ACEA. The Japanese car manufacturers were
not directly involved, and did not express a pressing desire to be involved. They should nevertheless be
involved in future similar programmes, not least in view of their increased presence as vehicle manufac-
turers in Europe.

An important initiative was recently launched in the context of climate change: the European climate
change programme (ECCP). This follows up the Commission communication on policies and measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions (1). It will be responsible for developing a series of options in the field of
energy, transport and industry. A specific ECCP transport working group has been established. Again
Japanese car manufacturers did not show any wish to participate directly in the initiative. Japanese car
manufactures have, however, along with their European and Korean counterparts, committed themselves
to quantitative targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars, and are involved in the monitoring of
these commitments and all related issues. Furthermore, Japanese manufacturers are fully involved in the
motor vehicle working group and motor vehicle emissions group which advise the Commission on
vehicle-related regulatory questions.

(1) COM(2000) 88 final.

(2001/C 72 E/241)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2224/00

by BØatrice Patrie (PSE) to the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Subject: Recognition of the denturologist(cid:146)s (or denturist(cid:146)s) profession

Denturology, a medical profession which is recognised in several European countries (Denmark, Finland,
the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain), consists in producing and fitting full or partial removable dentures
and providing the full range of related dental services. In countries where it is recognised, denturology is a
fully-fledged profession, distinct from dental surgery and stomatology.

The denturologist(cid:146)s (or denturist(cid:146)s) profession is not recognised in France. This has given rise to disparities
not only on the dental services market but also in terms of recognition of occupations and equivalence of
qualifications at European level.

Is the Commission aware of such disparities in the European Union?

Does it intend to ensure that all Member States recognise the denturologist(cid:146)s profession and the relevant
qualifications?

Answer by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

The Commission is aware that denturology is not a recognised profession in all the Member States. The
fact that this situation may lead to certain disparities on the dental services market and in terms of
recognition of qualifications does not affect the fact that giving official status to that profession and
drawing up regulations governing it are matters
for which the Member States are competent.
The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E-2564/99 by
Mr B. Staes (1), on the same profession.