WRITTEN QUESTION E-1782/03 by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission. The EQUAL funding programme progress report.
Date: 2003-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, action programme, activity report, anti-discriminatory measure, equal treatment, job access

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/169

If it proves impossible to set up this fund at international level, does the Commission intend to propose a
European organisation modelled on the efforts the United States has already made to protect its coastline?

In that event, what arrangements are envisaged, what funding is proposed, what timetable will be laid
down and what will be the responsibilities of the Member States in relation to setting up this fund and
ensuring its effective operation?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1769/03 and P-1771/03
given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2003)

The Commission shares the concerns of the Honourable Member about the need to ensure that sufficient
compensation is available for all victims of oil pollution incidents.

Therefore, the Commission proposed on 6 December 2000 to establish the COPE Fund, which would raise
the overall maximum compensation to EUR 1 billion instead of the current international limit of around
EUR 185 million. Such a measure would ensure that all victims who have a legitimate claim for
compensation will be fully compensated in case of an oil spill in Union waters and would also serve to
speed up the compensation of victims.

international

The Council decided not to proceed with the proposal, but instead to promote the establishment of a
similar fund at
the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on 12-16 May 2003 adopted a new Protocol to the existing
international oil pollution compensation regime. The new International Supplementary Fund increased the
available compensation up to EUR 920 million, which is more than USD 1 000 million, available in the US
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The Commission, therefore, welcomes the adoption of this new Protocol.

level. The Diplomatic Conference on the Supplementary Fund at

Now it has to be ensured that Member States live up to their commitment to bring this new fund into
operation before the end of the year. Until all Member States, at least those with a coastline, are parties to
the new Supplementary Fund, the Commission will not reconsider its proposal on the establishment of a
COPE Fund at Union level.

(2004/C 33 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1782/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: The EQUAL funding programme progress report

What plans does the Commission have for a progress report on the EQUAL funding programme before
the end of the current mandate in 2004?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(1 July 2003)

The first phase of EQUAL will run until 2005, and already the Development Partnerships (of which there
are more than 1 500) have identified innovations in tackling discrimination and inequality experienced by
those at work and those seeking work.

The Commission plans to prepare a Communication at the end of 2003 which will highlight these
innovations whilst noting general progress in EQUAL, and which will serve as a preparation for the launch
of the second phase of EQUAL both for the Member States and Candidate Countries who will participate
fully in this second phase.