WRITTEN QUESTION E-0977/04 by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Health insurance in the Czech Republic.
Date: 2004-03-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Czechia, competence of the Member States, competition law, restriction on competition, social security

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/259

It appears that the problem is a result of the fact that the environment and agriculture, under the new
financial framework, appear on the same budgetary line, where in the case of Portugal, 80 % of the money
is then captured by agriculture.

The Commission:

(cid:1) how is it going to respond to these problems, difficulties and inadequacies;

(cid:1) can it guarantee that the Natura Network and its objectives are not going to be thrown into crisis by

financial shortfalls and inadequate budgeting?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

The Commission has committed itself to submiting a Communication on the Financing of Natura 2000 in
2004. This Communication is expected for the first half of 2004. Furthermore, the Commission has so far
integrated the Natura 2000 network and its needs in all
its major proposals for future Community
Financing. These include the Commission’s proposal for the future Financial Perspectives and the Third
Report on Economic and Social Cohesion.

The Commission stated in the Communication on the new Financial Perspectives for the period post-
2006 (1) that rural development actions related to Natura 2000 would be an important objective of the
future rural development policy. Furthermore, one of the important activities included in the environ-
mental priorities for the period 2007-2013 within the same chapter of the future financial perspectives is
the development and implementation of the Natura 2000 network of sites to protect European biodiversity
as well as the implementation of the biodiversity action plans. The Commission has also indicated in the
Third Cohesion Report on economic and Social Cohesion (2), that investing in infrastructures which are
linked to Natura 2000 and contribute to overall regional competitiveness is one of the areas in which
structural funds interventions may take place in the future.

the same time,

At
the Commission confirmed that cohesion policy is based on the principles of
subsidiarity and of partnership with Member States and regions, and that the co-funded measures should
reflect regional priorities and economic development needs. The Commission cannot go against these key
principles and oblige Member States and regions to finance precise actions or, even more, to earmark
financial resources to a given policy area. However, in the course of the programming dialogue, which will
be reinforced and made more strategic, the Commission would discuss with Member States and regions the
best way to incorporate Community priorities, including the financial needs of the Natura 2000 network.

(1) Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Parliament Building (cid:1) our common Future (cid:1) Policy

Challenges and budgetary means of the Enlarged Union 2007-2013, COM(2004) 101 final.

(2) Third Report on Economic and Social Cohesion, COM(2004) 107 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0264)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0977/04

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 March 2004)

Subject: Health insurance in the Czech Republic

in the Czech Republic, there is one large and several smaller health
Is the Commission aware that,
insurance companies? Is it also aware that the large company has experienced financial problems? Is it
further aware that the Czech Government has authorised the redistribution of premiums from the smaller
the approval of
companies to the large company, without
the policyholders involved? Does the
Commission agree that
to be in the interests neither of competition nor of
this would appear
policyholders, and will it raise this issue with the Czech authorities?

C 88 E/260

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the organisation of the health insurance system in the Czech Republic.
There is currently one general health insurance company, covering the majority of the population, and
eight branch health insurance companies which were originally foreseen for employees of particular
sectors (banking, mining), but are now open to all. All permanent residents are covered by an obligatory
health care insurance managed by these funds.

According to the information available to the Commission, an amendment to the legal acts governing the
operation of the health insurance companies is currently being debated in the Czech Parliament, including
provisions on the redistribution of collected funds.

The organisation and financing of healthcare and social protection systems is the responsibility of Member
States. However, Member States must exercise their responsibilities in this area in accordance with
Community law. In order to assess whether a health insurance provider is subject to EU competition rules,
it is necessary to assess whether the provider performs an economic activity or manages a social security
scheme. It follows from the case law of the European Court of Justice that bodies entrusted with the
management of certain compulsory social security schemes are not subject to competition rules.

According to the information available to the Commission, health care in the Czech Republic is paid by
obligatory health insurance covering all permanent residents. The insurance providers therefore appear to
primarily manage a social security scheme, which is not subject to competition rules. On the basis of the
information available, the Commission does not intend at present to raise this issue with the Czech
authorities.

(2004/C 88 E/0265)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0978/04

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(30 March 2004)

Subject: Ingredients in food products

1.
In the light of the increasing concerns for public health (cid:1) in terms of obesity, high blood pressure
and diabetes, etc. (cid:1) can the Commission outline any action that it has taken to help Member States tackle
this problem?

Does the Commission plan any action as regards placing a maximum limit on sugar/salt content in

2.
food products and/or placing clear labelling on such products?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

1.
The European Commission has prepared a document entitled ‘Status report on the European
Commission’s work in the field of nutrition. October 2002’, which has been sent to the Information offices
of the Parliament, Commission offices in the Member States, Cabinets of the Commission, National
Parliaments, some information networks and consumer associations and it is available on the Public Health
web site.

A network on Nutrition and Physical Activity composed of Member States, Acceding Countries and
the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the
European Economic Area (EEA) expert
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) has been established by the
Commission. The network is a forum for exchanging experience and establishing and disseminating best
practice. In this way,
it will contribute to a coordination of Member State policies. The network also
advises the Commission on the creation of a Community strategy to improve public health nutrition,
reduce and prevent diet-related diseases, promote physical activity and to fight obesity.

institutes,