WRITTEN QUESTION E-2557/03 by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission. Human rights in Egypt.
Date: 2003-08-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Catholicism, Egypt, cooperation policy, freedom of religious beliefs, human rights

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/257

(2004/C 51 E/278)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2525/03

by Nicholas Clegg (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 July 2003)

Subject: Precious metals directive

Is the European Commission aware that the Italian Presidency is hoping to revive the dormant EC proposal
on hallmarking (1), Articles made of precious metal) last discussed in the Council of Ministers in 1995?

Given the long-established traditions in certain Member States guaranteeing the quality of jewelleries sold
to consumers, such as the ancient hallmarking system in the UK, is the Commission confident that the
proposed Directive would not weaken quality standards?

Why should Member States with independent quality control mechanisms accept products tested under
much weaker self-regulating systems by the industry itself in other Member States?

(1) COM(1993) 0322 final (cid:1) OJ C 318, 25.11.1993, p. 5.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2003)

The Commission is aware of the initiative of the Italian Presidency to continue work on its proposal for a
Directive concerning articles of precious metals, presented in 1993.

In its proposal, the Commission took great care in designing conformity assessment procedures that, whilst
reflecting different national traditions, would be equivalent as to their effect. The purpose of the proposal
is not to reduce protection, but to allow free movement of these articles on the basis of conformity
assessment procedures, ensuring a high level of consumer protection.

Indeed, there is no indication that would confirm the suggestion of the Honourable Member that countries
relying upon compulsory national hallmarking systems better guarantee the quality of jewellery. On the
contrary, experience in other countries indicates that a system of manufacturer’s declaration combined
with efficient ex-post market surveillance is appropriate to guarantee adequate consumer protection.

Moreover, the Commission notes that the disparities in national legislation are at the origin of several
complaints.

(2004/C 51 E/279)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2557/03

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission

(4 August 2003)

Subject: Human rights in Egypt

Is the Commission aware of the arrest and detention of two Egyptian Christians, Malak Guirguis Fahmay
and Sarah Mikhail Lahzy? They were arrested at Cairo airport
in February this year as they were
attempting to leave the country.

London constituents have raised this case and others where they feel
the Egyptian authorities are
deliberately persecuting Christians. The Commission has responded previously to questions on events in El
Khosheh and the subsequent imprisonment of Christians. Can the Commission give an assurance that it is
continuing to raise with the Egyptian authorities human rights issues and the need for freedom of religion?

C 51 E/258

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

26.2.2004

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 August 2003)

The Commission is aware of the case of Malak Guirguis Fahmay and his wife Sarah Mikhail Lahzy
(a Christian convert from Islam) and of the allegations that they were arrested for illegally altering her
identity documents to reflect her change of faith. The Commission is not, however, aware of the final
outcome and has requested further information from its Delegation in Cairo.

The Honourable Member notes that the Commission, together with the Member State Embassies in Cairo,
have made representations to the Egyptian Government on several occasions with respect to human rights
issues involving Egypt Coptic community. The Parliament can be assured that the Commission will
continue to raise these issues with the Egyptian Authorities in the usual manner whenever appropriate.

(2004/C 51 E/280)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2598/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(14 August 2003)

Subject: Possible financial support for thermal spas

Numerous thermal spas exist in Italy, offering their clients both paramedical cures and mental and physical
relaxation. In addition, thanks to the recognised curative power of suplhurated waters, specific therapies
are offered for certain respiratory illnesses, skin disorders and gastro-intestinal and genital ailments.
Thermal medicine is today considered to be on a par with other branches of medicine, and is seen as one
of the most effective forms of non-drug treatment, both in the rehabilitation phase and in the therapeutic
context proper.

In addition to the benefits arising from their primary activity, such spas have a major contribution to make
to environmental development in their localities; and, last but not least, in employment terms they play a
strategic role of interest to all operators in the sector.

The EU has for some years now shown proof of considerable openness to public health issues, and has
allocated funding to numerous initiatives at Community level.

Following the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision (1) adopting a programme of
action in the field of public health for the period 2001-2006, can the Commission state:

1. whether specific funding has been allocated to thermal spas?

2. whether additional funding could be allocated to such spas under other Community programmes, e.g.

those relating to job creation, rural development or employment incentives?

(1) COM(2000) 285.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 2003)

No funding has been allocated to the operation of thermal spas for therapeutic purposes under the
Community Programme of Public Health.

Article 152 paragraph 5 of the EC Treaty states that Community action in the field of public health shall
fully respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services
and medical care. As thermal spas provided for therapeutic or rehabilitation reasons are considered as
delivery of health services, the Community Action Programme in the field of Public Health does not
provide funding for thermal spas.