WRITTEN QUESTION E-1110/04 by Christine De Veyrac (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Transeuropean transport networks.
Date: 2004-04-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: common transport policy, local government, power of decision, region-EU relationship, relations between the State and the regions, road building, trans-European network, transport network

C 88 E/282

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

The shortage of raw materials, coke and scrap is a stark reminder of the need for Europe to be in a
position to produce its own coke that can be used in steel production, rather than having to rely on
imports from producer countries that provide such materials only after meeting their own needs.

The difficulty of finding scrap in turn makes it more difficult to continue to supply electric steel furnaces,
making them less sustainable.

Can the Commission indicate what measures it intends to take to increase the ‘circulation’ of raw materials
on the market?

Joint answer
to Written Questions P-1105/04, P-1148/04 and E-1161/04
given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(29 April 2004)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its replies to Written Questions P-0949/04 by
Mr Costa (1), E-1020/04 by Ms Muscardini (2) and P-1028/04 by Ms Thomas-Mauro (3).

(1) OJ C 84 E, 3.4.2004, p. 698.
(2) OJ C 84 E, 3.4.2004, p. 929.
(3) See page 275.

(2004/C 88 E/0289)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1110/04

by Christine De Veyrac (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 April 2004)

Subject: Transeuropean transport networks

The list of priority projects stemming from transeuropean transport networks is currently being finalised
by the Council and the European Parliament.

With which authority does the decision to determine the exact course of these projects lie?

Is it the European Commission on the grounds of its power to implement the decision?

Is it the Parliament and Council, as co-legislators and holders of the power of codecision in this case?

Or is it for each Member State to decide for the part of the project situated on its territory?

Will local authorities be consulted?

Finally, to what extent will local community associations and citizens be made partners in the process of
determining the guidelines?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

The determination of the exact route alignment of a priority project falls under the responsibility of the
project promoter, which can be the State, a region or a local administration depending on the legal
framework applicable in the Member State concerned. Directive 2001/42/EC of the Parliament and of the

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/283

Council of 27 June 2001, on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment (1) and 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment (2) apply to these projects. These lay down requirements for the
consultation of all relevant stakeholders. In addition, national procedures for granting development consent
or building permits are applicable and foresee consultation of concerned stakeholders.

(1) OJ L 197, 21.7.2001.
(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985 as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997, OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2004/C 88 E/0290)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1114/04

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(14 April 2004)

Subject: Civil protection

During my recent meetings with representatives of the Dublin Fire Brigade Union, they expressed an
interest in being consulted during the preparation of future EU Community Action Programmes in the
field of Civil Protection.

To ensure that Irish fire fighters are prepared for the implementation of current Community Action
Programmes, the Dublin Fire Brigade representatives believe that a conference should be held for fire
fighting groups from all 25 EU Member States and accession countries.

The conference would provide an opportunity for those responsible for the protection of European
civilians to discuss coordination of EU activities. It would be one vital step towards better protection
against, and reactions to, crises. I believe that a conference of EU fire brigades and police forces is
particularly imperative in the wake of the tragic Madrid bombings in March.

Would the Commission consider organising such a conference? If so, what EU funding might be available?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

The Community Action Programme in the field of civil protection aims at supporting and supplementing
Member States’ efforts and at facilitating cooperation, exchange of experience and mutual assistance
between Member States in the field of civil protection. To that effect the Commission consults on a regular
basis with the competent authorities of the Member States. The fire fighters associations should liaise with
the national civil protection authorities in order to contribute to the future action programme in the field
of civil protection.

The recently finalised fire safety project developed under the Civil Protection Action Programme foresees
the establishment of a network of national civil protection authorities in order to examine the most urgent
issues to be handled by the fire safety community. Amongst these issues, the coordination of EU activities
might be considered as a vital step towards better protection against and reactions to crises involving fire
brigades.