91998E3183

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3183/98

by Marie-Noëlle Lienemann (PSE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Sport and drugs

How does the Commission intend to pursue a more active Community policy to combat the use of drugs in major European sports events in order to promote healthy sporting activity?

Will it also say what specific initiatives have been taken to harmonize rules and procedures at European level concerning the ban on drugs, or drugs-taking in general, and to alert public opinion to the dangers of these abuses in sport?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 1998)

The EC Treaty confers no powers on the Community to develop a common policy to combat the use of drugs.

The Commission, however, is aware of the problem and seeks to mobilise the instruments available to it in the context of various Community policies and of justice and internal affairs cooperation. For example, the use of drugs in sport will be one of the priority areas of the new 5th framework programme for Research and Technological Development (1998-2002) (1), especially aspects relating to demand reduction, the use of drugs in sport and occupational exposure limits. In the context of combating fraud, the problem will be identified as a research topic under the "Measures and Tests" generic activity of the thematic programme on Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth.

The Commission will participate in the international conference on the use of drugs, organised by the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne in February 1999.

The Commission recalls the existence of the 1989 European Anti-Doping Convention (Council of Europe), currently being ratified by the Member States. Application of the Convention will be a positive step in the fight against drug abuse.

(1) OJ C 137, 7.6.1997.