WRITTEN QUESTION E-0887/02 by Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Official language in Italy.
Date: 2002-04-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Italy, constitutional revision, cultural heritage, heritage protection, linguistic discrimination, official language, regional language

C 205 E/232

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.8.2002

Additionally, the Commission recently carried out a questionnaire survey to monitor, amongst other
things, the disposal of processed animal protein. The survey revealed that some Member States were
exporting processed animal protein to third countries for incineration or for use in pet food. These
exportations were all in accordance with Article 3 (2) of Decision 2001/9/EC. None of the Member States
informed the Commission about exportation of processed animal proteins to Brazil. If the Honourable
Member has information indicating such export to Brazil, she is kindly invited to forward this information
to the Commission.

(1) OJ L 306, 7.12.2000.

(2002/C 205 E/254)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0883/02

by Elizabeth Lynne (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Commission action following the ECJ judgment in Case C-1/00 of 13.12.2001

What measures, if any, is the Commission taking following the judgment of 13 December 2001 of the
European Court of Justice in Case C-1/00 Commission v France (Failure of a Member State to fulfil its
obligations : Refusal to end the ban on British beef and veal)?

In the light of the continuing illegal French ban on British beef, has the Commission initiated the
procedure under Article 228 of the EC Treaty which would lead to its being able to specify the fine that
France would have to pay.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2002)

The Commission, not having received satisfactory assurances from the French Government concerning its
compliance with the Court’s judgement, has opened the procedure under Article 228 of the EC Treaty. The
letter of formal notice under the relevant procedure giving France 30 days to submit its observations was
sent to that Member State on 21 March 2002. A reply was issued by the French authorities on 19 April
and is currently under consideration.

The question of a lump sum or penalty payment referred to in Article 228(2) only becomes relevant at a
later stage in the proceedings, namely if after failure of the Member State concerned to comply with the
Commission’s reasoned opinion the Commission brings the case before the Court of Justice.

In such a case the Commission is required to specify the amount of the lump sum or penalty which it
considers appropriate. The final decision on whether or not to impose the lump sum or penalty and its
amount rests with the Court.

(2002/C 205 E/255)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0887/02

by Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Official language in Italy

The Italian Parliament is currently considering a proposal to amend the constitution by declaring Italian
the official language of the Republic. This would end a tradition of protecting and safeguarding other
official languages in part of the territory of the Italian republic and runs counter to the country’s linguistic
riches.

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.