WRITTEN QUESTION P-1743/01 by Paul Lannoye (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Council Recommendation 1999/519/EEC on electromagnetic fields.
Date: 2001-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European standard, electromagnetic interference, environmental risk prevention, environmental standard, health policy, health risk

11.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 350 E/217

The Commission does not intend to take any specific measure with regard to transparency of motor fuel
prices at service stations. It believes that the best way to promote consumers(cid:146) interests in the motor fuel
market is to ensure that competition is not distorted in the Community.

(1)

IP/00/1090.

(2001/C 350 E/242)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1741/01

by Anne Jensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Implementation of Directive 97/81/EC on part-time work

In what case has implementation of Council Directive 97/81/EC (1) of 15 December 1997 on part-time
work led to a lowering of the limits for the number of hours worked subject to which part-time workers
are covered by particular conditions of employment?

(1) OJ L 14, 20.1.1998, p. 9.

Answer given by Ms Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2001)

The goal of Council Directive 97/81/EC of 15 December 1997 concerning the Framework Agreement on
part-time work concluded by UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC (1) is to eliminate discrimination against part-
time workers, improve the quality of part-time work, facilitate the development of the potential for part-
time work on a voluntary basis and contribute to the flexible organisation of working time in a manner
which takes into account the needs of employers and workers.

However, the Directive does not lay down the number of hours that must be worked to fall within the
definition of (cid:145)part-time(cid:146). It leaves the definition of this term to the national legislation of the Member
States, stating merely that (cid:145)The term (cid:147)part-time worker(cid:148) refers to an employee whose normal hours of
work, calculated on a weekly basis or on average over a period of employment of up to one year, are less
than the normal hours of work of a comparable full-time worker(cid:146).

(1) OJ L 14, 20.1.1998.

(2001/C 350 E/243)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1743/01

by Paul Lannoye (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Council Recommendation 1999/519/EEC on electromagnetic fields

Council Recommendation 1999/519/EEC (1) of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general
public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) resulted from the process launched by the Commission
with the publication of a draft recommendation in July 1998. This draft recommendation was submitted
for consultation to the European Parliament, which adopted the Tamino report on the same subject on
10 March 1999.

Parliament(cid:146)s resolution called on the Commission to adopt the recommendation by 1 January 2001 in
view of the long-term effects highlighted by all scientific publications on this question and taking into
account the provisions already existing in the Member States and the precautionary principle.

C 350 E/218

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.2001

What action does the Commission intend to take in response to Parliament(cid:146)s request and within what
timescale, given that the deadline it proposed has already passed?

It should also be pointed out that for the 10 kHz to 300 GHz frequency range, Italy and Luxembourg have
adopted stricter threshold values than those proposed by the Commission, and that numerous experts in
the field recommend even lower threshold values for this frequency range.

(1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general
in accordance with the
public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) authorises Member States,
EC Treaty, to introduce a higher level of protection than that provided for and calls on the Commission to
(cid:145)keep the matters covered by this recommendation under review, with a view to its revision and updating,
taking into account also possible effects, which are currently the object of research, including relevant
aspects of precaution and to prepare a report, within five years, taking into account the reports of the
Member States and the latest scientific data and advice(cid:146).

Nevertheless, given the rapid development of new technologies in this area and the public interest in
the Commission has asked its Scientific Committee on Toxicology-Ecotoxicology and the
health,
to deliver a new opinion on the validity of the protection levels set by the Council
Environment
Recommendation. This is expected to be published in autumn 2001. The Commission will respond to any
new evidence of health risks which is not currently being taken into account.

The Commission has also, in accordance with the Council Recommendation, given European standard-
isation bodies a mandate to set European standards in line with the recommended limits of exposure to
electromagnetic fields from electrical equipment included in the scope of the low voltage and radio
equipment Directives (1). The references of the first four standards harmonised under this mandate will be
published in the Official
Journal this summer. Once published, these standards will replace existing
national standards and will thus ensure compliance with exposure standards for products placed on the
market.

(1) Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to
electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (OJ L 77, 26.3.1973). Directive 1999/5/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal
equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999).

(2001/C 350 E/244)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1745/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(15 June 2001)

Subject: The Ralleios School in Piraeus

finds of unique historical and scientific value, showing the layout of

Archaeological
the ancient
Hippodrome, in the centre of Piraeus, are under threat of destruction, according to the Athens University
Department of Archaeology and the Association of Greek Archaeologists, following a decision by the
Ministry of Culture (cid:129) rejecting a proposal from the Piraeus Archaeological Service (cid:129) to build the Ralleios
School on the same site with EU funding under the second CSF. The inhabitants of the town have reacted
to the project by appealing to the State Council and by petitioning the European Parliament(cid:146)s Committee
on Petitions.