(2004/C 84 E/0623)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0198/04

by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission

(22 January 2004)

Subject:   Creation of a Community body for the study of unexplained atmospheric phenomena

For a long time now, sightings of unexplained atmospheric phenomena have been reported in all corners of the globe.

Some of these phenomena have been classified as ‘unidentified flying objects’ (UFOs), sightings of which not only cause considerable perplexity but also fuel theories — so far lacking any foundation — on the probable existence of aliens.

The serious study of the phenomena in question by various European space centres and research establishments warrants special attention from the European Commission, since these phenomena do not fall within the scope of individual Member State competence.

In the light of the above, would the Commission not consider it appropriate to promote and coordinate research and information on unexplained atmospheric phenomena at a Europe-wide level, possibly assigning this responsibility to a specialised and experienced body such as SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes Rares Aérospatiaux) in Toulouse or the European Space Agency?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 2004)

Following an extensive consultation for the development of the European Space Policy (‘Green Paper’) (1) the Commission adopted in December 2003 a White Paper entitled ‘Space: a new European frontier for an expanding Union’ (2).

The White Paper, which has been prepared in close collaboration with the scientific community and the European Space Agency, sets an action plan for implementing the future European Space policy. The actions recommended by the Commission to strengthen European excellence in space science are presented in Section 4.2.

On 28 January 2004, the Commission had the opportunity to address some of these issues in its oral reply to the oral question O-84/03 during Parliament's January 2004 session (3) on the content of the White Paper.

One specific activity which may be of particular interest to the Honourable Member concerns an action recently launched in the context of the 6th Framework Programme for Research (4). This action aims at promoting cooperation between Europe's national research funding agencies and national research organisations. It includes a task specifically addressing European solar terrestrial and atmospheric research. This endeavour should help to improve the level of understanding of atmospheric phenomena and to provide space weather services.

(1)  COM(2003) 17 final.

(2)  COM(2003) 673 final.

(3)  Oral reply, 28.1.2004.

(4)  Specific Support Action: European Science Foundation Collaborative Research Programmes Scheme (Eurocores).