WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2387/97 by Marjo MATIKAINEN-KALLSTRÖM to the Commission. The effects of nicotine
11. 3. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 76/105 Will the Commission say whether it intends to introduce programmes to provide immediate financial assistance for those Members States which are experiencing serious difficulties as a result of low birth rates or whether there are other possibilities of providing incentives to increase birth rates in the EU Member States? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1997) The Commission is aware of the current decline in population and of its implications. There has been a particularly sharp decrease in the birth rate in the Mediterranean region, including Greece. This demographic trend has been mentioned in the recent Commission 1997 report on the demographic situation in the European Union (1). The provision of incentives to combat low birth rates is a matter for the Member States. Even if a number of initiatives have been taken in order to raise public awareness of this issue, such as recommendations in a number of areas which may be seen as related to the demographic trend, the Commission does not intend to go further, given its limited role in this area. (1) COM(97) 361. (98/C 76/207) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2387/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallstro¤m (PPE) to the Commission (10 July 1997) Subject: The effects of nicotine Nicotine is a substance which affects the central nervous system and is a stimulant and relaxant. It causes permanent dependence on a par with that caused by heroine and cocaine. In practice, smoking is the most common way of taking nicotine. At the same time it is known that around 30% of all cancer cases in the EU are caused by smoking. However, in many cases, peopleís decision to smoke is not voluntary but is determined by the level of nicotine within the organism. How serious a view does the Commission take of nicotine dependence and its causative agent › smoking? What will the Commission do to reduce nicotine dependence in Europe? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1997) The Commission, in its communication on the present and proposed Community role in combating tobacco consumption (1) refers to the question of reducing nicotine dependency. Several policy options are identified, which can only be realised with the active support of other Community institutions and of the Member States. In particular, it is envisaged that nicotine addiction be considered as a dependency, thus allowing it to be tackled through the relevant Community public health programmes. It is also envisaged to consider the case for introducing a maximum level of nicotine in cigarettes. At present, Community rules only oblige such levels to be indicated on product packaging, without imposing limits. An option identified for improving cooperation between the Member States concerns the provision of smoking cessation medications (nicotine chewing gums, nicotine patches) at minimal or no cost to smokers. The provision of a toll free number to inform and help consumers on the dangers of smoking is also considered desirable. Those options form part of a wider smoking prevention strategy set out in the Commissionís communication. (1) COM(96) 609 final