WRITTEN QUESTION E-1411/02 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Use of languages at chat session by Commissioner Lamy.
Date: 2002-05-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commissioner, Internet, exchange of information, linguistic discrimination, official language, use of languages

6.3.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52 E/69

On the contrary, there is a wide range of analysis and studies which show that a system of tradable
emission allowances will achieve any specified reduction in emissions at lower cost to output and therefore
employment than alternative instruments. This is because it offers individual enterprises flexibility in
deciding how to achieve their emission targets. It is precisely for these reasons that the Commission has
proposed that an emissions trading scheme should form a major part of the Community’s action to
achieve its emission reductions under the Kyoto Protocol.

Accordingly, far from seeing any contradiction between concerns about unemployment and its proposal
for emissions trading, the Commission believes that concerns about the economic and social impact of
climate change policy are best addressed by using cost-effective instruments to implement that policy.
The scheme of emissions trading that the Commission has proposed is such a cost-effective instrument.

(2003/C 52 E/078)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1411/02

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(23 May 2002)

Subject: Use of languages at chat session by Commissioner Lamy

On 14 March 2002, Pascal Lamy, European Commissioner for Trade, held a chat session on the subject
‘Development: what is the role of trade?’, evidently as part of a series of such sessions on European policy.
Those attending the session were allowed to ask questions in English, French, German and Spanish.
The whole debate could be followed direct in English. For some time a full record of the debate has been
on the official website, Europa. This can be accessed only in English.

Why was it not possible for this chat session to be held in the 11 official languages of the Union? Will the
Commission in future ensure that it is possible for such sessions to be held in the 11 official languages?
If not, why not?

Can the Commission explain why English, German, Spanish and French were the languages ultimately
selected for the asking of questions?

Why was it ultimately decided to place only an English version of the debate on the website?

Does the Commission agree that this limited choice of languages constitutes a violation of Article 21,
Chapter III, of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 2002)

The purpose of chat sessions is to have direct real time communication with citizens. The chat of
14 March 2002 on ‘Development: What is the role of trade’ was one of the most successful in terms of
traffic (1006 communications) and it was a serious, lively and constructive debate. The Commission is,
however, well aware of the problems connected with the present level of multilingualism for this type of
exercise. The fundamental reason why chat sessions are not always available in all the official languages of
the Union is the amount of resources needed.