WRITTEN QUESTION E-2598/03 by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission. Possible financial support for thermal spas.
Date: 2003-08-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, action programme, eligibility criteria, principle of additionality, public health, therapeutics

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.

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/259

Furthermore, in the selection criteria set out in the Rules, Criteria and Procedures for the Selection and
Funding of Actions under the Public Health Programme, it is stated that the Commission will give priority
to projects which are conducted in as many Member States, applicant countries and European Free Trade
Association (EFTA)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries as possible. In the exclusion criteria set out
in the same document it is stated that ‘in principle, commercial companies cannot take part in calls for
proposals unless they can demonstrate that the immediate objective of the project proposed is non-
commercial and absolutely non-profit-making’ (1).

However, on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, the European Regional Development Fund may
spas under operational programmes cofinanced by the Fund, where such
finance assistance for
programmes include this type of activity.

Operational programmes of course cover a specific geographical territory (regions in the case of Objective
1 and parts of regions in the case of Objective 2) and are implemented and managed by the regions
themselves.

The Honourable Member can contact the appropriate regional authorities in order to ascertain whether
their programmes include assistance for spas, and the relevant eligibility conditions and procedures.

In any event, neither the costs of medical or therapeutic treatment at spas, nor their administration costs,
are eligible for Community funding.

(1) See: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/c_062/c_06220030315en00140020.pdf.

(2004/C 51 E/281)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2602/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(8 August 2003)

Subject: Progress by Member States in the transposition of Directive 2000/78/EC with specific regard to

discrimination on the grounds of age

What information does the Commission have on the current state of progress by the Member States in
their transposition of Council Directive 2000/78/EC (1) establishing a general
framework for equal
treatment in employment and occupation, with specific regard to steps taken to tackle discrimination on
the grounds of age?

(1) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2003)

The deadline for the transposition into national law of Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November
2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, is 2 December
2003. Member States may also make use of a supplementary period, of up to three years, in order to take
account of particular difficulties, to transpose the provisions dealing with discrimination on grounds of age
and disability.

The Commission maintains contact with the authorities of the Member States to ascertain what progress is
being made towards the transposition of the Directive. Although there is still some time available before
the date of transposition, only one Member State has so far formally notified the transposition of the
Directive, while another has already indicated its intention to use a part of the extra period allowed for the
transposition of the provisions on age discrimination. The Commission is also aware that legislation has
been adopted, or is about to be adopted in some other Member States, though this has not yet been
formally notified to the Commission.

All Member States have indicated their intention to transpose the Directive within the time allowed. The
Commission has expressed its concern that the deadlines for transposition must be respected and that a
failure to do so will constitute an infringement of Community law.