WRITTEN QUESTION P-1770/02 by Peter Liese (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Ireland's voting on the 6th research framework programme in relation to decisions in other areas.
Date: 2002-06-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, European Union membership, Ireland, anti-European movement

5.12.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 301 E/223

In the context of the Health and Safety Strategy (1), has the Commission conducted an evaluation of the
workload which will be needed to deliver the strategy, and what changes are envisaged in the staff
numbers for the future?

(1) COM(2002) 118 final.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(27 August 2002)

In 1992, 35 officials or temporary agents of categories A and B worked in the area of health and safety at
work. Today 14 officials or temporary agents of categories A and B work in this area, plus 3 A category
seconded national experts (END), out of a total staff of 25. However,
it should be recalled that the
Commission work is complemented by the work of the Bilbao Agency which currently employs 14 A and
10 B grade temporary agents, plus 3 A category END, out of a total staff of 45. The Agency has taken over
activities concerning information, awareness-raising and collection of data since its creation. Furthermore,
since 1998, the Agency has been organising the European Week on health and safety, previously the
responsibility of Commission services. In addition, the budget for preparatory actions to support small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during 2000 and 2001 on the initiative of the Parliament was transferred
to the Agency.

This brings the total of A and B categories human resources assigned to the area of health and safety at
work to 44 today.

Moreover, the scope of activities falling under the remit of Directorate General Employment and Social
Affairs has greatly increased, notably in the fields of employment (with the launching of the European
Employment Strategy), and social protection (launching of the open method of coordination in the fields
of social inclusion and pensions). Moreover, the strengthening of the social dialogue has resulted in an
increased workload,
in particular in the follow up of acquis communautaire (both social partners’
agreements or new legislation further to their consultation).

In this context, and taking into account the limited resources available, it has been deemed that the current
assignment of staff will allow the Commission’s services to duly carry out its tasks in this area. In the
framework of the overall evolution of human resources assigned to the employment and social affairs area,
the Commission will constantly evaluate the workload in the different specific fields and take appropriate
measures as necessary.

(2002/C 301 E/236)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1770/02

by Peter Liese (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 June 2002)

Subject: Ireland’s voting on the 6th research framework programme in relation to decisions in other areas

The Irish press reports that the way Ireland votes on the 6th research framework programme or on specific
research programmes is to be linked with decisions in other areas such as agriculture and government aid.

The fear has been expressed that, if Ireland fails to fulfil expectations concerning support for research, the
country may be subjected to sanctions in other areas.

Does the Commission share the view that such reports may strengthen opponents of the Nice Treaty in a
possible second referendum? Can the Commission make it clear that Ireland has the same rights as all
other Member States in respect of voting in the Council and, in particular, that the Republic of Ireland is
entitled to make demands of the specific research programmes and to reject one or more programmes if
important requirements are not met?

C 301 E/224

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2002)

The Irish government, as the government of any other Member State, has the right to present and defend
its opinion in the Council, in the context of the decision making process leading to the adoption of
Community legislation. In doing so, it may choose to vote in favor or against any legislative proposal.
A position taken in one area has no consequences for decisions in another area. This applies evidently also
to the decisions concerning the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Development and its
Specific Programmes.

(2002/C 301 E/237)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1775/02

by Antonios Trakatellis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Operation of the mass media: granting of broadcasting licences, State aid and advertising

Article 6 of the EU Treaty enshrines the principles of pluralism and freedom for the mass media. In spite of
this, in Greece the National Broadcasting Council (ESR) is dragging its feet over the granting of licences to
television channels and is not completing the institutional framework to govern their organisation and
operation, in contravention of the above principles.

In view of the Protocol, annexed to the Amsterdam Treaty, on the system of public broadcasting in the
Member States, and the provision of State aid to broadcasting services in Greece, could the Commission
say:

1.

In view of these events in Greece, how far is the principle of pluralism being complied with, and what
action will the Commission take to ensure that steps taken by the National Broadcasting Council with
regard to the framework for granting licences to television and radio stations conform to Community
law?

2. What is the status of the funding of public broadcasting services in Greece and to what extent does
the way the funding system operates have an effect on the harmonious functioning of the market;
does it not create problems for competition as mentioned in the Protocol annexed to the Amsterdam
Treaty on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States?

3. What is the level of State aid granted to the State and private mass media in the Member States,
particularly in Greece, and to what extent does it run counter to the principle of equality and the rules
governing the functioning of the market?

4. What level of State and private mass media revenue is derived from advertising as compared with the

advertising market total in the 15 EU Member States, and in Greece in particular?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2002)

The Commission is currently undertaking an examination of the granting of broadcasting licences in
1.
following a complaint. Since the granting of such licences often presents a rather complex
Greece,
situation, the Commission can not yet conclude at this stage whether any substantial problems in respect
of Community law have arisen.

Greek legislation provides for the financing of the public broadcaster entrusted with a public service

2.
mission through public grants, a licence fee and other revenues linked mainly to the advertising.