WRITTEN QUESTION E-3127/01 by Piia-Noora Kauppi (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Strength of radio transmissions.
Date: 2001-11-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU policy, broadcasting, radio telecommunications, waveband

4.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 160 E/59

Implementation of the Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-accession (ISPA) programme and financing
from the European Investment Bank must in addition comply with all Community policies and legislation
on the environment. In this context, attention is drawn to the obligation on beneficiary countries to
observe the procedures established in Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of
the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (3), amended by Council
Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 (4). Among other things, this Directive imposes a wide-ranging
consultation of the public, which may also include non-governmental organisations. Furthermore, a
procedure similar to that provided for by Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the
conservation of wild birds (5) and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (6) is also applicable within the framework of these projects.

With regard to the strategic environmental impact assessment referred to by the Honourable Member, the
Commission would like to clarify that the conception of the TINA network did not incorporate this
approach at that time as no recommended and approved methodology was then available. Rules respecting
areas that had already been identified as ecologically sensitive were, however, applied. Since that time,
analytical methods to conduct a strategic environmental
impact assessment of transport infrastructure
plans have been devised and tested, particularly under the fourth framework programme for research and
technological development (RTD) and through pilot studies on the corridors.

The recent Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the
assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (7), which covers strategic
environmental impact assessment, must be applied by the Member States and as from July 2004 should be
transposed into national law. As with all the acquis communautaire, this legislation will be applicable to
the central and eastern European candidate countries from the moment they join the Union. What is more,
as provided for in the proposal to amend Decision No 1692/96/EC adopted by the Commission on
2 October 2001 (8), the Commission will take account of the strategic environmental impact assessments
covering the sensitive parts of the network in accordance with the principles of this Directive in any future
proposal to review the guidelines.

In the meantime, application of Community legislation in force and the close dialogue that
the
Commission has developed with the non-governmental organisations involved in environmental protection
will make it possible to conserve ecologically sensitive areas, particularly bird reservations of international
importance when, with Community co-financing, the TETN is introduced into the candidate countries.

(1) OJ L 228, 9.9.1996.
(2) OJ L 185, 6.7.2001.
(3) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(4) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(5) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.
(6) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(7) OJ L 197, 21.7.2001.
(8) COM(2001) 544 final.

(2002/C 160 E/066)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3127/01

by Piia-Noora Kauppi (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 November 2001)

Subject: Strength of radio transmissions

Europe has been a pioneer in the field of wireless data communication. However, it has now proved to be
the case that the operation of, for example, Internet networks based on wireless radio technology and in
particular
the maximisation of data transmission distances are being restricted by the European
Radiocommunications Committee’s (ERC) decision ERC/DEC/(01)07, whereby the highest permitted radio
transmission amplitude is considerably lower than for Europe’s international competitors. Especially in the
EU’s sparsely populated areas the amplitude limit is hampering the opportunities to develop wireless data
communication.

C 160 E/60

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.7.2002

Why is the maximum transmission amplitude for low frequencies (below 6 MHz) just 100 mW in Europe,
whereas the corresponding limit in the United States is 4 W? On what grounds can such a big difference
in the permitted maximum amplitude be justified? Why are low frequencies (generally 2,4 MHz and 5
MHz elsewhere in the world) not commercially exploited at all in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 2002)

The Honourable Member addresses wireless data communication applications which operate in so-called
licence exempt band.

A decision based on the Commission proposal for a Parliament and Council regulatory framework for
radio spectrum policy is precisely about to enter into force after the Parliament’s second reading on
12 December 2001. This decision will enable to assess, at Community level, the use of radio spectrum
where required for Community policies, to harmonise such use in the Community, in particular through
mandates to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), and to
make such harmonisation legally binding upon Member States. The question raised by the Honourable
Member shows the urgent need to put in place such type of mechanism.

The situation in the licence exempt bands, which are used by many systems besides data communications
systems,
is very complex and would require a detailed analysis. Furthermore, comparing regulations
applicable in Europe or recommendations by the CEPT with regulations applicable in other countries such
as the United States would need to take into account the legacy of usage of these bands which may differ
considerably.

A complete assessment of the situation is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament’s
Secretariat.

(2002/C 160 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3137/01

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(14 November 2001)

Subject: Fine on French football authorities with regard to World Cup tickets

Can the Commission indicate the date of payment of the fine of EUR 1 000 imposed on the French
Football Federation for selling tickets preferentially to French Nationals in breach of EU rules on
competition?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2001)

The French Football Federation made the payment of € 1 000 to the Commission on 3 November 1999.