WRITTEN QUESTION E-0129/04 by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Invasive alien species.
Date: 2004-01-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU environmental policy, action programme, biodiversity, protection of animal life, rodent

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/539

6. The budget figures for:

(cid:1) the appropriations entered in the budget each year (initial budget and supplementary and
amending budgets,
including any appropriations corresponding to transfers resulting from
adjustments in connection with implementation and mobilisation of the flexibility instrument or
the Solidarity Fund) as voted by the budgetary authority;

(cid:1) actual implementation of these appropriations for each budget year.

The figures under points 4, 5 and 6 are shown:

(a)

in appropriations for commitments and appropriations for payments (except for point 5, as the
appropriations for payments were financed under the financial perspective ceiling);

(b) at current prices and constant 2004 prices.

Table 2: Budget figures as % of GNP/GNI

(a) Financial perspective ceilings,

including adjustments in connection with implementation (total

commitments and payments);

(b) Total appropriations entered in the budget (total commitments and payments);

(c) Total appropriations used (total commitments and payments);

(d) Own resources ceiling.

Table 3: Budget
implementation)

figures by financial perspective heading: Appropriations

for commitments

(ceilings, budget,

(a)

Financial perspective 1988-1992 (implementation by heading not available);

(b) Financial perspective 1993-1999;

(c) Financial perspective 2000-2006.

(2004/C 84 E/0616)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0129/04

by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 January 2004)

Subject: Invasive alien species

Under the Gothenburg Commitment the European Commission has an obligation to produce a policy on
invasive alien species. The Sixth Environmental Action Programme states that invasive alien species are a
high priority. When will the Commission produce its policy on invasive alien species?

In particular what action is the European Commission taking to deal with the grey squirrel, which has
been identified by the IUCN as one of the 100 worst alien invasive species and is now prevalent not only
in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland but also in Italy, where the principal colony is spreading into the
foothills of the Alps?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2004)

The Commission recognises the importance of
to
biodiversity, and regards addressing this threat as one of the key priorities in meeting the Gothenburg
commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The Commission notes with alarm the continuing
loss of biodiversity, and believes that achieving the 2010 target will require substantially reinforced action.
The Commission is currently engaged in a broad consultative process to review progress in the
implementation of the Community biodiversity strategy and action plans, with the dual aim of identifying
priority measures and building momentum towards the 2010 target. As part of this process, the Irish

the threat posed by invasive alien species (IAS)

C 84 E/540

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

Presidency will convene a Conference on Biodiversity and the EU in Malahide, Ireland, 25 to 27 May
2004. This Conference will aim to produce an outline ‘2010 delivery plan’ which identifies priority
measures, targets, indicators and lead actors as well as the resources required. Without prejudice to the
outcome of the review,
it is anticipated that the 2010 Delivery Plan will reconfirm IAS as a priority.
The Commission recognises that IAS is a complex issue which touches on many economic sectors and
requires a comprehensive policy response. Unfortunately, existing resources do not permit such a response.
The Commission trusts that the current momentum-building exercise will result in the allocation of
adequate resources to address all key measures required to meet the 2010 target, IAS included. In the
meantime, the Commission is aware of and welcomes the work done by the Council of Europe to develop
a pan-European strategy for IAS; this is a useful point of reference for the development of EU policy.

Regarding the grey squirrel, Member States have an obligation to maintain the favourable conservation
status of habitats and species of European conservation interest; if and where the grey squirrel threatens
this status, Member States are obliged to act accordingly. It is also relevant to note that a study is currently
being completed under the LIFE-Nature programme on lessons learnt in LIFE-Nature projects which
address IAS.

(2004/C 84 E/0617)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0130/04

by Caroline Lucas (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(26 January 2004)

Subject: Fluoridation of drinking water

On 25 December 2003 the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC (1)), which permits Member States to add
fluoride to drinking water, came into force. The benefits and risks of water fluoridation are far from well
established, and scientific controversy and health concerns have loomed over the issue for many years.

The York Review into the efficacy and safety of the fluoridation of drinking water, commissioned by the
British Department of Health in 1999, could not accurately determine the effect of fluoridating water on
teeth, because the evidence was of poor quality, contradictory and unreliable. Since then there has been,
according to the authors of this review, no other scientifically defensible review to alter its findings.

In light of this and of the fact that in the UK and Ireland some nine million consumers have fluoride added
to their drinking water without their consent, what research is the Commission promoting and funding
into the safety of water fluoridation? Does the Commission agree that such research is an essential step in
enabling Member States to follow the precautionary principle and to prohibit
this form of mass-
medication, if they so choose?

(1) OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2004)

The matter of
fluoridation of water supplies lies within the Member States’ responsibility and the
Commission is not involved as long as the maximum limit set out in Council Directive 98/83/EC of
3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption is respected. Fluoridation, like
other water treatment processes, is an issue that should be addressed by the national authorities.