Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 91997E2816

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2816/97 by André SAINJON to the Commission. Boeing - McDonnell Douglas merger** 
  
*Official Journal C 117 , 16/04/1998 P. 0070*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2816/97 by André Sainjon (ARE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Boeing - McDonnell Douglas merger

The Commission's acceptance of the Boeing - McDonnell Douglas merger poses fundamental problems:

1. What industrial policy should the Union adopt in response to American provocation?

2. Can it encourage the large European groups to come together, and how?

3. Can it give new momentum to aeronautical and space research in the context of the Fifth Framework Programme?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1997)

In July 1997 the Commission announced that it would be presenting a communication on the future of the aerospace industry to Council and the Parliament in the autumn. This document was adopted by the Commission on 24 September 1997 'The European aerospace industry meeting the global challenge' ((COM(97) 466. )) and covers the points raised by the Honourable Member.

The Commission agrees that in the face of mounting international competition it would be in the aerospace industry's interest to be able to benefit from the economies of scale and synergies which larger European industrial groups could provide. The Commission also believes that any industry consolidation effort must be industry-led and be based on sound economic and commercial criteria which would allow the aerospace industry to be a dynamic and flexible player in the international aerospace market.

As far as the fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) ((COM(97) 142. )) is concerned, acknowledging the importance of technology acquisition in the aeronautics sector, the Commission has proposed a key action 'New perspectives in aeronautics'. Within this the Commission will implement co-ordinating actions to support the strategic objectives of the European aerospace industry. Similarly, in the domain of space technologies and space applications the Commission will ensure a coherent approach in its Community research and technological development (RTD) actions under the different specific programmes of the 5th framework programme, as well as synergy with other policies relating to space applications. Such co-operation stimulates synergy between applied and fundamental research in the many interrelated aerospace disciplines and increases the impact at all levels of the supply chain. Also the Commission has put into operation a reinforced co-ordination with the European space agency in general and its RTD programmes in particular.

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