WRITTEN QUESTION E-3604/00 by Roberto Bigliardo (TDI) to the Commission. Air travel: economy-class syndrome.
Date: 2000-11-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: air transport, cardiovascular disease, fact-finding mission, health risk, public health, travel

6.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 163 E/175

this Agreement,

the Commission is continuing a policy of protecting European
On the basis of
designations against misuse on foreign markets. Improvement of market access for Community quality
products is also part of the Communities(cid:146) comprehensive negotiating proposal under the WTO negotia-
tions on agriculture. The Commission has asked the Member States to provide it with information on
European products protected by geographical
indications or designations of origin which are being
counterfeited on the export markets. On this basis, the Commission is playing an active part in the
discussions currently being held on the multilateral register for wines and spirits and extension of the
protection of geographical indications to products other than wines and spirits under the TRIPS Council
integrated programme.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.

(2001/C 163 E/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3604/00

by Roberto Bigliardo (TDI) to the Commission

(22 November 2000)

Subject: Air travel: (cid:145)economy-class syndrome(cid:146)

Does the President of the Commission intend to adopt any binding measures, and if so which, in relation
to airline companies after the recent death of Miss Emma Christoffersen, a British citizen, who was taken
ill shortly after landing in London after a 20-hour flight on a Quantas Jumbo 747 from Sidney?

Miss Christoffersen suffered an embolism brought on by sitting still for a long time in cramped conditions.
Her sad death highlights the problems for passengers travelling long distances in economy class. The
limited space (70 to 85 cm) between rows of seats is a genuine hazard for many people, who run the risk
of suffering a fatal attack of thrombosis. At the very least, the airline companies could inform travellers of
the risks they incur by remaining seated throughout long flights.

Will more passengers have to die before any action is taken?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2001)

The Commission takes most seriously the question of links between immobility during long flights and
problems of blood circulation, and other potential health risks, such as those linked to air quality.

It therefore intends to set up groups of experts to scrutinise existing research and draw conclusions on
health risks and the need for further research. This will enable the Commission and all interested parties to
consider the case for further measures, whether the responsibility of the Community, national govern-
ments, airlines, airports or passengers themselves.

(2001/C 163 E/201)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3605/00

by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission

(22 November 2000)

Subject: Replanting vineyards in PDO and PGI areas

Some wine-growers in Italy grubbed up their vineyards in accordance with the scheme for the permanent
abandonment of areas under vines introduced by Regulation (EEC) No 1442/88 (1).