WRITTEN QUESTION E-0362/03 by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission. EIB financing for education in Rome.
Date: 2003-02-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EIB loan, EU financing arrangements, Italy, Latium, building safety, educational institution, urban renewal

C 242 E/122

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

9.10.2003

In the light of the above and the recent joint proposal (PE-CONS 3667/2002) to amend Directive 90/313/
EEC (3), approved by the Conciliation Committee on 8 November 2002, can the Commission answer the
following questions:

1. Does it not consider that the environmental impact assessment of the urban planning scheme, if one

was carried out, shows substantial irregularities?

2. Have not the rules on informing and consulting the public been infringed?

3. What is the Commission’s opinion on the matter?

(1) OJ C 103 E, 3.4.2001, p. 170.
(2) OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30.
(3) OJ L 158, 23.6.1990, p. 56.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2003)

On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member, it is not possible to conclude that
the PRG, General Regulatory Plan for Rome, may be considered as a project under Council Directive 85/
337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment (1), after amendments by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 (2) (EIA Directive).
Therefore, the Honourable Member is kindly requested to refer to the previous response given by the
Commission to Written Question E-3921/2002 of Mrs Angelilli (3).

As regards the possible cumulative effects of different projects, it is to be stressed that it is not relevant
where the EIA Directive is not applicable.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(3) OJ C 222 E, 18.9.2003, p. 129.

(2003/C 242 E/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0362/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(12 February 2003)

Subject: EIB financing for education in Rome

The report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on the EIB’s Annual Report for 2001
states that, with reference to efforts to increase economic and social cohesion, 16 % of the loans for
regional development projects were allocated to health and education.

The rapporteur, Mrs van den Burg expresses regret concerning the practicalities for using these loans, since
only 1,1 % of the total was invested in health and education, and calls for the promotion of a social policy
focused on these objectives.

With particular reference to the education sector and the questioner’s earlier question concerning security
in Roman schools, can the Commission answer the following questions:

1.

Is it possible to include, among the aims of EIB funding for education, the improvement of school
facilities?

2. Can Rome City Council, as a public authority, have access to investments in this sector and, if so, has

it availed itself of this opportunity?

3. Has the Commission considered what position to adopt with regard to the above request made by the

EP?

9.10.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 242 E/123

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2003)

in accession
The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (EMAC) report regrets that,
1. and 3.
countries, only 1,1 % of European Investment Bank (EIB) loans was allocated to health and education. It is
only since 2001 that the EIB has extended funding for these sectors to the accession countries. In 2002
four projects were financed for an amount of EUR 230 million (against EUR 75 million in 2001) and the
EIB expects continued growth in these sectors.

As to the specific questions on Rome, EIB funding for education can, in fact, address the improvement of
school facilities. The financing of schools could also be carried out under urban environment/regeneration
schemes in favour of local authorities.

Discussions are currently ongoing between the EIB and the Rome City Council for a new facility targeting
social investments including schools and nursery centres for the elderly.

To a very limited extent, Rome City Council is eligible for funding from the European Regional
2.
Development Fund (ERDF)
for the 2000-2006 programming period under Objective 2. The areas
concerned are: zone L of the ‘piano regolatore’ (XII Circoscrizione), the Selcetta di Trigoria biomedical and
biotechnological research park, and the Settecamini area (urban zones 5I and 5L), with a total population
of approximately 13 500 inhabitants.

The 2000-2006 single programming document (SPD) for the Lazio region does not explicitly provide for
the funding of investment in education. It should be remembered that the regional administration is
responsible for implementing SPD operations and managing the programme, particularly as regards project
selection. It appears from the initial information submitted by the regional authorities that Rome City
Council has not submitted any projects in this connection.

(2003/C 242 E/126)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0364/03

by Cecilia Malmström (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 February 2003)

Subject: Age limit for pilots in France

The upper age limit for airline pilots pursuing their profession in France is reportedly 60 years of age.
In other Member States, the age limit is 65. Consequently, pilots between the ages of 60 and 65 are unable
to perform their duties when the aircraft crosses French airspace, which entails problems for the airlines.

What will the Commission do to bring the upper age limit for pilots in France and the other Member
States into line with each other?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2003)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 (1), the Commission is preparing a proposal
for an amendment of that Regulation to extend the remit of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This extension should encompass aircraft pilots’ licences, to ensure uniform application of the rules within
the Union.

(1) Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2002 on common rules

in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency (cid:1) OJ L 240, 7.9.2002.