European Parliament session of 25-29 October 1993: Trans-European Networks; ONP; tropical forests; Regional and Social Funds; energy tax

In addition to the Community Draft Budget for 1994, which is the subject of a separate RTD-News item, the following RTD-related topics are tabled for debate during the European Parliament sitting of 25-29 October 1993: - A report from the Transport Committee on the Commission...

In addition to the Community Draft Budget for 1994, which is the subject of a separate RTD-News item, the following RTD-related topics are tabled for debate during the European Parliament sitting of 25-29 October 1993:

- A report from the Transport Committee on the Commission proposal for a trans-European road network, aiming to complete a modern and comprehensive European road system by the year 2002. The Transport Committee has tabled amendments concerning links in the network other than those included in the proposal, and calls for a common approach in the assessment of the environmental impact of road projects. The Committee will also report on the Commission's proposal for a combined transport network;

- A report from the Economic Affairs Committee on the Commission proposal (COM(93) 182) for Open Network Provision (ONP). The Council has established a common position on this proposal, which is now before the European Parliament for the second reading. Some 20 of the 24 amendments adopted by the Parliament at its first reading are included in the Council's common position;

- A report from the Energy Committee will recommend the approval of a scientific and technical cooperation agreement with Australia (COM(93) 269 of 10.6.1993) which covers joint research projects and exchanges in the areas of biotechnology, medical science, marine science, the environment, and information technology (first reading);

- A report from the Development Committee on a Commission proposal for a conservation action programme for the preservation of tropical forests. The proposal gives priority to the sustainable management of forestry with the involvement of local populations;

- A report from the Regional Committee on the programme for the Regional and Social Funds during 1994-1999. The Council has reached agreement on the Commission's proposal aiming to reduce the number of initiatives, improve planning and flexibility, simplify procedures and establish a financial reserve. Initiatives to be abandoned under the proposal include TELEMATIQUE, PRISMA, ENVIREG and STRIDE;

- The Environment Committee will report in favour of a combined CO2 and energy tax proposed by the Commission (COM(92) 180 of 20.5.1992) to support the Community strategy to stabilize carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2000 and to encourage the efficient use of energy.

Countries

Australia