WRITTEN QUESTION E-2147/03 by Nuala Ahern (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Renewed agreement on cooperation in science and technology.
Date: 2003-06-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Russia, cooperation agreement (EU), nuclear fuel, nuclear industry, plutonium, renewal of an agreement, scientific cooperation

C 51 E/208

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

26.2.2004

Directive 2000/60/EC sets out in Article 4(7) that Member States will not be in breach of the Directive if
the objectives are not met as a result of ‘new modifications to the physical characteristics of surface water
body’. Since the Directive entered into force in December 2000, the project may be considered as a new
modification once it is no longer at the planning stage. In consequence, Italy may apply for such a
derogation in the river basin management plan which will be finalised in 2009.

However, the same paragraph provides for a number of conditions that need to be met when applying
such a derogation. On the basis of the information provided on the project, it is not possible to assess
whether the project would fulfil the criteria set out in Article 4(7). In addition, paragraphs 8 and 9 of
Article 4 also apply for the derogation of ‘new modifications’. Paragraph 8 requires that other bodies of
water in the same river basin are not affected by the new modification in such a way that they cannot
achieve the objectives of the Directive. Finally, paragraph 9 ensures that at least the same level of
protection as in other existing Community legislation is achieved when applying the derogations in
Article 4.

In conclusion, the Commission will assess any new information on the case that is brought to its attention
in relation to Council Directives 85/337/EEC, 92/43/EC and 2000/60/EC, once the project stage is reached.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(3) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
(4) Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds.
(5) Directive 2000/60/EC of the Parliament and of the council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for

Community action in the field of water policy.

(2004/C 51 E/229)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2147/03

by Nuala Ahern (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(27 June 2003)

Subject: Renewed agreement on cooperation in science and technology

Will the renewed agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community
and the Government of the Russian Federation as set out in the Proposal for a Council Decision (1) dated
27 February 2003, permit the use of Community resources in support of collaborative research in the
management of plutonium as a waste, or as a component of MOX fuel; and does it permit the involvement
of the European Union’s nuclear fuel industry (cid:1) including BNFL’s Sellafield plant and Cogema’s La Hague
and MELOX plants?

(1) COM(2003) 95 final.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2003)

The Proposal for a Council Decision, dated 27 February 2003, refers to the ‘Agreement on Co-operation in
science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation’
under the EC Treaty. It does not concern research on the subjects mentioned in the question, which would
be relevant to the Euratom Treaty.

The Euratom collaborative research activities are encompassed within the Cooperation Agreements
between the ‘European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of the Russian Federation in the
fields of Nuclear Safety and Controlled Nuclear Fusion’, signed on 27 September 2001. While collaborative
research on the subjects included in the question is not excluded by the agreement, no such research
cooperation is planned.