WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3419/98 by Amedeo AMADEO Framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998 - 2002)
11. 10. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 289/47 Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (25 January 1999) The proposed limit values for sulphur dioxide in the proposal for a Council directive relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (1) are based on the new air quality guidelines adopted by the World health organisation in October 1996. They will provide a high standard of protection for human health and the natural environment. They will also reduce damage to materials. The Commission is of the opinion that it is not possible at present to develop and implement separate limit values specifically for the protection of materials. The Commission is however continuing to support research into the effects of sulphur dioxide and other pollutants on human health, the natural environment and Europe’s cultural heritage. It will take into account the most recent scientific evidence on effects in all these fields when it reports on implementation of the proposal by 31 December 2003. (1) OJ C 360, 23. 11. 1998. (1999/C 289/062) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3419/98 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (24 November 1998) Subject: Framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002) With reference to the proposal for a Council decision adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002) and connected measures (COM(97) 0550 final 97/0302(CNS)) (1), it is regrettable that the framework programme does not provide a general overview of all measures taken in the energy sector but covers only programmes having financial implications for Directorate-General XVII; surely this criterion for inclusion should have been clearly indicated in the document. Would the Commission promote the further integration of energy policy measures? (1) OJ C 46, 11. 2. 1998, p. 7. Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (5 January 1999) The multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector does indeed concentrate on existing programmes with a view to guaranteeing the transparency, consistency and effectiveness of the actions undertaken under those programmes. However, in adopting the proposal in question, the Commission has decided that special emphasis should also be placed on the coordination of the energy components incorporated under other Community policies. To this end, the Commission has set up a network of Directors-General in particular, for periodically submitting a report on the progress of all actions incorporating an energy component. involved in energy matters which will be responsible, The Commission would also point out that, as a result of its communication entitled ‘An overall view of energy policy and actions’ (1), there is now available, for the first time, a complete inventory, including details of financial resources allocated, of all energy actions undertaken at Community level. This effort to achieve transparency has been followed through with the transmission to the Council and to Parliament, in April 1998, of the communication on ‘financial assistance by the European Communities to the energy sector from 1995 to 1997’ (2). (1) COM(97) 167 final. (2) COM(98) 244 final