WRITTEN QUESTION E-2957/03 by Mogens Camre (UEN) to the Commission. Commission's proposed amendment of Directive 94/35/EC.
Date: 2003-10-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, exchange of information, food additive, public health, research, sweetener

6.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 58 E/209

if
Two independent studies have found that,
jeopardise 1,7 million jobs in Germany and 670 000 jobs in France (between now and 2012).

implemented in its current

form, the proposal would

Given that the expected health and environmental benefits do not appear sufficient to justify the threats to
the competitiveness of Europe’s chemical industry, would the Commission be prepared to ask an impartial
body to assess the impact of this new legislation before it is formally presented?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2003)

The Commission proposals for the implementation of the new strategy on chemicals will be accompanied
by an impact assessment which will address the estimated costs and benefits of the system. The estimates
will be underpinned mainly by the results of a comprehensive study carried out by an external consultant
focusing on the direct costs of the system.

In relation to the studies mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission would point out that
in May 2003 and/or the
their findings are based on texts posted for consultation on the internet
Commission’s White Paper on a Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy (1).

It is expected that significant modifications will be made to the internet texts, resulting in substantial
reductions in costs to industry. The changes envisaged will address in particular potential problems for
downstream users, whose obligations under the new proposals, will be substantially alleviated.

(1) COM(2001) 88 final.

(2004/C 58 E/226)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2957/03

by Mogens Camre (UEN) to the Commission

(8 October 2003)

Subject: Commission’s proposed amendment of Directive 94/35/EC

A report in the scientific journal ‘Headache’ (May 2003, p. 555) indicates that people with a predisposition
to migraine may suffer an attack if they take a substance known as sucralose.

This substance is being considered for possible inclusion on the EU’s list of approved additives.
The Commission has accordingly submitted, in a document of 16 May 2003, a revised amendment to
Directive 94/35/EC (1) of 30 June 1994 on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs. The amendment proposes that
the active substance ‘Splenda’ (sucralose) be approved in the EU as E955.

The amendment also relates to substance E962 (aspartame-acesulphame salt). Aspartame is a well-known
migraine-inducing substance, but there are no studies on aspartame-acesulphame salt.

Will the Commission take the initiative of having both these substances (together with other food
additives) thoroughly investigated for possible migraine-inducing effect before they are included on the list
of approved additives?

(1) OJ L 237, 10.9.1994, p. 3.

C 58 E/210

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2004

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2003)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2004/C 58 E/227)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2994/03

by Bernhard Rapkay (PSE) to the Commission

(14 October 2003)

Subject: EU funding for Nordrhein-Westfalen for the years 2001 and 2002

1. What amounts of European Union funding were paid to Nordrhein-Westfalen in 2001 and 2002
from:

(cid:1) the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF),

(cid:1) the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) (cid:1) Guidance Section,

(cid:1) the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) (cid:1) Guarantee Section,

(cid:1) the European Social Fund (ESF),

(cid:1) European Community research programmes,

(cid:1) European Community programmes for the environment,

(cid:1) other European Community programmes?

2. Who were the beneficiaries?

3. What amounts were made available by way of co-financing either with the Land of Nordrhein-
Westfalen or with the Federal Republic of Germany?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2003)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.