WRITTEN QUESTION P-2872/03 by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Council. Salvaging of the ferry Le Joola.
Date: 2003-09-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU aid, Senegal, death, ferryboat, humanitarian aid, maritime transport, transport accident

13.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 65 E/235

(2004/C 65 E/250)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2869/03

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(26 September 2003)

Subject: European and Developing Countries Trials Programme (EDCTP)

The EDCTP will support the implementation of clinical
trials and strengthen collaboration between
European and developing country scientists. How will intellectual property rights for products that emerge
out of such collaborative research be managed/shared?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2003)

During the discussions in the Parliament and in the Council, leading to the adoption of Decision 1209/
2003/EC (1) of 16 June 2003 on Community participation on the EDCTP programme, a balance was
sought between on the one hand encouraging the involvement of
industry by providing adequate
protection of intellectual property rights and on the other hand seeking an easy and affordable access to
the results of the research activities for the population of developing countries. Article 2(g) reflects this
compromise:

The Community contribution shall be conditional upon: formulation of the provisions relating to
intellectual property rights in such a way that they also aim at ensuring that the people of developing
countries have an easy and affordable access to the research results produced by activities under the
EDCTP Programme and to the products directly deriving from its results.

This provision is taken up by the new structure (a European Economic Interest Grouping (cid:1) EEIG) created
on 27 June 2003 in the Netherlands, which will implement the EDCTP programme.

The statutes of the EEIG already include dispositions reflecting Article 2(g) and the contract between the
Commission and the EEIG will impose the same requirements. It is the responsibility of the EEIG to make
sure this provision is implemented on a case by case basis for each of the clinical trials that it will be
funding.

The Commission will closely monitor the implementation of Article 2(g) by the EEIG.

(1) Decision 1209/2003/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 June 2003 on Community participation in a
research and development programme aimed at developing new clinical interventions to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria
and tuberculosis through a long term partnership between Europe and developing countries, undertaken by several
Member States, OJ L 169, 8.7.2003.

(2004/C 65 E/251)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2872/03

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Council

(22 September 2003)

Subject: Salvaging of the ferry Le Joola

A year ago, the ferry Le Joola sank off the coast of Senegal. 1 863 people were drowned, including dozens
of Europeans. To this day, the ferry remains on the seabed together with the bodies of the victims. Despite
lobbying by their families and friends and by the European Parliament, the ship has still not been salvaged.
President Wade of Senegal recently agreed that he would cease to oppose its salvaging. However, there is
no money to pay for it. It is very important to the families and friends of the dead that the ferry should be
salvaged, so that they can take proper leave of their loved ones.

C 65 E/236

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

13.3.2004

What has the Council done in the past year to promote the recovery of the bodies of these African and
European citizens? Does not the European Union, and hence the Council, have a moral duty to coordinate
the salvage operation in cooperation with Senegal? Will the Council do nothing to help the families and
friends of the dead, and the dead themselves? What can the Council still do?

Reply

(17 November 2003)

Council Regulation 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning the provision of humanitarian aid does not
cover the provision of aid to the families of the victims from the unfortunate sinking of the Le Joola, as
recalled by Commissioner Nielsen in its response to the Written Parliamentary question E-3166/02
(15 January 2003).

The European Union has not been approached by the Senegalese authorities to help refloat the Joola.
The EU has not extended any direct financial assistance to the victims and their families but it provides
regular aid to Senegal
from the European Development Fund. The European Investment Bank is
considering providing a contribution (in co-operation with Germany) to the complete re-establishment of
the maritime line between Dakar and Ziguinchor, interrupted due to the accident.

(2004/C 65 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2876/03

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Promotion of healthy eating habits at school

(29 September 2003)

Reliable medical research shows a large increase in the number of those suffering from heart complaints
and type B diabetes in the EU Member States, largely due to bad diet and overweight.

Given that eating habits are acquired from an early age, being greatly influenced not only by the home but
also the school environment and the type of food served by school canteens:

1. Has the EU examined the problem of eating habits acquired at school age; has the statement by the
Winning Heart Conference of 14 February 2000 as part of the European Heart Health Initiative been
noted?

2. Will the Commission take steps to draft framework legislation to ensure that school canteens provide
food which does not damage the health of children or lead to over-consumption of saturated fats, salt,
sugar, fizzy drinks, etc.?

3.

Is European funding being provided for the promotion of healthy eating habits at school?

4. Does the Commission have information regarding the performance of each Member State in this area?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2003)

The Commission is very much aware of the importance of nutrition as a determinant for positive health.
This is reflected in the Public Health Action Programme (2003-2008), which foresees strategies and
measures on nutrition as a life-style related health determinant. Moreover, the 2003 Work Plan for this
programme foresees the development of innovative measures and approaches to improve dietary habits
and physical activity habits in all population groups.