WRITTEN QUESTION E-0012/04 by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission. EU-India Summit — closer relations.
Date: 2004-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, India, Portugal, cultural cooperation, language teaching

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Official Journal of the European Union

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8.4.2004

(cid:1) better train social workers, medical staff and teachers;

(cid:1) raise awareness of the rights of disabled children and their families,

the problems which they

experience and their contribution as valued members of society.

The Commission has also provided support to a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
charities, parents’ associations and religious organizations via its Civil Society Programme, with the aim of
promoting better understanding and treatment of disabled children. The Commission has every intention
of continuing its work in this important area.

(2004/C 88 E/0174)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0012/04

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(16 January 2004)

Subject: EU-India Summit (cid:1) closer relations

The Fourth EU-India Summit, held in New Delhi on 29 November 2003, examined the development of
bilateral relations and discussed ways and means of strengthening them.

According to the Commission’s strategy paper on India of 10 September 2002 one of the priorities is
‘promoting cultural understanding’ (page 23), which will require cultural interaction on both sides and be a
reason for reactivating the EU-India Cross Cultural Programme.

In view of the subcontinent’s ethnic, social and cultural diversity, special attention should be devoted to the
variety of cultural links between its peoples and various EU Member States, which in themselves enhance
the mutual understanding which the Union wants to encourage, since they can help to create a closer
social, technical and economic relationship and cooperation.

We should bear in mind the special links between Portugal and the territories of Goa, Damão, Diu, Dadrá
and Nagar-Aveli, the outcome of more than 450 years of history, which in the interests of the desired
closer links between the European Union and India ought to be strengthened.

Can the Commission therefore say:

(cid:1) what steps it has taken or intends to take to encourage the study of Portuguese, the third European

world language, in that part of the world;

(cid:1) what measures it intends to propose to the Indian authorities with a view to strengthening and

improving a relationship which is long-established but restricted by distance;

(cid:1) in what ways it will try to make the Indian authorities aware of the issue and persuade them to

promote the strengthening of the region’s cultural and historical ties with the Union;

(cid:1) whether it will agree to grant new support for cultural projects devised by the governments of the
Member States, universities, NGOs, churches, etc., dealing specifically with enhancing, publicising,
restoring, rebuilding and preserving the shared cultural and historical heritage, and seek Indian
government support for such projects?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2004)

The fourth EU-India Summit held in Delhi on 29 November 2003 was an important event in enhancing
the relationship between both sides. The relationship has received a significant boost since the first Summit
held in Lisbon in June 2000 under the Portuguese Presidency.

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Dialogue and cooperation have continued to deepen in the entire range of political, economic,
development and civil society matters.

In this context, the cultural dimension has received increased attention, and the Commission, already
active, is looking at ways and means to further strengthen this important element of EU-India relations.

The Economic Cross-Cultural Programme to which the Honourable Member refers was re-launched
through a call for proposals in July 2003 in the fields of media and communication, university and studies
and entrepreneurial networking. This resulted in the selection of 26 projects which are in the process of
being signed.

An EU-India Scholarship programme is currently being designed. It will aim to attract Indian post-graduate
level students to European (cid:1) including possibly Portuguese (cid:1) universities, as a means of deepening
EU-India ties and understanding.

The EU-India Small Projects facility also offers scope for the funding of cultural activities. One of the nine
projects being financed from the last call for proposals aims to increase cultural interchange through the
translation of European and Indian literature.

The Commission was actively involved in the organisation of a dense cultural week around the Delhi
Summit: A large number of European cultural activities organised by the Member States attracted a lot of
attention among the Indian public.

The Commission fully agrees with the Honourable Member that cultural exchanges are a crucial element of
EU-India relations. Hence, in its current effort to elaborate a strategic partnership with India, due account
will be taken of the importance of cultural links, both around Summit meetings and in furthering the day-
to-day relationship.

(2004/C 88 E/0175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0049/04

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(20 January 2004)

Subject: EU aid to Iran to tackle the tragic consequences of the Bam earthquake

What is the nature of the EU’s relations with the Iranian government following the major disaster at Bam?
How much aid has the EU sent to Bam? What will the EU contribute to enable the cities and villages
affected to resume normal life as far as possible? Does the Commission have the resources required to aid
communities affected by such disasters, commensurate with the Union’s economic capacity?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2004)

The EU has for many years explored ways of developing wider political and economic relations with Iran.
To that effect, the EU launched negotiations in December 2002 on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement as
well as on an Agreement on Political Dialogue and the Fight against Terrorism. Almost simultaneously, a
dialogue on Human Rights was established with Iran. Working groups on trade and investment, and
energy, exist since 1999. The EU continues to base its approach towards Iran on the global concept of
Comprehensive Dialogue, introduced in 1998.