WRITTEN QUESTION E-2429/01 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Safety on ski slopes.
Date: 2001-09-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: civil defence, competence of the Member States, leisure, motor vehicle, product safety, safety standard, traffic regulations

C 81 E/174

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.4.2002

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 2001)

The Commission has long been concerned about the diffusion of paedophile images on the Internet, in
particular child pornography. In order to fight against it, it proposed a multiannual Community Action
Plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks.
It was adopted by the Council and the Parliament on the 25 January 1999 (1). The Action Plan provides
support in four areas: a European network of hotlines, self-regulation by industry, filtering and rating and
awareness.

Furthermore Member States are also committed to provide an appropriate framework under the Council
Recommendation of 24 September 1998 on the development of the competitiveness of the European
audiovisual and information services industry by promoting national frameworks aimed at achieving a
comparable and effective level of protection of minors and human dignity (2).

The Commission attaches great importance to ensuring that the Union is able to take effective action in
particular against child pornography on the Internet. Action has been already undertaken both at
legislative and non-legislative level. The Commission has introduced last year a draft Council Framework
Decision (3) which, within a wider context, include provisions for the approximation of laws and sanctions
of the Member States in the field of the sexual exploitation of children, with particular reference to child
pornography on the Internet. Now this text is under discussion in the Council and the Parliament.

The primary responsibility for dealing with illegal content (including child pornography)
is with the
appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Member States, which cooperate internationally
in the fight against child pornography on the Internet through the existing channels of communications,
such as Europol and Interpol. Some Member States have already established within the national
law
enforcement authorities specific monitoring centers of the diffusion of child pornography images on the
Internet. Europol is presently considering the need to set up a Union monitoring center, with a view to
enhancing co-ordination and effectiveness of the fight against child pornography on the Internet at Union
level.

(1) OJ L 33, 6.2.1999.
(2) OJ L 270, 7.10.1998.
(3) OJ C 62 E, 27.2.2001.

(2002/C 81 E/204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2429/01

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 September 2001)

Subject: Safety on ski slopes

The risk of accidents on ski slopes is generally relatively high and serious injuries to skiers are not
uncommon. The risk is increased by the operation of snow scooters, sometimes on steep parts of runs and
where visibility is extremely poor.

Can the Commission tell me what European Union rules or regulations apply to the use of snow scooters
(driving licences, insurance requirements and number plates), and whether snow scooters are subject to
any provisions governing their technical characteristics or safety devices (flashing lights, acoustic warnings)
with which manufacturers are required to comply?

Will the Commission also indicate whether, in the absence of such provisions, it will seek to have them
introduced, with a view to reducing the risks to both skiers and snow scooter drivers?

4.4.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 81 E/175

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2001)

At Community level there are no requirements relating to the use of snow scooters. In accordance with the
EC Treaty, Member States may take the measures which they deem necessary in order to lay down certain
requirements for drivers, for example, regarding compulsory insurance, registration, driving licences, etc.
For the time being, the Commission does not intend to incorporate measures to regulate the use of snow
scooters into its work programme.

As far as snow scooters are concerned,
it should be noted that, as machinery, they must meet the
requirements of Directive 98/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to machinery (1).

This Directive concerns especially the protection of persons on or around machinery with respect to the
risks connected with the machinery itself, whereas safety issues relating to traffic movements fall outside
the scope of the Directive. The Directive does not lay down requirements directly relating to driving in
places where there are other users (for example, indicators, signalling devices, sidelights, etc.), as these
requirements are determined by the Member States.

(1) OJ L 207, 23.7.1998.

(2002/C 81 E/205)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2430/01

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 September 2001)

Subject: Introduction of European-level voluntary solidarity service

National military service has now been abolished in most Member States. It is therefore worth considering
the introduction of European-level solidarity service for adult men and women to provide basic training in,
for example,
including
awareness of the hazard they represent. This compulsory training could last for two to three months and
be undertaken in any EU country and provide a pool of men and women for deployment in emergencies
during that period.

first aid, community service, environmental service and handling weapons,

Does the Commission regard this idea as feasible and useful, and, if so, does it intend to take action to put
it into practice?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2001)

The matter in question does not come within its jurisdiction of the Commission.

(2002/C 81 E/206)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2436/01

by Francesco Speroni (TDI) to the Commission

(3 September 2001)

Subject: European Energy and Transport Forum

The above Forum was set up by the Commission by decision of 11 July 2001. In the case of the seats
allocated to trade union representatives, the decision provides that the latter shall be appointed solely by
the European Trade Union Confederation, explicitly excluding independent trade unions which represent,