WRITTEN QUESTION P-3647/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Boosting research into laparoscopic surgery in the European Union.
Date: 2002-01-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: information technology, medicine, research policy, research programme, telemedicine

C 172 E/102

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2002

However, the working document ‘Draft guidelines for implementation of NGO co-financed projects carried
out in developing countries under budget line B7-6000 in 2002’ seeks to limit still further NGO autonomy
and their scope for initiative in submitting co-funding projects.

Given that the funds allocated to budget line B7-6000, which is specifically for NGOs, represent barely 3 %
of the total aid earmarked for cooperation with third countries:

* Will the Commission explain why it is seeking to restrict NGO autonomy still further, given their

already limited sphere of action?

* Does the Commission want to continue curbing the scope for NGOs to take initiatives in submitting

co-funding projects under budget line B7-6000?

Could these attempts to curb and restrict initiatives by NGOs not be seen as contrary to the provisions on
encouraging participation by civil society contained in the Cotonou Agreement?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(15 February 2002)

The Commission has indeed undertaken to explore ways of improving the framework for cooperation with
non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Development is one of the areas in which cooperation between
the Commission and the NGOs is particularly well established and forms the subject of regular, in-depth
discussions.

The guidelines for implementing projects cofinanced with the NGOs and carried out in the developing
countries under budget heading B7-6000 for 2002 and 2003 were recently adopted by the Commission
after it had consulted the Member States. The guidelines are based on respect for the NGOs’ right of
initiative and recognition of their specific role among the disadvantaged and marginalised sectors of the
population in the developing countries.

The Commission does not therefore share the point of view that the Commission is restricting NGO
autonomy and their scope for initiative. It is worth pointing out that the Commission’s support for the
NGOs is not confined to budget heading B7-6000, but is provided through a number of other financial
instruments, such as the budget headings for human rights, humanitarian aid, rehabilitation etc.:
consequently, cooperation involving the NGOs greatly exceeds the percentage mentioned by the
Honourable Member.

In the case of cooperation with the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP), the new guidelines for the
budget heading not only tie in fully with the Cotonou Agreement, but are also particularly tailored to
supporting the strengthening of civil society in the partner countries, one of the key points of the
Agreement.

(2002/C 172 E/105)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3647/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(9 January 2002)

Subject: Boosting research into laparoscopic surgery in the European Union

It has become apparent within the medical sphere in recent years that laparoscopic surgery and minimally
invasive surgery are especially important, both for diagnosis and treatment; they have great benefits for
patients and reduced treatment costs. Considerable but mainly uncoordinated work is being done in these
fields in various EU countries.

Is the Commission planning to include within the Research Programme initiatives to create a European
network for laparoscopic medicine, and to encourage cooperation and coordination between specialists,
scientific training, the dissemination of know-how and the use of telemedicine?

18.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 172 E/103

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 2002)

(FP6), the strategic
As also discussed in Parliament on the 6th Framework Programme (2002-2006)
objectives of theme 1.1.1 ‘Advance genomics and its application for health’ are to better focus, better
exploit genomes knowledge and in some areas (cancer) to develop improved strategies for prevention and
management of human diseases. Laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery are, as the
Honourable Member points out, established procedures but not widely available.

From a research and development point of view, the Commission has supported research in this field over
the last three Framework Programmes. This has resulted in the development of Minimum Standard
Terminology for Endoscopy, which at present is approved all over the world.

The minimally invasive surgery and computer-assisted surgery represent both a significant change to the
habits of the surgeon, a tremendous improvement to the quality of life of the patient, and an enormous
worldwide market. The information technologies necessary for these applications are the core of the
business, and additional research in this area will be supported during the FP6 as a part of the Information
Society programme. In addition, it is the Commission’s intention to encourage coordination of research
activities across Member States (the 3rd axis of Commission’s proposal (1): reinforcing the basis of the
European Research Area).

(1) OJ C 180 E, 26.6.2001.

(2002/C 172 E/106)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3652/01

by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission

(15 January 2002)

Subject: Multifunctionality of European agriculture

Given that various non-Community countries have criticised the system of Community subsidies for
agricultural exports and in view of the current discussions on recognising the multifunctionality of
European agriculture and reducing import tariffs, would the Commission state:

* what its position is on the issue of multifunctionality?

* whether it considers that it would be appropriate to cut tariffs and, at the same time, to review the
tariff system so as to strike a fairer balance between European products, which are currently over-
protected, and Mediterranean products (for example, customs duty on tomatoes currently stands at
8 %, on butter at 68 % and on sugar at 68 %)?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 2002)

A multifunctional role for agriculture is an essential element of the Community’s general negotiating
position. Agriculture is not and cannot be treated as an industrial sector. It has a production function
(agricultural goods)
in both developed and developing countries but also contributes to sustainable
development, the vitality of rural areas, protection of the environment and the fight against poverty.

A number of members of the World Trade Organisation (South Korea, Japan, Mauritius, Norway etc.) have
joined the Community in defending a tempered view of agricultural policies and trade. As it did at Doha,
the Commission will continue in the WTO negotiating fora to defend resolutely its vision of the European
agricultural model.