WRITTEN QUESTION E-3265/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Modification of research programme to combat anthrax.
Date: 2001-11-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: biology, illness, postal service, research and development, terrorism

20.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 147 E/139

(2002/C 147 E/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3265/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Modification of research programme to combat anthrax

(23 November 2001)

In order to counter the threat of the spread of anthrax in letters, the American Society of Microbiology has
announced that it is undertaking research to adapt X-ray machines so that they destroy anthrax.

Does the Commission intend through the research programme of the European Union to find ways of
building machines able to destroy anthrax and other such microbiological substances contained in parcels
or cases?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 2002)

The current 5th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (RTD) does not
foresee support to the kind of research suggested by the Honourable Member and therefore no research
into machinery able to destroy anthrax will be undertaken at the moment.

The Commission however agrees that a Community strategy to combat biological terrorism will necessarily
to increase
involve mobilising Europe’s research and technology development potential,
knowledge in the field, provide scientific support to the policies concerned and develop more effective
ways of protecting European citizens.

in order

Therefore, once adopted, the new Framework Programme for research, technological development and
demonstration activities (2002-2006) will incorporate the means to respond to urgent research challenges,
of which the new threats of bioterrorism could be an example. The section of the programme entitled
‘Anticipating the EU’s scientific and technological needs’ will provide support to policies, including those
concerned with public health, and security and justice. Considerable flexibility is available in this part of
the programme not only to respond to new policy needs but also to unforeseeable developments in
science and technology. Furthermore, under the thematic priorities, the new Framework Programme may
also include longer term research on importance in the fight against bioterrorism, for example within the
priorities ‘Genomics and biotechnology for health’ and ‘Food safety and health risks’.

in response to the Ghent European Council

More generally,
(19 October 2001) conclusions on
bioterrorism, the Commission has presented a Communication on ‘Civil Protection ; State of preventive
alert against possible emergencies’ (1). This Communication presents the basis for co-ordinating an optimal
response by the Community to all types of emergencies. It sets out the main lines of action desirable for
improved co-operation across the Union including in the field of research and development.

(1) COM(2001) 707 final.

(2002/C 147 E/146)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3270/01

by Nirj Deva (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 November 2001)

Subject: Nawab Khair Baksh Marri

Will the Commission use its influence with the Government of Pakistan to grant permission for the 80-
year-old Nawab Khair Baksh Marri to leave the country in order to receive urgent specialist medical
attention, while recognising that the Nawab has been released from solitary confinement?