WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2068/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. Report on osteoporosis in the EC
29. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 118/21 (1999/C 118/024) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2068/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission Subject: Report on osteoporosis in the EC (7 July 1998) Following the launch of the report on osteoporosis in the EC, Action for Preventioní does the Commission propose funding cross-border research projects into the disease? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1998) The Commissionís proposal for a specific programme for research and technological development (RTD) and demonstration on Quality of life and management of living resourcesí (1) addresses osteoporosis and its prevention and treatment by promoting, under the key action Ageing populationí, research into age- related illnesses and health problems with high morbidity. This is in line with the main research related recommendations of the Report on osteoporosis in the ECí, namely that research should aim for preventive or onset-delaying interventions, but also offer improved means for rehabilitation, better mobility and effective pain reduction. Efforts for improved understanding of osteoporosis and skeletomuscular disorders will also benefit from the RTD activities of generic nature, where for example public health research is urged to contribute to better quantitative European data and cost-effectiveness of health promotion. The suggested generic research activities within the same specific programme also include research on life-style dependent or nutritional risk factors as well as genetic and physiological parameters. (1) COM(98) 305 final. (1999/C 118/025) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2075/98 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (7 July 1998) Subject: Unfair tax treatment of single-income families In its Judgment No 358 of 13 and 14 July 1995 on the lawfulness of Presidential Decree No 597 of 29 September 1973, particularly Article 3, the Italian Constitutional Court ruled that the current system for taxing single-income families was wholly iniquitous as regards the restitution of 50 per cent of the personal income tax and referred all corresponding decisions to the legislator. This tax system conflicted with Article 3 (equality before the law for spouses), Articles 29 and 31 (protection of the family) and Article 53 (fair taxation) of the Italian Constitution. In the light of this clear ruling by the Italian Constitutional Court, the European Commissionís pronouncements on taxation and the initiatives taken by certain trade-union organizations, including the SAPEF (Sindacato Autonomo Pensionati Ferrovie) [Independent Union of Retired Railway Workers], will the Commission say whether: 1. it agrees that the Italian authorities should be asked to put an end to this unlawful and unequal treatment of Italian citizens? 2. there are any European directives which impose equal tax treatment on the Member States? 3. it will state its general position on the matter?