WRITTEN QUESTION E-0889/02 by Antonio Mussa (UEN) to the Commission. Future of public health in the Member States following enlargement of the European Union.
Date: 2002-04-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: accession to the European Union, competence of the Member States, health legislation, health policy, national implementing measure, organisation of health care

29.8.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 205 E/233

A similar constitutional amendment in France has made it legally impossible to recognise what are known
as ‘minority’ or ‘regional’
languages in the French Republic. In a recent judgment the Constitutional
Council considered that, under Article 2, subparagraph 1 of the constitution " ‘the language of the
Republic shall be French’ " ‘the use of French is required for relations with public administration and
public services’. Or again ‘the use of a language other than French may not be imposed on pupils in public
educational establishments, either in the activities of that establishment or in the teaching of subjects other
than those of the language concerned’.

Does the Commission consider that this proposal
is compatible with the recognition of cultural and
linguistic diversity guaranteed by the Treaties? Does it not agree that the Europe of the citizen includes
effective protection of all
for
information?

it be asking the Italian Parliament and government

languages? Will

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2002)

The Commission is aware of the legislative proposal currently before the Italian Senate to amend article 12
of the Italian constitution. Each Member State has sole competence to determine the provisions of its own
constitution as regards the definition of its own official language(s).

(2002/C 205 E/256)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0889/02

by Antonio Mussa (UEN) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Future of public health in the Member States following enlargement of the European Union

The protection of human health is the primary objective of all development policies in the countries of the
European Union. The Treaty of Amsterdam says that ‘a high level of human health protection shall be
ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities’.

The protection of the health of citizens is primarily ensured by guaranteeing an efficient common health
system with high quality standards, as proposed in the Community action programme in the field of
public health 2001-2006.

In order to achieve these objectives it is necessary to develop specific policies designed to ensure the
gradual
improvement of professional standards and a high level of scientific research and health care
facilities in EU Member States. As current health structures and health policies in the applicant countries
are clearly lagging behind those in the European Union, can the Commission answer the following
questions:

" are there studies or simulations of the consequences of enlargement of the Union on public health in

the Member States?

" does the Commission carry out regular monitoring of the effective transposition of the Community

acquis in the health sphere in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe?

" are there measures designed to prevent the accession of the applicant countries entailing a fall in
quality standards in health services in the existing Member States of the Union and, if so, what are the
deadlines for their implementation?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(29 April 2002)

As stated by the Honourable Member, the Treaty of Amsterdam provides for ensuring a high level of
human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities.

C 205 E/234

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.8.2002

The Commission is taking steps to do so when designing and implementing Community policies. The
health strategy set out in the communication (1) of May 2000 and the proposed action programme in the
field of public health underpin these actions. However, the Treaty also stipulates that Community action in
the field of public health shall fully respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation
and delivery of health services and medical care. There is therefore no question of this programme setting
up a common health system in Europe.

With regard to candidate country health structures and health policies, the Commission is making every
effort, within the limits set by the Treaty, to assist their preparations for accession. Technical assistance
actions funded by PHARE are also provided.

As regards studies on the impact of enlargement on public health in the Member States, the Commission is
co-operating with other bodies active in this field,
including the World Health Organisation and the
European Observatory on Health Care Systems. The Commission has for example co-financed the
preparation and publication of a series of Highlights on Health for the ten Central and Eastern European
candidate countries.

The public health acquis is currently limited to the areas of tobacco control and communicable disease
surveillance and control. The Commission regularly monitors the effective transposition and implemen-
tation of
the acquis in its annual progress reports and regular monitoring reports. This year the
Commission is also carrying out an enhanced monitoring exercise which includes peer reviews to be
carried out in candidate countries together with Member State experts and by detailed questionnaires on
the state of play in each country. Moreover, the Commission is consulting the candidate countries with
regard to future public health acquis in the field of the quality and safety of blood and that of tissues and
cells.

As mentioned earlier, under the Treaty health services delivery is a matter for the Member States. However,
the Community has made efforts to involve candidate countries in exchanging information and know-how
about issues relating to health services. Some Community financial assistance is also being given in this
context through the pre-accession funds in relation to health services. With regard to the specific issue of
quality standards, there is an evolving discussion in the Community on the impact of Community law on
the functioning of health systems, notably in relation to the cross-border flow of patients between Member
States. Attention is being directed at, among other things, the important question of quality of health care,
and whether further action needs to be developed in this area.

(1) COM(2000) 285 final.

(2002/C 205 E/257)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0896/02

by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission

(5 April 2002)

Subject: OBD Directive 98/69/EC

I have received an inquiry about the Commission report, which was to be submitted by 1 January 2000,
on the drawing up of a standard electronic format for repair information (OBD Directive 98/69/EC (1)).

Has that report come out by now and is it available?

If not, what action will the Commission take in this connection, and when will the report come out?

The report and the OASIS project, which the Commission has not pursued further, are connected. Is that
project to be taken up again?

What will the Commission do to ensure that, regardless of the existing marketing and repair system, repair
information is available to consumers and, in particular, car drivers and owners?

(1) OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 1.