WRITTEN QUESTION E-1614/03 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Energy efficiency of electrical appliances.
Date: 2003-05-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European standard, International Energy Agency, eco-label, energy saving, greenhouse gas, household electrical appliance, labelling, reduction of gas emissions, report

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/115

(2004/C 51 E/129)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1606/03

by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject: Revision of Directive 91/157/EEC

The Commission’s programme of work for 2003 states that the revision of Directive 91/157/EEC (1) will be
the economic, social and environmental
to an extended impact study so as to highlight
subject
implications of the strategic options selected for that revision.

Belgium, designated as ‘rapporteur’ under Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 (2), is currently finalising a
report on the risk evaluation specific to the cadmium used in the manufacture of batteries and
accumulators.

Will the Commission take the findings of that report to constitute a decisive element for the extended
impact study and, hence, for the political choices which will be made when the future proposal for a
directive on batteries and accumulators is being drawn up?

Will the extended impact study deal with the various metals used in the manufacture of batteries and
accumulators in the same way?

(1) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p. 38.
(2) OJ L 84, 5.4.1993, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2003)

As follows from the answer to Written Question E-1442/03 by Mrs Jackson (1), the Commission intends to
take the results of the existing draft reports of the Targeted Risk Assessment on cadmium (oxide) used in
batteries, which is currently being prepared by Belgium,
into consideration for the preparation of the
Extended Impact Assessment. The political choices for the future proposal for a directive on batteries and
accumulators will be based on the final results of the Extended Impact Assessment.

The Extended Impact Assessment does not deal with various metals used in the manufacture of batteries in
the same way, but will pay particular attention to different policy options for batteries and accumulators
containing cadmium, in view of their risk of ending up in the municipal solid waste stream.

(1) OJ C 11 E, 15.1.2004, p. 183.

(2004/C 51 E/130)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1614/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 May 2003)

Subject: Energy efficiency of electrical appliances

The Commission will be aware of the findings of the recent study by the International Energy Agency
which concluded that introduction of more energy-efficient domestic electrical appliances could enable
developed countries to cut their energy consumption by 30 % by 2010, and contribute significantly to
meeting targets for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

What plans does the Commission have to introduce mandatory standards for energy performance in
electrical equipment, and to extend energy labelling schemes?

C 51 E/116

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

26.2.2004

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 June 2003)

The Commission is well aware of the findings of the study by the International Energy Agency (IEA)
mentionned by the Honourable Member.

The Commission is currently preparing a proposal for a Directive establishing a framework for the setting
of eco-design requirements for energy-using products. Specific eco-design requirements will cover in
particular mandatory standards for the energy performance of products (all energy sources are covered).
The methodology to set the level of the energy efficiency requirements is defined in the draft Directive and
is based on the life cycle cost minimum to consumers; it is the same approach that was used by the IEA
for their study.

Concerning the energy labelling of domestic appliances, the Commission has started work on raising the
current requirements for the labelling of cold appliances (refrigerators freezers and their combinations) and
of washing machines. Work is also on-going to extend energy labelling to water heaters.

(2004/C 51 E/131)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1616/03

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Council

(13 May 2003)

Subject: SARS

In view of the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS virus, urgent action by the Union
authorities is required to devise common protection measures and strengthen cooperation between
Member States.

The Italian Health Minister, Girolamo Sirchia, has called for checks in Europe to be stepped up because,
without close coordination, the open frontiers between the countries of the Schengen area could prove to
be a weak spot in preventing the spread of the epidemic.

It is vital to establish a European health protection strategy at borders, and above all at airports, and to
introduce a health safety code that will have to be enforced by all the countries that are signatories to the
Schengen agreement.

In the light of this, can the Council indicate what action it intends to take to prevent the spread of the
virus and strengthen coordination between the national authorities?

When does intend to respond to the request from the Italian Government for checks in countries of the
Schengen area to be improved?

Reply

(7 October 2003)

The Council thanks the Honourable Member for his question and refers him to the Council conclusions on
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which were adopted at the extraordinary meeting of the
EPSCO Council on 6 May 2003 (9328/03).

At its meeting on 2 and 3 June 2003, the EPSCO Council took note of the progress report from
Commissioner Byrne on the SARS situation and then held a brief exchange of views on the current
situation. The Commissioner noted in particular that, on the basis of the responses so far received to a
Commission questionnaire on SARS, European countries have adopted rapid and consistent measures on
early detection of cases, implementation of isolation measures and guidance to health professionals and the
public on the identification of possible SARS cases. He also referred the Council to the Commission’s