Council Resolution of 28 June 1999 on measures to address the year 2000 computer problem
C 200/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 7. 1999 14. REITERATES that the development of measures in all three strands as indicated in the Council’s Conclusions of 26 the needs November 1998, arising from the future enlargement of the European Union and the work of international organisations competent in the sphere of health; should take into account balance between the impact of the internal market and the unchanged responsibilities of Member States the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care; for 15. UNDERLINES that, in order to strengthen the scientific basis, research must have an essential role in underpinning the Community’s future public health action. Public health- related research at Community level, to be relevant for Community public health, has to respond to the specific research needs and issues identified by the public health sector whose access to research programmes should be facilitated; in order cooperation and working methods 17. CONSIDERS IT APPROPRIATE that, following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999, internal organisation, at Community level should be reviewed with a view to achieving a better coordination of health-related issues so as to ensure a high level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities; 16. UNDERLINES the need to establish procedures through which the Community and the Member States can monitor the impact of Community policies and activities, especially those relating to the internal market, on public health and health care, in order to facilitate an adequate 18. INVITES the Commission, as a matter of urgency and in order to ensure continuity in the light of the expiration of existing programmes, to make a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the Council on a programme of action in the field of public health, in time for the next Council meeting devoted to health questions. COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 28 June 1999 on measures to address the year 2000 computer problem (1999/C 200/02) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Commission communication of 25 February 1998 entitled The year 2000 computer problemí; Having regard to the Presidency Conclusion of the Cardiff European Council of 15 and 16 June 1998 which recognised that problems associated with information technology and other electronic systems arising from the year 2000 could have serious cross-border effects, as well as the need for to share best practice in addressing the Member States problem and national the of programmes to raise awareness and prescribe action to minimise possible disruption; establishing importance Having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Vienna European Council of 11 and 12 December 1998 which urged Member States to implement timely plans for the protection of their own infrastructure and to continue to raise awareness across all sectors, focusing in particular on the public sector and small and medium-sized enterprises, and to examine closely the implications of supply-chain failures outside the European Union, to draw up contingency plans to address this, and to exchange information with their counterparts in other Member States; the problem of RECOGNISING that: - the problem is global in nature; Having regard to the Commission report to the Vienna European Council of 11 and 12 December 1998 on How the EU is tackling the year 2000 computer problemí; - year 2000 compliance can only be ensured by the suppliers and users of computer-based systems and technical systems with embedded electronics; 15. 7. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 200/3 - each Member State and each organisation, private or public, should address respective environments and should take measures to minimise the risks associated therein; the problem within their large, need to disclose information to the public at particularly consumers, as well as to other Member States or to third countries having legitimate economic interests in their country; - governments should inform the public at large about the nature of the problem and the need to take timely action; governments can demonstrate leadership and increase public confidence by effectively tackling the problem in the public sector; - ensure that contingency plans are in place to secure the continuity of essential services in the event of disruptions of normal services, and to handle emergencies should these arise; - providing information concerning and the public sector and of vital national and an progress of international public utilities and infrastructure effective means of maintaining public confidence; activities the is - the complex interactions and dependencies between organi- sations and infrastructure is such that it is not possible to provide absolute assurances that all aspects of the year 2000 computer problem have been covered in spite of the best efforts and that there may still be problems arising on or around 1 January 2000 which will require immediate attention by all parties involved; WELCOMES the initiative of the Commission in establishing a group of experts from the Member States and representatives of industry and of vital infrastructure providers on this topic, and in hosting regular meeetings to facilitate the exchange of information and experience within the European Union and informed on invites the Commission to keep the Council these activities; ENCOURAGES the Member States and the Commission as well as the providers of vital infrastructure to share information and models of best practice; INVITES the Member States to: - continue to monitor and report on the progress of the public sector and of key infrastructure, recognising the ENCOURAGES companies and industry associations to: - establish an open and proactive information policy on the year 2000 Computer Problem; - respond to rerquests for information by other organisations large, particularly consumers, by information on their and the public providing timely progress and acltivities in this domain; at and reliable - participate in the activities of relevant international bodies addressing the year 2000 computer Problem; CALLS ON THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, in accordance with their respective competences, to work collab- oratively on the identification of critical cross-border infra- (both internal and external to the Union structure or risks, and including those provided or regulated by international organisations), and to encourage appropriate measures to be taken for maintaining the integrity and continuity of essential services and to reduce potential cross-border risks. including through international fora, Furthermore, CALLS ON THE MEMBER STATES, together with THE COMMISSION, to further strengthen contacts, dialogue, industry and assistance, associations and other appropriate bodies, with third countries having significant relations with the Union in terms of important infrastructure or other interactions, to help ensure that these countries are taking all appropriate measures with respect to these linkages