WRITTEN QUESTION E-1745/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. The Ralleios School in Piraeus.
Date: 2001-06-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, cultural heritage, educational institution, heritage protection, historic site, town planning

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.

11.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 350 E/219

In view of

1.
construction of the school will have on an important part of the European cultural heritage?

the EU is funding the project, has it considered the impact which

the fact

that

2.
Given that the proposed project does not meet the required specifications for a school (lack of
a school yard), has consideration been given to the alternative sites for the Ralleios School proposed by
local organisations?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2001)

The Honourable Member is requested to refer to the answer by the Commission to Oral Question
H-0395/01 by Mr Alyssandrakis at Question Time during Parliament(cid:146)s May II 2001 part-session (1).

(1) Written answer, 15.5.2001.

(2001/C 350 E/245)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1752/01

by Isidoro SÆnchez Garc(cid:237)a (ELDR) to the Commission

(15 June 2001)

Subject: Cancellation of the White Paper on European Union youth policies

The Spanish Youth Council has criticised the cancellation of one of the main projects embarked on by the
Commission in relation to young people: the White Paper on European Union youth policies. According
to the Youth Council, the Commission decided to cancel the project after two years of intensive work with
thousands of young people, experts, researchers and EU governments.

The project responded to the calls made by European youth organisations and appeared to open up the
possibility of providing youth policies with a structure at Community level.

Bearing in mind the expectations raised and the initial date of November 2001 for the project(cid:146)s
submission, why has the project been cancelled?

Will the Commission continue with the preparatory work on the White Paper on EU youth policies, and
what date will it set for its finalisation and presentation?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

The Commission feels that the policy of co-operation on matters concerning European youth must be
strengthened.

For this reason, at the initiative of the Member of the Commission responsible for education and culture,
the Commission embarked upon the preparation of a White Paper on the subject.

The Commission wished this to be preceded by widespread consultation on an unprecedented scale. It is
therefore aware of young people(cid:146)s expectations and of the responsibilities such expectations give rise to,
not only at EU level but also (cid:129) in fact especially (cid:129) in the Member States.

Bolstered by the support of young people and the Member States, the Commission is continuing with the
preparatory work on the White Paper, which should be published by the end of the year.