92001E0061

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0061/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Council

(23 January 2001)

Subject: Incidence of leukaemia and tumours in the European Union

There have recently been tragic cases of leukaemia and cancer among soldiers who took part in the peace-keeping operations in the Balkans (including soldiers from Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Hungary) and there is a rising incidence of serious diseases such as leukaemia and various types of tumour and melanoma throughout the Community. The population of Europe is concerned and afraid that there may be links between the spread of such diseases and the use of depleted uranium during the conflict. In view of this, does the Council intend to ascertain the risk to human health and the environment posed by the use of depleted uranium munitions? Is the Council willing to release the figures in its possession concerning the current number of cases of cancer and leukaemia in Europe?

Does it intend to set up a committee of inquiry capable of:

(a) swiftly obtaining scientifically reliable data to throw light on the possible link between the munitions used and the cases of fatal diseases;

(b) studying the incidence of serious diseases in the Union during the last three years;

(c) assessing the damage caused to the environment;

(d) identifying regions whose food products must not be used;

(e) ascertaining the impact on animal farming?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0061/01 and E-0064/01

(14 May 2001)

During their discussions on the occasion of 22 January 2001 General Affairs Council, Ministers acknowledged the great concern of the public opinion and expressed their commitment to seek full clarity on the issue of depleted uranium.

There was general agreement that in the first instance it was for NATO, as the institution organising crisis management in the Balkans, to assemble the information from participants on the use of depleted uranium, on the locations of troops and on medical data. Ministers also called for full transparency and open exchange of information between the authorities of the Member States, as well as with other organisations investigating this matter.

As far as the Council is concerned, no scientific report has been presented that establishes a link between these illnesses and the use of depleted uranium in munitions.

However, the Council noted that several bodies (UNEP, WHO, NATO, the committee set up by the Commission) are currently examining this issue and the first reports are expected to be published within the next few weeks. Once these reports are available, the Council has agreed to re-examine this issue in order to assess whether any specific initiative or measures at EU level are warranted.