WRITTEN QUESTION E-0038/01 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Effects on soldiers' health of shells tipped with depleted uranium.
Date: 2001-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Yugoslavia, access to information, cancer, military personnel, nuclear weapon

C 261 E/32

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

(2001/C 261 E/030)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0038/01

by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2001)

Subject: Effects on soldiers(cid:146) health of shells tipped with depleted uranium

The deaths from leukaemia and other forms of cancer of soldiers who took part in the Nato bombing of
the former Yugoslavia and the broader consequences for their health have caused widespread indignation
among European public opinion and have dented the credibility of the national governments and the
European institutions.

Does the Commission intend to undertake comprehensive and systematic scientific studies concerning
these consequences and to announce the findings? What other measures does it intend to take to establish
who is responsible and to protect the citizens of Europe from these consequences?

(2001/C 261 E/031)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0062/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(22 January 2001)

Subject: Incidence of leukaemia and tumours in the European Union

There have recently been tragic cases of leukaemia and cancer among soldiers who took part in the peace-
keeping operations in the Balkans (including soldiers from Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, the United
Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Hungary) and there is a rising incidence of serious diseases such as
leukaemia and various types of tumour and melanoma throughout the Community. The population of
Europe is concerned and afraid that there may be links between the spread of such diseases and the use of
depleted uranium during the conflict.

In view of this, does the Commission intend to ascertain the risk to human health and the environment
posed by the use of depleted uranium munitions?

Is the Commission willing to release the figures in its possession concerning the current number of cases
of cancer and leukaemia in Europe?

Does it intend to set up a committee of inquiry capable of:

(a)

swiftly obtaining scientifically reliable data to throw light on the possible link between the munitions
used and the cases of fatal diseases;

(b)

studying the incidence of serious diseases in the Union during the last three years;

(c) assessing the damage caused to the environment;

(d)

identifying regions whose food products must not be used;

(e) ascertaining the impact on animal farming?

(2001/C 261 E/032)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0063/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(22 January 2001)

Subject: Cases of leukaemia and tumours among soldiers involved in the Kosovo war

There have recently been tragic cases of leukaemia and cancer among a large number of soldiers in the
European armed forces who took part in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and there has been an
exponential increase in the incidence of such diseases throughout the Community. Concern and fear have
been aroused in the whole of Europe about the possible links between these illnesses and the use of