(2004/C 70 E/247)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3175/03

by Torben Lund (PSE) to the Commission

(27 October 2003)

Subject:   Funding of prevention programmes and disease surveillance

In its proposal COM(2003)441 (establishing a European Centre [for Disease Prevention and Control], which is to be concerned with the surveillance of infectious diseases), the Commission has launched an important health initiative. Under the proposal, the Centre is to administer the Community's network of competent national authorities or institutes, (cf. Decision 2119/98/EC (1)) and the dedicated surveillance networks (DSNs) for specific diseases including AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, etc.

Can the Commission confirm that it has simultaneously decided not to continue its support for the DSNs under the new prevention programme, with the result that several networks, including EUVAC.NET, have been closed down — directly contradicting the underlying aims of COM(2003) 441?

In the same connection, can the Commission state whether any other decisions have been taken which directly or indirectly conflict with the EU's surveillance effort, and can it give details of how it proposes to finance other related activities in the health field, particularly with a view to surveillance and the establishment of networks?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 2003)

In the Commission proposal for the Parliament and the Council Regulation establishing a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control one of the tasks of the Centre would be to support the networking activities and dedicated surveillance networks of authorities and structures designated under Decision No 2119/98/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community (2) and ensure their integrated operation through the provision of technical and scientific expertise to the Commission and the Member States. These activities would be financed from the budget of the Centre. However, it is foreseen that during the first years of the operation of the Centre its activities will be partly financed from the Public Health Programme (2005 and 2006, EUR 4,9 million and EUR 6 million respectively).

Activities on surveillance form a significant part of the Public Health Programme established under Decision No 1786/2002/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 (3). In line with the priorities of the 2003 work plan (4) for the implementation of this programme, which received a unanimous positive opinion by the Programme Committee, the Commission has proposed the funding of a number of projects, including several projects on surveillance networks. Not all of the applications submitted can be funded, however, given the budgetary constraints. The Commission proposals for funding of selected projects received a unanimous positive opinion by the Programme Committee. However the final steps of the selection procedure are currently taking place.

The Commission will continue to support communicable disease surveillance activities in the most effective and efficient way possible under the financial envelopes set by the Parliament and the Council. Its proposal for a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has to be seen in this context and reflects the priority that the Commission accords to the strengthening of the capacities of the Community in this area.

(1)  OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 268, 3.10.1998.

(3)  OJ L 271, 9.10.2002.

(4)  OJ C 62, 15.3.2003.