WRITTEN QUESTION P-0872/04 by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission. Precautionary principle.
Date: 2004-03-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Italy, electricity supply, electromagnetic interference, public health

C 84 E/692

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

the Portuguese traditional

terms the Honourable Member mentions a number of
In the case of
requirements must therefore made if they are to be used in the Community by third countries. Thus for
a term such as Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, Canteiro or Frasquiera to be used on a liqueur wine other than Port
or Madeira, in the first place English or Portuguese as appropriate must be the official language of the third
country and the term must have been used for at least ten years, or English or Portuguese must be a
second language recognised in the third country’s legislation and the term must have been used for at least
25 years. Secondly, the term must be specific and distinctive and not such as to mislead the consumer
where the wine is sold in Europe. There must also be some tradition behind use of the term in the third
country.

In the case of Reserva velha the requirements for use by third countries in the Community are unchanged,
since this term already appeared in List A of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 753/2002.

(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 753/2002 of 29 April 2002 laying down certain rules for applying Council
Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 as regards the description, designation, presentation and protection of certain wine
sector products, OJ L 118, 4.5.2002.

(2) Commission Regulation (EC) No 316/2004 of 20 February 2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 753/2002 laying
down certain rules for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 as regards the description, designation,
presentation and protection of certain wine sector products, OJ L 55, 24.2.2004.

(2004/C 84 E/0777)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0872/04

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(15 March 2004)

Subject: Precautionary principle

On 18 January, ENEL (Italian national electricity company) submitted to the Commune of Rapolla
(Basilicata, Italy) a request for authorisation to build a high-voltage 380 kV electricity line between Matera
and S. Sofia.

On 10 May 1990 ENEL requested authorisation for an alternative plan, which would bring the line closer
to housing areas in the Commune of Rapolla.

In 1994 a number of Rapolla residents took legal action against the building of the electricity line on the
grounds that it was dangerously close to housing areas.

On 28 May 2003 the Potenza Court of Appeal ruled against the building of the section of electricity line
to which the complaint referred, partly on the basis of an experts’ report which had highlighted the
increased risk of child leukaemia arising from prolonged exposure to high-level (0,3-0,4 T) electromagnetic
fields. The consultants estimated that the exposure levels at average current intensity levels exceeded 0,4 T
(limit established in the implementing decree of 8 July 2003 relating to framework law 36/2001).

A draft presidential decree authorising the building and operation of the alternative plan for the electricity
line has been submitted to the President of the Republic for his signature.

Does the Commission not consider that this proposal is contrary to the ‘precautionary principle’ laid down
by the Maastricht Treaty?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2004)

At EU level, a Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general
public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hertz (Hz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz)) was adopted in July 1999, based on
the guidelines of
the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. The Recom-
mendation sets out a system of basic restrictions and reference levels for overall public exposure. The level

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/693

long-term carcinogenic

effects by introducing safety margins

recommended for electricity lines is currently 100µT. It also establishes a precautionary approach to
possible
limits.
The Commission keeps this Recommendation under constant review in the light of new scientific evidence
available. Considerable research work has been undertaken to investigate a possible impact on health.
However, further studies are necessary on the possible long-term effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on
public exposure. The World Health Organisation is currently conducting a major assessment relating to
EMF. The Commission is following this project closely. It is expected that the outcome of this work will
provide key elements to determine possible further steps.

exposure

in the

However, it is the Member States’ responsibility to ensure that adequate health protection measures are
taken. Where reference levels are exceeded,
it is recommended that national authorities carry out an
assessment of the situation and take the appropriate follow-up measures, such as informing those who are
exposed or changing the installation or design of the source of radiation or the way it is operated.

(2004/C 84 E/0778)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0875/04

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 March 2004)

Subject: Human rights violations in northern Uganda

For more than 16 years a civil war has been raging in the northern regions of Uganda between the
Ugandan army (Uganda People’s Defence Force, UPDF) and the armed opposition, the LRA. As both sides
are struggling to gain control over the population, civilians are caught increasingly frequently in the
crossfire between the two groups. 400 000 people have been driven out of the districts of Gulu and
Kitgum since 1996; in Gulu alone this represents some 80 % of the population. For a long time the extent
of the human rights violations perpetrated by the LRA against the population has diverted attention from
similar violations on the government side.

Executions, acts of cruelty and rape by Ugandan soldiers are everyday occurrences.

In addition, opposition groups active mainly in the west and north of the country are also responsible for
serious human rights violations, mainly against the civilian population. Civilians with no involvement in
the dispute are the victims of deliberate, arbitrary killings. Even children are mistreated, raped, sexually
enslaved and forced to bear arms. Escape bids are paid for by many girls and boys with their lives.

In view of this high level of brutality against the civilian population, would the Commission say whether it
is already aware of this situation and whether it intends to do something about these crimes, or has
already done so?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2004)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-0646/04 by Mr Mauro. (1)

(1) See page 646.