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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 00-11-03
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Spokesman's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Service Presse et Communicationb
03/11/2000
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] Commission activates Community Maritime Pollution Task Force to assist
French authorities after the sinking of the chemical tanker IEVOLI SUN
[02] Italian chemical tanker sinking - statement by Loyola de Palacio
[03] Fonds social européen : Anna Diamantopoulou signe un train de
programmes septennal d'aide à la formation et à l'éducation pour l'Espagne
[04] Philippe Busquin hosts internet-chat on genetics and the future of
Europe
[01] Commission activates Community Maritime Pollution Task Force to assist
French authorities after the sinking of the chemical tanker IEVOLI SUN
The services of the European Commission have immediately activated the
Community Task Force in response to a request for assistance by the French
Secrétariat Général de la Mer, which belongs to the office of the French
Prime Minister, following the sinking of the chemical tanker IEVOLI SUN.
The French authorities have asked to be informed about existing means and
inspection methods for this type of chemical marine accidents. The
Commission has equally been asked to supply information on experience
existing in other Member States regarding the reaction of styrene in
extreme conditions. The French authorities have also made a request for
information regarding any existing assessment of the environmental impact
of styrene leaking into the marine environment. The French authorities have
requested to the Commission to mobilise its network of experts on maritime
experts. Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström declared : "From the
outset, the services of the Commission and the French authorities have been
in close contact. The Commission is ready to provide assistance on the
ground through its network of marine pollution experts." Mrs Wallström
added that this accident underlines the importance of reinforcing EU
cooperation, as recently proposed by the Commission. On 27 September 2000
the Commission put forward a proposal for a Council Decision establishing
an EU mechanism for the coordination of the civil protection intervention
in the event of emergencies, including marine pollution.
[02] Italian chemical tanker sinking - statement by Loyola de Palacio
European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport and Energy,
Loyola de Palacio, expresses her deep regret at the loss of "IEVOLI SUN"
but is relieved to learn that none of the seafarers onboard was lost and
wishes to extend her gratitude to the heroic work by the Cherbourg maritime
command. She is very concerned about this new maritime accident involving a
tanker vessel. Mrs de Palacio stated : "This latest accident demonstrates
graphically the need for adoption as soon as possible of the package of
measures proposed by the Commission to put in place stronger safeguards
against these kinds of disasters".
[03] Fonds social européen : Anna Diamantopoulou signe un train de
programmes septennal d'aide à la formation et à l'éducation pour l'Espagne
Mme Anna Diamantopoulou, Commissaire européen pour l'Emploi et les Affaires
sociales, se trouve aujourd'hui à Madrid pour signer huit programmes de
formation et d'éducation financés par le Fonds social européen pour la
période 2000-2006. Avec une aide financière de plus de 884 millions d'euros,
ces programmes de l'Objectif 3 représentent ensemble 40% des opérations de
financement au titre de l'Objectif 3 par le FSE en Espagne dans la nouvelle
série de concours des Fonds structurels.
[04] Philippe Busquin hosts internet-chat on genetics and the future of
Europe
"Like me, this summer you probably followed the latest stages in the race
for the human genome between an international public research consortium
and a large American company. The final sprint for the finish somewhat
overshadowed the scientific and technical performance, rather putting the
underlying ethical, economic and political issues in the spotlight. I would
like us to think together about the consequences for society of genetic
advances, particularly trying to imagine their implications for basic
values, quality of life, and social and economic development in Europe.
With this in mind I have suggested organising a major conference, which
will take place in Brussels on 6 and 7 November. But in parallel with the
debate between the experts at the conference, I would like to involve other
"experts" - people like you and me, who have questions, opinions and
comments on these issues that they would like to discuss." Join European
Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin on the Internet on 7 November "live"
from 18.30 to 20.30 Central European Time. The discussion will take place
in the eleven official languages of the European Union. Questions may be
put in any of those languages and may also be sent in advance to: chat-
busquin@cec.eu.int
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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