’. Is not such a requirement more onerous than is required for the original product packaging and hence unduly restrictive of trade in parallel products, especially when the original product is sourced over time and consolidated in the re-packaging process, such that the product being re-packaged could derive from more than a single batch and it is not possible to label with certainty which batch the re-packaged product comprises? In such circumstances, would the Commission agree that the proposed requirement would unnecessarily perpetuate a non-tariff trade barrier?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2012)

‘packaging size, material or form, in terms of the potential adverse impact on the safety of the product’ as the reference product. The draft Guidance provides that in the case of deviations from the packaging size of the reference product, if the package size does not increase the risk associated with the product, the package can be considered equivalent. The draft Guidance does not prevent the granting of parallel trade permits for different packaging sizes than those of the reference product.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002134/12

to the Commission

John Bufton (EFD)

(23 February 2012)

Subject: Natural fertiliser loss

Is EU legislation about levels of nitrogen in groundwater having the effect of preventing the use of natural waste as natural fertiliser and thus causing its replacement with — and driving up the use of — artificial fertiliser?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2012)

No.

Under the Nitrates Directive (58), the limit on animal manure use is fixed at 170 kg N/hectare/year. This is designed to protect ground and surface water and to avoid eutrophication but does not prevent nor drive up the use of inorganic mineral fertilisers which, together with manures, contribute to plant needs. In particular circumstances established by the directive, the Commission can, at the request of a Member State, grant derogations to this limit to a higher limit provided the objectives of the Nitrates Directive are not put at risk. Other measures under the Nitrates Directive require the overall limitation of fertilisers’ application, on the basis of crop needs and all nitrogen available sources, which increases manure efficiency.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-002143/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante)

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(23 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Profugo eritreo a Rafah in pericolo di vita

Lo scorso dicembre un gruppo di persone è stato rapito, fuori dal campo profughi sudanese dell'ONU di Shagarab, dai trafficanti di uomini di Rashaida e rivenduto a una gang appartenente alla tribù Ramailat. Tra loro un gruppo di 27 persone di nazionalità eritrea, tra cui quattro ragazze e una donna con un bambino di pochi anni, sono stati condotti a Rafah.

Il gruppo ha subito violenze terribili, soprattutto le donne tra cui una ragazza incinta che per questo motivo ha subito un aborto. Alcuni di loro sono stati ammazzati e i loro cadaveri gettati nel deserto. Solo un ragazzo di 25 anni è stato risparmiato per portare l'acqua ad altri 125 prigionieri eritrei, sudanesi ed etiopi tenuti incatenati nelle case e nelle stalle del villaggio di Al Mahdya, alle porte di Rafah. Il testimone sa esattamente dove sono custoditi i prigionieri e sa la sorte che tocca a chi non riesce a pagare il riscatto.

«Pochi giorni fa uno dei carcerieri — rivela il testimone — mi ha fatto vedere un sacchetto di plastica contenente organi umani. Se non arriva il riscatto, mi ha detto minaccioso, vi uccidiamo e vi togliamo gli organi, tanto riusciamo a rivenderli subito».

Giovedì notte il giovane ragazzo eritreo riesce a rompere le catene ai piedi e scopre una buca scavata da alcuni prigionieri. I banditi si accorgono della sua fuga e cominciano a inseguirlo sparando. Svegliati dagli spari, i beduini salafiti dello sceicco M. danno rifugio all'eritreo. I trafficanti di uomini e di organi sono alla ricerca incessante del testimone e hanno messo una taglia di 50 mila dollari su di lui. La sua sorte è appesa a un filo. Tenuto conto che il governo vieta ai funzionari dell'Alto Commissariato delle Nazioni Unite di uscire dal Cairo, la soluzione della vicenda appare complicata. Si teme una sortita della banda, o che qualcuno dei salafiti ceda alla tentazione dei 50 mila dollari e consegni il giovane. I banditi vogliono farlo tacere per sempre, perché la sua voce è l'ennesima conferma delle torture che stanno subendo gli eritrei rapiti in Sudan. (Fonte: www.avvenire.it)

Ciò premesso, può il Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante far sapere se è al corrente della vicenda?

Il Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante è al corrente della tragica situazione dei profughi eritrei, in particolare del fatto che sono sottoposti a rapimenti, torture e traffico di uomini e di organi?

Cosa intende fare il Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante per tutelare la vita del profugo sfuggito ai predoni beduini di Rafah che lo tenevano prigioniero?

Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione

(23 maggio 2012)

L'AR/VP è al corrente della tragica situazione dei profughi subsahariani nella regione del Sinai e delle notizie sul caso specifico richiamato dall'on. parlamentare. Abbiamo seguito molto attentamente la questione dei profughi del Sinai tramite la delegazione al Cairo e in diverse occasioni abbiamo espresso la nostra preoccupazione ai ministri egiziani degli Affari esteri e dell'Interno. Recentissimamente, il 14 marzo, il rappresentante speciale dell'UE per il Corno d'Africa, Alexander Rondos, ha sollevato la questione dei profughi del Sinai e il caso specifico richiamato dall'on. parlamentare nel suo incontro al Cairo con il ministro degli Esteri Amr. L'interlocutore egiziano ne ha preso atto promettendo di seguire la vicenda. Continueremo a sollecitare le autorità egiziane affinché adottino gli opportuni provvedimenti per risolvere il problema della tratta di esseri umani nel Sinai e garantire il pieno rispetto dei diritti umani dei migranti e dei rifugiati residenti o in transito in Egitto. In tale contesto, all'UNHCR dovrebbe essere data piena possibilità di svolgere il suo mandato sull'intero territorio egiziano.

Purtroppo, finora si sono registrati progressi limitatissimi. Riteniamo che il miglior modo per migliorare la sicurezza di questa regione strategica e instabile consista in una profonda riforma del settore della sicurezza che consenta alle autorità egiziane di combattere i trafficanti e controllare le frontiere in modo più efficiente e al contempo di adempiere agli impegni in materia di diritti umani che hanno assunto in sede internazionale. L'UE è pronta a sostenere l'Egitto in questo sforzo, ma i nostri partner egiziani si dimostrano tuttora restii a impegnarsi su queste materie sensibili. Auspichiamo che con la fine della fase di transizione post-Mubarak e la nomina di un nuovo governo eletto democraticamente venga rivolta maggiore attenzione agli aspetti della sicurezza e dei diritti umani nella regione del Sinai.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-002143/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(23 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — An Eritrean refugee in Rafah whose life is in danger

Last December, a number of people were kidnapped outside a UN refugee camp in Shagarab, Sudan, by human traffickers from Rashaida and sold to a gang belonging to the Ramailat tribe. Amongst them was a group of 27 Eritreans, including four girls and a woman with a young infant that were taken to Rafah.

The group was subjected to terrible violence, especially the women, including one who was pregnant and miscarried for this reason. Several were killed and their bodies abandoned in the desert. Only one 25-year-old man was not harmed so that he could bring water to the other 125 Eritrean, Sudanese and Ethiopian prisoners who were being held in chains in houses and stables in the village of Al Mahdya, on the outskirts of Rafah. The witness knows where the prisoners are being held and what will happen to those for whom a ransom is not paid.

The witness states, ‘A few days ago, one of the jailers showed me a plastic bag containing human organs. If the ransom is not paid, he told me threateningly, “we will kill you and cut out your organs, which we can sell straight away”.’

On Thursday night the young Eritrean man broke out of his leg irons and discovered a hole dug by prisoners. When the captors became aware of his escape they chased and shot at him. Awoken by the shots, the Salafi Bedouin tribe led by Sheikh M. gave refuge to the Eritrean. The people and organ traffickers are now conducting a relentless search for the witness and have put up a USD 50 000 reward. His fate is hanging by a thread. Given that the government is forbidding United Nations High Commission employees from leaving Cairo, the solution appears to be complex. He is afraid that a member of the gang will seize him or that one of the Salfites will hand him over for the USD 50 000 reward. The gang want to silence him for good, because his voice is the ultimate confirmation of the torture that Eritreans kidnapped from Sudan are being subjected to. (Source: www.avvenire.it.)

In view of this, could the Vice-President/High Representative state whether she is aware of this situation?

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the current tragic situation facing Eritrean refugees, in particular the fact that they are subjected to kidnapping, torture and people and organ trafficking?

What does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to do to protect the life of the refugee who has escaped his Bedouin captors in Rafah?

Answer given by High Representative Ashton/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The HR/VP is aware of the tragic situation of the Sub-Saharan refugees in the Sinai region as well as reports about the specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member. We have followed very closely the issue of the Sinai refugees through our delegation in Cairo and we have expressed our concerns at numerous occasions to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Ministry of Interior. Very recently on March 14, the EUSR for the Horn of Africa, Mr Alexander Rondos, raised the issue of the Sinai refugees and of the specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member in his meeting with Foreign Minister Amr in Cairo. The Egyptian side took good note and promised to follow the matter. We will continue to urge the Egyptian authorities to take the appropriate measures to address the problem of human trafficking in the Sinai and to ensure that the human rights of migrants and refugees residing or transiting in Egypt are fully respected. In this context, UNHCR should be given full possibility to implement its mandate on the entire territory of Egypt.

Unfortunately, progress has so far been very limited. We believe that the best way to improve the security of this volatile and strategic region would be through a thorough reform of the security sector allowing the Egyptian authorities to fight traffickers and to control the borders in a more efficient manner while fulfilling their international human rights commitments. The EU stands ready to support Egypt in this endeavour but our Egyptian partners have been rather slow to engage on these sensitive matters for the time being. We hope that with the end of the post-Mubarak transitory phase and the appointment of a new democratically elected government, the security and human rights issues in the Sinai region will receive greater attention.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés P-002144/12

a Bizottság számára

Herczog Edit (S&D)

(2012. február 23.)

Tárgy: Mobil fizetesi rendszerek

A magyar országgyűlés a központosított mobil értékesítésű szolgáltatások mobil fizetési rendszeren keresztül történő értékesítésével kapcsolatosan megalkotta a 2011. évi CXCX. törvényt, amely a helyi közúti, a helyközi (távolsági) közúti, a vízi, a helyi elővárosi és az országos vasúti szolgáltatásokat központosított mobil értékesítésű szolgáltatásként kezeli, amelyet egy 100%-ban állami tulajdonban álló, a magyar kormány által kijelölt szervezet (úgynevezett nemzeti mobil fizetési szervezet), a saját rendszerén keresztül működtet.

— Aggályosnak tartja-e az Európai Bizottság, hogy a fent említett törvény állami monopóliumot teremt?

— Mit áll módjában tenni, ha annak egyes rendelkezései nem egyeztethetők össze az Európai Unió alapértékeivel, idevágó jogszabályaival?

— Van-e birtokában olyan adat vagy uniós hatástanulmány, amely az ilyen típusú — 100%-ban állami felügyelet alatt álló, központosított — mobil fizetési rendszerek hatékonyságát, fogyasztóvédelmi szempontoknak való megfelelését vizsgálja?

Joaquín Almunia válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. március 27.)

A magyarországi nemzeti mobil fizetési rendszerről szóló törvény (59) szerint egyes közszolgáltatóknak biztosítaniuk kell, hogy az ügyfelek szolgáltatásaikat a nemzeti mobil fizetési rendszeren megvásárolhassák. A rendszert a kormány által kijelölt szervezet működteti. A Bizottság tudomásul veszi, hogy a törvény végrehajtására szolgáló rendeleteket még nem fogadták el, és a működtető szervezet kijelölésére még nem került sor.

Az EUMSZ 106. cikkének (1) bekezdése előírja, hogy a közvállalkozások és az olyan vállalkozások esetében, amelyeknek a tagállamok különleges vagy kizárólagos jogokat biztosítanak, a tagállamok nem hozhatnak és nem tarthatnak fenn a Szerződésekben foglalt szabályokkal (60) ellentétes rendelkezést. E cikk alkalmazása tekintetében az Európai Unió Bírósága megállapította, hogy egy tagállam sértheti a Szerződést (61), amennyiben egy olyan helyzetet teremtő jogszabályt fogad el, amelyben egy közvállalkozás vagy egy vállalkozás, amelynek a tagállam különleges vagy kizárólagos jogokat biztosít, nem kerülheti el az erőfölényes helyzetével való visszaélést (62).

Annak vizsgálata, hogy egy ilyen jogszabály összeegyeztethető-e a Szerződéssel, megköveteli a tények és az ügy konkrét körülményeinek részletes elemzését. A Bizottság ezért figyelemmel kíséri majd a magyarországi pénzforgalmi ágazatban jelentkező azon mutatókat, amelyek a Szerződés vonatkozó rendelkezései és a fennálló joggyakorlat fényében aggodalomra adhatnak okot.

A Bizottságnak nincs tudomása olyan uniós hatáshatástanulmányról, amely az ilyen központosított mobil fizetési rendszerek hatékonyságát vizsgálja.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-002144/12

to the Commission

Edit Herczog (S&D)

(23 February 2012)

Subject: Mobile payment systems

In 2011, the Hungarian Parliament passed Act CXCX concerning the sale of centralised mobile distribution services via a mobile payment system, which treats local road, trunk-road, water, local suburban and national rail services as centralised mobile distribution services. This operation is run by an organisation (a so-called national mobile payment organisation) appointed by the Hungarian Government and wholly owned by the State, using its own system.

— Is the European Commission concerned that the abovementioned law creates a state monopoly?

— What can it do if some of the law’s provisions are incompatible with the European Union’s fundamental values and relevant legislation?

— Does the Commission have any information or the results of an EU impact study examining the effectiveness of such centralised mobile payment systems under complete state supervision and their compliance from a consumer-protection perspective?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(27 March 2012)

Under the Act on the national mobile payment system in Hungary (63) the providers of certain public services shall be obliged to ensure that their services can be purchased using the national mobile payment system. The system shall be operated by the organisation appointed by the government. The Commission understands that the implementing regulations of the Act have not yet been adopted and the operating entity has not been appointed.

Article 106 (1) TFEU provides that in the case of public undertakings and undertakings to which Member States grant special or exclusive rights Member States shall neither enact nor maintain in force any measure contrary to the rules contained in the Treaties (64). In the application of this Article, the Court of Justice of the European Union has held that a Member State may breach the Treaty (65) if it adopts any law that creates a situation in which a public undertaking or an undertaking on which it has conferred special or exclusive rights cannot avoid abusing its dominant position (66).

An analysis of the compatibility of such an Act with the Treaty always requires a detailed analysis of the facts and the specific circumstances of the case. The Commission will therefore monitor the Hungarian payments sector for any indications that could raise concerns in light of the relevant Treaty provisions and the prevailing case law.

The Commission is not aware of any EU impact study examining the effectiveness of such centralised mobile payment systems.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-002159/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) y Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE)

(23 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Créditos de carbono del MDL procedentes de incineradoras y vertederos

Las políticas de la UE sobre la gestión de residuos sólidos municipales dan prioridad a la jerarquía de residuos, es decir, a la reducción, la reutilización y el reciclado de residuos. Asimismo, la UE está tomando medidas y consiguiendo desviar los residuos orgánicos procedentes de vertederos e incrementar la tasa de reciclado, en aras del desarrollo de un uso cada vez más eficaz de los recursos naturales. Sin embargo, las políticas europeas de protección del clima parecen contradecir estas acciones, en la medida en que permiten los créditos de emisión de carbono procedentes de sistemas de gases de vertedero y de incineradoras de residuos (los mismos métodos de eliminación que se encuentran en la base de la jerarquía de residuos) en el régimen de comercio de emisiones de la UE.

Un informe reciente titulado «El doble rasero de la UE en materia de gestión de residuos y política de protección del clima» (67), sugiere que los créditos de carbono procedentes de incineradoras y sistemas de gases de vertedero están fomentando la generación de emisiones tóxicas, socavando las prácticas actuales de reciclado y compostaje, desplazando al sector de reciclado informal, incentivando los vertederos de residuos y la quema de productos reciclables con combustibles fósiles y, por último, llenando el mercado del carbono de la UE con créditos de emisión que no representan las reducciones reales de las emisiones. El informe viene a decir que la UE apoya los proyectos de gestión de residuos en países en vías de desarrollo que serían ilegales en territorio europeo.

— En vista de estas afirmaciones, ¿tiene previsto la Comisión tomar medidas para remediar esta situación?

— En particular, ¿consideraría la Comisión excluir los créditos de carbono procedentes de proyectos de gases de vertedero e incineradoras de residuos del mercado del carbono europeo (EU ETS)?

Respuesta de la Sra. Hedegaard en nombre de la Comisión

(10 de abril de 2012)

El Mecanismo de Desarrollo Limpio (MDL) es un mecanismo neutral desde el punto de vista tecnológico en virtud del cual toda mejora incremental puede dar lugar a créditos de carbono. La integridad ambiental del MDL es ante todo responsabilidad de la Junta Ejecutiva del MDL de las Naciones Unidas, mientras que corresponde a los Estados de acogida determinar las prioridades y evaluar la contribución de los proyectos concretos al desarrollo sostenible.

La Comisión ha tenido conocimiento de las críticas elevadas por algunas ONG ante la Junta Ejecutiva del MDL en relación con la obtención de créditos de carbono derivados de proyectos para la construcción de incineradoras y vertederos, y tiene entendido que, a raíz de dichas críticas, la Junta ha revisado algunas metodologías e instrumentos en materia de tratamiento de residuos a fin de dotarlos de mayor coherencia y mejorar su integridad. La Junta ha desarrollado asimismo una metodología de enfoque descendente y a pequeña escala para el reciclaje de residuos (AMS-IIIJ).

Entre sus medidas de aplicación, la Directiva relativa al Régimen de Comercio de Derechos de Emisión (68) dispone la introducción de restricciones de uso de créditos que, de lo contrario, podrían utilizarse en la tercera fase del Régimen de Comercio de Derechos de Emisión de la UE durante el periodo 2013 a 2020. Aunque la legislación autoriza la introducción de restricciones adicionales a las adoptadas a principios de 2011, la Comisión no se plantea por el momento ninguna restricción de utilización adicional.

La Comisión desea recordar que la Directiva relativa al Régimen de Comercio de Derechos de Emisión únicamente permite la utilización de créditos procedentes de proyectos MDL registrados después de 2012 si estos se llevan a cabo en países menos desarrollados (PMD). De este modo se suprime, en la práctica, la demanda en la UE de créditos derivados de nuevos proyectos de incineración de residuos y vertederos fuera de los PMD.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-002159/12

till kommissionen

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) och Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE)

(23 februari 2012)

Angående: Koldioxidkrediter inom mekanismen för ren utveckling från förbränningsanläggningar och deponier

I EU:s politik för hantering av fast kommunalt avfall prioriteras avfallshierarkin, det vill säga begränsning av avfallsmängden, återutnyttjande och materialåtervinning. I en anda av att utveckla ett allt mer effektivt utnyttjande av naturresurser har EU dessutom med framgång vidtagit steg för att begränsa mängden organiskt material som deponeras och för att öka återvinningsgraden. EU:s klimatpolitik tycks emellertid stå i strid med detta, i det att kolkrediter från deponigassystem och avfallsförbränning (de avfallshanteringsmetoder som återfinns längst ner i avfallshierarkin) tillåts komma in i EU:s system för utsläppshandel.

I den nyligen publicerade rapporten The EU Double Standards on Waste Management and Climate Policy  (69) antyds att koldioxidkrediter från förbränningsanläggningar och deponigas bidrar till giftiga utsläpp, riskerar aktuell praxis när det gäller återvinning och kompostering, ersätter den informella återvinningssektorn, ger incitament för att deponera avfall och för att bränna återvinnbart avfall med fossila bränslen och slutligen mättar EU:s koldioxidmarknad med koldioxidkrediter som inte står för verkliga utsläppsminskningar. Enligt rapporten stöder EU i slutändan avfallshanteringsprojekt i utvecklingsländer som skulle vara olagliga inom EU.

— Mot bakgrund av dessa påståenden, har kommissionen planer på vidta steg för att åtgärda situationen?

— Kan kommissionen särskilt överväga att utesluta koldioxidkrediter från deponigas‐ och avfallsförbränningsprojekt från den europeiska koldioxidmarknaden (EU:s system för handel med utsläppsrätter)?

Svar från Connie Hedegaard på kommissionens vägnar

(10 april 2012)

Mekanismen för ren utveckling (CDM) är en teknikneutral mekanism där alla gradvisa förbättringar kan krediteras. Ansvaret för CDM:s miljöintegritet har först och främst FN:s exekutivstyrelse för CDM (CDM Executive Board), medan det är värdländerna som ska bekräfta prioriteringar och bedömningar av ett projekts bidrag till hållbar utveckling.

Kommissionen är medveten om den kritik som vissa icke-statliga organisationer riktat mot exekutivstyrelsen för att deponerings‐ och förbränningsprojekt krediterats. Kommissionen har förstått att exekutivstyrelsen efter denna kritik har sett över flera avfallsmetoder och avfallsverktyg för att förbättra deras enhetlighet och fullständighet. Exekutivstyrelsen har också utvecklat en småskalig ”top-down”-metod för avfallsåtervinning (AMS-IIIJ).

I direktivet om utsläppshandel (70) föreskrivs att restriktioner för utnyttjandet ska införas i samband med genomförandebestämmelserna för krediter som också kan utnyttjas under fas 3 av EU:s system för handel med utsläppsrätter, som gäller från 2013 till 2020. Enligt lagstiftningen får ytterligare restriktioner för utnyttjandet införas utöver de som antogs i början av 2011, men kommissionen planerar för närvarande inga sådana ytterligare restriktioner.

Kommissionen vill påminna om att direktivet om utsläppshandel bara tillåter utnyttjande av krediter från projekt som registrerats efter 2012, förutsatt att de härrör från projekt i de minst utvecklade länderna. Detta kommer i praktiken att undanröja EU-efterfrågan på krediter från deponerings‐ och förbränningsprojekt utanför de minst utvecklade länderna.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002159/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) and Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE)

(23 February 2012)

Subject: CDM carbon credits from incinerators and landfills

EU policies on municipal solid waste management prioritise the Waste Hierarchy, that is, waste reduction, reutilisation, and recycling. Moreover, the EU is successfully taking steps to divert organic waste from landfills and increase recycling rates, in the spirit of developing an increasingly efficient use of natural resources. EU climate policies appear to contradict this, however, insofar as they allow carbon credits from landfill gas systems (LFG) and waste incinerators (the very disposal methods at the bottom of the Waste Hierarchy) into the EU Emissions Trading System.

A recent report, ‘The EU Double Standards on Waste Management and Climate Policy’ (71), suggests that carbon credits from incinerators and LFG are fostering the generation of toxic emissions, jeopardising current practices of recycling and composting, displacing the informal recycling sector, incentivising the landfilling of waste and the burning of recyclables with fossil fuels, and finally, filling up the EU carbon market with carbon credits that do not represent real emission reductions. Ultimately, the report says, the EU is supporting waste management projects in developing countries that would be illegal on European soil.

— In light of these claims, is the Commission planning to take any steps to remedy this situation?

— In particular, would the Commission consider the exclusion of carbon credits from landfill gas and waste incinerator projects from the European carbon market (EU ETS)?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2012)

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a technology neutral mechanism, where all incremental improvements can be credited. The environmental integrity of the CDM is first and foremost the responsibility of the UN's CDM Executive Board, while the determination of priorities and assessment of a project's contribution to sustainable development is something that host countries must confirm.

The Commission is aware of the criticisms put forward to the CDM Executive Board by certain NGOs regarding the crediting of landfill and waste incinerator projects. It understands that following these criticisms, the Board has revised several waste methodologies and tools to improve their consistency and integrity. The Board has also developed a top-down small-scale methodology for waste recycling (AMS-IIIJ).

The ETS Directive (72) provides for use restrictions to be introduced as part of the implementing provisions for credits which are otherwise usable during phase 3 of the EU ETS, running from 2013 to 2020. While the legislation allows putting in place further use restrictions adding to those adopted in early 2011, the Commission is currently not planning any additional use restrictions.

The Commission would recall the ETS Directive only allows the use of credits from CDM projects registered after 2012 if they come from projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This will de facto remove EU demand for credits from landfilling and waste incineration projects from new projects outside LDCs..

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-002162/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(23 février 2012)

Objet: La spéculation sur les matières premières affole le monde agricole

Le 14 juillet 2010, les cours du cacao ont atteint sur le marché à terme leur plus haut niveau depuis septembre 1977, en grimpant jusqu'à plus de 3 270 euros la tonne. Un seul spéculateur est à l'origine de cette flambée inhabituelle des prix. Sur fond de mauvaises récoltes en Afrique, Anthony Ward, président du fonds d'investissement britannique Armajaro, a ainsi mis la main en juillet 2010 sur près de 240 100 tonnes de cacao, soit l'équivalent de 7 % de la production mondiale, 15 % des stocks mondiaux et 25 % des stocks européens estimés. L'objectif était clair: assécher le marché pour créer de la rareté, faire grimper les cours et revendre au prix fort. Une telle opération de spéculation est appelée squeeze ou corner outre-Manche. Anthony Ward n'en est d'ailleurs pas à son coup d'essai. En 2002, ce spécialiste du marché du cacao s'était en effet distingué par l'acquisition expresse de 204 000 tonnes de fèves. Elles lui avaient rapporté 47,4 millions d'euros à la revente deux mois plus tard.

En 2011, des traders britanniques ont rapporté au Bureau of Investigate Journalism qu'une entreprise, propriété de Cargill et ABF, avait tenté de manipuler le marché du blé. Ainsi, Frontier Agriculture a acheté tout le blé disponible sur le marché via tous les contrats à terme du mois de mai sur le London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (Liffe), le marché à terme britannique. Elle a donc acheté près de 225.000 tonnes de blé fourrager pour un montant de près de 46 millions d'euros. Le prix du blé étant extrêmement volatile avec notamment une augmentation de 70 % l'année précédente, de nombreuses inquiétudes sont apparues suite à ces manœuvres. De plus, le prix du blé fourrager a un impact sur les cours du blé alimentaire utilisé, par exemple, pour le pain.

Le renforcement des règles régissant les transactions sur les marchés agricoles n'en est que plus urgent. Aujourd'hui, un spéculateur habile contrôle à lui seul près de 10 % de la production mondiale de cacao et 15 % des stocks mondiaux. Qu'en sera-t-il si demain un ou plusieurs spéculateurs s'entendaient pour prendre le contrôle de 10, 20 ou 30 % du marché mondial du blé?

Le blé est un produit de première nécessité dont dépend directement l'alimentation de près de la moitié de la population mondiale. À l'heure où plus d'un milliard de personnes souffre de la faim dans le monde, il n'est pas admissible que les matières premières agricoles puissent être le terrain de jeu des spéculateurs.

Quels réglementations et organes de contrôle efficaces la Commission compte-t-elle mettre en place pour mettre un terme à la spéculation non régulée qui menace l'équilibre mondial?

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(30 avril 2012)

En octobre 2011, la Commission a présenté plusieurs propositions législatives (73) visant à améliorer la transparence et la surveillance des instruments dérivés sur matières premières dans le cadre du réexamen de la directive sur les marchés d'instruments financiers (MiFID) et de la directive sur les abus de marché (MAD). La directive MiFID contient un certain nombre de mesures spécifiques aux marchés des instruments dérivés sur matières premières, comme la réduction des dérogations pour garantir la participation de tous les acteurs concernés, une transparence accrue, des obligations de communication des positions et un système de limitation des positions. Le réexamen de la directive MAD étend le champ d'application de celle-ci aux cas d'abus de marché qui concernent à la fois les marchés de matières premières et les marchés de dérivés qui y sont liés. Ces propositions sont conformes aux engagements généraux que nous avons pris au sein du G-20 et aux principes de réglementation établis par l'Organisation internationale des commissions de valeurs mobilières (OICV).

L'introduction d'un système visant à fixer des limites de position, associée au renforcement du cadre de la directive MAD, empêchera les acteurs du marché de se constituer des positions importantes sur les marchés à terme et interdira explicitement d'utiliser les dérivés pour influencer le cours des marchés au comptant associés ou d'utiliser les transactions sur les marchés au comptant pour manipuler les marchés de dérivés.

Actuellement, les régulateurs financiers nationaux sont déjà chargés de la surveillance de tous les marchés d'instruments dérivés sur matières premières. Une transparence accrue et les nouveaux instruments de surveillance décrits plus haut leur permettront de mieux comprendre le rôle joué par la spéculation sur ces marchés et de réagir plus rapidement face aux pratiques déstabilisantes ou abusives. La proposition introduit également une obligation de coopération et d'échange d'informations entre les régulateurs financiers et les régulateurs des marchés de matières premières au comptant (c'est-à-dire physiques) lorsque ceux-ci existent.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002162/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(23 February 2012)

Subject: Commodity speculation is throwing the farming world into a panic

On 14 July 2010, cocoa prices on the futures market reached their highest level since September 1977, climbing to more than EUR 3 270 per tonne. A single speculator was behind this remarkable price peak. Harvests in Africa had been poor, and Anthony Ward, chairman of the UK commodity hedge fund Armajaro, managed to get his hands on nearly 240 100 tonnes of cocoa in July 2010, equivalent to 7 % of world cocoa production, 15 % of global stocks and 25 % of estimated European stocks. The aim was clearly to drain the market and create scarcity, drive up prices and sell on the acquisitions at a higher price. In the United Kingdom this well-known speculation ploy is termed a squeeze or corner. It was not Anthony Ward’s first stunt. In 2002, this cocoa market specialist had attracted notice by speedily buying up 204 000 tonnes of beans, which earned him EUR 47.4 million when sold two months later.

In 2011, British traders told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism that a company owned by Cargill and ABF had tried to manipulate the wheat market. Frontier Agriculture bought all available May futures contracts on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (Liffe), the UK futures market. It thus bought nearly 225 000 tonnes of feed wheat worth almost EUR 46 million. Given that wheat prices were extremely volatile, particularly with the 70 % increase the year before, these operations sparked numerous anxieties. Moreover, the price of feed wheat has an impact on the price of food wheat used, for example, to make bread.

It is now more necessary than ever to strengthen the trade rules governing agricultural markets. Today, one crafty speculator alone controls almost 10 % of world cocoa production and 15 % of global stocks. What would happen if, tomorrow, one or more speculators conspired to take control of 10 %, 20 %, or 30 % of the global wheat market?

Wheat is the food staple on which nearly half the world’s population directly depends. At a time when more than a billion people in the world are suffering from hunger, it is unacceptable for agricultural commodities to be treated as the playthings of speculators.

What rules and effective supervisory bodies will the Commission put in place to stop this unregulated speculation threatening world stability?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2012)

The Commission presented in October 2011 legislative proposals (74) to improve the transparency and oversight of commodity derivatives as part of the reviews of the Market in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and the Market Abuse Directive (MAD). MiFID includes a number of measures specific to the commodity derivatives markets, such as reducing the exemptions to ensure that all relevant players are authorised, enhanced transparency, position reporting requirements, and a position limits regime. The MAD review extends its scope to market abuse cases occurring across both commodity and related derivatives markets. These proposals are in line with our global G-20 commitments and the principles of regulation established by the International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO).

The introduction of a position limits regime combined with the strengthening of the MAD framework will prevent market participants from building up large positions in the futures markets and explicitly prohibit the use of derivatives to manipulate the price of the related spot markets or to use transactions in the spot markets to manipulate derivatives markets.

The national financial regulators are already today responsible for the supervision of all types of commodity derivatives markets. The increase in transparency and the new supervisory tools described above will allow them to better understand the role of speculation in these markets and to react more swiftly to disruptive or abusive trading practices. The proposal also introduces an obligation to cooperate and exchange information between financial regulators and the regulators of spot (i.e. physical) commodity markets where they exist.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-002186/12

adresată Comisiei

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(27 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Comerțul on-line cu medicamente

Comerțul electronic cu medicamente a luat amploare în Europa în ultimul timp, în condițiile în care peste 50 % din medicamentele vândute pe internet sunt falsificate, ceea ce reprezintă o reală amenințare pentru concetățenii noștri.

Pierderea în greutate, îmbunătățirea performanțelor sexuale, renunțarea la fumat, lupta împotriva depresiei, cancerul, toate sunt motive pentru care oferta pe Internet abundă la astfel de medicamente.

Astfel de produse contrafăcute pot avea consecințe fatale pentru pacienți, care este posibil să nu fie conștienți că au devenit victime ale unei înșelătorii și că medicamentele comandate pe internet sunt doar imitații de medicamente. Ca să citez o declarație a fostului secretar general al Interpol, Ronald Noble, care compara numărul de victime ale terorismului cu cel al victimelor medicamentelor contrafăcute: în decursul unei perioade de 45 de ani, teroriștii au ucis 65 000 de oameni, în timp ce medicamentele contrafăcute au provocat 200 000 de victime numai în China.

În acest context este binevenită propunerea de directivă a Parlamentului European și a Consiliului de modificare a Directivei 2001/83/CE privind prevenirea pătrunderii în lanțul legal de aprovizionare a medicamentelor falsificate în ceea ce privește identitatea, istoricul sau sursa acestora (COM(2008)0668 — C6 0513/2008 — 2008/0261(COD)). Conform acestei directive, va fi introdus un logo standard, pentru a identifica site-urile web de încredere care vând produse farmaceutice. Astfel, cumpărătorii își pot da seama dacă este vorba de un site sigur, legal sau de unul ilegal.

1. Ce măsuri are în vedere Comisia cu privire la cei care vor continua să încalce legislația în domeniu?

2. Ce măsuri intenționează să ia Comisia pentru a informa cetățenii europeni în primul rând despre riscurile achizițiilor de medicamente pe internet și, în al doilea rând, despre acest sistem unic de identificare a site-urilor acreditate?

Răspuns dat de dl Dalli în numele Comisiei

(3 aprilie 2012)

Comisia este conștientă de problema vânzărilor ilegale de medicamente pe internet și lucrează la punerea în aplicare a directivei menționate anterior. Directiva prevede că statele membre vor fi responsabile cu stabilirea normelor privind sancțiunile (eficiente, proporționale și cu efect de descurajare) aplicabile în cazul încălcărilor dispozițiilor prevăzute în directivă și vor trebui să asigure punerea în aplicare a sancțiunilor respective.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002186/12

to the Commission

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(27 February 2012)

Subject: Online trade in medicinal products

With online trade in medicinal products increasing exponentially in Europe in recent times, over 50 % of such products are counterfeit, representing a real threat to our fellow citizens.

Weight loss, improved sexual performance, giving up smoking, combating depression and cancer, are all reasons why offers for such medicinal products are appearing in their droves on the Internet.

These types of counterfeit medicinal products can have fatal consequences for patients, who may not be aware that they are victims of deception and that the medicinal products ordered on the Internet are only imitations. To quote a statement made by the former Interpol Secretary General, Ronald Noble, comparing the number of victims claimed by terrorism and counterfeit medicinal products respectively, over a period of 45 years, terrorists have killed 65 000 people, while counterfeit medicinal products have claimed 200 000 victims in China alone.

In this context, the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2001/83/EC as regards the prevention of the entry into the legal supply chain of medicinal products which are falsified in relation to their identity, history or source (COM(2008) 0668 — C60513/2008 — 2008/0261(COD)) is to be welcomed. In accordance with this directive, a standard logo will be introduced in order to identify reliable websites that sell pharmaceutical products. In this way, buyers can tell if the site is secure, and whether it is legal or illegal.

1. What measures does the Commission envisage regarding continued non-compliance with legislation in this area?

2. What measures does the Commission intend to take to inform European citizens, firstly, about the risks of purchasing medicinal products on the Internet, and secondly, about this unique identification system for accredited sites?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(3 April 2012)

The Commission is aware of the problem of illegal sales of medicines on the web and is working on the implementation of the abovementioned Directive. The directive foresees that Member States will be responsible for laying down rules on penalties (effective, proportionate and dissuasive) applicable to infringements to the provisions set out in the directive and they will have to ensure that those penalties are implemented.

2. The directive also foresees the promotion by the Commission, in cooperation with the European Medicine Agency and Member States authorities, of information campaigns on the dangers of falsified medicinal products, in particular, those sold over the Internet. Two videos have already been produced by the Commission (78). Further campaigns may be promoted once the trust logo for online pharmacies will be put in place.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-002196/12

à la Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(27 février 2012)

Objet: Soutien aux filières d'approvisionnement de qualité dans la grande distribution

Certaines enseignes de grande distribution, notamment en France, ont fait le choix de garantir la meilleure qualité possible et la traçabilité de leurs produits du champ à l'assiette, afin d'offrir à leurs clients des produits frais et authentiques et de nouer des partenariats durables avec les producteurs-éleveurs.

Cette démarche innovante est réciproquement profitable, car elle permet, d'une part, à la grande distribution de s'approvisionner en produits respectant des critères environnementaux et de qualité stricts et, d'autre part, aux éleveurs-producteurs d'avoir des débouchés sûrs et des prix de vente de leur production élevés.

C'est un atout indéniable non seulement pour la rémunération des exploitants agricoles et pour l'emploi rural, mais aussi pour la mise en valeur et la préservation de savoir-faire traditionnels reconnus. C'est également une méthode qui, en s'engageant sur des volumes prévisionnels d'achat en amont de la production, permet d'anticiper et d'organiser la production et de corriger l'impact négatif de la saisonnalité des activités agricoles.

Dans un contexte où le monde agricole est de plus en plus fragilisé et où les exigences des consommateurs en termes de qualité et de traçabilité sont de plus en plus grandes, il y a lieu de soutenir et d'encourager les engagements qualité de ces enseignes de grande distribution.

1. La Commission est-elle favorable à ce type de démarche, qui crée un partenariat durable entre tous les acteurs de la chaîne logistique alimentaire et le monde de la distribution?

2. Dans quelle mesure la Commission pourrait-elle soutenir ces filières d'approvisionnement fondées sur la qualité et la traçabilité, et encourager leur développement?

Réponse donnée par M. Cioloș au nom de la Commission

(4 avril 2012)

La Commission est effectivement favorable aux initiatives appropriées prises par les détaillants pour garantir les qualités particulières de leurs produits alimentaires, à condition que toutes les règles applicables soient respectées.

La politique actuelle de développement rural de l'UE, mise en place pour la période 2007-2013, permet d'aider les agriculteurs à faire face aux coûts initiaux liés à leur participation aux régimes de qualité alimentaire reconnus par un État membre. En ce qui concerne les systèmes de certification volontaires, la Commission a élaboré des lignes directrices indiquant les meilleures pratiques concernant leur application.

Conformément aux propositions de la Commission relatives au développement rural après 2013, il y a lieu d'accorder une aide non seulement aux agriculteurs qui participent pour la première fois aux régimes de qualité de l'Union ou aux programmes reconnus par les États membres selon certains critères, mais aussi aux systèmes de certification volontaires pour les produits agricoles reconnus par les États membres, pour leur respect des lignes directrices sur les meilleures pratiques de l'Union.

Le forum à haut niveau sur l'amélioration du fonctionnement de la chaîne d'approvisionnement alimentaire étudie actuellement les possibilités pour créer une base de données sur la législation existante en matière d'étiquetage, qui pourrait également inclure l'étiquetage volontaire des denrées alimentaires. Celle-ci permettrait de fournir des orientations et de poursuivre l'harmonisation en ce qui concerne les régimes volontaires.

Par ailleurs, une aide sera accordée à un large éventail d'activités de coopération menées dans le secteur agroalimentaire de l'UE, en particulier dans la perspective de développer les circuits d'approvisionnement courts et les marchés locaux.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002196/12

to the Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(27 February 2012)

Subject: Support for high-quality supply chains in mass retail

Certain leading mass retailers, particularly in France, have chosen to guarantee the best possible quality and the traceability of their products from field to fork, in order to offer their customers fresh and authentic products and to establish sustainable partnerships with producers and farmers.

This innovative approach is mutually beneficial, as on the one hand it allows mass retailers to source products which comply with strict environmental and quality criteria, and on the other hand gives farmers and producers secure outlets and allows them to sell their products at high prices.

This is an undeniable asset, not only as regards farm income and rural employment, but also as regards the promotion and preservation of traditional and well-established know-how. This method also makes it possible to anticipate and organise production and to counteract the negative impact of the seasonal variations in agricultural activities, since it involves committing to expected sales volumes in advance of production.

In a situation where the agricultural community is being increasingly weakened, and where consumers are making ever greater demands in terms of quality and traceability, the quality commitments made by these leading mass retailers should be supported and encouraged.

1. Does the Commission support this kind of approach, which creates a sustainable partnership between all players in the food logistics chain and the distribution system?

2. To what extent could the Commission support these supply chains based on quality and traceability, and encourage their development?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2012)

The Commission is indeed in favour of appropriate initiatives by retailers to guarantee particular qualities in their food products — provided that all relevant rules are complied with.

In the current period of 2007-2013, the EU's rural development policy can help farmers meet the initial costs of becoming involved in food quality schemes recognised by a Member State. As regards voluntary certification schemes, the Commission developed guidelines showing best practice for their operation.

According to the Commission's proposals with regard to the rural development post 2013, support should be available not only for new participation by farmers in Union quality schemes or those recognised by Member States according to certain criteria, but also for voluntary agricultural product certification schemes recognised by Member States as meeting the Union best practice guidelines.

The High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain is currently exploring possibilities of creating a database of existing labelling legislation-, which could also include voluntary food labelling. This could help to provide guidance and lead to further harmonisation concerning voluntary schemes.

Moreover, support will be available for a broad range of cooperation activities within the EU agri-food sector, especially with a view to developing short supply chains and local markets.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002202/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Misure per il settore dei foraggi essiccati

Il 31 marzo 2012 verrà azzerato il sostegno alla trasformazione dei foraggi essiccati. Dopo la revisione intermedia e il parziale disaccoppiamento del sostegno dell'UE, la produzione europea di foraggi essiccati si è progressivamente ridotta da 5 a 3,5 milioni di tonnellate. La sopravvivenza della filiera italiana è in pericolo, con pregiudizio di 15 000 addetti, di cui 900 dipendenti, 10 000 agricoltori e un indotto di 4 000 unità, nonché con una drastica riduzione delle superfici a erba medica.

In particolari aree dell'Italia, circa 80 000 ettari sono coltivati a erba medica e la coltura prospera perché esistono in zona gli impianti di trasformazione anche se non sono presenti allevamenti di bestiame. Senza allevamenti manca il letame, ma la fertilità dei terreni è affidata alla coltura dell'erba medica.

L'eventuale chiusura degli impianti, la mancanza di allevamenti, la concorrenza dei cereali e delle biomasse mettono a rischio questa coltura che non troverebbe collocazione.

L'erba medica, se trasformata, rappresenta la più alta fonte di proteine dell'UE (2 500 kg proteine/ha).

È pianta miglioratrice perché:

L'unica speranza di sopravvivenza della filiera è ora affidata all'art. 38 (sostegno accoppiato facoltativo) previsto nella nuova PAC, il quale permetterebbe un aiuto agli agricoltori che coltivano erba medica da destinare alla trasformazione.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione dire:

Risposta data da Dacian Cioloş a nome della Commissione

(2 aprile 2012)

Le condizioni per la concessione del sostegno accoppiato facoltativo di cui all’articolo 38 della proposta di regolamento che stabilisce le norme relative ai pagamenti diretti saranno adottate dalla Commissione per mezzo di atti delegati, tenendo conto in particolare della necessità di limitare eventuali effetti distorsivi sui mercati interessati.

Peraltro, il fatto che l’Italia abbia deciso di non attuare il sostegno specifico previsto all’articolo 68 del regolamento (CE) n. 73/2009 (79) a favore dell’erba medica, mentre la Francia ha attuato una misura che riguarda talune colture proteiche e leguminose foraggere è dovuto al modo in cui è concepito il regime in oggetto, nell’ambito del quale spetta agli Stati membri decidere come utilizzare il sostegno specifico e le relative misure da adottare. D’altro canto, alla Commissione non sono state segnalate distorsioni nell’ambito di questo mercato.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002202/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 February 2012)

Subject: Measures for the dried fodder sector

On 31 March 2012, support for the processing of dried fodder will be removed. Since the mid-term review and the partial decoupling of EU support, European production of dried fodder has progressively dropped from 5 to 3.5 million tonnes. The survival of the Italian sector is in danger, to the detriment of 15 000 workers, including 900 employees, 10 000 farmers and 4 000 related industries, in addition to a drastic reduction in the surface area given over to alfalfa.

In certain areas of Italy, approximately 80 000 hectares are planted with alfalfa, and the crop prospers because there are processing plants in the area, despite there being no livestock farms. Without such farms, there is a lack of manure, but soil fertility is assured by the cultivation of alfalfa.

The possible closure of the processing plants, the lack of livestock farms and the competition from cereals and biomass crops would put this crop’s cultivation at risk, as there would be no room for it.

When processed, alfalfa is the EU’s highest source of protein (2 500 kg protein/hectare).

It is a catch crop because:

The only hope for survival of the sector now lies in Article 38 (voluntary coupled support) of the new CAP, which would provide aid for farmers growing alfalfa for processing.

In the light of the above, can the Commission state:

(Version française)

Les conditions pour l'octroi du soutien couplé facultatif prévu à l'article 38 de la proposition de règlement établissant les règles relatives aux paiement directs seront adoptées par la Commission par voie d'actes délégués en tenant compte notamment de la nécessité de limiter d'éventuels effets de distorsion sur les marchés concernés.

Par ailleurs, le fait que l'Italie ait décidé de ne pas mettre en œuvre le soutien spécifique prévu à l'article 68 du règlement (CE) no 73/2009 (80) en faveur de la luzerne alors que la France a mis en œuvre une mesure visant certains protéagineux et légumineuses fourragères résulte de la conception même de ce régime dans lequel il incombe aux États membres de décider la façon dont le soutien spécifique est utilisé et les mesures mises en œuvre dans ce cadre. La Commission n'a d'ailleurs pas été informée de quelque distorsion que ce soit sur ce marché.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-002206/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. februára 2012)

Vec: Právo na zlúčenie rodiny

Výbor Európskeho parlamentu pre občianske slobody, spravodlivosť a vnútorné záležitosti LIBE sa nedávno zaoberal konzultáciou Komisie v súvislosti so snahou členských štátov o presadzovanie práva na zlúčenie rodiny vo svetle smernica Rady 2003/86/ES z 22. septembra 2003 o práve na zlúčenie rodiny. Táto smernica stanovuje podmienky, ktoré musia splniť rodinní príslušníci osôb, ktoré síce nie sú občanmi Európskej únie, na jej území sa však legálne zdržiavajú. Určuje podmienky, ktoré ak rodinní príslušníci týchto osôb splnia, získajú oprávnenie na vstup a zdržiavanie sa na území Európskej únie. Cieľom Komisie je revíziou súčasne platného znenia tejto smernice posilniť záruky zlúčenia rodiny. Rozprava by však mohla byť ovplyvnená problémami migračnej politiky, čo je v súčasnosti, keď mnohé členské krajiny otvorenú migračnú politiku nepodporujú, nebezpečné.

Považuje Európska komisia revíziu smernice o práve na zlúčenie rodiny za vhodne načasovanú?

Ak áno, akým spôsobom zaručí, že sa debata nezvrtne a revízia nebude mať negatívny dopad na migračnú politiku Európskej únie?

Odpoveď pani Malmströmovej v mene Komisie

(11. apríla 2012)

Smernica 2003/86/ES bola prvým krokom k harmonizácii podmienok pre výkon práva na zlúčenie rodiny a na uľahčenie integrácie štátnych príslušníkov tretích krajín spĺňajúcich podmienky v danom členskom štáte. V Štokholmskom programe, ako aj v Európskom pakte o prisťahovalectve a azyle sa zlúčenie rodiny považuje za oblasť, v ktorej by sa mali politiky EÚ ďalej rozvíjať, a to s osobitným zreteľom na integračné opatrenia. Komisia vo svojej prvej správe o vykonávaní predmetnej smernice (81) identifikovala vnútroštátne problémy a nedostatky súvisiace s jej vykonávaním. Niektoré členské štáty medzičasom stanovili obmedzujúce pravidlá s cieľom riešiť údajné zneužívanie a účinnejšie riadiť prílev migrantov.

Na základe týchto skutočností považovala Komisia v novembri 2011 za potrebné vyzvať zúčastnené strany, aby na úrovni EÚ navrhli účinnejšie pravidlá a poskytli faktické údaje o uplatňovaní smernice. Komisia vyzvala členské štáty, ktoré ohlásili problémy v súvislosti so zneužívaním práva na zlúčenie rodiny, aby ich skonkretizovali a vyčíslili a umožnili ich tak riešiť na úrovni EÚ. Táto konzultácia bola ukončená 1. marca 2012 a Komisia v súčasnosti analyzuje doručené príspevky (82). V závislosti od výsledkov Komisia rozhodne, či je potrebné na ne nadviazať politickými opatreniami (napr. zmenou a doplnením smernice, výkladovými usmerneniami alebo zachovaním statusu quo).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002206/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 February 2012)

Subject: The right to family reunification

The European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) recently consulted the Commission on the efforts being made by Member States to promote the right to family reunification in the light of Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification. This directive lays down the conditions that must be fulfilled by the family members of persons who, although not citizens of the European Union, are legally resident in its territory. It specifies the conditions that, if met by the family members of such persons, entitle them to enter and remain in the EU. The objective of the Commission is to revise the wording of the current directive to strengthen the guarantees for family reunification. The debate could, however, be affected by migration policy problems, which might be difficult at present, as many Member States do not support an open migration policy.

Does the Commission consider the timing of the revision of the directive on the right to family reunification to be appropriate?

If so, how will it ensure that the debate will not change and that the revision will not have a negative impact on EU migration policy?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2012)

Directive 2003/86/EC was a first step to harmonise the conditions for the exercise of the right to family reunification and to facilitate the integration of third-country nationals meeting the conditions in the given Member State. Both the Stockholm Programme and the European Pact on immigration and asylum identified family reunification as an issue where EU policies should be further developed with special regard to integration measures. The Commission, in its first report on the implementation of the directive (83), identified national implementation problems and shortcomings of the directive. Meanwhile, some Member States set up restrictive rules in order to tackle alleged abuse and better manage the inflow of migrants.

Against this background, in November 2011 the Commission considered it necessary to invite all stakeholders to propose more effective rules at EU level and to provide factual data on the application of the directive. The Commission invited Member States who reported problems of abuse of the right to family reunification to specify and quantify them in order to be able to address them at EU level. This consultation ended on the 1 March 2012 and the Commission is currently analysing the received contributions (84). Depending on the outcome, the Commission will decide whether any concrete policy follow-up is necessary, e.g. modification of the directive, interpretative guidelines or status quo.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-002216/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(28. februar 2012)

Om: Ny dansk lov om moms på magasiner — GATT

I Danmark har regeringen, som en del af Finanslovsaftalen, netop afsluttet arbejdet om en ny lov om moms på magasiner trykt uden for EU.

Den nye lovgivning betyder, at det danske postvæsen — Post Danmark — vil opkræve 160 DKK. pr. magasin for at sortere alle magasinerne og finde ud af, om de er sendt fra et land uden for EU. Det betyder, at et blad, der før kostede 30 DKK nu vil komme til at koste 197,50 DKK (momsgebyr på 7,50 DKK og importgebyr på 160 DKK.)

Gebyret er ikke en del af lovforslaget fra regeringen, men regeringen er vel vidende om, at der vil blive pålagt et gebyr fra postvæsenet som konsekvens af den nye lovgivning.

Er dette da ikke en hindring af den frie cirkulation og et brud på den almindelige overenskomst om told og udenrigshandel (GATT \3994), ifølge hvilken hvert medlem af WTO indrømmer varer fra et andet medlem en behandling, der ikke er mindre gunstig end den behandling, det indrømmer tilsvarende varer fra ethvert andet land (et begreb om ikke‐forskelsbehandling)?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Algirdas Šemeta

(25. maj 2012)

Kommissionen er ganske rigtigt tidligere blevet underrettet om et lovforslag, som betød, at Post Danmark kunne opkræve et gebyr i forbindelse med toldbehandling af magasiner, som pålægges moms ved import. Gebyret vil gøre det dyrere at købe magasiner, som trykkes i lande uden for EU.

Kommissionens tjenestegrene havde oprindeligt påtænkt at tage de fornødne kontakter med det formål at undersøge gebyret og dets anvendelse, samt hvorvidt det er foreneligt med EU‐lovgivningen.

Set i lyset af det seneste lovgivningsarbejde lader det nu imidlertid til, at sagen er blevet stillet i bero. Kommissionen holder nøje øje med sagens udvikling.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002216/12

to the Commission

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: New Danish law on VAT on magazines — GATT

As part of the Budget Agreement, the Danish Government has recently concluded work on a new law on VAT on magazines printed outside the EU.

The new legislation means that the Danish Postal Service will charge DKK 160 per magazine to sort through all magazines to establish which have been sent from a country outside the EU. This means that a magazine which used to cost DKK 30 will now cost DKK 197.50 (DKK 7.50 in VAT and a DKK 160 import charge).

The charge is not part of the Government’s bill, but the Government is well aware that a charge will be levied by the Danish Postal Service as a result of the new legislation.

Does this not constitute a barrier to free circulation and a breach of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1994), under which each WTO member accords treatment to goods from another member which is no less favourable than the treatment it accords to like goods from any other country (concept of non-discriminatory treatment)?

(Version française)

La Commission avait effectivement été informée de l'existence d'un projet de loi qui visait à faire appliquer, par la poste danoise, une redevance liée au dédouanement de magazines soumis à l'application d'une TVA à l'importation, redevance qui aurait pour effet d'augmenter le coût d'acquisition des publications provenant de pays tiers à l'Union.

Les services de la Commission avaient initialement envisagé de prendre les contacts nécessaires pour examiner tant la nature que les modalités de cette redevance, ainsi que sa compatibilité avec les dispositions du droit de l'Union.

Toutefois, à la lumière des récents travaux législatifs, il apparaît que la mise en œuvre de cette disposition est suspendue. La Commission suivra ce dossier de près.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002242/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Early school leaving

According to Androulla Vassiliou, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism, and Youth, 14 % of pupils in the EU leave school right after the completion of compulsory education. What can the Commission report on meeting the its set target to bring down early school leaving to 10 % by 2020? If current trends prevail, what actions will the Commission take to speed up efforts to keep students in school by 2020?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(3 April 2012)

The Commission would first recall that reducing early school leaving in the EU to less than 10 % by 2020 is one of the headline targets of the Europe 2020 strategy. It has launched a strategy aimed at supporting Member States' efforts.

A central element is the Council Recommendation on policies to reduce early school leaving adopted 7 June 2011 (85) on the basis of a Commission proposal. It lays out a holistic approach to this issue and calls on Member States to adopt evidence-based, comprehensive strategies by end 2012, consisting of prevention, intervention and compensation measures.

For its part, the Commission has launched a series of measures, making full use of the open method of coordination. A Thematic Working Group on early school leaving, with representatives from nearly all Member States will facilitate exchange of knowledge, practices and policies, and the development of innovative approaches so as to provide policy guidance and advice for Member States. The Commission will also organise conferences, peer reviews and seminars at European level to further support progress in this area. As regards financial support for projects on ESL, the Commission has proposed that the new legal basis for structural funding contain a condition that Member States must demonstrate that they have a strategy on early school leaving in place. The proposed new programme ‘Erasmus for All’ will also support the development of policies and measures to counter the phenomenon.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002243/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Anti-Fraud Strategy

Fraud is often difficult to combat, due to constantly evolving methods of fraudulent behaviour. The Commission Anti-Fraud Strategy (CAFS) is set to be fully implemented by the end of 2013. What can the Commission report on the progress and success of the Anti-Fraud Strategy? Does the Commission still plan to have the CAFS fully implemented by the end of next year?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

In the economic crisis and times of tight public budgets, fraud prevention and detection measures constitute a particularly important contribution to sound financial management.

The Commission's Anti-Fraud Strategy of 24 June 2011 therefore provides for a number of priority measures to become effective by the end of 2013 at the latest. The priority actions are in particular:

The other measures set out in the strategy are scheduled, in the strategy, to be implemented at the latest by the end of 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002244/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Infringement procedures against Hungary

The Hungarian Government was recently obliged to respond to infringement procedures instituted by the Commission on 17 January 2012 regarding the independence of the Hungarian Central Bank and the Data Protection Authority. In the light of assurances from the Hungarian Government that it will comply with the Commission’s demands, for how long and to what extent will the Commission monitor basic laws in Hungary?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2012)

Despite the assurances of the Hungarian Government, its formal responses to the letters of formal notice had not fully resolved all the problems raised by the Commission. Even though the scope of infringements has become narrower, there still remained open questions in connection with both the Data Protection Authority and the National Bank of Hungary. Therefore, the Commission has recently addressed a reasoned opinion to Hungary on the issues still outstanding in respect of the Data Protection Authority and sent an administrative letter requesting further clarifications from the Hungarian Government relating to the measures affecting the National Bank of Hungary and its Governor. Any further proceedings will depend on the replies provided by the Hungarian authorities.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002245/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Research funding

Further to my earlier Written Question (E‐004781/2011) and the ECJ's ruling of 18 October 2011 regarding the distribution of patents for stem cell research projects, does it still stand that any patents for stem cell research filed abroad can still obtain EU funding in Member States? Now that the ECJ has ruled on banning all stem cell research patents, has the Commission undertaken to reform the ethical review that it applies to EU research funding requests?

Answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

The Court of Justice’s ruling of 18 October 2011 does not concern stem cells in general. It specifically concerns inventions ‘where the subject-matter of the patent application requires the prior destruction of human embryos or their use as base material’ (86).

The ruling states ‘it must be pointed out that the purpose of the directive is not to regulate the use of human embryos in scientific research. It is limited to the patentability of biotechnological inventions’ (87). Therefore it does not concern research per se, and for this reason the Commission sees no need to reform the ethical review that it applies to EU research funding requests.

The Union does not fund the derivation of human embryonic stem cells.

Under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) costs related to intellectual property activities, such as the filing and prosecution of patent applications, can generally be reimbursed under certain conditions (88). However, in practice this is very unlikely because patent costs usually occur after the project has ended and would therefore not be eligible for reimbursement.

To be supported under FP7, research projects involving human embryonic stem cells have to fulfil strict ethical requirements, and the ethical reviews of such projects take into account the opinion adopted by the European Group on Ethics on 20 June 2007 (89).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002249/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Review of Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products

In December 2011, the European Commission’s DG Environment contracted COWI Consultancy to undertake a review of the impacts of Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products.

This matter is in fact sub judice owing to a legal challenge brought by the Inuit nations, which is currently before the European Court of Justice.

Can the Commission outline how it intends to act on the findings of this review, prior to the completion of these legal proceedings so as not to prejudice its outcome?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

The Commission has launched a study to analyse the trade in seal products in the EU and worldwide in a follow-up to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 (90) and its implementing provisions. The purpose of the study is two-fold. It facilitates the implementation of the regulation by assisting the Commission and Member States in designing a report format for the reporting exercise in accordance with Article 7.1 of the basic Regulation. Furthermore, the contractor was also asked to compile and analyse the first round of the Member States' reports which had to be submitted to the Commission by 20 November 2011.

It is to be noted that the study was not launched for the purpose of reviewing the impacts of the regulation, but rather to inform the Commission about the trade situation following its adoption.

In the follow-up to that study and in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products, the Commission will draft its own report to the Parliament and the Council by end November 2012 on the implementation of this regulation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002250/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Funding for Ireland under the EU Globalisation Fund

In December 2011, Ireland was provided with over EUR 35 million under the EU Globalisation Fund, to help approximately 6 000 Irish construction workers back into employment.

Is there a deadline for the Irish Government to draw down the allocated funding?

Can the Commission confirm the exact amount of the allocated funding the Irish Government has drawn down to date?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2012)

Ireland has until 9 June 2012 (incl.) to use the three financial contributions it received from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide assistance to the workers made redundant by enterprises operating in the construction sector.

The Commission pays the entirety of its financial contribution (in these cases, 65 % of the cost of the total package of measures) to the Member State in a single instalment once the mobilisation of the EGF has been approved by the Council and the Parliament. Payment was made for these three applications on 21 December 2011. Under EGF rules, there is therefore no need for the Member State to present payment claims and draw down funds at its request.

At this stage the Commission does not have any information as to the amounts that the Irish authorities have already spent on the EGF agreed measures, both before and after receiving the EGF contribution. Ireland will submit this information in its final reports on the implementation of the three EGF contributions, which are due by 9 December 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002251/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Funding for Irish Dell workers under the EU Globalisation Fund

In September 2009, the European Commission approved an application from Ireland for assistance under the European Globalisation adjustment fund, to help 2400 unemployed Dell computer workers back to full employment. The total cost of the European Globalisation Fund to the European Union amounted to EUR 14.8 million.

Can the Commission confirm the exact amount of the allocated funding the Irish Government has drawn down to date?

Is there a deadline for the Irish Government to draw down the allocated funding?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

Ireland had until 29 June 2011 (incl.) to use the financial contribution it received from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide assistance to the workers made redundant by Dell.

In the final report, which the Commission received in December 2011, the Irish authorities stated that they had used EUR 8 852 739 (or approximately 60 %) of the EGF contribution. The Commission is in the process of recovering the unspent monies.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002252/12

to the Commission

Glenis Willmott (S&D)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Alcohol

Further to its kind answer to Question E‐010495/2011, could the Commission list the actions with Member States over the last six years to which it refers in its answer?

Furthermore, when does the Commission expect the evaluation mentioned in the answer to be ready? Finally, what actions is the Commission planning in 2013 to tackle alcohol-related harm?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

In September 2009 the First progress report (91) on the implementation of the EU alcohol strategy was presented. The report provides an overview of actions by Member States and of voluntary actions by a wide range of stakeholders taken in the framework of the European Alcohol and Health Forum. More information on alcohol consumption, alcohol related harm and policy approaches in Member States is now available through a report (92) which has been produced by the World Health Organisation with support from the EU Health Programme.

As regards the results of the external evaluation of the Alcohol Strategy, this will be available in autumn 2012 and will include an assessment of the added value and impact of the actions generated in Member States and through voluntary action by stakeholders. On the basis of the results of this evaluation, the Commission will consider the way to continue its work on alcohol and health in 2013 and beyond. Many of the stakeholders' ongoing voluntary actions will in any case continue beyond 2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002256/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(28. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Emissionen im Flugverkehr

Außereuropäische Länder verstärken den Kampf gegen Pläne der Europäischen Kommission, sämtliche Luftfahrtunternehmen in den Emissionshandel einzubeziehen. Demzufolge müssen Luftfahrtunternehmen für die CO2-Emissionen ihrer Flugzeuge Verschmutzungsrechte erwerben, wenn sie in Europa starten und landen möchten. Einige Länder wie China, Russland, Indien oder die USA scheinen zu erwägen, ihren nationalen Luftfahrtunternehmen die Teilnahme am Emissionshandelssystem zu untersagen. Andere Staaten bereiten offenbar gesetzliche Verbote gegenüber ihren staatlichen Luftfahrtunternehmen vor, die die Teilnahme an diesem System verhindern sollen.

1. Was hat die Kommission in jüngerer Zeit unternommen, um das Emissionshandelssystem mit diesen Ländern zu erörtern und darüber zu verhandeln, um eine höhere Akzeptanz und ein besseres Verständnis für die Bedeutung des Systems zu erreichen?

2. Wie beurteilt die Kommission die aktuelle Situation? Kann sie zu einer Aufhebung des Handelssystems durch die Kommission führen?

3. Falls das System planmäßig in Kraft tritt, würde den nicht zahlenden Luftfahrtunternehmen die Erlaubnis verweigert, in die EU zu fliegen?

4. Welche finanziellen Auswirkungen hat das Handelssystem für die EU?

Antwort von Frau Hedegaard im Namen der Kommission

(12. April 2012)

1. Die Kommission führt konkrete bilaterale und multilaterale Gespräche mit den betroffenen Ländern, um deren Bedenken auszuräumen und ein besseres Verständnis für das Emissionshandelssystem der EU (EU-EHS) zu erreichen.

2. Die EU beharrt auf ihrem Standpunkt, dass Betreiber aus anderen Ländern die EU-Vorschriften befolgen müssen. Die EHS-Regeln für den Luftverkehr werden weiterhin umgesetzt, gleichzeitig werden jedoch konkrete Gespräche mit internationalen Partnern geführt (siehe Punkt 1). Die EU-EHS-Regelung ist flexibel und sieht eine nicht diskriminierende Ausnahmemöglichkeit für ankommende Flüge vor, um Maßnahmen von Drittländern Rechnung zu tragen; die EU hat ihre Bereitschaft, diese Ausnahmeregelung anzuwenden, immer wieder bestätigt. Außerdem wird die Kommission die geltende Regelung überprüfen und möglicherweise eine Änderung vorschlagen, wenn innerhalb der ICAO eine Vereinbarung über globale Maßnahmen getroffen wird.

3. Der Luftverkehrssektor ist seit Januar dieses Jahres vollständig in das EU-EHS integriert. Für den Fall der Nichtabgabe von Zertifikaten sieht die Richtlinie vor, eine Geldstrafe in Höhe von 100 EUR je Tonne CO2 zu erheben, ebenso wie eine Abgabeverpflichtung. Darüber hinaus haben die Mitgliedstaaten im Rahmen ihrer nationalen Gesetzgebung eine Reihe von Durchsetzungsmaßnahmen erlassen, um die Vorschriften der EU-EHS-Richtlinie umzusetzen. Falls alle anderen Maßnahmen zur Gewährleistung der Rechtseinhaltung scheitern, könnten als letzte Möglichkeit im Prinzip Flugverbote verhängt werden.

4. Nach den EU-EHS-Vorschriften werden 15 % der gesamten Luftverkehrszertifikate von den Mitgliedstaaten versteigert, wodurch zusätzliche Einkünfte für die Mitgliedstaaten entstehen, die jedoch nicht in den EU-Haushalt fließen. Die Gesamtjahreseinkünfte würden beim jetzigen CO 2 -Preis (7-8 EUR/Tonne) bei ungefähr 0,2-0,3 Mrd. EUR liegen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002256/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Aviation emissions

Non-EU countries are intensifying the fight against plans by the European Commission to include all airlines in its emissions trading scheme. Thus, airlines have to buy pollution rights for the CO2 emissions of their aircraft if they want to take off and land in Europe. Some countries such as China, Russia, India and the USA are reportedly considering banning their national airlines from participating in the Emissions Trading Scheme. Other states seem to be preparing legal prohibitions towards their state airlines for not taking part in this system.

1. What has the Commission done recently to discuss and negotiate the Emissions Trading Scheme with these countries in order to increase their acceptance and understanding of the importance of the scheme?

2. How does the Commission judge the current situation? Might it lead to a withdrawal of the trading scheme by the Commission?

3. If the system comes into effect according to schedule would those airlines who fail to pay be denied permission to fly to the EU?

4. What is the financial impact of the trading scheme to the EU?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(12 April 2012)

1. The Commission is engaging actively in bilateral and multilateral discussions with concerned countries in order to address their concerns and to increase their understanding of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

2. The EU remains firm in its position that operators from other states must respect EU legislation. It continues the implementation of aviation ETS legislation, while engaging positively with international partners as described above. The EU ETS legislation provides flexibility to exempt incoming flights on a non-discriminatory basis to take into account action by third countries, and the EU has often reiterated its openness to using this flexibility. Furthermore, the Commission will review and possibly propose an amendment to the legislation if and when an agreement on global measures is found in ICAO.

3. Aviation was fully included in the EU ETS as of January this year. In case of failure to surrender allowances the directive foresees a fine of EUR 100 per tonne of CO2, and the obligation to surrender allowances. In addition Member States have defined a range of enforcement measures in their national legislation transposing the requirements of the EU ETS Directive. As a last resort, where all other measures to ensure compliance have failed, operating bans could in principle be applied.

4. According to the EU ETS legislation 15 % of the total amount of aviation allowances will be auctioned by the member states. Auctioning of allowances will generate additional revenues to the Member States but not the EU budget. Total annual revenues assuming a carbon price at current levels (7-8 EUR/tonne) would be some EUR 0.2-0.3 billion.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002260/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Funding for Ireland under the European Solidarity Fund

Ireland was the recipient of financial aid from the European Solidarity Fund, which amounted to more than EUR 13 million, following the devastating flooding that occurred in November 2009.

Can the Commission confirm that the Irish Government has drawn down all the allocated funding?

Can the Commission outline in detail the way in which this money was utilised by the Irish Government?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

Grants from the EU Solidarity Fund are paid out in full as soon as the Implementation Agreement with the Commission laying down the details on the use of the grant has been signed. The grant to Ireland, amounting to EUR 13 022 500, was paid out on 22 December 2010. The one-year implementation period thus ended on 22 December 2011.

Council Regulation 2012/2002 establishing t he EU Solidarity Fund (93) stipulates that the implementation of the grant which includes in particular the selection of projects falls within the sole responsibility of the beneficiary state. According to the Implementation Agreement concluded with Ireland the grant was to be used for ‘the restoration to working order of infrastructure and plant in the transport field. This includes the restoration to working order of roads infrastructure including bridges, quay walls, and flood defences through repair of local, regional and national roads and/ or replacement where infrastructure was removed by the flooding. It also includes the securing of bridges, roads, and other infrastructure and the cost of providing temporary access to local, regional and national roads’. Details can be provided once the Irish authorities have submitted their implementation report to the Commission which is due within 6 months from the end of the implementation period, i.e. by 22 June 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002267/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(28 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Taglio e confezionamento di «Parmigiano reggiano» DOP

Il regolamento (UE) n. 794/2011, entrato in vigore il 29 agosto 2011, ha approvato le modifiche del disciplinare della DOP «Parmigiano reggiano».

Sulla base del disciplinare oggi vigente, le operazioni di taglio e di confezionamento del formaggio che beneficia della DOP «Parmigiano reggiano» devono aver luogo nella zona geografica delimitata.

Tuttavia, ai sensi dell'articolo 2 del regolamento in esame: «si istituisce un periodo transitorio di un anno nel disciplinare relativo alla denominazione “Parmigiano reggiano” a favore degli operatori non stabiliti all'interno della zona geografica delimitata e che abbiano effettuato legalmente le operazioni di taglio e condizionamento del formaggio tutelato dalla denominazione “Parmigiano reggiano” al di fuori della suddetta zona geografica delimitata almeno cinque anni prima del 16 aprile 2009».

In data 28 agosto 2012, quindi, avrà termine il periodo transitorio di un anno.

Si chiede alla Commissione se:

Risposta data daDacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione

(4 aprile 2012)

In virtù del regolamento (UE) n. 794/2011 (94) dell’8 agosto 2011 sono state approvate le modifiche del disciplinare della denominazione di origine protetta «Parmigiano Reggiano», le quali vertono sull’obbligo di tagliare, grattugiare e confezionare tale formaggio all’interno della zona geografica pertinente.

Come precisato nei considerando del succitato regolamento, tale obbligo si è rivelato necessario al fine di garantire l’origine del prodotto in questione, assicurarne il controllo ottimale e preservarne pienamente le caratteristiche fisiche e organolettiche.

Pur non disponendo di dati concreti in merito al potenziale pregiudizio arrecato da tale obbligo agli operatori situati al di fuori della zona geografica, conformemente al parere del comitato permanente per le indicazioni geografiche e le denominazioni d’origine protette la Commissione ha comunque deciso di concedere un periodo transitorio di un anno, ossia fino al 30 agosto 2012, durante il quale detti operatori sono autorizzati a continuare le operazioni di taglio, grattugiatura e confezionamento, fatto salvo il rispetto di talune condizioni.

Dalla sua entrata in vigore il predetto regolamento non è stato oggetto di nessun ricorso di annullamento dinanzi agli organi giurisdizionali dell’Unione, né sono pervenute alla Commissione, altre recriminazioni vertenti sulla durata del periodo transitorio concesso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002267/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(28 February 2012)

Subject: Portioning and packaging of ‘Parmigiano Reggiano’ PDO

Regulation (EU) No 794/2011, which came into force on 29 August 2011, approved the amendments to the specification of ‘Parmigiano Reggiano’ PDO.

According to the specification now in force, the portioning and packaging of cheese bearing the name ‘Parmigiano Reggiano’ PDO must take place within the defined geographical area.

However, pursuant to Article 2 of the regulation in question: ‘A transitional period of 1 year is introduced for operators not established within the geographical area defined in the specification for the name “Parmigiano Reggiano” and who were legally engaged in the portioning and packaging of cheese bearing the name “Parmigiano Reggiano” outside the said defined geographical area for at least 5 years prior to 16 April 2009’.

On 28 August 2012, therefore, the transitional period of 1 year will come to an end.

Could the Commission state whether:

(Version française)

En vertu du règlement (CE) no 794/2011 (95) du 08 août.2011, ont été approuvées les modifications du cahier des charges de l'appellation d'origine protégée «Parmigiano Reggiano», portant sur l'obligation de découper, râper et conditionner ce fromage au sein de l'aire géographique y afférente.

Comme indiqué dans les considérants du règlement précité, une telle obligation s'est avérée nécessaire en vue de garantir l'origine du produit considéré, d'en assurer le contrôle optimal et de préserver pleinement ses propriétés physiques et organoleptiques.

Bien que n'ayant reçu aucune donnée chiffrée concrète quant au préjudice potentiel auquel les opérateurs situés hors de l'aire géographique seraient confrontés en raison d'une telle obligation, la Commission a néanmoins décidé, conformément à l'avis du comité permanent des indications géographiques et des appellations d'origine, l'octroi d'une période transitoire d'une année, expirant le 30 août 2012, au cours de laquelle lesdits opérateurs seraient autorisés à procéder aux opérations de découpe, râpage et conditionnement susvisées, sous réserve du strict respect de certaines conditions.

Le règlement précité n'a, suite à son entrée en vigueur, fait l'objet d'aucun recours en annulation devant les instances juridictionnelles de l'Union, ni d'une quelconque récrimination auprès de la Commission portant sur la durée de la période transitoire consentie.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002273/12

an die Kommission

Hermann Winkler (PPE)

(29. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Werbefilm „So similar, so different, so European“ zur Erweiterung der Europäischen Union

Die Erweiterung der EU wird zunehmend kontrovers diskutiert. Insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der europäischen Staatsschuldenkrise und im Zusammenhang mit der Entscheidung über den Beitritt Kroatiens zur EU wurden quer durch alle politischen Lager kritische Stimmen laut, welche die Grenze der Belastungsfähigkeit der Union erreicht sehen und vor einer Überdehnung des Zusammenhalts warnen. Die These, dass eine Phase der Konsolidierung und des inneren Zusammenwachsens vor zusätzlichen Erweiterungsschritten stehen sollte, findet in der Bevölkerung eine immer breitere Unterstützung. Überdies ist die potenzielle Aufnahme der Türkei in die EU auch grundsätzlich sehr umstritten. Fraglich bleibt etwa, inwiefern die Türkei auf einem Fundament von Kultur, Werteverständnis und Gesellschaft beruht, das dem europäischen hinreichend verwandt ist, um eine Mitgliedschaft in der EU zu rechtfertigen.

Dennoch hat die Kommission den Dreh eines ausschließlich positiven Werbefilms in Auftrag gegeben, und dies zu einer Zeit, in der die Lage für die EU — nicht zuletzt finanziell — desolat ist.

Auf der Webseite der Generaldirektion Erweiterung heißt es zur Begründung sinngemäß, das Video solle den Zuschauer ermutigen, seine Wahrnehmung der dargestellten Länder zu überdenken. Es sei Teil einer Kampagne, um die Aufmerksamkeit zu erhöhen und eine andere Seite der Region zu zeigen.

1. Auf welcher rechtlichen und budgetären Grundlage beruht die Aufgabe und Befugnis der Kommission, für die Erweiterung der EU zu werben?

2. Inwiefern sieht sich die Kommission legitimiert zu versuchen, mit dem oben genannten Film zukünftige Erweiterungs-Entscheidungen zu präjudizieren?

3. Kann die Kommission die oben genannte Kampagne näher erläutern?

4. Laut Presseberichterstattung belaufen sich die Gesamtkosten des Werbefilms auf 400 000 EUR. Ist dies korrekt? Wie verlief die Vergabe?

5. Warum impliziert der Film, es gäbe eine einhellig positive Haltung der „Europäischen Union“ zu zusätzlichen Erweiterungen?

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002291/12

an die Kommission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(29. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Werbung für die EU-Erweiterung

Derzeit laufen in verschiedenen Ländern Spots in Fernsehen und Kinos, welche die EU-Erweiterung bewerben.

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002885/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(15. März 2012)

Betrifft: Rassistisches Video

Ein Video, das von der Kommission als Teil einer Kampagne für die Aufnahme neuer Mitgliedstaaten erstellt wurde, wurde von der Kommission von der Website YouTube zurückgezogen.

Das Video, mit dem die Vorteile der Erweiterung der EU beworben werden sollen, zeigt drei verschiedenen ethnischen Minderheiten angehörende Männer, die unterschiedliche, bedrohliche Kampfkunstbewegungen ausführen und dabei eine junge weiße Frau umzingeln, die, ähnlich wie die Heldin in den Kassenschlagern „Kill Bill“ aus Hollywood, einen gelben Overall trägt.

Viele Menschen haben in Sozialen Medien im Internet kritisiert, dass dieses Video rassistisch und sexistisch ist.

1. Weshalb hat die Kommission dieses Video zurückgezogen?

2. Weshalb hat die Kommission dieses Video überhaupt erstellt (nur um es anschließend zurückzuziehen)?

3. Wie teuer war die Produktion dieses Videos?

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(27. April 2012)

Die Kommission führte im Rahmen ihrer Informations- und Kommunikationsmaßnahmen eine audiovisuelle Kampagne durch, um im Einklang mit der EU-Politik das Bewusstsein der Bürgerinnen und Bürger für die Erweiterung der EU zu schärfen und ihre Kenntnis der Kandidaten und potenziellen Kandidaten zu verbessern. Im Zuge dieser Kampagne wurden Videoclips mit jeweils verschiedenen Zielgruppen, Vertriebskanälen und Zielen produziert und verbreitet. Was die Produktionskosten betrifft, wurden für „Growing together“ 127 397,78 EUR und für „So similar, so different, so European“ 92 832,51 EUR bereitgestellt. Für die Online-Verbreitung, die sich auf alle Mitgliedstaaten erstreckt, wurden 312 000 EUR bereitgestellt. Fernsehwerbezeit wurde nicht gekauft.

Der Videoclip „So similar, so different, so European“ richtet sich an ein allgemeines Publikum in den Mitgliedstaaten. Ziel ist es, die EU-Bürgerinnen und -Bürger mit den Kandidaten und potenziellen Kandidaten vertraut zu machen. Für den Kinovertrieb wurden 445 000,00 EUR bereitgestellt, und der Clip wurde in über 3 000 Kinos in sieben Mitgliedstaaten über einen Zeitraum von 7 bis 10 Tagen und somit vor rund 3 075 225 potenziellen Zuschauern gezeigt. Der Videoclip „Growing together“ richtete sich über soziale Netzwerke und neue Medien an ein junges Publikum (16-24). Die Kommission bedauert, dass einige Bürgerinnen und Bürger diesen Videoclip als beleidigend empfanden. Wir sind nach wie vor der Ansicht, dass es notwendig ist, verschiedene Kommunikationskanäle und Produkte, einschließlich sozialer Netzwerke, zu nutzen, um verschiedene Zielgruppen zu informieren. Wir werden uns insbesondere bei Produkten, die online verbreitet werden, bemühen sicherzustellen, dass die zu vermittelnde Botschaft klar ist.

Der Auftrag für diese Kampagne wurde gemäß einem bestehenden Rahmenvertrag nach einer Ausschreibung erteilt, bei der eine Gruppe von Wettbewerbern zur Abgabe eines Angebots aufgefordert war.

Siehe auch frühere Antworten auf die Fragen E-005907/2011, E-5908/2011, E-00522/2012, E-00523/2012 (96).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-002647/12

aan de Commissie

Daniël van der Stoep (NI)

(8 maart 2012)

Betreft: Cinematografische propaganda voor de Europese Unie

Ten tijde van het schrijven van deze vraag is een reclamespot, waarin een misplaatst Europees superioriteitsgevoel het plot vormt, reeds uit de distributie genomen.

Er blijkt echter sprake van nog een reclamespot, waarop ik werd gewezen door mensen die dit weekeinde Nederlandse bioscopen hebben bezocht.

Deze mensen werden, zelfs bij kinderfilms, getrakteerd op een reclamespot  ter meerdere glorie van de Europese Unie en haar aspirant-lidstaten.

De illusie wordt gewekt dat deze aspirant-lidstaten het lidmaatschap van de Europese Unie net zo toekomt als huidige leden, omdat zij ook glimmende kantoorgebouwen hebben.

Deelt de Commissie mijn mening dat genoemde reclame een oppervlakkige, gesimplificeerde en onjuiste boodschap tracht over te brengen op het publiek, door de indruk te wekken dat de aspirant-lidstaten net zo geschikt zijn voor lidmaatschap van de Europese Unie als huidige leden, gebaseerd op overeenkomsten van uiterlijke schijn? Zo niet, waarom niet?

Voorts zou ik graag uitleg wensen over het beoogde effect van deze campagne.

Om te kunnen beoordelen of het door de Commissie beoogde effect de aangewende middelen heiligt, zou ik ook graag een opgave krijgen van de kosten, de frequentie en de locaties van de uitzending van deze reclamespot.

Antwoord van de heer Füle namens de Commissie

(27 april 2012)

In het kader van de voorlichting en informatieverstrekking en in overeenstemming met het bestendige EU-beleid heeft de Commissie een audiovisuele campagne gehouden om het bewustzijn van de burgers te verhogen over de uitbreiding van de EU en over de kandidaat-lidstaten en de potentiële kandidaat-lidstaten. Als onderdeel van deze campagne zijn videoclips geproduceerd en verspreid, elk met verschillende doelgroepen, distributiekanalen en doelstellingen. Wat de productiekosten betreft, werd 127 397,78 EUR vastgelegd voor „Growing together” en 92 832,51 EUR voor „So similar, so different, so European”. Voor de verspreiding online werd 312 000 EUR vastgelegd voor alle lidstaten tezamen. Er werd geen reclametijd op televisie gekocht.

De videoclip „So similar, so different, so European” richt zich op een algemeen publiek in de lidstaten. De bedoeling is de Europese burgers vertrouwd te maken met de kandidaat-lidstaten en de potentiële kandidaat-lidstaten. Voor de vertoning in de bioscoop op meer dan 3 000 schermen gedurende 7 à 10 dagen in zeven lidstaten werd 445 000 EUR vastgelegd. Ongeveer 3 075 225 potentiële kijkers werden op deze manier bereikt. De clip „Growing together” richtte zich via sociale netwerken en nieuwe media op een jong publiek (16-24). De Commissie betreurt natuurlijk dat deze clip door sommige burgers als beledigend werd ervaren. Wij blijven echter geloven dat verschillende communicatiekanalen en producten, waaronder sociale media, moeten worden aangewend om de verschillende doelgroepen te informeren. Met name voor producten die online worden verspreid, zullen wij alles in het werk blijven stellen om de boodschap zo duidelijk mogelijk over te brengen.

Het contract voor deze campagne werd toegekend via een mededinging tussen een groep contractanten in het kader van een bestaande kaderovereenkomst.

Voor meer informatie kan u ook de antwoorden op vragen E-005907/2011, E-5908/2011, E-00522/2012 en E-00523/2012 raadplegen (97).

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-002701/12

do Komisji

Paweł Robert Kowal (ECR)

(8 marca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Ocena efektywności spotu promującego politykę rozszerzenia Unii Europejskiej

Komisja Europejska opublikowała niespełna tydzień temu klip promujący rozszerzenie Unii Europejskiej, który wedle licznych opinii miał zabarwienie rasistowskie. Po kilku dniach i licznych skargach klip został wycofany z oficjalnego obiegu w Internecie.

Do jakich wniosków doszła Komisja po tym doświadczeniu i co zamierza robić w przyszłości, by takich sytuacji uniknąć?

Jak Komisja ocenia efektywność takich spotów, biorąc pod uwagę, że wedle informacji prasowych kosztował on 127 tysięcy euro?

Czy Komisja potwierdza, że spot kosztował 127 tysięcy euro?

Wspólna odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Štefana Fülego w imieniu Komisji

(27 kwietnia 2012 r.)

W ramach swoich działań informacyjnych i komunikacyjnych Komisja zrealizowała kampanię audiowizualną mającą na celu zwiększenie wiedzy obywateli na temat rozszerzenia UE oraz krajów kandydujących i potencjalnych krajów kandydujących, zgodnie z ustaloną polityką UE. W ramach tej kampanii wyprodukowano i rozpowszechniono wideoklipy, różniące się pod względem grupy odbiorców, kanału dystrybucji i celu. Jeśli chodzi o koszty produkcji, kwotę w wysokości 127 397,78 EUR przeznaczono na kampanię „Growing together” („Wspólny rozwój”), a 92 832,51 EUR na kampanię „So similar, so different, so European” („Europejczycy: tak różni, a tak podobni”). Na rozpowszechnianie online we wszystkich państwach członkowskich przeznaczono 312 000 EUR. Nie zakupiono czasu reklamowego w telewizji.

Film „So similar, so different, so European” skierowany jest do ogółu odbiorców w państwach członkowskich. Jego celem jest zaznajomienie obywateli UE z krajami kandydującymi i potencjalnymi krajami kandydującymi. Kwotę 445 000 EUR przeznaczono na dystrybucję kinową, którą w ciągu 7-10 dni objęto ponad 3 000 sal kinowych w siedmiu państwach członkowskich, zapewniając w ten sposób 3 075 225 potencjalnych widzów. Film „Growing together” skierowany był do młodych widzów (w wieku 16-24 lat), a do jego rozpowszechniania wykorzystano portale społecznościowe oraz nowe media. Komisja ubolewa nad tym, że niektóre osoby odebrały jego treść jako obraźliwą. Komisja jest jednak w dalszym ciągu przekonana, że aby dotrzeć do różnych grup odbiorców, należy korzystać z różnych kanałów komunikacji i produktów, w tym portali społecznościowych. Szczególnie w odniesieniu do produktów rozpowszechnianych online, będzie dalej zabiegała o jasność przekazu.

Umowa na realizację tej kampanii została zawarta w wyniku konkursu, w którym wzięła udział grupa wykonawców zaproszonych do składania ofert w ramach istniejącej umowy ramowej.

Komisja odsyła również do swoich poprzednich odpowiedzi na pytania E-005907/2011, E-5908/2011, E-00522/2012 oraz E-00523/2012 (98).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002273/12

to the Commission

Hermann Winkler (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Film entitled ‘So similar, so different, so European’ promoting the enlargement of the European Union

EU enlargement is increasingly the subject of controversial debate. In particular against the backdrop of the European sovereign debt crisis and in the context of the decision on the accession of Croatia to the EU, critical voices have been heard in all political quarters, indicating that the Union has reached the limits of its resilience and warning against overstretching cohesion. There is growing support among the population for the belief that a phase of consolidation and internal integration should precede any further enlargement. Furthermore, the potential accession of Turkey to the EU is a source of fundamental discord. Questions still remain in relation to the extent to which Turkish culture, values and society have sufficient affinity with European mores to justify membership of the EU.

Nonetheless, the Commission has commissioned an unequivocally positive promotional film at a time when the situation for the EU is bleak — not least in financial terms.

The website of the Directorate-General for Enlargement explains that the video is intended to encourage the audience to rethink its perception of the countries shown. This is part of a campaign to generate more attention and to show a different side of the region.

1. What is the legal and budgetary basis for the Commission’s functions and authority in promoting enlargement of the EU?

2. To what extent does the Commission see itself legitimised in its attempt to use this film to influence future decisions on enlargement?

3. Can the Commission explain the above campaign in greater detail?

4. Press reports indicate that the total cost for the promotional film was EUR 400 000. Is this correct? How was the contract awarded?

5. Why does the film imply that attitudes within the ‘European Union’ are unequivocally positive in relation to further enlargement?

Question for written answer E-002291/12

to the Commission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Adverts promoting EU enlargement

Adverts are currently running in cinemas and on television in various countries promoting the enlargement of the EU.

1. How much are these adverts costing the European taxpayer?

2. In which countries and in how many languages are these adverts being shown?

3. What other advertising methods has the Commission used to promote EU enlargement?

4. How much has each of these advertising measures cost the European taxpayer?

5. From which budget lines has the money been taken to fund these campaigns?

Question for written answer E-002647/12

to the Commission

Daniël van der Stoep (NI)

(8 March 2012)

Subject: Cinematic propaganda for the European Union

At the time this question was being written, one commercial with a plot based on a misplaced European superiority complex had already been withdrawn from distribution.

People who went to Dutch cinemas this weekend have drawn my attention to another commercial, however.

These people were treated, even at children’s films, to an advert glorifying the European Union and its candidate countries.

The illusion is being created that these candidate countries deserve to join the European Union just as much as the current Member States because they also have shiny office buildings.

Does the Commission share my opinion that the aforesaid commercial attempts to put across a superficial, simplified and incorrect message to the public by creating the impression that the candidate countries are just as qualified to join the EU as the current Member States, purely on the basis of outward similarities? If not, why not?

I would also like an explanation as to the intended impact of this campaign.

In order to be able to judge whether the intended impact justifies the means employed, I would also like to receive a statement of the cost of the commercial and details of where and how frequently it is broadcast.

Question for written answer E-002701/12

to the Commission

Paweł Robert Kowal (ECR)

(8 March 2012)

Subject: Assessing the effectiveness of an advert promoting the European Union's enlargement policy

Less than a week ago, the Commission released a video promoting the enlargement of the European Union, which was considered by many to have racist overtones. After several days and numerous complaints, the video was withdrawn from official circulation on the Internet.

What conclusions has the Commission drawn from this experience and what does it intend to do in future to avoid such situations?

What is the Commission’s assessment of the effectiveness of such videos, considering that, according to press reports, this one cost EUR 127 000?

Can the Commission confirm that the video cost EUR 127 000?

Question for written answer E-002885/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(15 March 2012)

Subject: Racist video

A video made by the Commission as part of a campaign to advertise the benefits of admitting new Member States has been withdrawn by the Commission from the YouTube website.

The video, intended to promote the benefits of EU enlargement, shows three men from various ethnic minorities using different threatening martial arts skills to surround a young white woman dressed in a yellow jumpsuit similar to that worn by the heroine in the Kill Bill Hollywood hit movies.

Many people have complained on social media sites that this video is racist and sexist.

1. Why did the Commission withdraw this video?

2. Furthermore, why did the Commission produce this video (only to then withdraw it)?

3. How expensive was the production of this video?

Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2012)

As part of its information and communication activities, the Commission implemented an audiovisual campaign aiming to raise citizens' awareness about EU enlargement and the candidates and potential candidates, in line with established EU policy. Within this campaign, video clips were produced and distributed, each with different target audiences, distribution channels and objectives. In terms of production costs, EUR 127 397.78 was committed for ‘Growing together’ and EUR 92 832.51 for ‘So similar, so different, so European’. EUR 312000 was committed for online distribution, covering all Member States. No television advertising time was bought.

The clip ‘So similar, so different, so European’ targets general audiences in the Member States. Its objective is to familiarise EU citizens with the candidates and potential candidates. EUR 445 000.00 was committed for cinema distribution, which covered over 3 000 screens over a period of 7-10 days in seven Member States, thus ensuring some 3 075 225 potential viewers. The clip ‘Growing together’ targeted, through social networks and new media, young audiences (16-24). The Commission obviously regrets that this clip was perceived as offensive by some citizens. We continue to believe that it is necessary to use different communication channels and products, including social media, to inform different audiences. In particular for products distributed online, we will further endeavour to ensure the clarity of the message to be conveyed.

The contract for this campaign was awarded following a competition among a pool of contractors invited to tender as part of an existing Framework Contract.

Please also see previous answers to Questions E‐005907/2011, E‐5908/2011, E‐00522/2012, E‐00523/2012 (99).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-002275/12

aan de Commissie

Barry Madlener (NI)

(29 februari 2012)

Betreft: TV-reportage „Een vandaag” inzake ESM

„Een vandaag” werd gesteld dat het bestuur van het ESM absolute macht geniet. Waarop berust haar democratische legitimatie eigenlijk?

„verdeelsleutel” is gestegen naar 6,12 %. Hoe verklaart de Commissie dit verschil?

Antwoord van de heer Rehn namens de Commissie

(15 juni 2012)

De Commissie zou eraan willen herinneren dat het ESM-verdrag tussen een aantal lidstaten is gesloten buiten het kader van de EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002275/12

to the Commission

Barry Madlener (NI)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: TV report on EenVandaag regarding ESM

that the ESM’s board of directors enjoys absolute power. What are its actual democratic credentials?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(15 June 2012)

The Commission would like to remind that the ESM treaty has been concluded between some Member States (MS) outside the framework of the EU.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-002276/12

do Komisji

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(29 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Sytuacja uchodźców z Mali

Około 44 tysięcy osób musiało opuścić swoje domy w wyniku starć między grupami Tuaregów a siłami zbrojnymi Mali, które rozpoczęły się w połowie stycznia 2012 r. Uchodźcy uciekają do sąsiednich państw, między innymi Nigru, Burkina Faso czy Mauretanii.

Zdaniem Czerwonego Krzyża i organizacji pozarządowych ludność opuszcza swoje domy w pośpiechu, często bez środków do życia. Podczas ucieczki ginie wiele zwierząt hodowlanych, pogarszając obecną i przyszłą sytuację uchodźców. Konsekwencje przemocy potęgują dostatecznie złą sytuację tej części Afryki, która nieustannie nawiedzana jest suszami oraz wynikającymi z nich kryzysami żywnościowymi. Wiele organizacji pomocowych działających w regionie prognozuje poważny kryzys żywnościowy w 2012 r. spowodowany usychaniem zbóż i stratami w chowie zwierząt po suchej porze deszczowej.

W związku z powyższym zwracam się z zapytaniem:

Czy i jakie kroki Komisja zamierza podjąć w celu pomocy uchodźcom z Mali?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Kristalinę Georgijewą w imieniu Komisji

(3 maja 2012 r.)

W wyniku konfliktu zbrojnego, trwającego od 17 stycznia 2012 r. na północy Mali między armią malijską a rebeliantami tuareskimi, do ucieczki ze swoich domów zmuszonych zostało ponad 200 tys. osób. Blisko 100 tys. z nich zostało wysiedlonych w obrębie kraju. Pozostali znaleźli schronienie w sąsiednich krajach, przede wszystkim w Nigrze, Mauretanii i Burkina Faso. Wiele z tych osób pochodzi z obszarów, które już znajdują się w bardzo trudnym położeniu oraz borykają się z brakiem żywności w wyniku kryzysu żywnościowego w regionie Sahelu, wywołanego bardzo niskimi plonami i wysokimi cenami żywności. Zakłada się, że na skutek zamachu stanu dokonanego w Bamako dnia 21 marca 2012 r. liczba wysiedleńców wzrośnie.

Komisja przyjęła właśnie decyzję o udzieleniu pomocy kryzysowej w wysokości 9 mln EUR, która zostanie przeznaczona na pomoc ofiarom konfliktu zbrojnego w północnym Mali. Pomoc ta będzie miała na celu zaspokojenie najbardziej pilnych potrzeb, takich jak schronienie, dostęp do żywności, wody i infrastruktury sanitarnej oraz opieka zdrowotna. W jej udzielaniu będą pośredniczyć agencje ONZ, organizacje działające w ramach Czerwonego Krzyża oraz międzynarodowe organizacje pozarządowe. Wspomniane 9 mln EUR to kolejne środki przyznane przez Komisję, gdyż w odpowiedzi na kryzys żywnościowy w regionie Sahelu w 2012 r. Komisja udzieliła już pomocy humanitarnej w wysokości 123,5 mln EUR, z czego 14 mln EUR przeznaczyła na działania prowadzone w Mali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002276/12

to the Commission

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Situation of refugees from Mali

Around 44 000 people have left their homes as a result of clashes between Tuareg groups and Mali’s armed forces, which began in mid‐January 2012. The refugees are fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

In the opinion of the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations, the local people are leaving their homes in haste, often without the means to survive. Many domestic animals die during the refugees’ flight, making their current and future situation even worse. The consequences of the violence are exacerbating an already-strained situation in this part of Africa, which is plagued by incessant droughts and resulting food crises. Many aid organisations operating in the region are predicting a major food crisis in 2012, as a result of crop failures and losses of domestic animals following a dry rainy season.

With this in mind, is the Commission planning to take any steps to help the refugees from Mali? If so, what will the steps be?

Answer given by Mrs Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 2012)

The fighting since 17 January 2012 in northern Mali between the Malian army and Touareg rebels has forced over 200,000 people to flee their homes. Nearly 100,000 of these are internally displaced in Mali. The rest have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, primarily Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso. Many of these people are from areas already considered highly vulnerable and food insecure as a consequence of the Sahel food crisis caused by poor harvests and high food prices. The number of displaced is expected to rise as a result of the attempted coup in Bamako on 21 March 2012.

The Commission has just adopted an Emergency Decision allocating EUR 9 million to assist the victims of the fighting in northern Mali. This assistance, which will be channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross family and international NGOs, will help alleviate the most urgent needs in shelter, access to food, water and sanitation and healthcare. This EUR 9 million of funding is additional to the EUR 123.5 million in humanitarian aid that the Commission has already allocated in response to the Sahel food crisis in 2012, of which EUR 14 million has been directed to operations in Mali.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-002277/12

do Komisji

Sławomir Witold Nitras (PPE)

(29 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Ukryte zadłużenie państw UE z tytułu przyszłych świadczeń emerytalnych

W Polsce po decyzji rządu, by wydłużyć i zrównać wiek emerytalny kobiet i mężczyzn, rozgorzała debata dotycząca całego systemu zabezpieczającego przyszłych emerytów. Jednym z argumentów, by reformować, a co za tym idzie zwiększać przyszłe wpływy z tytułu składek, jest fakt, że każde z państw, które posiadało lub wciąż posiada repartycyjny system emerytalny, nagromadziło ogromne zobowiązania z tego tytułu. Ten dług będzie znacząco obciążał budżet państw, co z pewnością odbije się na jakości życia obywateli.

W związku z tym pragnę zadać szanownej Komisji następujące pytania:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Olliego Rehna w imieniu Komisji

(25 kwietnia 2012 r.)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002277/12

to the Commission

Sławomir Witold Nitras (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Hidden debt of EU Member States due to future pension benefits

Following the Polish Government’s decision to extend and equalise the retirement age for women and men, a debate has been raging in the country on the entire system for guaranteeing income for future pensioners. One argument in favour of reform, and consequently in favour of increasing future income from contributions, is the fact that every one of the Member States that has had or still has a pay-as-you-go pensions system has accumulated massive debts as a result. This debt will be a significant burden on these countries’ budgets, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the quality of life of the people living there.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2012)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-002278/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL) e Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Sanções da UE ao Irão

A decisão da UE de aplicação de sanções ao Irão representa, indiscutivelmente, uma escalada na postura de confrontação e de conflito que, seguindo os EUA, tem vindo a ser promovida pela UE.

Esta decisão surge na sequência da deslocação de vultuosos meios militares para o Golfo Pérsico e estreito de Ormuz, bem como de reiteradas violações do espaço aéreo iraniano, atribuídas pelas autoridades iranianas a países como Israel e EUA. Neste quadro, quando se impunham esforços para uma solução política do conflito, opta-se antes pela confrontação, por retirar espaço ao diálogo e à negociação diplomática.

Ademais, as razões invocadas para a aplicação das sanções são profundamente contraditórias, face ao que tem sido a postura da UE em relação a outros países da região, nomeadamente Israel.

Solicitamos à Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente da Comissão Europeia que nos informe sobre o seguinte:

Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão

(23 de maio de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002278/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL) and Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — EU sanctions against Iran

There is no doubt that the EU’s decision to impose sanctions on Iran marks an escalation in the attitude of confrontation and conflict which the EU, following the example of the United States, has been advocating.

This decision comes after the movement of significant military resources to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as well as repeated violations of Iranian airspace, for which the Iranian authorities blame Israel and the United States, among others. Instead of seeking a political solution to the conflict, as it is imperative to do at this juncture, the option being favoured is confrontation, reducing the scope for dialogue and diplomatic negotiation.

Moreover, the reasons put forward for the imposition of sanctions are profoundly at odds with the attitude that the EU has been taking to other countries in the region, particularly Israel.

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-002279/12

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(29 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Estudos sobre a capacidade da frota dos Estados-Membros e financiamento da recolha de dados

Na proposta de regulamento relativo à Política Comum de Pescas, apresentada pela Comissão, está previsto o estabelecimento de um sistema obrigatório de concessões de pesca transferíveis concebido para ser um «importante propulsor do ajustamento da capacidade da frota» e desempenhar um papel fundamental na gestão da pesca, ao evitar a sobrepesca, e na redução da capacidade da frota.

Defende também a Comissão que para «um bom funcionamento da gestão das pescas, é indispensável dispor de dados fiáveis e completos» sobre os stocks piscatórios.

Assim, pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Maria Damanaki em nome da Comissão

(13 de abril de 2012)

Em 12 de dezembro de 2011, o Tribunal de Contas Europeu publicou um relatório especial relativo à sobrecapacidade (116). O Tribunal concluiu que as medidas em vigor não conseguiram reduzir a sobrecapacidade da frota da UE. É necessária uma nova abordagem.

No contexto do Relatório Anual da Frota de Pesca, os Estados-Membros são convidados a fazer uma avaliação qualitativa anual do equilíbrio entre a capacidade de pesca e as possibilidades de pesca. Para tal, devem calcular indicadores biológicos, económicos, sociais e técnicos como descrito nas orientações sobre a capacidade da frota (117). No relatório para a sessão plenária de novembro de 2011, o CCTEP concluiu que, devido à complexidade dos fatores a tomar em consideração (biológicos, económicos e sociais), não é possível medir ou atribuir um valor quantitativo ao equilíbrio ou desequilíbrio em si mesmos. Em contrapartida, uma avaliação qualitativa e descritiva do grau de equilíbrio ou desequilíbrio é útil quando efetuada pelo Estado-Membro com base em dados factuais.

O quadro para a recolha de dados (118) especifica os dados científicos que devem ser recolhidos pelos Estados-Membros. No âmbito do regulamento em questão, foi prestado apoio no montante de 48 milhões de euros em 2011 (119) e prevê-se um montante de 47,5 milhões de euros em 2012 e de 49 milhões de euros para 2013.

Na proposta relativa ao Fundo Europeu dos Assuntos Marítimos e das Pescas para 2014/2020, a Comissão propõe que seja disponibilizado um montante total de 358 milhões de euros para apoio à recolha de dados e que se aumente a taxa de cofinanciamento dos atuais 50 % para 65 %.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002279/12

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Studies on the Member States' fleet capacity and financing of data collection

The Commission proposal for a regulation on the common fisheries policy provides for the introduction of an obligatory system of transferable fishing concessions, designed to be a ‘major driver for fleet capacity adjustment’ and to play a key role in managing fisheries by preventing overfishing and reducing fleet capacity.

The Commission also maintains that ‘reliable and complete data’ on fish stocks ‘are central to well-functioning fisheries management’.

1. When was the last study carried out on the Member States’ fleet capacity?

2. What were the findings of that study?

3. What scientific data does the Commission have on fishing overcapacity in the Member States?

4. What funds have been made available to the Member States for collecting those data?

5. Is the Commission willing to propose an increase in these funds in order to provide a more substantial EU contribution for data collection?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(13 April 2012)

On 12 December 2011 the European Court of Auditors published their special report on overcapacity (120). The Court concluded that current measures have failed to reduce overcapacity of the EU fleet. A new approach is needed.

In the context of the annual fleet report, Member States are requested to make an annual qualitative assessment of the balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities. To do so, Member States are requested to calculate biological, economic, social and technical indicators as described in the fleet capacity guidelines (121). STECF concluded in its plenary report of November 2011 that balance or imbalance itself cannot be measured or given a quantitative value, due to the complexity of the factors to be taken into account (biological, economic and social). Instead, a qualitative descriptive assessment of the degree of balance or imbalance executed by the Member State is useful when based on evidence.

The Data Collection Framework (122) specifies which scientific data must be collected by Member States. Under this regulation support has been provided to the amount of EUR 48 million in 2011 (123), EUR 47.5 million foreseen in 2012 and EUR 49 million foreseen for 2013.

In its proposal for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for 2014-2020 the Commission proposes to provide a total of EUR 358 million for support for data collection and to increase the co-financing rate from 50 % (currently) to 65 %.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-002281/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Apoio a Associação de Moradores

A Associação de Moradores de Massarelos, concelho do Porto, é uma instituição de utilidade pública com atividade legalizada desde 1976 e que tem como objetivo contribuir para a resolução dos problemas da população da zona ribeirinha de Massarelos. Como os próprios indicam, desde a sua fundação, esta associação desenvolveu uma atividade em prol da comunidade ao nível da habitação, no apoio à infância e à terceira idade, na promoção de atividades culturais e desportivas. No entanto, devido a uma situação económica difícil, a associação encontra-se em risco de terminar a sua atividade se não tiver os apoios necessários.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Que programas servem e que apoios podem ser dados a esta Associação, tendo em conta a sua importante atividade comunitária, e o seu papel no desenvolvimento social, cultural e económico da população envolvente?

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(16 de abril de 2012)

As diversas atividades desenvolvidas pela Associação de Moradores de Massarelos, como referidas pela Senhora Deputada, podem ser elegíveis para cofinanciamento a título dos programas «Norte 2007/2013» (Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional) e «Potencial Humano» (Fundo Social Europeu).

Em conformidade com o princípio da gestão partilhada aplicado na gestão da política de coesão, as autoridades nacionais são responsáveis pela seleção e execução dos projetos. Por conseguinte, a Comissão sugere que a Senhora Deputada contacte diretamente as autoridades de gestão responsáveis pelos programas supracitados:

Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Operacional Regional do Norte

Rua Rainha D. Estefânia, n.° 251

4150-304 Porto

Tel.: +351 226 086 300

Fax: +351 226 061 489

E-mail: novonorte@ccdr-n.pt

Website: www.novonorte.qren.pt

POPH — Norte

Rua Direita do Viso, n.° 120

4269-002 Porto

Tel.: +351 226 167 730

Fax: + 351 226 167 769

E-mail: norte@poph.qren.pt

Website: www.poph.qren.pt

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002281/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Support for Massarelos Residents' Association

Massarelos Residents’ Association is a non-profit-making body that has been legally active since 1976, whose purpose is to help resolve the problems affecting the people of the Oporto riverside municipality of Massarelos. In the words of its members, the association has, since its foundation, worked for the community in the areas of housing, support from childhood to retirement, and promotion of cultural and sporting activities. However, owing to its difficult financial situation, it may have to cease operating if it does not get the support it needs.

What programmes could be used to help this association and what support can it be given, in view of its important community activity and its role in the social, cultural and economic development of the surrounding population?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 2012)

The range of activities of the Massarelos Residents' Association, as referred to by the Honourable Member, could be eligible for co-financing under the programmes ‘Norte 2007-2013’ (European Regional Development Fund) and ‘Human Potential’ (European Social Fund).

Within the framework of the shared management principle used in administering cohesion policy, the national authorities are responsible for project selection and implementation. The Commission, therefore, suggests that the Honourable Member contact directly the managing authorities responsible for the programmes concerned:

Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Operacional Regional do Norte

Rua Rainha D. Estefânia, 251

4150-304 Porto

Tel.: +351 226 086 300

Fax: +351 226 061 489

E-mail.: novonorte@ccdr-n.pt

Web: www.novonorte.qren.pt

POPH — Norte

Rua Direita do Viso, n° 120

4269-002 PORTO

Tel.: +351 226 167 730

Fax: + 351 226 167 769

E-mail: norte@poph.qren.pt

Website: www.poph.qren.pt

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-002282/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Impacto ambiental da atividade da Savinor

A Savinor é uma empresa, sediada no concelho da Trofa, cuja atividade se centra na transformação de produtos de origem animal, empregando mais de 200 trabalhadores.

Por razões inerentes à sua atividade, ao longo dos tempos tem estado confrontada com as consequências da emissão de odores dos produtos que recebe para transformação.

A atual administração da empresa tem procedido a diversos investimentos com vista à redução dos impactos da sua atividade no plano ambiental e das consequências da emissão de odores na qualidade de vida da população.

As intervenções em curso têm sido acompanhadas por diversas entidades oficiais, designadamente a Câmara Municipal da Trofa e a Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento da Região Norte, e estão orçamentadas em 4,5 milhões de euros.

Ao que conseguimos apurar, estes investimentos têm sido realizados sem qualquer financiamento do Governo português ou da União Europeia.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(17 de abril de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002282/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Environmental impact of Savinor's activity

Savinor, a company based in the municipality of Trofa, processes products of animal origin and employs over 200 workers.

For reasons inherent in its activity, it has had to deal over the years with the consequences of the emission of odours from the products sent to it for processing.

The current board has made several investments with a view to reducing the environmental impact of the company’s activity and the effects of the odoriferous emissions on the local people’s quality of life.

The measures in progress have been monitored by several official bodies, including Trofa Municipal Council and the Norte Regional Coordination and Development Committee, and their cost is estimated at EUR 4.5 million.

As far as we can tell, these investments have been made without any financing from the Portuguese Government or the European Union.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

European Regional Development Fund cannot fund this kind of activity.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-002283/12

adresată Comisiei

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(29 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Reducerea sarcinilor administrative pentru întreprinderile mici

În noiembrie 2011, Comisia Europeană a anunțat că va pune în practică o nouă abordare pentru a se asigura că UE răspunde mai bine nevoilor întreprinderilor mici. Una dintre măsurile puse în practică din ianuarie 2012 se referă la consolidarea proceselor prin care microîntreprinderile și alte tipuri de IMM-uri sunt consultate în momentul revizuirii regulamentelor UE existente și al elaborării de noi acte legislative europene.

Având în vedere că, în prezent, se dezbat o serie de reglementări pentru perioada de programare 2014-2020, cum va fi asigurată consultarea întreprinderilor mici? Are în vedere Comisia un anumit proces de consultare care să asigure participarea și implicarea întreprinderilor mici în actualul proces de programare?

Răspuns dat de dl Tajani în numele Comisiei

(25 aprilie 2012)

Comisia se angajează ferm să garanteze că principiul „a gândi mai întâi la scară mică” este pus în aplicare în mod eficient în toate propunerile sale majore relevante pentru întreprinderi, nu doar prin evaluarea impactului asupra întreprinderilor mici, ci și prin garantarea faptului că IMM-urile interesate, în special microîntreprinderile, sunt implicate îndeaproape în elaborarea politicilor.

Astfel cum s-a stabilit în raportul din noiembrie 2011, Comisia îmbunătățește utilizarea instrumentelor de consultare existente, incluzând liste de IMM-uri în Rețeaua întreprinderilor europene, ceea ce contribuie la implicarea întreprinderilor mici.

Pentru a primi direct de la antreprenori informații cu privire la aspectele legate de UE, Comisia organizează, de asemenea, conferințe în statele membre special pentru a aborda problemele IMM-urilor și ale microîntreprinderilor. În plus, Comisia va organiza o adunare anuală a IMM-urilor pentru a mobiliza organizațiile europene și naționale de IMM-uri să pună în aplicare „Small Business Act” pentru Europa, să promoveze schimbul de bune practici și să consolideze dialogul între acestea.

În cele din urmă, începând cu 1 ianuarie 2012, respondenții au 12 săptămâni pentru a reacționa la consultările scrise lansate de Comisie (în loc de 8 săptămâni, cum era anterior).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002283/12

to the Commission

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Reducing administrative burdens for small businesses

In November 2011, the European Commission announced that it would implement a new approach to ensure that the EU was better responding to the needs of small businesses. One measure, implemented in January 2012, involves consolidating the processes by which micro-enterprises and other types of SMEs are consulted when existing EU regulations are revised and when new European legislation is drafted.

Taking into account that a raft of regulations is currently being debated for the 2014-2020 programming period, how will consultation with small businesses be guaranteed? Does the Commission have in mind a particular consultation process that will guarantee the participation and involvement of small businesses in the current planning process?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2012)

The Commission is strongly committed to ensure that the ‘Think Small First’ principle is effectively implemented in all its major business-relevant proposals, not only through assessing impacts on small business but also by ensuring that SME stakeholders, in particular micro-enterprises, are closely involved in policymaking.

As set out in the November 2011 report, the Commission is making better use of existing consultation tools, including SME panels within the European Enterprise Network, which help reach small enterprises.

To get first-hand information from entrepreneurs on EU‐related issues, the Commission is also organising conferences in Member States dedicated to listening to problems of SMEs and micro-businesses. Moreover, the Commission will organise an annual SME Assembly to mobilise European and national SME organisations to implement the Small Business Act for Europe, promote the exchange of good practices and foster dialogue between them.

Finally, as from 1 January 2012, respondents have 12 weeks to react to written consultations launched by the Commission (instead of 8 weeks previously).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse P-002285/12

til Kommissionen

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(29. februar 2012)

Om: Vedrørende navnestriden »Cold Hawaii«

»Cold Hawaii« er navnet på et geografisk område beliggende i Danmark omkring Thy. Siden 1996 har den nordjyske surfklub NASA (North Atlantic Surf Association) i Klitmøller, Danmark, været den drivende kraft bag udviklingen af surfmiljøet under navnet Cold Hawaii.

Et tysk firma fik 22. december 2011 tilsagn fra EU's Kontor for Harmonisering i det Indre Marked om at få navnet Cold Hawaii registreret i EU inden for varegrupperne tøj og smykker. En EU‐registrering af navnet Cold Hawaii kan medføre, at andre personer end det tyske firma — heriblandt lokale der har været med til at opbygge og skabe anerkendelse omkring Cold Hawaii-navnet — vil blive forhindret i at have navnet påtrykt tøj og/eller smykker.

NASA gjorde rettidigt indsigelse mod det tyske firmas anmodning om registreringen, men har ikke fået medhold i indsigelsen. I begrundelsen for indsigelsen har NASA påpeget, at navnet Cold Hawaii er blevet anvendt i flere sammenhænge inden det tyske firmas registrering af navnet. NASA har sammen med kommunen i Thy udarbejdet en masterplan for Cold Hawaii (»Cold Hawaii — masterplan for surfing i Thy«), ligesom der er blevet afholdt PWA World Cup i wave performance i 2010 og 2011 i området under navnet Cold Hawaii (Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup). Inden anmodningen om registreringen er der desuden solgt tøj i kommercielt regi under navnet Cold Hawaii af firmaet Plasma Boardriding.

Vil Kommissionen tage initiativ til at undersøge, hvorledes navnet Cold Hawaii — der er kendt blandt en stor del af den danske befolkning samt andre steder i Europa og verden og i forvejen anvendt i forskellige kommercielle og ikke‐kommercielle sammenhænge — kan blive underlagt regler, som i værste fald vil forhindre andre end det pågældende tyske firma i at bruge navnet i kommercielt regi?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Michel Barnier

(27. marts 2012)

Kommissionen ønsker at gøre det ærede medlem opmærksom på, at Kommissionen ikke kan gribe ind i registreringsproceduren for EF‐varemærker på Kontoret for Harmonisering i det Indre Marked.

Harmoniseringskontoret, som er ansvarligt for registreringen af EF‐varemærker, er uafhængigt i tekniske spørgsmål og har juridisk selvstændighed. Inden for disse rammer er det således op til Harmoniseringskontoret at vurdere, om de foreliggende oplysninger kan hindre registrering af et navn som »Cold Hawaii« som EF‐varemærke. Hindringerne for registrering er beskrevet nærmere i artikel 7 og 8 i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 207/2009 om EF‐varemærker (124), som yderligere fastsætter, at afgørelser truffet af Harmoniseringskontorets undersøgere og forskellige afdelinger kan påklages til Harmoniseringskontorets appelkammer, hvis afgørelser igen kan indbringes for Den Europæiske Unions Domstol.

Rådets forordning om EF‐varemærker fastsætter desuden, at når en ansøgning om registrering af EF‐varemærke er bekendtgjort, kan enhver fysisk eller juridisk person skriftligt fremsætte bemærkninger med angivelse af hindringerne for, at varemærket ex officio bør udelukkes fra registrering. Efter registreringen kan enhver fysisk eller juridisk person indgive en begæring til Harmoniseringskontoret om, at varemærket erklæres ugyldigt, især hvor der foreligger absolutte hindringer for registrering af varemærket.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-002285/12

to the Commission

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Dispute over the name ‘Cold Hawaii’

‘Cold Hawaii’ is the name of an area in Denmark around Thy. Since 1996, the North Jutland surf club NASA (North Atlantic Surf Association) in Klitmøller, Denmark, has been the driving force behind developing the surfing environment under the name ‘Cold Hawaii’.

On 22 December 2011, a German company received an assurance from the EU Office for Harmonisation in the internal market with regard to registering the name ‘Cold Hawaii’ in the EU under the classifications for clothing and jewellery. EU registration of the name ‘Cold Hawaii’ may mean that parties other than the German company — including local people who have helped build up and create recognition for the ‘Cold Hawaii’ name — will be prevented from having the name printed on clothing and/or jewellery.

Within the time limit, NASA lodged an objection to the German company’s registration application, but the objection was not upheld. In its reasons for objecting, NASA pointed out that the name ‘Cold Hawaii’ had been used in many contexts before the German company registered the name. NASA, together with the municipality of Thy, has developed a master plan for ‘Cold Hawaii’ (‘Cold Hawaii’ — master plan for surfing in Thy) and the PWA World Cup in wave performance was also held in the area in 2010 and 2011 under the name ‘Cold Hawaii’ (Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup). In addition, before the registration application, clothing was also sold commercially by the company Plasma Boardriding under the name ‘Cold Hawaii’.

Will the Commission act and look into how the name ‘Cold Hawaii’ — which is known across much of Denmark, as well as elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world and which has been used previously in various commercial and non-commercial contexts — can be made subject to rules which, in the worst-case scenario, will prevent any party other than the Germany company concerned from using the name commercially?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(27 March 2012)

The Commission would like to draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that it cannot interfere in the process for registration of Community trade marks at the Office for Harmonisation in the internal market (OHIM).

The OHIM, which is responsible for registering Community trade marks, is independent in relation to technical matters and has legal autonomy. Within this framework, it is for OHIM to consider the grounds that may justify a refusal to register a name like ‘Cold Hawaii’ as a Community trade mark. These grounds for refusal are detailed in Article 7 and 8 of Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 on the Community Trade Mark (125), which provides additionally, that an appeal shall lie from decisions of the examiners and of the various divisions of the OHIM to the Boards of Appeal of the OHIM, whose decisions are, in turn, appealable before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The Community Trade Mark Regulation provides as well that following the publication of a Community trade mark application, any natural or legal person may submit written observations, explaining on which grounds the trade mark shall not be registered ex officio, while after registration, any natural or legal person may submit an application to OHIM for a declaration that a Community trade mark is invalid where in particular, it was registered in spite of the existence of an absolute ground for refusal.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-002286/12

an die Kommission

Jan Philipp Albrecht (Verts/ALE)

(29. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Klauseln über die Vorratsspeicherung und Offenlegung von Daten

Die Kommission arbeitet derzeit an einer Überarbeitung der Richtlinie 2006/24/EG über die Vorratsspeicherung von Daten, die bei der Bereitstellung öffentlich zugänglicher elektronischer Kommunikationsdienste oder öffentlicher Kommunikationsnetze erzeugt oder verarbeitet werden, auch Vorratsdatenspeicherungsrichtlinie genannt.

Einige Mitgliedstaaten haben aus verfassungsrechtlichen, rechtlichen und politischen Gründen Schwierigkeiten, diese Richtlinie in einzelstaatliches Recht umzusetzen.

Es gibt verschiedene Beispiele von EU-Recht zur Harmonisierung einzelstaatlicher Rechtsvorschriften, wo bestimmte Grundrechte nur bei Inkrafttreten berührt werden (z. B. Artikel 1 2003/641/EG, Artikel 25 2011/92/EU, Artikel 9 ff. 2006/123/EG, Artikel 5 2001/29/EG, Artikel 15 ehemals 2002/58/EG).

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(19. April 2012)

Hinsichtlich der Frage des Herrn Abgeordneten nach der Möglichkeit einer optionalen Anwendung der Richtlinie über die Vorratsspeicherung von Daten muss betont werden, dass dies aus folgenden Gründen nicht möglich ist:

Das EU-Recht ist entsprechend den Grundsätzen der Gleichbehandlung und der einheitlichen Anwendung in allen Mitgliedstaaten einheitlich anwendbar. Ausnahmen für einzelne Mitgliedstaaten sind nur möglich, wenn diese im Primärrecht vorgesehen sind. Entsprechend den gegenwärtigen Vertragsbestimmungen gilt dies nicht für die Richtlinie über die Vorratsspeicherung von Daten. Da diese Richtlinie in der gesamten EU umzusetzen ist, würde es bei einer optionalen Vorratsspeicherung zu einer Wiedereinführung von Hemmnissen für den Binnenmarkt kommen.

Da es keine Ausnahmen gibt, die sich direkt aus dem Primärrecht herleiten, kann das Sekundärrecht Ausnahmen zugunsten des betreffenden Mitgliedstaates vorsehen, wenn spezifische objektiv unterschiedliche Umstände vorliegen. Der Kommission sind keine derartigen objektiv unterschiedlichen Umstände bekannt, die im Falle der Vorratsdatenspeicherung eine Ausnahme von diesem Grundsatz rechtfertigen könnten. Die Tatsache, dass einige Mitgliedstaaten aus verfassungsrechtlichen, juristischen oder politischen Gründen Schwierigkeiten hatten, diese Richtlinie in einzelstaatliches Recht umzusetzen, kann nicht als Rechtfertigung für eine derartige Ausnahme herangezogen werden. Optionale Maßnahmen mit offenkundigen Konsequenzen für das Recht auf Datenschutz und Privatsphäre würden im Gegenteil dem Bürger gemeinsame Mindeststandards für diese Grundrechte in der EU vorenthalten.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-002286/12

to the Commission

Jan Philipp Albrecht (Verts/ALE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Data retention and opening clauses

The Commission is currently preparing a revision of Directive 2006/24/EC on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks, also known as the Data Retention Directive.

Some Member States have difficulties, for constitutional, legal and political reasons, in transposing this directive into national law.

There are various examples of EC law harmonising national legislation interfering with fundamental rights only where it is in place (e.g. Article 1 2003/641/EC, Article 25 2011/92/EU, Article 9 pp. 2006/123/EC, Article 5 2001/29/EG, Article 15 ex-2002/58/EC).

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 2012)

With regard to the question of the Honourable Member on the possibility of having an optional application of the Data Retention Directive, it needs to be underlined that this is not possible for the following reasons:

EC law is equally applicable in all Member States in line with the principles of equal treatment and uniform application. Opt-outs for individual Member States are only possible when they are foreseen in primary law. In line with current Treaty provisions, these are not applicable for the data retention directive. Given that the data retention directive has to be applied in the entire EU, any optional retention would reintroduce obstacles to the internal market.

In absence of exemptions flowing directly form primary law, secondary law can foresee derogations in favour of the Member State in question subject to specific objectively different circumstances. The Commission is not aware of any such objectively different circumstances which might justify derogation from this principle in the case of data retention. The fact that some Member States may have had constitutional, legal or political difficulties in transposing the directive could not constitute a justification for such a derogation. On the contrary, to render optional any measure with obvious implications for the right to data protection and privacy would deprive the citizen of common minimum standards for those fundamental rights across the EU.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-002287/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Seguridad alimentaria europea

En los últimos 10 años las importaciones de carne han ido en aumento. Estas producciones no han cumplido la normativa europea aunque Europa cada vez ha sido más exigente (OGM, hormonas, harinas de carne, residuos medicamentosos, bienestar animal).

A la luz de lo anterior y teniendo en cuenta los enlaces expuestos (126),

¿Es coherente que la Unión Europea abandone una parte de sus producciones que cumplen con todos los reglamentos sanitarios y alimentarios y se exponga a la dependencia cada vez mayor del suministro de carne procedente del mercado exterior?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloș en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de abril de 2012)

Las normas rigurosas de la UE en materia de seguridad alimentaria, salud animal, bienestar animal o conservación del medio ambiente reflejan nuestros valores sociales y son el resultado de un proceso legislativo en el que participan el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo. Los datos comerciales no demuestran indicios de que dichas normas afecten negativamente a la producción de la UE.

De hecho, la UE es una exportadora neta de carne con una autosuficiencia del 105 % para todos los tipos de carne. Únicamente depende tradicionalmente de las importaciones de terceros países en el caso de la carne de ovino y caprino, con una autosuficiencia del 80 %. La UE es la primera exportadora mundial de carne de porcino, con un volumen de exportación de tres millones de toneladas. Estas exportaciones aumentaron un 13 % el año pasado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002287/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: European food safety

Over the last 10 years, meat imports have been on the increase. Although European requirements have been increasingly stringent (regarding GMOs, hormones, meat meal, residues of medicinal products and animal welfare), these imports have not met European standards.

In light of the above and taking into account the links shown (127):

Is it logical that the European Union should abandon part of its production, which fully complies with the health and food regulations, and be exposed to an ever-increasing dependence on meat supplied from external markets?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2012)

EU high standards on food safety, animal health, animal welfare or environmental protection reflect our social values and are the result of a legislative process involving the European Parliament and the Council. Trade data show that there is no evidence that these standards negatively affect EU production.

In fact, EU is a net exporter of meat with a self sufficiency of 105 % over all types of meat. Only for sheep and goats meat the EU has a self sufficiency of 80 % and is traditionally depending on imports from third countries. The EU is the world's biggest exporter of pigmeat with an export volume of three million tonnes. These exports increased by 13 % last year.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-002288/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Igualdad de trato irrespectivo de la lengua utilizada

El pasado sábado 25 de febrero trascendió en ámbitos periodísticos la noticia de que un ciudadano europeo, natural de la isla de Mallorca, fue denunciado por un Guardia Civil por hablarle en catalán (128).

El joven estaba participando en una manifestación contra la monarquía en el Estado español.

Parece ser que el agente dijo al joven: «va a tener usted que hablarme en castellano». El joven se negó a cambiar de lengua y posteriormente el agente le explicó que era de Málaga y que por lo tanto no entendía el catalán y, posteriormente, el joven cambió al castellano.

Esto no evitó que el agente denunciara al joven por «falta de respeto a la autoridad».

La Constitución Española en su artículo 14 contiene disposiciones en contra de cualquier clase de discriminación. Asimismo, según el artículo 2 del Tratado de Lisboa, en el cual se ponen de relieve cuáles son los fundamentos de la Unión, el respeto al Estado de Derecho, así como la protección de los derechos de las minorías, son nombrados como valores fundamentales. También en su artículo 10 se manifiesta que la Unión luchará contra cualquier discriminación por motivos de «convicciones» personales. Por otro lado, según el artículo 21 de la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales: «1. Se prohíbe toda discriminación, y en particular la ejercida por razón de sexo, raza, color, orígenes étnicos o sociales, características genéticas, lengua, religión o convicciones, opiniones políticas o de cualquier otro tipo, pertenencia a una minoría nacional, patrimonio, nacimiento, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual.».

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de abril de 2012)

Las Directivas sobre igualdad de trato de la UE, así como el proyecto de Directiva al que se refiere Su Señoría, no contemplan la discriminación por razón de lengua, ya que su base jurídica (artículo 19 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea) no incluye la lengua entre las características protegidas. La Unión Europea sólo puede actuar dentro de los límites de las atribuciones que le son conferidas por los Tratados.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002288/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Equal treatment irrespective of language used

On 25 February 2012, it was reported in media circles that an officer in the Guardia Civil police force had filed a complaint against an EU citizen from the island of Majorca for speaking to him in Catalan (129).

The young man in question was taking part in a protest against the monarchy in Spain.

It appears that the police officer said to the young man: ‘You are going to have to speak to me in Spanish’. When the young man refused to switch languages, the police officer explained to him that he was from Malaga and, therefore, did not understand Catalan. The young man then switched to Spanish.

This did not stop the police officer from filing a complaint against the young man for ‘lack of respect for authority’.

Article 14 of the Spanish Constitution contains provisions against discrimination of any kind. Likewise, Article 2 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which sets out the founding principles of the Union, states that its fundamental values include respect for the rule of law and the protection of the rights of minorities. Article 10 of the Treaty also states that the Union will combat any discrimination for reasons of personal ‘beliefs’. Moreover, Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights states: ‘1. Any discrimination based on any ground, such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited’.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2012)

The EU Equal Treatment Directives, as well as the draft Directive referred to by the Honourable Member, do not cover discrimination on grounds of language, as their legal basis — Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — does not include language among the protected characteristics. The European Union can only act within the limits of the powers conferred on it by the Treaties.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002289/12

an die Kommission

Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE)

(29. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Nichtdiskriminierung von Menschen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität in Autoreisezügen

Die DB AutoZug GmbH befördert im nationalen und internationalen Eisenbahnverkehr Fahrgäste ausschließlich gemeinsam mit ihrem Personenkraftwagen oder mit ihrem Motorrad. Fahrgäste, die aufgrund ihrer Behinderung keine Fahrerlaubnis erhalten und somit kein Fahrzeug führen dürfen, sind von der Fahrt in Autoreisezügen somit ausgeschlossen, obwohl auf vielen internationalen Verbindungen nur dieser Zugtyp eine durchgehende Fahrt ohne Umsteigen erlaubt, was für Menschen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität oftmals Voraussetzung für das Reisen mit der Bahn ist.

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(19. April 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002289/12

to the Commission

Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Non-discrimination of people with reduced mobility on motorail trains

DB AutoZug caters solely for passengers making national and international rail journeys together with their car or motorcycle. Persons who are precluded by their disability from obtaining a driving licence, and thus from driving any type of vehicle, cannot therefore travel on motorail trains, despite the fact that on many international routes these are the only trains which offer direct services, something that is often essential for people with reduced mobility wishing to travel by rail.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002290/12

an die Kommission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(29. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Neues Logo der Kommission und von OLAF

Zu Beginn des Jahres 2012 wurde das neue Logo der Europäischen Kommission vorgestellt. Es wurde von einer Werbeagentur erstellt und hat laut Presseberichten 135 000 EUR gekostet. In diesem Zusammenhang ergeben sich folgende Fragen:

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(24. April 2012)

Die Kommission ist dabei, die zur Beantwortung der Frage benötigten Informationen zusammenzustellen. Die Ergebnisse wird sie baldmöglichst mitteilen.

Ergänzende Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(12. Juni 2012)

Die Kommission möchte die Frau Abgeordnete auf ihre Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-000510/2012 von Herrn Hartong (132) verweisen.

Das am 1. Februar 2012 von OLAF eingeführte Logo wurde intern mit Unterstützung des Amts für Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Union ohne externe Kosten entwickelt. Es gab keine Übergangsphase; das neue Logo wurde ab dem Datum seiner Einführung verwendet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002290/12

to the Commission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: New Commission and OLAF logos

The new Commission logo was launched at the beginning of 2012. It was designed by an advertising agency and, according to press reports, cost EUR 135 000. The following questions arise in this context:

Preliminary answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 April 2012)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐510/2012 by Mr Hartong (133).

The logo introduced by OLAF on 1 February 2012 was developed in-house, with the assistance of the Publication Office of the European Union without external costs. There was no transitional phase; the refreshed logo has been used as from the date of its introduction.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002292/12

to the Commission

Jacek Olgierd Kurski (EFD)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Mutually exclusive criteria for recruitment of staff to the EU institutions

The Staff Regulations require the EU institutions to recruit staff according to two criteria: prospective officials must be ‘of the highest standard of ability, efficiency and integrity’ and must be ‘recruited on the broadest possible geographical basis’. These two criteria are likely to be frequently mutually exclusive.

Let us imagine a situation where ten candidates enter a competition for five places on a reserve list for recruitment to the EU institutions. Of these ten candidates, five are Polish and five come from various other Member States. Let us imagine that the five Poles are the most capable and qualified candidates and achieve the highest marks in the competition.

Would the European Personnel Selection Office put all five Polish candidates on the reserve list, as their superior performance in the competition would merit? If so, how would EPSO and the recruiting institutions explain the failure to recruit on the broadest possible geographical basis? If not, how would the refusal of a place on the list for the lower placed Poles (who still performed better than the five other candidates) be justified? What explanation would be given to these high performing candidates, excluded merely because of their nationality?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 2012)

EPSO is aware of the obligation to recruit on the widest possible geographical basis, noting that the Staff Regulations prohibit reservation of posts for nationals of any Member State, and merit and competence relevant to the function shall be the main criteria for appointment. EPSO uses high-quality, competency-based selection procedures, placing all candidates on an equal footing once the procedure is underway. The number of candidates admitted to each competition stage is set out in the competition notice and depends on the number of successful candidates per competition/field, decided in advance by the institutions. It is not based on the number of applicants nor their nationality, except for competitions organised in the context of enlargement, and following a Council regulation containing derogating rules to that effect. In principle there are sufficient laureates on reserve lists to potentially allow staff recruited to reach a balanced level. Reasons for geographical imbalance vary and can to a considerable extent be attributed to factors over which EPSO has no control, such as the relative strength of labour markets in Member States and salaries, proximity to the places of activity of the institutions, and the image of the European Union. Together with the institutions, EPSO constantly monitors the geographical composition of competitions and addresses situations where the number of applications is sub-optimal. EPSO has put in place an effective communication strategy to attract quality applications from across the EU. This includes digital marketing and social media, and close collaboration with national governments to spread information. EPSO also put in place a programme of 45 EU Careers student ‘Ambassadors’ from 26 Member States, who promote careers with the EU on campuses.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002293/12

to the Commission

Catherine Bearder (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Polytunnel planning guidance

Over the last five years, several planning applications have been made in the UK for the construction of polytunnels on a large scale (greater than 40 hectares). Under UK law, it is not clearly defined to what extent polytunnels can be considered ‘permitted development’ or subject to planning regulations, including the EIA Directive (85/337/EEC).

Existing case law is limited, but a landmark Court of Appeal ruling (R (on the application of Wye Valley Action Association Ltd) v Herefordshire Council (National Farmers’ Union intervening)) in 2011 concluded that polytunnels ‘for intensive agricultural purposes’ were only required to be subject to the EIA Directive if located on ‘uncultivated land or semi-natural areas’.

Polytunnels have unknown effects on the water table, reduce soil quality as a result of the pesticides and herbicides used and have high landscape and visual impacts.

In light of this, can the Commission confirm if they are aware of the status of polytunnel developments in other Member States’ planning systems? Furthermore, can the Commission indicate any action they have taken or will be taking in order to provide guidance to Member States on the inclusion of polytunnels under Annex A of the EIA Directive?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 2012)

There is no legal obligation for Member States to inform the Commission on any planning systems concerning polytunnel developments in agriculture. Furthermore construction of polytunnels is not included as such in the project list of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU (134). Annex II of the above Directive, under the group of projects in ‘Agriculture, Silviculture and Aquaculture’ provides that the EIA should be considered for ‘projects for the use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agricultural purposes’. Therefore the provisions of the EIA Directive would be applicable as correctly indicated in the Court Ruling referred to by the Honourable Member only if polytunnels are planned to be constructed in such areas for the promotion of intensive agriculture.

The Commission does not intend for the time being to review the existing guidance on the application of the EIA Directive (135).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002294/12

to the Commission

Catherine Bearder (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Shooting of children at Gaza-Israel border

Between March 2010 and December 2011 an organisation called ‘Defence for Children International’ documented the shooting of 30 Palestinian children on the Gaza-Israel border. Worryingly, 67 % of these children were on or outside the 300-metre exclusion zone set up by the Israeli army. It is clear that this is prohibited by the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (the Fourth Geneva Convention).

In light of this, can the Commission confirm whether it was aware of these incidents? Furthermore, can it indicate any action it has taken or will be taking in order to assist in the prevention of these unacceptable shootings?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission

(10 May 2012)

The High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is fully aware of this issue. She has shown unequivocal support for the children of Gaza, in particular during her frequent visits there. Possible infringement on the rights of children by Israel is a matter of serious concern which is closely monitored by the Commission, in particular via the EU Delegations in Tel Aviv and East Jerusalem.

The EU has reported on the situation of Palestinian children in the annual European Neighbourhood Policy Progress Reports on Israel. Furthermore, these matters are regularly and thoroughly discussed in bilateral contacts with the Israeli authorities, at working level, most recently during the September 2011 EU‐Israel informal working group on human rights and the December 2011 EU‐Israel sub-committee on political dialogue and cooperation, and at political level, in the framework of the EU‐Israel Association Council last held in February 2011. The EU has urged Israel to address shortcomings and possible violations of the rights of Palestinian children.

These matters are and will remain a high priority among the human rights issues that the EU follows in its relations with Israel.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002295/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Status of the Late Payment Directive

Can the Commission outline the current status of Directive 2011/7/EU, which has to be transposed into national law by Member States by 2013, replacing Directive 2000/35/EC on combating late payments?

Can the Commission specify Ireland’s position in relation to the transposition of this directive?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2012)

Directive 2011/7/EU will have to be transposed by Member States by 16 March 2013 at the latest. However, considering the significant impact of late payments on the competitiveness of European enterprises, Vice-President Antonio Tajani personally invited Member States, by letter of 24 October 2011, to step up their efforts at national level for transposition and implementation of the directive by early 2012, on a voluntary basis.

With the view to assisting Member States in the challenging task of an early transposition, the Commission called a first meeting of the Late Payment Expert Group, to which all Member States are invited, on 3 February 2012. On that occasion, some Member States already announced, such as the Netherlands, their intention to transpose the directive by the end 2012. As regards Ireland, its representative in the Expert Group informed the Commission that they are aiming for adoption within the deadline fixed by the directive.

To date no Member States have communicated their national measures to transpose Directive 2011/7/EU to the Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002296/12

to the Council (President of the European Council)

Andrew Henry William Brons (NI)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: PCE/PEC — Bilderberg

Thank you for your reply E‐011763/2011.

With reference to point 6, who were these members of other EU institutions, and who were the members of the national governments?

With reference to point 8, could I have the basis and/or a transcript of Mr Van Rompuy’s overview of the current economic situation and the measures being taken by the EU?

Reply

(30 April 2012)

The list of participants at this meeting is available on the Bilderberg website.

Bilderberg publishes no transcripts of its meetings, where discussions are informal and not on the record. No resolutions are proposed and no policy statements issued at its conferences.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002297/12

to the Commission

Andrew Henry William Brons (NI)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: UK citizens renouncing their citizenship

How may UK citizens renounce their citizenship of the European Union?

Does the Commission agree that a simple renunciation to the relevant department of the Commission from a UK citizen would be sufficient?

If the Commission seeks to thwart such a renunciation by UK citizens, which would embrace the obligations and privileges that it considers are conferred on UK citizens, will it explain the reason?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2012)

According to European law (Article 20 TFEU), every person holding the nationality of a Member State shall automatically be a citizen of the Union. Citizenship of the Union is additional to and does not replace national citizenship. As citizenship of the Union does not exist independently from citizenship of a Member State, it cannot be acquired nor renounced upon independently from national citizenship.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002298/12

to the Commission

Chris Davies (ALDE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Allocation of quota to small-scale fishing fleets

Will the Commission explain its role and that of Member States in determining what share of annual quotas for fisheries shall be allocated to small-scale fishing fleets?

What powers, if any, does the Commission possess to allocate an increased share of quota to small-scale fishing fleets?

Can the Commission provide, by way of illustration, examples of a Member State that has allocated a very significant share of a fisheries quota to small-scale fishing vessels, and examples where decisions taken nationally have resulted in only small shares of quotas being so allocated?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 2012)

Each Member State decides on the method of allocating the annual quotas assigned to it by the Council for vessels flying its flag. The Commission does not have any role in determining the allocation method.

On the basis of a proposal from the Commission, the Council fixes the total allowable catches and allocates it to Member States as fishing opportunities in the form of quotas or effort based on relative stability. The Commission does not possess powers to allocate an increased share of quota to small scale fishing fleets.

Quota allocation is managed differently in different Member States. Quota allocations may be issued to different groupings of vessels such as members of individual producer organisations (PO) who manage the quota, groups of large scale vessels which are not fishing against quotas managed by POs, and the small scale fleet. In some cases, for the small scale fleet, a system of ‘under-pinning’ may apply, which involves ‘topping up’ the allocations for this group to a guaranteed minimum level if their allocation, based on a fixed quota unit, would otherwise be below that level.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002299/12

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Tossicodipendenza e sfruttamento minorile nel Pakistan nordoccidentale

Il 26 febbraio l'Associated Press ha richiamato l'attenzione sul dilagante problema della tossicodipendenza nella città pakistana di Peshawar. Secondo un abitante della città, l'eroina è venduta a meno di 0,20 dollari a dose e Peshawar è il luogo più economico al mondo per comprare la sostanza. Il 90 % dell'oppio del mondo proviene dall'Afghanistan, entra poi in Pakistan e porta alla dipendenza quasi quattro milioni di persone. Si stima che a Peshawar settemila bambini siano senza casa. Secondo il direttore di un convitto caritatevole per ragazzi, molti bambini sono reclutati dai talebani: «A volte i militanti portano i bambini nel Waziristan settentrionale, insegnano loro a diventare kamikaze e a volte li drogano: il bambino potrebbe anche non sapere che salterà in aria». Un bambino che frequenta la scuola è stato nelle mani dei talebani in passato, che lo hanno torturato e obbligato a imparare a memoria il Corano.

La Dost Foundation è un ente caritatevole che sostiene un convitto strutturato come casa famiglia, frequentato da trentadue ragazzi, tutti maschi. Rimangono nella scuola almeno tre mesi per «disintossicarsi» dalla loro esperienza. Purtroppo molti di loro sono tossicodipendenti per via endovenosa e hanno contratto il virus dell'AIDS. Il problema dell'AIDS in Pakistan sta peggiorando: il settanta per cento della popolazione è sotto i trent'anni.

che in Pakistan assistono i giovani esposti ad essere strumentalizzati da gruppi militanti come i talebani?

Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Ashton a nome della Commissione

(23 maggio 2012)

L'UE è consapevole dell'impatto delle droghe in Pakistan e nelle aree al confine con l'Afghanistan. In Pakistan transita ogni anno droga proveniente dall'Afghanistan per un valore di circa 4 miliardi di USD. È risaputo che l'influenza dei talebani e le rotte del narcotraffico che attraversano l'area generano fondi che vengono poi destinati ai ribelli.

Sulla base dell'impegno UE a lungo termine a sostegno del Pakistan, gli Stati membri e il Pakistan hanno appena approvato un nuovo quadro politico: il piano d'impegno quinquennale. Secondo gli orientamenti del piano in materia di sicurezza, la cooperazione e il dialogo sulle misure di contrasto al narcotraffico sono una priorità. Nel frattempo, L'UE e due Stati membri (la Finlandia e i Paesi Bassi) forniscono sostegno all'UNICEF e a diverse ONG che operano in Pakistan per aiutare i giovani a rischio di delinquenza, recuperare i bambini già coinvolti in episodi di delinquenza e responsabilizzare i giovani nella lotta contro l'abuso di sostanze stupefacenti e la diffusione di malattie a trasmissione sessuale. Le attività in Pakistan dell'Iniziativa europea per la democrazia e i diritti dell'uomo sono indirizzate, tra l'altro, alla protezione dei minori e lo stanziamento annuale per il periodo 2011-2013 ammonta a 900 000 EUR.

L'UE adotta un approccio globale e a lungo termine per affrontare le problematiche dei minori coinvolti nei conflitti armati, un impegno riaffermato nella strategia di attuazione degli orientamenti dell'Unione europea sui bambini e i conflitti armati riveduta nel 2010. Dare voce ai minori coinvolti nei conflitti armati e fornire loro delle alternative è un aspetto fondamentale nelle politiche dell'UE. In quest'ambito, l'Unione finanzia numerosi progetti, come ad esempio quello promosso nelle Filippine dal «Centro di riabilitazione e associazione per i diritti dei minori nel sudest asiatico» che mira a fornire assistenza psico-sociale ai bambini coinvolti nei conflitti armati, informare e accrescere la consapevolezza sui diritti umani e incoraggiare campagne contro il reclutamento dei bambini.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002299/12

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Child drug abuse and exploitation in northwest Pakistan

On 26 February, the Associated Press reported on the rampant problem of drug addiction in the Pakistani city of Peshawar. According to one resident, heroin sells for less than USD 0.20 a high, and is the cheapest place in the world to buy the substance. Ninety percent of the world’s opium comes from Afghanistan, whence it is brought into Pakistan. There, in turn, it has resulted in the creation of up to four million addicts. In Peshawar, there are an estimated seven thousand homeless children. According to the manager of a charity boarding school for boys, many boys are recruited by the Taliban: ‘Sometimes the militants take these boys to North Waziristan and teach them to be suicide bombers, and sometimes they give the children drugs and the child might not even know that he is going to be blown up’. One boy attending the school had previously been in the hands of the Taliban, who tortured him and forced him to memorise the Koran.

The Dost Foundation, a family-run charity which supports the boarding school, has 32 boarders, all boys. They stay in the school for at least three months in order to ‘detox’ from their experience. Unfortunately, many of them are intravenous drug users and some have the AIDS virus. The problem of AIDS in Pakistan, seventy percent of whose population is aged under 30, is getting worse.

1. Is the Commission fully aware of the impact of cheap narcotics in Pakistan’s north‐western territories?

2. What resources is the Commission earmarking to support charities and foundations inside Pakistan, such as the Dost Foundation, which assist young people who are vulnerable to exploitation by militant groups such as the Taliban?

3. Can the Commission offer other specific examples of how it is helping to prevent extremism among young people in other countries?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission.

(23 May 2012)

The EU is aware of the impact of drugs in Pakistan and in the areas bordering Afghanistan. Pakistan is a transhipment point for an estimated USD 4 billion of drugs originating from Afghanistan annually. It is widely recognised that Taliban influence and drug routes crossing the area generate funds channelled for insurgents.

Based on EU commitment to support Pakistan for the long-term, Member States and Pakistan have endorsed a new political framework — the five-year Engagement Plan. Under the Plan’s security heading, cooperation and dialogue on counter-narcotics are a priority. In the meantime, the EU and two Member States (Finland and the Netherlands) provide support to Unicef and a range of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Pakistan working to support juveniles at risk of delinquency, rehabilitation of delinquent children, youth empowerment to combat substance abuse and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The actions from the European initiative for democracy and human rights (EIDHR) in Pakistan are focused inter alia on child protection. The annual allocation for 2011-2013 is EUR 900 000.

The EU is committed to a comprehensive, long-term approach to children affected by armed conflict, as reiterated in the 2010 Revised Implementation Strategy to the EU Guidelines on children and armed conflict. Giving voice to children affected by armed conflict and providing alternatives to those children is an essential part of EU policy. The EU provides funding to numerous projects in this area. In the Philippines for example a project by ARCSEA (136) aims to provide psycho-social assistance to children affected by armed conflict; educate and raise awareness about human rights and encourage advocacy against child recruitment.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002300/12

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Cristiani turchi oggetto di discriminazione

Nel febbraio 2012, il servizio di informazione cristiano Compass Direct ha riferito che i cristiani in Turchia continuano a essere oggetto di discriminazione da parte di altri cittadini turchi e di funzionari governativi di grado inferiore e di diffamazione sia nei libri scolastici, sia nei mass media. A gennaio l'Association of Protestant Churches (Associazione delle chiese protestanti) del paese ha pubblicato la sua relazione annuale, nella quale indica che, nonostante alcuni miglioramenti, si rileva ancora una «radice di intolleranza» nella società turca nei confronti dei non musulmani.

Nel 2011 sono stati documentati almeno dodici attacchi contro i cristiani: le chiese sono state assalite e i membri sono stati picchiati perché condividevano la stessa fede, ma nessun aggressore è stato incriminato. In alcune zone del paese i responsabili delle chiese sono costretti a «vivere sotto una sorta di protezione della polizia». Alcuni hanno guardie del corpo e almeno due di loro dispongono di una linea diretta con l'unità di protezione della polizia; durante le funzioni religiose varie chiese hanno bisogno di un servizio di protezione.

Un membro dell'associazione ha affermato che gran parte del problema risiede nel fatto che il governo turco non ammetterà l'esistenza del problema e affronterà gli attacchi ai cristiani come incidenti isolati. La relazione inoltre indica il ministro dell'educazione turco come responsabile dell'aumento dei pregiudizi e dell'intolleranza verso i cristiani.

Si pensa che le persone mettano in dubbio l'«identità turca» dei cittadini cristiani, al fine di giustificarne gli attacchi. Secondo altri, i cristiani sono intenzionati a distruggere il paese dall'interno. Nel 2007 tre cristiani sono stati torturati e uccisi nella provincia turca di Malatya e i loro omicidi sono stati collegati agli estremisti nazionalisti. Il procedimento penale relativo a tali omicidi è tuttora senza una sentenza della corte.

Risposta data da Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(23 aprile 2012)

La Commissione ha sollevato in più occasioni il problema delle discriminazioni compiute nei confronti delle comunità non mussulmane, facendovi riferimento anche nelle sue relazioni, ad esempio nella relazione del 2011 sui progressi compiuti dalla Turchia (pagg. 30-31).

La Commissione discute periodicamente di tutte queste problematiche con le autorità turche.

In quanto paese candidato all’adesione all’UE e membro della convenzione europea dei diritti dell'uomo, la Turchia deve tutelare i diritti dell’uomo e le libertà fondamentali dei suoi cittadini, conformemente alle disposizioni della suddetta convenzione e della giurisprudenza della Corte europea dei diritti dell’uomo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002300/12

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Turkish Christians subject to discrimination

In February 2012, the Christian news service Compass Direct reported that Christians in Turkey continue to suffer discrimination from other Turkish citizens and lower-level government officials, and vilification in both school books and news media. In January, the country’s Association of Protestant Churches released its annual report in which it notes that while there have been some improvements, there is still a ‘root of intolerance’ in Turkish society towards non-Muslims.

In 2011, there were at least twelve attacks documented against Christians. Church members have been beaten for sharing their faith, while church buildings have been attacked. None of the attackers have been charged. In some parts of the country, church leaders have to ‘live under some sort of police protection’. A number of church leaders have bodyguards, and at least two have a direct line to a police protection unit, and during worship services several churches require police protection.

One associate of the organisation said that much of the problem lies in the fact that the Turkish government won’t admit that there is a problem and treat the attacks on Christians as isolated incidents. The report also cites the country’s Ministry of Education as being responsible for building up prejudice and intolerance towards Christians.

It is thought that some individuals question the ‘Turkishness’ of Christian nationals in order to justify their attacks. Others believe Christians are determined to destroy the country from within. In 2007, three Christians were tortured and killed in the Turkish province of Malatya and their murders were linked to nationalist extremists. To date, the criminal case into the murders continues without a court ruling.

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2012)

The Commission has raised the issue of discrimination against non-Muslim communities on a number of occasions and has reported on them, most recently in the Turkey 2011 Progress Report (pages 30-31).

The Commission regularly discusses all these issues with the Turkish authorities.

Turkey, as a country negotiating accession to the EU and a party to the ECHR, needs to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens in line with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002301/12

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Bestiame contagiato dal virus di Schmallenberg

A fine febbraio, i notiziari della BBC hanno annunciato che il virus di Schmallenberg è in crescita nel numero di difetti di nascita e di aborti che colpiscono il bestiame inglese. L'infezione è stata identificata sia nei bovini che negli ovini. La National Farmers' Union inglese ha segnalato che si sono registrati casi prima in Belgio, nei Paesi Bassi e in Germania l'anno scorso, ma che sono stati «sottovalutati». Si ritiene che il virus si diffonda attraverso i moscerini, le zanzare e le zecche, ma che non colpisca gli esseri umani, dato confermato dal Centro europeo per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie. In Inghilterra si sono rilevate tracce del virus nelle regioni del Wiltshire, del West Berkshire e del Gloucestershire. Fra gli effetti sugli animali come pecore e mucche figurano agnelli non nati, deformità e una bassa produzione di latte. Il virus si diffonde alla placenta causando danni al feto in sviluppo e provocando così le deformità. Si stima che l'entità della malattia sarà chiara a marzo e aprile, la stagione in cui nasceranno gli agnelli.

Un portavoce della Farmers' Union ha affermato che il problema è che il virus è sconosciuto. «Potenzialmente, potrebbe essere estremamente grave; dipende da quanto è diffuso». Dal momento che il virus è nuovo, è difficile stabilire come si diffonderà. Nelle fattorie già colpite, fra il dieci e il cinquanta per cento degli agnelli è morto a causa dell'infezione. Non esiste ancora un vaccino per il virus e potrebbero essere necessari fino a due anni per produrne uno. Il 17 febbraio la Commissione, insieme agli Stati membri, ha rilasciato una dichiarazione nella quale «sottolinea che le conoscenze a disposizione sul virus Schmallenberg indicano che il suo impatto sulla salute degli animali è molto minore rispetto a quello della febbre catarrale ovina». La febbre ovina è causata dal virus patogeno responsabile della morte di milioni di pecore e di capre nel Regno Unito, diffusosi attraverso i moscerini e alla fine debellato.

Risposta congiunta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(26 aprile 2012)

In relazione alle interrogazioni relative all'infezione da virus di Schmallenberg virus (SBV) la Commissione rinvia gli onorevoli deputati alle proprie risposte alle interrogazioni scritte E-000544/2012, E-001855/2012 e P-002477/2012 (137).

La Commissione coordina (e prevede di sostenere finanziariamente) gli studi scientifici volti a raccogliere le ulteriori informazioni scientifiche necessarie per definire eventuali misure per il controllo da adottarsi a livello di Stato membro o a livello di UE. Le priorità identificate riguardano la patogenesi del SBV, la sua epidemiologia e gli strumenti diagnostici. Tali informazioni sono necessarie per poter iniziare lo sviluppo di un vaccino. Al momento attuale, tuttavia, non è possibile prevedere quando diverrà disponibile un vaccino efficace.

La Commissione ha chiesto all'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) di raccogliere i dati epidemiologici di cui dispongono gli Stati membri e di valutare l'impatto dell'infezione da SBV sulla salute degli animali, sulla produzione di animali e sul benessere degli animali. Ciò servirà a far luce sull'impatto e sui rischi dell'infezione nell'intero territorio dell'UE, Italia compresa.

Attualmente non sono in atto né sono previste misure UE a restrizione dei movimenti del bestiame. Si raccomanda che gli allevatori segnalino alle autorità competenti tutte le anomalie significative osservate nei capi di bestiame e seguano le indicazioni delle autorità veterinarie degli Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002301/12

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Schmallenberg livestock virus

In late February, BBC News reported that the Schmallenberg virus is on the rise, as reflected in the number of birth defects and miscarriages among British livestock. The infection has been identified in both cattle and sheep. The UK’s National Farmers’ Union warned that cases first emerged in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany last year, but that they were ‘under‐reported’. The virus is believed to be spread by midges, mosquitoes and ticks, but it does not affect humans, which is confirmed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In England, traces of the virus have emerged in Wiltshire, West Berkshire and Gloucestershire. The effects on animals such as sheep and cows include unborn lambs, deformities and low milk yields. The virus spreads into the placenta, causing damage to the developing foetus, which causes the deformities. The extent of the disease is expected to become apparent during the lambing season in March and April.

A spokesman for the National Farmers’ Union said the problem is that the virus is an unknown quantity. ‘Potentially, it could be extremely serious depending on how widespread it is’. As the virus is new, it is difficult to know how it will spread. On farms that are already affected, between 10 % and 50 % of lambs are being lost to the infection. There is no vaccine for the virus, and it could take up to two years to develop one. On 17 February 2012, the Commission released a statement, together with the Member States, in which it emphasised that ‘the knowledge available on the Schmallenberg virus shows that its impact on animal health is much less than the one caused by bluetongue’. Bluetongue is caused by the pathogenic virus that caused the deaths of millions of sheep and goats in the UK, which was spread through midges and was eventually eradicated.

1. Is the Commission aware of the extent of the Schmallenberg virus problem among British livestock?

2. What practical steps are being taken to assess the virus in order to formulate a vaccine to protect European livestock?

3. What are the risks that the Schmallenberg virus poses to continental livestock in countries such as Italy?

4. Are there any steps that can be taken by farmers in order to prevent the spread of the virus?

Question for written answer E-002593/12

to the Commission

Kay Swinburne (ECR)

(6 March 2012)

Subject: Schmallenberg virus

I am concerned about the rapid spread of the Schmallenberg virus across a number of EU Member States and the devastating effect it is having on farmers’ livestock, including still births and congenital deformities. To date, seven Member States have confirmed their livestock being infected, including the UK where 83 farms have been infected. Worryingly, the number of infected livestock is expected to increase with the calving season approaching.

Since this midge-spread disease knows no boundaries, my farming community believes that it is only a matter of time before this disease will infect Welsh livestock. This will have a damaging economic impact on farming industries that have already been hard hit in recent years. I would therefore be grateful if the Commission could answer the following questions:

Question for written answer E-002649/12

to the Commission

John Bufton (EFD)

(8 March 2012)

Subject: Measures to impede and prevent the SBV virus

Will the Commission ensure that any measures taken to impede and prevent the virus are based on the best possible understanding of its science and epidemiology, will involve the fullest possible cooperation with farmers and are as practical as possible in terms of both fighting the virus and minimising the impact upon farmers and their animals?

Question for written answer E-002650/12

to the Commission

John Bufton (EFD)

(8 March 2012)

Subject: Fighting the Schmallenberg virus effectively

Given the widely held supposition that Schmallenberg is vector-borne, will the Commission avoid onerous and ineffective restrictions on animal movements?

Joint answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2012)

In relation to the questions raised on the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection, the Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answers to Written Questions E‐000544/2012, E‐001855/2012 and P‐002477/2012 (138).

The Commission is coordinating (and it plans to financially support) scientific studies to gather further scientific information, required for possible future control measures to be adopted either at Member State level or at EU level. The identified priorities refer to the pathogenesis of SBV, its epidemiology and diagnostic tools. This information is required before initiating the development of a vaccine. At this stage, however, it cannot be predicted when an effective vaccine could become available.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by the Commission to collect epidemiological data from Member States and to assess the impact of SBV infection on animal health, animal production and animal welfare. This will bring clarity on the impact and the risks of this infection in the entire EU, including Italy.

Currently EU restriction measures on animal movement are not in place and are not foreseen. It is recommended that farmers report to the competent authority any significant abnormality observed in their animals and follow the advice defined by the Member States' veterinary authorities.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002302/12

to the Commission

Iliana Malinova Iotova (S&D)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Cooperation and Verification Mechanism

In its Interim report on the Progress in Bulgaria under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, published in February 2012, the Commission discussed donations to police. More specifically it states that ‘the practice of donations to police still raises questions regarding accountability and financial transparency, notably the risk of circumventing public procurement rules’.

1. Can the Commission elaborate on the issue of ‘circumventing public procurement rules’?

2. Can the Commission state whether there have been specific cases where the ‘circumventing [of] public procurement rules’ has occurred?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2012)

The Commission's report on Bulgaria of 8 February 2012 in the framework of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) took note of the measures taken by the Bulgarian authorities with a view to tightening the rules on donations to the police and to enhance transparency of such donations. These measures were taken notably in response to a reference in the Commission's CVM report of 20 July 2011.

While acknowledging steps taken, the Commission drew the attention of the Bulgarian authorities to the general principles of accountability and financial transparency and to the obligation for all public authorities to apply public procurement rules. This statement is based on an analysis carried out by the Commission services of cases which present risks in these areas. The Commission will continue to monitor this issue in the coming months and will address it further with the Bulgarian authorities.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002303/12

to the Commission

Syed Kamall (ECR)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Bankruptcy proceedings in Switzerland of Lehman Brothers Finanz

A constituent has contacted me to bring to my attention the fact that there are many small retail investors in Europe who are struggling to recover lost investments in Lehman Brothers made prior to its collapse.

Although there has apparently been significant positive progress in unwinding investments in most parts of the bank, my constituent informs me that there is one entity — Lehman Brothers Finanz (LBF) in Switzerland — which has yet to reach any settlement. This block could undermine bankruptcy proceedings and worsen the position of investors in the UK and across Europe.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002304/12

to the Commission

Syed Kamall (ECR)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: FSA: alleged irresponsibility with regard to product intervention

I have been contacted by a constituent who believes that the FSA has acted irresponsibly in how it has communicated its concerns regarding the life settlements sector in the UK.

He tells me that on 28 November 2011, the FSA made several highly emotive comments describing life settlement products as ‘toxic’, ‘death-bonds’, and ‘Ponzi-like’. Whilst my constituent recognises the FSA’s stated mission is to protect consumers and promote market stability, he questions whether this is an appropriate method of achieving those ends.

Can the Commission confirm:

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2012)

3-4. The existing MiFID does not prevent national competent authorities from warning intermediaries and investors about certain products or issues or from issuing guidance and recommendations to them. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that, based on available information, traded life policy investments often take the form of unregulated collective schemes. In this respect, the directive on Alternative Investment Funds Managers (Directive 2011/61/EC (140)) contains rules in the sense that it only harmonises the distribution of AIF to professional clients and thus allows Member States to apply stricter rules for retail distribution within their territories.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002305/12

to the Commission

Syed Kamall (ECR)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Somalian refugees at the Lutsk detention centre in Ukraine

I have been contacted by a constituent who is concerned about the situation of a group of Somalian refugees who are on hunger strike at the Lutsk detention centre in Ukraine.

Can the Commission confirm:

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission

(4 June 2012)

The EU Delegation to Ukraine has been closely following developments related to the situation of Somali refugees in the Volyn and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine. It has been in contact with the authorities, UNHCR, IOM and local NGOs in order to support the efforts to resolve the situation. The hunger strike has now ended and steps are taken to ensure efficient consideration of every refugee/complementary protection application.

In the longer term, our aim is to ensure that the asylum issue is tackled through a comprehensive reform, building the right capacities at national level. The EU is supporting this process with significant assistance, including through a Regional Protection Programme. Furthermore, two custody centres for foreign nationals were refurbished and opened with EU support in 2008. The EU has also been financing projects providing legal, social, medical and material support. Lawyers from partner NGOs consult migrants on their rights and advise on procedures including applications for asylum.

Home affairs issues, including asylum are regularly discussed with Ukraine, including in yearly meetings of the EU‐Ukraine Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial and Subcommittee. An Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation which was presented to Ukraine on 22 November 2010 contains specific benchmarks on asylum policy. The progress reports on the implementation by Ukraine of the action plan on Visa Liberalisation are available online (141).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002306/12

to the Commission

Vicky Ford (ECR)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Pan-European serious offenders' register

I am writing to you following a recent case in the region I represent. A man was recently charged for assaulting a woman and for multiple other offences. It subsequently emerged that he had previously been convicted of rape in another EU member state. This person had entered the UK without, as far as I can ascertain, any need to notify UK police of his previous convictions. In the UK, if a person has been convicted of a serious sexual offence, his or her name will be placed on database known as the ‘sex offenders’ register’. This allows local police to be aware of the location of serious offenders.

I understand that ensuring privacy and safeguarding civil liberties are of great importance, and should be respected, but so is protecting vulnerable people.

Can the Commission let me know what it is doing to establish a database which would share information on serious offenders between different Member States?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2012)

A way of alerting other Member States to specific persons is provided by the Schengen Information System (SIS). The UK has stated its intention to join the second generation SIS (SIS II). SIS II will contain alerts on persons for discrete or specific checks. An alert can be created by a Member State where there is a clear indication that a person intends to commit a serious criminal offence or where an overall assessment, in particular on the basis of past offences, gives reason to suppose that the person will also commit serious offences in the future. Therefore, a Member State can ensure that police services in other Member States are able to locate such a person, report on circumstances and share information.

The rules on free movement of European Union (EU) citizens allow a Member State to require an incoming EU citizen to report their presence within their territory within a reasonable period of time or, for periods of residence for longer than three months, to register with relevant authorities (Directive 2004/38, Article 8). In order to ascertain whether the person is a danger for public security, the Member State may request the Member State of origin and, if need be, other Member States to provide information concerning any previous police record (Article 27(3)). Previous convictions cannot in themselves be grounds for restricting free movement on the grounds of public policy or public security (Article 27(2)) but can be used on a case by case basis to prevent the entry of an individual on the territory of another Member State.

Furthermore, the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), expected to become operational on 27 April 2012, will allow for an efficient electronic exchange between Member States of information extracted from criminal records.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002308/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Laicismo in calo in Tunisia

Nell'ottobre 2011 in Tunisia si sono tenute le prime elezioni parlamentari dopo la caduta del presidente Zine El Abedine Ben Ali. Il partito islamico Ennahda ha ottenuto il 41 % dei voti. Tuttavia, il fondatore e presidente del partito Rashid Ghannouchi ha un passato discutibile. Ha appoggiato l'invasione di Saddam Hussein e l'annessione del Kuwait nel 1990 e si considera un allievo dell'Ayatollah iraniano Khomeini. Martin Kramer, esperto di Medio Oriente del Washington Institute for Near East Policy, lo ha definito «il maggiore islamista in Occidente». Nel 1990, in occasione di una conferenza islamica, Ghannouchi aveva affermato che: «Il più grande pericolo per la civilizzazione, la religione e la pace nel mondo è rappresentato dall'amministrazione degli Stati Uniti. Gli Stati Uniti sono il grande Satana»

Molti sono i segni che indicano che il partito Ennahda non è favorevole a coltivare i valori laici. Nabil Karoui, proprietario del canale televisivo tunisino Nessma TV, è indagato per blasfemia dopo aver mandato in onda il film d'animazione franco-iraniano Persepolis. La sua abitazione è stata oggetto di un attacco salafita con bombe molotov e 140 avvocati hanno deposto accuse contro di lui per «violazione dei valori sacri» e per «disturbo della quiete pubblica». Karoui rischia cinque anni di prigione. Secondo il New York Times, Ghannouchi ha risposto affermando di sostenere il «diritto dei tunisini di denunciare questo attacco alla loro religione». Il 20 febbraio Aridha Chaabia, della lista popolare, il terzo maggiore partito dell'assemblea costituente tunisina, ha proposto di redigere una bozza di costituzione basata sul diritto islamico. Se la proposta dovesse ottenere l'approvazione del 60 % dei parlamentari, potrebbe essere accettata senza bisogno di un referendum popolare.

Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione

(10 maggio 2012)

L'Unione europea segue da vicino il processo di transizione democratica in corso in Tunisia ed ha accolto con favore i progressi compiuti grazie, in particolare, all’organizzazione di elezioni democratiche, che hanno portato alla creazione di un’assemblea costituente.

L'UE è consapevole delle preoccupazioni espresse da diversi gruppi della società civile e partiti politici rispetto alle violente azioni condotte da gruppi estremisti «salafisti» e alla mancanza di una reazione ferma da parte delle autorità.

Il sostegno dell’Unione europea alla Tunisia si basa sui principi definiti nelle comunicazioni dell’8 marzo 2011 «Un partenariato per la democrazia e la prosperità condivisa con il Mediterraneo meridionale» e del 25 maggio 2011 «Una risposta nuova ad un vicinato in mutamento», tra cui il principio «more for more», in base al quale in un quadro di responsabilità reciproca, ai paesi partner che hanno registrato i migliori risultati nel processo di consolidamento delle riforme vengono messi a disposizione aiuti più consistenti in termini di assistenza finanziaria, miglioramento della mobilità e accesso al mercato unico dell'UE.

L'Unione europea intrattiene un dialogo politico con le autorità tunisine, nell‘ambito del quale viene apertamente discussa la questione delle riforme democratiche. L'Unione europea ha ripetutamente espresso la volontà di sostenere la transizione democratica e segue da vicino la situazione, mantenendo i contatti con le autorità e con i rappresentanti della società civile. Con le autorità tunisine, l’UE ha avviato un dialogo sulla riforma del settore della sicurezza ed ha espresso la propria disponibilità ad assistere il paese nell'effettiva attuazione degli impegni ONU nel campo del rispetto dei diritti umani. L'UE continuerà ad utilizzare i suoi strumenti di cooperazione per sostenere le attività dei rappresentanti della società civile impegnati a promuovere il rispetto dei diritti umani e delle libertà fondamentali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002308/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Secularism on the decline in Tunisia

In October 2011 Tunisia held its first parliamentary elections since the fall of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. The Islamist Ennahda party captured 41 % of the vote. However, the party’s founder and chairman, Rashid Ghannouchi, has a controversial past. He supported Saddam Hussein’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait in 1990 and considers himself a pupil of Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini. Middle East expert Martin Kramer, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, has called Ghannouchi ‘the most prominent Islamist in the West’. In 1990 he announced at an Islamic conference that: ‘The greatest danger to civilisation, religion and world peace is the United States Administration. It is the Great Satan.’

There are many indicators that the Ennahda party is not in favour of cultivating secular values. The owner of the Tunisian channel Nessma TV, Nabil Karoui, is on trial for blasphemy after he screened the French-Iranian animated film Persepolis. His house was attacked by a Salafist mob using Molotov cocktails, and 140 lawyers filed lawsuits against him for ‘violating sacred values’ and ‘disturbing public order’. Karoui could spend up to five years in prison. According to the New York Times, Ghannouchi responded by saying he supports ‘Tunisians’ right to denounce this attack on their religion’. On 20 February 2012 Aridha Chaabia, or Popular List, the third-largest party in Tunisia’s constituent assembly, proposed drafting a constitution based on Islamic law. If the proposal wins the support of 60 % of parliamentarians, it could pass without a referendum.

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission

(10 May 2012)

The EU is following the democratic transition in Tunisia closely and has welcomed the progress made notably through the holding of democratic elections leading to the establishment of a Constituent Assembly.

The EU is aware of concerns raised by several civil society groups and political parties against violent actions carried out by extremist ‘salafist’ groups and the lack of a strong reaction from the authorities.

The EU support to Tunisia is based on the principles set out in the communications of 8 March 2011 ‘A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean’ and 25 May 2011 ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’, including the ‘more for more’ principle, under which increased support in terms of financial assistance, enhanced mobility, and access to the EU Single Market is to be made available, on the basis of mutual accountability, to those partner countries most advanced in the consolidation of democratic reforms and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The EU has a political dialogue with the Tunisian authorities where the issue of democratic reforms is openly discussed. The EU has repeatedly expressed its willingness to support democratic transition. It is following the situation closely and is in contact with the authorities and civil society actors on such issues. The EU has started a dialogue with the Tunisian authorities on the reform of the security sector and has expressed its readiness to accompany the country in the effective implementation of UN commitments in the field of respect for human rights. The EU will continue to use its cooperation instruments to support the activities of civil society actors, in their efforts to promote respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002310/12

alla Commissione

Carlo Fidanza (PPE) e Licia Ronzulli (PPE)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: L'intolleranza ereditaria al fruttosio (Hereditary Fructose Intolerance — HFI)

L'intolleranza ereditaria al fruttosio (Hereditary Fructose Intolerance — HFI) è una malattia genetica rara, diffusa principalmente in Europa e nel Nordamerica con un'incidenza di circa 1:20000. È causata da una deficienza dell'attività dell'enzima aldolasi B, presente normalmente nel fegato, nei reni e nell'intestino tenue, e responsabile del metabolismo del fruttosio.

Tale insufficienza causa l'accumulo di fruttosio in questi organi, interferendo con l'attività di numerosi altri metaboliti epatici e inibendo la trasformazione del glicogeno e la sintesi del glucosio.

L'intolleranza può provocare forti crisi ipoglicemiche, danni al fegato, disfunzioni renali, coma e morte.

Considerando:

si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(23 aprile 2012)

La legislazione dell'UE prevede un riesame della lista degli allergeni e, se necessario, il suo aggiornamento sulla base delle conoscenze scientifiche più recenti. Al momento attuale non si dispone di dati scientifici che corroborino l'inclusione del fruttosio nella lista summenzionata.

Su richiesta dell'Irlanda l'autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) ha appena iniziato la valutazione dei dati scientifici esistenti sull'allergenicità in Europa, compresa la valutazione della lista UE degli allergeni. La Commissione esaminerà il parere dell'EFSA una volta che questo sarà disponibile e valuterà la necessità di aggiornare di conseguenza la lista UE di allergeni. Per tale motivo non è possibile prevedere attualmente se e quando le sostanze menzionate dagli onorevoli deputati saranno incluse nell'allegato II del regolamento (UE) n. 1169/2011 (142). Il parere scientifico dell'EFSA è atteso per la fine di quest'anno.

Inoltre, conformemente alla legislazione vigente dell'UE in tema di etichettatura (143), tutti gli ingredienti, compresi quelli cui fanno riferimento gli onorevoli deputati, devono essere citati sull'etichetta dell'alimento nella lista degli ingredienti.

Gli Stati membri hanno la responsabilità di far rispettare la normativa alimentare dell'UE e di verificare, mediante l'organizzazione di controlli ufficiali, che le pertinenti disposizioni della stessa siano rispettate dagli operatori economici.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002310/12

to the Commission

Carlo Fidanza (PPE) and Licia Ronzulli (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)

HFI is a rare genetic disease, occurring mainly in Europe and North America, with an incidence of approximately 1:20 000. It is caused by a deficiency in the action of the aldolase B enzyme, which is normally present in the liver, kidneys and small intestine and which is responsible for metabolising fructose.

This deficiency causes fructose to accumulate in these organs, interfering with the action of numerous other hepatic metabolites and inhibiting the transformation of glycogen and the synthesis of glucose.

This intolerance can cause major hypoglycaemic crises, liver damage, kidney malfunction, coma and death.

Since:

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2012)

The EU legislation foresees a re-examination of the allergens' list and, when necessary, its updating based on the most recent scientific knowledge. At this stage, there is no available scientific data to support the inclusion of the fructose into the aforesaid allergens' list.

On the request of Ireland, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has just started the assessment of the existing scientific data on allergenicity in Europe, including the evaluation of the EU list of allergens. The Commission will examine the opinion of EFSA once available, and, assess the need for updating the EU list of allergens accordingly. Therefore, it is not possible to anticipate at present whether and when the substances mentioned by the Honourable Member will be added to the Annex II of Regulation (UE) No 1169/2011 (144). The scientific opinion of EFSA is expected by the end of this year.

Moreover, according to the current EU labelling legislation (145) any ingredient, including those referred to by the Honourable Member, has to be mentioned on the food label in the list of ingredients.

Member States are responsible for the enforcement of EU food law and verify, through the organisation of official controls, that the relevant requirements thereof are fulfilled by business operators.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002311/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(29 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Sequestro di 8 tonnellate di sigarette al porto di Bari

Oltre otto tonnellate di sigarette di contrabbando, contenute in un tir appena sbarcato nel porto di Bari dalla motonave «Superfast II» proveniente dalla Grecia, sono state sequestrate dai militari della Guardia di finanza che hanno anche arrestato il conducente dell'automezzo, un cittadino greco di 32 anni. L'operazione è stata condotta in collaborazione con funzionari dell'ufficio delle dogane.

L'autista dovrà rispondere di contrabbando internazionale di sigarette. Il carico di sigarette, se immesso sul mercato clandestino, avrebbe fruttato alle organizzazioni criminali circa due milioni di euro. Nel corso dei primi due mesi dell'anno i militari della Guardia di finanza del gruppo Bari hanno sequestrato nel porto del capoluogo pugliese complessivamente 14 tonnellate di sigarette di contrabbando.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può pertanto la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta data da Algirdas Šemeta a nome della Commissione

(3 maggio 2012)

Dal 1997 gli Stati membri comunicano all’OLAF, su base trimestrale, la quantità totale di sigarette e mezzi di trasporto sequestrati per contrabbando.

Dal 2003 inviano inoltre informazioni sui sequestri di sigarette superiori a un determinato limite. L’OLAF coordina le operazioni doganali congiunte (ODC) e, se necessario, lo svolgimento di indagini sul contrabbando di sigarette su larga scala condotte dalle autorità di contrasto nazionali. Tali attività sono riportate nella relazione annuale dell’OLAF per il 2010 (146).

Inoltre, il piano d’azione della Commissione del giugno 2011 (147) contro il contrabbando di sigarette e alcolici lungo il confine orientale dell’UE prevede misure concrete per contrastare le considerevoli perdite di gettito fiscale per l’UE e i suoi Stati membri.

Alla Grecia è dato pieno sostegno nella lotta contro il contrabbando di sigarette, la frode e la corruzione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002311/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Seizure of eight tonnes of cigarettes at the port of Bari

More than eight tonnes of contraband cigarettes in an HGV that had just reached the port of Bari aboard the Superfast II motor vessel arriving from Greece have been seized by Guardia di Finanza officers, who also arrested the vehicle’s driver, a 32-year-old Greek citizen. The operation was carried out in cooperation with customs officials.

The driver will be charged with international cigarette smuggling. The lorryload of cigarettes would have been worth approximately EUR 2 million to criminal organisations if they had reached the black market. During the first two months of the year, Guardia di Finanza officers seized a total of 14 tonnes of smuggled cigarettes at the port of Bari, which is the capital of the Apulia region.

In light of these facts, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 2012)

Since 1997 Member States have informed OLAF on a quarterly basis of the total amount of cigarettes and means of transport seized for smuggling. Since 2003, they have provided OLAF with information on seizures of cigarettes above a certain threshold. OLAF coordinates Joint Customs Operations (JCOs) and where appropriate coordinates investigations into large scale cigarette smuggling conducted by the national law enforcement authorities. These activities are reflected in OLAF’s annual operational report for the year 2010 (149).

Moreover, the Commission's Action Plan of June 2011 (150) to fight against cigarette and alcohol smuggling along the European Union (EU) Eastern Border sets out concrete steps to combat significant losses of revenue for the EU and its Member States. Full support is also given to Greece in the fight against cigarette smuggling, fraud and corruption.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-002318/12

aan de Commissie

Barry Madlener (NI)

(29 februari 2012)

Betreft: Corrupt Tsjaad krijgt 229 miljoen euro van EU

Antwoord van de heer Piebalgs namens de Commissie

(23 april 2012)

De Commissie is bekend met het verslag van Transparency International, dat een hoge corruptie-index aangeeft voor Tsjaad.

Het tiende Europees Ontwikkelingsfonds financiert in Tsjaad projecten voor plattelandsontwikkeling, goed bestuur, infrastructuur en gezondheidszorg voor een totaalbedrag van 328 miljoen euro. De werkwijzen van de Commissie voor de besteding van financiële middelen zijn transparant. Ook het toekennen van contracten en subsidies gebeurt op een transparante manier. De uitbetalingen worden pas uitgevoerd na de controle van het verslag van de verdragspartner. Alle programma’s worden onderworpen aan onafhankelijke audits. Het minste vermoeden van corruptie leidt onmiddellijk tot het uitvoeren van controles. Krachtens artikel 7 van Verordening (EG) nr. 1073/1999 (155) kan het Europees Bureau voor fraudebestrijding een onderzoek inleiden en passende maatregelen nemen.

Tsjaad kampt met een gebrek aan goed bestuur. De EU is van mening dat het daarom nog belangrijker is in dit land actief te blijven via programma’s voor ontwikkelingshulp en via een politieke dialoog in het kader van artikel 8 van de overeenkomst van Cotonou. Het programma ter ondersteuning van het bestuur (waaronder het beheer van de overheidsfinanciën) en het programma  ter ondersteuning van de justitiële hervorming beogen een verbetering van het economische bestuur.

Er zijn onlangs tuchtrechtelijke maatregelen genomen tegen verschillende  hoge ambtenaren, waaronder de arrestatie van de minister van Volksgezondheid. Na zijn vrijlating heeft deze het land verlaten, waarna zijn mandaat is overgenomen door de minister van Justitie, die nu dus de twee portefeuilles combineert. De EU volgt deze ontwikkelingen op de voet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002318/12

to the Commission

Barry Madlener (NI)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Corrupt Chad gets EUR 229 million from the EU

(Version française)

La Commission a bien connaissance du rapport de Transparency International qui dénonce un index de corruption très élevé au Tchad.

Le 10e FED au Tchad (total de 328 millions d'euros) finance des projets dans le secteur rural, de la bonne gouvernance, des infrastructures et de la santé. Les procédures de la Commission permettent de garantir une transparence dans l'utilisation de ses financements. Les contrats et subventions sont attribués de manière transparente. Les paiements sont réalisés suite à la vérification des rapports fournis par la partie contractante. Tous les programmes font l'objet d'audits indépendants. Toute suspicion de corruption conduit immédiatement à des opérations de contrôle. En accord avec l'article 7 du règlement 1073/1999 (159), l'Office européen de lutte antifraude peut ouvrir une enquête et prendre des mesures appropriées.

Le Tchad souffre d'un manque de bonne gouvernance. L'Union européenne considère qu'il est d'autant plus important de rester présent dans ce pays afin de contribuer à améliorer cette situation à travers son dialogue politique dans le cadre de l'article 8 de l'accord de Cotonou et à travers ses programmes d'aide au développement. Le programme d'appui à la gouvernance, avec le volet finances publiques, et le programme d'appui à la réforme de la justice visent une amélioration de la gouvernance économique.

Un certain nombre de hauts fonctionnaires ont été récemment l'objet d'actions disciplinaires, parmi lesquelles l'arrestation du Ministre de l'assainissement public. Ce dernier a été ensuite relâché et a quitté le pays, son mandat a été repris par le Ministre de la Justice, qui à l'heure actuelle cumule les deux portefeuilles. L'Union européenne reste attentive aux suites de ces destitutions.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-002321/12

aan de Commissie

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), Ivo Belet (PPE) en Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(29 februari 2012)

Betreft: Containerverlies zeeschepen

Jaarlijks vallen zo’n 3 000-4 000 containers overboord van zeeschepen. Ze vormen een gevaar voor de scheepvaart, maar kunnen ook problemen opleveren voor het milieu, zeker als het containers met gevaarlijke stoffen betreft. De afgelopen jaren hebben onderzoeken aangetoond dat het overboord vallen wordt veroorzaakt door menselijk falen zoals bevestigingen van containers die niet goed zijn uitgevoerd of zijn gedaan met verouderd materiaal, scheepsontwerpen die niet aangepast zijn aan grote vrachten en een slechte verdeling van de gewichten van containers op een schip.

Bijkomend probleem is dat een container die overboord gaat samen met de inhoud meteen alle waarde verliest vanwege de impact van het zoute zeewater. Er gaat dus niet alleen een grote hoeveelheid containers overboord, maar ze worden nauwelijks geborgen omdat daar geen enkele economische stimulans of wettelijk afdwingbare verplichting toe is.

1. Beschikt de Commissie over schattingen van het aantal containers dat in de EU-wateren overboord van zeeschepen gaat?

2. Is er een verplichting voor rederijen om zich te verzekeren tegen potentiële milieu— en gezondheidsgevolgen van het verlies van containers?

3. Bestaat er een Europese verplichting tot het uitvoeren van controles op de kwaliteit van de bevestiging van containers aan boord? Beschikt de Commissie over gegevens over de mate waarin dergelijke controles gebeuren?

4. In welke gevallen kan het recupereren van overboord gegane containers afgedwongen worden en kunnen de kosten verhaald worden op de rederij?

5. Overweegt de Commissie verdere regelgeving die het overboord gaan van containers moet aanpakken? Wordt daarbij ook gedacht aan systemen van waarborging of verzekeringen waardoor rederijen moeten betalen voor elke container die de eindbestemming niet bereikt?

Antwoord van de heer Kallas namens de Commissie

(29 maart 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002321/12

to the Commission

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), Ivo Belet (PPE) and Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Containers lost from sea-going ships

Approximately 3 000‐4 000 containers fall off sea-going ships each year. They pose a navigation hazard and can also create environmental problems, especially if they contain dangerous substances. Studies from recent years have shown that containers fall overboard as a result of human error, such as failure to properly secure containers or use of obsolete materials for this purpose, ships that are not adapted for large cargo and poor distribution of container weight on board.

An additional problem is that an overboard container and its contents immediately lose all value due to the salty sea water. Therefore, not only do many containers fall overboard, but they are hardly ever salvaged because there is no economic incentive or legally enforceable obligation to do so.

1. Does the Commission have any estimates as to the number of containers that fall off ships in EU waters?

2. Are shipping companies obliged to insure themselves against possible environmental and health consequences of container loss?

3. Is there a European obligation to inspect the quality of the fastening of containers? Does the Commission have information about the extent to which such inspections occur?

4. In which cases can the recovery of overboard containers be enforced and can the costs be recovered from the shipping company?

5. Is the Commission considering further legislation to address the issue? Is there a plan to set up guarantee or insurance systems in which shipping companies must pay for containers that do not reach the final destination?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(29 March 2012)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-002326/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(29 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Esclarecimentos sobre o texto dos novos Tratados na área da política económica e monetária

Considerando que:

A União Europeia atravessa uma fase de grandes e sérias dificuldades ao nível económico e financeiro, com alguns Estados‐Membros a aplicarem severas medidas de austeridade para o equilíbrio e saneamento das contas públicas e cumprimento das metas dos sucessivos Pactos de Estabilidade e Crescimento;

O Presidente da Comissão Europeia, José Manuel Durão Barroso, no seu discurso sobre o Estado da União, em setembro de 2011, no Parlamento Europeu, defendeu um aprofundamento do método «comunitário», com maior poder interventivo das instituições europeias na saída da crise e no relançamento da economia;

Nos últimos tempos, várias iniciativas foram tomadas, de entre as quais são de destacar a criação do Semestre Europeu, os sucessivos Pactos de Estabilidade e Crescimento, o Mecanismo Europeu para a Estabilidade Financeira e o Fundo Europeu para a Estabilidade Financeira e o pacote legislativo com regras para o controlo dos défices excessivos e para a prevenção dos desequilíbrios macroeconómicos;

Para além destas medidas, foram recentemente negociados dois Tratados, o Tratado sobre a Estabilidade, Coordenação e Governação que está previsto ser assinado em março e entrar em vigor a 1 de janeiro de 2013, após a ratificação por um número mínimo de 12 Estados-Membros, e o Tratado que cria o Mecanismo Europeu de Estabilidade, assinado a 2 de fevereiro e que entrará em vigor em julho deste ano;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por José Manuel Barroso em nome da Comissão

(16 de abril de 2012)

Além disso, o Conselho Europeu adotou a Decisão 2011/199/UE com o objetivo de acrescentar um novo n.° 3 ao artigo 136.° do TFUE, a fim de clarificar que os Estados-Membros cuja moeda seja o euro podem criar um mecanismo de estabilidade como o MEE.

O Tratado sobre a Estabilidade, Coordenação e Governação na União Económica e Monetária indica explicitamente que este é apenas aplicável quando compatível com os Tratados da UE (artigo 2.°).

Além disso, prevê-se que a aplicação dos princípios deste tratado será, tanto quanto possível, levada a cabo através da adoção de disposições de direito derivado da União.

3 e 4. O Tratado sobre a Estabilidade é um acordo internacional celebrado entre 25 Estados-Membros da União. Sendo que o Tratado sobre a Estabilidade não faz parte do direito da União, o Tribunal de Justiça da UE não tem competência para assegurar o respeito do mesmo com base no TFUE. Não obstante, foi atribuída uma competência específica ao Tribunal, tal como previsto no artigo 273.° do TFUE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002326/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: Clarifications on the text of the new treaties in the field of economic and monetary policy

The European Union is going through a period of major and serious economic and financial problems, with some Member States having to implement severe austerity measures to balance and consolidate public finances and to meet the targets of successive Stability and Growth Pacts.

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, in his State of the Union address in September 2011 to the European Parliament, advocated deepening of the ‘Community Method’ with greater powers of intervention for the European institutions in overcoming the crisis and boosting the economy.

Several initiatives have been adopted recently, including in particular the creation of the European Semester, successive Stability and Growth Pacts, the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism and the European Financial Stability Facility, and the legislative package with rules for controlling excessive deficits and for the prevention of macroeconomic imbalances.

In addition to these measures, two treaties were negotiated recently, the Treaty on Stability Coordination and Governance, due to be signed in March and to enter into force on 1 January 2013, following ratification by a minimum of 12 Member States, and the Treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism, which was signed on 2 February and which will enter into force in July of this year.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

(Version française)

Par ailleurs, le Conseil européen a adopté la décision 2011/199/UE en vue d'ajouter à l'article 136 TFUE un nouveau paragraphe 3 afin de clarifier que les États membres dont la monnaie est l'euro peuvent créer un mécanisme de stabilité tel que l'ESM.

Le traité sur la stabilité, la coordination et la gouvernance au sein de l'Union économique et monétaire spécifie explicitement qu'il ne s'applique que dans la mesure où il est compatible avec les traités UE (article 2).

Par ailleurs, il est prévu que la mise en œuvre des principes de ce traité se fera autant que possible par l'adoption de dispositions de droit dérivé de l'Union.

3 et 4. Le traité sur la stabilité est un accord international conclu entre 25 États membres de l'Union. Étant donné que le traité sur la stabilité ne fait pas partie du droit de l'Union, la Cour de justice de l'UE n'est pas compétente pour en assurer le respect sur la base du TFUE. Une compétence spécifique a néanmoins été attribuée à la Cour, ainsi que le permet l'article 273 TFUE.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-002329/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(29 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Ajutoare de minimis pentru cultivatorii de legume

Fermierii cultivatori de legume în sere și solarii din România au fost în ultimele săptămâni puternic afectați de căderile masive de zăpadă. Până în acest moment sunt afectate, potrivit unor date preliminarii, 80 ha sere și 280 ha solarii. Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă ar putea accepta majorarea temporară a nivelului maxim permis pentru acordarea unor fonduri din ajutoarele de minimis în favoarea acestor fermieri.

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(28 martie 2012)

Autoritățile române au deja posibilitatea să acorde un ajutor de minimis care poate atinge 7 500 EUR pentru fiecare beneficiar și pentru fiecare perioadă de trei ani fiscali, în limitele unui cuantum maxim stabilit, pentru România, la 98 685 000 EUR pentru aceeași perioadă, conform dispozițiilor Regulamentului (CE) nr. 1535/2007 al Comisiei (176). Creșterea temporară a acestor plafoane pentru fermierii care au suferit pierderi din cauza condițiilor climatice nefavorabile nu este posibilă din cauza faptului că plafoanele au fost stabilite pe baza unor calcule concepute să stabilească până la ce nivel pot fi acordate ajutoarele fără să se producă o denaturare a concurenței.

Autorităților române le rămân însă la dispoziție și alte posibilități de a acorda ajutoare pentru agricultori, precum ajutoarele pentru compensarea daunelor provocate de condițiile climatice nefavorabile, cu respectarea condițiilor de la articolul 11 din Regulamentul (CE) nr. 1857/2006 al Comisiei (177) (ajutoare care acoperă 80% sau 90% din pierderi în funcție de tipul zonei, în situațiile în care daunele depășesc 30% din producția normală).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002329/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: De minimis aid for market gardeners

Market gardeners who grow vegetables in greenhouses and solariums in Romania have been greatly affected in recent weeks by the massive snowfalls there. To date, 80 ha of greenhouses and 280 ha of solariums have been affected, according to initial information. Could the Commission state whether it can grant a temporary increase in the maximum permitted levels for de minimis aid for these farmers?

(Version française)

Les autorités roumaines ont déjà la possibilité d'accorder une aide de minimis pouvant atteindre 7 500 euros par bénéficiaire et par période de trois exercices fiscaux, dans les limites d'un montant maximal fixé, pour la Roumanie, à 98 685 000 euros pour la même période, conformément aux dispositions du règlement (CE) no 1535/2007 de la Commission (178). Il n'est pas possible d'augmenter temporairement ces plafonds pour les agriculteurs qui ont subi des pertes à cause de conditions climatiques défavorables, étant donné qu'ils ont été fixés sur la base de calculs visant à déterminer jusqu'à quel niveau des aides peuvent être accordées sans qu'il y ait distorsion de concurrence.

Les autorités roumaines disposent toutefois d'autres possibilités d'accorder des aides aux agriculteurs: il leur est ainsi loisible d'accorder des aides pour la compensation de pertes dues à des conditions climatiques défavorables, dans le respect des conditions de l'article 11 du règlement (CE) no 1857/2006 de la Commission (179) (aides couvrant 80 % ou 90 % des pertes selon le type de zone, lorsque les pertes dépassent 30 % de la production normale).

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-002330/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(29 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Ajutoare de minimis pentru apicultori

Din cauza vremii extrem de friguroase din această iarnă, a viscolului și a ninsorilor abundente, albinele nu au putut părăsi stupii pentru „zborurile de curățare”, prin urmare există un risc ridicat de a se îmbolnăvi de nosemoză, boală care nu poate fi combătută eficient cu medicamentele autorizate în UE. Crescătorii de albine estimează pierderi de până 40% până la primăvară. Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă ar putea accepta majorarea temporară a nivelului maxim permis pentru acordarea unor fonduri din ajutoarele de minimis în favoarea apicultorilor.

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(2 aprilie 2012)

Autoritățile române au deja posibilitatea să acorde un ajutor de minimis care poate atinge 7 500 EUR pentru fiecare beneficiar și pentru fiecare perioadă de trei ani fiscali, în limitele unui cuantum maxim stabilit, pentru România, la 98 685 000 EUR pentru aceeași perioadă, conform dispozițiilor din Regulamentul (CE) nr. 1535/2007 al Comisiei (180). Creșterea temporară a acestor plafoane pentru fermierii care au suferit pierderi din cauza bolilor sau a fenomenelor meteorologice nefavorabile nu este posibilă din cauza faptului că plafoanele au fost fixate pe baza unor calcule concepute să stabilească până la ce nivel pot fi acordate ajutoarele fără să se producă o denaturare a concurenței.

Autorităților române le rămân însă la dispoziție și alte posibilități de acordare a ajutoarelor pentru fermieri, precum ajutoarele pentru compensarea daunelor provocate de fenomenele meteorologice nefavorabile, cu respectarea condițiilor de la articolul 11 din Regulamentul (CE) nr. 1857/2006 al Comisiei (181) (ajutoare care acoperă 80% sau 90% din pierderi în funcție de tipul zonei, în situațiile în care daunele depășesc 30% din producția normală), dacă se dovedește că daunele au fost provocate de o boală a cărei apariție a fost generată de condițiile climatice, sau cu respectarea articolului 10 din același regulament (ajutoare care acoperă 100% din pierderi) dacă apariția bolii nu a fost generată de condițiile climatice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002330/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(29 February 2012)

Subject: De minimis aid for beekeepers

Owing to the extremely cold weather, blizzards and heavy snowfalls this winter, bees were unable to leave their hives for ‘cleansing flights’. As a result, there is a high risk that they will develop nosemosis, a disease that cannot be efficiently treated with the medicines authorised in the EU. Beekeepers estimate bee losses of 40 % by the spring. Can the Commission therefore state whether it could grant a temporary increase in the maximum permitted levels for the granting of de minimis aid in favour of beekeepers?

(Version française)

Les autorités roumaines ont déjà la possibilité d'accorder une aide de minimis pouvant atteindre 7 500 euros par bénéficiaire et par période de trois exercices fiscaux, dans les limites d'un montant maximal fixé, pour la Roumanie, à 98 685 000 euros pour la même période, conformément aux dispositions du règlement (CE) no 1535/2007 de la Commission (182). Il n'est pas possible d'augmenter temporairement ces plafondspour les agriculteurs qui ont subi des pertes à cause de maladies ou de conditions climatiques défavorables, étant donné qu'ils ont été fixés sur la base de calculs visant à déterminer jusqu'à quel niveau des aides peuvent être accordées sans qu'il y ait distorsion de concurrence.

Les autorités roumaines disposent toutefois d'autres possibilités d'accorder des aides aux agriculteurs: il leur est ainsi loisible d'accorder des aides pour la compensation de pertes dues à des conditions climatiques défavorables, dans le respect des conditions de l'article 11 du règlement (CE) no 1857/2006 de la Commission (183) (aides couvrant 80 % ou 90 % des pertes selon le type de zone, lorsque les pertes dépassent 30 % de la production normale), s'il est avéré que les pertes sont dues à une maladie consécutive aux conditions climatiques, ou dans le respect de l'article 10 du même règlement (aide couvrant 100 % des pertes), si la maladie n'est pas due auxdites conditions.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-002358/12

adresată Consiliului

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(1 martie 2012)

Subiect: Măsuri pentru consolidarea încrederii reciproce dintre statele membre în contextul cooperării judiciare în materie penală

Articolul 82 alineatul (1) din Tratatul privind funcționarea UE prevede principiul recunoașterii reciproce ca punct de plecare pentru cooperarea judiciară în materie penală. Recunoașterea reciprocă, la rândul său, se bazează înainte de toate pe încrederea reciprocă între sistemele judiciare ale statelor membre. Cu toate acestea, încrederea nu ar trebui să fie considerată a fi de la sine înțeleasă într-un domeniu al justiției caracterizat prin diversitate și eterogenitate, astfel cum a demonstrat implementarea mandatului european de arestare. Prin instrumentele ulterioare de cooperare judiciară, care se bazează de asemenea pe principiul recunoașterii reciproce, decalajul de încredere dintre sistemele de justiție ale statelor membre devine o chestiune de interes primar.

Punerea în aplicare a principiului recunoașterii reciproce necesită sisteme judiciare care sunt la fel de fiabile și care au același nivel de calitate și integritate.

Cum intenționează Consiliul să sprijine consolidarea încrederii reciproce dintre sistemele de justiție penală ale statelor membre?

Răspuns

(30 aprilie 2012)

Începând cu concluziile Consiliului European de la Tampere din 15-16 octombrie 1999, principiul recunoașterii reciproce a fost considerat ca o piatră de temelie a cooperării judiciare în cadrul Uniunii. După cum subliniază distinsa deputată, acest principiu este consacrat la articolul 82 alineatul (1) din TFUE privind cooperarea judiciară în materie penală.

Succesul aplicării acestui principiu depinde în mare parte de încrederea reciprocă între autoritățile, serviciile și factorii de decizie din diferitele statele membre. Programul de la Stockholm adoptat de Consiliul European în cadrul reuniunii sale din 10 și 11 decembrie 2009 (184), care stabilește programul-cadru multianual în spațiul de libertate, securitate și justiție pentru perioada 2010-2014, prevede că „Uniunea ar trebui să consolideze în continuare încrederea reciprocă în sistemele juridice ale statelor membre prin instituirea drepturilor minime, după cum este necesar pentru dezvoltarea principiului recunoașterii reciproce, și prin stabilirea unor norme minime privind definirea infracțiunilor și a sancțiunilor, astfel cum este definit în tratat”. În Programul de la Stockholm sunt identificate mai multe domenii pentru consolidarea încrederii reciproce, incluzând formarea, evaluarea, dezvoltarea de rețele, punerea în aplicare a instrumentelor existente și implicarea eficace a agențiilor UE precum Eurojust sau rețelele judiciare europene.

Concluziile Consiliului din 7 și 8 octombrie 2010 (185) vizează asigurarea urmăririi consecințelor în ceea ce privește aplicarea instrumentelor UE de punere în aplicare a principiului recunoașterii reciproce a hotărârilor judiciare în materie penală de către statele membre.

În plus, Programul de la Stockholm prevede că protecția drepturilor persoanelor suspectate și acuzate în procedurile penale este o valoare fundamentală a Uniunii, care este esențială pentru menținerea încrederii reciproce între statele membre și pentru încrederea publică la nivelul Uniunii.

Programul prevede în continuare că, în domeniul dreptului penal, ar putea fi necesară o abordare orizontală cu privire la anumite probleme recurente, în special apropierea, acolo unde este necesar, a dreptului material și procedural, care ar facilita recunoașterea reciprocă. În ultimii câțiva ani, protecția drepturilor fundamentale, inclusiv garanțiile procedurale, a beneficiat de o atenție sporită și a generat o serie de inițiative legislative.

În plus, au fost înființate mecanisme de evaluare inter pares pentru a spori și mai mult înțelegerea în rândul profesioniștilor din statele membre a specificităților sistemelor și procedurilor juridice naționale.

Ar trebui să se ia act și de sporirea activităților agențiilor și organismelor europene, precum Europol, Eurojust și Rețeaua judiciară europeană, care sprijină autoritățile competente din statele membre în activitățile lor operaționale, îmbunătățind în continuare înțelegerea reciprocă și partajarea celor mai bune practici între profesioniști.

Consiliul ar dori să reamintească, de asemenea, concluziile sale din 27 octombrie 2011 (186) privind formarea judiciară europeană, care se referă la o serie de inițiative și instrumente disponibile la nivelul UE și la nivel național în scopul formării magistraților. Consiliul încurajează Comisia și statele membre să își continue eforturile în vederea îmbunătățirii în continuare a cunoștințelor privind dreptul UE și, de asemenea, să partajeze cele mai bune practici, consolidând în acest fel încrederea reciprocă între profesioniști.

În cele din urmă, Consiliul ar dori să menționeze „Raportul final privind a patra rundă a evaluărilor reciproce cu tema «Aplicarea practică a mandatului european de arestare și procedurile corespunzătoare de predare între statele membre»” (187) înaintat de Consiliu Parlamentului în 2009 (188). Conform raportului, profesioniștii intervievați în statele membre au avut o atitudine foarte pozitivă față de mandatul european de arestare și față de aplicarea acestuia și, în general, mandatul european de arestare funcționează în mod eficient. Din aceste considerații reiese, în opinia Consiliului, că nu există un „deficit de încredere” între sistemele de justiție ale statelor membre, după cum este sugerat de distinsa deputată.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002358/12

to the Council

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Measures to strengthen mutual trust among Member States in the context of judicial cooperation in criminal matters

Article 82(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU provides for the principle of mutual recognition as a starting point for judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Mutual recognition, in turn, relies primarily on mutual confidence among the judicial systems of the Member States. Trust, however, should not be taken for granted in an area of justice characterised by diversity and heterogeneity, as the implementation of the European Arrest Warrant has illustrated. With the subsequent instruments of judicial cooperation, which are also based on the mutual recognition principle, the confidence gap among Member States’ justice systems is becoming a matter of primary concern.

The implementation of the mutual recognition principle requires judiciaries which are equally reliable and share the same level of quality and integrity.

How does the Council intend to support the consolidation of mutual trust among the Member States’ criminal justice systems?

Reply

(30 April 2012)

Since the Tampere European Council conclusions of 15-16 October 1999, the principle of mutual recognition has been seen as a cornerstone of judicial cooperation within the Union. As the Honourable Member points out, this principle is enshrined in Article 82(1) of the TFEU on judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

The success of the application of this principle depends largely on the mutual trust between authorities, services and decision-makers in the different Member States . The Stockholm programme adopted by the European Council at its meeting of 10 and 11 December 2009 (189), which sets the multiannual framework programme in the area of freedom, security and justice for 2010-2014, states that ‘the Union should continue to enhance mutual trust in the legal systems of the Member States by establishing minimum rights as necessary for the development of the principle of mutual recognition and by establishing minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions as defined by the Treaty’. Several areas are identified in the Stockholm Programme for strengthening mutual trust, including training, evaluation, developing networks, implementation of existing instruments, and effective involvement of EU agencies such as Eurojust or European Judicial Networks.

The Council conclusions of 7 and 8 October 2010 (190) aims at ensuring the follow-up of the implementation of EU instruments implementing the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions in criminal matters by the Member States.

Furthermore, the Stockholm Programme provides that the protection of the rights of suspected and accused persons in criminal proceedings is a fundamental value of the Union, which is essential in order to maintain mutual trust between the Member States and public confidence in the Union.

It adds that, in the field of criminal law, there may be a need for a horizontal approach regarding certain recurring problems, in particular the approximation, where necessary, of substantive and procedural law which would facilitate mutual recognition. Over the last few years, the protection of fundamental rights, including procedural safeguards, has been given increasing attention and led to a number of legislative initiatives.

In addition, peer evaluation mechanisms have been put in place in order further to enhance the understanding among Member-State practitioners of the specificities of national legal systems and procedures.

Note should also be taken of the increase in activities of European agencies and bodies such as Europol, Eurojust and the European Judicial Network which assist the competent authorities of the Member States in their operational activities, further enhancing the mutual understanding and sharing of best practices between practitioners.

The Council would also recall its conclusions of 27 October 2011 (191) on European Judicial Training, which refer to a number of initiatives and tools available at EU and national levels for the purposes of training of the judiciary. The Council encourages the Commission and the Member States to continue their efforts with a view to further improving knowledge of EC law and also to share best practices and thus build up mutual trust between the practitioners.

Finally, the Council would refer to the ‘Final report on the fourth round of mutual evaluations — the practical application of the European Arrest Warrant and corresponding surrender procedures between Member States’ (192) forwarded by the Council to the Parliament in 2009 (193). According to the report, the practitioners interviewed in the Member States had a very positive view of the EAW and its application and, in general, the EAW is operating efficiently. It follows from these considerations, in the view of the Council, that there is no ‘confidence gap’ among the Member States' justice systems, as is suggested by the Honourable Member.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-002363/12

à la Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(1er mars 2012)

Objet: Transport, au sein de l'Union Européenne, des animaux destinés à l'abattage — qualité de la viande et information des consommateurs

Le règlement (CE) no 1/2005 relatif à la protection des animaux pendant le transport ne traite pas de la durée maximale de trajet et ni de l'espace prévu pour les animaux destinés à l'abattage lors de leur transport. Selon ce règlement, ces questions doivent faire l'objet d'une nouvelle proposition de la part de la Commission. Or, actuellement aucune proposition n'a été présentée par la Commission, ce qui autorise notamment le transport de bovins, d'ovins ou de caprins pendant plus de 14 heures d'affilée sans abreuvement.

Par ailleurs, le métabolisme musculaire des animaux est très sensible aux réactions de stress avant l'abattage. De mauvaises conditions de transport ou de déchargement augmentent la réactivité comportementale de l'animal et accroissent fortement son niveau de stress, ce qui diminue considérablement la qualité de la viande.

De plus, à l'heure actuelle, l'étiquetage concernant le pays d'origine de la viande n'est pas systématique. Par exemple, un porc élevé dans un pays européen ou autre peut, s'il est transporté et abattu en Italie obtenir l'appellation «Jambon de Parme». Cette pratique inacceptable trompe donc gravement le consommateur.

La Commission compte-t-elle, dans l'intérêt des consommateurs européens et des animaux destinés à l'abattage, présenter une proposition législative qui prenne en compte la durée de huit heures comme durée maximale de transport autorisée au sein de l'Union Européenne?

Compte-t-elle enfin, dans l'intérêt des consommateurs européens et des animaux destinés à l'abattage, présenter des mesures pour rendre obligatoire l'étiquetage du lieu de naissance, d'élevage et d'abattage des animaux?

Réponse donnée par M. Dalli au nom de la Commission

(20 avril 2012)

Le règlement (CE) n° 1/2005 relatif à la protection des animaux pendant le transport (194) comporte des dispositions spécifiques en ce qui concerne les durées de transport et l'espace disponible pour les principales espèces animales.

La Commission a récemment adopté un rapport relatif au bien-être des animaux pendant le transport (195), dans lequel elle conclut que la législation de l'Union européenne n'est pas correctement appliquée. Par conséquent, la Commission s'emploie actuellement à faire appliquer les règles existantes et n'envisage pas de proposition visant à modifier le règlement.

Des dispositions concernant l'indication obligatoire de l'origine existent déjà pour certains produits (196). La mention de l'origine n'est pas obligatoire pour les autres aliments, sauf dans les cas où son omission serait susceptible d'induire le consommateur en erreur (197).

En outre, toute indication volontaire pouvant être considérée comme une mention d'origine devra, à partir de décembre 2014, être conforme aux règles de l'Union européenne régissant l'information des consommateurs sur les denrées alimentaires (198). Selon ces règles, le pays d'origine d'une denrée alimentaire transformée qui n'est pas entièrement obtenue dans un seul pays est celui dans lequel l'aliment a subi sa dernière transformation substantielle. Si son principal ingrédient est d'une autre origine, cette information doit également être fournie. La nouvelle législation étend l'obligation d'indication de l'origine aux viandes porcines, ovines, caprines et aux viandes de volaille, qu'elles soient fraîches, réfrigérées ou congelées. S'agissant des autres denrées alimentaires, le législateur a chargé la Commission d'établir deux rapports sur la mention obligatoire du lieu d'origine, l'un en ce qui concerne les types de viande autres que la viande bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine et la viande de volaille, pour le mois de décembre 2014, et l'autre en ce qui concerne la viande utilisée comme ingrédient, pour le mois de décembre 2013.

Quant à l'exemple du jambon de Parme, et si tant est que soit visée la dénomination «Prosciutto di Parma», il s'agit là d'une appellation d'origine protégée dont ne peut bénéficier que la viande issue de porcs nés, élevés et abattus dans une zone limitée d'Italie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002363/12

to the Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Transport of animals for slaughter within the EU — meat quality and consumer information

Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport does not deal with maximum travel time or space allowances during transport of animals for slaughter. According to this regulation, these arrangements should be subject to a new proposal by the Commission. However, currently no proposal has been presented by the Commission, and this means that the transport of cattle, sheep and goats for more than 14 hours at a time without water is permitted.

Furthermore, the muscular metabolism of the animals is very sensitive to stress reactions before slaughter. Poor conditions of transport or unloading increase the animals’ behavioural reactivity and cause significant increases in their stress levels, which reduces the quality of the meat considerably.

Furthermore, at present, there is no systematic labelling of the country of origin of the meat. For example, a pig reared in a European or other country can, if it is transported and slaughtered in Italy, obtain the designation ‘Parma ham’. This unacceptable practice seriously misleads the consumer.

Does the Commission intend, in the interests of European consumers and of animals intended for slaughter, to present a legislative proposal setting eight hours as the maximum transport time authorised within the European Union?

Finally, does it intend, in the interests of European consumers and of animals intended for slaughter, to put forward measures to make labelling of the places of birth, rearing and slaughter of animals compulsory?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(20 April 2012)

Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport (199) contains specific provisions regarding journey times and space allowances for the main livestock species.

The Commission recently adopted a report on animal welfare during transport (200) which concluded that EU legislation is not properly enforced. The Commission is therefore focusing on ensuring proper enforcement of the existing rules, and is not considering a proposal to change the regulation.

Mandatory origin provisions are already in place for certain products (201). With regard to other foods, the information of its origin is not mandatory, unless its omission could mislead the purchaser (202).

In addition, any voluntary statement that can be considered as an indication of origin should, from December 2014, comply with the EU rules on food information to consumers (203). According to these rules, the country of origin of processed foods not wholly obtained in one single country corresponds to the country of the last substantial transformation of the food. If its primary ingredient originates from a different place, information on this should be also provided. The new legislation also extends the mandatory origin labelling to fresh, chilled or frozen swine, sheep, goats and poultry meats. With regard to other foods, the legislators committed the Commission to produce by December 2014 a report on mandatory origin labelling covering types of meat other than beef, swine, sheep, goat and poultry meat, and by December 2013 a report on mandatory origin labelling of meat used as an ingredient.

As regards the example of Parma ham and insofar as this refers to the designation ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ this is a Protected Denomination of Origin for which only meat from pigs born, reared and slaughtered in a restricted area of Italy can qualify.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-002375/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(1o marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Invecchiamento e dinamiche pensionistiche in Europa

Nei principali paesi europei l'accesso alla pensione di vecchiaia è previsto a 65 anni sia per gli uomini che per le donne, ma in molti casi è già previsto un aumento graduale fino a 67/68 anni. L'Italia — secondo i dati del Joint Report on Pensions 2010 della Commissione europea riportati nel rapporto annuale dell'Inps — è l'unico paese nel quale si mantiene il divario di genere (60 anni per le donne e 65 per gli uomini nel settore privato, mentre nel settore pubblico l'età pensionabile per le donne giunge a 61 anni ma è previsto l'innalzamento a 65 anni nel 2012), mentre nel Regno Unito è già previsto l'adeguamento per le donne all'età degli uomini (65) entro il 2020. In Francia uomini e donne vanno ancora a riposo a 62 anni, ma è previsto un aumento dell'età di 4 mesi all'anno per andare a regime nel 2018.

In Italia, all'età di accesso al pensionamento si deve poi aggiungere un anno ulteriore previsto dalla finestra «mobile» (18 mesi per gli autonomi) inserita nella manovra correttiva del 2010, oltre agli aumenti legati all'aspettativa di vita. Per le donne è previsto un aumento dell'età di vecchiaia molto graduale (dal 2014 al 2026). Per l'Italia c'é poi la possibilità di uscire dal lavoro con la pensione di anzianità (in un'età anticipata rispetto a quella della vecchiaia) a 60 anni con 36 anni di contributi (61 gli autonomi), età alla quale va comunque aggiunta la finestra mobile.

Alla luce di quanto esposto, e vista la disparità di trattamento in ciascun regime nazionale, può la Commissione europea fornire un dato completo e aggiornato della situazione pensionistica di tutti gli Stati membri dell'Unione europea, con annesse le diverse regole vigenti in ogni paese?

Può inoltre la Commissione far sapere se esistono, e in caso affermativo quali sono, politiche di armonizzazione europee che permettano alle diverse politiche nazionali pensionistiche di livellare le principali disparità?

Risposta data da Laszlo Andor a nome della Commissione

(18 aprile 2012)

Le informazioni richieste sono reperibili nel libro bianco della Commissione «Un'agenda dedicata a pensioni adeguate, sicure e sostenibili» (204).

La tabella riportata nell'allegato 3 fornisce dettagli sull'età pensionistica legale applicata negli Stati membri e sulle recenti riforme dei sistemi pensionistici o sugli sviluppi previsti per il futuro.

In questo ambito non sono state adottate misure europee d'armonizzazione: la fissazione dell'età pensionistica legale rientra nelle responsabilità degli Stati membri. Anche se la situazione varia tra paese e paese, la Commissione, nelle analisi annuali per la crescita relative agli anni 2011 e 2012 e nel libro bianco sulle pensioni, ha sollecitato gli Stati membri ad aumentare l'età legale per la pensione e a correlarla con la speranza di vita. Ciò contribuirebbe a raggiungere il giusto equilibrio tra la durata della vita lavorativa e quella della vita pensionistica.

Raccomandazioni specifiche per paese concernenti le pensioni sono state indirizzate a 16 Stati membri nel contesto del semestre europeo 2012. Altri cinque Stati membri hanno concordato riforme in tema di pensioni nel contesto dei loro memorandum d'intesa. Dettagli esaurienti nel merito sono riportati nell'allegato 3 del libro bianco.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002375/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Ageing population and pension reform in Europe

In most major European countries, the statutory retirement age is 65 for both men and women. In many states, however, a gradual increase to 67/68 is already being planned. According to information contained in the Commission’s Joint Report on Pensions 2010, as referred to in the Italian National Institute of Social Insurance’s (INPS) annual report, Italy is the only country in which a gender divide still exists (a retirement age of 60 for women and 65 for men in the private sector, whilst in the public sector the retirement age for women is 61, although this is set to rise to 65 in 2012). In the United Kingdom, the retirement age for women is set to be brought into line with that for men (65) by 2020, whilst in France, the retirement age for men and women is 62, although this is set to rise by four months per year until 2018, when it will match that of other states.

Italians must work, a further year (18 months for the self-employed) beyond the statutory retirement age in keeping with the finestra mobile (‘sliding window’) system introduced as part of the provisions amending the 2010 budget; this comes on top of the increases linked to life expectancy. For women, a very gradual increase (over the period from 2014 to 2026) in the retirement age is planned. Italians can also retire with a full state pension at 60 years of age (61 for self-employed people) if they have completed 36 years of contributions, although the finestra mobile adjustment still applies.

In the light of this, and given the disparities between national systems, could the Commission supply complete and up-to-date information on the pension provisions in all the EU Member States, including the various rules in force in each country?

Furthermore, could the Commission state what, if any, European harmonisation measures are being implemented in an effort to reduce the main disparities between national pension policies?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(18 April 2012)

The information requested can be found in the Commission White Paper ‘An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions’ (205).

The table in Annex A provides details of the statutory pension ages applicable in the Member States and of recent pension reforms or future developments.

No European harmonisation measures are adopted in this field: the setting of statutory pension ages is the responsibility of the Member States. While national situations vary, the Commission, in the 2011 and 2012 Annual Growth Surveys and in the White Paper on pensions, called on the Member States to increase the statutory pension age and link it to developments in longevity. This would help in striking the right balance between the time people spend in work and the time they spend in retirement.

Country-Specific Recommendations for pensions were addressed to 16 Member States as part of the 2011 European Semester. Pension-related reforms were agreed by a further five Member States as part of their Memoranda of Understanding. Full details are available in Annex A to the White Paper.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-002377/12

do Komisji

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(1 marca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Import z krajów trzecich dwoin bydlęcych do produkcji osłonek kolagenowych przeznaczonych do spożycia przez ludzi

Produkty pochodzenia zwierzęcego, jak na przykład dwoina bydlęca, nie są dostępne na rynku europejskim w wystarczającej ilości, a także odpowiedniej jakości dla producentów europejskich . Dlatego też możliwość importowania tych produktów z krajów trzecich jest naturalną odpowiedzią na popyt w Unii Europejskiej. Ze względów bezpieczeństwa oczywiste jest, że tak sprowadzane produkty muszą spełniać pewne wymogi weterynaryjne. Brak odpowiedniej regulacji w tym przedmiocie uniemożliwia zakup produktów pochodzenia zwierzęcego i jest tym samym barierą w handlu międzynarodowym.

Producenci europejscy, szczególnie w Polsce, napotykają obecnie na przeszkody w zakupie dwoin bydlęcych z państw trzecich, takich jak Brazylia, Argentyna, Stany Zjednoczone Ameryki, Rosja, Białoruś, Ukraina, Serbia czy Chorwacja, które są podstawowym surowcem do produkcji osłonek kolagenowych, przeznaczonych do spożycia przez ludzi, szeroko wykorzystywanych w przemyśle mięsnym.

W związku z powyższym problemem, chciałabym zapytać Komisję:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Johna Dallego w imieniu Komisji

(26 kwietnia 2012 r.)

Świadectwo zdrowia UE ustanowiono w celu uregulowania przywozu surowców do produkcji kolagenu do spożycia przez ludzi (206). Wykazy UE dotyczące kwalifikujących się państw i zakładów nie zostały jeszcze sporządzone. W odstępstwie, obowiązującym do dnia 1 stycznia 2014 r. (207), wskazano, że wymienione wykazy mają pochodzić z zainteresowanych państw członkowskich.

Projekt przepisów zawierający wykaz UE dotyczący kwalifikujących się państw, w odniesieniu do których państwa członkowskie zezwalają na przywóz surowców do produkcji kolagenu do spożycia przez ludzi, ma zostać w najbliższej przyszłości przedstawiony pod głosowanie w ramach Stałego Komitetu ds. Łańcucha Żywnościowego i Zdrowia Zwierząt. W projekcie tym określone zostaną również przepisy szczegółowe dotyczące zdrowia zwierząt w celu zminimalizowania ewentualnego ryzyka.

Ponadto wykaz UE dotyczący zakładów w państwach trzecich kwalifikujących się do wysyłki do Unii surowców pochodzenia zwierzęcego do produkcji kolagenu i żelatyny, przeznaczonych do spożycia przez ludzi, wejdzie w życie nie później niż w dniu 1 stycznia 2014 r. i będzie sporządzony na podstawie aktualnych wykazów państw członkowskich.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002377/12

to the Commission

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Import from third countries of split cowhides for the production of collagen casings intended for human consumption

Products of animal origin, such as split cowhide, are not available on the European market in sufficient quantities or at an adequate level of quality for European producers. For this reason, importing such products from third countries would be a natural response to demand in the European Union. For reasons of safety, it is obvious that such products must meet certain veterinary requirements. The lack of adequate regulations in this matter prevents products of animal origin from being purchased and is, therefore, a barrier to international trade.

European producers, especially in Poland, are currently facing obstacles when buying split cowhides from third countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Serbia and Croatia. Split cowhides are the basic raw material for the production of collagen casings intended for human consumption, which are widely used in the meat industry.

In this connection, I would like to ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2012)

In order to regulate imports of raw materials for the production of collagen for human consumption, the EU health certificate has been established (208). EU‐lists of eligible countries and establishments have not yet been laid down. A derogation, in force up to 1 January 2014 (209), states that the lists shall be those of the Member State concerned.

A draft legislation containing the EU list of eligible countries from which Member States shall authorise the import of raw materials for the production of collagen for human consumption is expected to be presented for vote in the Standing Committee on the food chain and animal health in the near future. It shall also lay down specific provisions on animal health to minimise the possible emanating risk.

Finally, an EU list of establishments in third countries eligible to send to the Union raw materials of animal origin for the production of collagen and gelatine for human consumption shall enter into force no later than 1 January 2014 based on the current lists of the Member States.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002383/12

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Rules and regulations governing the application of social security schemes to employed frontier workers

Can the Commission outline in detail the rules governing the application of social security schemes to employed frontier workers and their families moving within the European Union, when no prior agreement exists between the relevant Member States?

Can the Commission outline the position the Irish and UK Governments have taken on this issue?

Can the Commission outline in detail the impact this has on frontier workers in the border region of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2012)

The social security rules that apply to frontier workers and their families moving within the European Union are laid down in Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (210) and the implementing Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 (211). In cases which concern more than one Member State, the regulations stipulate which Member State's social security legislation applies. As a general rule, however, workers are covered by the social security legislation of the Member State in which they work, regardless of where they reside or where their employer is based. Inactive family members are in principle subject to the legislation of the Member State of residence.

Special rules apply for sickness and unemployment benefit. Applications for unemployment benefit from frontier workers are to be lodged in the Member State of residence. The Commission's proposal (212) to amend Regulations (EC) Nos 883/2004 and 987/2009 introduces a new provision for self-employed frontier workers whereby, if the Member State of residence has no insurance system in place, the Member State of last activity pays the unemployment benefit.

The Council reached agreement on a general approach on 1 December 2011 (213). For the positions of the UK and Irish Governments, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the statements entered in the Council minutes (214). The impact of the proposal for the UK and Ireland is limited, since the provisions would apply to self-employed frontier workers only.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002389/12

to the Commission

Nick Griffin (NI)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Value of art pieces in institutional buildings

Can the Commission clarify if in its working buildings there are any paintings and/or art pieces?

If so, how many?

Has the use of taxpayers’ money to establish such collection ever been submitted to a vote?

How much in total was paid for the collection?

What is its current estimated worth?

Who decides which paintings to buy?

Does a set of guidelines exist for the European institutions as buyers?

If so, can the Commission provide me with a copy?

Is the acquisition programme continuing and, if so, how much has been allocated for purchase in 2012?

Answer given by M Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 2012)

The Commission does not acquire artwork, and there is no budget to do so.

The works or art in its Brussels buildings are either temporary, on loan, exhibitions or donations.

In Luxembourg, there are no paintings or other pieces of art acquired by the Commission services on the inventory administrated by the Commission services.

The Commission has hosted the ‘Berlaymont Summa Artis’ contemporary art collection since 2005. The collection is a loan by all Member States and is displayed in public areas of the Berlaymont building. It contains approximately 350 works of art and will stay in the Berlaymont until the end of the Barroso II Commission (2014). The artworks are transported into (and out of) the Commission premises at the expense of the Member States. The insurance of the works for the duration of the loan, EUR 5 000 annually, is the only expense paid for by the Commission.

So far very few works of art have been donated to the Commission. These are either protocol gifts received by Commissioners and redirected to the Protocol service, or work donated by artists. The Commission accepts these if the conservation, installation and exhibition conditions are acceptable and involve no extra costs.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-002399/12

an die Kommission

Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE) und Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE)

(1. März 2012)

Betrifft: Freihändige Vergabe vom „Elektronetz Nord“ in Sachsen-Anhalt

Die Landesregierung von Sachsen-Anhalt hat am 30.11.2011 in freihändiger Vergabe einen Dienstleistungsauftrag für das „Elektronetz Nord“ in Sachsen-Anhalt an die DB Regio AG vergeben und dies am 2.12.2011 im Supplement zum Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union bekannt gegeben. Der Verband der privaten Bahnen „mofair“ hat gegen diesen Vertrag mit Datum vom 29.12.2011 Beschwerde bei der Europäischen Kommission eingelegt. Die Verfasser wenden sich an die Kommission mit ausdrücklicher Bitte um einzelne Beantwortung jeder Frage:

1. Ist die oben genannte freihändige Vergabe für das „Elektronetz Nord“ vereinbar mit Art. 5, Abs. 6 der VO (EG) Nr. 1370/2007? Ist die Begründung der sachsen-anhaltischen Landesregierung für eine freihändige Vergabe mit dem Argument einer „vorteilhaften Gelegenheit“ aus Sicht der Kommission ausreichend?

2. Ist die Begründung der freihändigen Vergabe durch die besonderen Konditionen zur Beschaffung von Doppelstockwaggons aus Sicht der Kommission hinreichend?

3. Bis wann wird die Kommission eine Entscheidung über die Einleitung eines förmlichen Verfahrens zur Prüfung der oben genannten Beschwerde von „mofair“ fällen?

4. Würde das unter Frage 3 genannte Verfahren, sobald es eingeleitet ist, aufschiebende Wirkung für die Gültigkeit des Vertrages zwischen dem Land Sachsen-Anhalt und der DB Regio AG haben? Wenn nein, warum nicht?

5. In ihrer Antwort auf die Kleine Anfrage des Abgeordneten Christoph Erdmenger (Drucksache 6/830) verweigert die Landesregierung Sachsen-Anhalt Auskünfte zu den Preisen verschiedener Dienstleistungsaufträge im Eisenbahnverkehr. Wie bewertet die Kommission die Transparenz der gewährten Vertragskonditionen mit Blick auf die Förderung des Wettbewerbs im EU-Binnenmarkt?

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(2. Mai 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-002399/12

to the Commission

Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE) and Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE)

(1 March 2012)

Subject: Private-treaty contract for the ‘Elektronetz Nord’ northern electric rail network service in Saxony-Anhalt

On 30 November 2011, the regional government of Saxony-Anhalt concluded a private-treaty contract with DB Regio AG for the provision of the ‘Elektronetz Nord’ northern electric rail network service in Saxony-Anhalt, announcing this on 2 December 2011 in the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union. ‘Mofair’, the German association of private railway operators, complained to the European Commission about this contract on 29 December 2011. The above Members would appreciate it if the Commission would answer each of the following questions separately:

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2012)