WRITTEN QUESTION E-2086/02 by Enrique Barón Crespo (PSE) to the Commission. Comprehensive treatment plan for diabetics.
Date: 2002-07-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, diabetes, nutrition, public health, research and development

6.2.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 28 E/177

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2002)

The Commission has no information on the age of the imported calves.

However, based upon the weight criterion of live bovine animals, the following break-down appears for
the years 2000 and 2001 on Community imports from Central and East European countries:

Community imports in heads

Germany

Greece

Spain

Italy

Netherlands

Austria

Bovines less then 80 kg

Bovines 80-160 kg

Bovines 160-300 kg

2000

2001

57 989

41 084

2000

7 589

2001

8 750

7 039

466

7249

11 884

10 600

374

200

2000

2001

40 807

31 717

549

23 574

26 000

493

230 917

223 448

17 017

27 080

79 168

57 165

2 068

132

5006

679

125

878

14

986

271

212

Total EUR 15

298 611

276 787

37 668

47 522

153 498

107 444

The import data from Central and East European countries for lambs are as follows:

Community imports in heads

2000

2001

Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Italy

32 909

68 476

454 012

619 812

6 315

1 614

2 184

660

1 047 855

1 185 898

Total EUR 15

1 542 705

1 877 030

(2003/C 28 E/202)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2086/02

by Enrique Barón Crespo (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Comprehensive treatment plan for diabetics

(12 July 2002)

On Parliament’s initiative, diabetes was included in the Sixth Framework Programme for Research as one
of the medical conditions to be worked on. Since there are an estimated 19 million known diabetics in the
EU (and probably a further 6 million undiagnosed), does the Commission not think that there is a need for
a specific comprehensive priority plan (involving harmonisation of
the individual Member States’
regulations) relating to the disease which, in Europe, causes one death every six minutes?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(25 September 2002)

Although diabetes is one of the large public health problems facing Europe, Article 152 of the EC Treaty
limits the competence of the Community in the field of public health by stating that Community action in
the field of public health shall fully respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation

C 28 E/178

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2003

and delivery of health services and medical care. In the field of diabetes, the work of the Commission has
therefore concentrated on policy development and measures related to the determinants of type II diabetes,
namely nutrition, obesity and physical activity. The forthcoming Community public health programme will
be policy driven and will aim to promote policy and activities on health determinants that will have an
impact on key challenges such as diabetes type II.

Thus, the Commission, in respecting Member States’ responsibility in this area, does not intend to set up a
specific priority plan related to diabetes. However, as mentioned by the Honorary Member, diabetes is
included in the Sixth Community Framework Programme for research and technological development in
Section 1 ‘Integrating European Research’ in the programme ‘Life sciences: genomics and biotechnology for
health’ and in Section 3 ‘Strengthening the Foundations of the European Research Area’.

In addition, foods presented as intended to satisfy the particular nutritional requirements of people with
diabetes should currently comply with the requirements of Council Directive 89/398/EEC of 3 May 1989
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to foodstuffs intended for particular
nutritional uses (1). However, the Commission intends to present a report to the Parliament and the
Council on the desirability of special provisions for foods for people with diabetes.

(1) OJ L 186, 30.6.1989.

(2003/C 28 E/203)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2091/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 July 2002)

Subject: Emergency phone number in the EU

With reference to my Written Question E-1237/02 (1) to the Commission and the answer of 4 June 2002
given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission:

(cid:1) The emergency phone number ‘112’ should have been introduced in the EU Member States by

31 December 1996.

(cid:1) What specific measures is the EU taking to ensure that the Member States introduce the phone
number and that the phone number is in fact used? Does any form of control mechanism exist and, if
so, of which kind?

(cid:1) Does the EU monitor whether the emergency phone number actually works? Are measures taken to
ensure that the phone number ‘112’ does in fact connect people to an emergency call centre and not,
for example, to the local or regional police?

(cid:1) Are measures taken to ensure that persons involved in an accident may enlist help by telephone using

at least two languages (for example the national language and English)?

(cid:1) In which Member States is the emergency phone number ‘112’ actually used?

(cid:1) Which Member States are experiencing problems with the introduction and use of the emergency

phone number ‘112’? What kind of problems are they experiencing?

(cid:1) What are the arrangements for the applicant countries with regard to the emergency phone
number ‘112’? Are there any specific directives or regulations on this subject? Have any applicant
countries already introduced the emergency phone number and, if so, which ones?

(1) OJ C 277 E, 14.11.2002.