WRITTEN QUESTION E-3880/02 by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Community programme for establishing geriatric homes on the Costa del Sol (Spain).
Date: 2003-01-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, European social policy, Spain, building industry, elderly person

C 155 E/200

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.7.2003

A European initiative should be possible on the basis of Article 13 of the EC Treaty (prohibition of
discrimination). Does the Commission intend to submit a proposal along these lines? If so, when will it do
so?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2003)

The question raised by the Honourable Member does not concern an issue pertaining to discrimination on
grounds of disability. The Commission is therefore of the opinion that Article 13 cannot be used to
legislate on the matter raised in the written question. Moreover, the Council has made clear its view that
the rules for assigning cards to persons with disabilities are the responsibility of the Member States (1).
Consequently, the Commission does not intend to make a proposal on this matter.

(1) Council Recommendation (98/376/EC) of 4 June 1998 (cid:1) OJ L 167, 12.6.1998.

(2003/C 155 E/221)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3880/02

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 January 2003)

Subject: Community programme for establishing geriatric homes on the Costa del Sol (Spain)

The climate and environmental attractions of Spain’s Costa del Sol have long been a magnet for senior
citizens of the EU Member States, and this has brought about an avalanche of schemes for establishing
geriatric homes in that tourism-oriented area of the Community.

Both the Community authorities and the experts have recommended creating a Community programme to
ensure the ordered development of such geriatric homes on the Costa del Sol, in order to benefit the
largest possible number of persons choosing to spend their last years in the warm climate of that zone.

Does the Commission believe it is desirable to promote a Community programme for establishing geriatric
homes on the Spanish Costa del Sol, as a means of furthering their ordered development in a coordinated
fashion, starting with the funding of diverse studies aimed at ensuring the success of such a Community
programme, which would most certainly benefit numerous citizens of the Member States who are now
entering old age?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2003)

Geriatic homes and long-term care provision form part of social protection systems for which Member
States bear the responsibility. The Commission has no plans to promote a Community programme for
establishing geriatric homes in any part of the Union.

(2003/C 155 E/222)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3893/02

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(14 January 2003)

Subject: Active efforts to ensure public access to information about the positions adopted by the EU in the

TABD and the consequences of this dialogue for EU policy

1.
Has the Commission noticed that the public have become far more interested in the development of
the world market and trade agreements in recent years, and that this particularly applies in the case of