| Mr President , firstly , with regard to the distressing subject of avalanches , the Commission wishes to express its distress and to offer its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of these events.In answer to the questions that have just been raised , I would point out that the Union has various tools to help prevent disasters and to deal with their effects. Firstly , as far as prevention is concerned , the European Union can help the mountain regions , notably through afforestation programmes for agricultural land. Objective 5b of the ERDF and the Structural Funds also allows us to implement forestry measures.The Commission's proposals on the rural development aspect of Agenda 2000 will further increase the possibilities for aid for afforestation and forestry improvement , if the Council agrees with the Commission's proposals. In the context of these proposals , compensatory payments could be made in order to preserve and improve the ecological stability of forests in areas where they have a protective and environmental role that is in the public interest.Within the framework of the 5b programmes in the Tyrol and Vorarlberg areas , the European Union is cofinancing the improvement of agricultural land , land management measures , planning and advice on the agricultural use of areas that are ecologically sensitive.In relation to what Mrs Leperre - Verrier just said , the Commission also supports the idea to draw up forestry maps and forestry development plans.Finally , and still on the issue of mapping , the ERDF can support cartographical studies of the mountainous areas that are at risk within the framework of transnational cooperation programmes | Die gemeinsame Aussprache ist geschlossen.Die Abstimmung findet um 17.30 Uhr statt.Damit ist die Debatte über aktuelle , dringliche und wichtige Fragen geschlossen.Die Sitzung wird bis 17.20 Uhr unterbrochen und um 17.30 Uhr wiederaufgenommen.Abstimmungen.Daneben fördert die Kommission die kartographische Erfassung der Wälder und die Entwicklung des Waldes - ich beziehe mich hier auf die Ausführungen von Frau Leperre - Verrier |
