WRITTEN QUESTION P-1327/01 by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission. Animal research at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre.
Date: 2001-04-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, Netherlands, animal experimentation, animal welfare, protection of animals, research project

C 340 E/218

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.12.2001

Is the Commission aware of the conviction of Mr Sotiris Bletsas?

If so, does the Athens court(cid:146)s decision violate the fundamental right to freedom of expression?

Is the Commission considering taking steps against Greece, a Member State?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(22 June 2001)

As indicated in its reply to Written Question E-0487/01 by Mr Wyn and Mr Kn(cid:246)rr Borr(cid:224)s (1), the
Commission is following this matter closely and has asked the Greek Government to provide it with
further information and in particular a copy of the ruling.

The Commission is not in a position to comment until it has all the necessary information and is fully
aware of the facts.

(1) OJ C 261 E, 18.9.2001, p. 125.

(2001/C 340 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1327/01

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(25 April 2001)

Subject: Animal research at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre

One of my constituents has raised the issue of the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in the
Netherlands, which is the only research laboratory in the European Union which still uses chimpanzees in
animal research. There is increasing concern about the grossly inadequate conditions for keeping primates.
I understand that BPRC is willing to improve housing conditions but claim that lack of money has
prevented major improvements from being introduced. Its income comes from the European Commission,
industry and the Dutch Government.

Would the Commission clarify its position on financing research projects involving primates in
establishments such as the BPRC where the housing conditions are so poor?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2001)

The Honourable Member will be aware that all research in Europe involving the use of animals is subject
to the Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes (1) The Member States have responsibility to enforce this.

The Commission has under the various Community research programmes paid particular attention to
animal welfare issues. The commitment of the Community institutions to fulfil their obligations regarding
animal welfare requirements is clearly stipulated in Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the
Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the Fifth framework programme for research, technological
development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) (2).

The funding of research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal
experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or other
alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants of proposals to describe the procedures
adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the
welfare of animals.

4.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 340 E/219

In addition, research on the development of alternatives to animal experiments is largely supported under
this programme.

An ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life programme (3) for
proposals dealing with issues such as the use of non-human primates, generation of transgenic animals,
etc. The ethical review panel includes, among others, representatives from animal welfare groups. The
ethical review ensures that all research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Directive 86/
609/CEE, in particular article 5. Furthermore, participants in research projects must seek the approval of
the relevant ethics committees prior to the start of the research activities. The Biomedical Primate Research
Centre (BPRC), which is situated in the Community but independent of the Community, has engaged itself
contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements.

It is the intention of the Commission to continue to fulfil
requirements when formulating and implementing the next framework programme.

its obligations regarding animal welfare

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.
(2) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.
(3) OJ C 260, 18.8.1998.

(2001/C 340 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1329/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 April 2001)

Subject: Attica regional operational programme and earthquake-protection projects

The fifth major project under the regional operational programme for Attica is to repair the aftermath of
the earthquake which hit Attica on 7 September 1999. The sum of € 94,63 million budgeted for measure
5.5 (cid:129) repairs to basic infrastructure under local government responsibility (cid:129) is considered inadequate to
cover the damage and the reconstruction work to be undertaken by the local authorities in west Athens,
the least developed and most underprivileged area of the Greek capital, which suffered the severest effects
of that disastrous earthquake.

Will the Commission increase the funding provided for this measure?

Since the uppermost concern in the minds of the public is the protection of their property and their lives
from further earthquakes, why does the Commission give priority in only a small number of local
authority areas to preventive public projects such as the earthquake-protection programmes for buildings,
mending the urban fabric, organised accommodation for earthquake victims, repair and construction of
networks, microzoning studies, and shoring and demolition?

If measure 5.5 does not include aid for certain preventive projects to protect the public (cid:129) in addition to
the restoration of public squares and buildings etc (cid:129) would the Commission then not assume a grave
responsibility for failing to support the local authorities in attempting to provide effective protection in the
event of another earthquake similar to the one in 1999, which claimed dozens of lives and destroyed
thousands of homes?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2001)

At its fifth priority axe (cid:145)Repair of damages caused by 1999 earthquake(cid:146), the Attika regional operational
programme (OP) for the 2000-2006 period, which was signed by the member of the Commission
responsible for Regional Policy at the beginning of May 2001, provides for public expenditure of € 462
million of which a contribution of € 370 million comes from the European Regional Development Fund.