WRITTEN QUESTION P-2301/03 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Implementation of Directive 1999/70/EC.
Date: 2003-07-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, application of EU law, labour law, national implementing measure, temporary employment, work contract

C 78 E/102

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

This policy has been applied since then, and all appointments have been made in full conformity with the
Commission’s commitment to these principles as reflected in its internal procedures for the selection and
appointment of senior officials.

As to the representation of Finnish nationals at the A1 level, the fact that there is at the moment no
Director General of Finnish nationality does not mean that the Commission is ignoring the principle of
geographical balance in its senior management positions.

In fact, since June 2002, when the Commission appointed a Finnish national at A1 level as Deputy
Director General in Directorate General Health and Consumer Protection, there have been two Finnish
nationals holding A1 positions in the Commission. The relative numbers of nationals from Member States
holding A1 positions can, of course, vary from time to time. For instance, the number of Finnish citizens
who have A1 positions is currently larger than the number of citizens in A1 posts from other Member
States of similar or larger population size.

There is no ‘timetable’ determining the appointments to senior posts other than the one established by the
policy which this Commission has implemented of requiring all Directors General, Deputy Directors
General and Directors to ‘rotate’
in particular
circumstances and at an absolute maximum (cid:1) 7 years. Other than in these general rotations (cid:1) which do
not mean automatic or guaranteed movement from one Director Generalship to another (cid:1) vacancies in
those senior posts are filled as they arise.

to equivalent positions in not more than 5 (cid:1) or,

In making appointments, whether in the course of ‘rotations’ or otherwise, the Commission is, of course,
continually mindful of the principle of geographical and gender balance whilst maintaining the essential
commitment to merit.

Decisions on the location of EU agencies are, as the Honourable Member will know, nothing to do with
the Commission. Those decisions are entirely taken by the Heads of State and Government in the
European Council.

(2004/C 78 E/0102)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2301/03

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Directive 1999/70/EC

(8 July 2003)

(on the abuse of

In her reply to my Question H-0293/03 (1) on the implementation by Greece of Council Directive 1999/
70/EC (2)
the Commissioner
responsible, referred to Presidential Decree 81/2003 which transposes the Directive in question into Greek
law and stated that the Commission services were examining it and that ‘we shall be able to give an
evaluation before the summer’.

fixed-term contracts), Commissioner Diamantopoulou,

Given that the Greek courts are called upon to rule on hundreds of appeals by employees with contracts
and that the summer has already begun, will the Commissioner say whether the evaluation of the above
Presidential Decree has already taken place?

(1) Oral reply of 3.6.2003.
(2) OJ L 175, 10.7.1999, p. 43.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2003)

The European Commission is currently examining the transposition of Directive 1999/70/EC in the 15
Member States.

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/103

An initial examination of Presidential Decree 81/2003 suggests the possibility of problems of conformity
in the transposition of this Directive in Greece.

If, once the Greek authorities have been given the opportunity to provide an explanation, this proves to be
the case, the Commission will have to consider initiating the procedure provided for in Article 226 of the
EC Treaty against Greece.

(2004/C 78 E/0103)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2320/03

by Christoph Konrad (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 July 2003)

Subject: First aid at the scene of an accident

The Commission recently drew attention to the enormous death toll on the roads in EU Member States
and submitted an extensive road safety action programme. Against this background, on 20 June 2003 the
Commission adopted a proposal for a directive which would make it compulsory, from July 2004, for all
types of vehicles newly placed on the market to be fitted with seatbelts.

Therefore, the following questions:

1. According to the information at the Commission’s disposal, would the situation be improved if all
applicants for driving licences in the European Union were required to take a short course in
emergency measures at the scene of an accident, which is already compulsory in Germany and
Austria, for example? If so, will the Commission submit a legislative proposal to this effect in the
foreseeable future?

2. Would a qualified first aid course, such as those which the St John’s Ambulance Brigade offers to all
driving licence-holders in Britain, considerably improve first aid in emergencies? If so, will the
Commission submit a legislative proposal on the subject in the foreseeable future?

3. Are the existing rules on the contents of first aid kits for vehicles licensed in EU Member States and
the applicant countries adequate? In connection with the requirement to keep a first aid kit in a
vehicle, would a minimum level of instruction to ensure its proper use be appropriate? If so, will the
Commission submit a legislative proposal on the subject in the foreseeable future?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2003)

On 14 September 2000 the Commission adopted a Directive on driving licences which significantly raised
the minimum requirements for driving tests. Several provisions of the Directive, which will enter into force
on 1 October 2003, deal with the question of first aid. Accordingly, anyone wishing to obtain a driving
licence must have a knowledge of the general rules specifying how drivers must behave in the event of an
accident (setting warning devices and raising the alarm) and the measures they can take to assist road
accident victims. Even stricter requirements apply to persons wishing to obtain a heavy goods vehicle or
bus licence: they must have a knowledge of the measures to be taken after an accident or similar
occurrence, including action such as evacuation of passengers and a basic knowledge of first aid.

The Commission would also draw the Honourable Member’s attention to the proposed directive of the
European Parliament and of the Council on the initial qualification and periodic training of professional
drivers (1). The list of subjects to be covered by the initial qualification and the periodic training includes
assistance in the event of an accident and goes beyond what is required in order to obtain a driving
licence. Individuals must be able to assess the situation, prevent further complications arising, summon
assistance, assist casualties and give first aid, react in the event of fire and evacuate the occupants.