WRITTEN QUESTION E-3318/02 by Paul Rübig (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Basel II and the sixth research framework programme.
Date: 2002-11-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: credit guarantee, credit institution, financial solvency, management audit, research and development, share capital, small and medium-sized enterprises

3.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 155 E/135

In conclusion, Note Q is still a valid means to exempt mineral wool from the classification as carcinogenic.
It does not appear necessary to delete or amend Note Q although any new scientific information, including
that arising from any Community funded research, will be referred to the Commission for consideration.

(2)

(1) Commission Directive 97/69/EC of 5 December 1997 adapting to technical progress for the 23rd time Council
Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the
classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (Text with EEA relevance) (cid:1) OJ L 343, 13.12.1997.
‘Biopersistence of Synthetic Mineral Fibers as a Predictor of Chronic Inhalation Toxicity in Rats’. David M. Bernstein,
Juan M. Riego Sintes, Bjarne Kjaer Ersboell and Joachim Kunert. Inhalation Toxicology (cid:1) 13, 823-849 (2001).
‘Biopersistence of Synthetic Mineral Fibers as a Predictor of Chronic Intraperitoneal Injection Tumour Response in
Rats’ David M. Bernstein, Juan M. Riego Sintes, Bjarne Kjaer Ersboell and Joachim Kunert. Inhalation Toxicology, 13,
851-875 (2001).
IARC Monograph 81 (2001).

(4)

(3)

(2003/C 155 E/149)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3318/02

by Paul Rübig (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 November 2002)

Subject: Basel II and the sixth research framework programme

The introduction of the new rules under the Basel II agreement, currently still under negotiation, will have
far-reaching and in some cases unforeseeable consequences for borrowing by European SMEs. The impact
of the more stringent capital requirements on credit institutions and hence on all SMEs can be properly
assessed and mitigated through additional in-depth studies. In particular, this would involve research into
the practical consequences of
the new capital requirements and improved and/or new methods of
financing from capital for SMEs.

Is it possible for the Commission to have research carried out on the preparations needed on the part of
European business (banks and firms,
in the context of the EU’s sixth research
framework programme, with a view to cushioning the impact of the Basel II agreement?

in particular SMEs)

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 2002)

The Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6) does not presently
foresee calls for proposal on the impact of Basel II on the European economy (banks, businesses and, in
particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)) either under its seventh priority ‘Citizens and
governance in a knowledge-based society’ or under its SME programme.

However, the Barcelona European Council (15/16 March 2002) requested in its conclusions that ‘the
Commission […] present a report on the consequences of the Basel deliberations for all sectors of the
European economy with particular attention to SMEs.’ Following up on the Barcelona conclusions, the
Commission is in the process of selecting a tenderer for this study. The tenderer will start working in the
first part of 2003 and the study will be used as a basis for a Commission report to the Council and the
Parliament end 2003. This timetable will leave time for the Commission and all other institutions to have a
view on the consequences of Basel
II on the European economy before the Commission adopts its
proposal of capital adequacy Directive (1).

C 155 E/136

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.7.2003

Moreover, the Commission issued a Communication entitled More Research for Europe: Towards 3 % of
GDP (2) on 11 September 2002. The action plan that will follow the Communication will address the issue
of Research and Technological Development (R & D) financing, taking into account the impact of Basel II
on the European economy.

(1) OJ C 240, 6.8.1997.
(2) COM(2002) 499 final.

(2003/C 155 E/150)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3320/02

by Dana Scallon (PPE-DE) to the Council

(19 November 2002)

Subject: EU competency

the implementation,
Regarding development policy can the European Union implement or support
including with financial assistance, of activities carried out by organisations working in non-EU countries
on matters in which the EU does not have any legal competence?

Reply

(20 February 2003)

The Council would refer the Honourable Member to Articles 3(1)(r) and 177 to 181 of the TEC, which set
out the Community competences in the sphere of development cooperation.

(2003/C 155 E/151)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3329/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Procedure for examining state aid to Olympic Airways

(19 November 2002)

In its oral reply of 11 June 2002 to my question (H-0369/02) concerning developments regarding its
investigations into Greek state aid to Olympic Airways, the Commission indicated that its final decision
would follow a detailed examination of observations by the Greek authorities and other interested parties.

Given that the Commission decision is particularly important, not to say critical, to the future of Olympic
Airways and that six months have elapsed since the parties concerned submitted their observations, when
will the Commission formulate its final opinion regarding aid granted to Olympic Airways? Can it
comment on the facts already at its disposal?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(16 January 2003)

On 6 March 2002, the Commission initiated the formal investigation procedure laid down in Article 88(2)
of the EC Treaty (1) with regard to the possible payment of State aid to the Greek air carrier Olympic
Airways and the potential misuse of aid authorised for it by the Commission in 1998 (2).

On 11 December 2002, the Commission concluded that the aid previously granted by Greece to Olympic
Airways was not compatible with the EC Treaty (3). Olympic Airways had misused the aid authorised by
the Commission in 1994 and 1998 and had also received new unlawful aid. The aid had given Olympic
Airways an unjustifiable advantage over its competitors. The Commission asked the Greek authorities to
recover the incompatible aid granted after 1998.