WRITTEN QUESTION E-0569/04 by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission. Leonardo da Vinci programme.
Date: 2004-02-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU Member State, EU financing, action programme, project evaluation, vocational training

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/431

the
In response to the continuing public concern and the requirements of
Commission asked the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment in 2001 to
provide an up-dated opinion on this matter. The Committee confirmed in its opinion of 30 October 2001
that the additional information that had become available in recent years did not justify a revision of the
exposure limits set in the Council Recommendation and that there was insufficient scientific evidence to
propose an alternative. In addition, the Commission published an implementation report concerning the
Recommendation in March 2003, covering measures taken in the Member States. The overall picture
emerging is that most Member States have implemented measures in line with the Council Recom-
mendation. Some of the Member States have chosen stricter limits or do not cover the whole frequency
range.

the Recommendation,

In addition, Community legislation governing radio products, including mobile telephone masts, obliges
manufacturers to ensure that they are safe. In particular, Article 3(1)(a) of Directive 1999/5/EC of the
Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal
equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (1), also obliges manufacturers to ensure that
their products do not have an adverse effect on health when used for their intended purpose. Within the
context of this Directive and the Council Recommendation, the Commission is also working towards the
establishment of European standards of compliance with the recommended basic restrictions. This is
currently done by Cenelec, the European standardisation organisation for electrical equipment. A standard
already exists for the measurement of
the specific absorption rate related to human exposure to
electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones (EN 50361).

Finally, considerable research work has been and continues to be undertaken to investigate possible long
term effects on health of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Three major studies have been published
recently: (a) United Kingdom Independent Advisory Group on Non Ionizing Radiation (January 2004);
(b) Health Council of
(c) Swedish Radiation Protection Authorities
(December 2003).

the Netherlands (January 2004);

The three studies conclude that there is no conclusive evidence of other than thermal effects of EMF. This
was also confirmed in a conference, which was recently held on the matter (http://europa.eu.int/comm/
enterprise/rtte/emfworkshop/index.htm). The World Health Organisation is currently conducting a major
the Commission funds research projects (Fifth Framework
assessment relating to EMF.
Programme (FP) and 6th FP) on the biological and health effects of EMF (Directorate General Research and
Technological Development DG RTD) and other support action programmes such as COST 281 (DG
Information Society (INFSO)) that is contributing to the coordination and harmonisation of national
research programmes investigating the possible health implications of EMF. It is to be expected that the
outcome of this research work will provide key elements to determine eventual further steps.

In addition,

The Commission therefore judges premature any operational decision before this project is completed.

The Commission’s 2000 Communication on the precautionary principle (2) sets out the framework for its
application in the Community context.

(1) OJ L 91, 7.4.1999.
(2) COM(2000) 0001 final.

(2004/C 84 E/0502)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0569/04

by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission

(26 February 2004)

Subject: Leonardo da Vinci programme

The Commission’s Leonardo da Vinci programme is intended to help implement EU vocational training
policy. The European Union needs to ensure its citizens are better prepared for entry into the job market

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3.4.2004

and, in doing so, reduce the number of unemployed. The economy is also in need of a skilled workforce in
order to keep up with the rapid scientific and technological developments. Against this backdrop, the
Leonardo da Vinci programme serves as a laboratory of innovation in the field of lifelong learning.

Can the Commission provide a list of
the projects that have been approved under the Leonardo
programme over the last three years, including details of the promoters and the level of funding, stating
how much has been paid out and how much is outstanding?

Are there any noticeable differences in outlook between the countries and the project managers with
regard to various criteria, such as budget, share of funding and the actual results?

How does the Commission ensure that an audit of the funded projects is carried out quickly and
efficiently, and how much time elapses on average between a project’s completion and the audit?

In which countries do difficulties frequently arise when it comes to the audit?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2004)

The Commission would like to reiterate the important role played by the Leonardo da Vinci programme in
the field of vocational training and lifelong learning.

It would remind the Honourable Member that Parliament has lists of Leonardo da Vinci projects selected at
Community level over the last three years. Under the committee procedures, once the programme
committee has expressed its opinion, these lists are forwarded to Parliament for scrutiny. They include
project titles, promoters’ names, project durations and the amounts of financial assistance envisaged for
each project.

Most of the projects financed last for a maximum of three years, which means the first significant results
were not available until the end of 2003. The Commission is analysing the assessments already undertaken
with regard to the final reports and results of projects, including the final subsidy allocations and payment
periods. It will inform the Honourable Member of the results of this analysis in due course.

(2004/C 84 E/0503)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0586/04

by Bill Newton Dunn (ELDR) to the Commission

(26 February 2004)

Subject: Horse passports

How many of the Member States have implemented European Commission Decision 2000/68/EC (1)? Is the
Commission satisfied that they have done so correctly?

Does the Commission have any plans to allow the use of freeze marking and/or microchipping as
acceptable methods of identification?

(1) OJ L 23, 28.1.2000, p. 72.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2004)

According to Article 4 of Commission Decision 2000/68/EC of 22 December 1999 amending
Commission Decision 93/623/EEC and establishing the identification of equidae for breeding and
production, Member States shall ensure that as from 1 July 2000 at the latest, registered equidae and