WRITTEN QUESTION E-3896/02 by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission. Research to facilitate reduced and sustainable use of pesticides.
Date: 2003-01-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: access to EU information, agronomic research, dissemination of EU information, environmental impact, environmental protection, pesticide, pesticide residue, research programme, sustainable agriculture

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Official Journal of the European Union

EN

18.9.2003

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3892/02 and E-0077/03

(13 May 2003)

Following the European Union’s decision to initiate a renewed political dialogue with the Government of
Sudan (GoS) in 1999, annual high-level meetings have taken place in Khartoum. The objective of the
annual meetings is to assess the progress in the areas of the dialogue (human rights, democracy, the rule of
law and the peace process). The outcome of these discussions is reflected in a joint communiqué of
10 December 2002.

The Council conclusions of 17 June 2002 clearly state that achieving progress in the peace process
remains the priority for the EU. However, the GoS will have to demonstrate progress on all benchmarks of
the political dialogue as a condition for the normalisation of relations with Sudan. On that basis and
against the benchmarks established in 2001, the EU troika in December 2002 assessed the progress made
during 2002.

The resumption of development cooperation with support worth EUR 155 million as mentioned by the
Honourable Member of Parliament refers to the EU commitment undertaken in 2001, in particular to
notify to Sudan in 2002 of the preparation of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) with the indicated volume
of aid. However, the signature of the CSP will only take place when a peace agreement is signed. Hence,
none of that money has been disbursed so far. The Commission will pursue the procedures for a final
decision (together with Member States in the EDF Committee) on the disbursement of that amount when
this requirement has been met.

The EU takes advantage of any occasion to urge Sudan to improve its human rights record, in particular
regarding the death penalty and torture. It continues to put pressure on the GoS to finalise the ratification
procedure of the Convention Against Torture. Unfortunately, the issues of corporal punishment and the
death sentence remain difficult in the dialogue with the GoS. Given the wider implications of these specific
issues, the EU, at this stage, is also trying to put pressure on Sudan within the Commission on Human
Rights in Geneva.

The EU continues to support the peace process and is convinced that the peace agreement would facilitate
further progress in respect for human rights. The latest round of talks ended on 5 February and the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both sides indicate agreement on some important issues.
The next round will address details on power and wealth-sharing, amongst other issues.

(2003/C 222 E/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3896/02

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(14 January 2003)

Subject: Research to facilitate reduced and sustainable use of pesticides

In communication COM(2002) 349 on ‘a thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides’, the
Commission states that over 200 projects related to pesticides have been funded, but it is not clear to what
extent these research projects have contributed to sustainable use of pesticides.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. How much funding did all these projects receive, over what period and what amount was involved (as

a proportion of the total research budget)?

2. How many projects were concerned with (and how much funding was provided for):

(a) monitoring of pesticide residues in soil, water and air?

(b) monitoring of residues in food?

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(c)

research into the impact of pesticides on health?

(d)

research into the environmental impact of pesticides?

(e) development of alternative methods of controlling harmful organisms in agriculture?

(f) development of alternative methods of controlling harmful organisms outside agriculture and for

biocides?

(g) development of an integrated cultivation method in agriculture?

(h)

reducing the use of and dependence on pesticides in general?

3. How does the Commission publish the findings of such research and/or disseminate them proactively

in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2003)

1.
From 1984 to 2002 (cid:1) 298 projects related to pesticides were supported within different Community
Framework Research Programmes. A list of their titles grouped by the different Framework Programmes is
sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament (Annex I).
However, the most relevant research related to the strategy for the sustainable use of pesticides is currently
being carried out by projects supported under the 5th Framework Programme. From 1999 to 2002, 114
projects related to pesticides were supported with a Community-contribution of EUR 164,7 million which
is 1,2 % of the total Budget for 5th Framework Programme on Research and Development.

2.
The table in Annex II which is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat
provides an overview of the projects per topic listed in the written question. Also, this information is based
on those supported under the 5th Framework Programme related to the strategy for the sustainable use of
pesticides.

3.
The Commission is publishing the results of research projects by means of project lists in catalogues
and the Cordis-database, which is accessible through the Cordis-web-site. In addition, each research project
has a specific dissemination strategy involving publication in scientific journals, presentations at different
relevant conferences and meetings. At the end of research projects consortia are requested to furnish
details of their results in a ‘Technology Implementation Plan’ which are published later on Cordis. More
information about projects
found on http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/agriculture/
research_themes/plant_health.html. In 2003 this site will also begin to disseminate project results.

can also be

(2003/C 222 E/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3901/02

by Lennart Sacrédeus (PPE-DE) to the Council

(14 January 2003)

Subject: EU, UN drugs conference April 2003 in Vienna and support for parents in bringing up their

children

A major review of UN drugs policy, which is based on the 1961, 1971 and 1988 UN Conventions on
drugs, is to take place in April 2003 in Vienna.

Will the EU continue to advocate a restrictive drugs policy and that the UN Conventions should be upheld
rather than scrapped or relaxed?

Is the Council prepared to adhere to the important principle of giving parents the basic support they need
in bringing up their children to avoid drug addiction, which means that legislation (and therefore society),
together with the UN Conventions, should continue to criminalise and reject drug use?