2.10.2013

BG

Официален вестник Европейския съюз

CE 286/1

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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
ПИСМЕНИ ВЪПРОСИ С ОТГОВОР

Въпроси с искане за писмен отговор, зададени от членове на Европейския парламент, и отговорите към тях, предоставени от институция на Европейския съюз.

(2013/C 286 E/01)

Съдържание

E-008461/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: The Racial Equality Directive

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008463/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Education and Training 2010 programme

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008464/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Crime victims

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008466/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Financial literacy

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008467/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Emissions Trading Scheme

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008468/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008469/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Orphan works

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008471/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Seveso Directive

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008472/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Blue Growth

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008473/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Funding for political parties

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008474/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Microsoft anti-trust case

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008476/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Tobacco Products Directive

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008477/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Animal welfare

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008478/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Personal data protection

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008479/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Spending cuts for military forces

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008481/12 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamisation of Iran's higher education system

Versione italiana

English version

E-008482/12 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas and Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Blindness and eyesight problems in Europe

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008483/12 by Thomas Ulmer to the Commission

Subject: EU border checks

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008485/12 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Municipality of Ostra Vetere (Ancona): electromagnetic fields and the right to health

Versione italiana

English version

E-008486/12 by Esther de Lange to the Commission

Subject: Harmful organisms in Asian wood packaging

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-008487/12 by Gay Mitchell to the Commission

Subject: Solvency II

English version

E-008488/12 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Turf cutting compensation and the Habitats Directive

English version

E-008489/12 by Mario Mauro to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination between Member States concerning the beneficiaries of the Grundtvig LLP programme

Versione italiana

English version

E-008490/12 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Inflation impact on competitiveness in the Greek economy

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008491/12 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Failure of airlines in the event of bankruptcy

Version française

English version

E-008493/12 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: GM pollen

Version française

English version

E-008494/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: Crisis in the mussel industry and information regarding the origin of tinned mussels

Versión española

English version

E-008495/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Complementary currencies in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-008496/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Europe's strategic reserves

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008497/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist threat in Mali

Version française

English version

E-008499/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Facebook bug

Version française

English version

E-008500/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Urban planning

Version française

English version

E-008501/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Communication budget

Version française

English version

E-008502/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Speech by the President of the European Commission

Version française

English version

E-008503/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Technical inspection of two-wheeled vehicles

Version française

English version

P-008862/12 by Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid to the Commission

Subject: Roadworthiness tests on two— and three-wheel motor vehicles

Version française

English version

E-008943/12 by Dominique Vlasto, Christine De Veyrac, Jean-Pierre Audy and Dominique Riquet to the Commission

Subject: Roadworthiness tests on two— and three-wheel motor vehicles

Version française

English version

E-008505/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Multiannual financial framework

Version française

English version

E-008506/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Air pollution

Version française

English version

E-008507/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Bullfighting

Version française

English version

E-008508/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Commission statements on mergers and acquisitions reductions in the EU

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008509/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's use of recent data to calculate financing for Greece under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-20 (MFF)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008510/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Funding for European programmes to combat match-fixing in the Member States

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008511/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: European Higher Education Modernisation Agenda progress

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008512/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: European demographic changes — economic effects

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008513/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Support to Turkey's National Action Plan on Border Management project

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008514/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: European Central Bank (ECB) supervisory mechanism

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008515/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Maintenance of 5 % national contribution towards major co‐financed projects in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-008516/12 by Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy to the Commission

Subject: Antidumping procedure concerning imports of white phosphorus from Kazakhstan

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008517/12 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Strengthening the Eastern partnership through intensive dialogue between local and regional authorities

Version française

English version

E-008518/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: The ratio of dementia sufferers to people in the workforce

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008519/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: The expected dramatic rise in the number of dementia sufferers

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008520/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Regional variations in dementia

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008521/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Preimplantation diagnosis

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008522/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Italy was ‘too big to fail’. What now?

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008523/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: An increase of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to EUR 2 billion and its consequences

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008524/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: The EUR 20 billion shortfall in the Greek Treasury

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008526/12 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Terrorist warnings and kidnappings in Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-008527/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Fake powdered wines that imitate Italian DOC wines on sale in the United Kingdom

Versione italiana

English version

E-008595/12 by Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: Wine sold in powdered form in the United Kingdom

Versione italiana

English version

E-008528/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Fund transfers from the ERDF to the ESF

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008529/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Fund transfers from regional programmes to national programmes

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008530/12 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Milk quotas

English version

E-008531/12 by Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova to the Commission

Subject: Literacy in Europe

българска версия

English version

E-008532/12 by Alyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Roadworthiness package and historic vehicles

English version

E-008533/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: 21 European languages out of 30 at risk of digital extinction

Versione italiana

English version

E-008534/12 by Véronique De Keyser to the Commission

Subject: European Group on Ethics

Version française

English version

P-008535/12 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Public tender and compliance with the EU's international obligations

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008536/12 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Ban on blasphemy

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008539/12 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: Access to education for people with disabilities

Versione italiana

English version

E-008540/12 by Ole Christensen to the Commission

Subject: Workers' posting rules enforced in the transport sector

Dansk udgave

English version

P-008541/12 by Johannes Cornelis van Baalen to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Defence equipment ordered by Greece

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008543/12 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Support for political prisoners' families in Belarus

Wersja polska

English version

E-008544/12 by Roberta Angelilli, Guido Milana, David-Maria Sassoli, Marco Scurria, Alfredo Pallone, Potito Salatto, Roberto Gualtieri, Alfredo Antoniozzi and Francesco De Angelis to the Commission

Subject: Rome, Monti dell'Ortaccio: possible opening of a new landfill site

Versione italiana

English version

E-008545/12 by Agnès Le Brun to the Commission

Subject: Price of cereals

Version française

English version

E-008546/12 by Maria Badia i Cutchet and Raimon Obiols to the Council

Subject: Growth plan approved by the European Council in June 2012

Versión española

English version

P-008547/12 by Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto to the Commission

Subject: Results of the Commission's action plans to tackle youth unemployment

Versión española

English version

P-008548/12 by George Sabin Cutaş to the Commission

Subject: European Banking Union

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008549/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Public-private partnership investment projects

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008550/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Animal transport — Number of animals inspected during transport in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-008551/12 by Barbara Matera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Humanitarian emergency in Syria

Versione italiana

English version

E-008552/12 by Mario Mauro to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Ethnic minorities in Vietnam

Versione italiana

English version

E-008553/12 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Special Economic Zones

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008772/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Special Economic Zones

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008554/12 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen and Lucas Hartong to the Council

Subject: Greece continues buying large numbers of weapons systems despite crisis

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008555/12 by Sophocleous Sophocles to the Commission

Subject: Publication of Troika non-paper on labour market reform in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008556/12 by Sophocleous Sophocles to the Commission

Subject: Commission investigation into possible competition prevention

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008557/12 by Juozas Imbrasas to the Commission

Subject: Draft legislation for the EU's Common Agricultural Policy after 2013: fair treatment for Baltic countries' farmers

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-008558/12 by Juozas Imbrasas to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-008559/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo and Pablo Zalba Bidegain to the Commission

Subject: Dignity for people with functional diversity

Versión española

English version

E-008560/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: The EU and the Romanian racket exploiting disabled people

Versione italiana

English version

E-008561/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Executions in Iraq

Versione italiana

English version

E-008562/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Glorification of Nazism in Estonia

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008563/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Foreign workers fleeing Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-008564/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Property market statistics

Versione italiana

English version

E-008565/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Worker suicides at times of crisis

Versione italiana

English version

E-008566/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Victims of sexual exploitation

Versione italiana

English version

E-008568/12 by Kriton Arsenis to the Commission

Subject: Trading and keeping of invasive alien species as pets

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008571/12 by Marietta Giannakou and Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Harassment of Frontex vessel by Turkish coastguards

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008694/12 by Maria Eleni Koppa to the Commission

Subject: Encroachment on territorial waters

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008804/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Incident with Frontex vessel in Farmakonisi

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008572/12 by Iva Zanicchi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — ‘White gold’ and the lost childhood of Uzbek children

Versione italiana

English version

E-008573/12 by Iva Zanicchi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Niger: malaria has struck this country already afflicted by the food crisis

Versione italiana

English version

E-008574/12 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: Introduction of a mandatory contribution by the Board of Governors of the European Schools

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008575/12 by Anna Záborská to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Joint statement (A 412/12) in response to a film insulting Islam on YouTube

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008576/12 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica and Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Competition and regulating bodies in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-008577/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Winter tyres across the EU

English version

E-008578/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU strategy on cardiovascular disease

English version

E-008579/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU effort towards developing adequate maritime environmental protection systems

English version

E-008580/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU action to support active and healthy ageing

English version

E-008581/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU action against ‘cyber stalking’

English version

E-008582/12 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Commission proposals to tackle scam groups

English version

E-008584/12 by Sergio Berlato to the Commission

Subject: Verification of the expiry date for the concession granted to Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A.

Versione italiana

English version

P-008585/12 by Eva Lichtenberger to the Commission

Subject: The CleanIT project

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-008818/12 by Jan Philipp Albrecht to the Commission

Subject: Clean IT

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-008586/12 by Anna Záborská to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Joint statement (A 412/12) on the occasion of the production of a film insulting Islam on YouTube

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008587/12 by Krišjānis Kariņš to the Commission

Subject: Unfair competition by Ryanair at Riga airport

Latviešu valodas versija

English version

E-008589/12 by Johannes Cornelis van Baalen to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Statement by Catherine Ashton, OIC, Arab League and African Union concerning the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008590/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: 3 000 children enrolled ex officio in imam schools in Turkey

Versione italiana

English version

E-008591/12 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Islam and the European Union

Versione italiana

English version

E-008592/12 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Ban on anti-Islamic film in Turkey

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008593/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Analysis of bathing water

Versión española

English version

E-008594/12 by Mario Mauro to the Commission

Subject: Request for EU funding in the tourism sector

Versione italiana

English version

E-008597/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Collisions with marine animals

Version française

English version

E-008598/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Amazon, the online shopping platform

Version française

English version

E-008599/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Protection of dolphins in the Black Sea

Version française

English version

E-008600/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: EU accession to the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Version française

English version

E-008601/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Establishment of a European Day against bullying and violence at school

Version française

English version

E-008603/12 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Tensions between Japan and China

Version française

English version

E-008604/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: A union within the Union

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008605/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Obstruction of the free movement of goods by Spain and Slovenia

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008606/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Security on the EU's external borders and citizenship fraud

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008607/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Cooperation between the EU, the Arab League and the African Union on restricting the freedom of expression

Dansk udgave

English version

P-008608/12 by Tomasz Piotr Poręba to the Commission

Subject: Managing municipal waste

Wersja polska

English version

E-008609/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Real estate tax in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008610/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Supply of city buses in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008611/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Freedom of expression in Turkey

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008612/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Distortions on the fuel market

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008613/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Threat to human life from climate change

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008614/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Infringement of Directive 98/50/EC in connection with the sale of ATEbank

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008461/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Id-Direttiva dwar l-Ugwaljanza Razzjali

Mill-adeżjoni tar-Rumanija u l-Bulgarija fl-Unjoni Ewropea, l-Istati Membri qed jiġu ffaċċjati dejjem aktar bl-isfida li jintegraw għal kollox lill-poplu Roma fis-soċjetà. L-UE stabbiliet it-Task Force tar-Roma, iffinanzjata mill-Fond Soċjali Ewropew u l-Fond Ewropew għall-Iżvilupp Reġjonali, sabiex jiġi ffaċilitat il-proċess ta’ integrazzjoni għall-poplu Roma. Skont l-Istrateġija tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Inklużjoni tar-Roma (2010/2276 (INI)), ta’ spiss issir diskriminazzjoni kontra l-poplu Roma: dan iżid il-probabbiltà ta’ qagħad u iżolament u jwassal għal marġinalizzazzjoni u diskriminazzjoni intensifikati.

Mod kif l-UE ippruvat tiġġieled din il-problema huwa permezz ta’ żieda fil-livell tal-edukazzjoni obbligatorja għat-tfal, l-integrazzjoni tagħhom fis-soċjetà u t-tħejjija tagħhom għall-futur. Fid-Direttiva dwar l-Ugwaljanza Razzjali (RED), l-UE tipprojbixxi d-diskriminazzjoni abbażi tal-“oriġini tar-razza jew etnika”. Madankollu, hemm it-tendenza li d-diskriminazzjoni kontra t-tfal Roma seħħ għal raġunijiet oħra għajr l-oriġini tar-razza jew etnika. Pereżempju, din id-diskriminazzjoni hija ta’ spiss marbuta ma’ rati baxxi ta’ attendenza tat-tfal fl-iskola. Dan, madankollu, jirriżulta mhux mill-oriġini tar-razza jew etnika tagħhom, iżda, pjuttost, mill-istil ta’ ħajja ta’ ivvjaġġjar li r-Roma jsegwu storikament.

Minħabba li l-popolazzjoni Roma ma għandhiex pajjiż tal-oriġini wieħed jew lingwa speċifika waħda, il-Kummissjoni kif biħsiebha tiżgura li l-politika kontra d-diskriminazzjoni tindirizza mhux biss id-diskriminazzjoni bbażata fuq “oriġini tar-razza jew etnika”, iżda anke d-diskriminazzjoni li tinħoloq minn fatturi oħra, bħall-karatteristiċi soċjali u kulturali inerenti għall-poplu Roma?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sra Reding f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(14 ta' Novembru 2012)

F'Settembru 2010, il-Kummissjoni Ewropea stabbiliet task force interna sabiex tivvaluta l-użu li qegħdin jagħmlu l-Istati Membri mill-finanzjament tal-UE għall-integrazzjoni soċjali u ekonomika tar-Rom. It-task force dwar ir-Rom qatt ma kienet iffinanzjata mill-Fond Soċjali Ewropew jew mill-Fond Ewropew għall-Iżvilupp Reġjonali, kif imsemmi mill-Onorevoli Membru tal-Parlament.

Id-Direttiva dwar l-Ugwaljanza Razzjali 2000/43/KE (1) tipprojbixxi kemm id-diskriminazzjoni diretta kif ukoll dik indiretta fuq il-bażi tal-oriġini razzjali jew etnika f'għadd ta' oqsma, inklużi dawk tax-xogħol, tal-edukazzjoni, tas-servizzi tas-saħħa, tas-servizzi soċjali kif ukoll tal-aċċess għall-prodotti u s-servizzi, inklużi d-djar, u tal-provvista tagħhom. Ikun hemm diskriminazzjoni indiretta f’każ fejn dispożizzjoni, kriterju jew prattika apparentement newtrali, ipoġġu lill-persuni ta' ċerta oriġini ta' razza jew ta’ grupp etniku fi żvantaġġ partikolari meta pparagunati ma' persuni oħrajn, għajr jekk din id-dispożizzjoni, dan il-kriterju jew din il-prattika jkunu ġġustifikati oġġettivament permezz ta’ għan leġittimu u l-mezzi biex tintlaħaq din il-mira jkunu xierqa u meħtieġa. L-Istati Membri kollha tal-UE ttrasponew id-Direttiva fid-dritt nazzjonali tagħhom u l-Kummissjoni mmoniterjat b’mod strett il-konformità ta’ dawn il-liġijiet nazzjonali mad-Direttiva. Ħafna Stati Membri ltaqgħu ma’ problemi tal-bidu meta ġew biex jittrasponu b'mod korrett il-kunċett tad-diskriminazzjoni indiretta u, meta kien neċessarju, il-Kummissjoni użat il-proċeduri ta’ ksur sabiex tiġi żgurata t-traspożizzjoni korretta. Il-Kummissjoni għadha qed timmoniterja l-implimentazzjoni u l-applikazzjoni korretti tad-Direttiva.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008461/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: The Racial Equality Directive

Since the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union, Member States have been increasingly faced with the challenge of fully integrating Roma people into society. The EU has established the Roma Task Force, financed by the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, in order to facilitate the integration process for Roma people. According to the European Union Strategy on Roma Inclusion (2010/2276 (INI)), Roma people are frequently discriminated against: this increases the likelihood of unemployment and isolation and leads to intensified marginalisation and discrimination.

One way in which the EU has tried to combat this problem is through increasing the level of compulsory education for children, integrating them into society and preparing them for the future. In the Racial Equality Directive (RED), the EU outlaws discrimination based on ‘racial or ethnic origin’. However, discrimination against Roma children tends to occur on grounds other than racial or ethnic origin. For instance, such discrimination is often linked to children’s low school attendance rates. This, however, results not from their ethnic or racial origin, but, rather, from the travelling lifestyle that the Roma historically follow.

Given that the Roma population does not have a country of origin or one specific language, how does the Commission intend to ensure that anti-discrimination policy tackles not only discrimination based on ‘racial or ethnic origin’, but also discrimination arising from other factors, such as the social and cultural characteristics inherent to the Roma people?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

In September 2010, the European Commission established an internal Task Force to assess Member States' use of EU funding with regard to the social and economic integration of Roma. The Roma Task Force was never financed by the European Social Fund or the European Regional Development Fund as mentioned by the Honourable Member of the Parliament.

Racial Equality Directive 2000/43/EC (2) prohibits both direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin in a number of fields, including employment, education, healthcare, social services and access to and supply of goods and services, including housing. Indirect discrimination occurs where an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice would put persons of a racial or ethnic origin at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons, unless that provision, criterion or practice is objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary. All EU Member States have transposed the directive into their national law and the Commission has strictly monitored the conformity of these national laws with the directive. Many Member States had initially problems to correctly transpose the concept of indirect discrimination and the Commission has used infringement proceedings, when necessary, to ensure correct transposition. The Commission continues to monitor the correct implementation and application of the directive.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008463/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Programm ta' Edukazzjoni u Taħriġ 2010

Fl-2002, ġie mniedi programm ġdid bl-isem “Edukazzjoni u Taħriġ 2010”, li jistabbilixxi miri għal tnaqqis fir-rata ta’ illitteriżmu u titjib fil-prestazzjoni fost iż-żgħażagħ fil-qari, il-kitba u l-matematika. Madankollu, wara l-evalwazzjoni ta’ dan il-programm fl-2010, l-istatistika wriet żieda fin-numru ta’ “persuni bi prestazzjoni baxxa” fl-UE. Barra minn hekk, skont estimi maħruġa fl-2011, madwar 20% taż-żgħażagħ m’għandhomx ħiliet bażiċi fil-qari, u b’hekk qed isir aktar diffiċli għalihom li jsibu impjieg. L-UE bħalissa għandha valur refenzjarju stabbilit li tnaqqas din il-figura għal 15% sal-2020.

Il-Kummissjoni kif tispjega l-ineffettività tal-programmi preċedenti, u x’miżuri differenti bi ħsiebha tieħu matul l-għaxar snin li ġejjin fi sforz biex tilħaq dan il-għan?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sinjura Vassiliou f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(31 ta' Ottubru 2012)

Il-programm ta’ kooperazzjoni fit-tfassil tal-politika, “Edukazzjoni u Taħriġ 2010”, mniedi fl-2002, jinvolvi l-kooperazzjoni volontarja u l-iskambju fir-rigward ta’ firxa ta' sfidi komuni fl-edukazzjoni li l-Istati Membri — li għandhom il-kompetenza kollha fit-tmexxija tas-sistemi tagħhom — qed jaffaċċjaw. L-Istati Membri adottaw il-livell minimu komuni li jonqos b’20% il-livell baxx ta’ dawk li ma jafux jaqraw sewwa (għal madwar 17%) qabel l-2010. L-istħarriġ PISA juri li fl-Ewropa fl-2009 madwar 20% ta’ dawk li għandhom 15-il sena ġew reġistrati li kisbu livell baxx, u dan wera li ma sar ebda progress veru bejn l-2000 u l-2009 f'dan il-qasam.

Fil-programm ta’ ħidma mġedded “Edukazzjoni u Taħriġ 2020” li dwaru ntlaħaq ftehim fl-2009, il-Ministri u l-Kummissjoni adottaw mira usa' biex jitnaqqas dan il-livell baxx għal 15% sal-2020 mhux biss fil-qari iżda anki fil-matematika u x-xjenza, u l-Kummissjoni nediet sensiela ta' azzjonijiet intensifikati biex tagħti appoġġ aħjar fit-tfassil tal-politika f’dawn l-oqsma.

Fi Frar 2011 il-Kummissjoni waqqfet Grupp ta' Livell Għoli biex teżamina l-politika u l-prassi li rnexxew fit-titjib tal-livelli tal-ħila li wieħed ikun jaf jaqra u jikteb għall-etajiet kollha. Ir-rapport tagħha ġie ppubblikat f’Settembru 2012. Il-Konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill ibbażati fuq il-konklużjonijiet tagħha huma mistennija għal Novembru 2012.

Minn Novembru 2010, il-Grupp Tematiku ta’ Ħidma tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Matematika, ix-Xjenza u t-Teknoloġija adotta t-tagħlim bejn il-pari biex jidentifika prassi ta’ politika effettiva sabiex jonqos il-livell baxx fil-matematika u x-xjenza. Ir-rapport finali tiegħu huwa mistenni f’nofs l-2013. Abbażi tal-esperjenza tal-politika tal-Istati Membri, se jipprovdi gwida konkreta dwar kif jonqos il-livell baxx fil-matematika u x-xjenza.

Fl-2011 in-netwerk Eurydice ppubblika tliet studji dwar it-tagħlim tal-qari, il-matematika u x-xjenza fl-Ewropa, li jipprovdu xhieda ta’ valur kbir dwar il-politika attwali fl-Istati Membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008463/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Education and Training 2010 programme

In 2002, a new programme was launched under the name ‘Education and Training 2010’, which set goals for lowering the illiteracy rate and improving performance amongst young people in reading, writing and mathematics. However, following the evaluation of this programme in 2010, statistics showed an increase in the number of ‘low performers’ in the EU. In addition, according to estimates released in 2011, approximately 20 % of young people lack basic reading skills, thanks to which it is increasingly difficult for them to find jobs. The EU currently has a benchmark set for reducing this figure to 15 % by 2020.

How does the Commission explain the ineffectiveness of the previous programmes, and what different measures does it intend to take over the next 10 years in an effort to reach this goal?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The ‘Education and Training 2010’ programme of policy cooperation launched in 2002 involves voluntary cooperation and exchange regarding a range of shared education challenges which Member States — who retain full competence for the running of their systems — are facing. Member States adopted the benchmark of reducing low achievement in reading literacy by 20% (to approximately 17%) before 2010. The PISA survey shows that in 2009 approximately 20% of 15-year olds in Europe were recorded as low achievers, showing no real progress between 2000 and 2009 in this area.

In the renewed ‘Education and Training 2020’ work programme agreed in 2009, Ministers and the Commission adopted a wider target to reduce low achievement, not only in reading but also in mathematics and science, to 15% by 2020 and the Commission has launched a series of intensified actions to support better policymaking in these areas.

In February 2011 the Commission set up a High Level Group to examine successful policies and practices in improving levels of literacy across all ages. Its report was published in September 2012. Council Conclusions based on its conclusions are expected in November 2012.

Since November 2010 the Commission’s Thematic Working Group on Mathematics, Science and Technology has undertaken peer learning to identify effective policy practices to reduce low achievement in mathematics and science. Its final report is expected in mid-2013. Based upon Member States’ policy experiences, it will provide concrete guidance on how to reduce low achievement in mathematics and science.

In 2011 the Eurydice network published three studies on the teaching of reading, mathematics and science in Europe, providing rich evidence on current policies in the Member States.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008464/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Vittmi ta' delitti

Fil-pożizzjoni adottata mill-Parlament Ewropew wara d-dibattitu tal-Ġustizzja u l-Affarijiet Interni fis-sessjoni parzjali ta’ Settembru, huwa appoġġja d-direttiva li tgħin sabiex tiżgura li l-vittmi ta’ delitti jingħataw l-istess drittijiet bażiċi madwar l-UE. Huma ser ikollhom evalwazzjoni individwali tal-bżonnijiet tagħhom u ser jingħataw aċċess għal proċedimenti legali kollha bil-lingwa tal-għażla tagħhom. Fir-Rapport lill-Kunsill, il-Parlament Ewropew u l-Kunsill Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew dwar l-applikazzjoni tad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2004/80/KE (3), il-Kummissjoni enfasizzat il-proċedura tajba sabiex il-vittmi ta’ delitti jirċievu kumpens. Meta persuna tkun vittma ta’ delitt transkonfinali mwettaq barra mill-pajjiż ta’ risidenza tagħhom, din għandha tapplika sabiex tirċievi kumpens mill-Istat Membru fejn ikun seħħ id-delitt.

Taħt din id-direttiva ġdida, il-vittmi ta’ delitt transkonfinali għandhom ikunu obbligati li japplikaw għal evalwazzjoni ta’ ħtiġijiet barra mill-pajjiż ta’ residenza tagħhom, jew huwa l-istat tar-residenza tagħhom li huwa responsabbli biex jipprovdi dan is-servizz?

Rigward id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2004/80/KE, il-Kummissjoni kienet kapaċi tilħaq ir-riżultati mixtieqa li vittmi jkunu kkumpensati kif inhu xieraq b'mod effiċjenti u f’waqtu?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sinjura Reding f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(8 ta' Novembru 2012)

L-Artikolu 22 tad-Direttiva adottata dwar it-twaqqif ta' standards minimi dwar id-drittijiet, l-appoġġ u l-protezzjoni tal-vittmi tal-kriminalità (4) jobbliga lill-Istati Membri jiżguraw li l-vittmi ssirilhom valutazzjoni individwali u f’waqtha, skont il-proċeduri nazzjonali. L-għan huwa li jiġu identifikati l-ħtiġijiet ta' protezzjoni speċifiċi u jiġi ddeterminat jekk u sa liema punt għandhom jibbenefikaw minn miżuri speċjali matul investigazzjonijiet u l-proċedimenti kriminali minħabba l-vulnerabbiltà partikolari tagħhom għall-vittimizzazzjoni sekondarja u ripetuta, għall-intimidazzjoni u għar-ritaljazzjoni. Tali miżuri speċjali disponibbli għall-vittmi bi ħtiġijiet ta' protezzjoni speċjali primarjament jikkonċernaw il-mod kif isiru l-intervisti, l-għoti tal-evidenza, il-konfrontazzjoni u s-seduti tal-qorti.

Dan l-obbligu huwa awtomatiku u ma jiġix attivat bl-applikazzjoni tal-vittma (għalkemm jiġu kkunsidrati x-xewqat tal-vittma dwar jekk tridx tibbenefika mill-miżuri ta' protezzjoni relevanti għall-każ tagħha). Id-Direttiva ma tispeċifikax liema Stat Membru huwa responsabbli għal dan l-eżerċizzju iżda minħabba li l-iskop ta' din il-valutazzjoni huwa li tiddetermina l-ħtiġijiet ta' protezzjoni fi proċedimenti kriminali, ikun preżunt li għal vittmi transkonfinali l-Istat Membru li jkun ressaq proċedimenti kriminali li jikkonċernaw reat huwa obbligat li jwettaq valutazzjoni, kemm jekk hu l-Istat Membru fejn seħħ l-att kriminali kif ukoll jekk hu dak tar-residenza tal-vittma (5).

Il-Kummissjoni bħalissa qed teżamina l-problemi u s-soluzzjonijiet fir-rigward ta' kif qed jopera fil-prattika l-kumpens transkonfinali għal vittmi. Hija se tippubblika r-riżultati tal-istudju matul l-2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008464/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Crime victims

In its position adopted following the Justice and Home Affairs debate at its September part‐session, the European Parliament backed the directive that helps to ensure that crime victims are granted the same basic rights across the EU. They will have an individual assessment of their needs and will be given access to all legal proceedings in the language of their choice. In its Report to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on the application of Council Directive 2004/80/EC (6), the Commission outlined the proper procedure for crime victims to receive compensation. Where a person has been the victim of a cross-border crime committed outside their home country, that individual must apply to receive compensation from the Member State in which the crime was committed.

Under this new directive, will the victim of a cross-border crime be required to apply for a needs assessment outside their home country, or is the home state responsible for providing this service?

With regard to Council Directive 2004/80/EC, has the Commission been able to see the desired results of properly compensating victims in a timely and efficient manner?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 2012)

Article 22 of the adopted Directive on establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (7) obliges Member States to ensure that victims receive a timely and individual assessment in accordance with national procedures. The aim is to identify specific protection needs and determine whether and to what extent they would benefit from special measures during investigations and criminal proceedings due to their particular vulnerability to secondary and repeat victimisation, to intimidation and to retaliation. Such special measures available for victims with special protection needs mainly concern the way in which the interviews, evidence testimony, confrontation and court hearings are conducted.

This obligation is automatic and not triggered by the application of the victim (although the victim's wishes are taken into account whether they want to benefit from the protection measures relevant to their case). The directive does not specify which Member State is responsible for this exercise but since the purpose of this assessment is to determine protection needs within criminal proceedings, it would be presumed that for cross-border victims the Member State which has instituted criminal proceedings concerning a crime is required to carry out the assessment, whether it be the Member State where the crime occurred or that of the victim's residence (8).

The Commission is currently examining the problems and solutions in relation to how cross-border compensation to victims operates in practice. It will publish the results of the study in the course of 2013.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008466/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Litteriżmu Finanzjarju

Waqt li l-litteriżmu finanzjarju qed isir dejjem aktar importanti, il-Kummissjoni qed tiffinanzja Dolceta, riżorsa elettronika li l-għalliema jistgħu jużaw bħala għodda biex jinkorporawha fit-tagħlim tal-lezzjonijiet tagħhom. Sa mill-bidu ta' dan il-proġett, il-Kummissjoni rat xi titjib fil-litteriżmu finanzjarju fost in-nies tal-UE? Il-Kummissjoni qed tara l-ħtieġa sabiex ittejjeb xi programmi ħalli żżid il-livell ta' litteriżmu finanzjarju speċifikament fis-sistema edukattiva?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Šefčovič f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(9 ta' Novembru 2012)

L-edukazzjoni, inkluż il-litteriżmu finanzjarju, hija kompetenza tal-Istati Membri. Il-Kummissjoni żviluppat inizjattivi kumplimetari matul il-mandat tagħha.

Il-Kummissjoni ma għandhiex statistika dwar it-titjib fil-livelli tal-litteriżmu finanzjarju fost il-konsumaturi tal-UE. Dejta ġenerali dwar il-ħiliet finanzjarji u aritmetiċi tagħhom jistgħu jinstabu fl-istħarriġ dwar “Is-Setgħa tal-Konsumatur” (9).

Dolceta tinkludi żewġ taqsimiet dwar is-servizzi finanzjarji: waħda b'informazzjoni ġenerali u l-oħra immirata għall-għalliema. Bħalissa l-Kummissjoni qed tiżviluppa websajt edukattiva għall-komunità bl-isem “Il-Klassi tal-Konsumatur”, immirata għall-għalliema ta' studenti bejn it-12 u t-18-il sena, li se tkun ippubblikata fl-2013. Lill-għalliema, din se tagħtihom aċċess ħieles għal materjal edukattiv u żona għad-diskussjoni u l-kollaborazzjoni. Uħud mill-materjal tad-Dolceta dwar is-servizzi finanzjarji se jiġi trasferit ukoll fuq din il-websajt.

Fl-aħħar nett, il-Kummissjoni nediet proġett pilota ta' sentejn bil-għan li tagħti korsijiet ta' taħriġ lil entitajiet mingħajr skop ta' qligħ li jagħtu parir finanzjarju lill-konsumaturi, sabiex tinbena l-kapaċità tagħhom f'dan il-qasam (10).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008466/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Financial literacy

As financial literacy is becoming increasingly important, the Commission is financing Dolceta, an online resource that teachers can use as a tool to incorporate into their classroom teaching. Since the inception of this project, has the Commission seen any improvements in financial literacy among people in the EU? Does the Commission see the need to improve any programmes to increase the level of financial literacy specifically in the education system?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

Education, including financial literacy, is a competence of Member States. The Commission has developed complemetary initiatives within its remit.

The Commission does not have statistics on the improvement of financial literacy levels among EU consumers. General data on their financial and arithmetic skills can be found in the ‘Consumer Empowerement’ survey (11).

Dolceta includes two sections on financial services: one with general information and another targeted at teachers. The Commission is currently developing a community educational website called ‘Consumer Classroom’, aimed at teachers of 12-18 year-olds, which will be published in 2013. It will provide teachers with free access to educational materials and a zone for discussion and collaboration. Some of the Dolceta material on financial services will also be transferred to this website.

Finally, the Commission has launched a two-year pilot project which aims at providing training courses to non-profit entities which give financial advice to consumers, in order to build their capacity in this area (12).

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008467/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Skema għall-Iskambju ta' Emissjonijiet

Dan l-aħħar, iċ-Ċina waqqfet il-produzzjoni tal-inġenji tal-ajru Airbus minħabba r-regoli tal-Iskema għall-Iskambju ta’ Emissjonijiet li għandhom jikkonformaw magħhom l-inġenji tal-ajru li jtiru lejn u mill-UE. Kritiċi ta’ dawn ir-rekwiżiti jemmnu li l-UE għandha bżonn taħdem ma’ pajjiżi oħra sabiex tilħaq ftehim globali, minflok ma tapplika l-liġi tal-UE għal kumpaniji barra mill-UE.

X’inhi l-intenzjoni tal-Kummissjoni sabiex tindirizza din is-sitwazzjoni, bil-għan li jinżammu l-istandards tal-emissjonijiet mingħajr ma tbiegħed il-linji tal-ajru milli jtiru lejn u mill-UE?

Tweġiba mogħtija minn Ms Hedegaard f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(22 ta' Novembru 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni mhix f'qagħda li tikkonferma l-asserzjoni tal-Onorevoli Membru (jew rapporti fuq l-istampa) li tissuġġerixxi li “iċ-Ċina waqqfet il-produzzjoni tal-inġenji tal-ajru Airbus".

Madankollu, f' termini ta' x'qed tagħmel il-Kummissjoni biex tindirizza l-kwistjoni u tfittex soluzzjoni globali fl-Organizzazzjoni Internazzjonali tal-Avjazzjoni Ċivili (ICAO), l-Onorevoli Membru qiegħed ġentilment jintalab jikkonsulta t-tħabbira li saret fit-12 ta’ Novembru 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008467/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Emissions Trading Scheme

China has recently stalled the production of Airbus aircraft because of the Emissions Trading Scheme rules with which aircraft flying to and from the EU are obliged to comply. Critics of these requirements argue that the EU needs to work with other countries to reach a global agreement, instead of applying EC law to non-EU companies.

How does the Commission intend to address this situation, with a view to maintaining emissions standards without alienating airlines flying to and from the EU?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission is not able to confirm the Honourable Member's assertion (or similar press reports) suggesting that ‘China has stalled the production of Airbus aircraft’.

However, in terms of what the Commission is doing to address the issue and pursue a global solution in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Honourable Member is kindly referred to the announcement made on 12 November 2012 (see MEMO/12/854 (13)).

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008468/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Pjan ta' Azzjoni tal-UE dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u d-Demokrazija

Il-Pjan ta’ Azzjoni tal-UE dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u d-Demokrazija huwa intiż sabiex jippromwovi d-drittijiet tal-bniedem fil-politiki u negozjati kollha tal-UE bejn l-UE, l-Istati Membri u pajjiżi terzi. Flimkien mal-Qafas Strateġiku dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u d-Demokrazija, il-Pjan ta’ Azzjoni huwa mfassal sabiex id-drittijiet tal-bniedem ikunu prijorità ewlenija, b’enfasi fuq diskussjonijiet u djalogi tal-UE dwar dawn il-kwistjonijiet. Il-Pjan ta’ Azzjoni se jkun fis-seħħ sal-31 ta’ Diċembru 2014.

X’inhi l-valutazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni tal-kisbiet li saru taħt dan il-pjan u b’liema mod il-Kummissjoni għandha l-intenzjoni li ssegwi dan il-pjan wara l-2014?

MTE-008468/2012Tweġiba mogħtija mir-Rappreżentanta Għolja/il-Viċi President Ashton f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(5 ta' Diċembru 2012)

Il-ħidma bdiet immedjatament mal-implimentazzjoni tal-Pjan ta' Azzjoni tal-UE dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u d-Demokrazija wara l-adozzjoni tiegħu fl-FAC fil-Lussemburgu fil-25 ta’ Ġunju 2012. Fis-27 ta’ Lulju 2012, inħatar għall-ewwel darba r-Rappreżentant tematiku Speċjali tal-UE dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem. Ir-RSUE, is-Sur Stavros Lambrinidis, kien proattiv ħafna fl-isforzi tal-implimentazzjoni u biex jipprovdi reazzjoni ta' livell għoli għal kwistjonijiet li jeħtieġu attenzjoni partikolari fil-qafas tal-mandat tiegħu.

Laqgħa tal-Grupp Inter-Servizz tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem mas-servizzi tal-Kummissjoni kienet ippreseduta mis-SEAE, bl-għan li timmassimizza u tottimizza l-isforzi tal-implimentazzjoni. Il-Grupp ta' Ħidma tal-Kunsill dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem (COHOM) iddiskuta l-Pjan ta' Azzjoni tiegħu fil-laqgħat ta' Lulju u Settembru u għadhom għaddejjin sforzi ulterjuri ta’ koordinazzjoni. L-istruzzjonijiet dwar il-Qafas Strateġiku u l-implimentazzjoni tal-Pjan ta' Azzjoni li jenfasizzaw l-importanza li d-drittijiet tal-bniedem jiġu integrati bħala element kostanti permezz tal-politika barranija tal-UE, intbagħtu lill-maniġment kollu tas-SEAE u lid-delegazzjonijiet kollha tal-UE.

Il-Kummissjoni, is-SEAE u l-Istati Membri huma determinati li juru impatt notevoli tal-pakkett tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem. Tinsab għaddejja ħidma dwar il-preżentazzjoni tal-prestazzjoni tal-UE biex jintlaħqu l-għanijiet tal-Pjan ta' Azzjoni dwar id-drittijiet tal-bniedem fir-“Rapport annwali dwar id-drittijiet tal-bniedem u d-demokrazija fid-dinja”.

L-universalità tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem u r-responsabbiltà għall-ħarsien tagħhom u l-promozzjoni jikkostitwixxu objettivi essenzjali għall-Unjoni Ewropea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008468/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy

The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy aims to promote human rights in all EU policies and negotiations between the EU, Member States and third countries. Along with the Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, the action plan is designed to make human rights a top priority, focusing EU discussions and dialogues on these issues. The action plan will be in effect until 31 December 2014.

What is the Commission’s assessment of the achievements made under this plan and in what way does the Commission intend to follow up on the plan beyond 2014?

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

(5 December 2012)

Work started immediately on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy following its adoption at the FAC in Luxembourg on 25 June 2012. On 27 July 2012, the first ever thematic EU Special Representative on Human Rights was appointed. The EUSR, Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, has been very proactive in the implementation efforts and in providing high-level response to issues requiring particular attention in the frame of his mandate.

Human Rights Inter-Service Group meeting with Commission services was chaired by the EEAS, aiming to maximise and optimise implementation efforts. The Human Rights Council Working Group (COHOM) discussed the action plan in its July and September meetings and further coordination efforts continue. Instructions on the Strategic Framework and the action plan implementation underlining the importance to mainstream human rights as a ‘silver thread’ through the EU foreign policy, were sent to all EEAS management and to all EU Delegations.

The Commission, EEAS and Member States are determined to show a noticeable impact of the Human Rights' package. Work is in hand on presenting the EU performance in meeting the objectives of the human rights Action Plan in the 2012 ‘Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world’.

The universality of human rights and the responsibility for their protection and promotion constitute essential objectives for the European Union.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008469/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Xogħlijiet orfni

Il-Kummissjoni adottat proposta li se tippermetti li libreriji u mużewijiet jagħmlu xogħlijiet orfni disponibbli onlajn. Din id-deċiżjoni għandha tippermetti li jkunu disponibbli għall-pubbliku ħafna riżorsi inaċċessibbli, iżda madankollu tqajjem xi tħassib rigward id-drittijiet tal-awtur.

Il-Kummissjoni ddikjarat li dawk il-persuni li jirriżultaw li jkunu detenturi validi tad-drittijiet tal-awtur tar-riżorsi inkwistjoni għandhom jiġu kkumpensati. Il-Kummissjoni għandha stima tal-perċentwali ta’ dokumenti attwali li għalihom jistgħu jkunu ddikjarati d-drittijiet tal-awtur? Barra minn hekk, x'inhu l-pjan tal-Kummissjoni biex tkun żgura li din id-Direttiva ma timponix piż amministrattiv mhux meħtieġ fuq libreriji minħabba kumplikazzjonijiet li jistgħu jirriżultaw minn talbiet magħmula mid-detenturi tad-drittijiet tal-awtur?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Barnier f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(30 ta' Novembru 2012)

Id-Direttiva dwar ċerti użijiet permessi ta’ xogħlijiet orfni laħqet adozzjoni finali fl-4 ta' Ottubru 2012 (14). Il-Kummissjoni temmen li d-Direttiva l-ġdida hija liġi innovattiva u bbilanċjata li se tiffaċilita d-diġitizzazzjoni u t-tixrid online tal-wirt kulturali Ewropew filwaqt li tirrispetta b'mod sħiħ lid-detenturi tad-drittijiet tal-awtur u drittijiet relatati.

Mhuwiex possibbli li tingħata stima preċiża ta' kemm-il xogħol orfni potenzjalment jinsab fil-kollezzjoni tal-istituzzjonijiet kulturali Ewropej, lanqas ta' kemm-il darba d-detenturi tad-drittijiet li qabel kienu assenti jistgħu jerġgħu jitfaċċaw biex itemmu l-istatus orfni ta' xogħolhom u biex jitolbu kumpens ġust għad-dannu possibbli li jkunu ġarrbu, kif previst bl-Artikoli 5 u 6 tad-Direttiva. Madankollu, il-Kummissjoni ma tistenniex li din is-sitwazzjoni li għadha kif issemmiet se tokkorri spiss, peress li d-Direttiva teżiġi li titwettaq tiftixa bir-reqqa sabiex qabel ma jintuża xi xogħol partikolari, jiġu identifikati u jinstabu d-detenturi tad-drittijiet tiegħu. Ix-xogħol jista' jitqies bħala xogħol orfni u jintuża skont din id-Direttiva biss fil-każ li din it-tiftixa ma tirnexxix.

F'dan l-istadju l-Kummissjoni ma għandha l-ebda raġuni biex temmen li d-dritt, tad-detenturi li jerġgħu jitfaċċaw, li jtemmu l-istatus orfni u jitolbu kumpens ġust jista' joħloq piż amministrattiv żejjed għall-organizzazzjonijiet kulturali koperti bid-Direttiva. L-Istati Membri se jkollhom jimplimentaw id-Direttiva sal-ħarifa tal-2014 (15). Il-Kummissjoni tintrabat li ssegwi mill-qrib il-proċess ta' implimentazzjoni, u hi lesta li terġa' tqis din il-kwistjoni jekk tiġi mgħarrfa bi problemi speċifiċi fil-ġejjieni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008469/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Orphan works

The Commission has adopted a proposal that will allow libraries and museums to make orphan works available online. This decision would make many unaccesssible resources available to the public, but concerns have nevertheless been raised with regard to copyrights.

The Commission has stated that people who turn out to be the valid copyright holders of the resources in question would be compensated. Does the Commission have an estimate of the percentage of current documents for which copyrights may be claimed? In addition, how does the Commission plan to ensure that this directive would not impose unnecessary administrative burden on libraries due to the complications that would result from requests made by copyright holders?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The directive on certain permitted uses of orphan world has reached a final adoption on 4 October 2012 (16). The Commission believes that the new Directive is an innovative and balanced law that will facilitate the digitisation and online dissemination of the European cultural heritage in full respect of holders of copyright and related rights.

It is not possible to give a precise estimate of how many potentially orphan works are contained in the collection of European cultural institutions, nor of how often previously absent right holders may reappear to put an end to the orphan status of their work and to claim fair compensation for the possible harm suffered., as is foreseen by Articles 5 and 6 of the directive. However, the Commission does not expect this latter situation to happen frequently, since the directive requires that a diligent search is carried out prior to the use of the work to identify and locate its rightholders. It is only if this search is unsuccessful that the work can be considered an orphan work and used under the directive

At this stage the Commission does not have any reason to believe that the right enjoyed by reappearing rightholders to put an end to the orphan status and to claim fair compensation could create an excessive administrative burden for the cultural organisations covered by the directive. Member States will have to implement the directive by autumn 2014 (17). The Commission is committed to closely monitor the implementation process and is ready to consider this issue further if specific problems are brought to its attention in the future.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008471/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Id-Direttiva Seveso

Id-Direttiva Seveso sservi bħala l-miżura preventiva tal-Kummissjoni kontra inċidenti kimiċi. Kif Seveso III tidħol fis-seħħ fl-2015, ir-regolamenti kimiċi se jkollhom ambitu usa’ u se jkun hemm aċċess aktar faċli għaċ-ċittadini biex jiksbu informazzjoni dwar ir-riskji ta’ attivitajiet kimiċi u soluzzjonijiet għal inċidenti possibbli. Din id-Direttiva l-ġdida għandha wkoll l-għan li toħloq regoli aktar stretti dwar ir-rappurtar u dwar attivitajiet ta’ parteċipazzjoni oħra. Madanakollu, tqajjem xi tħassib dwar iż-żieda fl-ispejjeż bħala riżultat ta’ rekwiżiti aktar stretti. F’nofs din il-kriżi ekonomika, ħafna SMEs tħabtu sabiex jiżguraw li l-impriżi tagħhom jibqgħu profittabbli.

Fid-dawl tal-miri u l-inizjattivi tal-Kummissjoni sabiex tippromwovi l-SMEs, x’miżuri qed tippjana li tieħu l-Kummissjoni sabiex tgħin lill-SMEs joħolqu metodi kosteffettivi għall-konformità ma’ Seveso III?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Mr Potočnik f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(22 ta' Novembru 2012)

Id-Direttiva 2012/18/UE Seveso III dwar il-kontroll ta' perikli ta' inċidenti kbar li jinvolvu suatnzi u taħlitiet perikolużi se tieħu post id-Direttiva 96/82/KE Seveso II. (18) Mill-valutazzjoni tal-impatt li takkumpanja l-proposta tal-Kummissjoni, joħroġ li l-għadd ta' stabbilmenti koperti jonqos b'madwar 3 % bħala riżultat ta' klassifikazzjoni aktar baxxa tat-tossiċità għal ċerti sustanzi.

Id-Direttiva l-ġdida żżomm l-istrateġija fil-livell ta' Seveso II u tiffoka fuq il-perikli l-kbar ta’ kwantitajiet kbar ta’ sustanzi kimiċi, li jkunu predominantement preżenti f’kumpaniji akbar, u b’hekk ikunu limitati l-impatti possibbli fuq l-SMEs. Għal kull sustanza, huma stabbiliti żewġ limiti (espressi f' tunnellati): limitu inferjuri li 'l fuq minnu japplikaw biss ir-rekwiżiti ġenerali bażiċi tad-Direttiva, u limitu superjuri li 'l fuq minnu japplikaw ir-rekwiżiti addizzjonali aktar onerużi. Huwa ċar li l-biċċa l-kbira tal-SMEs jaqgħu taħt l-hekk imsejħa “stabbilimenti tal-livell inferjuri”.

L-obbligi u l-ispejjeż korrispondenti introdotti mid-Direttiva Seveso III jaqgħu taħt lill-awtoritajiet kompetenti, aktar milli fuq l-istabbilimenti, sakemm l-Istati Membri ma jiddeċidux mod ieħor. Ir-regoli tal-ispezzjoni aktar iddettaljati jistgħu pereżempju jimplikaw xi spejjeż addizzjonali iżda dawk jaqgħu direttament fuq l-awtoritajiet pubbliċi. Madankollu, l-Istati Membri jistgħu jitolbu li l-istabbilimenti, minflok l-awtoritajiet kompetenti, jimplimentaw ċerti obbligi dwar l-informazzjoni lill-pubbliku.

Bħala konklużjoni, id-Direttiva Seveso III ma toħloqx piż addizzjonali sinifikanti għall-SMEs u għalhekk il-Kummissjoni attwalment ma tipprevedi ebda miżura speċifika biex tipprovdi gwida dwar metodi kosteffikaċi għall-konformità ma' Seveso III.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008471/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Seveso Directive

The Seveso Directive serves as the Commission’s preventative measure against chemical accidents. As Seveso III comes into effect in 2015, the chemical regulations will have wider scope and there will be easier access for citizens to information about the risks of chemical activities and solutions to possible accidents. This new Directive also aims to create stricter rules on reporting and on other participation activities. However, concerns have been raised regarding increased costs as a result of stricter requirements. In the midst of this economic crisis, many SMEs have struggled to ensure that their businesses remain profitable.

In view of the Commission’s goals and initiatives to promote SMEs, what measures does the Commission plan to take in order to help SMEs create cost effective methods for complying with Seveso III?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Seveso III Directive 2012/18/EU (19) on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances will replace the Seveso II Directive 96/82/EC (20) as from 1 June 2015. It follows from the impact assessment accompanying the Commission proposal that the number of establishments covered would be reduced by approximately 3 % as a result of the lower toxicity classification of certain substances.

The new Directive maintains the tiered approach of Seveso II and focuses on the major hazards of large quantities of chemicals, which are predominantly present in larger companies, hence limiting the possible impacts on SMEs. For each substance, two thresholds (expressed in tonnes) are set: a lower threshold above which only basic general requirements of the directive apply, and an upper threshold above which the additional, more onerous, requirements apply. It is clear that most SMEs would fall within the scope of the so-called ‘lower tier establishments’.

The obligations and corresponding costs introduced by the Seveso III Directive fall to the competent authorities, rather than to the establishments, unless the Member States decide otherwise. The more detailed inspection rules may for instance incur some additional costs but those would fall directly upon the public authorities. However, Member States may require that establishments, rather than the competent authorities, implement certain obligations on information to the public.

In conclusion, the Seveso III Directive does not create a significant additional burden for SMEs and therefore the Commission does not currently envisage any specific measures to provide guidance on cost effective methods for complying with Seveso III.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008472/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Tkabbir Blu

Tkabbir Blu hija l-istrateġija tal-Kummissjoni biex toħloq u ssostni t-tkabbir fl-industrija marittima. Fl-Istudju tagħha dwar it-Tkabbir Blu, il-Kummissjoni tiddikjara li t-turiżmu tal-kruċieri huwa mistenni li jiżdied sal-2020, u b’hekk tinħoloq firxa ta’ opportunitajiet ta’ impjiegi. Madankollu, tqajjem tħassib dwar ir-riskji tat-tnixxijiet taż-żejt u ilma griż minn bastimenti tal-kruċieri.

Filwaqt illi l-opportunitajiet tal-impjiegi huma meħtieġa fil-klima ekonomika attwali, il-Kummissjoni kif qegħda tippjana li tipprevjeni l-attivitajiet tal-industrija tal-kruċieri milli jipperikolaw l-ambizzjonijiet ambjentali tagħha?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sna Damanaki f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(21 ta' Novembru 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni tqis is-sostenibbiltà bħala element ewlieni tal-istrateġija Tkabbir Blu, kif iddikjarat fil-Komunikazzjoni (21) reċenti tagħha. F’dawn l-aħħar snin, is-settur tal-bastimenti tal-kruċieri fl-Ewropa rreġistra tkabbir kbir u pprovda għadd sinifikanti ta’ opportunitajiet ta’ impjieg, kemm abbord kif ukoll fuq l-art. Fl-istess ħin, l-iżvilupp sostenibbli tal-industrija tal-kruċieri fl-Ewropa joffri sfidi partikolari, l-aktar fir-rigward tal-emissjonijiet fl-arja u tal-iskart li jiġi ġġenerat abbord.

Il-bastimenti tal-kruċieri huma soġġetti għar-regoli kollha li huma applikabbli għas-sikurezza marittima, kemm jekk ikunu soġġetti għar-regolamenti tal-UE kif ukoll jekk għar-regolamenti tal-IMO (22). Dawn ir-regolamenti jkopru t-tnixxijiet taż-żejt kif ukoll ir-rimi ta’ ilma ġriż, u jirriżulta li jindirizzaw tajjeb il-kwestjonijiet ambjentali fir-rigward tat-trasport bil-baħar.

Il-Kummissjoni tagħraf li r-rimi ta' ilma griż minn bastimenti tal-kruċieri jista' jħalli impatt sinifikanti fuq l-ambjent tal-baħar. Il-Kummissjoni tirrikonoxxi l-isforzi li saru min-naħa tas-settur tal-kruċieri biex itejjeb it-trattament tad-drenaġġ u tal-iskart solidu abbord, u tinsab fi djalogu kontinwu mal-entitajiet reġjonali, bħalma huma l-Konvenzjoni ta’ Ħelsinki (Helcom) u l-Konvenzjoni ta’ Barċellona, u l-awtoritajiet tal-portijiet, sabiex titjieb id-disponibbiltà ta’ faċilitajiet għar-rimi tal-iskart fil-portijiet, anke fir-rigward tad-Direttiva 2000/59/KE.

Bħalissa, din id-Direttiva qed tiġi riveduta, u l-Kummissjoni biħsiebha li fl-ewwel sitt xhur tal-2013 tadotta proposta leġiżlattiva f’dan ir-rigward. Barra minn hekk, il-liġi tal-UE tiżgura li persuni li jkunu responsabbli mir-rimi illegali ta’ skart fil-baħar jiġu soġġetti għal penali xierqa, li jinkludu sanzjonijiet kriminali (23).

Għalhekk, il-Kummissjoni tqis li l-miżuri attwali u dawk ippjanati tal-UE jipprovdu qafas legali sod biżżejjed biex jiġu indirizzati l-isfidi ambjentali partikolari li tiltaqa’ magħhom l-industrija tal-bastimenti tal-kruċieri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008472/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Blue Growth

Blue Growth is the Commission’s strategy to create and sustain growth in the marine industry. In its Blue Growth Study, the Commission states that cruise tourism is expected to increase by 2020, creating a range of employment opportunities. However, concerns have been raised about the risks of oil leaks and grey water from cruise liners.

Whilst employment opportunities are necessary in the current economic climate, how does the Commission plan to prevent the activities of the cruise industry from jeopardising its environmental ambitions?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Commission considers that sustainability is a core element of Blue Growth as stated in its recent Communication (24). The cruise shipping sector has shown strong growth in Europe in recent years and provided significant employment opportunities on-board vessels and on-shore. At the same time the sustainable development of the cruise industry in Europe poses some particular challenges, in particular as concerns air emissions and waste generated on-board.

Cruise ships are subject to all applicable rules on maritime safety, be they under EU or IMO regulations (25). These regulations cover oil spills as well as the discharge of grey water and they have proven to address environmental issues with regard to shipping fairly well.

The Commission is aware that the discharge of grey water from cruise ships can have a significant impact on the marine environment. It acknowledges the efforts the cruise sector has made to improve the on-board treatment of waste water and solid waste and is in a continuous dialogue with regional bodies, such as Helcom and the Barcelona Convention, and port authorities in order to improve the availability of waste reception facilities in ports, also with regard to Directive 2000/59/EC.

This directive is currently under review and the Commission intends to adopt a legislative proposal in this respect during the first half of 2013. Furthermore, EC law ensures that persons responsible for illegal discharges into the sea are subject to adequate penalties including criminal sanctions (26).

The Commission, therefore, considers that current and planned EU measures provide a legal framework sound enough to respond to the particular environmental challenges faced by the cruise shipping industry.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008473/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: L-iffinanzjar għal partiti politiċi

Reċentement, il-Kummissjoni ressqet żewġ proposti relatati mal-istatut u mal-iffinanzjar tal-partiti politiċi fl-UE (COM(2012)0499 u COM(2012)0500), bħala parti mill-isforzi tagħha sabiex tiżdied it-trasparenza u l-effikaċja tal-attivitajiet politiċi għaċ-ċittadini. Id-dokument ta’ ħidma rigward ir-Regolament Finanzjarju jipproponi t-tneħħija ta’ programmi ta’ ħidma annwali u li dawn jiġu mibdula b’sistema ta’ rimbors. Flwaqt li dan jippermetti flessibilità akbar lill-partiti politiċi fl-ippjanar tal-attivitajiet tagħhom, il-Kummissjoni tista’ tiddikkjara x’inhuma l-isfidi li tipprevedi li l-partiti politiċi jistgħu jaffaċċjaw fir-rigward tal-allokazzjoni baġitarja?

Id-dokument jipproponi wkoll li l-awtorità inkarigata mill-fondi ta’ rimbors lil xi partit politiku għandha tkun responsabbli li tivverifika li r-rimbors ikun konformi mar-regoli. X’inhuma l-miżuri li l-Kummissjoni qed tippjana li tieħu sabiex tiżgura l-preċiżjoni u l-effikaċja ta' dan il-proċess ta' verifika?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Lewandowskion f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(18 ta' Jannar 2013)

1.

Il-Kummissjoni ħadet nota tar-rapport Giannakou li skontu l-finanzjament tal-UE lill-partiti politiċi Ewropej permezz ta’ ‘għotjiet’ skont it-tifsira tar-Regolament Finanzjarju mhuwiex xieraq. Għaldaqstant, il-Kummissjoni pproponiet sistema ta' finanzjament aktar flessibbli, imsejsa fuq kontribuzzjonijiet sui generis (minflok l-għotjiet operattivi attwali), fuq il-possibbiltà li jiġu trasferiti l-kontribuzzjonijiet tal-baġit tal-UE għal massimu ta' sentejn (flimkien mal-possibbiltà li tinħoloq riżerva mir-riżorsi proprji skont ir-Regolament Finanzjarju ġdid), u fuq żieda tar-rati massimi ta’ kofinanzjament possibbli mill-baġit tal-UE minn 85 % għal 90 % tan-nefqa eliġibbli totali. Il-programmi ta' ħidma annwali u l-baġits stmati ma jkunux aktar meħtieġa.

2.

Sabiex din iż-żieda fil-flessibbiltà tkun kontrobilanċjata, qed jiġi propost qafas regolatorju u ta' kontroll komprensiv u trasparenti, li jinkludi l-attivitajiet u l-operazzjonijiet finanzjarji kollha tal-partiti politiċi Ewropej, irrispettivament mis-sors tal-fondi: l-obbligi ta’ rappurtar u trasparenza msaħħa, il-mekkaniżmi ta' kontabilità u kontroll imsaħħa, sistema ġdida ta’ sanzjonijiet amministrattivi u finanzjarji proporzjonati, inkluż ksur manifest tal-valuri li fuqhom hija msejsa l-UE. Il-livell għoli ta' kontroll fuq il-fondi tal-UE se jinżamm: l-obbligu biex jiġi ġġustifikat l-użu tal-fondi kollha rċevuti mill-baġit tal-UE; awditjar tal-kontijiet tagħhom minn awditur estern indipendenti; u kontroll mill-Awtoritajiet Nazzjonali kompetenti dwar it-totalità tan-nefqa tagħhom f’koperazzjoni mal-Parlament Ewopew.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008473/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Funding for political parties

The Commission has recently put forward two proposals relating to the statute and funding of political parties in the EU (COM(2012)0499 and COM(2012)0500), as part of its efforts to increase the transparency and effectiveness of political activities for citizens. The working document relating to the Financial Regulation proposes abolishing annual work programmes and replacing them with a reimbursement system. While this would allow political parties greater flexibility in planning their activities, can the Commission state what challenges it foresees that political parties might be faced with regarding budget allocation?

The document also proposes that the authority in charge of reimbursing funds to a political party should be responsible for verifying that the reimbursement complies with the rules. What measures does the Commission plan to take to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of this verification process?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 2013)

1.	The Commission has taken note of the Giannakou report according to which EU funding to European political parties trough

‘grants’ within the meaning of the Financial Regulation is not appropriate. The Commission has therefore proposed a more flexible funding regime, based on sui generis contributions (instead of the current operating grants), on the possibility to carry over EU budget contributions for up to two years (in addition to the possibility of building-up reserve from own resources under the new Financial Regulation), and on an increase of the maximum possible co-financing rates from the EU budget from 85 % to 90 % of the total eligible expenditure. Annual work programmes and estimated budgets would no longer be required.

2.

In order to counterbalance this increased flexibility, a comprehensive and transparent regulatory and control framework is proposed, encompassing all the activities and financial operations of the European political parties, irrespective of the source of funding: reinforced reporting and transparency obligations, strengthened accounting and control mechanisms, new regime of proportionate administrative and financial sanctions, including manifest breaches of the values on which the EU is founded. The high level of control over EU funds would be maintained: obligation to justify the use of all the funds received from the EU budget; audit of their accounts by an independent external auditor; and control by the competent National Authorities on the totality of their expenditure, in cooperation with the European Parliament.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008474/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Il-każ tal-anti-trust tal-Microsoft

Ftehim tal-anti-trusts li jmur lura għall-2009 kien jirrikjedi li l-Microsoft toffri “skrin bl-għażla tal-browser” lill-klijenti tagħha. Madankollu, attwalment, il-Microsoft qed tiġi investigata għall-ksur ta’ dan l-obbligu billi mhijiex qegħda tpoġġi browsers rivali għad-dispożizzjoni tal-utenti tal-kompjuter kollha tagħha.

Fid-dawl ta’ dan il-każ ta’ nuqqas ta’ konformità, il-Kummissjoni, b’liema mod għandha l-intenzjoni li tiżgura li l-kumpaniji li huma soġġetti għal-liġijiet tal-anti-trusts jikkonformaw għal kollox mal-elementi varji tal-ftehimiet tagħhom?

Tweġiba mogħtija minn M. Almunia f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(12 ta' Novembru 2012)

Fis-17 ta’ Lulju 2012 il-Kummissjoni ħabbret (27) li kienet tat bidu għal proċeduri kontra l-Microsoft biex tinvestiga jekk din il-kumpanija kinitx naqset milli żżomm mal-impenji li kienet daħlet għalihom fl-2009. Jekk jiġi kkonfermat li l-impenji ma nżammux, jiġu imposti s-sanzjonijiet. Dan il-każ jixhed kemm il-Kummissjoni tieħu bis-serjetà l-implimentazzjoni kif għandu jkun tad-deċiżjonijiet tagħha.

Spiss il-punt tat-tluq għal azzjonijiet ta’ moniteraġġ min-naħa tal-Kummissjoni jkunu l-obbligi tar-rappurtar mill-kumpaniji kkonċernati u l-viġilanza ta’ atturi oħra fis-suq. Il-Kummissjoni mhix se taħsibha darbtejn biex, fejn ikun f’loku, tikkumplimenta lill-moniteraġġ tagħha stess bil-ħatra ta’ amministraturi tal-moniteraġġ li jissorveljaw lill-kumpanija kkonċernata sabiex jiġi żgurat li din twettaq l-impenji tagħha. Jista’ jkun li każijiet differenti jitolbu metodi differenti ta’ moniteraġġ.

Il-Kummissjoni hija tal-fehma li d-deċiżjonijiet li lill-impenji offruti mill-kumpaniji nfushom jagħmluhom jorbtu jistgħu jkunu mezz tajjeb kif jissolvew il-problemi fil-qasam tal-kompetizzjoni, iżda dan jista’ jseħħ biss kemm-il darba dawn id-deċiżjonijiet jiġu implimentati għal kollox. Il-ħidma biex jiġi żgurat li l-kumpaniji jżommu mal-impenji tagħhom hija, u se tibqa’, prijorità tal-Kummissjoni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008474/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Microsoft anti-trust case

An anti-trust settlement dating back to 2009 required Microsoft to offer a ‘browser choice screen’ to its customers. However, Microsoft is currently under investigation for breaching this obligation by not making rival browsers available to all of its computer users.

In light of this case of non-compliance, in what way does the Commission intend to ensure that companies that are subject to anti-trust laws comply fully with the various elements of their settlements?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The Commission announced on 17 July 2012 (28) that it had opened proceedings against Microsoft to investigate whether the company has failed to comply with its 2009 commitments. If the breach of commitments is confirmed, there will be sanctions. This case illustrates how seriously the Commission takes the proper implementation of its decisions.

Reporting obligations by the companies concerned and the vigilence of other market players are often the starting point of monitoring actions by the Commission. In appropriate cases, the Commission will not hesitate to support its own monitoring with the appointment of monitoring trustees who supervise the company concerned, ensuring that it fulfills its commitments. Different cases may require different monitoring tools.

The Commission considers that decisions making binding commitments offered by companies themselves can be a good way to solve competition problems, but only if they are implemented fully. Ensuring that companies comply with their commitments is, and will remain, a matter of priority for the Commission.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008476/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Id-Direttiva tal-Prodotti tat-Tabakk

Fi snin reċenti kien hemm għajdut li għandhom jiġu reveduti l-politiki tat-tabakk sabiex jilħqu aħjar il-bżonnijiet tas-saħħa pubblika. F’Marzu 2012 id-Direttiva tal-prodotti tat-Tabakk ġiet reveduta sabiex jitraħħnu l-vizzji tat-tipjip, speċjalment fost il-ġenerazzjoni żaġħżugħa.

Il-mod primarju kif id-direttiva reveduta fittxet li tagħmel dan kien billi għamlet l-ippakkjar tal-prodotti tat-tabakk anqas attraenti għall-konsumaturi. Sa liema punt il-Kummissjoni qed tistenna li dan it-tibdil fid-disinn tal-ippakkjar jagħmel impatt fuq il-vizzji tat-tipjip fost iż-żgħażagħ u tista’ l-Kummissjoni tirrapporta fuq kwalunkwe riżultati minn inizjattivi preċedenti ta’ din is-sura?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Šefčovič f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(15 ta' Novembru 2012)

Hemm għaddejjin bħalissa deliberazzjonijiet interni fi ħdan il-Kummissjoni fir-rigward tar-reviżjoni li jmiss tad-Direttiva dwar il-Prodotti tat-Tabakk 2001/37/KE (29), u għalhekk għadha ma ttieħditx pożizzjoni finali. Bħala parti mir-reviżjoni, il-Kummissjoni ħarset lejn l-impatt tal-għażliet ta’ politika kollha.

Rigward il-kwistjoni tal-effettività tal-ippakkjar biex jiddiswadi liż-żgħażagħ milli jpejpu, il-Kummissjoni tixtieq tirreferi lill-Onorevoli Membru għall-punt numru tnejn tat-tweġiba tagħha għall-mistoqsija bil-miktub P-007926/2012 (30).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008476/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Tobacco Products Directive

There has been talk in recent years of revising tobacco policies to better meet public health needs. In March 2012 the Tobacco Products Directive was revised in order to curb smoking habits, especially amongst the younger generation.

The primary way the revised directive sought to do this was by making the packaging of tobacco products less attractive to consumers. To what extent does the Commission expect these changes in packaging design to impact upon the smoking habits of young people, and can the Commission report on any results from previous initiatives of this sort?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

Internal deliberations within the Commission regarding the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive 2001/37/EC (31) are ongoing, and therefore a final position has not been taken. As part of the revision, the Commission has looked at the impact of all policy options.

Concerning the issue of the effectiveness of packaging in dissuading young people from smoking, the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to point two of its reply to Written Question P-007926/2012 (32).

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008477/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: It-trattament xieraq tal-annimali

Fit-22 ta’ Settembru 2010, id-Direttiva 2010/63/UE ssostitwiet id-Direttiva 86/609/KEE sabiex tiċċara diskrepanzi fil-leġiżlazzjoni dwar is-sigurtà u t-trattament xieraq tal-annimali tal-laboratorju. Riċerka ġdida turi li l-annimali jesperjenzaw livelli differenti ta’ wġigħ u ta’ tbatija minn kif kien oriċinarjament maħsub mill-esperti minn meta għaddiet l-ewwel direttiva fl-1986.

L-għan taż-żewġ direttivi huwa li jittaffa l-uġigħ, it-tbatija u l-iskumdità tal-annimali li jintużaw fi proċeduri differenti. Il-Kummissjoni rat xi tip ta’ titjib fit-trattament xieraq tal-annimali minn meta d-direttiva l-ġdida ġiet implimentata fl-2010?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur Potočnik f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(3 ta' Diċembru 2012)

Id-Direttiva 2010/63/UE (33) dwar il-protezzjoni tal-annimali li jintużaw għal skopijiet xjentifiċi għadha ma daħlitx fis-seħħ billi t-traspożizzjoni fil-leġiżlazzjoni nazzjonali tal-Istati Membri kollha hija biss stabbilita għall-10 ta’ Novembru 2012. Sussegwentement, id-Direttiva l-ġdida tidħol fis-seħħ mill-1 ta' Jannar 2013, u tissostitwixxi d-Direttiva 86/609/KEE (34) dwar il-protezzjoni tal-annimali użati għal għanijiet sperimentali u għanijiet oħra xjentifiċi .

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008477/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Animal welfare

On 22 September 2010, Directive 2010/63/EU replaced Directive 86/609/EEC in order to clarify discrepancies in legislation regarding the safety and welfare of laboratory animals. New research shows that animals experience different levels of pain and suffering than was originally believed by experts when the first directive was passed in 1986.

The goal of both directives is to minimise the pain, suffering and distress of animals used in different procedures. Has the Commission seen an improvement in animal welfare since the implementation of the new directive in 2010?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2012)

Directive 2010/63/EU (35) on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes has not yet come into effect as the transposition into national legislation of all Member States is only set for 10 November 2012. Subsequently, the new Directive takes effect as of 1 January 2013, replacing Directive 86/609/EEC (36) on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008478/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: Il-protezzjoni tad-dejta personali

Minn stħarriġ reċenti tal-UE rriżulta li tnejn minn kull tliet persuni huma inkwetati li d-dejta personali tagħhom qed tkun mogħoddija lil ħaddieħor mingħajr il-kunsens tagħhom u li disgħa minn kull għaxar persuni jridu jiżguraw li l-istess drittijiet rigward id-dejta personali qed jingħataw lill-Istati Membri kollha.

F’Jannar 2012 saru xi proposti biex tikber il-kontabilità tal-organizzazzjonijiet li jużaw u jiġu bżonn l-aċċess ta’ dejta personali, biex tiġi ċċarata meta hemm bżonn ta’ kunsens, biex jiġi infurzat id-dritt li wieħed jintesa’ u biex jiġu applikati l-liġijiet ta’ protezzjoni nazzjonali fost il-fruntieri anke l barra mill-UE.

F’Mejju 2012 din il-proposta għaddiet mill-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew f’laqgħa plenarja. Xi progress ulterjuri sar sabiex jiġi implimentat dan it-tibdil?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sinjura Reding f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(16 ta' Novembru 2012)

In-negozjati dwar il-proposti tal-Kummissjoni għar-riforma tal-qafas legali tal-UE dwar il-protezzjoni tad-dejta, ippreżentati fil-25 ta’ Jannar 2012 (37) jinsabu għaddejjin 'il quddiem kemm fil-Parlament Ewropew kif ukoll il-Kunsill.

Fil-livell tal-Kunsill, qed jiġi segwit approċċ fuq żewġ binarji. Id-diskussjoni Artikolu b’Artikolu tal-proposti mill-Grupp ta' Ħidma tal-Kunsill kompetenti (DAPIX) jiġi akkumpanjat minn diskussjonijiet fil-livell politiku dwar “temi orizzontali” bħal ma huma l-piż amministrattiv, l-atti delegati u ta’ implimentazzjoni, u bi flessibilità għas-settur pubbliku. Kemm il-Presidenza Ċiprijotta preżenti kif ukoll dik Irlandiża li jmiss huma impenjati ħafna biex jaraw li jkun hemm progress malajr fuq dan il-fajl.

Il-Kummissjoni tilqa’ bil-qalb l-appoġġ qawwi muri mill-Parlament Ewropew dwar il-pakkett ta’ riforma, u se tagħti l-akbar attenzjoni lill-emendi li se jkunu ppreżentati dwar iż-żewġ proposti.

Il-Kummissjoni ħadet nota wkoll tal-opinjoni tal-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew, adottata fit-23 ta’ Mejju 2012, u dik tal-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni, adottata fl-10 ta’ Ottubru 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008478/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: Personal data protection

A recent EU survey indicated that two out of every three people are worried about their personal data being shared without their consent and that nine out of ten people want to ensure that the same rights regarding personal data are granted across all Member States.

In January 2012 proposals were made to increase the accountability of organisations that use and require the sharing of personal data, to clarify when consent is needed, to enforce ‘the right to be forgotten’ and to apply national protection laws across borders even outside the EU.

In May 2012 this proposal passed through the European Economic and Social Committee at a plenary meeting. What further progress has been made to implement these changes?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2012)

Negotiations on the Commission proposals to reform the EU data protection legal framework, presented on 25 January 2012 (38), are advancing well in both the European Parliament and Council.

At Council level, a ‘two-track’ approach is followed: the article-by-Article discussion of the proposals by the competent Council Working Group (DAPIX) is accompanied by discussions at political level on ‘horizontal themes’ such as administrative burden, delegated and implementing acts, and flexibility for the public sector. Both the current Cypriot Presidency and the forthcoming Irish one are very committed to ensure swift progress on this file.

The Commission welcomes the strong support expressed by the European Parliament on the reform package, and will give the utmost attention to the amendments that will be submitted on the two proposals.

The Commission took note as well of the opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee, adopted on 23 May 2012, and of the Committee of the Regions, adopted on 10 October 2012.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-008479/12

lill-Kummissjoni (Viċi President / Rappreżentant Għoli)

David Casa (PPE)

(25 ta' Settembru 2012)

Suġġett: VP/HR — It-tnaqqis fl-infiq għall-forzi militari

Fid-dawl tat-tnaqqis tal-baġit fi ħdan l-UE, l-UE għamlet sforzi sabiex iżżomm l-għan tagħha li tonfoq 2 % tal-produzzjoni ekonomika fuq id-difiża militari. Fis-snin reċenti l-militar iffaċċja tnaqqis fl-infiq u tnaqqis fil-baġit li ħalla l-futur tiegħu inċert fost l-Istati.

Håkan Syrén, il-President tal-Kumitat Militari tal-Unjoni Ewropea, stqarr f’intervista reċenti li xi Stati Membri mhux se jkunu jistgħu jappoġġjaw il-forzi nazzjonali minħabba dan it-tnaqqis.

Ir-Rappreżentant Għoli qiegħed jantiċipa aktar tnaqqis sinifikanti fl-infiq fid-difiża li jistgħu jnaqqsu d-daqs jew il-kapaċitajiet tal-forzi militari?

Tweġiba mogħtija mir-Rappreżentant Għoli/Viċi President Ashton f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(17 ta' Jannar 2013)

Fid-19 ta’ Novembru 2012 il-Kunsill tenna li r-RGħ/VP tibqa’ responsabbli tal-importanza li żżomm u tiżviluppa aktar il-kapaċitajiet militari Ewropej għas-sostenn u t-titjib tal-Politika ta’ Sigurtà u Difiża Komuni tal-UE (PSDK). Il-limitazzjonijiet baġitarji attwali jenfasizzaw il-ħtieġa urġenti biex tissaħħaħ il-kooperazzjoni Ewropea li jiġu żviluppati dawn il-kapaċitajiet u jimtlew il-lakuni kritiċi. Il-Kunsill enfasizza wkoll il-ħtieġa li tiġi mmassimizzata l-effettività tan-nefqa tad-difiża tal-Ewropa fi żminijiet ta’ awsterità finanzjarja u, għal dan il-għan, jibqa’ impenjat biex isaħħaħ il-kooperazzjoni Ewropea inkluż permezz tal-akkomunament u l-kondiviżjoni tal-kapaċitajiet. Ir-RGħ/VP, ukoll fil-kapaċità tagħha ta’ Kap tal-Aġenzija Ewropea għad-Difiża (EDA), tappoġġja bis-sħiħ dawn l-isforzi.

B’mod partikolari, il-Kodiċi tal-Kondotta dwar l-Akkomunament u l-Kondiviżjoni adottati mill-Bord ta’ Tmexxija tal-Aġenzija Ewropea għad-Difiża fid-19 ta’ Novembru li għadda, għandu l-għan li jappoġġja l-isforzi kooperattivi tal-Istati Membri tal-UE li jiżviluppaw il-kapaċitajiet ta’ difiża. Hemm bżonn ferm rikkonoxxut għal aktar kooperazzjoni Ewropea, għal raġunijiet operazzjonali kif ukoll ekonomiċi — fi żminijiet fejn l-infiq għad-difiża huwa dejjem aktar ristrett. Il-Kodiċi, li għandhom jiġu implimentati fuq bażi nazzjonali u volontarja, jipprevedu, pereżempju, sforz biex jagħtu lil proġetti kollaborattivi miftiehma livell ogħla ta’ protezzjoni minn tnaqqis potenzjali, u biex jallokaw l-investiment neċessarju biex jappoġġa l-iżvilupp ta’ kapaċitajiet tal-ġejjieni, inklużi r-R&T.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008479/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

David Casa (PPE)

(25 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Spending cuts for military forces

In light of the budget cuts across the EU, the EU has struggled to maintain its goal of spending 2 % of economic output on military defence. In recent years the military has faced decreased spending and budget cuts which have left its future in question across the Member States.

Håkan Syrén, Chair of the European Union Military Committee, claimed in a recent interview that some Member States will be unable to support national forces because of this decrease.

Does the High Representative anticipate any further significant spending cuts in defence that might decrease the size or capabilities of the military forces?

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

(17 January 2013)

The HR/VP remains seized of the importance, reiterated by the Council on 19 November 2012, of retaining and further developing European military capabilities for sustaining and enhancing the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Current budgetary constraints highlight the urgent need to strenghten European coopeation for developing such capabilities and filling the critical gaps. The Council also underlined the necessity to maximise the effectiveness of Europe's defence expenditure in times of financial austerity and, to this end, remains committed to enhance European cooperation including through the pooling and sharing of capabilities. The HR/VP, also in her capacity of Head of the European Defence Agency (EDA), fully supports these efforts.

In particular, the Code of Conduct on Pooling and Sharing adopted by the EDA Steering Board last November 19 aims at supporting cooperative efforts of EU Member States to develop defence capabilities. There is a widely acknowledged need for more European cooperation, for operational as well as economic reasons — in times of increasingly constrained defence spending. The Code, to be implemented on a national and voluntary basis, foresee, for instance, endevours to accord agreed collaborative projects a higher degree of protection from potential cuts, and to allocate the necessary investment to support the development of future capabilities, including R&T.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008481/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Islamizzazione del sistema di Istruzione superiore dell'Iran

Il 22 settembre 2012, Human Rights Watch ha riferito che nuove misure di «islamizzazione» vengono introdotte per il nuovo anno accademico iraniano. Il Ministero della Scienza ha in progetto di «islamizzare» l'università e introdurre programmi che limitano il ruolo delle donne nell'università e il loro accesso all'istruzione. Le donne costituiscono il 60 % degli studenti universitari in Iran, ma ora ci saranno quote per limitare il numero di donne in alcune discipline accademiche. Un rappresentante di Human Rights Watch ha osservato: «Mentre gli studenti universitari di tutto l'Iran si preparano ad iniziare il nuovo anno accademico, si trovano ad affrontare gravi battute d'arresto, e le studentesse, in particolare, non avranno più la possibilità di seguire la formazione e la carriera di loro scelta».

Il Ministero della Scienza non ha fornito alcuna spiegazione per la propria decisione. Il ministro della Scienza Kamran Daneshjoo ha cercato fin dal 2009 di attuare misure volte a segregare gli studenti nelle classi e nei campus universitari. Le politiche di separazione di genere hanno ricevuto il sostegno della Guida Suprema del paese e del Consiglio di esperti. Da un manuale presentato dal Ministero della Scienza risulta che 36 università pubbliche in tutto il paese hanno vietato iscrizioni femminili in 77 indirizzi. Alcuni degli indirizzi di studi sbarrati alle donne all'Università di Teheran sono: informatica, ingegneria chimica, ingegneria industriale, scienze forestali e ingegneria mineraria. All'Università Imam Khomeini di Qazvin, l'accesso a tutte le 14 specializzazioni in scienze sociali è stato limitato per i maschi.

Le università sono sotto pesante controllo da parte del governo che vuole soffocare il dissenso, che sa essere diffuso nei campus universitari, in particolare durante e dopo le elezioni presidenziali del 2009.

1. La Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante è disposta a sollevare la questione con le autorità iraniane?

2. La Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante può offrire qualche informazione sulle misure possibili per convincere il governo iraniano a riconsiderare i propri piani di limitazione dell'accesso all'istruzione sia dei maschi che delle femmine?

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

(22 novembre 2012)

L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è al corrente della recente riforma dell’istruzione superiore in Iran e ne segue con apprensione gli sviluppi. La segregazione scolastica di genere è una forma grave di discriminazione che viola i diritti non solo delle iraniane ma anche degli iraniani.L’Unione europea, impegnata da sempre a promuovere la parità di genere, ha ribadito in più occasioni la propria posizione: le donne devono poter accedere liberamente all’istruzione superiore e non essere discriminate solo perché donne. Le recenti riforme in Iran mettono purtroppo a rischio la parità di accesso all’istruzione superiore per donne e uomini. L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente e il SEAE seguono attentamente gli sviluppi in Iran e fanno pressione sulle autorità perché blocchino quanto prima la riforma.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008481/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Islamisation of Iran's higher education system

On September 22 2012, Human Rights Watch reported that new ‘Islamisation’ measures are being introduced in Iran’s new academic year. The Ministry of Science is currently planning to ‘Islamise’ universities and introduce programmes that restrict the role of women inside universities and their access to education. Women make up 60 % of university students in Iran, but now there will be quotas to limit the number of women in certain academic subjects. A representative of Human Rights Watch noted: ‘As university students across Iran prepare to start the new academic year, they face serious setbacks, and women students in particular will no longer be able to pursue the education and career of their choice’.

The Ministry of Science has offered no explanation for their decision. The science minister Kamran Daneshjoo has been trying to implement measures to segregate students in classes and university campuses since 2009 . Gender separation policies have received the backing of the country’s Supreme Leader and the Council of Experts. A manual produced by the Ministry of Science shows that 36 public universities across the country have banned female enrolment in 77 fields. The fields of study barred to women at Tehran University include computer science, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, forestry, and mining engineering. At the Imam Khomeini University in Qazvin, all 14 social science majors have been restricted to males.

Universities are being placed under heavy scrutiny by the government as they want to stifle dissent, which they believe is widespread on university campuses, especially during and after the 2009 presidential elections.

1. Is the Vice-President/High Representative prepared to raise this issue with the Iranian authorities?

2. Can the Vice-President/High Representative offer some information on possible measures to persuade the Iranian Government to reconsider their plans to limit both male and female access to education?

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

(22 November 2012)

The HR/VP is aware of recent reforms to Iran's higher education system, and is concerned by these developments. Gender segregation in education amounts to a serious form of discrimination, which infringes upon the rights of both women and men in Iran. The EU as a whole has a long-standing commitment to promote gender equality and has on previous occasions restated its position that women should have unrestricted access to higher education, and not be discriminated on the basis of their gender. The recent reforms in Iran warrant concern that access to higher education will not be equal for men and women. The HR/VP and the EEAS are closely following developments in Iran, and urge the authorities to reverse the reforms as soon as possible.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008482/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE) και Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τύφλωση και προβλήματα όρασης στην Ευρώπη

Σήμερα υπάρχουν 30 εκατομμύρια τυφλοί και άτομα με σοβαρά προβλήματα όρασης στην Ευρώπη. Σχεδόν 1 στους 30 Ευρωπαίους αντιμετωπίζει σοβαρά προβλήματα όρασης και τουλάχιστον το 75 % των ατόμων με σοβαρά προβλήματα όρασης σε ηλικία εργασίας είναι άνεργα. Κατά συνέπεια, η τύφλωση αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό βάρος για την Ευρώπη και, με την αυξανόμενη γήρανση του πληθυσμού, το βάρος αυτό αναμένεται να αυξηθεί σημαντικά.

Από το σύνολο των περιστατικών απώλειας όρασης στην Ευρώπη, εκτιμάται ότι περίπου το 50 % αφορά περιπτώσεις στις οποίες η πάθηση μπορεί να αποφευχθεί. Καθώς η τύφλωση και οι διαταραχές της όρασης προκαλούνται συχνά από άλλες νόσους ή είναι το αποτέλεσμα κοινών επιπλοκών που σχετίζονται με την ηλικία, μπορούν να προληφθούν εάν διαγνωστούν σε πρώιμο στάδιο. Στην περίπτωση του διαβήτη, για παράδειγμα, ο κίνδυνος συναφούς απώλειας όρασης είναι έως και 25 φορές υψηλότερος σε άτομα που πάσχουν από τη νόσο από ό,τι στον πληθυσμό που δεν πάσχει από αυτή, όμως μπορεί να προληφθεί με τις κατάλληλες οφθαλμολογικές εξετάσεις και την επακόλουθη θεραπεία της νόσου.

Ωστόσο, η έλλειψη επαρκών προσυμπτωματικών ελέγχων και συνεργασίας μεταξύ των ιατρικών ειδικοτήτων σημαίνει ότι, ακόμη και σήμερα, η προλήψιμη τύφλωση δεν αντιμετωπίζεται σωστά. Συνεπώς, η προώθηση των προσυμπτωματικών ελέγχων και της έγκαιρης διάγνωσης καθώς και η καλύτερη ενημέρωση των ασθενών και των επαγγελματιών του τομέα της υγείας σχετικά με την προλήψιμη τύφλωση αποτελούν βασικούς παράγοντες για τη μείωση αυτού του βάρους σε ολόκληρη την Ευρώπη.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η Επιτροπή καλείται να απαντήσει στα παρακάτω ερωτήματα:

Με ποιον τρόπο σχεδιάζει να αντιμετωπίσει την αυξανόμενη πρόκληση της προλήψιμης τύφλωσης και να εξασφαλίσει ότι η πολιτική της ΕΕ για την υγεία θα συμπεριλάβει μέτρα για την προώθηση των προσυμπτωματικών ελέγχων και της έγκαιρης διάγνωσης της προλήψιμης τύφλωσης;

Γνωρίζει το έργο της πρωτοβουλίας «Vision 2020 — The Right To Sight»; Με ποιον τρόπο σχεδιάζει να υποστηρίξει την πρωτοβουλία αυτή και να βοηθήσει τα κράτη μέλη να υλοποιήσουν τον στόχο αντιμετώπισης της προλήψιμης τύφλωσης, όπως επισημάνθηκε στο πλαίσιο της τελευταίας Παγκόσμιας Συνέλευσης Υγείας;

Απάντηση του κ. Šefčovič εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ιδιαίτερα ευαισθητοποιημένη σχετικά με τις ενοχλήσεις και τους κοινωνικούς περιορισμούς που αντιμετωπίζουν τα άτομα που πάσχουν από τύφλωση. Ωστόσο, η αντιμετώπιση των προβλημάτων των ατόμων με τύφλωση που μπορεί να προληφθεί συνιστά πρωταρχική ευθύνη των κρατών μελών.

Για τον λόγο αυτό, η Επιτροπή δεν προγραμματίζει συγκεκριμένα μέτρα για την εφαρμογή της σημαντικής πρωτοβουλίας του ΠΟΥ «VISION 2020: the Right to Sight», την οποία γνωρίζει πλήρως. Αντ’ αυτού, ο ΠΟΥ αποφάσισε την ανάπτυξη ενός προγράμματος δράσης συνέχειας για την πρόληψη της τύφλωσης που μπορεί να αποφευχθεί, καθώς και των διαταραχών της όρασης για την περίοδο 2014-2019, σε στενή συνεργασία με τα κράτη μέλη και τους διεθνείς εταίρους. Στην εξηκοστή έκτη Παγκόσμια Συνέλευση Υγείας το 2013 (39) ένα προκαταρκτικό σχέδιο δράσης θα υποβληθεί προς αξιολόγηση.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008482/12

to the Commission

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE) and Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Blindness and eyesight problems in Europe

There are currently 30 million blind and partially sighted persons in Europe. Approximately 1 European in 30 experiences sight loss, and 75 % of partially sighted persons of working age are unemployed. As such, blindness constitutes a major burden in Europe, and, with an increasingly ageing population, this burden is likely to grow significantly.

Among persons struck with blindness in Europe, it is estimated that in around 50 % of the cases the condition is avoidable. Particularly since blindness and visual impairment are often induced by other diseases, or are the result of common age-related complications, they can be prevented if caught at an early stage. In the case of diabetes, for instance, the risk of related visual loss is up to 25 times higher in people with the disease than in the population not affected by diabetes, yet can often be prevented through appropriate eye testing and subsequent treatment.

However, the lack of adequate screening and of cooperation among healthcare disciplines means that preventable blindness is often not tackled properly, even today. Promoting screening and early diagnosis and better informing patients and healthcare professionals about preventable blindness are therefore key to reducing this burden across Europe.

In light of this, the Commission is asked to answer the following questions:

How is it planning to address the growing challenge of preventable blindness and ensure that EU health policy incorporates measures to promote screening and early diagnosis of preventable blindness?

Is it aware of the work of ‘Vision 2020 — The Right To Sight’? How is it planning to support this initiative and help Member States carry out the task of tackling preventable blindness, as highlighted during the recent World Health Assembly?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

The Commission is very sensitive to the discomfort and social constraints faced by people with blindness. However, addressing the problems of people with preventable blindness is the primary responsibility of Member States.

For this reason, the Commission is not planning specific measures to implement the important WHO initiative ‘VISION 2020: the Right to Sight’, about which it is fully aware. Instead, WHO decided that a follow-up action plan for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment for the period 2014-2019 will be developed in close consultation with Member States and international partners. A draft action plan for consideration will be presented to the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly in 2013 (40).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008483/12

an die Kommission

Thomas Ulmer (PPE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Kontrollen an den EU-Grenzen

Die sich wiederholenden ärgerlichen Vorkommnisse verwaltungstechnischer Art bei ungarischen Grenzbeamten geben Anlass, die Kommission mit der Angelegenheit zu befassen. Es wurden einige Fälle gemeldet, in denen Touristen mit Wohnmobilen an der ungarisch-serbischen Grenze angehalten und unprofessionell abgefertigt worden sind.

Zum einen mussten sie sich in die lange Schlange der LKW einreihen und für den Frachtverkehr bestimmte Zollpapiere ausfüllen. Diese wurden dann, trotz leerem Frachtraum und entsprechendem Vermerk, mehrere Stunden lang überprüft. Außerdem wurde eine Inspektion vergleichbar mit der üblichen Inspektion eines Lastzuges durchgeführt. Für all diese Formalitäten war überdies eine Gebühr zu entrichten.

Bei der Rückreise waren die Touristen gezwungen, mit ihrem Wohnmobil eine stationäre Röntgenanlage zu passieren, ohne dass sie den geringsten Hinweis auf die bevorstehende Strahlung erhielten. Gerade für schwangere Frauen bedeutet diese Strahlung ein erhöhtes Risiko. Es ist nicht zu verantworten, Menschen ohne vorherige Warnung einer Strahlung auszusetzen.

Kann die Kommission Auskunft über folgende Fragen erteilen:

1. Ist eine Kontrollabfertigung für schwere PKW (> 3,5 t) zusammen mit LKW zulässig, und wenn ja, ist es möglich, die „Frachtkontrolle“ zu umgehen?

2. Sind Durchleuchtungen von PKW mit Röntgenstrahlen ohne vorhergehende Warnhinweise erlaubt?

3. Gibt es eine Möglichkeit, vom Gesetzgeber präventive Maßnahmen vorschreiben zu lassen?

Antwort von Herrn Šemeta im Namen der Kommission

(22. November 2012)

Es ist unklar, ob sich die vom Herrn Abgeordneten angesprochenen Kontrollen auf Personen oder Waren bezogen. Wenn es sich um Warenkontrollen handelte, ist zudem die Art der betreffenden Waren unbekannt. Außerdem wird nicht angegeben, ob die Kontrollen bei der Einreise in das Zollgebiet der EU oder der Ausreise aus diesem durchgeführt wurden. Der Zweck der Zollpapiere, die ausgefüllt werden mussten, ist ebenfalls unklar.

Auch wenn die Zollkontrolle und die Zollabfertigung im Allgemeinen nicht von Grenzschutzbeamten durchgeführt werden, werden die Modalitäten der Zollkontrollen (einschließlich des Einsatzes von Röntgenkontrollsystemen) sowie alle damit zusammenhängenden Sicherheitsmaßnahmen auf nationaler Ebene festgelegt. Die Zollkontrollen werden von den Zollbehörden des Mitgliedstaates durchgeführt, um die ordnungsgemäße Anwendung der zollrechtlichen Vorschriften sowie anderer Rechtsvorschriften über den Ein‐ oder Ausgang von Waren in das oder aus dem Zollgebiet zu gewährleisten.

Die Kommission verfügt nicht über ausreichende Informationen in dieser Angelegenheit, um das angesprochene Problem näher zu prüfen. Sie ist daher nicht in der Lage, eine Antwort zu erteilen. Die Kommission wird jedoch jedem konkreten Verdacht auf einen Verstoß gegen das Zollrecht an der Außengrenze der Europäischen Union seitens der Zollbehörden nachgehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008483/12

to the Commission

Thomas Ulmer (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: EU border checks

The repeated administrative problems caused by Hungarian border guards should compel the Commission to take action. Border guards have been reported stopping tourists driving motor caravans at the border between Hungary and Serbia and behaving unprofessionally towards them during customs clearance.

Firstly, the tourists were required to join the long lorry queue and had to complete customs forms intended for heavy goods traffic. These forms were then inspected for several hours, despite the vehicles’ freight compartments being empty and the presence of a corresponding note. In addition, the inspection performed was similar to the normal inspection for goods trains and these formalities incurred a charge.

When returning, the tourists had to drive their motor caravans through a stationary x-ray system with without being informed that they would be exposed to radiation. This practice causes an increased risk for pregnant women. It is irresponsible to expose people to radiation without prior warning.

Can the Commission answer the following:

Can heavy passenger vehicles (>3.5 t) be required to clear customs together with lorries and, if so, is it possible to bypass the ‘heavy goods clearance check’?

Is it permissible for passenger vehicles to be x-rayed without prior warning?

Is it possible for the legislature to set down preventative measures?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

It is unclear whether the controls referred to by the Honourable Member concerned persons or the goods, and in the case of the latter, the nature of the goods in question. It is also unclear whether the controls were performed upon entry or exit of the customs territory of the Union. Furthermore, the purpose of the declaration that was filled in is also obscure.

Even if customs control and clearance are generally not carried out by border guards, the modalities of customs controls (including use of x-ray scanning), which are performed by the customs authorities of the Member States in order to ensure the correct application of customs rules and other legislation governing the entry and exit of goods into/out of the customs territory, as well as any related safety measures, are a matter determined at national level.

Thus, the Commission does not have sufficient details on the matter to be able to investigate the problem raised and is unfortunately not in a position to answer the question. The Commission stands nevertheless ready to examine any specific and detailed complaint of misapplication of customs law by customs authorities at the Union's external border.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008485/12

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Comune di Ostra Vetere (Ancona): campi elettromagnetici e diritto alla salute

I campi elettromagnetici (CEM) esistono in natura e sono sempre stati presenti sulla terra, tuttavia nel corso degli ultimi decenni l'esposizione ambientale a fonti di CEM è aumentata costantemente a causa della domanda di elettricità e dell'avvento di nuove tecnologie. Infatti, la tecnologia delle apparecchiature senza filo (telefono cellulare, Wifi/Wimax, Bluetooth, telefono a base fissa «DECT») emette CEM che potrebbero avere effetti negativi sulla salute umana, come sostenuto da una parte della comunità scientifica. Ancora oggi non esiste una normativa europea uniforme che vincoli tutti gli Stati membri a disciplinare in modo chiaro e inequivocabile i criteri e i valori massimi di esposizione ai CEM.

Per questi motivi, il Comune di Ostra Vetere (provincia di Ancona) ha emesso lo scorso agosto un'ordinanza di «sospensione immediata e temporanea, ai fini cautelativi, dell'esecutività del permesso di costruire una stazione radio base per la telefonia mobile» al fine di acquisire ulteriori esami, pareri e accertamenti da parte delle Autorità competenti deputate a effettuare i controlli (ARPAM e ASUR). Sembrerebbe, infatti che, l'attuale normativa italiana sia carente in materia, soprattutto per quel che riguarda la tutela del diritto alla salute dei cittadini nei processi autorizzatori per la realizzazione delle infrastrutture di telefonia. Proprio l'Italia è al primo posto per la diffusione del telefono cellulare (152,9 %), davanti a Lituania (149 %) e Lussemburgo (142 %).

Tutto ciò premesso, può la Commissione far sapere:

se sono state rispettate le disposizioni degli artt. 168 e 169 del TFUE e dell'art. 35 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE;

se sono state rispettate le norme contenute nella direttiva 2012/11/UE, che modifica la direttiva 2004/40/CE, sulle prescrizioni minime di sicurezza e di salute relative all'esposizione dei lavoratori ai rischi derivanti dagli agenti fisici (campi elettromagnetici);

se sono state prese in considerazione le indicazioni contenute nella raccomandazione 1999/512/CE del Consiglio relativa alla limitazione dell'esposizione della popolazione ai campi elettromagnetici da 0 Hz a 300 GHz?

Risposta di Maroš Šefčovič a nome della Commissione

(6 novembre 2012)

1.

Le disposizioni di cui agli articoli 168 e 169 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea non conferiscono all'UE la competenza a legiferare nel campo della protezione della popolazione dagli effetti potenzialmente nocivi di campi magnetici e ne lasciano la responsabilità primaria agli Stati membri. Non esistono pertanto disposizioni UE specifiche cui le autorità italiane sono tenute ad attenersi. Con riferimento alle disposizioni di cui all'articolo 15 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE, la Commissione non dispone di elementi comprovanti che esse non sono rispettate.

2.

La direttiva 2010/11/CE, che modifica la direttiva 2004/40/CE sulle prescrizioni minime di sicurezza e di salute relative all'esposizione dei lavoratori ai rischi derivanti dagli agenti fisici (campi elettromagnetici), si è limitata a modificare la scadenza per il recepimento nel diritto nazionale della direttiva 2004/40/CE da parte degli Stati membri. L'attuale scadenza è il 31 ottobre 2013. La Commissione ha presentato una proposta legislativa (41) per modificare la direttiva 2004/40/CE. La proposta è attualmente in discussione al Parlamento europeo e al Consiglio.

3.	L'Italia ha rispettato le indicazioni contenute nella raccomandazione 1999/519/CE del Consiglio (42), relativa alla limitazione dell'esposizione della popolazione ai campi elettromagnetici (da 0 Hz a 300 GHz), avendo istituito limiti di esposizione più severi (inferiori).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008485/12

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Municipality of Ostra Vetere (Ancona): electromagnetic fields and the right to health

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) exist naturally and are a constant presence on Earth. However, in recent decades environmental exposure to EMF sources has grown continuously as a result of the demand for electricity and the advent of new technologies. Some scientists claim that wireless technology — such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi/WiMAX, Bluetooth and digitally enhanced cordless telephones (DECT) — gives out EMF that could have negative effects on human health. To date, there is still no uniform European legislation that requires all Member States to set out clear and unequivocal rules on EMF and maximum levels of exposure.

For these reasons, last August the Municipality of Ostra Vetere (Ancona Province, Italy) issued an order for the ‘immediate, interim suspension, for precautionary reasons, of the permit to build a mobile communications base station’. This, it was argued, would allow the relevant authorities (the Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection of Le Marche (ARPAM) and the Regional Health Authority (ASUR) to obtain further tests, opinions and assessments. It appears that current Italian legislation is deficient on this subject, especially with regard to protecting citizens’ right to health in permit procedures for communications infrastructure work. Italy leads the way in mobile phone usage (152.9 %), ahead of Lithuania (149 %) and Luxembourg (142 %).

In view of this, can the Commission state:

1.Have the provisions of Articles 168 and 169 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFUE) and Article 15 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights been complied with?

2. Have the rules set out in Directive 2012/11/EU, amending Directive 2004/40/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields), been complied with?

3. Have the instructions set out in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) been complied with?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

1.

The provisions of Articles 168 and 169 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union do not confer the EU competence to legislate in the area of protection of the general public from potential harmful effects of Electric Magnetic Fields and leaves the primary responsibility with the Member States. Therefore, there are no specific EU provisions that the Italian authorities need to comply with. Concerning the provisions of Article 15 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Commission has no evidence that these are not fulfilled.

2.

Directive 2012/11/EC amending Directive 2004/40/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields) has only modified the deadline for transposition of Directive 2004/40/EC by the Member States into their national legislation. The deadline is now 31 October 2013. The Commission has made a legislative proposal

2.

Directive 2012/11/EC amending Directive 2004/40/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields) has only modified the deadline for transposition of Directive 2004/40/EC by the Member States into their national legislation. The deadline is now 31 October 2013. The Commission has made a legislative proposal

 (43)

3.	The instructions set out in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC

3.	The instructions set out in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC

 (44)

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008486/12

aan de Commissie

Esther de Lange (PPE)

(26 september 2012)

Betreft: Schadelijke organismen in Aziatisch verpakkingshout

Op 13 september is er in de haven van Rotterdam een schadelijke Aziatische boktor aangetroffen in een partij verpakkingshout uit China. Een lading hout van hetzelfde bedrijf bleek eerder dit jaar ook al boktorlarven te bevatten.

De Aziatische Boktor heeft in het verleden al grote schade aangericht in meerdere Europese landen waaronder Nederland, het Verenigd Koninkrijk, Oostenrijk en Duitsland. De enorme financiële, materiële en emotionele gevolgen voor verschillende fruit— en boomkwekerijen en andere gedupeerden zijn reden te meer om een volgende uitbraak te voorkomen.

1. Welke actie onderneemt de Commissie om de controle op Aziatische ladingen verpakkingshout te verbeteren?

2. Welke actie onderneemt de Commissie richting onze Aziatische handelspartners zo.a. zij ervoor zorgen dat hun houtexporten voldoen aan Europese regels?

3. Wanneer vindt er een Europese FVO-missie plaats naar China en wat zijn de doelstellingen van dit bezoek? Is de Commissie voornemens om de missie te vervroegen gezien de verontrustende ontwikkelingen omtrent de houtexport uit Azië?

Antwoord van de heer Šefčovič namens de Commissie

(9 november 2012)

Wat invoer in de EU betreft, worden Aziatische boktorren worden vooral aangetroffen op houten verpakkingsmateriaal dat verband houdt met de invoer van goederen uit China.

De EU-wetgeving (45) biedt de noodzakelijke wettelijke basis om houten verpakkingsmateriaal in verband met de invoer van goederen bij aankomst in de EU te kunnen onderscheppen en te inspecteren. De Commissie gaat momenteel samen met de lidstaten na wat de mogelijkheden zijn voor een meer doelgerichte controle van de invoer van bepaalde producten uit China waarvan bekend is dat er regelmatig boktorren worden aangetroffen op het houten verpakkingsmateriaal. Door de inspectie-inspanningen meer op invoer met een verhoogd risico te concentreren, zal de Commissie meer bewijsmateriaal kunnen verzamelen teneinde de bron van de problemen te identificeren en geïnfesteerd houten verpakkingsmateriaal tegen te houden voordat het in de EU in de handel komt.

De Commissie heeft eerder dit jaar de Chinese autoriteiten aangeschreven met het verzoek om details van de genomen of geplande corrigerende maatregelen, en heeft verschillende vergaderingen met die autoriteiten georganiseerd om de te volgen aanpak en de gevolgen daarvan te bespreken.

Over plannen voor missies van het Voedsel‐ en Veterinair Bureau in China moet nog nader onderhandeld worden tussen de Commissie en China. Het programma van het VVB voor EU-inspecties in 2013, waarover nog overeenstemming bereikt moet worden met China, zal als belangrijke prioriteit een missie betreffende houten verpakkingsmateriaal omvatten. Met name zal worden gecontroleerd of het houten verpakkingsmateriaal dat gebruikt wordt voor de uitvoer van goederen naar de EU voldoet aan internationale normen inzake fytosanitaire behandeling en markering.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008486/12

to the Commission

Esther de Lange (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Harmful organisms in Asian wood packaging

On 13 September 2012, a harmful Asian longhorn beetle was found in the Port of Rotterdam in a batch of wood packaging from China. Earlier this year, longhorn beetle larvae were found in another wood batch belonging to the same company.

In the past, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Austria and Germany have all suffered longhorn beetle damage. Another outbreak should be prevented to stop the enormous financial, material and emotional consequences suffered by fruit and tree nurseries and other affected parties.

1. What measures is the Commission taking to tighten control over wood cargo packaging from Asia?

2. What measures is the Commission taking to make EU Asian trade partners ensure that their wood exports meet European standards?

3. When will the European FVO organise its next mission to China and what will be the aims of that visit? Will the Commission bring that mission forward in view of these worrying developments?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

The main source of interceptions of the Asian longhorn beetle on wood packaging material associated with the import of commodities into the EU is China.

The EU legislation (46) provides the necessary legislative basis to actively inspect and intercept wood packaging material associated with the imports of commodities at their arrival in the EU. The Commission is exploring with the Member States the possibility for a more targeted import control of certain commodities from China known to present a high risk of interception on wood packaging material. By focusing import inspection efforts through a more targeted import control, the Commission will be able to collect further evidence to map better the exact source of the problems and stop infested wood packaging material before it enters the EU market.

The Commission has written to the regulatory authorities in China earlier this year requesting details of corrective action taken or planned and has organised several meetings with the Chinese Authorities to discuss the approach and consequences.

Mission plans for audits in China by the Food and Veterinary Office need to be carefully negotiated and agreed between the Commission and China. The EU 2013 mission programme of the Food and Veterinary Office that will be negotiated with China will contain a wood packaging material mission as a high priority. It will examine whether the controls put in place in China ensure that wood packaging material used to export commodities to the EU complies with an internationally recognised phytosanitary treatment and marking.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008487/12

to the Commission

Gay Mitchell (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Solvency II

In relation to the ongoing negotiations on Solvency II/Omnibus II, will the Commission consider the following concerns which have been raised:

that Solvency II will leave in place the burden on already over-burdened states, thereby engineering the next potential financial crisis;

that market prices are too reflective of short-term supply/demand drivers to be a suitable basis for assessing the ultimate value of long-term guarantees?

Will the Commission, having considered these concerns, then make a statement on the matter?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2012)

Supervisors, the industry and Member States are all of the view that Solvency II is urgently needed to address the shortcomings of the current system (Solvency I). The latter particularly lacks risk sensitivity (mainly on market and credit risks) and hinders the proper functioning of the market (due to the fragmented approaches to supervision). Without a robust regime at the EU level, supervisors will have to develop fragmented national solutions which are not efficient in coping with financial stability in Europe. Supervisors and the industry have already started to prepare for the entry into force of Solvency II. It is also envisaged that European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) should play an active role in ensuring the readiness of supervisory authorities.

In a risk-based approach, capital requirements reflect the specific risk profile of each insurer. A market consistent valuation provides a good basis to assess accurately the risks to which an insurer is exposed, being an objective measure on which it is possible to derive the solvency position of an insurer. This approach ensures that early signals of potential solvency/financial problems are provided to the supervisors and to the market. The Commission has worked on a number of measures to mitigate the potential negative effect of the volatility inherent in the risk-based approach in relation to products with long-term guarantees (47). Some of these tools will reduce the volatility of own funds by introducing smoothing effects in the valuation of technical provisions. These measures are currently discussed in trilogue on the Omnibus II Directive and could form part of a technical assessment to be carried out by EIOPA.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008488/12

to the Commission

Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Turf cutting compensation and the Habitats Directive

Can the Commission state:

how much money has been allocated to Ireland to implement the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC since the start of implementation in Ireland, giving details of years, amounts and programmes or projects funded?

whether any European monies were made available, or are now available, for the compensation of individuals who have been or will be affected by the restrictions imposed by the Habitats Directive on Ireland’s 53 raised bogs situated in Special Areas of Conservation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

There are no specific allocations of funds to Member States for the implementation of Directive 1992/43/EEC (48) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive). Member States can avail themselves of the main European sectoral funds and the LIFE+ instrument to deliver the necessary conservation measures, particularly for the Natura 2000 network.

In the programming period 2007-2013, Ireland allocated EUR 308.72 million of the EAFRD contribution for Natura 2000 payments under the rural development programme and 3.5 million for the implementation of Natura 2000 through the ERDF structural funds. Ireland's allocation from the LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity fund in the period 2007-2013 is EUR  11.8 million and part of this also relates to projects in Natura 2000 sites.

Under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 for Ireland, payments of between EUR 5 per hectare and EUR 314 per hectare are paid annually to farmers in Natura 2000 sites as a compensation for compliance with the mandatory requirements for Natura 2000 sites and conditions defined in their Sustainable Management Plans for the particular habitat types.

It is for the competent Irish authorities to consider the possible compensation of individuals who have been or will be affected by the restrictions imposed by the Habitats Directive on Ireland’s 53 raised bogs situated in Special Areas of Conservation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008489/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Discriminazione fra Stati membri per quanto concerne i beneficiari del programma Grundtvig_LLP

Il programma comunitario LLP è gestito in Italia dall'Agenzia Nazionale LLP Italia Comenius, Erasmus, Grundtvig (di seguito, l'Agenzia). Un'associazione italiana attiva nel campo della formazione — beneficiaria dell'assegnazione di un contributo nell'ambito del programma Grundtvig_LLP — lamenta il fatto che al momento della firma dell'accordo è stata informata che il versamento del contributo sarebbe stato effettuato solo a fronte della presentazione di una fideiussione bancaria o assicurativa. La suddetta associazione non ha potuto ottenere né una fideiussione bancaria — in quanto non sono passati almeno tre anni dalla sua fondazione — né una fideiussione assicurativa, in quanto né l'associazione né i suoi membri godono di un capitale e/o reddito a garanzia della fideiussione. La mancanza di disponibilità di capitale è la ragione per la quale l'associazione ha partecipato al bando Grundtvig_LLP.

Sulla base di quanto sopra descritto si chiede alla Commissione:

Ritiene la richiesta dell'Agenzia al beneficiario di sottoscrizione di una fideiussione bancaria o assicurativa, a garanzia del contributo concesso, una disposizione coerente con il programma Grundtvig_LLP?

Può illustrare se, negli altri Stati membri, l'assegnazione del contributo nel quadro del programma Grundtvig_LLP sia condizionata alla sottoscrizione di una fideiussione bancaria o assicurativa?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(31 ottobre 2012)

La Guida al programma di apprendimento permanente 2012 descrive la procedura per la valutazione e la selezione delle candidature (sezione 3.B. della Parte I: Disposizioni generali) (49).

I criteri di selezione sono utilizzati per valutare la capacità operativa finanziaria di un'organizzazione candidata a svolgere l'attività proposta. Le agenzie nazionali possono chiedere alle organizzazioni candidate di fornire documenti addizionali a riprova della loro capacità finanziaria e operativa. La prova della capacità finanziaria non è richiesta di norma per le sovvenzioni di valore inferiore a 25.000 euro. Tuttavia, a seconda degli esiti della valutazione della candidatura e della capacità finanziaria del candidato in relazione alla candidatura stessa, le agenzie nazionali possono concedere una sovvenzione soggetta all'obbligo di fornire una garanzia di pre-finanziamento.

Le regole specifiche nazionali d'ordine amministrativo relative sia alla selezione che all'assegnazione dei contratti devono essere pubblicate dalle rispettive agenzie nazionali. L'agenzia nazionale italiana ha pubblicato sul suo sito web l'invito nazionale a manifestare di interesse specificando che alle organizzazioni private è richiesta una garanzia bancaria, anche da quelle che svolgono attività non-profit (50).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008489/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Discrimination between Member States concerning the beneficiaries of the Grundtvig LLP programme

The European Union’s Life‐Long Learning Programme (LLP) is managed in Italy by the Agenzia Nazionale LLP Italia Comenius, Erasmus, Grundtvig (hereinafter, the ‘Agency’). An Italian association that works in the training field and has received a grant under the Grundtvig LLP programme has complained that, when signing the agreement, it was informed that the grant would only be paid out against presentation of a bank or insurance guarantee. The association in question was unable to obtain either a bank guarantee — since three years have not elapsed since its foundation — or an insurance guarantee — since neither the association nor its members have sufficient capital and/or income to back the guarantee. The lack of available capital was the reason why the association had participated in the Grundtvig LLP tender.

In view of the above, can the Commission state:

Does it believe that the Agency’s request for the beneficiary to obtain a bank or insurance guarantee for the grant is consistent with the Grundtvig LLP programme?

Can it explain whether, in the other Member States, a bank or insurance guarantee is necessary in order to disburse grants awarded under the framework of the Grundtvig LLP programme?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The Lifelong Learning Programme Guide 2012 describes the procedure for the assessment and selection of applications (Section 3.B. of Part I: General provisions) (51).

Selection criteria are used to assess the operational and financial capacity of an applicant organisation to undertake the proposed activity. The National Agencies may request applicant organisations to provide additional documents to prove their financial and operational capacity. Proof of financial capacity is not normally requested for grants below EUR 25 000. However, subject to the outcome of the assessment of the application and the applicant's financial capacity in relation to the application, the National Agencies may award a grant with an obligation to provide a guarantee for pre-financing.

Specific national administrative rules regarding both selection and contracting should be made public by the respective National Agencies. The Italian National Agency published in its national Call and on its website that a bank guarantee is requested from private organisations, including those that are non-profit making (52).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008490/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Επιπτώσεις του πληθωρισμού στην ανταγωνιστικότητα της ελληνικής οικονομίας

Οι μισθοί του ιδιωτικού τομέα στην Ελλάδα έχουν ήδη μειωθεί σημαντικά κατά τη διάρκεια της κρίσης, καθώς σύμφωνα με στοιχεία του γ' τριμήνου του 2011, παρατηρείται μια πτώση περίπου 14% σε σχέση με το υψηλότερο επίπεδό τους το 2010 (53).

Παράλληλα, ο πληθωρισμός ήταν θετικός για το μεγαλύτερο διάστημα των τελευταίων δύο ετών, από τότε δηλαδή που η Ελλάδα υπέγραψε το μνημόνιο συνεννόησης με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και το Διεθνές Νομισματικό Ταμείο και σταθερά υψηλότερος από τον αναμενόμενο, καθώς οι ελληνικές επιχειρήσεις δεν φαίνεται να έχουν μεταφέρει το χαμηλότερο μισθολογικό κόστος στο επίπεδο των τιμών (54).

Η Επιτροπή ερωτάται:

Που οφείλεται η στρέβλωση αυτή;

Ποιες οι επιπτώσεις της σημαντικής πτώσης των μισθών δίχως ανάλογη μείωση των τιμών των καταναλωτικών αγαθών στην ανταγωνιστικότητα της ελληνικής οικονομίας, αλλά και στην αγοραστική δύναμη των καταναλωτών;

Ποιες οι προβλέψεις και οι παρεμβάσεις της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για την ελληνική ανταγωνιστικότητα;

Ποιες οι προβλέψεις για την δημοσιονομική ισορροπία μεταξύ των οικονομιών της ευρωζώνης όσον αφορά το επίπεδο μισθών, πληθωρισμού κι ανταγωνιστικότητας;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(3 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Κατά τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια, παρατηρήθηκε στην Ελλάδα διεύρυνση του χάσματος μεταξύ των μισθών και των τιμών. Ο αντίκτυπος από τη μείωση των μισθών στις τιμές ήταν περιορισμένος λόγω του ότι το κόστος εργασίας είναι ένας μόνο από τους παράγοντες καθορισμού του κόστους παραγωγής. Επιπλέον, η περιορισμένη πρόσβαση των επιχειρήσεων σε πιστώσεις, σε συνδυασμό με τον περιορισμένο ανταγωνισμό στην αγορά, είχε ως αποτέλεσμα να επιδιώκουν οι εταιρείες να διασφαλίσουν τα περιθώρια κέρδους τους.

Ωστόσο, οι μειώσεις των μισθών έχουν ήδη συμβάλει στη συγκράτηση των τιμών και στη μείωση του πληθωρισμού, όπως μετράται βάσει του ΕνΔΤΚ, από 4,7% το 2010 σε 0,3% τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2012. Στις οικονομικές προβλέψεις της Επιτροπής που δημοσιεύθηκαν στις 7 Νοεμβρίου, οι τιμές βάσει του ΕνΔΤΚ αναμένεται ότι θα μειωθούν κατά 0,8% το 2013 και κατά 0,4% το 2014 (55). Ένας άλλος παράγοντας που θα συμβάλει στη μείωση των τιμών είναι το αποτέλεσμα των διαρθρωτικών αλλαγών στις αγορές προϊόντων. Σύμφωνα με την έκθεση «Doing Business» (56) της Παγκόσμιας Τράπεζας για το 2012, χάρη στις μεταρρυθμίσεις αυτές η Ελλάδα συγκαταλέγεται ήδη στις δέκα πρώτες χώρες με τη μεγαλύτερη βελτίωση.

Η ανταγωνιστικότητα βελτιώνεται επίσης. Τα πρώτα αποτελέσματα έχουν ήδη φανεί στον τομέα του εξωτερικού εμπορίου, όπου τα έσοδα από τις εξαγωγές αγαθών κατά την περίοδο Ιανουαρίου-Σεπτεμβρίου 2012 έχουν αυξηθεί κατά 6,9% σε σχέση με το παρελθόν έτος (57). Το έλλειμμα του ελληνικού ισοζυγίου τρεχουσών συναλλαγών αναμένεται να μειωθεί από 11,7% του ΑΕΠ το 2011 σε 5,2% το 2014 (58).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008490/12

to the Commission

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Inflation impact on competitiveness in the Greek economy

Private sector wages in Greece fell significantly during the crisis and, according to data for the third quarter of 2011, by about 14 % compared to their highest level in 2010 (59).

In parallel, inflation has mostly risen for the last two years — from the time that Greece signed the memorandum of understanding with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund — and has been consistently higher than expected, while Greek businesses have not translated their lower wage costs into lower prices (60).

Will the Commission answer the following:

What is the reason for this distortion?

What is the impact of the significant fall in wages, without a similar fall in consumer goods' prices, on the Greek economy’s competitiveness and on consumers’ purchasing power?

What is the Commission’s outlook on Greek competitiveness, and what action will it take?

What are the prospects for a financial balance to be achieved among euro area economies with regard to wage levels, inflation and competitiveness?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2012)

In last two years, an opening of the gap between the wages and prices has been observed in Greece. The pass-through from wages to prices was limited due to the fact that labour cost is only one of the factors determining the cost of production. Moreover, scarce access to business credit combined with limited market competition has led companies to secure their profit margins.

Nevertheless, wages reductions have already contributed to moderation of price inflation with HICP inflation falling from 4.7% in 2010 to 0.3% in September 2012. In the Commission economic forecast published on 7 November, prices measured by the HICP are expected to actually fall by 0.8% in 2013 and 0.4% in 2014 (61). Another factor supporting lower prices is the effect of product market structural reforms. These reforms have already made Greece one of the top ten countries making the most improvement in the 2012 World Bank ‘Doing Business’ report (62).

Competitiveness is also improving. These effects are starting to bring results in external trade, as receipts from exports of goods in the period January-September 2012 have grown by 6.9% relative to the previous year (63). The Greek current account deficit is expected to improve from 11.7% of GDP in 2011 to 5.2% in 2014 (64).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008491/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Défaillances des compagnies aériennes en cas de faillite

La commission des transports et du tourisme du Parlement européen prépare une règlementation couvrant les défaillances des compagnies aériennes.

En tant qu'eurodéputé en charge de la protection des consommateurs (IMCO), je vous pose les questions suivantes:

La Commission compte-t-elle proposer une loi sur ce sujet pour faire face aux faillites qui se multiplient dans le secteur aérien (Spanair, Malev, Cirrus, Windjet par exemple).

En cas d'annulation ou de retard important d'un vol, des indemnités bien précises sont prescrites. La même chose est valable pour les passagers ayant réservé des voyages à forfait. Pourquoi donc n'existe-t-il, en cas de faillite, aucune protection pour les vols secs?

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(22 novembre 2012)

Comme la Commission l'a déjà expliqué dans sa réponse aux questions E-007820/2012 et E-007886/2012 (65), les défaillances des compagnies Spanair, Malev et Windjet ont été, collectivement, mieux gérées, grâce à l'initiative des autorités nationales, qui se sont notamment chargées d'informer et de promouvoir les «tarifs de sauvetage» intéressants proposés par d'autres transporteurs. Ces exemples semblent indiquer que la législation actuelle permet de régler les situations de faillites de manière efficace. La solvabilité financière des transporteurs aériens est couverte par les prescriptions du règlement (CE) no 1008/2008 du 24 septembre 2008, qui régit les licences des transporteurs aériens. Parallèlement au règlement (CE) no 261/2004, qui établit des règles communes en matière de réacheminement, de remboursement et d'assistance des passagers en cas d'annulation de vol, cette législation semblerait permettre de traiter efficacement le problème.

La Commission réfléchit actuellement à la meilleure manière de prendre en charge les passagers qui disposent de billets secs, qui ne sont donc pas couverts par la directive concernant les voyages à forfait (90/314/CEE (66)), en cas d'insolvabilité d'une compagnie aérienne. La Commission estime que des mesures (qui ne doivent pas nécessairement être de nature législative) pourraient être proposées à brève échéance, afin de garantir une mise en œuvre aussi rapide que possible, et elle entend présenter de telles mesures en temps utile.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008491/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Failure of airlines in the event of bankruptcy

The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism is preparing legislation addressing airline failures.

As an MEP in charge of consumer protection, I would like to ask you the following:

Is the Commission planning to introduce legislation on this topic to address the increasing number of bankruptcies in the aviation sector (for example, Spanair, Malev, Cirrus, Windjet)?

There are very specific rules regarding compensation for flight cancellations or significant delays. The same compensation rules apply to passengers who have booked package holidays. So why, in the event of bankruptcy, is there no protection for flight-only arrangements?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

As the Commission has previously explained in its answer to questions E-007820/12 and E-007886/12 (67) the failure of Spanair, Malev and Windjet were collectively better managed thanks to the proactive approach taken by national authorities — such as providing information and promoting other carriers cheap ‘rescue fares’. This would indicate that the current legislation seems to allow bankruptcies to be effectively dealt with. The financial solvency of air carriers is covered by requirements of Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 of 24 September 2008 which governs the licensing of air carriers. In parallel with Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which establishes common rules on rerouting, reimbursement and assistance to passengers in the event of flight cancellation, this legislation would appear to provide scope to effectively address the problem.

The Commission is currently considering how holders of flight only tickets who do not receive the benefits of the Package Travel Directive (90/314/EEC (68)) might best be addressed when an airline becomes insolvent. The Commission considers that measures — not necessarily of a legislative nature — could be put forward swiftly in order to ensure an implementation as fast as possible, and has the intention to come up with such measures in due course.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008493/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Pollen OGM

La proposition de la Commission vient mettre fin au flou réglementaire autour de la commercialisation avec étiquetage du miel à partir de 0,9 % de traces de pollen OGM. Contrairement à la Cour, la proposition de la Commission réaffirme, en s'appuyant sur les normes internationales de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce, que «le pollen est reconnu comme un constituant naturel et non comme un ingrédient, car il entre dans la ruche par l'effet de l'activité des abeilles et se trouve dans le miel indépendamment d'une éventuelle intervention de l'apiculteur». Par conséquent, le pollen étant considéré comme un constituant naturel du miel, «les règles de l'Union en matière d'étiquetage qui exigent la présence d'une liste d'ingrédients ne s'appliqueraient pas».

Cela dit, la proposition de la Commission «ne modifie en rien la conclusion de la Cour» selon laquelle du miel contenant du pollen génétiquement modifié peut être mis sur le marché uniquement s'il fait l'objet d'une autorisation délivrée conformément au règlement (CE) n °1829/2003 relatif à la traçabilité et à l'étiquetage des OGM.

Conséquences: l'étiquetage mentionnant les OGM ne sera obligatoire que si la proportion de pollen OGM est supérieure à 0,9 % de la masse totale du miel.

La Commission peut-elle dire:

sur quoi se base ce taux de 0,9 %?

si elle n'estime pas que le pollen ne représentant qu'environ 0,5 % de la masse du miel, le taux de 0,9 % est démesuré?

s'il ne lui semblerait pas raisonnable d'abaisser ce taux pour rester dans l'esprit du texte européen? En effet, si l'on sait à l'avance qu'aucun produit ne sera visé par un taux si haut, quel en est l'intérêt?

Réponse donnée par M. Šefčovič au nom de la Commission

(19 novembre 2012)

1.	Le seuil de 0,9 % résulte des articles 12 et 24 du règlement (CE) n

1.	Le seuil de 0,9 % résulte des articles 12 et 24 du règlement (CE) n

o  (69)

2/3. La proposition a pour objectif de préciser que le pollen n'est pas un ingrédient du miel, mais un de ses constituants, afin que la législation tienne dûment compte de l'origine naturelle du pollen contenu dans le miel. Ainsi que l'indique la proposition, la législation relative aux OGM — y compris les dispositions relatives à l'étiquetage — continuera à s'appliquer au miel. Comme pour toute autre denrée alimentaire, le seuil de 0,9 %: 1) ne s'appliquera que lorsque la présence de pollen génétiquement modifié dans le miel sera fortuite ou techniquement inévitable; 2) sera calculé pour chaque ingrédient de la denrée alimentaire ou par rapport à la masse totale du produit, pour les produits à ingrédient unique tels que le miel.

La Commission estime que le taux de 0,9 % appliqué au pollen génétiquement modifié dans le miel est aussi proportionné qu'appliqué à la présence accidentelle de matériel génétiquement modifié dans toute autre denrée alimentaire. Elle estime donc inutile de modifier ce seuil pour le seul miel.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008493/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: GM pollen

The proposal from the Commission will put an end to the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the labelling of honey with more than 0.9 % traces of GM pollen. Unlike the Court, the proposal from the Commission reaffirms, on the basis of the international standards of the World Trade Organisation, that ‘pollen is a natural constituent and not an ingredient of honey; it enters into the hive as a result of the activity of the bees and is found in honey regardless of whether the beekeeper intervenes’. Consequently, since pollen is considered to be a natural constituent of honey, ‘EU labelling rules requiring a list of ingredients would not apply’.

Nevertheless, the Commission’s proposal ‘will not affect the conclusion of the Court’, according to which honey containing GM pollen can be placed on the market only if it is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 relating to the traceability and labelling of GMOs.

Consequences: labelling which mentions GMOs will only be mandatory if the proportion of GM pollen exceeds 0.9 % of the honey’s total mass.

Can the Commission state:

What the rate of 0.9 % is based on?

Whether it considers the 0.9 % rate disproportionate given that pollen only represents about 0.5 % of honey’s total mass?

Whether it would consider lowering this rate to remain within the spirit of the European text? Indeed, if we know in advance that no product will contain such a high rate, what is the point of it?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

1.	The 0.9% threshold stems from Articles 12 and 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

1.	The 0.9% threshold stems from Articles 12 and 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

 (70)

2/3. The objective of the proposal is to clarify that pollen is not an ingredient in honey but a constituent in order to adequately reflect in the legislation the natural origin of pollen in honey. As indicated in the proposal, the GMO legislation will continue to apply to honey, including the labelling provisions. As for any other foodstuff the 0.9% threshold: 1/will only apply when the presence of GM pollen in honey is adventitious or technically unavoidable; 2/ will be calculated for each ingredient of the food or on the total amount of the product for mono-ingredient products such as honey.

The Commission considers that the rate of 0.9% is as proportionate when applied to GM pollen in honey than when applied to adventitious presence of GM material in any other foodstuff and sees no need to amend the figure for honey only.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008494/12

a la Comisión

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)

(26 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Crisis en el sector del mejillón e información sobre el origen de los mejillones en conserva

Durante los últimos años, según recientes publicaciones, los precios del mejillón han caído un 30 % y se han situado en los niveles de 2001, lo que constituye la peor crisis en los últimos 15 años de un sector que, solamente en Galicia, ocupa de manera directa a 11 500 personas.

En los dos años siguientes a la eliminación de las tarifas arancelarias a la importación a la Unión Europea de mejillón congelado de Chile, las ventas de mejillón gallego congelado se han reducido en cerca de un 40 %, hasta los 188 millones de kg, mientras que las importaciones de mejillón chileno se han incrementando en casi un 50 %, hasta los 187 millones de kg, igualándose así prácticamente ambas fuentes de suministro. El impacto en el sector gallego es enorme toda vez que solo el 20 % de la producción de mejillón se destina a consumo en fresco.

Responsables de la Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) «Mejillón de Galicia» —la primera y única DOP reconocida para productos del mar—, vienen denunciando irregularidades sistemáticas en el etiquetado de las latas de mejillón procedente de fuera de la UE. Señalan, en concreto, que se están comercializando conservas de mejillón originario de Chile como «Producto Elaborado en Galicia» y que esta insinuación sobre el origen o procedencia del alimento, diferente de la real, puede inducir a error al consumidor.

1. ¿Puede confirmar la Comisión estas informaciones y, en caso afirmativo, va a adoptar alguna medida ante el hundimiento de precios?

2. ¿Considera que la mención de «Producto Elaborado en Galicia» para las latas que contienen mejillón congelado procedente de Chile puede inducir a los consumidores a confusión frente a los productos pertenecientes a la DOP «Mejillón de Galicia»?

3. ¿Considera que estas menciones son compatibles con la indicación del país de origen o de procedencia según lo dispuesto en el Reglamento (UE) n° 1169/2011 sobre la información alimentaria facilitada al consumidor?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(29 de noviembre de 2012)

Chile se ha convertido en los últimos años en un importante productor de mejillones y uno de los principales exportadores a la UE, sobre todo a España. En la reforma de la OCM (71), la Comisión propuso mejorar la información sobre los productos pesqueros con el fin de que los consumidores de la UE puedan elegir con pleno conocimiento de causa. Dicha reforma apoya la ampliación del etiquetado obligatorio a los productos transformados y en conserva: nombre comercial, método de producción y procedencia (zonas de captura o de producción). Esto también tiene por objeto ayudar a los productores de la UE a dar a conocer y diferenciar sus productos.

El «mejillón de Galicia» está registrado como denominación de origen protegida (72). Esta denominación está protegida contra cualquier uso comercial directo o indirecto, usurpación, imitación o evocación y contra cualquier otra información falsa o engañosa sobre la procedencia, el origen, la naturaleza y las cualidades esenciales del producto, así comocontra cualquier otra práctica que pueda inducir en error a los consumidores (73). Compete principalmente a los Estados miembros aplicar y controlar dichas normas. Si los distintos asuntos dan lugar a procedimientos judiciales, compete en última instancia al Tribunal de Justicia Europeo (TJE) pronunciarse sobre la interpretación y la aplicación de esas normas.

El Reglamento (UE) n° 1169/2011, sobre la información alimentaria facilitada al consumidor, establece nuevas normas sobre cualquier declaración voluntaria que pueda considerarse indicación de su origen. A partir del 13 de diciembre de  2014, el país de origen de los alimentos transformados hace referencia al país en el que ha tenido lugar la última transformación sustancial de los alimentos. Si su ingrediente principal procede de un lugar diferente, también deberán incluirse el país de origen o el lugar de procedencia de este ingrediente. Sin embargo, estas disposiciones se aplican sin perjuicio de los requisitos de etiquetado previstos en las disposiciones comunitarias relativas a la indicación de origen, tales como las establecidas en el Reglamento (CE) n° 510/2006 (74).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008494/12

to the Commission

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Crisis in the mussel industry and information regarding the origin of tinned mussels

According to recent publications, over the last few years, mussel prices have fallen by 30 % and are now back at 2001 levels, which is the worst crisis in the last 15 years in an industry that, in Galicia alone, directly affects some 11 500 people.

In the two years following the removal of customs tariffs on imports of frozen mussels from Chile to the EU, sales of frozen Galician mussels have fallen by nearly 40 %, up to 188 million kg, while Chilean mussel imports have increased by almost 50 %, up to 187 million kg, thereby putting both sources of supply on an equal footing. This has had a huge impact on the Galician sector given that only 20 % of mussel production is for fresh consumption.

Those responsible for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ‘Mejillón de Galicia’ — the first and only recognised PDO for seafood — have denounced systematic irregularities in the labelling of tins of mussels from outside the EU. They point out, in particular, that tinned mussels originating in Chile are being marketed as ‘Produced in Galicia’ and that this implies place of provenance of the food, which is false and may mislead the consumer.

1. Can the Commission confirm this information and, if so, will it take any action given the collapse in prices?

2. Does it think that the wording ‘Produced in Galicia’ on tins containing frozen mussels from Chile may cause some confusion for consumers when it comes to products belonging to the ‘Mejillón de Galicia’ PDO?

3. Does it think that these terms are consistent with the indication of country of origin or place of provenance in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2012)

Chile has become in recent years a major mussels producer and a main exporter to the EU and in particular to Spain. In the reform of the CMO (75), the Commission proposed to improve information on fish products so that EU consumers can make a more informed choice. It supports the extention of mandatory labelling to canned and processed products: commercial name, production method and provenance (catch areas or country of production). This is also intended to help EU producers to communicate about and differentiate their products.

‘Mejillón de Galicia’ is registered as Protected Denomination of Origin (76) . This name is protected against any direct or indirect commercial use; any misuse, imitation and evocation ; any other false or misleading information as to the provenance, origin, nature and essential qualitites of the product; and any other practice liable to mislead the consumer (77). It is primarily for Member States to implement and control those rules. Where individual cases lead to legal proceedings, it is ultimately for the ECJ to rule on the interpretation and application of these rules.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers sets out new rules for any voluntary statement that can be considered as an indication of origin. From 13 December 2014, the country of origin of processed foods refers to the country of the last substantial transformation of the food. If its primary ingredient originates from a different place, indications of the country of origin or place of provenance of this ingredient should also be provided. However, these provisions apply without prejudice to labelling requirements provided for in Union provisions on origin indication, such as those laid down in Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (78).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008495/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Monete complementari in Europa

Le monete complementari o i sistemi di valuta complementare sono strumenti economici di scambio alternativi alle monete di corso legale con i quali si possono scambiare beni o servizi e la cui validità è riconosciuta all'interno di specifici circuiti economici.

Può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti in materia:

È a conoscenza di tali realtà?

Quante monete complementari sono attualmente in circolazione nell’UE?

In quali paesi o regioni esse circolano e con quali risultati sull'economia locale?

Ritiene che esse possano essere un valido strumento di rilancio dell'economia?

In caso di mancanza di dati in merito, ritiene di commissionare uno studio ad hoc su questo fenomeno, che possa rispondere alle questioni sollevate?

Risposta di Olli Rehn a nome della Commissione

(11 dicembre 2012)

Nei negozi e nelle aree commerciali di città e comuni perlopiù di piccole dimensioni vengono occasionalmente offerti buoni emessi e definiti come valuta locale. Tali buoni vengono generalmente introdotti dai dettaglianti e dagli organismi locali al fine di rilanciare l’economia locale. I buoni vengono accettati soltanto dai dettaglianti e dagli organismi locali che aderiscono al sistema, e il loro scopo è far sì che il denaro venga speso a livello locale. Diversamente dalla valuta ufficiale, la validità dei buoni è limitata nel tempo in modo da favorirne l’utilizzo immediato negli esercizi commerciali locali. I buoni non intendono né possono sostituire la valuta ufficiale, se non altro perché il loro valore è definito da chi li emette in rapporto alla valuta. Il loro effetto sull’economia dei rispettivi Stati membri è molto limitato poiché vengono utilizzati ed accettati in aree geografiche molto circoscritte. Questo tipo di iniziativa non viene monitorato a livello di Unione europea. Le «valute locali» offerte e utilizzate negli Stati membri dell’area dell’euro non possono sostituire le monete e le banconote in euro, che costituiscono l’unica moneta a corso legale nei 17 Stati membri appartenenti a tale area (79).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008495/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Complementary currencies in Europe

Complementary currencies or complementary currency systems are economic mediums of exchange that can be used instead of legal tender to swap goods and services, and which are recognised in specific economic circuits.

Regarding this subject, can the Commission answer the following:

Is it aware of these currencies?

How many complementary currencies are currently in circulation in the European Union?

What countries or regions are they used in, and with what effects on the local economy?

Does it believe that complementary currencies can be a valid means to boost the economy?

If there is a lack of information on this matter, would it consider commissioning special research in order to answer these questions?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2012)

Vouchers issued and labelled as local currency are sporadically offered in retailer or shopping areas of mostly small towns or municipal districts. Such vouchers are usually initiated by local retailers and bodies as a mean to boost local economy. The purpose of the vouchers is that money is spent locally as the vouchers are only accepted by local retailers and bodies that subscribe to the voucher system. Contrary to the official currency, the validity of the vouchers is limited by time to incite its immediate use in the local business. The vouchers do not aim at replacing nor can they replace the official currency, amongst other because their value is set by the issuer with relation to the currency. The effect on the economy of the respective Member State where they are offered is very low due to the very limited geographical use and acceptance of the vouchers. Vouchers initiatives are not monitored on the level of the European Union. ‘Local money’ offered or used in euro-area Member States cannot substitute euro coins and euro banknotes as they are the only legal tender in the 17 Member states belonging to the euro-area (80).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008496/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Europäische strategische Reserven

Einige Mitgliedstaaten der EU lagern für Notfälle oder Versorgungsengpässe Ressourcen oder Produkte für die Versorgung der Bevölkerung. Strategische Reserven und nationale Reserven sind zum Beispiel Mineralölreserven, Getreidereserven, Goldreserven und Medikamentenreserven.

1. Gibt es strategische Reserven, die direkt unter der Obhut der EU stehen?

2. Wenn ja, welche?

3. Werden strategische Reserven der Mitgliedstaaten auf EU-Ebene koordiniert?

4. Wenn ja, für welche Produkte koordiniert die EU die strategischen Reserven der Mitgliedstaaten? In welcher Form erfolgt diese Koordination?

Falls es bisher keine gemeinsamen strategischen Reserven und keine EU-Koordination in diesem Bereich gibt: Plant die Kommission eine gemeinsame Strategie für strategische Reserven vorzuschlagen?

Antwort von Herrn Barroso im Namen der Kommission

(4. Dezember 2012)

Die EU hält oder kontrolliert nicht direkt strategische Reserven der vom Herrn Abgeordneten angesprochenen Ressourcen oder Produkte. Allerdings bestehen für einige dieser Produkte Gemeinschaftsvorschriften mit verbindlichen Mindestvorgaben für die Mitgliedstaaten. Dabei geht es um Folgendes:

ENERGIEVERSORGUNGSSICHERHEIT

Während seit 1968 verbindliche Vorschriften für Erdölnotvorräte bestehen, wurden mit der Richtlinie 2009/119/EG (81) die Vorschriften und Verfahren für die Verwendung der Notvorräte vereinfacht und klarer gefasst, um der Gemeinschaft eine zeitnahe Reaktion im Falle von Versorgungsunterbrechungen zu ermöglichen. Die Europäische Kommission koordiniert die Aufrechterhaltung der Notvorräte von Rohöl und Mineralölerzeugnissen, um die Versorgungssicherheit zu erhöhen und Solidarität zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten, Marktstabilität und Transparenz zu fördern.

Die Sicherheit der Erdgasversorgung wird durch die Verordnung (EU) Nr. 994/2010 (82) geregelt, die Erdgasunternehmen dazu verpflichtet, in drei vordefinierten Szenarien die Versorgungssicherheit geschützter Kunden zu gewährleisten. Die Mitgliedstaaten können frei entscheiden, wie sie dieser Anforderung nachkommen, und sind nicht zum Anlegen strategischer Reserven verpflichtet.

LANDWIRTSCHAFT

Die Kommission verwaltet keine strategischen oder sonstigen Getreidereserven; hierfür sind nach wie vor die Mitgliedstaaten verantwortlich. Interventionsbestände (Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1234/2007 (83)) werden von der Kommission verwaltet, wobei es sich hierbei um Überschussbestände handelt, die im Falle niedriger Preise auf dem Weltmarkt zur Absicherung der Landwirte gedacht sind.

NICHTENERGIE-ROHSTOFFE

In ihrer Mitteilung über Rohstoffe (84) hat die Kommission ihre Bereitschaft erklärt, den zusätzlichen Nutzen und die Durchführbarkeit eines Programms für die Bevorratung von Rohstoffen zu prüfen. Ausgehend von den Ergebnissen eines im Mai 2012 veröffentlichten umfassenden Berichts und dem Standpunkt der Mitgliedstaaten und der Industrie ist die Anlegung eines verbindlichen EU-Vorrats derzeit nicht vorgesehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008496/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Europe's strategic reserves

Some EU Member States are stockpiling resources or products to supply to the population in the event of emergencies or shortages. Examples of strategic national reserves are stocks of oil, grain, gold and medicines.

1. Are there any strategic reserves under the direct control of the EU?

2. If so, what are they?

3. Are strategic reserves held by Member States coordinated at EU level?

4. If so, for which products does the EU coordinate the strategic reserves of the Member States? What form does this coordination take?

If there have been no joint strategic reserves and no EU coordination in this area to date: is the Commission planning to propose a joint strategy for strategic reserves?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

The EU does not directly hold or control strategic reserves of the resources or products referred to by the honourable MEP. However, for some of these products there is community legislation setting out mandatory minimum requirements for Member States. The situation is as follows:

ENERGY SECURITY

While a mandatory regime of emergency oil stocks exists since 1968, Directive 2009/119/EC (85) simplifies and clarifies rules and procedures for use of emergency stocks to facilitate timely Community response in case of supply disruptions. The European Commission coordinates the maintenance of emergency stocks of crude oil and petroleum products to increase security of supply and promote solidarity between Member States, market stability and transparency.

Security of gas supply is governed by Regulation (EU) 994/2010 (86), requiring natural gas undertakings to ensure supplies to protected customers in three pre-defined scenarios. Member States are free to choose among ways to comply with this requirement and have no obligation to build up strategic stocks.

AGRICULTURE

The Commission does not manage strategic or reserve stocks for cereals, which remains the responsibility of the Member States. Public intervention stocks (Regulation 1234/2007 (87)) are managed by the Commission, but these are surplus stocks providing a safety net for farmers in the event of low world prices.

NON-ENERGY RAW MATERIALS

In its communication on Raw Materials (88) , the Commission noted that it was ready to examine the added value and feasibility of a stockpiling programme. Based on the results of a comprehensive report published in May 2012 and the position of Member States and industry, establishing a mandatory EU stockpile is not envisaged now.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008497/12

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante)

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: VP/HR — Menace islamiste au Mali

Le nord du Mali subit la mise en place d'un régime islamiste depuis plusieurs mois. La destruction de mausolées millénaires à Tombouctou a suscité de nombreuses réactions dans le monde et en Europe. Outre l'indignation des États membres et les très nombreuses déclarations de Mme Ashton, quelles actions concrètes peut mener le SEAE?

La France est en pointe dans la lutte contre AQMI Al Quaeda au Maghreb islamique. En envoyant des forces spéciales françaises, pour la formation d'une troupe destinée à la reconquête du nord du Mali, la France participe au lancement d'un mouvement concret.

Dans quelle mesure le SEAE peut-il soutenir cette action?

N'est-ce pas une bonne opportunité pour le service diplomatique européen de mener une action concrète à l'échelle européenne?

Réponse donnée par Mme Ashton, Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante au nom de la Commission

(7 janvier 2013)

L'UE est extrêmement préoccupée par la situation dans le nord du Mali, devenu un sanctuaire pour les terroristes où la population est opprimée, le patrimoine culturel détruit et le crime organisé florissant. La Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante a pleinement conscience de la gravité de cette situation qui constitue une menace directe et immédiate pour le Sahel, l'Afrique de l'Ouest, l'Afrique du Nord, mais également pour l'Europe.

C'est la raison pour laquelle, le 15 octobre 2012, le Conseil des ministres des affaires étrangères de l'UE a exprimé dans ses conclusions la détermination de l'UE à aider le Mali à rétablir un gouvernement souverain et démocratique sur l'ensemble du territoire malien.

Le Conseil a demandé que les travaux de planification d'une éventuelle mission militaire dans le cadre de la PSDC soient poursuivis de manière urgente en élaborant notamment un concept de gestion de crise relatif à la réorganisation et à la réinsertion des forces de défense maliennes ainsi qu'à la définition d'une stratégie de sortie de crise.

Le Conseil a également invité la Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante et la Commission européenne à examiner l'appui en faveur d'un engagement éventuel des partenaires régionaux, notamment l'Union Africaine et la Cedeao, ayant le même objectif. Ces processus sont en cours.

Le Conseil discutera lors de sa réunion du 19 novembre des recommandations qui lui seront faites par la Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008497/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist threat in Mali

Islamists have been taking over the north of Mali for several months. The destruction of ancient mausoleums in Timbuktu has provoked reactions in Europe and around the world. Aside from the Member States’ indignation and Baroness Ashton’s numerous declarations, what concrete measures can the European External Action Service (EEAS) take?

France is leading the fight against al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (or AQMI). By sending French Special Forces to train troops to regain control of northern Mali, France is involved in initiating concrete action.

How can the EEAS support this action?

Is this not a good opportunity for European diplomatic services to take concrete action on a European level?

(Version française)

Réponse donnée par Mme Ashton, Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante au nom de la Commission

(7 janvier 2013)

L'UE est extrêmement préoccupée par la situation dans le nord du Mali, devenu un sanctuaire pour les terroristes où la population est opprimée, le patrimoine culturel détruit et le crime organisé florissant. La Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante a pleinement conscience de la gravité de cette situation qui constitue une menace directe et immédiate pour le Sahel, l'Afrique de l'Ouest, l'Afrique du Nord, mais également pour l'Europe.

C'est la raison pour laquelle, le 15 octobre 2012, le Conseil des ministres des affaires étrangères de l'UE a exprimé dans ses conclusions la détermination de l'UE à aider le Mali à rétablir un gouvernement souverain et démocratique sur l'ensemble du territoire malien.

Le Conseil a demandé que les travaux de planification d'une éventuelle mission militaire dans le cadre de la PSDC soient poursuivis de manière urgente en élaborant notamment un concept de gestion de crise relatif à la réorganisation et à la réinsertion des forces de défense maliennes ainsi qu'à la définition d'une stratégie de sortie de crise.

Le Conseil a également invité la Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante et la Commission européenne à examiner l'appui en faveur d'un engagement éventuel des partenaires régionaux, notamment l'Union Africaine et la Cedeao, ayant le même objectif. Ces processus sont en cours.

Le Conseil discutera lors de sa réunion du 19 novembre des recommandations qui lui seront faites par la Vice‐présidente/Haute Représentante.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008499/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Bug de Facebook

Facebook aurait connu un bug informatique qui aurait causé la publication de messages privés sur les pages publiques des comptes des utilisateurs.

1. Si l'information relative à ce bug est avérée, que peut faire la Commission en matière de contrôle mais surtout de réparation des préjudices subis?

2. Quelles sont les obligations des entreprises vis-à-vis de leurs utilisateurs lorsqu'elles révèlent des informations privées, même par inadvertance?

3. L'article 8 de la Charte des Droits Fondamentaux peut-il être invoqué pour demander réparation des préjudices subis?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(12 novembre 2012)

La Commission a connaissance de la publication de messages privés sur les pages publiques d'utilisateurs de Facebook. On ne peut pas déterminer clairement si cette situation est liée aux mises à jour de paramètres de Facebook, à une erreur de programmation ou à une toute autre cause. L'article 8 de la Charte des droits fondamentaux reconnaît le droit des personnes physiques à la protection des données à caractère personnel les concernant. La directive 95/46/CE relative à la protection des données à caractère personnel établit un cadre juridique détaillé pour la mise en œuvre de ce droit fondamental dans les États membres. En vertu de cette directive, le responsable du traitement des données — Facebook dans le cas présent — doit prendre les mesures techniques et organisationnelles appropriées pour protéger les données à caractère personnel d'une destruction accidentelle ou illicite, perte accidentelle, altération, diffusion ou d'un accès non autorisés, notamment lorsque le traitement comporte la transmission de données sur un réseau (article 17). La proposition de règlement sur la protection des données, actuellement en cours d'examen au Parlement européen et au Conseil, non seulement renforce le droit d'obtenir une compensation, mais aussi introduit une obligation nouvelle pour les responsables du traitement des données, à savoir de notifier les autorités nationales de protection des données de toute violation, et, si nécessaire, d'en informer également les personnes concernées.

Sans préjudice des compétences de la Commission en tant que gardienne des traités, le contrôle et l'application effective de la législation relative à la protection des données relèvent de la compétence des autorités nationales, en particulier des autorités de contrôle de la protection des données ainsi que des tribunaux (article 28). En outre, toute personne ayant subi un dommage du fait d'un traitement illicite ou de toute action incompatible avec la législation nationale adoptée en application de la directive 95/46/CE a le droit de demander au responsable du traitement de ses données à caractère personnel réparation du préjudice subi, au moyen de poursuites judiciaires auprès des tribunaux nationaux.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008499/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Facebook bug

A software bug may have caused Facebook to publish private messages on its users’ public pages.

1. If the information relating to this bug is true, what can the Commission do with regard to monitoring this and, most importantly, to compensating those affected?

2. If companies disclose private information, even inadvertently, what obligations do they have vis-à-vis their users?

3. Can Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights be invoked to obtain compensation for damage?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the publication of private messages of Facebook users on their public pages. It is not entirely clear whether this situation occurred due to Facebook settings updates or a software bug or yet another reason. Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental rights recognises the right of individuals to the protection of their personal data. Directive 95/46/EC (89) on the protection of personal data sets the detailed legal framework for the implementation of this fundamental right in the Member States. Under that directive the controller, Facebook, must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction or accidental loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access, in particular where the processing involves the transmission of data over a network (Article 17). The proposed General Data Protection Regulation (90), under examination now in the European Parliament and Council, apart from reinforcing the right to obtain compensation introduces a new obligation on the controllers to notify personal data breaches to national data protection authorities and if needed to the data subjects themselves (91).

Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission as guardian of the Treaties the supervision and enforcement of data protection legislation falls within the competence of national authorities, in particular data protection supervisory authorities and courts (Article 28). In addition, compensation for damage suffered as a result of an unlawful processing operation or of any act incompatible with the national laws adopted pursuant to Directive 95/46 can be sought from the controller by bringing an action before national courts (92).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008500/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Urbanisme

Les villes accueillent de plus en plus de personnes. Les villes concentrent les opportunités et les attentes de nombreuses personnes issues du monde agricole.

Avec ce déplacement massif de population depuis 50 ans, les villes souffrent de plus en plus du manque de place, de la hausse des prix du logement et des difficultés de transport.

1. La Commission pense-t-elle mettre en place une stratégie européenne en matière d'urbanisme et d'interconnexion des villes à l'échelle européenne?

2. Une concertation à l'échelle européenne semble-t-elle opportune afin de favoriser les objectifs de mobilité en Europe?

3. La perte inquiétante des forces vives du monde rural est-elle prise en compte dans les stratégies d'aide à la mobilité?

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(20 novembre 2012)

1.

L'élaboration de stratégies locales et les projets visant à soutenir leur mise en œuvre constituent des points de départ incontournables pour améliorer les performances des systèmes de transport urbain et de leurs liaisons. C'est pourquoi le concept des plans de mobilité urbaine durable a fait l'objet d'une attention particulière dans le plan d'action de l'UE pour la mobilité urbaine [COM,(2009) 490]. Plusieurs initiatives ont été lancées en vue de définir et de diffuser des bonnes pratiques pour la mise en place de ces plans. Bien que de nombreuses villes aient établi de tels plans, la pratique ne s'est pas encore généralisée. Dans le cadre des suites à donner au livre blanc sur les transports publié en 2011, la Commission propose donc d'encadrer à l'échelle européenne l'élaboration de ces plans, y compris par des procédures et des mécanismes de soutien.

2.

La Commission européenne a lancé, le 17 septembre 2012, une consultation publique sur la dimension urbaine de la politique des transports de l'UE, qui tient compte des initiatives en matière de mobilité urbaine intégrée prévues dans le livre blanc sur les transports, et notamment des plans de mobilité urbaine durable.

3.

Oui. La tendance à l'urbanisation a été prise en considération dans le livre blanc sur les transports. La Commission européenne reconnaît que l'évolution récente de l'affectation des sols a intensifié l'expansion urbaine et, par conséquent, elle prête attention à l'intégration des politiques et des plans de mobilité urbaine.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008500/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Urban planning

Cities are attracting more and more people. They are centres for opportunity and hope for many people from rural society.

This large-scale displacement of the population over the past 50 years has led to an increasing lack of space, rising accommodation prices and transport problems in cities.

1. Is the Commission planning to implement a Europe-wide strategy for urban planning and city transport links?

2. Does this not seem like a good time for EU dialogue to promote European mobility objectives?

3. Has the concerning decrease in the ‘living strength’ of rural society been taken into account in mobility aid strategies?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

1.

The development of local strategies and the plans to support their implementation are crucial starting points for improving performance of urban transport systems and links. Therefore, the concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans received particular attention in the EU Action Plan on Urban Mobility (COM/2009/490). Several initiatives have been realised to establish and disseminate good practice for their establishment

1.

The development of local strategies and the plans to support their implementation are crucial starting points for improving performance of urban transport systems and links. Therefore, the concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans received particular attention in the EU Action Plan on Urban Mobility (COM/2009/490). Several initiatives have been realised to establish and disseminate good practice for their establishment

 (93)  (94)

2.	The European Commission launched on 17 September 2012 a public consultation on the urban dimension of EU transport policy

2.	The European Commission launched on 17 September 2012 a public consultation on the urban dimension of EU transport policy

 (95)

3.	Yes. In the Transport White Paper the trend to urbanisation has been taken into account. The European Commission acknowledges that recent land-use trends have increased urban sprawl and therefore pays attention to integrated urban mobility policies and plans.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008501/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Budget consacré à la communication

De nombreux citoyens expriment leur déception face à l'absence de communication de la part de l'Union européenne. Or, le manque de visibilité de la Commission participe à la défiance des citoyens vis-à-vis de l'Union.

Quel budget la Commission consacre-t-elle chaque année aux actions de communication?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(22 novembre 2012)

Les activités de communication et d'information générales relèvent du titre 16 du budget de l'Union pour la communication.

Pour 2012, le montant prévu sous le titre 16 pour le budget opérationnel de la Commission en matière de communication s'élève à 143 095 000 euros.

La Commission européenne communique en outre dans le cadre de différents programmes européens.

Le budget 2012 est accessible au public et peut être consulté en détail sur le site web «Budget en ligne» (96).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008501/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Communication budget

Many members of the public have expressed their disappointment at the lack of EU communication. It is this very lack of Commission transparency that leads to the public’s distrust of the EU.

How much of its budget does the Commission spend on communication annually?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

General communication and information activities are covered by the budget for communication under Title 16 of the Budget.

For 2012, the Commission's operational budget for communication under Title 16 amounts to EUR 143 095 000.

In addition, the European Commission communicates under several European programmes.

The 2012 budget is available publicly and can be consulted in detail on the website ‘Budget on line’ (97).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008502/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Intervention du Président de la Commission européenne

Lors de fêtes nationales ou lors de la célébration du nouvel an, les chefs d'états ou de gouvernement expriment leurs points de vue ou leurs vœux lors de discours télévisés, retransmis en direct sur plusieurs chaînes nationales. Cet évènement, souvent devenu incontournable, participe à la reconnaissance des hommes ou femmes politiques dans leur pays.

1. La Commission a-t-elle envisagé d'organiser pour la nouvelle année 2013 — par ailleurs année européenne de la citoyenneté — une retransmission en direct dans les 27 États membres, d'un discours du Président de la Commission européenne?

2. Cet évènement unique ne marquerait-il pas les esprits?

3. Les contraintes techniques sont-elles surmontables?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(9 novembre 2012)

Les États membres ont, en ce qui concerne les discours de Noël ou de Nouvel an par les chefs d'État et de gouvernement, des pratiques différentes établies de longue date. Pour sa part, le président de la Commission communique régulièrement avec les citoyens européens en général, et de manière individualisée dans les États membres. Il en sera ainsi également en 2013, pour l'Année européenne de la citoyenneté. Le moment choisi d'un commun accord avec le Parlement européen pour l'expression des priorités politiques pour l'année à venir est le discours annuel sur l'état de l'Union, qui a été prononcé cette année le 12 septembre.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008502/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Speech by the President of the European Commission

During public holidays or over the New Year period, Heads of State or Government express their views and priorities during live televised addresses broadcast on several national channels. These broadcasts are often considered to be major events and are a means of publicity for politicians in their home countries.

1. Is the Commission planning a live broadcast of the President of the European Commission’s speech in the 27 Member States for the beginning of 2013, which is incidentally the European Year of Citizenship?

2. Is this event expected to leave its mark?

3. Are the technical constraints surmountable?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

The different Member States have different, long established traditions of Christmas and/or New Year speeches by heads of state and government. For his part, the President of the Commission communicates regularly with the European public at large, and in a tailor-made way, in the Member States. This will also be the case of the European Year of Citizenship 2013. Regarding the expression of the political priorities for the year ahead, the moment chosen in common agreement with the European Parliament is the yearly State of the Union address, delivered this year on 12 September.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008503/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Contrôle technique pour deux-roues

La Commission européenne propose une nouvelle règlementation concernant le contrôle technique des véhicules à deux-roues. En souhaitant les rendre obligatoire, la Commission européenne s'est inspirée d'une étude de DEKRA, concluant que 8 % des accidents impliquant des motos sont causés par des défaillances techniques.

Pourtant, une étude financée en partie par la Commission européenne, intitulée «Étude approfondie sur les accidents en motocycles» (Étude MAIDS), montre que l'âge du deux-roues n'est la cause primaire d'accident que dans 0,3 % des cas.

1. Quel pourcentage semble le plus proche de la réalité selon la Commission? 8 % ou 0,3 %?

2. Comment un tel écart entre deux études est-il possible?

3. Comment se défend la Commission contre la principale critique des motards, qui est l'influence de l'organisme DEKRA dans la prise de décision de la Commission sur le sujet?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-008862/12

à la Commission

Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid (PPE)

(3 octobre 2012)

Objet: Contrôle technique des deux et trois roues motorisés

Le 13 juillet 2012, la Commission a présenté une proposition de révision du règlement relatif au contrôle technique périodique des véhicules à moteur et de leurs remorques (COM(2012)0380).

Dans cette proposition, la Commission souhaite étendre le champ d'application du dispositif existant à de nouvelles catégories de véhicules, notamment les motocycles.

D'après la Commission: «Selon des études approfondies, 8 % des accidents impliquant des motocycles sont dus ou liés à des défaillances techniques […] Les conducteurs de vélomoteurs sont surreprésentés parmi les victimes, avec plus de 1 400 tués sur les routes en 2008. Par conséquent, les contrôles seront étendus aux véhicules dont les conducteurs sont le plus menacés, à savoir les véhicules motorisés à deux et trois roues (considérant 7).»

Cette révision a été mal accueillie par de nombreuses associations européennes de conducteurs de deux et trois roues qui mettent en question l'objectivité scientifique des études ayant servi de base à cette proposition et le rapport coûts-bénéfices d'une telle mesure.

En effet, d'autres études pointent la difficulté d'établir une corrélation entre défaillances techniques et accidents de la route, ou démontrent que l'état du véhicule n'entre en ligne de compte que dans une proportion infime des accidents: 0,7 % (Motocycle Accidents In Depth Study (Maids)).

1. La Commission a cofinancé l'étude Maids; pourquoi ne l'a-t-elle pas utilisée pour formuler la proposition COM(2012)0380?

2. Comment la Commission justifie-t-elle que parmi les six études ayant motivé cette nouvelle proposition réglementaire, trois proviennent d'une entreprise (DEKRA) qui effectue elle-même des contrôles techniques dans plusieurs États membres?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008943/12

à la Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE), Christine De Veyrac (PPE), Jean-Pierre Audy (PPE) et Dominique Riquet (PPE)

(4 octobre 2012)

Objet: Contrôle technique — deux et trois-roues motorisés

Le 13 juillet 2012, la Commission a fait la proposition (COM(2012) 0380) de réviser le règlement relatif au contrôle technique périodique des véhicules à moteur et de leurs remorques, afin notamment d'y inclure un contrôle technique obligatoire pour les deux et trois-roues motorisés.

Ce règlement, qui vise à sauver 1200 vies par an, obligerait les conducteurs de deux et trois-roues motorisés à soumettre leur véhicule à des contrôles techniques dont la fréquence varie en fonction de l'âge et du kilométrage du véhicule.

Cette révision a été accueillie avec scepticisme par de nombreuses associations européennes de conducteurs de deux et trois‐roues, qui mettent notamment en cause l'objectivité scientifique des études ayant servies de base à cette proposition.

Alors que la Commission assure que 8 % des accidents de deux roues proviennent de défaillances techniques, d'autres études pointent la difficulté d'établir une corrélation entre défaillances techniques et accidents de la route, ou démontrent encore que l'état du véhicule n'entre en ligne de compte que dans une proportion infime des accidents: 0,7 % (Motocycle Accidents In Depth Study(Maids)).

Le rapport coût-bénéfice d'une telle mesure varie grandement en fonction des conclusions des études, certaines allant même jusqu'à remettre en cause la valeur ajoutée de la proposition.

1.	Pourquoi l'étude Maids, qui a été cofinancée par la Commission, ne figure-t-elle pas parmi les rapports étudiés pour formuler la proposition COM(2012) 0380?

2.	Comment la Commission justifie-t-elle que parmi les six études ayant été

«le plus utilisées» pour former la proposition COM(2012) 0380, trois proviennent d'une entreprise qui effectue elle-même des contrôles techniques dans plusieurs États membres?

Réponse commune donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(31 octobre 2012)

Selon l'étude Maids (98), un projet de recherche mené sous la direction de l'association des constructeurs de motocycles et cofinancé par la Commission européenne, dans plus de 5 % des 921 accidents étudiés, un problème technique figurait parmi les facteurs ayant contribué à l'accident. Vous trouverez des informations plus détaillées à ce sujet dans l'étude.

Concernant les cyclomoteurs, la Commission aimerait attirer l'attention sur une publication récente de l'administration suédoise des transports (99) fondée sur une analyse des accidents mortels survenus au cours de la période 2005-2011. Celle-ci révèle que seuls quatre cyclomoteurs sur dix impliqués dans un accident mortel n'avaient aucun problème technique. Au moins 23 % des cyclomoteurs impliqués dans des accidents mortels étaient débridés.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008503/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Technical inspection of two-wheeled vehicles

The European Commission is proposing tougher legislation for the technical inspection of all two-wheeled vehicles. The German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association’s study concluded that 8 % of motorcycle accidents are caused by technical defects, and has urged the European Commission to call for compulsory technical inspections.

However, a study partly funded by the European Commission entitled ‘Motorcycle Accidents In-Depth Study’ (MAIDS Study) confirms that the age of two-wheeled motor vehicles only accounts for 0.3 % of all accidents.

1. According to the Commission, what percentage seems more likely? 8 % or 0.3 %?

2. Why is there such a discrepancy between the two studies?

3. How is the Commission justifying its decision to act based on the findings of a German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association study?

Question for written answer P-008862/12

to the Commission

Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Roadworthiness tests on two— and three-wheel motor vehicles

On 13 July 2012, the Commission published proposal COM(2012)0380 which revises the regulation on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers.

Under this proposal, the Commission wishes to extend the scope of the current arrangements to include new categories of vehicle, and especially motorcycles.

The Commission states that: ‘Solid investigation results show that 8 % of the accidents involving motorcycles are caused or linked to technical defects. […] Moped drivers are overrepresented in the number of fatalities, with more than 1 400 drivers killed on the roads in 2008. The scope of vehicles to be tested shall therefore be extended to the highest risk group of road users, the powered two— or three-wheel vehicles.’ (Recital 7).

This revision has met with opposition from many European two— and three‐wheeler drivers’ organisations, which question the scientific objectiveness of the research taken as the basis for the proposal, and the cost-benefit ratio of such a measure.

Indeed, other research has pointed to the difficulty of correlating technical defects and road accidents, or has shown that the state of the vehicle only comes into play in a minute proportion of accidents: 0.7 % (Motorcycle Accidents In Depth Study (MAIDS)).

1. Since the Commission itself co‐financed the MAIDS Study, why did it not use it to draw up its proposal COM(2012)0380?

2. How can the Commission explain that 3 of the 6 studies taken as the basis for this new proposal for a regulation were conducted by one company (DEKRA) which itself performs roadworthiness tests in several Member States?

Question for written answer E-008943/12

to the Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE), Christine De Veyrac (PPE), Jean-Pierre Audy (PPE) and Dominique Riquet (PPE)

(4 October 2012)

Subject: Roadworthiness tests on two— and three-wheel motor vehicles

On 13 July 2012, the Commission published proposal COM(2012) 0380 which revises the regulation on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and extends the scope of the regulation to include compulsory roadworthiness testing for two— and three‐wheel motor vehicles.

The regulation is designed to save 1 200 lives per year, and would require drivers of two— and three‐wheel motor vehicles to take their vehicles for roadworthiness testing at intervals that varied depending on the age and kilometrage of the vehicle.

This revision has met with a sceptical response from many European two— and three‐wheeler drivers’ organisations, which particularly question the scientific objectiveness of the research taken as the basis for the proposal.

While the Commission claims that 8% of the accidents involving two‐wheel vehicles are caused by technical defects, other research has pointed to the difficulty of correlating technical defects and road accidents, or has shown that the state of the vehicle only plays a part in a minute proportion of accidents.

Since the cost‐benefit ratio of such a measure varies greatly depending on the research findings in question, some of which even question whether the proposal has any added value, can the Commission:

state why the Motorcycle Accidents In Depth (MAIDS) study, which the Commission co‐financed, was not one of the reports it considered when drawing up proposal COM(2012) 380?

explain why three of the six studies ‘most extensively used’ as the basis for proposal COM(2012) 0380 were conducted by a company which itself performs roadworthiness tests in several Member States?

Joint answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The Maids Study (100) , a research project under the leadership of the association of the motorcycle manufacturers and co-financed by the European Commission, states that for more than 5 % of the 921 investigated accidents a technical problem has been identified as one of the contributing factors of the accident. Further data are available in the study.

In relation to mopeds the Commission would like to draw the Honourable Members' attention to a recent publication of the Swedish Transport Administration (101) based on an analysis of fatal accidents, period 2005-2011, which shows that only 4 out of 10 mopeds involved in fatal accidents had no known technical defects. At least 23 % of mopeds involved in fatal accidents were tuned.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008505/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Cadre financier pluriannuel

Le cadre financier pluriannuel 2014-2020 en cours de négociation risque de ne pas recevoir l'approbation du Parlement vu le manque d'ambition des États membres et de la Commission pour assurer un budget suffisant permettant de relancer l'emploi et la croissance.

1. En cas de rejet par le Parlement, comment la Commission compte-t-elle résoudre la question des bases légales des différents programmes pluriannuels qui arriveront à échéance en 2013?

2. Prévoit-elle de les prolonger ou entend-elle les soumettre au Parlement pour réexamen au cas par cas?

Réponse donnée par M. Lewandowski au nom de la Commission

(28 novembre 2012)

La Commission est convaincue qu'un accord conclu entre les chefs d'État et de gouvernement peut être négocié lors du Conseil européen des 22 et 23 novembre 2012 sous la présidence de M. Van Rompuy. La présidence chypriote s'appuierait ensuite sur cet accord en vue d'obtenir l'approbation du Parlement européen. La Commission note avec satisfaction que toutes les parties concernées ont manifesté leur ferme engagement à parvenir à un accord avant la fin de l'année.

La Commission s'est engagée à faire tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour faciliter l'obtention de cet accord.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008505/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Multiannual financial framework

The Parliament might not approve the 2014-20 multiannual financial framework currently under negotiation because the Member States and the Commission lack the ambition to budget sufficient funds to boost employment and growth.

1. If the Parliament does reject the budget, how does the Commission plan on dealing with the issue of the different multiannual programmes’ legal bases due to expire in 2013?

2. Will the Commission extend them, or will it submit them to the Parliament for review on a case-by-case basis?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

The Commission is fully confident that an agreement between Heads of States and Government can be brokered at the European Council of 22-23 November 2012 under the chairmanship of President Van Rompuy. The Cypriot Presidency would then build on this agreement to secure the consent of the Parliament. The Commission notes with satisfaction that all parties involved have voiced their strong commitment to reaching a deal by the end of the year.

The Commission is committed to doing everything in its power to facilitate this agreement.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008506/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Pollution de l'air

Un rapport de l'Agence européenne pour l'environnement, publié le 24 septembre, souligne l'urgence de revoir la législation européenne relative à la qualité de l'air. Le tiers des citadins européens reste exposé à des concentrations excessives de polluants dans l'air.

Considérant que la Commission comptait faire de 2013 «l'année de l'air», quelle va être la nouvelle stratégie de l'Union pour améliorer la qualité de l'air ambiant?

Par ailleurs, par quels moyens la Commission contrôle-t-elle le respect de la directive 2001/81/CE, qui fixe des plafonds d'émission nationaux pour certains polluants atmosphériques?

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(22 novembre 2012)

La Commission a bien conscience qu'il est urgent de faire le point sur la politique de l'Union européenne en matière de qualité de l'air, compte tenu de l'importance de ses répercussions à travers l'Europe. Une consultation publique au sujet des solutions envisageables pour limiter la pollution de l'air, qu'invoque l'auteur de la question, sera publiée dans le courant de cette année. En fonction des réponses obtenues et des résultats de l'analyse d'impact en cours, la Commission déterminera la combinaison de politiques la plus appropriée, qui sera proposée en 2013.

En ce qui concerne le respect de la directive 2001/81/CE (102), les rapports que les États membres doivent fournir à la Commission, en vertu de la directive, le 31 décembre 2012 au plus tard, comprendront les données définitives en matière d'émissions pour l'année 2010 et des données provisoires pour l'année 2011. La Commission se basera sur ces informations pour vérifier si un État membre respecte les plafonds d'émissions 2010, spécifiés dans la directive. La Commission s'appuiera ensuite sur cette évaluation pour déterminer la marche à suivre, qui peut inclure l'ouverture d'une enquête et d'une procédure d'infraction.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008506/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Air pollution

A report published on 24 September 2012 by the European Environment Agency stresses the need to review European air quality legislation. A third of European citizens are exposed to excessive concentrations of pollutants in the air.

Given that the Commission is planning to make 2013 the ‘Year of Air’, what new EU strategies will be implemented to improve the quality of ambient air?

In addition, how does the Commission intend to monitor compliance with Directive 2001/81/EC, which lays down national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission is indeed aware of the urgency of review of the EU air quality policy given the scale of air quality impacts across Europe. A public consultation on the options to reduce the impacts on air pollution to which the Honourable Member refers will be published later this year. Based on the responses, and on the outcome of the ongoing impact assessment, the Commission will determine the most appropriate combination of policies for proposal in 2013.

Regarding compliance with Directive 2001/81/EC (103), the reports under the directive to be provided by Member States to the Commission by 31 December 2012 will include the final emission data for 2010 and provisional data for 2011. Those data will be the basis for the Commission to determine whether a Member State complies with the 2010 ceilings specified in the directive. Based on this assessment the Commission will determine the appropriate follow-up, which may include opening investigations and infringements.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008507/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Corrida

En France, le Conseil constitutionnel vient d'annoncer le rejet du recours d'associations militant contre la tauromachie: la corrida peut continuer à être pratiquée dans les arènes françaises et sa conformité aux textes constitutionnels français est confirmée.

Pour autant, cette légalité et la reconnaissance du critère de «tradition locale ininterrompue» n'enlèvent rien à la finalité de ce divertissement: la mise à mort scénarisée d'un animal.

La Commission considère-t-elle que la pratique de la corrida en Europe participe du respect des principes de protection du bien-être des animaux?

Réponse donnée par M. Šefčovič au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2012)

La Commission invite l'auteur de la question à se reporter à ses réponses aux questions écrites E-002699/2011, E-008975/2011, E-010978/2011 et E-004794/2012 (104).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008507/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Bullfighting

The French Constitutional Council recently rejected a plea from anti-bullfighting campaigners to ban bullfighting in France. Bullfighting may continue to be practiced in France and has been declared legal by the French Constitutional Council.

However, despite the fact that bullfighting is legal and the criterion for ‘uninterrupted local tradition’ has been taken into account, the ultimate purpose of this entertainment is to stage the killing of an animal.

Does the Commission believe that the practice of bullfighting in Europe respects animal welfare requirements?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions E‐002699/2011, E‐008975/2011, E‐010978/2011 and E‐004794/2012 (105).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008508/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Διαπιστώσεις της Επιτροπής για την μείωση των εξαγορών και των συγχωνεύσεων εταιρειών στην ΕΕ

Σύμφωνα με στοιχεία του ΟΟΣΑ, το 2012, οι διεθνείς συγχωνεύσεις και εξαγορές έχουν μειωθεί, εξαιτίας της οικονομικής κρίσης, απότομα στα 675 δισ. δολάρια, ήτοι 34 % χαμηλότερα από το 2011, οπότε είχαν διαμορφωθεί σε 1 τρισ. δολάρια. Σύμφωνα με τους συντάκτες της έκθεσης, η μείωση αυτή εξηγείται σε μεγάλο βαθμό από την αβεβαιότητα για τις προοπτικές της παγκόσμιας οικονομίας και την ανησυχία της διεθνούς επιχειρηματικής κοινότητας για αύξηση του προστατευτισμού και εν μέσω περιβάλλοντος υψηλότερου κινδύνου. Η ίδια έρευνα καταδεικνύει τη διπλή επίδραση της οικονομικής κρίσης στις διεθνείς ροές επενδύσεων. Συγκεκριμένα οι επιχειρήσεις προχωρούν σε μεγάλη υπομόχλευση μειώνοντας τις διεθνείς επενδύσεις τους, αλλά και εκποιώντας περιουσιακά τους στοιχεία στο εξωτερικό.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Συλλέγει αντίστοιχα στοιχεία σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο; Είναι σε θέση να μου παραθέσει το μέγεθος των συγχωνεύσεων και των εξαγορών στην ΕΕ συγκριτικά με προηγούμενα έτη;

Σε ποια κράτη μέλη το φαινόμενο παρατηρείται εντονότερο;

Παρατηρεί η Επιτροπή ότι έχει αυξηθεί ο αριθμός των επιχειρήσεων από τρίτες χώρες που ρευστοποιούν τα περιουσιακά στοιχεία που κατέχουν στην Ευρώπη και αποχωρούν από την ευρωπαϊκή αγορά; Ποιο είναι το μέγεθος αυτής της τάσης;

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

1.	Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για την έκθεση του ΟΟΣΑ. Κάθε χρόνο, η Επιτροπή, στο πλαίσιο της εφαρμογής της αρχής της ελεύθερης κυκλοφορίας των κεφαλαίων (άρθρα 63-66 ΣΛΕΕ), αναθέτει εξωτερικά τη διενέργεια μελέτης (διαθέσιμη στον δικτυακό τόπο της Επιτροπής

1.	Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για την έκθεση του ΟΟΣΑ. Κάθε χρόνο, η Επιτροπή, στο πλαίσιο της εφαρμογής της αρχής της ελεύθερης κυκλοφορίας των κεφαλαίων (άρθρα 63-66 ΣΛΕΕ), αναθέτει εξωτερικά τη διενέργεια μελέτης (διαθέσιμη στον δικτυακό τόπο της Επιτροπής

 (106)

Η Επιτροπή λαμβάνει κοινοποιήσεις ορισμένων συναλλαγών βάσει του κανονισμού συγκεντρώσεων (107) και δημοσιεύει πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις κοινοποιήσεις αυτές (108).

2.

Στο πλαίσιο του ελέγχου των συγκεντρώσεων στην ΕΕ η Επιτροπή δεν συλλέγει στοιχεία αυτού του είδους. Ωστόσο, με βάση τις εσωτερικές στατιστικές των συγκεντρώσεων που κοινοποιούνται στην Επιτροπή από το 2004 και με κριτήριο την εταιρική έδρα του αγοραστή και τον στόχο της εξαγοράς, περίπου το ένα τρίτο όλων των συναλλαγών πραγματοποιήθηκε μεταξύ των εταιρειών που έχουν την έδρα τους εκτός της ΕΕ. Ελαφρώς υψηλότερο μερίδιο είχαν οι συναλλαγές μεταξύ μιας εταιρείας με έδρα στην ΕΕ και μίας εκτός αυτής. Λίγο λιγότερο από το 20% των περιπτώσεων ήταν διασυνοριακές συναλλαγές εντός της ΕΕ και περίπου το 10% αφορούσε συναλλαγές μεταξύ επιχειρήσεων με έδρα στο ίδιο κράτος μέλος.

3.

Στο πλαίσιο του ελέγχου των συγκεντρώσεων στην ΕΕ η Επιτροπή δεν συλλέγει συστηματικά στοιχεία αυτού του είδους. Η Επιτροπή δεν καταγράφει ούτε εξετάζει συναλλαγές αποεπένδυσης. Ορισμένες συναλλαγές αποεπένδυσης ενδέχεται να κοινοποιηθούν στην Επιτροπή από τον αγοραστή των εκχωρούμενων περιουσιακών στοιχείων για να εξεταστούν στο πλαίσιο του ελέγχου των συγκεντρώσεων στην ΕΕ. Αλλά η Επιτροπή είναι αρμόδια για την εξέταση της απόκτησης ελέγχου σε επιχειρήσεις, και όχι των αποεπενδύσεων από τον πωλητή.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008508/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Commission statements on mergers and acquisitions reductions in the EU

According to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data, due to the economic crisis, international mergers and acquisitions dropped sharply in 2012 to USD 675 billion. This is 34 % lower than the 2011 total of USD 1 trillion. According to the authors, this reduction can largely be explained by global economic forecast uncertainty and the international business community's concern about increasing protectionism and the related high environmental risks. The same report demonstrates the double impact on international investment flows caused by the economic crisis. Specifically, businesses are under-leveraging by reducing their international investments while selling their assets to outside buyers.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Is it gathering relevant data at the European level? Can it tell me the size of mergers and acquisitions in the EU compared to previous years?

In which Member States is this phenomenon most prevalent?

Is the Commission aware of the rise in businesses from third countries that are liquidating their European assets and withdrawing from the European market? What is the extent of this trend?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

1.	The Commission is aware of the OECD statement. Each year the Commission, as part of the application of the principle of free movement of capital (Articles 63-66 TFEU), contract an external study (available on the Commission's website

1.	The Commission is aware of the OECD statement. Each year the Commission, as part of the application of the principle of free movement of capital (Articles 63-66 TFEU), contract an external study (available on the Commission's website

 (109)

The Commission receives notifications of certain transactions under the Merger Regulation (110) and publishes information on these notifications (111).

2.

In the context of EU merger control the Commission does not gather such data. However, based on internal statistics the concentrations notified to the Commission since 2004 and measured on the basis of the corporate headquarters of the acquirer and the acquisition target, about one third of all transactions were between companies headquartered outside the EU. A slightly higher share were transactions between one company headquartered in the EU and one outside. Slightly less than 20% of cases were cross-border transactions within the EU and roughly 10% concerned transactions between companies headquartered in the same Member State.

3.

In the context of EU merger control the Commission does not systematically gather such data. The Commission does not track or review disinvestment transactions. Some might be notified to the Commission by the purchaser of the divested assets for examination under EU merger control. But the Commission is responsible for reviewing acquisition of control over undertakings, not the disinvestments by the seller.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008509/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Επικαιροποίηση των στοιχείων που λαμβάνει υπόψη η Επιτροπή για τη χρηματοδότηση της Ελλάδας στο νέο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο

Για το νέο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο 2014-2020 η Επιτροπή, προκειμένου να υπολογίσει τους πόρους που αναλογούν σε κάθε κράτος μέλος και ιδίως για το Ταμείο Συνοχής, λαμβάνει υπόψη της τα οικονομικά στοιχεία των κρατών μελών και των περιφερειών, όπως αυτά προέκυπταν το 2010. Η Ελλάδα, ωστόσο, από το 2010 μέχρι σήμερα, εξαιτίας της πρωτοφανούς δημοσιονομικής κρίσης, έχει απολέσει οικονομικό μέγεθος που προσεγγίζει το 20 % του ΑΕΠ της ενώ ταυτόχρονα, όπως και η ίδια η Επιτροπή έχει παραδεχθεί, σημειώνεται απόκλιση του κατά κεφαλήν ελληνικού ΑΕΠ σε σχέση με το αντίστοιχο ευρωπαϊκό.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Υπάρχει πρόθεση από πλευράς Επιτροπής να λάβει υπόψη της τα πιο πρόσφατα οικονομικά στοιχεία της χώρας, από την στιγμή που τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια παρουσιάστηκε μεγάλη και ραγδαία μεταβολή στο ΑΕΠ της και από την στιγμή που τα στοιχεία του 2010 δεν ανταποκρίνονται πλέον στην πραγματικότητα;

—	Ενώπιον των επερχόμενων διαπραγματεύσεων με το Συμβούλιο και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο, η Επιτροπή προτίθεται να εισηγηθεί τον υπολογισμό πιο πρόσφατων οικονομικών στατιστικών στοιχείων;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

1.	Η Επιτροπή επικαιροποίησε τις προτάσεις της τον Ιούλιο του 2012 με σκοπό να ληφθούν υπόψη τα πλέον πρόσφατα δεδομένα.

2.	Δεν υπάρχουν σήμερα πιο πρόσφατα και πιο αξιόπιστα διαθέσιμα δεδομένα για το ΑΕγχΠ που θα μπορούσαν να ληφθούν υπόψη κατά τις διαπραγματεύσεις.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008509/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: The Commission's use of recent data to calculate financing for Greece under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-20 (MFF)

The Commission takes account of economic data on the Member States and the Regions for 2010 to calculate the resources allocated to each Member State, especially under the Cohesion Fund, in the MFF 2014‐20. However, due to the unprecedented sovereign debt crisis, Greece has lost almost 20 % of its GDP since 2010. The Commission agrees that there is a gap between per capita GDP in Greece and the European average.

Will the Commission answer the following:

—	Will the Commission take Greece's most recent economic data into account, given that there has been a sudden and serious change in its GDP over the last two years and that the 2010 data is not relevant to the current situation?

—	Will the Commission propose that more recent economic statistics should be considered at the forthcoming negotiations with the Council and the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2012)

1.	The Commission has updated its proposals in July 2012 with the purpose of taking the most recent data into account.

2.	There is currently no more recent and reliable GDP data available which could be taken into account in the negotiations.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008510/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Χρηματοδότηση ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων για την καταπολέμηση των στημένων αγώνων στα κράτη μέλη

Στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού φόρουμ για τον αθλητισμό, που διοργάνωσε η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή στη Λευκωσία στην Κύπρο, στις 19-20 Σεπτεμβρίου, οι εκπρόσωποι του αθλητικού κινήματος της Ευρώπης και οι υπουργοί αθλητισμού δεσμευτήκαν να εντείνουν τις προσπάθειές τους για την καταπολέμηση των στημένων αγώνων, ενώ στο πλαίσιο του φόρουμ η αρμόδια για τον αθλητισμό Επίτροπος κα. Ανδρούλλα Βασιλείου δήλωσε πως η χρηματοδότηση σε επίπεδο ΕΕ μπορεί να βοηθήσει στην αντιμετώπιση ζητημάτων με διασυνοριακές επιπτώσεις, όπως η καταπολέμηση των στημένων αγώνων.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Ποιο είναι το ύψος των πόρων που προτείνει η Επιτροπή να διατεθούν στον νέο Πολυετές Δημοσιονομικό Πλαίσιο για αυτόν τον σκοπό;

—	Κατά τη διάρκεια του τρέχοντος Πολυετούς Δημοσιονομικού Πλαισίου, ποιο ποσό διατέθηκε από την Επιτροπή για την καταπολέμηση των στημένων αγώνων και σε ποιο βαθμό αυτό αξιοποιήθηκε από τα κράτη μέλη;

—	Όσον αφορά την Ελλάδα, συμμετείχε σε συγκεκριμένα ευρωπαϊκά προγράμματα για την αντιμετώπιση του φαινομένου; Αξιοποίησε επαρκώς τα διαθέσιμα κονδύλια για αυτόν τον σκοπό;

Απάντηση της κ. Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να ενημερώσει τον κ. βουλευτή ότι σύμφωνα με την πρόταση της Επιτροπής σχετικά με το επόμενο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο, 238,5 εκατομμύρια ευρώ θα διατεθούν στο κεφάλαιο για τον αθλητισμό που περιλαμβάνεται στην πρόταση του προγράμματος για την εκπαίδευση, την κατάρτιση, τη νεολαία και τον αθλητισμό «Erasmus για όλους». Από αυτό το ποσό, περίπου 40 εκατομμύρια ευρώ θα αφιερωθούν στον στόχο της «καταπολέμησης του ντόπινγκ, των στημένων αγώνων και της μισαλλοδοξίας στον αθλητισμό».

Στην πρόσκληση υποβολής προτάσεων, του 2012, για τη δράση «Ευρωπαϊκή σύμπραξη στον αθλητισμό», η καταπολέμηση των στημένων αγώνων αποτελεί για πρώτη φορά προτεραιότητα. Σύμφωνα με την πρόσκληση, υπολογίζεται ότι περίπου 1 εκατομμύριο ευρώ θα διατεθεί σε έργα του συγκεκριμένου τομέα. Καθώς η αξιολόγηση των έργων βρίσκεται σε εξέλιξη, η Επιτροπή δεν είναι ακόμα σε θέση να δώσει πληροφορίες σχετικά με την έκβαση της πρόσκλησης υποβολής προτάσεων.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008510/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Funding for European programmes to combat match-fixing in the Member States

In Nicosia, Cyprus on 19 and 20 September, representatives of the sporting movement in Europe and the Sport Ministers pledged at the EU Sport Forum organised by the European Commission to step up their efforts to combat match-fixing. The Commissioner for Sport, Androulla Vassiliou, stated at the forum that EU funding may help to address cross-border issues, such as actions to combat match-fixing.

Will the Commission answer the following:

—	What level of resources does the Commission propose to earmark for this purpose in the new Multiannual Financial Framework?

—	What funds has the Commission made available for action to combat match-fixing during the current Multiannual Financial Framework and what has been the take-up rate by the Member States?

—	Has Greece participated in specific European programmes to combat match-fixing? Was there an adequate take-up of funds?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that according to the Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, EUR 238.5 million are earmarked for the sport chapter of the programme proposal for education, training, youth and sport ‘Erasmus for All’. Within this amount, ca. EUR 40 million would be devoted to the objective ‘fight against doping, match-fixing, and intolerance in sport’.

In the 2012 edition of the call of proposals ‘European Partnership on Sports’, the fight against match-fixing constitutes a priority for the first time. According to the call, an estimated EUR 1 million should be spent on projects in this specific area. As the assessment of projects is still ongoing, the Commission is not yet in a position to provide information on the outcome of the call.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008511/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Πορεία υλοποίησης της ευρωπαϊκής ατζέντας για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης

Η ευρωπαϊκή ατζέντα για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, η οποία εγκρίθηκε από τους υπουργούς στο Συμβούλιο Εκπαίδευσης στις 28-29 Νοεμβρίου 2011, εντοπίζει τομείς προτεραιότητας στους οποίους οι χώρες της ΕΕ πρέπει να καταβάλλουν περισσότερες προσπάθειες στον χώρο της παιδείας. Μεταξύ αυτών είναι η βελτίωση της ποιότητας και της σημασίας της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, ώστε τα προγράμματα σπουδών να ανταποκρίνονται στις ανάγκες των φοιτητών, των εργοδοτών και των σταδιοδρομιών του μέλλοντος, καθώς και η αύξηση του αριθμού των φοιτητών.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποια είναι μέχρι στιγμής η ανταπόκριση των κρατών μελών για την υλοποίηση των συμφωνηθέντων;

Καθώς σε πρόσφατη έκθεσή της η Επιτροπή κατέδειξε πως παρατηρούνται σε αρκετά κράτη μέλη σαφείς μειώσεις στους δημόσιους πόρους που αφιερώνονται στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση εξαιτίας της οικονομικής κρίσης, θεωρεί ότι οι φιλόδοξοι στόχοι της ευρωπαϊκής ατζέντας για την τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση είναι ρεαλιστικοί και υλοποιήσιμοι;

Απάντηση της κ. Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(13 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η ανανεωμένη ευρωπαϊκή ατζέντα για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης περιγράφει τις βασικές προτεραιότητες των πανεπιστημίων και κολλεγίων της Ευρώπης για την ερχόμενη δεκαετία. Τονίζει ιδιαίτερα την ανάγκη να βελτιώσει τα ποσοστά αποφοίτησης, να διευρύνει την πρόσβαση στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση, να ενισχύσει την ποιότητα και την συνάφεια διδασκαλίας και έρευνας, να αναπτύξει αποτελεσματικές ρυθμίσεις διακυβέρνησης και να διασφαλίσει αποτελεσματικούς και βιώσιμους τρόπους χρηματοδότησης.

Στα εθνικά προγράμματα μεταρρυθμίσεών τους (ΕΠΜ), τα κράτη μέλη υπέβαλαν έκθεση για τις δραστηριότητες που έχουν αναπτυχθεί ώστε να διασφαλίσουν την ποιότητα και την σχέση των συστημάτων εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του τομέα της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Τα ΕΠΜ του 2012 εμφανίζουν ένα υψηλό βαθμό ευθυγράμμισης ανάμεσα στις εθνικές στρατηγικές στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση και στις βασικές προτεραιότητες της ευρωπαϊκής ατζέντας για τον εκσυγχρονισμό. Σε όλη την Ευρώπη, πολλές πρωτοβουλίες βρίσκονται σε εξέλιξη με σκοπό να αναβαθμίσουν το επίπεδο της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, να προωθήσουν την ποιότητα και την συνάφεια, να ενισχύσουν τη διεθνοποίηση και τη συνεργασία και να βελτιώσουν την αποτελεσματικότητα των επενδύσεων στον τομέα της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Το Συμβούλιο έχει εφαρμόσει ειδικές ανά χώρα συστάσεις σχετικά με την τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση, οι οποίες απευθύνονται σε εννέα κράτη μέλη στα οποία φαίνεται να είναι απαραίτητες επιπλέον συγκεκριμένες προσπάθειες.

Το επίπεδο και η αποτελεσματικότητα των δαπανών για την τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση, καθώς και ο αντίκτυπος των δημοσιονομικών περιορισμών διαφέρουν αισθητά ανάμεσα στα κράτη μέλη. Γενικά, η ΕΕ στοχεύει να επιτύχει τον στόχο της στρατηγικής «Ευρώπη 2020» για 40% πτυχιούχους τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης ή ισοδύναμου επιπέδου εκπαίδευσης, ηλικίας 30-34 ετών, έως το 2020. Επιπλέον, οι μεταρρυθμίσεις που βρίσκονται σε εξέλιξη σε πολλές χώρες της Ευρώπης παρουσιάζουν θετική τάση προς την κατεύθυνση των στόχων της ευρωπαϊκής ατζέντας εκσυγχρονισμού. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή έχει δεσμευτεί να υποστηρίξει τα κράτη μέλη για την εύρεση αποδοτικών και αποτελεσματικών τρόπων χρηματοδότησης των συστημάτων τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008511/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: European Higher Education Modernisation Agenda progress

The European agenda to modernise higher education, approved by Ministers at the Education Summit on 28‐29 November 2011, highlights priority sectors where EU Member States must try harder in the education field. These requirements include improving the quality and importance of higher education, such as study programmes that meet the needs of students, employers and future careers, and an increase in the number of students.

Will the Commission answer the following:

How have Member States’ responded in terms of implementing the agenda?

A recent Commission report showed that many Member States report significant decreases in public resources allocated to higher education due to the economic crisis. Therefore, does the Commission think that the ambitious targets set by the Agenda are realistic and achievable?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2012)

The renewed modernisation agenda for European higher education systems outlines the core priorities for Europe's universities and colleges in the decade to come. It stresses in particular the need to improve graduation rates and widen access to higher education, to enhance the quality and relevance of teaching and research, develop effective governance arrangements and ensure efficient and sustainable modes of funding.

In their National Reform Programmes (NRPs) Member States report on activities to ensure the quality and relevance of their education and training systems, including the higher education sector. The 2012 NRPs demonstrate a high degree of alignment between national strategies in higher education and the key priorities of the EU modernisation agenda. Across the EU, numerous initiatives are underway to increase higher education attainment, promote quality and relevance, foster internationalisation and cooperation and improve the efficiency of investment in the higher education sector. The Council has adopted Country Specific Recommendations relating to higher education addressed to nine Member States, where particular additional efforts appear necessary.

The level and efficiency of higher education spending and the impact of budgetary restrictions vary considerably between Member States. Overall, the EU is on target to achieve the Europe 2020 target for 40% of 30-34 year olds to have a higher education qualification or equivalent by 2020. Moreover, reforms underway in many European countries show a positive trend in the direction of the modernisation agenda goals. The European Commission is committed to supporting Member States to find the most effective and efficient ways to fund their higher education systems.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008512/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Οικονομικές επιπτώσεις εξαιτίας του δημογραφικού στην Ευρώπη

Έως το 2050, το ένα τρίτο του πληθυσμού των πλούσιων κρατών, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των ευρωπαϊκών, θα είναι μεγαλύτερο των 60 ετών με αποτέλεσμα η επιστημονική κοινότητα να αναφέρει πως ο δημογραφικός απολογισμός τα επόμενα έτη θα είναι πολλαπλάσιος από το δημοσιονομικό κόστος της σημερινής οικονομικής κρίσης στην Ευρώπη και στον ανεπτυγμένο κόσμο.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Διαθέτει στοιχεία σχετικά με το οικονομικό κόστος που θα προκύψει τα επόμενα χρόνια στο ΑΕΠ της ΕΕ εξαιτίας των ριζικών ανατροπών στον τομέα του δημογραφικού;

Έχει αναλάβει πρωτοβουλίες για να εκτιμήσει με ακρίβεια τις οικονομικές συνέπειες αυτών των μεταβολών στο ευρωπαϊκό ΑΕΠ;

Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει σε ποιες χώρες παρατηρείται το μεγαλύτερο και αντίστοιχα το μικρότερο άνοιγμα της ψαλίδας στο ποσοστό μεταξύ των νέων και των ηλικιωμένων πληθυσμιακών ομάδων;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

H Γενική Διεύθυνση «Οικονομικές και Χρηματοδοτικές Υποθέσεις» της Επιτροπής και η Επιτροπή Οικονομικής Πολιτικής παρουσίασαν, τον Μάιο, τις πιο πρόσφατες προβλέψεις για τις δημόσιες δαπάνες που συνδέονται με τη γήρανση του πληθυσμού, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των συντάξεων, στην έκθεση του 2012 για τη δημογραφική γήρανση (112).

Σύμφωνα με την έκθεση, ο υψηλότερος δείκτης εξάρτησης ηλικιωμένων, δηλαδή ο λόγος του πληθυσμού προσώπων ηλικίας 65 ετών και άνω προς τον οικονομικά ενεργό πληθυσμό, σημειώνεται επί του παρόντος στη Γερμανία, και ακολουθούν η Ιταλία, η Σουηδία και η Ελλάδα. Σε όλες αυτές τις χώρες, ο δείκτης εξάρτησης ηλικιωμένων είναι 30% ή και μεγαλύτερος. Αναμένεται ότι ο λόγος εξάρτησης στο σύνολο της ΕΕ θα αυξηθεί από 28% το 2010 σε 58% το 2060.

Οι δημοσιονομικές επιπτώσεις της γήρανσης αναμένεται να είναι σημαντικές σε όλα σχεδόν τα κράτη μέλη και οι επιδράσεις της θα καταστούν εμφανείς ήδη κατά τη διάρκεια της επόμενης δεκαετίας. Τα αποτελέσματα από την τρέχουσα πρόβλεψη επιβεβαιώνουν μάλιστα ότι, σε γενικές γραμμές, η γήρανση του πληθυσμού συνιστά μεγάλο πρόβλημα για τη διατηρησιμότητα των δημόσιων οικονομικών, όπως έχει επισημανθεί στο πλαίσιο προηγούμενων προβλέψεων.

Συνολικά, τα αποτελέσματα της πρόβλεψης αποκαλύπτουν ότι σε μερικές χώρες χρειάζεται να ληφθούν δεόντως υπόψη οι μελλοντικές αυξήσεις των δημόσιων δαπανών, μεταξύ άλλων με τον εκσυγχρονισμό των συστημάτων κοινωνικών δαπανών. Άλλες χώρες έχουν ήδη λάβει μέτρα άσκησης πολιτικής για να περιορίσουν σημαντικά τη μελλοντική αύξηση των δημόσιων δαπανών.

Συνολική αξιολόγηση των κινδύνων για τη διατηρησιμότητα των δημόσιων οικονομικών, στην οποία θα συμπεριλαμβάνεται ο προσδιορισμός των σχετικών πολιτικών αντιμετώπισής τους, θα γίνει το 2012, κατά την επικαιροποίηση της έκθεσης της Επιτροπής για τη διατηρησιμότητα των δημόσιων οικονομικών (113).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008512/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: European demographic changes — economic effects

By 2050, one third of wealthy countries' populations, including Member States, will be over 60 years old; the scientific community believes that the future financial costs of ageing will be many times the current economic crisis in Europe and the developed world.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Does it have data on the future economic cost of this radical demographic change on the GDP of the EU?

Has it established initiatives to accurately forecast these economic consequences?

Can it tell me which countries have the largest and smallest percentage gaps between young and elderly population groups?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

In May the Commission's Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs and the Economic Policy Committee presented the latest projections for ageing-related public spending, including pensions, in the 2012 Ageing Report (114).

The report shows that currently the old-age dependency ratio, i.e. the ratio of persons aged 65 years or above relative to the working aged population is currently highest in Germany followed by Italy, Sweden and Greece. In all of these countries the dependency ratio is 30% or more. In the EU as a whole the dependency ratio is projected to increase from 28% in 2010 to 58% in 2060.

The fiscal impact of ageing is projected to be substantial in almost all Member States, with effects becoming apparent already during the next decade. The current projection results indeed confirm, overall, that population ageing is posing a major challenge for public finance sustainability, as identified in previous projection exercises.

Overall, the projection results reveal that in some countries, there is a need to take due account of future increases in government expenditure, including through modernisation of social expenditure systems. In others, policy action has already been taken, significantly limiting the future increase in government expenditure.

A comprehensive assessment of risks to the sustainability of public finances, including the identification of relevant policy responses, will be made in the 2012 update of the Commission's Fiscal Sustainability Report (115).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008513/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Έργο «Στήριξη της Τουρκίας για την αντιμετώπιση της παράνομης μετανάστευσης»

Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει η Επιτροπή για το ύψος και το ποσοστό των κονδυλίων που έχει μέχρι σήμερα αξιοποιήσει η Τουρκία από το έργο «Στήριξη της Τουρκίας για την αντιμετώπιση της παράνομης μετανάστευσης» το οποίο εκτελείται στο πλαίσιο του μέσου προενταξιακής βοήθειας (ΜΠΒ); Διαπιστώνει η Επιτροπή καθυστερήσεις ή αναποτελεσματικότητα στην εκτέλεση του συγκεκριμένου έργου;

Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Για τη στήριξη του σχεδίου δράσης της Τουρκίας σχετικά με την ολοκληρωμένη διαχείριση των συνόρων (ΟΔΣ) υπάρχουν δύο έργα στο πλαίσιο των εθνικών προγραμμάτων ΜΠΒ για το 2007 και το 2008 (116). Η φάση 1 του έργου ΟΔΣ είχε συνολικό προϋπολογισμό 10 963 000 ευρώ (με συνεισφορά του ΜΠΒ 9 834 750 ευρώ)· ο προϋπολογισμός της φάσης 2 του έργου ανέρχεται σε 28 800 000 ευρώ (με συνεισφορά του ΜΠΒ 21 880 000 ευρώ).

Η εκτέλεση της φάσης 1 του έργου ΟΔΣ έχει ολοκληρωθεί. Συνίστατο σε αδελφοποίηση όσον αφορά το νομοθετικό και οργανωτικό πλαίσιο, σε μια σειρά συμβάσεων τεχνικής βοήθειας για το διαδικαστικό και τεχνικό πλαίσιο, καθώς και σε προμήθειες για πειραματικά συστήματα διαχείρισης των συνόρων.

Η φάση 2 του έργου ΟΔΣ συνίσταται σε αδελφοποίηση όσον αφορά τη διαχείριση των κινδύνων και σε μια σειρά συμβάσεων προμήθειας που αποσκοπούν στη βελτίωση της επιτήρησης στα πράσινα και γαλάζια σύνορα, καθώς και σε ελέγχους σε σημεία διέλευσης των συνόρων. Το έργο αυτό έχει επίσης ολοκληρωθεί, εκτός όσον αφορά τις συμβάσεις προμήθειας, οι οποίες βρίσκονται στο στάδιο της εκτέλεσης. Όλες οι προμήθειες αναμένεται να παραδοθούν κατά τη διάρκεια του πρώτου εξαμήνου του 2013.

Οι αρχές της Τουρκίας, η οποία είναι υποψήφια χώρα, και μετά τη μεταβίβαση της διαχείρισης, είναι επιφορτισμένες με τις διαδικασίες ανάθεσης και σύναψης των συμβάσεων για τα έργα του ΜΠΒ (με τη διενέργεια εκ των προτέρων ελέγχου από την Επιτροπή). Οι διαρθρώσεις που είναι αναγκαίες γι’ αυτό το σύστημα αποκεντρωμένης διαχείρισης χρειάζονται ορισμένο διάστημα για να διαπιστευθούν και να καταστούν πλήρως λειτουργικές. Για τα δύο έργα, δεν έχουν αντιμετωπιστεί προβλήματα κατά τη διάρκεια της εκτέλεσης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008513/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Support to Turkey's National Action Plan on Border Management project

Can the Commission tell me what funding Turkey has used from the Support to National Action Plan on Border Management project, which is part of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)? Have there been delays or problems in carrying out this project?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2012)

To support Turkey's Action Plan on Integrated Border Management (IBM) there are two projects under the IPA national programmes 2007 and 2008 (117). The IBM phase 1 project had an overall budget of EUR 10 963 000 (IPA contribution EUR 9 834 750); the phase 2 project had a budget of EUR 28 800 000 (IPA contribution EUR 21 880 000).

Implementation of the IBM phase 1 project has been finalised. It consisted of a twinning on the legislative and organisational framework, a set of technical assistance contracts for procedural and a technical framework and supplies for prototype border management systems.

The IBM phase 2 project consists of a twinning on risk management and a set of supply contracts aiming at improving surveillance at green and blue borders and controls at border crossing points. This project has been concluded as well, except for the supply contracts, the implementation of which is ongoing. All supplies are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2013.

As a candidate country, and after conferral of management, the Turkish authorities are in charge of procurement and contracting for IPA projects (with an ex-ante control by the Commission). The structures necessary for this Decentralised Management System needed some time to be accredited and fully operational. For the two projects, problems have not been encountered during implementation.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008514/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ελεγκτικός Μηχανισμός της ΕΚΤ

Με ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής στις 12   Σεπτεμβρίου 2012 διατυπώνονται προτάσεις για τις νέες ελεγκτικές δυνατότητες της ΕΚΤ που θα αποτελούν και μέρος της τραπεζικής ένωσης. Μεταξύ άλλων, αναφέρεται ότι η ΕΚΤ θα πρέπει να επιβλέπει σε πρώτο στάδιο μόνο τις μεγάλες τράπεζες και όχι τις μικρότερες παρόλο που και αυτές αποτελούν κίνδυνο για την οικονομική και νομισματική σταθερότητα στην ευρωζώνη. Σε διευκρινιστική ανακοίνωσή της (MEMO/12/662) σχετικά με την εν λόγω ανακοίνωση, η Επιτροπή παρόλο που διευκρινίζει πως οι εποπτικές δυνατότητες της ΕΚΤ θα διευρυνθούν και σε μικρές τράπεζες, δεν δίνει περισσότερες πληροφορίες.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποιο το χρονοδιάγραμμα ώστε η ΕΚΤ να αναλάβει εξ ολοκλήρου την εποπτεία του συνόλου των τραπεζών της ευρωζώνης ανεξάρτητα για το αν πρόκειται για μικρά ή μεγαλύτερα χρηματοπιστωτικά ιδρύματα;

Δεδομένου ότι η πρόσφατη χρηματοοικονομική κρίση του 2008, αλλά και η εμπειρία από την δημοσιονομική κρίση, δείχνει ότι οι μικρές τράπεζες είναι το ίδιο εκτεθειμένες σε οικονομικούς κινδύνους και μπορούν να προκαλέσουν αλυσιδωτές αντιδράσεις στην οικονομία, για πιο λόγο προτείνεται η σταδιακή συμπερίληψη τους στην εποπτεία της ΕΕ και όχι ταυτόχρονα με τις μεγάλες τράπεζες;

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(13 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Οι προτάσεις της Επιτροπής (118) της 12ης Σεπτεμβρίου 2012 αναθέτουν ζωτικής σημασίας εποπτικά καθήκοντα και εξουσίες στην Ευρωπαϊκή Κεντρική Τράπεζα (ΕΚΤ) επί του συνόλου των πιστωτικών ιδρυμάτων εντός της ζώνης του ευρώ. Για τη διατήρηση της χρηματοπιστωτικής σταθερότητας, είναι απαραίτητος ένας ενιαίος μηχανισμός αντί ενός που περιορίζεται στις μεγάλες συστημικές τράπεζες. Η εμπειρία των τελευταίων ετών έχει καταδείξει ότι οι μικρότερες τράπεζες μπορούν πράγματι να αποτελέσουν απειλή για την χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα. Επιπλέον, ένα σύστημα πολλών επιπέδων είναι ασταθές, καθώς οι καταθέτες και οι επενδυτές θα μπορούσαν να μετακινηθούν από το ένα επίπεδο στο άλλο ανταποκρινόμενοι σε φόβους ή φημολογίες.

Σύμφωνα με την πρόταση της Επιτροπής, η σταδιακή καθιέρωση του Ενιαίου Εποπτικού Μηχανισμού θα διεξαχθεί ως εξής: από την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2013 η ΕΚΤ θα είναι σε θέση να αποφασίσει εάν θα αναλάβει πλήρη εποπτική ευθύνη επί συγκεκριμένων πιστωτικών ιδρυμάτων, ιδιαίτερα εκείνων που λαμβάνουν ή έχουν ζητήσει δημόσια χρηματοπιστωτική στήριξη· από την 1η Ιουλίου 2013 όλες οι τράπεζες που παρουσιάζουν μεγάλο συστημικό ενδιαφέρον θα τεθούν υπό την εποπτεία της ΕΚΤ· τέλος, η διαδικασία σταδιακής καθιέρωσης θα πρέπει να έχει ολοκληρωθεί έως την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2014, οπότε η ΕΚΤ αναμένεται να αναλάβει την τελική ευθύνη επί του συνόλου των τραπεζών.

Η μεταβίβαση εποπτικών καθηκόντων από τις εθνικές εποπτικές αρχές στην ΕΚΤ απαιτεί έναν βαθμό προετοιμασίας, γεγονός που εξηγεί την προαναφερθείσα περίοδο σταδιακής καθιέρωσης του μηχανισμού. Η εν λόγω σταδιακή προσέγγιση βασίζεται στη σχετική σημασία των επιβλεπόμενων τραπεζών για την χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα και επιτρέπει την απαραίτητη προετοιμασία.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008514/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: European Central Bank (ECB) supervisory mechanism

On 12 September 2012, the Commission proposed new supervisory powers for the ECB as part of the banking union.It stated that, initially, the European Social Fund should only oversee the big banks and not the smaller ones, although the latter also pose a risk to the euro area's economic and financial stability. The Commission gave no further information in its explanatory memorandum (MEMO/12/662) to the communication in question, although it did clarify how the ECB’s supervisory powers would also extend to small banks.

Will the Commission answer the following:

What is the timeline for the ECB to assume full supervision of all euro area banks, whether they are small or larger financial institutions?

The recent 2008 financial crisis and the fiscal crisis show that small banks are also exposed to economic risks and can set off chain reactions in the economy. Therefore why is it proposed that they be gradually included under EU supervision rather than simultaneously with the big banks?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2012)

The Commission's proposals (119) of 12 September 2012 confer key supervisory tasks and powers to the European Central Bank (ECB) over all the credit institutions established within the Euro Area. A single mechanism rather than one limited to large systemic banks is necessary to preserve financial stability. Experience in the last years has shown that smaller banks can indeed pose a threat to financial stability. Moreover, a multi-tier system is instable as depositors and investors could potentially move from one level to another, responding to fears or rumours.

According to the Commission's proposal, the phasing-in of the Single Supervisory Mechanism would be as follows: as of 1 January 2013 the ECB may decide to assume full supervisory responsibility over specific credit institutions, particularly those which receive or have requested public financial assistance; as of 1 July 2013 all banks of major systemic relevance would be put under the supervision by the ECB; and the phasing-in process should be completed on 1 January 2014 when the ECB would assume final responsibility over all banks.

The transfer of supervisory tasks from national supervisors to the ECB requires a certain amount of preparation, which explains the phasing-in period mentioned above. The gradual approach is based on the relative importance of the set of supervised banks for financial stability and allows for the necessary preparation.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008515/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Διατήρηση της εθνικής συμμετοχής στο 5 % για τα μεγάλα συγχρηματοδοτούμενα έργα στην Ελλάδα

Καθώς η Ελλάδα αποτελεί κράτος μέλος της ευρωζώνης που αντιμετωπίζει σοβαρά δημοσιοοικονομικά προβλήματα και ενώ στην προσπάθεια βελτίωσης των αναπτυξιακών ρυθμών της χώρας το προηγούμενο χρονικό διάστημα συμφωνήθηκε η μείωση της εθνικής συμμετοχής στα συγχρηματοδοτούμενα έργα για την Ελλάδα από 15 % σε 5 %, ενόψει των διαπραγματεύσεων για το νέο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποιά θα είναι η θέση και η εισήγησή της προς το Συμβούλιο και το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο για την διατήρηση του 5 % της εθνικής συμμετοχής στα συγχρηματοδοτούμενα έργα σε κράτη μέλη που αντιμετωπίζουν σοβαρές δημοσιοοικονομικές προκλήσεις και χαμηλούς αναπτυξιακούς ρυθμούς;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή πρότεινε να διατηρηθεί η τρέχουσα διατάξη σχετικά με την αύξηση της οικονομικής συμμετοχής των κρατών μελών με δημοσιονομικές δυσκολίες στο πλαίσιο του πολυετούς δημοσιονομικού πλαισίου 2014-2020. Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 22 του προτεινόμενου κανονισμού κοινών διατάξεων, η οικονομική συμμετοχή ίσως να αυξηθεί κατά 10 ποσοστιαίες μονάδες πάνω από το ανώτατο επίπεδο του ποσοστού συγχρηματοδότησης, κατόπιν αιτήματος κράτους μέλους το οποίο αντιμετωπίζει δημοσιονομικές δυσκολίες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008515/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Maintenance of 5 % national contribution towards major co‐financed projects in Greece

Given that Greece is a Member State of the euro area facing serious budgetary problems and that efforts to improve growth rates in Greece in the previous period included a reduction in the national contribution towards co‐financed projects in Greece from 15 % to 5 %, will the Commission say, with regard to the new Multiannual Financial Framework:

What is its position and what has it recommended to the Council and the European Council in terms of maintaining the 5 % national contribution towards co‐financed works in Member States facing serious budgetary challenges and low growth rates?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Commission has proposed to maintain the current provision to increase payments for Member States with budgetary difficulties in the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework. According to Article 22 of the proposed Common Provisions Regulation, payments may be increased by 10 percentage points above the maximum co-financing rate on the request of a Member State experiencing budgetary difficulties.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-008516/12

aan de Commissie

Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ALDE)

(26 september 2012)

Betreft: Antidumpingprocedure betreffende de invoer van witte fosfor uit Kazachstan

Kan de Commissie duidelijkheid verschaffen over wat de exacte status is van de klacht ingediend door Thermphos op 7 november 2011 (2011/C 369/07), ontvangen op grond van artikel 5 van Verordening (EG) nr. 1225/2009 van de Raad van 30 november 2009 betreffende beschermende maatregelen tegen invoer met dumping uit landen die geen lid zijn van de Europese Gemeenschap, volgens welke de bedrijfstak van de Unie aanmerkelijke schade lijdt door de invoer met dumping van witte fosfor, ook moleculaire of gele fosfor genoemd, van oorsprong uit Kazachstan en een nauwkeurig relaas van de gebeurtenissen in de procedure tot op heden verschaffen? Zijn er overeenkomstig artikel 7, lid 1, van de basisverordening voorlopige maatregelen ingesteld?

1.	Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het uitstel van betaling voor de enige producent binnen de Europese Unie van fosfor, Thermphos

1.	Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het uitstel van betaling voor de enige producent binnen de Europese Unie van fosfor, Thermphos

 (120)

2.	Is de Commissie van mening dat het van essentieel belang is om binnen de Europese Unie een producent van fosfor te hebben, gezien het belang van deze grondstof en om niet volledig afhankelijk te zijn voor deze grondstof van landen buiten de Europese Unie?

3.

Is de Commissie van mening dat bescherming van het Europese bedrijfsleven d.m.v. antidumpingmaatregelen van essentieel belang is, zeker voor een bedrijf als Thermphos dat bezig is met de overschakeling naar volledig duurzame winning van fosfor per 2020, met name tegen de achtergrond van de Europa 2020 strategie en de bijbehorende vlaggenschipinitiatieven?

4.	Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het feit dat als er sprake is van dumping, dit op korte  termijn het bedrijf Thermphos in gevaar kan brengen? Is de Commissie daarom bereid versneld opheldering te geven?

Antwoord van de heer De Gucht namens de Commissie

(24 oktober 2012)

Het is de taak van de Commissie beweringen over dumping door producenten in landen buiten de Europese Unie (EU) te onderzoeken. Overeenkomstig het geldende rechtskader heeft de Commissie een antidumpingprocedure ingeleid op basis van een naar behoren met bewijsmateriaal gestaafde klacht. Er is besloten geen voorlopige antidumpingmaatregelen in te stellen en het onderzoek voort te zetten, aangezien nadere analyse van bepaalde aspecten noodzakelijk is, alvorens een definitieve vaststelling kan worden gedaan. Belanghebbenden zijn van dit besluit op de hoogte gebracht en zijn in de gelegenheid gesteld hierover opmerkingen te maken.

1.	De Commissie is ervan op de hoogte dat de enige producent in de Unie uitstel van betaling heeft aangevraagd. Dit is duidelijk een punt van zorg waarmee in de definitieve fase van het onderzoek rekening moet worden gehouden.

2 en 3. Bij de beoordeling van het belang van de Unie zal rekening worden gehouden met het feit dat Thermphos de enige producent in de Unie is. Het belang van de bescherming van de bedrijfstak van de Unie zal moeten worden afgewogen tegen het belang van de downstream‐bedrijfstak en andere gebruikers.

4.

Invoer tegen dumpingprijzen kan Thermphos in gevaar brengen, als hierdoor schade wordt veroorzaakt. Bepaalde aspecten van het onderzoek (waaronder het oorzakelijk verband) moeten nader worden geanalyseerd. De Commissie wil deze aspecten zo goed mogelijk ophelderen en erkent dat daarbij de rechten van alle belanghebbenden volledig moeten worden gerespecteerd. Definitieve maatregelen moeten (indien nodig) uiterlijk op 16 maart 2013 zijn ingesteld.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008516/12

to the Commission

Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Antidumping procedure concerning imports of white phosphorus from Kazakhstan

Can the Commission clarify the exact status of the complaint lodged by Thermphos on 7 November 2011 (2011/C 369/07), received pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 of the Council of 30 November 2009 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community, according to which the Union industry is suffering material injury from the dumped imports of white phosphorus (also known as molecular or yellow phosphorus) originating in Kazakhstan, and give an accurate account of how the proceedings have unfolded to date? Have provisional measures been imposed in accordance with Article 7(1) of the basic Regulation?

1.	Is the Commission aware that Thermphos, the sole producer of phosphorus in the European Union, has applied to defer payments?

1.	Is the Commission aware that Thermphos, the sole producer of phosphorus in the European Union, has applied to defer payments?

 (121)

2.	Does the Commission consider it essential to have a producer of phosphorus in the European Union, given the importance of this commodity, and not to be completely dependent on countries outside the European Union for this commodity?

3.

Does the Commission consider that protection of European industry through anti-dumping measures is essential, especially for a company like Thermphos that is switching over to the fully sustainable extraction of phosphorus by 2020, particularly in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy and associated flagship initiatives?

4.	Is the Commission aware that if there is dumping, this can pose a threat to Thermphos in the short term? Is the Commission therefore prepared to clarify the matter quickly?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2012)

The Commission is responsible for investigating allegations of dumping by exporting producers in countries outside the European Union (EU). Pursuant to the legal framework in place, on the basis of a duly substantiated complaint, the Commission initiated an anti-dumping proceeding. It has been decided not to impose provisional anti-dumping measures and to continue with the investigation since certain aspects require further analysis before any final determinations can be made. Interested parties have been informed of this decision and have been invited to comment thereon.

1.	The Commission is aware that the sole Union producer has applied to defer payments. This is evidently a matter of concern which has to be taken into account at the definitive stage of the investigation.

2 and 3. The fact that Thermphos is the sole Union producer shall be taken into account in the Union interest test. The interest to protect the Union industry will have to be balanced with the interests of the downstream industry and other users.

4.

Imports at dumped prices could pose a threat to Thermphos if they are causing injury. There are certain aspects of the investigation (including causation) that require further analysis. The Commission would like to clarify these aspects as expediently as possible, account being taken of the need to ensure that the rights of all interested parties are fully respected. Definitive measures (if any) need to be imposed by 16 March 2013.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008517/12

à la Commission

Rachida Dati (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Renforcer le partenariat oriental par un dialogue intensif entre les collectivités locales et régionales

La conférence des collectivités régionales et locales du partenariat oriental (Corleap) a réuni cette année pour la seconde fois des élus locaux et régionaux de l'Union européenne et des pays du Partenariat oriental.

Le caractère désormais régulier de cet évènement reflète bien l'importance des autorités locales dans ce partenariat.

En mai 2012, la Commission a présenté une feuille de route en vue du sommet qui se tiendra à l'automne 2013, dans laquelle elle insiste sur l'importance de la dimension multilatérale du partenariat pour allier l'ensemble des États membres et des pays partenaires.

Dans le cadre de cette stratégie, les autorités locales et régionales sont appelées à jouer un rôle clef, ce que reconnaît le document de la Commission en mentionnant l'importance de la Corleap.

Les villes et les régions sont un échelon essentiel dans le développement de relations poussées, sincères et harmonieuses avec nos partenaires orientaux. Elles sont bien placées pour favoriser la diversité et le partage d'expériences et pour engager une relation dynamique et concrète avec nos partenaires.

Elles représentent un échelon adapté pour répondre aux attentes de chacun et pour garantir une participation de la société civile. Il est grand temps d'encourager nos villes et nos régions à aller plus franchement à la rencontre des autorités du partenariat oriental.

Pourtant, la prochaine réunion de la Corleap n'aura lieu qu'au second semestre 2013. Le caractère sporadique de ces rencontres ne fait pas honneur à l'importance que les relations avec ces pays constituent pour l'Union. Il est temps de pousser les divers partenaires à se rencontrer plus souvent et à mieux échanger.

Quelles actions la Commission compte-t-elle entreprendre pour soutenir cette ambition?

Réponse donnée par M. Füle au nom de la Commission

(4 décembre 2012)

La première réunion de la conférence des collectivités régionales et locales pour le partenariat oriental (Corleap) a eu lieu en septembre 2011, en présence du commissaire chargé de l'élargissement et de la politique européenne de voisinage.

Le lancement de cette conférence a été salué par les participants au sommet du partenariat oriental qui s'est déroulé à Varsovie en 2011. Ceux-ci ont appelé à redoubler d'efforts pour renforcer, de manière permanente, la coopération entre les autorités locales et régionales.

La commissaire chargée de la coopération internationale, de l'aide humanitaire et de la réaction aux crises a participé à la deuxième réunion de la Corleap, le 17 septembre 2012, et a souligné le rôle joué par les autorités régionales et locales dans les avancées en matière de mise en œuvre du partenariat oriental. La Commission ne manque donc aucune occasion d'encourager le Comité des régions, qui décide de la fréquence des réunions de la Corleap, à œuvrer à l'établissement d'un cadre de coopération permanent conjointement avec les représentants des pays partenaires.

La Corleap participe à la mise en œuvre du partenariat oriental, et notamment aux travaux de la plate-forme consacrée à la démocratie, à la bonne gouvernance et à la stabilité et du groupe d'experts chargés de la réforme de l'administration publique.

L'UE fournit une aide directe aux autorités régionales et locales au moyen de projets de coopération transfrontalière et du programme sur les acteurs non étatiques et les autorités locales dans le développement. En ce moment, elle élabore un nouveau programme de coopération territoriale destiné à promouvoir la coopération transfrontalière entre les régions des pays relevant du partenariat oriental. En outre, l'initiative de l'UE intitulée «convention des maires», qui vise à réduire les émissions de CO2, a été ouverte aux autorités locales du partenariat oriental en 2011. Actuellement, 57 d'entre elles y participent.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008517/12

to the Commission

Rachida Dati (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Strengthening the Eastern partnership through intensive dialogue between local and regional authorities

The Conference of the Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) was held this year for the second time in local and regional European Union and Eastern Partnership countries.

The fact that this event will be held on a regular basis from now on indeed reflects the importance of the local authorities in this partnership.

In May 2012, the Commission submitted a roadmap for the summit to be held in the autumn of 2013, in which it stresses the importance of the multilateral dimension of the Partnership for uniting all Member States and Partnership countries

As part of this strategy, local and regional authorities will have a key role to play, which is recognised as such by the Commission document referring to the importance of CORLEAP.

Cities and regions have an essential role to play in developing long-lasting, sincere and harmonious ties with our Eastern partners. They are well placed to promote diversity and share experiences, and to establish dynamic and concrete ties with our partners.

They have specific role to play in meeting individual expectations and guaranteeing civil society involvement. It is high time to encourage our cities and our regions to engage more purposefully in accommodating the Eastern Partnership authorities.

However, the next CORLEAP meeting is not scheduled to take place until the second half of 2013. The sporadic nature of these meetings does not demonstrate the importance of ties with these countries for the EU. It is time to encourage the various partners to meet more often and to exchange views.

What does the Commission plan to do to support this aim?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

The first meeting of the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) took place in September 2011 and was attended by the Commissioner responsible for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy.

The inauguration of the Conference was welcomed by the participants of the 2011 Warsaw Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit, who called for further efforts to consolidate the cooperation between local and regional authorities on a permanent basis.

The Commissioner responsible for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response took part in the second meeting of the CORLEAP on 17 September 2012 and stressed the role of regional and local authorities in advancing the implementation of the EaP. The Commission has therefore taken every opportunity to encourage the Committee of the Regions (CoR), which decides on the frequency of CORLEAP's meetings, to work with representatives of partner countries towards the establishment of a permanent framework of cooperation.

The CORLEAP participates in the implementation of the EaP, including in the work of the Platform on Democracy, Good Governance and Stability and the Panel on Public Administration Reform.

The EU provides assistance directly to regional and local authorities through Cross-Border Cooperation projects and the programme on Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development. The EU is preparing a new territorial cooperation programme aiming to promote cross-border cooperation between regions of the EaP countries. Furthermore, the Covenant of Mayors EU initiative aiming to reduce CO2 emissions has been extended to the EaP local authorities in 2011. To date 57 local authorities in EaP countries have signed up to the Covenant of Mayors.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008518/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Verhältnis der Zahl der an Demenz erkrankten Personen zur Zahl der Erwerbstätigen

In Europa gab es im Jahr 2000 7,1 Millionen Demenz-Kranke und 493 Millionen Menschen im arbeitsfähigen Alter. Daraus resultiert ein Verhältnis von 1:69,4. 2050 soll dieses Verhältnis 1:21,1 betragen.

1. Kennt die Kommission diese Zahlen, und wenn ja, welche Strategien gedenkt die Kommission diesbezüglich zu verfolgen: a) kurzfristig und b) langfristig?

2. Wie, wenn überhaupt, gedenkt die Kommission die Forschung und vor allem die Prävention so zu fördern, dass dieser Entwicklung entgegengewirkt werden kann und/oder könnte?

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008519/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Voraussichtlicher drastischer Anstieg der Zahl der an Demenz erkrankten Personen

2000 waren in Europa 7,1 Millionen Menschen an Demenz erkrankt (circa 4,7 Millionen Menschen litten an Alzheimer). Für 2030 wird die Zahl der an Demenz erkrankten Bürgerinnen und Bürger auf ca. 11,9 Millionen geschätzt (ca. 8 Millionen werden an Alzheimer leiden), und bis zum Jahr 2050 werden in der Europäischen Union 16,2 Millionen Menschen an Demenz erkrankt sein (etwa 11,2 Millionen werden an Alzheimer erkrankt sein). Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt der Wiener Psychiater Johannes Wancata in seiner neuen Studie.

Ähnliche Berechnungen gibt es auch für Österreich, wo derzeit 100 000 Menschen an Demenz erkrankt sind. 1951 waren es erst 35 500 Personen, die an Demenz erkrankt waren, 2000 waren es schon 90 500, und den Schätzungen zufolge werden 2050 233 800 Menschen an Demenz erkrankt sein.

1. Sind der Kommission diese Schätzungen bekannt?

2. Wird sich dieser drastische Anstieg nach Einschätzung der Kommission auf die Kosten der Gesundheitssysteme in der EU auswirken?

3. Was gedenkt die Kommission zu tun, um vor allem präventiv tätig zu werden und dadurch die Gesundheitskosten in der EU dennoch „im Lot“ zu halten?

4. Was gedenkt die Kommission hier konkret zu unternehmen, um den an Demenz Erkrankten die entsprechende Pflege zuteilwerden zu lassen? Wird hier bereits jetzt in der Planung für die Pflegeberufe entsprechende Vorsorge getroffen?

5. Will die Kommission schon jetzt Vorkehrungen treffen, um zu ermitteln, wie vor allem den Pflegenden entsprechende Unterstützung zuteilwerden kann (etwaige Informationsprogramme etc.)?

(Mit der Bitte um ausführliche Erläuterung der einzelnen Punkte.)

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Šefčovič im Namen der Kommission

(7. November 2012)

Im Jahr 2005 förderte die Kommission das Projekt „Europäische Zusammenarbeit im Bereich der Demenz“. Eines seiner Hauptziele bestand darin, die Zahl der an Demenz Leidenden in der EU abzuschätzen. 2006 ergab die Schätzung, dass etwa 7 Millionen Europäer an Demenz leiden (122).

Im Jahr 2011wurde die gemeinsame Maßnahme ALCOVE (ALzheimer COoperative Valuation in Europe) eingeleitet, die aus dem EU-Gesundheitsprogramm kofinanziert wird. Zu ihren Zielen gehören die Darstellung bewährter Verfahren für Therapie, Früherkennung und Versorgung für Menschen, die an der Alzheimer-Krankheit und anderen Formen der Demenz leiden, und die Verbesserung der Verbreitung und Anwendung solcher bewährter Verfahren.

Die Kenntnisse über die Ursachen der Demenz und die Möglichkeiten, ihr vorzubeugen, sind noch sehr begrenzt. Daher bildete die Unterstützung der Erforschung neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen einen Schwerpunkt im Siebten Rahmenprogramm für Forschung und Entwicklung (FP7, 2007-2013). Seit 2007 wurden in diesem Bereich mehr als 400 Mio. EUR in die Forschung investiert. Die Kommission fördert zudem die Durchführung der Initiative zur gemeinsamen Planung im Forschungsbereich „neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, insbesondere Alzheimer-Krankheit (JPND)“ (123). Diese Initiative unter der Leitung der Mitgliedstaaten soll die Auswirkungen der europäischen Forschung durch länderübergreifende Koordinierungsanstrengungen verstärken. Ihre Forschungsstrategie wurde am 7. Februar 2012 angenommen.

Die Prävention liegt in erster Linie in der Verantwortung der Mitgliedstaaten. Die Kommission unterstützt diese jedoch durch die Förderung gesunder Lebensgewohnheiten, die bekanntlich den Ausbruch und das Fortschreiten der Demenz verhindern oder verzögern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008518/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: The ratio of dementia sufferers to people in the workforce

There were 7.1 million dementia sufferers and 493 million people in the workforce in Europe in 2000. This represents a ratio of 1:69.4. This ratio will rise to 1:21.1 by 2050.

1. Is the Commission aware of these figures, and, if so, what strategies will it pursue (a) in the short term and (b) in the long term?

2. How, if at all, will the Commission promote research and, more importantly, prevention, to combat this development?

Question for written answer E-008519/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: The expected dramatic rise in the number of dementia sufferers

There were 7.1 million dementia sufferers in Europe in 2000 (approximately 4.7 million with Alzheimer’s disease). The estimated number of citizens suffering from dementia will increase to approximately 11.9 million by 2030 (approximately 8 million with Alzheimer’s disease) and, by 2050, 16.2 million people in the European Union will suffer from dementia (about 11.2 million with Alzheimer’s). These are Viennese psychiatrist Johannes Wancata’s conclusions in his new study.

Similar figures also exist for Austria, where there are 100 000 dementia sufferers at present. In 1951 only 35 500 people suffered from dementia, a figure that rose to 90 500 by 2000, and, according to current estimates, 233 800 people will have dementia by 2050.

1. Is the Commission aware of these estimates?

2. In the Commission’s view, will this dramatic rise negatively impact EU health systems?

3. How will the Commission take preventive action, to maintain EU health costs?

4. What specific steps will the Commission take to ensure that dementia sufferers receive appropriate care? Are plans already being made for appropriate provisions among care professionals?

5. Will the Commission take steps to determine how care staff can be given the appropriate support (information programmes, etc.)?

(Please provide a full explanation of the individual points).

Joint answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

In 2005, the Commission supported the European Collaboration on Dementia project. One of its aims was to estimate the number of people with dementia in the EU. In 2006, it was estimated that around 7 million Europeans were affected by dementia (124).

In 2011, the Joint Action ‘ALzheimer COoperative Valuation in Europe’ was launched, co-funded from the EU-Health Programme. Its objectives include mapping good practices related to treatment, early detection and care for persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and to improve the dissemination and application of such good practices.

The knowledge about the causes of dementia, and about ways to prevent it, is still very limited. Therefore, support for research on neurodegenerative diseases was a priority in the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7, 2007 — 2013). More than EUR 400 million were invested into research in this area since 2007. The Commission also supports the implementation of the Joint Programming Initiative on Neurodegenerative Diseases, in particular Alzheimer's (JPND) (125). This Member States-led initiative aims at increasing the impact of European research by coordinating efforts across countries. The JPND approved its Research Strategy on 7 February 2012.

Prevention is primarily a responsibility of the Member States. However, the Commission supports them by promoting healthy habits which are known to contribute to preventing or delaying the onset and progression of dementia.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008520/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Regionale Unterschiede bei Demenzerkrankungen

Es gibt in Europa regionale Unterschiede in der Häufigkeit der Demenzerkrankungen. So kommen Demenzerkrankungen in Osteuropa weniger häufiger vor als im Westen.

1. Ist der Kommission dieser Umstand bekannt?

2. Beabsichtigt die Kommission, diesbezüglich eine europaweite Studie zu den näheren Hintergründen einzuleiten, da davon auszugehen ist, dass in diesem Falle die westlichen Regionen von den Erfahrungen der östlichen Regionen „lernen“ könnten?

3. Beabsichtigt die Kommission, hierzu auch in den östlichen Regionen ein „Demenz-Register“ zu führen, so dass verlässliche Daten die Grundlage für die weitere gesundheitspolitische Arbeit (Vorsorge, zu erwartende Pflegefälle, Pflegepersonal) bilden können?

Antwort von Herrn Šefčovič im Namen der Kommission

(15. November 2012)

Im Jahr 2005 unterstützte die Europäische Kommission das Projekt „Europäische Zusammenarbeit im Bereich der Demenz (EuroCoDe)“. Eines der Projektziele war eine Prognostizierung der Anzahl der Menschen mit Demenz in der Europäischen Union. Im Jahr 2006 wurde geschätzt, dass rund sieben Millionen Europäerinnen und Europäer an Demenz erkrankt waren (126). Diese Schätzung wurde nach Mitgliedstaaten, Geschlecht und Anteil an der Gesamtbevölkerung heruntergebrochen/aufgeschlüsselt (127). Die wenigen Studien und die begrenzten Daten zu Demenz, die bisher erhoben wurden, lassen keine wesentlichen Unterschiede bei der Prävalenz von Demenz zwischen Ost‐ und Westeuropa erkennen.

Die Gesundheitsindikatoren der Europäischen Gemeinschaft (ECHI) (128) beinhalten bereits einen Indikator für Demenz. Dieser Indikator sollte in Zukunft aus diagnosespezifischen Morbiditätsstatistiken von Eurostat aus Verwaltungsquellen oder Krankheitsregistern gespeist werden. Mit dieser Datenerhebung sollen dann bessere nationale Schätzungen erstellt werden. In der Zwischenzeit liefern andere Indikatoren — wie Krankenhausentlassungen oder Dauer der Krankenhausaufenthalte ‐Daten über einige Krankheiten, darunter auch Demenz.

Die Rahmenverordnung (EG) Nr. 1338/2008 zu Gemeinschaftsstatistiken über öffentliche Gesundheit (129) und ihre Umsetzungsverordnungen bilden die Rechtsgrundlage für vergleichbare und nachhaltige Gesundheitsdaten auf EU-Ebene.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008520/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Regional variations in dementia

Regional variations in the prevalence of dementia are evident in Europe. Dementia occurs less frequently in Eastern Europe than in the West.

1. Is the Commission aware of this situation?

2. Does the Commission intend to initiate a Europe-wide study of the immediate background to this situation, as it would seem that the Western European regions could learn from the experiences gathered in Eastern Europe in this instance?

3. Does the Commission intend to keep a ‘dementia register’ in the eastern European regions too, so that reliable data can be gathered as the basis for further work on health policy (provisions, expected care requirements, nursing staff)?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

In 2005, the Commission supported the project ‘European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe)’. One of the aims of the project was to provide an estimate of the number of people with dementia in the European Union. In 2006, it was estimated that around 7 million Europeans were affected by dementia (130). This estimation was broken down by Member States, gender and as a percentage of total population (131). The few studies and limited data in dementia gathered so far do not corroborate substantial East-West differences in dementia prevalence.

The set of European Community Health Indicators (ECHI) (132) already includes an indicator on dementia. In future, this indicator should be fed by Eurostat diagnosis-specific morbidity statistics through administrative sources or disease registers. When being developed, this data collection will aim to provide better national estimates. Meanwhile, other indicators provide healthcare data — such as hospital discharges and length of stay — for some diseases, including dementia.

The framework Regulation (EC) No 1338/2008 on Community health statistics (133) and its implementing regulations are the legal bases to ensure comparable and sustainable health data at EU level.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008521/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Präimplantationsdiagnostik

Nachdem sich weltweit bereits zahlreiche Länder für die Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID) ausgesprochen und diese genehmigt haben, folgt auch Österreich wahrscheinlich bald diesem Beispiel.

Die Bedenken sind eindeutig: Die Möglichkeit der Zusammenstellung eines Designerbabys rückt näher. Andererseits erläutert ein Mitglied der österreichischen Ethikkommission die Vorteile: Aussichtslose Schwangerschaften und Spätabtreibungen (die weitaus invasiver sind) können vermieden werden. Es gehe vor allem um gut diagnostizierbare, schwere Erbkrankheiten, die nicht therapierbar sind. Es wird aber auch darauf hingewiesen, dass es einen strengen gesetzlichen Rahmen dafür geben muss, was eine „schwere Erbkrankheit“ ist und was nicht.

1. Welchen Standpunkt hat die Kommission zu diesem Thema eingenommen?

2. Ist eine EU-weite Empfehlung/Richtlinie vorstellbar, in der festgelegt wird, welche Krankheiten unter die Definition einer „schweren Erbkrankheit“ fallen und somit mittels der PID festgestellt und dementsprechend behandelt werden könnten?

Antwort von Herrn Šefčovič im Namen der Kommission

(22. November 2012)

Die Vorschriften zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID) (134) unterscheiden sich zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union erheblich, was sich unmittelbar auf die gängige Praxis auswirkt.

Auf nationaler Ebene werden entsprechende Beschlüsse in erster Linie anhand ethischer Kriterien gefasst. Da auf EU-Ebene keine Rechtsgrundlage für die Regelung einer derartigen Frage besteht, beabsichtigt die Kommission nicht, eine Empfehlung oder Richtlinie zur Bestimmung des Begriffs „schwere Erbkrankheit“ vorzuschlagen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008521/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Preimplantation diagnosis

As numerous countries worldwide have come out in favour of preimplantation diagnosis (PID) and have approved such techniques, it is likely that Austria will soon follow suit.

The concerns are clear: the prospect of designer babies is becoming ever more real. On the other hand, a member of the Austrian Ethics Commission explains the advantages: it is possible to avoid pregnancies that have no prospect of reaching full term, or late-stage abortions (which are far more invasive). The main focus is on easily diagnosed, untreatable serious illnesses. However, it is important that there should be a strict legal framework for determining what does and does not constitute a ‘serious hereditary illness’.

1. What is the Commission’s position on this matter?

2. Is it conceivable that we could have an EU‐wide recommendation/directive that specifies which illnesses are defined as ‘serious hereditary illnesses’ and could therefore be identified using PID and treated accordingly?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

In terms of the regulatory framework for Preimplantational Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) (135), there are major differences across Member States of the European Union, which have a direct consequence on existing practices.

Key determinants of such decisions at national level are ethical considerations. As there is no legal basis for regulating this type of issue at EU level, the Commission does not intend to propose a recommendation or directive defining a ‘serious hereditary illness’.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008522/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Italien galt bisher als „too big to fail“. Und nun?

Italien galt bisher als „too big to fail“, und nun fürchtet man auf einmal sehr, dass auch hier massive Unterstützung notwendig werden könnte und kann. Gleichzeitig wird überlegt, den ESM sogar auf das Vierfache zu „hebeln“.

1. Ist sich die Kommission der Tatsache bewusst, dass im Falle eines Scheiterns Italiens auch eng verbundene Mitgliedstaaten „mitgerissen“ werden können? (Bitte um ausführliche Darlegung.)

2. Wie schätzt die Kommission die entsprechende Entwicklung ein, und welche Folgen sieht sie für die einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten, die mit Italien in enger Wirtschaftsverbindung stehen, wie zum Beispiel Österreich?

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(31. Oktober 2012)

1.

In ihrem gemäß der Verordnung (EU) Nr. 1176/2011 über die Vermeidung und Korrektur makroökonomischer Ungleichgewichte vorgelegten Warnmechanismus-Bericht 2012 stellt die Kommission Folgendes fest: „In den letzten zehn Jahren sind große und hartnäckige makroökonomische Ungleichgewichte entstanden, die sich in großen und hartnäckigen Zahlungsbilanzdefiziten und -überschüssen, nachhaltigen Wettbewerbsverlusten, anwachsenden Schuldenständen und Immobilienblasen niedergeschlagen und die gegenwärtige Wirtschaftskrise mitverursacht haben. Sie haben nicht nur die betreffenden Mitgliedstaaten in wirtschaftliche Schwierigkeiten gebracht, sondern auch schwerwiegende Übertragungseffekte ausgelöst, die zu den aktuellen Gefährdungen des Euroraums beitragen“.

Angesichts seines hohen öffentlichen Schuldenstandes ist Italien für die Finanzstabilität im Euroraum natürlich von zentraler Bedeutung. Dies wird auch in der von der Kommission nach Artikel 5 der o. g. Verordnung durchgeführten eingehenden Überprüfung Italiens  (136) anerkannt.

2.	Ob und wie Italien seine ehrgeizige Haushaltskonsolidierungs‐ und Strukturreformagenda umsetzt und den Ratsempfehlungen vom 6. Juli 2012 nachkommt, wird von der Kommission eingehend überwacht.

Die Kommission beteiligt sich aber nicht an Spekulationen über die Wahrscheinlichkeit von Beistandsersuchen der Mitgliedstaaten oder deren Auswirkungen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008522/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Italy was ‘too big to fail’. What now?

The popular belief was that Italy was ‘too big to fail’, but now there are fears that massive support may be required here too. At the same time, plans are under consideration to quadruple the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

1. Is the Commission aware that the failure of Italy could drag a number of closely associated Member States down too? (Please provide a detailed answer.)

2. How does the Commission assess developments and what consequences does it expect for the individual Member States that have close economic ties with Italy, such as Austria?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

1.	In its 2012 Alert Mechanism Report

1.	In its 2012 Alert Mechanism Report

 (137)

Given its large stock of public debt, Italy certainly plays a crucial role for overall financial stability in the euro area. This is also acknowledged in the In-depth Review of Italy (138), prepared by the Commission in accordance with Article 5 of the above Regulation.

2.	The Commission closely monitors the implementation of Italy's ambitious fiscal consolidation and structural reform agenda and its compliance with the Council recommendations of 6 July 2012.

The Commission does not speculate on the likelihood of financial assistance requests by Member States nor on the implications thereof.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008523/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: „Hebelung“ des ESM auf 2 Billionen EUR — und die Folgen

Mittlerweile wird ernsthaft überlegt, den ESM auf zwei Billionen EUR zu „hebeln“.

1. Kann die Kommission hierzu insbesondere eine Einschätzung abgeben, was dies im Falle eines Eintretens der Haftung für die einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten an fällig werdenden Zahlungen bedeuten würde?

(Bitte um ausführliche Erläuterung und detaillierte Einschätzung für die einzelnen Staaten.)

2. Italien galt bisher als „too big to fail“. Nun wird unter anderem wegen Italien überlegt, den ESM auf einen größeren Betrag zu hebeln. Wie rechtfertigt die Kommission diesen erneuten „Schwenk“?

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(7. Dezember 2012)

Das Magazin „Der Spiegel“ berichtete am 23. September 2012 recht vage über Erwägungen, den Umfang des Europäischen Stabilitätsmechanismus (ESM) durch Hebelung mit Beteiligung des Privatsektors auf 2 Billionen EUR anzuheben. Die Kommission äußert sich nicht zu Berichten oder Artikeln, die nicht auf ihre Veranlassung hin entstanden sind.

Die Kommission kann nur darauf hinweisen, dass die Haftung von Mitgliedstaaten in Bezug auf den ESM durch den Anteil ihres Kapitals am ESM bestimmt wird. Jede Anhebung des Beitrags allein durch die Beteiligung von Investoren des Privatsektors würde sich daher im Prinzip nicht auf diese Haftung auswirken. Außerdem liegen derzeit keine Vorschläge zur Änderung des ESM-Kapitals oder der Anwendungsmodalitäten bestehender Instrumente vor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008523/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: An increase of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to EUR 2 billion and its consequences

The idea of increasing the ESM to EUR 2 billion is receiving serious consideration.

1. Can the Commission offer an assessment of what the liability would mean for the individual Member States in terms of monies due?

(Please provide a detailed explanation and a detailed estimate for each Member State)

2. The popular belief was that Italy was ‘too big to fail’. Now, because of Italy, the idea of a major increase in the ESM is receiving serious consideration. How can the Commission justify this new ‘sleight of hand’?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 2012)

The magazine Der Spiegel wrote, on 23 September 2012, in vague terms about reflections to increase the capacity of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to 2 trillion by leveraging it with private sector participation. The Commission does not comment on reports or editorials that are not at the behest of the Commission.

The Commission can only indicate that the liability of Member States in relation to the ESM is determined by these Member States' share of capital in the ESM. Any increase in the amount of assistance granted solely through the participation of private sector investor would therefore, in principle, not affect such liability and there are currently no proposals to modify the capital of the ESM nor to adjust the modalities of implementation of existing instruments.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008524/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2012)

Betrifft: Fehlbetrag von 20 Mrd. EUR in der griechischen Staatskasse

Nach jüngsten Erkenntnissen besteht in der griechischen Staatskasse ein Fehlbetrag von ca. 20 Mrd. EUR; dies entspricht dem Doppelten des Betrags, der zuletzt bekannt gegeben wurde.

1. Welche Erklärungen hat die Kommission dafür, dass ihr dieser Tatbestand bisher bei den entsprechenden Kontrollen nicht aufgefallen war?

2. Wie gedenkt die Kommission dieses Versäumnis der Erkenntnis solcher „Fehlbeträge“ gegenüber den restlichen europäischen Ländern zu rechtfertigen?

3. Wie rechtfertigt die Kommission eine daraus wahrscheinlich resultierende und gegebenenfalls notwendige Vervierfachung des Rettungsschirmes (insbesondere im Hinblick auf ein mögliches Inkrafttreten der Haftung)?

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(18. Januar 2013)

1. und 2.

Den Projektionen zufolge wird das gesamtstaatliche Defizit 2012 der geänderten Zielvorgabe entsprechen (139). Aufgrund der tieferen Rezession ist die Haushaltslücke allerdings größer ausgefallen als im vergangenen März erwartet. Die Regierung hat die notwendigen Konsolidierungsmaßnahmen getroffen, um die im Rahmen der mittelfristigen Haushaltsstrategie vereinbarten Zielvorgaben einzuhalten. Sie hat sich außerdem verpflichtet, die Einhaltung der Haushalts‐ und Privatisierungsvorgaben mithilfe von Korrekturmechanismen sicherzustellen und die Vorschriften für die Haushaltsplanung und -überwachung zu verschärfen. Das Sonderkonto für den Schuldendienst wurde erheblich verstärkt. Griechenland wird sämtliche Privatisierungserlöse, die angestrebten Primärüberschüsse und 30 % des über die Zielvorgabe hinausreichenden Primärüberschusses auf dieses Konto überweisen, um die im jeweils anstehenden Quartal fälligen Schuldendienstverpflichtungen zu decken. Außerdem wird Griechenland für mehr Transparenz sorgen und die EFSF bzw. den ESM ex ante und ex post in vollem Umfang über sämtliche Bewegungen auf diesem Sonderkonto unterrichten (140).

3.	Die offiziellen Hilfszahlungen belaufen sich für die Jahre 2012-2014 auf 163,8 Mrd. EUR, wovon 144,7 Mrd. EUR auf die EFSF und 19,1 Mrd. EUR auf den IWF entfallen

3.	Die offiziellen Hilfszahlungen belaufen sich für die Jahre 2012-2014 auf 163,8 Mrd. EUR, wovon 144,7 Mrd. EUR auf die EFSF und 19,1 Mrd. EUR auf den IWF entfallen

 (141)

Am 13. Dezember 2012 hat die Eurogruppe der EFSF grünes Licht für die nächste Tranche über 49,1 Mrd. EUR gegeben, die in mehreren Teilbeträgen ausgezahlt werden soll. Nachdem im Dezember 2012 bereits 34,3 Mrd. EUR ausgezahlt wurden, wird der Restbetrag im ersten Quartal 2013 zur Auszahlung gelangen. Ein weiterer Betrag zur Deckung der Kosten für die Rekapitalisierung und Abwicklung von Banken wird im Januar 2013 ausgezahlt. Die Mittel zur Finanzierung von Haushaltsausgaben werden in drei Teilbeträgen ausgezahlt, die jeweils an die Umsetzung der im MoU festgelegten wichtigsten Maßnahmen geknüpft sind (142).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008524/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: The EUR 20 billion shortfall in the Greek Treasury

According to the latest analyses, a shortfall of approximately EUR 20 billion is in the Greek Treasury; this is twice the amount recently announced.

1. How does the Commission explain its failure to notice this situation during the relevant checks?

2. How does the Commission justify its failure to identify such ‘shortfalls’ to the rest of Europe?

3. How does the Commission justify the probable need to quadruple the resulting rescue package (particularly in view of the real possibility of liability)?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 2013)

1 and 2. The general government deficit is projected to meet the revised annual target in 2012 (143). However, due to the deeper recession the fiscal gap has widened compared to what was expected last March. The government has taken necessary consolidation measures to reach the agreed fiscal targets as enshrined in the Medium Term Fiscal Strategy. It has also agreed to safeguard the achievement of fiscal and privatisation targets by means of correction mechanisms and to strengthen budgeting and monitoring rules. It has significantly reinforced the segregated account for debt servicing. Greece will transfer all privatisations revenues, the targeted primary surpluses and 30 % of the excess primary surplus to this account, to meet debt service payment on a quarterly forward-looking basis. Greece will also increase transparency and provide full ex ante and ex post information to the EFSF/ESM on transactions on the segregated account (144).

3.	The official assistance disbursements for the years 2012-14 amounts to EUR 163.8 billion, with the EFSF contributing EUR 144.7 billion and the IMF EUR 19.1 billion

3.	The official assistance disbursements for the years 2012-14 amounts to EUR 163.8 billion, with the EFSF contributing EUR 144.7 billion and the IMF EUR 19.1 billion

 (145)

On 13 December 2012, the Eurogroup has authorised the EFSF to release the next instalment of EUR 49.1 billion to be disbursed in several tranches. Following a disbursement of EUR 34.3 billion in December 2012, the remaining amount will be disbursed in the first quarter of 2013. A further amount to cover bank recapitalisation and resolution costs will be paid out in January 2013. Funds to cover budgetary financing will be disbursed in three sub-tranches linked to the implementation of milestones included in the MoU (146).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008526/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Avvertimenti terroristici e rapimenti in Egitto

Il 25 settembre 2012, l'ESISC (Centro stratetico europeo di intelligence e di sicurezza) ha riferito che i media egiziani hanno motivo di credere che i terroristi stiano pianificando nuovi attacchi contro obiettivi strategici nelle città di tutto il paese. È stata rafforzata la presenza di forze militari e di sicurezza negli edifici della pubblica amministrazione. La nuova minaccia è emersa dopo la sentenza di morte pronunciata a carico di quattordici membri del gruppo Movimento per l'unità e la jihad, che è stato implicato in una serie di attacchi contro soldati egiziani nel Sinai.

L'ESISC riferisce anche che tre tecnici italiani sono stati rapiti a Al-Arish nel Sinai meridionale. Sono poi stati rilasciati, ma si ritiene che i loro rapitori siano beduini. I tecnici lavoravano per la Società (PETROBEL) Belayim Petroleum. Il giornale Youm Assabia che ha riferito questa storia, asserisce che i beduini di solito effettuano sequestri per chiedere posti di lavoro nelle aziende che hanno sede nella zona.

1. La Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante è a conoscenza delle notizie di cui sopra?

2. La Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante è disposta a discutere con il presidente Mohammed Morsi, la questione della sicurezza degli europei che lavorano in aziende internazionali che operano nella penisola del Sinai?

3. Qual è la valutazione dei funzionari dell'Unione europea che prestano servizio in Egitto, quanto alla minaccia di possibili attacchi terroristici in tutto il paese?

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

(4 dicembre 2012)

Le questioni connesse alla lotta contro il terrorismo vengono regolarmente sollevate nell'ambito del nostro dialogo politico con l'Egitto. L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente ritiene che occorra considerare seriamente il rischio di attacchi terroristici in Egitto. In tale contesto la HR/VP confida che le autorità egiziane adotteranno tutte le misure necessarie per affrontare le minacce terroristiche e garantire la sicurezza dei cittadini europei sul territorio del paese. Dopo l'elezione del Presidente Morsi la nuova dirigenza egiziana sembra aver valutato più accuratamente i problemi di sicurezza e ha preso varie iniziative, tra cui una strategia integrata di sicurezza e controllo, per affrontare le cause che stanno alla radice delle inquietudini nella regione del Sinai. In seguito all’attacco, avvenuto il 5 agosto 2012, contro un posto di frontiera egiziano il Presidente Morsi ha effettuato un rimpasto della gerarchia militare e ha posto termine all’amministrazione militare che era in vigore nella zona dopo la deposizione del presidente Mubarak. In questo momento occorre tuttavia procedere ad una riforma totale del settore della sicurezza, rispettando gli impegni assunti dall’Egitto in tema di diritti umani. La controparte egiziana ha finora declinato la nostra proposta di sostegno alla riforma del settore della sicurezza. Continuiamo ciononostante ad avvalerci di tutti i nostri contatti, formali ed informali, a Bruxelles ed al Cairo per ribadire le nostre preoccupazioni relative alla sicurezza e la nostra intenzione di aiutare l'Egitto in questo campo. La HR/VP considera inoltre con la massima attenzione la sicurezza dei funzionari dell'UE che operano in Egitto e ha raccomandato alle delegazioni della zona di prendere una serie di misure di sicurezza in seguito ai recenti attentati contro l'ambasciata statunitense del Cairo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008526/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Terrorist warnings and kidnappings in Egypt

On 25 September 2012 the European Strategic Intelligence and Security Centre (ESISC) reported that Egyptian media have reason to believe that terrorists are planning new attacks against strategic targets in cities around the country. The presence of military and security forces has been reinforced in public administration buildings. The new threat emerged after a death sentence was pronounced on 14 members of the group Movement for Unity and Jihad, which has been implicated in a number of attacks on Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai.

The ESISC also reports that three Italian engineers were kidnapped in Al-Arish in south Sinai. They were later released, but their captors are believed to be Bedouins. The employees were from the Belayim Petroleum Company (PETROBEL). The Youm Al-Sabea newspaper, which reported this story, states that Bedouins habitually carry out kidnappings in order to demand jobs in companies located in the area.

1. Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the reports listed above?

2. Is the Vice-President/High Representative prepared to discuss with President Mohammed Morsi the issue of safety for Europeans working in international firms operating in the Sinai peninsula?

3 What is the assessment of EU officials based in Egypt regarding the threat of possible terrorist attacks across the country?

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

(4 December 2012)

In the framework of our political dialogue with Egypt, the questions related to the fight against terrorism are regularly raised. The HR/VP considers that the risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt has to be taken very seriously. In this context, the HR/VP is confident that Egyptian authorities will take the appropriate actions to deal with the terrorist threats and to ensure the security of the European citizens in the country. Since the election of President Morsi, the new Egyptian leadership seems to have better assessed the security challenges and several initiatives have been taken, — including an integrated security and governance approach to tackling the underlying causes of unrest with respect to the Sinai region. Following the attack of an Egypt border post in North Sinai on 5 August 2012, President Morsi launched a reshuffle of the military hierarchy and ended the military tutorship which was in place since the ouster of Mubarak. However what is needed now is the implementation of a thorough security sector reform respectful of Egypt's human rights commitments. The Egyptian side has so far declined our offer to support the reform of their security sector. Nevertheless, we continue to use all our formal and informal contacts in Brussels and in Cairo to reiterate our security concerns and our wish to help them in this regard. Besides the HR/VP treats the security of EU officials working in Egypt with the utmost attention and has recommended a range of security measures to the delegations in the region after the recent attacks against the US embassy in Cairo.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008527/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Vini falsi in polvere, che imitano i vini italiani DOC, in vendita nel Regno Unito

Nel Regno Unito sono in vendita dei vini in polvere «fai da te» con nomi e confezioni che riprendono da vicino quelli di alcuni tra i più famosi vini DOC italiani, come Chianti, Valpolicella, Barolo e Montepulciano. Questi prodotti vengono realizzati in Svezia e in Canada e promettono, partendo da polverine, agenti chimici, mosto e perfino trucioli di quercia, di ottenere in solo tre settimane una bevanda definita «vino italiano». Si tratta chiaramente di falsi, che imitano le eccellenze della produzione vinicola nostrana arrecando gravissimi danni economici ai veri produttori dei vini a denominazione d'origine protetta.

Non solo, ma anche gli stessi consumatori sono vittime di questa operazione, infatti subiscono una frode commerciale e sono esposti alle possibili conseguenze negative sulla loro salute dei componenti dei kit del «vino fai da te», che non sono indicati né identificati con esaustività nelle etichette. Ancora più grave é il fatto che in questa circostanza il fenomeno dell'Italian sounding («suona italiano») si verifica in uno degli Stati membri dell'UE, il Regno Unito.

1. È la Commissione a conoscenza dei fatti sopra esposti?

2. Come intende la Commissione tutelare i consumatori e i produttori (di vini naturali) dai danni arrecati da questi prodotti?

3. Quali misure ha intenzione di porre in atto la Commissione per bloccare la circolazione di questi falsi nel mercato interno e più specificatamente nel Regno Unito?

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008595/12

alla Commissione

Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Vino in polvere venduto in Inghilterra

La tutela delle produzioni di qualità è una delle prerogative della Commissione europea. I direttori dei Consorzi della Valpolicella, Chianti, Barolo e Montepulciano hanno denunciato come in Inghilterra sia commercializzato un vino in polvere venduto come «pregiato» rosso italiano.

Il consumatore con circa 33 sterline (42 euro) può comprare un box di cartone da cui, si legge nella nota informativa, può ottenere 30 bottiglie di vino doc. Basta aggiungere dell'acqua al presunto mosto contenuto nella busta . La confezione è pubblicizzata con la scritta ingannevole in italiano «Cantina».

La vendita di questo vino in busta, oltre a rappresentare un chiaro tentativo di contraffazione, lascia aperti numerosi interrogativi sul fronte della sicurezza.

Considerando che, secondo la Coldiretti, il danno per le produzioni tipiche italiane causato da tentativi di contraffazione come questo è di almeno 50 miliardi di euro l'anno, chiediamo:

È a conoscenza la Commissione della produzione di questo prodotto?

Come intende intervenire per impedirne la commercializzazione?

Quali tipologie di interventi la Commissione intende attuare per difendere la filiera agricola e industriale di questo importante settore italiano?

Risposta congiunta di Dacian Cioloş a nome della Commissione

(6 novembre 2012)

La Commissione è stata informata delle pratiche commerciali a cui si fa riferimento nell’interrogazione e, durante l’ultima riunione del Comitato di gestione dell’OCM unica, ha provveduto a informare le delegazioni degli Stati membri che tali pratiche violano le norme in materia di etichettatura nel settore vitivinicolo stabilite dalla legislazione europea.

La Commissione ha precisato che i prodotti in questione non possono essere commercializzati utilizzando una denominazione di origine protetta (DOP) o un’indicazione geografica protetta (IGP), nemmeno attraverso una semplice evocazione del nome.

Gli Stati membri devono adottare tutti i provvedimenti necessari a prevenire l’uso illecito del nome di una DOP o di un’IGP ritirando dal mercato tali prodotti. In particolare, sono state contattate le autorità italiane e britanniche al fine di vietarne la commercializzazione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008527/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Fake powdered wines that imitate Italian DOC wines on sale in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom ‘DIY’ powdered wines are on sale with names and packaging that closely mimic those of some of the most famous Italian registered designation of origin (DOC) wines, such as Chianti, Valpolicella, Barolo and Montepulciano. These products are made in Sweden and Canada and, based on a mixture of powders, chemical agents, must and even oak chips, promise to create a drink defined as ‘Italian wine’ in just three weeks. Clearly these are fakes which imitate the excellence of our wine production and thus cause enormous economic damage to genuine makers of wines with a protected designation of origin.

That is not all. Consumers themselves are also victims of this operation, and suffer commercial fraud and are exposed to the potential negative health effects of the components of ‘DIY wine’ kits, which are not stated or identified in sufficient detail on the labels. Even more serious is the fact that these Italian‐sounding products are turning up in one of the EU’s Member States, the United Kingdom.

1. Is the Commission aware of the above facts?

2. What will the Commission do to protect consumers and producers (of natural wines) from the damage caused by these products?

3. What measures will the Commission implement to block the circulation of these fakes on the internal market and, more specifically, in the United Kingdom?

Question for written answer E-008595/12

to the Commission

Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Wine sold in powdered form in the United Kingdom

Safeguarding quality products in one of the Commission’s prerogatives. Leaders of cooperatives in Valpolicella, Chianti, Barolo and Montepulciano have reported that powdered wine is being sold in the United Kingdom as ‘fine’ Italian red wine.

Consumers with around GBP 33 (EUR 42) can buy a cardboard box from which, according to the information contained therein, 30 bottles of ‘DOC’ wine can be made. All that has to be done is to add water to the alleged must in the packet. The packaging is advertised with the misleading Italian word ‘Cantina’.

Besides being a clear attempt at counterfeiting, the sale of this wine in a packet leaves many questions to be answered in regard to safety.

The Italian farmers organisation Coldiretti puts the cost in damages to typical Italian products of counterfeit goods like this at EUR 50 billion per year at least.

1. Is the Commission aware that this product exists?

2. How does it plan to prevent its marketing?

3. What kinds of action will the Commission take to protect the agricultural and industrial branch of this important sector in Italy?

Joint answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

The Commission was informed of the commercial practices referred to in the question and informed the delegations of the Member States, during the last meeting of the management committee of the single CMO, that these practices were in infringement with the rules of labelling laid down in the wine sector by the European legislation.

The Commission specified that the products concerned cannot be marketed by using a protected designation of origin (PDO) or a protected geographical indication (PGI), even by simple evocation of that name.

Member States must take the necessary measures to prevent the illicit use of the name of a PDO or a PGI by withdrawing from the market these products. Contacts were in particular established with the Italian and United Kingdom's authorities in order to prohibit the marketing of the products concerned.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008528/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(26 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Transferências de verbas do FEDER para o FSE

Considerando que:

—	O Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN) constitui o enquadramento para a aplicação da política comunitária de coesão económica e social em Portugal no período 2007/2013;

—

Segundo informação da Direção-Geral do Orçamento da Comissão Europeia (DG Budget), a de 1 agosto de 2012 os pagamentos intermédios registaram um aumento significativo dos pagamentos executados pela Comissão Europeia a Portugal, face a 1 de julho, recebendo o país mais 807 milhões de euros no último mês, montante apenas superado pela Polónia (+ 2 414 milhões de euros);

—	Em termos relativos, no grupo dos nove Estados‐Membros que têm a maior dotação global, Portugal ocupa igualmente o primeiro lugar na dotação do FSE executada, 55,6 %, muito acima da média europeia de 35,8 %;

—	Portugal subiu ainda uma posição nos fundos do FEDER e FC, registando uma execução de 36,9 %, situando-se assim na quarta posição a nível global;

—	O Governo de Portugal está a proceder à renegociação do QREN, tendo enviado para a Comissão Europeia a sua proposta final, que está a ser objeto de avaliação;

—

Segundo informação disponibilizada pelo Comissário Europeu da Política Regional, Johannes Hahn, «trata-se de propostas para uma série de transferências entre programas financiados pelo FEDER, com 70 milhões de euros transferidos de três programas regionais para o programa de competitividade nacional e uma transferência de 10 milhões de euros do FEDER para o FSE, em prol da Madeira»;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Os 10 milhões de euros transferidos do FEDER para o FSE, em prol da Madeira, representam um aumento da dotação financeira para a região, ou apenas uma transferência de verbas entre fundos comunitários, em benefício daquela região portuguesa?

Quais os motivos afetos à transferência de 10 milhões de euros do FEDER para o FSE em prol da Madeira?

Em que áreas deverá a Madeira investir o aumento da dotação financeira do FSE?

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(21 de novembro de 2012)

As autoridades portuguesas propuseram, em julho de 2012, uma mudança no atual Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional através da transferência de 10 milhões de euros do programa do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) para a Madeira («Intervir+») para o programa do Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) «Rumos».

Esta proposta é uma transferência entre o FEDER e o FSE durante o período vigente. Por conseguinte, a dotação da região permanece inalterada.

O pedido para uma alteração da decisão diz respeito ao reforço do financiamento de prioridade II (Emprego e Coesão Social) do programa RUMOS no sentido de intensificar o apoio a políticas ativas do mercado do trabalho. As autoridades portuguesas justificam o seu pedido com a necessidade de reforçar as medidas dedicadas à implementação de medidas ativas e preventivas no âmbito do emprego, assim como para integrar e facilitar a reintrodução no emprego de pessoas desfavorecidas. O combate à discriminação no mercado de trabalho, assim como a promoção da aceitação da diversidade no local de trabalho constituem outros domínios do financiamento.

O pedido está em conformidade com a consecução dos objetivos da Estratégia Europa 2020 no âmbito do emprego, da inclusão social e da redução da pobreza. Foi dada particular atenção ao aumento dos fundos para medidas que abranjam o desemprego dos jovens.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008528/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Fund transfers from the ERDF to the ESF

Given that:

—	The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) is the framework for implementing EU economic and social cohesion policy in Portugal in the period 2007‐2013;

—

Data from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Budget shows that there was a significant increase in interim payments made by the European Commission to Portugal on 1 August 2012 compared with 1 July 2012, with the country receiving an extra EUR 807 million last month, a sum exceeded only by the extra EUR 2.414 billion for Poland;

—	In relative terms, of the nine Member States with the highest overall allocation, Portugal’s 55.6 % also ranks number one in spent ESF allocation, far above the European average of 35.8 %;

—	Portugal also went up in relation to ERDF and CF funding, recording an execution of 36.9 %, putting it in fourth place in overall terms;

—	The Portuguese Government is renegotiating the NSRF and has sent the Commission its final proposal, which is being evaluated;

—

According to information from the Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn, ‘these include proposals for a series of transfers across ERDF funded programmes with EUR 70 million transferred from 3 regional programmes to the national Competitiveness programme, and a transfer of EUR 10 million from ERDF to ESF for Madeira’;

Can the Commission state:

Is the EUR 10 million transferred from the ERDF to the ESF for Madeira an increased financial allocation for the region, or merely a transfer of sums between EU funds to the benefit of that Portuguese region?

What are the reasons for transferring EUR 10 million from the ERDF to the ESF for Madeira?

In what areas should Madeira invest the increased allocation of ESF funds?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Portuguese authorities proposed in July 2012 to modify the current National Strategic Reference Framework by transferring EUR 10 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme for Madeira (‘Intervir+’) to the European Social Fund (ESF) programme ‘Rumos’.

This proposal is a transfer between ERDF and ESF during the current period. Therefore, the allocation for the region remains unchanged.

The request for an amendment of the decision concerns the reinforcement of financing of priority II (Employment and Social Cohesion) of the RUMOS programme in order to strengthen the support to active labour market policies. The Portuguese authorities justify their request with the need to reinforce measures dedicated to implementing active and preventive measures in the field of employment as well as to integrating and facilitating the re-entry into employment for disadvantaged people. Combatting discrimination in the labour market as well as promoting acceptance of diversity in the workplace are additional areas for funding.

The request is in line with the attainment of Europe 2020 targets in the fields of employment and social inclusion/poverty reduction. Particular attention was given to increasing the funding for measures addressing youth unemployment.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008529/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(26 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Transferências de verbas dos programas regionais para os programas nacionais

Considerando que:

—	O Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN) constitui o enquadramento para a aplicação da política comunitária de coesão económica e social em Portugal no período 2007/2013;

—

Segundo informação da Direção-Geral do Orçamento da Comissão Europeia (DG Budget), a de 1 agosto de 2012 os pagamentos intermédios registaram um aumento significativo dos pagamentos executados pela Comissão Europeia a Portugal, face a 1 de julho, recebendo o país mais 807 milhões de euros no último mês, montante apenas superado pela Polónia (+ 2 414 milhões de euros);

—	Em termos relativos, no grupo dos nove Estados‐Membros que têm a maior dotação global, Portugal ocupa igualmente o primeiro lugar na dotação do FSE executada, 55,6 %, muito acima da média europeia de 35,8 %;

—	Portugal subiu ainda uma posição nos fundos do FEDER e FC, registando uma execução de 36,9 %, situando-se assim na quarta posição a nível global;

—	O Governo de Portugal está a proceder à renegociação do QREN, tendo enviado para a Comissão Europeia a sua proposta final, que está a ser objeto de avaliação;

—

Segundo informação disponibilizada pelo Comissário Europeu da Política Regional, Johannes Hahn, «trata-se de propostas para uma série de transferências entre programas financiados pelo FEDER, com 70 milhões de euros transferidos de três programas regionais para o programa de competitividade nacional e uma transferência de 10 milhões de euros do FEDER para o FSE, em prol da Madeira»;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Quais são os 3 programas regionais que perdem dinheiro para o programa de competitividade nacional?

Quais os investimentos que deverão ser realizados a nível nacional com o aumento da dotação financeira?

Existe a obrigatoriedade de a verba de 70 milhões de euros ser novamente investida nas regiões prejudicadas?

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(20 de novembro de 2012)

Como parte de uma recente proposta de reprogramação apresentada pelas autoridades portuguesas à Comissão, foi solicitada uma transferência de 70 milhões de euros a partir de três programas regionais para o programa Compete. Os programas regionais são Norte, Centro e Alentejo, que abrangem as regiões de convergência. A Comissão prevê que as modificações da reprogramação sejam adotadas até ao final de novembro.

As regras regulamentares existentes mandam que esse financiamento, mesmo se transferido para um programa nacional, seja gasto na mesma categoria de regiões, ou seja, as regiões de convergência no presente caso. Neste caso específico, tal é obrigatório, visto que o programa Compete só se aplica às três regiões em questão.

Além disso, a reprogramação proposta para o programa Compete prevê um financiamento complementar do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional para duas das suas prioridades: conhecimento e desenvolvimento tecnológico, e financiamento e partilha de risco da inovação.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008529/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Fund transfers from regional programmes to national programmes

Given that:

—	The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) is the framework for implementing EU economic and social cohesion policy in Portugal in the period 2007‐13;

—

Data from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Budget shows that there was a significant increase in interim payments made by the European Commission to Portugal on 1 August 2012 compared with 1 July 2012, with the country receiving an extra EUR 807 million last month, a sum exceeded only by the extra EUR 2.414 billion for Poland;

—	In relative terms, of the nine Member States with the highest overall allocation, Portugal’s 55.6 % also ranks number one in spent ESF allocation, far above the European average of 35.8 %;

—	Portugal also went up in relation to ERDF and CF funding, recording an execution of 36.9 %, putting it in fourth place in overall terms;

—	The Portuguese Government is renegotiating the NSRF and has sent the Commission its final proposal, which is being evaluated;

—

According to information from the Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn, ‘these include proposals for a series of transfers across ERDF funded programmes with EUR 70 million transferred from 3 regional programmes to the national Competitiveness programme, and a transfer of EUR 10 million from ERDF to ESF for Madeira’;

Can the Commission state:

Which three regional programmes are losing money to the national competitiveness programme?

What national level investments should be made with the increased financial allocation?

Is it obligatory that the sum of EUR 70 million be reinvested in the harmed regions?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

As part of a recent re-programming proposal submitted by the Portuguese authorities to the Commission, a transfer of EUR 70 million from three regional programmes to the COMPETE programme was requested. The regional programmes are Norte, Centro and Alentejo, covering convergence regions. The Commission foresees to have the re-programming modifications adopted by the end of November.

Existing regulatory rules mandate that such funding, even if transferred to a national programme, is spent on the same category of regions, i.e. convergence regions in this case. This is further guaranteed in this specific case, given that the COMPETE programme only applies to the three regions in question.

Moreover, the re-programming proposal for COMPETE programme foresees additional European Regional Development Fund funding for two of its priorities: Knowledge and Technological Development and Financing and Risk sharing for Innovation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008530/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Milk quotas

Farmers have recently been drawing attention to reports that top-up payments will be paid to existing quota holders once the quotas end in 2015.

Can the Commission provide clarification on this information and on what the situation will be for existing quota holders in 2015?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2012)

The Commission cannot confirm the information referred to in the question.

The Commission proposal in the light of the CAP reform on direct payments (147), in its Article 38, provides for the possibility for the Member States to use up to a maximum percentage of their annual national ceiling for direct payments to finance, under certain conditions, coupled support to farmers in various sectors and productions, including milk and milk products.

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-008531/12

до Комисията

Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova (ALDE)

(26 септември 2012 г.)

Относно: Грамотността в Европа

Наскоро експертна група на високо равнище по въпросите на грамотността издаде доклад, в който се очертава криза на грамотността в Европа. Въпреки че проблемът е в прерогативите на държавите членки, смята ли Комисията, че тя би могла да допринесе за решаването му с предложения за промени в програмите на ЕС в областта на образованието, с които да се стимулира кандидатстването с проекти за повишаване на грамотността?

Докога продължава кампанията „Европа обича да чете“ и могат ли да бъдат отчетени положителни резултати от нея по отношение на грамотността?

Отговор, даден от г-н Василиу от името на Комисията

(31 октомври 2012 г.)

Много партньорства и проекти в рамките на включените към текущата „Програма за учене през целия живот“ програми „Коменски“ (училищно образование) и „Грюндвиг“ (образование за възрастни) са съсредоточени върху грамотността.

През септември 2012 г. Комисията откри нов раздел на уебстраницата „Europa“, посветен на въпросите, свързани с грамотността, за да подчертае дейностите на равнището на ЕС и да направи преглед на съответните действия в рамките на държавите членки. В раздел „Грамотността и ЕС“ може да бъде открита информация за някои проекти, свързани с грамотността, които са спонсорирани по линия на „Програмата за учене през целия живот“.

Освен това Комисията предстои да преобразува текущата дейност на „семинарите“ по програма „Грундвиг“ от 2013 г. в дейност, която е изключително посветена на подготовката на преподаватели, занимаващи се с обучение на възрастни, с цел по-ефективно преподаване на уменията по грамотност на възрастните в неравностойно социално положение и съдействие за обмен на добрите практики в преподаването. Също така националните координатори, отговарящи за ученето на възрастните, могат да получат безвъзмездни средства по линия на „Програмата за учене през целия живот“ с цел насърчаване на обучението на нискоквалифицираните хора в зряла възраст и по-специално при основните умения, включително грамотността.

„Европа обича да чете“ е кампания на комисаря по въпросите на образованието, културата, многоезичието и младежта, която цели да насочи вниманието към удоволствието от четенето сред учащите посредством посещения на четения в различни държави членки. Кампанията ще продължи през срока на мандата на комисаря. Както комисарят съобщи при представянето на доклада на експертната група на високо равнище на ЕС по въпросите на грамотността на 6 септември 2012 г., Комисията планира да проведе „Европейска седмица на четенето“ чрез мрежа от национални организации по грамотността, като в тази връзка през 2013 г. ще бъде публикувана поканата за представяне на предложения.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008531/12

to the Commission

Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Literacy in Europe

Recently, a high-level group of literacy experts published a report outlining a European literacy crisis. Although the issue falls within the Member States’ prerogatives, could the Commission propose changes in EU education programmes to encourage projects improving literacy?

When does the campaign ‘Europe loves reading’ end, and has it been beneficial in terms of literacy?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

Within the EU's current Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), many partnerships and projects under the Comenius (school education) and Grundtvig (adult education) sub-programmes have a focus on literacy.

In September 2012 the Commission launched a new section of the Europa website dedicated to literacy issues, to highlight activity at the EU level and to give an overview of relevant actions within the Member States. A selection of literacy projects funded under the LLP can be found in the section ‘Literacy and the EU’ (148).

In addition, the Commission will transform the current ‘workshops’ action of the Grundtvig programme from 2013 into an activity which is exclusively dedicated to preparing adult educators to teach literacy skills more effectively to disadvantaged adults and to help them share good practice. Furthermore, the national coordinators for adult learning can receive LLP grants to promote learning among low-skilled adults, particularly basic skills including literacy.

‘Europe Loves Reading’ is a campaign of the Commissioner in charge for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth to raise awareness of the pleasure of reading among learners by taking part in reading sessions in different Member States. The campaign will continue for the duration of her mandate. As the Commissioner announced at the launch of the report of the High Level Group of Experts on Literacy on 6 September 2012, the Commission plans to launch a European reading week through a network of national literacy organisations, for which a call for proposals will be published in 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008532/12

to the Commission

Alyn Smith (Verts/ALE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Roadworthiness package and historic vehicles

The Commission’s proposal for a regulation concerning the state of repair of motor vehicles, the ‘Roadworthiness Package’, has excited concerns among some citizens, particularly in relation to the impact that it will have on historic vehicles.

1. The proposal states that the regulation will not apply to vehicles of historic interest. As such, could the Commission clarify whether, under this rule, historic cars which have been modified to take modern safety requirements into consideration such as the upgrading of seatbelts, tyres and brakes, will be road-legal and subject to this regulation?

2. Will the Commission provide individual justifications for this and the other exemptions contained in this regulation?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Commission proposed to exempt vehicles of historic interest from the scope of the periodic roadworthiness testing, as such vehicles are usually kept in a way to preserve their heritage and not regularly used on roads.

Vehicles with changes affecting their technical characteristics of its main components such as engine, brakes, steering or suspension will not benefit from this exemption but will be subject to periodic roadworthiness tests as any other old vehicle.

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the other exemptions are related to two main aspects. First vehicles belonging to e.g. armed forces, fire services or civil protection are usually operated by the public sector and already subject to internal and often more stringent requirements than private vehicles. Secondly, slow moving vehicles with a design speed below 40 km/h represent a low risk to road safety and are therefore also exempted.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008533/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: A rischio estinzione digitale 21 lingue europee su 30

Alcuni studi recenti segnalano che ben 21 lingue europee su 30 sono a rischio di «estinzione digitale» poiché il loro supporto digitale esistente è troppo scarso per poterne assicurarne la sopravvivenza sul web. Le lingue più a rischio sono islandese, lettone, lituano e maltese. L'italiano, con il francese, l'olandese, e il tedesco sono in una fascia di rischio intermedio. Nonostante l'inglese abbia il miglior supporto linguistico digitale tra le lingue europee non può ancora essere considerato come una lingua con un «eccellente supporto», ma solo con un «buon supporto» digitale. Secondo questi studi, senza supporti digitali quali correttori ortografici e grammaticali, assistenti interattivi sugli smartphone, sistemi di traduzione automatica su telefoni cellulari e motori di ricerca web, molte lingue europee non saranno in grado di sopravvivere nel mondo digitale di oggi.

La Commissione come intende intervenire per tutelare il ricco patrimonio linguistico e culturale del continente europeo ed evitare la scomparsa di molte lingue europee?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(27 novembre 2012)

Il costante sviluppo delle tecnologie dell'informazione e della comunicazione presenta sfide e opportunità alle lingue meno usate, poiché accelera la globalizzazione dell'economia da un lato e aiuta dall'altro le comunità linguistiche sparpagliate nel mondo a rimanere in contatto.

Il sostegno della Commissione alla diversità linguistica interessa un'ampia gamma di attività che vanno dal brevetto europeo al diritto per le persone oggetto di procedimenti penali a fruire di un servizio di interpretazione e traduzione. Per quanto concerne le tecnologie del linguaggio la Commissione sostiene circa 60 progetti di ricerca e innovazione per il tramite dei programmi FP7-ICT e CIP ICT-PSP (149). Uno dei progetti patrocinati, META-NET, elabora un'agenda di ricerca strategica che formulerà suggerimenti in tema di azioni future per la ricerca e l'innovazione in questo ambito e identificherà i modi migliori per affrontare le barriere esistenti in modo da creare condizioni di maggiore equità per tutte le lingue dell'UE (150). Il progetto «Language technology for lifelong learning» (Tecnologia linguistica per l'apprendimento permanente) (151) intende creare la prossima generazione di servizi educativi per i discenti e i docenti. La proposta della Commissione in merito a un Meccanismo per collegare l'Europa (per il 2014-2020) prevede nella sezione «Telecomunicazioni» un'infrastruttura di servizio digitale che fornirà «un accesso multilingue ai servizi online». L'obiettivo è di sviluppare un'infrastruttura linguistica per consentire a tutti i provider di contenuto online e ai servizi (pubblici e privati) di rendere le loro offerte agevolmente disponibili in tutte le lingue ufficiali dell'UE.

La Commissione reca un importante contributo allo sviluppo dell'elaborazione del linguaggio naturale: la legislazione dell'UE che è pubblicata nelle 23 lingue ufficiali dell'UE è il maggior corpus multilingue parallelo disponibile per i ricercatori e i developer. (152)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008533/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: 21 European languages out of 30 at risk of digital extinction

Some recent studies indicate that fully 21 European languages out of 30 are at risk of ‘digital extinction’ since their existing digital support is too patchy to be able to guarantee their survival on the web. The languages most at risk are Icelandic, Latvian, Lithuanian and Maltese. Italian, French, Dutch and German are in an intermediate risk category. Despite English having the best digital linguistic support among European languages, it still cannot be considered as a language with ‘excellent support’, but only with ‘good digital support’. According to these studies, without digital support such as spelling and grammar checking features, interactive assistants on smartphones, automatic translation systems on mobile phones and web search engines, many European languages will not be able to survive in today’s digital world.

What will the Commission do to protect the rich linguistic and cultural wealth of the European continent and avoid the disappearance of numerous European languages?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

The steady development of information and communication technologies provides both challenges and opportunities for lesser used languages, accelerating the globalisation of the economy on the one hand and helping language communities scattered around the world to remain in contact.

Commission support to linguistic diversity cover a broad range of activities, from the European patent to the right to interpretation and translation of people involved in criminal proceedings. As regards language technologies, the Commission supports about 60 research and innovation projects through the FP7-ICT and the CIP ICT-PSP programmes (153). One of the supported projects, META-NET, is drafting a Strategic Research Agenda which will make suggestions for future research and innovation actions in this field, and will identify the best ways to address existing barriers, bringing all EU languages to a more equal footing (154). The project ‘Language technology for lifelong learning’ (155) is aimed at creating next-generation educational services for learners and tutors. The Commission proposal for the Connecting Europe Facility (for 2014-2020) foresees in its ‘Telecommunications’ part a digital service infrastructure providing ‘Multilingual access to online services’. The purpose is to deploy a language infrastructure to allow all providers of online content and services (public and private) to easily make their offerings available in all official EU languages.

The Commission provides an important input to the development of natural language processing: EU legislation which is published in the 23 official EU languages is the largest parallel multilingual corpus available to researchers and developers. (156)

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008534/12

à la Commission

Véronique De Keyser (S&D)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Groupe européen d'éthique

Le Groupe européen d'éthique a été renouvelé il y a un certain temps.

1. La Commission peut-elle indiquer s'il y a eu un jury de sélection des candidatures reçues et préciser qui faisait partie de ce jury qui a choisi les nominés? Sur la base de quels critères précis le jury a-t-il opéré sa sélection parmi les candidatures déposées? Y-a-t-il eu auparavant un appel à candidatures et, dans l'affirmative, sous quelles formes? Cet appel à candidatures a-t-il été diffusé dans tous les pays de l'Union? Par quels moyens ou quelles voies?

2. Le jury a-t-il veillé au respect du pluralisme des opinions européennes et des divers courants philosophiques?

3. Quelles étaient les qualités professionnelles requises pour pouvoir déposer sa candidature?

Réponse donnée par M. Barroso au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2012)

Les membres du groupe européen d'éthique des sciences et des nouvelles technologies (GEE) ont été sélectionnés en 2010 à l'issue d'un appel ouvert à manifestation d'intérêt qui avait été publié sur le site web du groupe. Les présidents des 27 conseils nationaux d'éthique de l'UE, les représentants des conseils nationaux de bioéthique du Conseil de l'Europe et d'autres parties intéressées avaient été invités par la Commission à diffuser l'information sur l'ouverture de cette procédure.

La sélection des membres du GEE s'est effectuée sur la base de l'expertise acquise par les candidats et dans le plein respect de la Charte européenne des droits fondamentaux, notamment de ses articles 10 et 21.

152 candidatures ont été reçues. Les candidats de la liste ont été choisis sur la base des critères publiés dans l'appel à manifestations d'intérêt, conformes aux conditions requises pour intégrer le GEE; ils devaient notamment disposer: 1) d'une expérience pertinente, internationalement reconnue et de haut niveau et, 2) d'une expérience documentée dans un organisme consultatif en matière de bioéthique.

Depuis 1991, les formes d'expertise suivantes sont représentées dans le GEE: 1) éthique/philosophie/théologie, (2) droit, (3) science.

Le 10 janvier 2011 le Président de la Commission européenne, José Manuel Barroso, a procédé à la nomination des 15 membres du GEE pour la période 2011-2016 (157). La composition pluraliste du GEE se reflète dans la diversité des origines géographiques, du sexe et de l'âge de ses membres, ainsi que dans la variété de leur expertise (158).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008534/12

to the Commission

Véronique De Keyser (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: European Group on Ethics

The European Group on Ethics was renewed some time ago.

1. Can the Commission state whether a selection panel chose the successful applicants, and can it specify who was on the selection panel that chose those appointed? What selection criteria did the panel use when sifting through the applications it received? Was there a call for applications beforehand? If so, what form did this call for applications take? Was this call for applications advertised in all the Member States? How and where was it advertised?

2. Did the selection panel respect the diversity of opinion in Europe and the different philosophical movements?

3. What professional qualities did applicants need in order to be able to apply?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

The selection of European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) members in 2010 was performed through an open call for expression of interest published on the EGE website. The Chairs of the EU 27 National Ethics Councils, the Representatives of the National Bioethics Councils at the Council of Europe and other interested parties were requested by the Commission to disseminate the information about the opening.

The selection of the EGE members was carried out on the basis of applicants' expertise and in full respect of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and its Articles 10 and 21.

152 applications were received. Candidates in the list were selected on the basis of requirements published in the call for expression of interest in accordance with the EGE requirements, namely: 1) Relevant, internationally recognised high-level experience; 2) Documented experience in an Ethics advisory board.

Since 1991, the following forms of expertise have been represented in the Group: 1) Ethics / Philosophy / Theology, (2) Law, (3) Science.

On January 10, 2011 the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, appointed the 15 members of the EGE for 2011-2016 (159). The EGE's pluralistic composition reflects the geographical, expertise, gender and age diversity of EGE Members (160).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse P-008535/12

til Kommissionen

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(26. september 2012)

Om: Offentlige udbud og overensstemmelse med EU's internationale forpligtelser

Kommissionen har med sit forslag KOM(2011)0896 lagt op til en revision af det nuværende direktiv om offentlige indkøb i EU fra 2004 (direktiv 2004/18/EF). I forslaget foreslås der ikke en revision af de fastlagte tærskelværdier.

I forbindelse med Europa-Parlamentets arbejde med revisionen af direktivet om offentlige indkøb er det blevet foreslået, at tærskelværdierne hæves. I denne debat er det flere gange blevet fremhævet, at EU har en række internationale forpligtelser i henhold til tærskelværdigrænserne, særligt WTO‐aftalen om offentlige indkøb.

Senest har Regionsudvalget offentliggjort et udkast til udtalelse om »Lovpakken om offentlige indkøb« (ECOS‐V‐029), hvor det fastslås, at tærskelværdierne i EU‐regi bør hæves, og at Kommissionen i fremtiden bør arbejde for en forhøjelse af tærskelværdierne i WTO‐regi.

Derfor vil jeg gerne spørge Kommissionen om følgende:

Hvornår har Kommissionen sidst revideret reglerne i WTO‐aftalen om offentlige indkøb, og hvordan afspejler denne revision sig i forslaget til revision af det nuværende direktiv om offentlige indkøb i EU fra 2004 (direktiv 2004/18/EF)?

Kan Kommissionen forventes at arbejde for en forhøjelse af tærskelværdierne ved næste genforhandling af WTO‐reglerne for offentlige indkøb?

Hvad er tærskelværdierne for andre af EU's store handelspartnere, herunder på subnationalt niveau?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Michel Barnier

(7. november 2012)

Den seneste revision af WTO-aftalen om offentlige indkøb (GPA) blev vedtaget den 30. marts 2012 i GPA-udvalget og træder i kraft på dagen for parternes ratificering af aftalen. GPA-reglerne blev dog allerede forhandlet og provisorisk fastlåst af forhandlerne i 2006. Således kunne Kommissionen tage højde for disse resultater i sit forslag til modernisering af EU-direktiverne om offentlige indkøb.

En justering af tærskelværdierne i WTO-aftalen ville kræve de øvrige aftaleparters accept, idet EU's markedsadgangsforpligtelser ville blive begrænset som følge heraf. At hæve tærskelværdierne ensidigt ville være et brud på aftalen.

Dette gælder tilsvarende for de forpligtelser vedrørende offentlige indkøb, EU har i medfør af sine mange bilaterale handelsaftaler. De generelle tærskelværdier i WTO-aftalen er i overensstemmelse med tærskelværdierne i EU-direktiverne: For varer og tjenesteydelser, der indkøbes af centrale enheder, er tærskelværdien sat til 130 000 SDR (særlige trækningsrettigheder). For varer og tjenesteydelser, der indkøbes af enheder på lavere niveau, er tærskelværdien 200 000 SDR. For andre enheder/forsyningstjenester ligger tærskelværdien på 400 000 SDR. Tærskelværdien for byggevirksomhed (anlægsarbejde) er sat til 5 000 000 SDR for alle typer enheder. Der er visse undtagelser fra reglen. For eksempel har Japan sat sin tærskelværdi for centrale enheder ned til 100 000 SDR. USA og Canada har fastsat højere tærskelværdier for enheder på lavere niveau (355 000 SDR). Som følge heraf har EU foretaget en tilsvarende justering for begge landes enheder på lavere niveau. Endelig har Japan og Korea højere tærskelværdier for anlægsarbejde (15 000 000 SDR).

Direktivforslaget pålægger Kommissionen en forpligtelse til at undersøge de økonomiske virkninger, som GPA-tærskelværdierne har på det indre marked.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008535/12

to the Commission

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Public tender and compliance with the EU's international obligations

With its proposal COM(2011) 0896, the Commission has proposed a revision of the present EU Public Procurement Directive from 2004 (2004/18/EC). The proposal does not propose a revision of the established thresholds.

In the course of the European Parliament’s work on the revision of the directive it was proposed that the thresholds be raised. During the debate it was stated several times that the EU has a number of international commitments regarding threshold limits, notably in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement on public procurement.

Most recently the Committee of the Regions published a draft opinion entitled ‘Public Procurement Package’ (ECOS-V-029) in which it is set out that EU thresholds should be raised and that the Commission should in the future work to raise thresholds under the WTO.

I would therefore like to ask the Commission:

When did the Commission last review the rules of the WTO agreement on public procurement, and how is this revision manifested in the proposal for revision of the present Directive on Public Procurement in the EU from 2004 (2004/18/EF)?

Can the Commission be expected to work to raise thresholds at the next renegotiations of the WTO rules for public procurement?

What are the thresholds for the EU’s other major trading partners, including at subnational level?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

The last revision of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) was adopted on 30 March 2012 within the GPA Committee and comes into force upon ratification by the Parties. The text on GPA rules however was already negotiated and provisionally frozen by the negotiators in 2006. Thus, the Commission's proposal for the modernisation of the EU procurement directives could take these results into account.

Modification of the thresholds set out in the GPA would require the other GPA Parties' agreement, given that it would reduce the EU's market access commitments. Raising the thresholds unilaterally would be a violation of the GPA.

The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the EU's commitments on public procurement in its numerous bilateral trade agreements.

The general thresholds of the GPA are aligned with the thresholds of the EU directives: for goods and services procured by central entities the threshold is set at 130 000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights). For goods and services procured by sub-central entities the threshold is

200 000 SDR. For other entities/utilities it is 400 000 SDR. The threshold for construction services (works) is set at 5 000 000 SDR for all type of entities. There are some exceptions to the general rule. For example Japan has lowered its thresholds for central entities to 100 000 SDR. The United States and Canada maintain higher thresholds for their sub-central entities (355 000 SDR) Consequently the EU adjusted downwards its schedules for sub-central entities with respect to both countries. Finally, Japan and Korea maintain higher thresholds for works (15 000 000 SDR).

The proposed Directive provides for an obligation of the Commission to review the economic effects of the thresholds on the internal market in relation with the GPA.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008536/12

aan de Commissie

Laurence J. A. J. Stassen (NI)

(26 september 2012)

Betreft: Verbod op blasfemie

Turkije, Egypte en Iran willen dat het lasteren van de islam en de profeet Mohammed op internationaal niveau wordt aangepakt. De leiders van die landen zullen deze week opnieuw bij de Algemene Vergadering van de VN pleiten voor antiblasfemiemaatregelen. De Turkse premier Erdoğan roept alle 57 islamitische landen op om zich „krachtig en eensluidend” uit te spreken. Hij hoopt op „internationale regelgeving tegen aanvallen op wat mensen als heilig beschouwen”.

1.	Is de Commissie bekend met het bericht

1.	Is de Commissie bekend met het bericht

 (161)

2.

Hoe staat de Commissie tegenover een eventueel toekomstig verbod op blasfemie op internationaal niveau, voorgesteld door Turkije, Egypte en Iran? Deelt de Commissie de mening dat een dergelijk verbod verwerpelijk zou zijn omdat het de vrijheid van meningsuiting zou ondermijnen? Zo neen, waarom vindt de Commissie dat de vrijheid van meningsuiting stopt waar blasfemie begint?

3.	Kan de Commissie überhaupt concreet aangeven wat volgens haar de grenzen zijn van de vrijheid van meningsuiting?

4.	Kan de Commissie definiëren wat zij als

„heilig” beschouwd? Kan de Commissie een lijst opstellen van „zaken die heilig zijn”? Is deze lijst dynamisch?

5.	Kan de Commissie garanderen dat op EU-niveau nooit een verbod op blasfemie zal worden ingevoerd? Zo neen, waarom staat de Commissie niet pal voor de vrijheid van meningsuiting?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(21 december 2012)

Vrijheid van meningsuiting is een van de belangrijkste pijlers van democratische samenlevingen. Zij is dan ook vastgelegd in de EU-wetgeving en verankerd in artikel 11, lid 1, van het Handvest van de grondrechten van de Europese Unie.

Zoals werd beklemtoond in de conclusies van de Raad Buitenlandse Zaken van februari 2011, is vrijheid van godsdienst of overtuiging ook in de context van het externe optreden van de EU nauw verweven met vrijheid van mening en meningsuiting. Vrijheid van meningsuiting is nodig om pluralistische, tolerante, ruimdenkende en democratische maatschappijen te creëren. De grenzen van deze vrijheden zijn vastgesteld in de artikelen 19 en 20 van het Internationaal Verdrag inzake burgerrechten en politieke rechten. Krachtens deze artikelen is het propageren van op godsdienst gebaseerde haatgevoelens die aanzetten tot discriminatie, vijandelijkheid of geweld verboden.

De voorbije jaren heeft de EU zich, met name in de VN-Mensenrechtenraad en de Algemene Vergadering van de VN, scherp gekeerd tegen het schermen met het concept „belastering van godsdiensten”, omdat het funest is voor de vrijheid van meningsuiting. In de conclusies van de Raad Buitenlandse Zaken van 2011 werd benadrukt dat „in landen die wetgeving over het belasteren van godsdiensten hebben, die wetgeving vaak gebruikt is om religieuze minderheden slecht te behandelen en de vrijheid van meningsuiting en de vrijheid van godsdienst en overtuiging in te perken”. De EU ziet vrijwaring tegen belastering van godsdiensten niet als een mensenrecht.

In 2011 kwam het tot een doorbraak toen de Organisatie van Islamitische Samenwerking afstand nam van dat concept waardoor resolutie 16/18 in de Mensenrechtenraad bij consensus kon worden aangenomen, evenals latere resoluties van de AVVN.

De Commissie is op de hoogte van de recente roep om een internationaal wetgevingskader voor de bescherming van religie. De EU blijft gekant tegen enige vaststelling van normen op dit gebied. De EU zal zich blijven inzetten voor religieuze tolerantie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008536/12

to the Commission

Laurence J.A.J. Stassen (NI)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Ban on blasphemy

Turkey, Egypt and Iran want international legal regulations against the defamation of Islam and the prophet Muhammad. These countries’ leaders will once more call for blasphemy laws at the UN General Assembly this week. Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan is urging all 57 Muslim countries to ‘speak forcefully with one voice’. He is hoping for ‘international legal regulations against attacks on what people deem sacred’.

1.	Is the Commission familiar with the article

1.	Is the Commission familiar with the article

 (162)

2.

What is the Commission’s position on a possible internationally-enforced ban on blasphemy as proposed by Turkey, Egypt and Iran? Does the Commission agree that such a ban would be reprehensible because it would undermine freedom of expression? If not, why does the Commission believe that freedom of expression stops where blasphemy begins?

3.	Can the Commission specify where, in its view, the border of freedom of expression lies?

4.	Can the Commission define what it considers as

‘sacred’? Can the Commission list ‘things that are sacred’? Is this list dynamic?

5.	Can the Commission guarantee that no ban on blasphemy would ever be introduced in the EU? If not, why is the Commission not fighting tooth and nail for freedom of expression?

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

(21 December 2012)

Under EC law, freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic societies, enshrined in Article 11(1) of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In the context of the EU external actions, as affirmed in February 2011 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, freedom of religion or belief is intrinsically linked to freedom of opinion and expression. Freedom of expression is necessary to create pluralist, tolerant, broad-minded and democratic societies. Its limitations lie within Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

Over the last years, the EU has been fighting the concept of ‘defamation of religions’, so detrimental to freedom of expression, notably in the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly. As recalled in the 2011 FAC Conclusions, ‘in countries that have legislation on defamation of religions, such legislation has often been used to mistreat religious minorities and to limit freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief.’ The EU does not recognise defamation of religions as a human rights concept.

In 2011, a breakthrough was achieved when the Organisation of Islamic Conference, moved away from that concept through the consensual adoption of OIC-led resolution 16/18 in the HRC, and subsequent UNGA resolutions.

The Commission is aware of the recent calls for an international legal framework to protect religion. The EU maintains a firm position against any standard setting in this regard. The EU will stay engaged in fostering religious tolerance.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008539/12

alla Commissione

Claudio Morganti (EFD)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Accesso all'istruzione per le persone con disabilità

Nelle scorse settimane è stata pubblicata una relazione su «Educazione e disabilità/bisogni specifici — politiche e prassi nell'istruzione, nella formazione e nell'occupazione degli studenti con disabilità e bisogni educativi specifici nell'UE», realizzata della Rete indipendente di esperti nelle scienze sociali attinenti ad istruzione e formazione (NESSE) per conto della Commissione europea.

Questo studio traccia un quadro generale a livello europeo in riferimento all'accesso alla formazione delle persone con disabilità, e dai dati emergono differenze significative tra i diversi Stati membri.

L'Italia è di fatto l'unico paese che sia riuscito a superare il modello delle «scuole speciali», frequentate solamente dallo 0,01 % degli oltre 7 milioni di alunni in età di obbligo scolare.

Questo si può considerare un grande risultato in termini di integrazione e inclusione sociale, ma, tuttavia, vi sono ancora notevoli difficoltà per la completa fruizione dell'offerta scolastica da parte delle persone con disabilità.

Un recente rapporto redatto da Cittadinanzattiva su «Sicurezza, qualità e comfort degli edifici scolastici» indica ad esempio come non sia stato ancora risolto il problema delle barriere architettoniche, che ostacolano l'accesso allo stesso edificio scolastico; secondo i dati risulta altresì che in una scuola su tre il bagno non è accessibile, mentre in un edificio su due non esiste l'ascensore e, quando c'è, nel 14 % dei casi non funziona. Barriere architettoniche sono presenti inoltre anche nelle aule, nelle mense, nei laboratori e nelle palestre.

Un'altra preoccupante notizia è stata denunciata dalla Fish (Federazione italiana per il superamento dell'handicap), secondo cui all'avvio di questo nuovo anno scolastico vi sarebbe stata una considerevole contrazione delle ore di sostegno e di assistenza per la comunicazione rispetto a quelle assegnate l'anno scorso, a causa dei pesanti tagli che hanno colpito anche questo settore.

Tali scelte politiche rischiano di compromettere i buoni risultati raggiunti, portare a gravi fenomeni di regressione e condizionare pesantemente il diritto allo studio per i quasi duecentomila studenti italiani con disabilità.

Alla luce quindi anche dei recenti tagli praticati dall'Italia, quali misure e strumenti concreti può mettere in atto la Commissione europea per continuare a favorire l'accesso all'istruzione e alla formazione delle persone con disabilità?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(28 novembre 2012)

Come indicato dall'onorevole parlamentare, secondo la relazione preparata dalla rete NESSE per conto della Commissione l'Italia sta compiendo notevoli progressi per quanto riguarda l'accesso all'istruzione delle persone con disabilità.

La necessità di salvaguardare gli investimenti nell'ambito dell'istruzione a fronte degli attuali vincoli di bilancio e di permettere a tutti gli studenti, compresi quelli con disabilità e con esigenze speciali, di sviluppare pienamente le loro potenzialità è uno dei messaggi fondamentali della Commissione nell'analisi annuale della crescita.

In tale contesto sarebbe opportuno che gli Stati membri sfruttassero appieno i fondi strutturali europei che possono contribuire a sostenere la riforma dell'istruzione. La Commissione sta definendo attualmente priorità d'investimento specifiche per ciascun paese per il periodo 2014-2020, al fine di dare agli Stati membri la possibilità di mobilitare le risorse necessarie a sostenere l'accesso all'istruzione delle persone con disabilità.

Nell'ambito del quadro strategico per l'istruzione e la formazione (ET2020) e della strategia europea sulla disabilità, la Commissione inoltre:

—	facilita lo scambio di conoscenze e di buone pratiche tra gli Stati membri;

—

sostiene la cooperazione transnazionale e le attività in rete che consentono ai cittadini, compresi quelli con disabilità, di sfruttare le proposte di apprendimento e di rafforzare la mobilità in Europa attraverso i programmi Apprendimento permanente e Gioventù in azione. Il programma Erasmus per tutti continuerà tali attività dopo il 2013;

—	sostiene finanziariamente l'Agenzia europea per lo sviluppo dell'istruzione degli alunni disabili.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008539/12

to the Commission

Claudio Morganti (EFD)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Access to education for people with disabilities

A report was published recently on ‘Education and Disability/Special Needs — policies and practices in education, training and employment for students with disabilities and special educational needs in the EU’, prepared by the Network of Experts in Social Sciences of Education and Training (NESSE) on behalf of the European Commission.

This study sets out a general framework at European level in reference to access to training for people with disabilities, and the data throw up significant differences between the various Member States.

Italy is in fact the only country which has managed to move beyond the model of ‘special schools’, attended by just 0.01 % of the over 7 million pupils of compulsory school age.

This can be considered an excellent result in terms of integration and social inclusion, but, nonetheless, people with disabilities still have considerable difficulties in making full use of the education on offer.

A recent report prepared by Cittadinanzattiva on ‘Safety, quality and comfort of school buildings’ states, for example, that the problem of architectural barriers has still not been resolved and that these hinder access to the school building itself; according to the data the bathroom is not accessible in one school in three, while one building in two has no lift and, even where there is one, it does not work in 14 % of cases. There are also architectural barriers in classrooms, canteens, laboratories and gymnasia.

Another worrying piece of news was reported by the Italian Federation for Overcoming Handicaps (FISH), according to which there was apparently a considerable reduction in the number of support and assistance hours dedicated to communication at the start of this new school year compared with those allocated last year. This was due to the major cuts which have also affected this sector.

These policy choices risk compromising the good results achieved, leading to a huge step backwards and significantly affecting the right to study of the almost two hundred thousand Italian pupils with disabilities.

In light also of the recent cuts made by Italy, therefore, what measures and practical instruments can the European Commission implement to continue to encourage access to education and training for people with disabilities?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

As mentioned by the Honourable Member, the report prepared by NESSE at the request of the Commission shows that Italy is making progress in the field of access to education for people with disabilities.

The need to protect investment in education in the face of current budgetary constraints and to enable all learners, including those with disabilities and special needs, to develop their full potential is a key message of the Commission in the Annual Growth Survey.

In this context, Member States should take full advantage of the European Structural Funds, which can help to underpin education reform. The Commission is currently defining country-specific investment priorities for 2014-2020 in order to give Member States the opportunity to mobilise resources to support access to education for people with disabilities.

Additionally, in the context of the Education and Training strategic framework (ET2020) and of the European Disability Strategy, the Commission:

—	facilitates the exchange of knowledge and good practice between Member States;

—

supports transnational cooperation and networking activities that enable citizens ‐including the disabled — to pursue learning opportunities and mobility across Europe through the Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action programmes. The Erasmus for All programme will continue these activities after 2013;

—	supports financially the European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008540/12

til Kommissionen

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(26. september 2012)

Om: Håndhævelse af udstationeringsregler indenfor transportsektoren

Social dumping og dårlige arbejdsvilkår for chauffører i vejtransport er et voksende problem i EU. Der er regler til stede, herunder udstationeringsdirektivet (96/71/EC), som bør sikre respekt for arbejdstagerrettigheder overalt i EU. Et af problemerne er dog, at reglerne ikke håndhæves på tilstrækkelig vis, idet mange chauffører i vejtransport grundet deres grænseoverskridende kørsel mellem lande udfører arbejde, der kan sidestilles med udstationeret arbejde, men som alligevel ikke nyder godt af reglernes forskrivelser, herunder arbejdstid, løn, betalt ferie og sundhedsstandarder.

Kan Kommissionen — uden nødvendigvis at foregribe forhandlinger om håndhævelsesdirektivet til udstationeringsdirektivet — forklare hvordan man i dag under det nuværende udstationeringsdirektiv sikrer efterlevelse af direktivets regler om udstationerede chauffører — herunder forordningens ordlyd om den »midlertidige og ikke vedvarende« karakter af arbejdet?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af László Andor

(19. november 2012)

Medlemsstaterne er ansvarlige for korrekt anvendelse og håndhævelse af direktivet om udstationering af arbejdstagere i transportsektoren. Den vejledende liste over de kvalitative kriterier, som kendetegner de bærende elementer i både den midlertidige karakter af udstationeringsbegrebet og tilstedeværelsen af en reel tilknytning mellem arbejdsgiveren og den medlemsstat, hvorfra udstationering finder sted, er fastsat i artikel 3 i forslaget til et håndhævelsesdirektiv (163). Dette skal gøre det lettere for de kompetente nationale myndigheder at anvende direktivet om udstationering af arbejdstagere og sikre overholdelse af reglerne. Det bør også styrke retssikkerheden for virksomheder og chauffører i vejtransport med hensyn til deres rettigheder.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008540/12

to the Commission

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Workers' posting rules enforced in the transport sector

In the EU, social dumping and poor working conditions for road transport industry drivers are a growing problem. Rules, including the Posting of Workers Directive (96/71/EC), should ensure respect for workers’ rights throughout the EU. However, the rules cannot be adequately enforced because many road transport drivers undertake cross-border journeys which can be equated to posted work, without the benefits provided for in the rules, i.e., hours worked, wages, paid holidays and health standards.

The regulation explicitly refers to the temporary and non-permanent character of the work. Can the Commission — without prejudging negotiations on the Enforcement Directive of the Posting of Workers Directive — guarantee compliance with the current directive’s rules on posting?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Member States are responsible for the correct application and enforcement in practice of the Posting of Workers Directive in the transport sector. The indicative list of the qualitative criteria characterising the constituent elements of both the temporary nature of the notion of posting and the existence of a genuine link between the employer and the Member State from which the posting takes place is set out in Article 3 of the proposal for an enforcement Directive (164). This should make it easier for the competent national authorities to apply the Posting of Workers Directive and guarantee compliance with its rules. It should also enhance legal certainty for companies and road transport drivers with respect to their rights.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-008541/12

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Johannes Cornelis van Baalen (ALDE)

(26 september 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — Defensieorders Griekenland

In het Nederlandse televisieprogramma „Nieuwsuur” d.d. 25/09/2012 werd door verschillende Griekse politici beweerd dat Griekenland onder druk is gezet, zelfs na de financiële problemen in 2010, om onverantwoorde wapenaankopen te doen bij Franse en Duitse bedrijven en derhalve niet te bezuinigen op defensie. Volgens deze politici heeft de trojka de hulpprogramma's aan Griekenland afhankelijk gemaakt van het handhaven van deze defensieprogramma's.

1. Kan de Vicevoorzitter/Hoge Vertegenwoordiger deze kwestie agenderen voor de eerstvolgende Europese Raad van ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken?

2. Kan de Vicevoorzitter/Hoge Vertegenwoordiger het Europees Parlement informeren over de uitkomsten van de Europese Raad van ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken en in het bijzonder over de reactie van de Franse en Duitse ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken op deze beschuldigingen?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(7 november 2012)

Volgens artikel 2, lid 5, van het reglement van orde van de Raad werkt de Raad Buitenlandse Zaken het externe optreden van de Unie uit. De door het geachte Parlementslid gestelde vraag betreft enkel de handelsbetrekkingen (wapenhandel) tussen de lidstaten van de Europese Unie en niet het externe optreden. De kwestie kan daarom niet op de agenda van de Raad Buitenlandse Zaken worden gezet.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008541/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Johannes Cornelis van Baalen (ALDE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Defence equipment ordered by Greece

On the Dutch television programme ‘Nieuwsuur’ on 25 September 2012, various Greek politicians alleged that Greece had been put under pressure, even after the financial problems arose in 2010, to make irresponsible arms purchases from French and German companies, and therefore not to cut defence spending. According to these politicians, the troika made the bail-out programmes for Greece conditional on maintenance of the defence programmes.

1. Can the VP/HR place this matter on the agenda for the next European Council of Foreign Ministers?

2. Can the VP/HR inform the European Parliament about the outcome of the meeting of the European Council of Foreign Ministers and particularly about the responses of France and Germany’s Foreign Ministers to these accusations?

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

(7 November 2012)

According to Council Rules of Procedure Article 2 No 5, the Foreign Affairs Council shall elaborate the Union's external action. The question raised by the Honourable Member concerns exclusively the trade relationships (arms trade) between Member States of the European Union and has no element of external action. It can therefore not be placed on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008543/12

do Komisji

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(26 września 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Wsparcie rodzin białoruskich więźniów politycznych

Obecnie na Białorusi karę odbywa kilkunastu więźniów politycznych, osadzonych w zakładach i koloniach karnych. W skutek represji rodziny więźniów często pozostają bez pracy, w ciężkiej sytuacji socjalnej.

Czy Komisja może podjąć jakieś działania wspierające najbliższe rodzin więźniów politycznych?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Štefana Fülego w imieniu Komisji

(30 listopada 2012 r.)

Unia Europejska jest w pełni świadoma trudnej sytuacji więźniów politycznych na Białorusi, jak również tego, że ich rodziny muszą zmagać się z problemami natury psychologicznej i materialnej. W ostatnich konkluzjach Rady do Spraw Zagranicznych z dnia 15 października 2012 r. zawarto ponowny apel o natychmiastowe uwolnienie i rehabilitację wszystkich pozostałych więźniów politycznych. Ponieważ nie uwolniono wszystkich więźniów politycznych, ani nie zrehabilitowano żadnego z uwolnionych więźniów, a także w związku z brakiem poprawy w zakresie poszanowania praw człowieka, praworządności i zasad demokracji, Rada postanowiła przedłużyć obowiązywanie istniejących środków ograniczających o kolejny rok.

Aby wyrazić solidarność i wsparcie dla rodzin więźniów politycznych, komisarz ds. rozszerzenia i polityki sąsiedztwa spotkał się 7 listopada 2012 r. z Natalią Pińczuk oraz Mariną Statkiewicz, żonami Alesia Bialackiego oraz Mikałaja Statkiewicza.

Unia Europejska w dalszym ciągu nie będzie szczędzić wysiłków zmierzających do niezwłocznego uwolnienia i rehabilitacji wszystkich więźniów politycznych oraz zaspokojenia potrzeb wszystkich ofiar represji.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008543/12

to the Commission

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Support for political prisoners' families in Belarus

Currently, around a dozen political prisoners are serving sentences in penal institutions and colonies in Belarus. As a result of repression, the prisoners’ families often remain unemployed and in a difficult social situation.

Can the Commission take action to support the immediate families of these political prisoners?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The EU is well aware of the grave situation of the political prisoners in Belarus, as well as of the psychological and physical difficulties their families face. The latest Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 15 October 2012 reiterated the call for the immediate release and rehabilitation of all remaining political prisoners. As not all political prisoners have been released and no political prisoner has been rehabilitated, and against the background of the lack of improvement as regards the respect of human rights, rule of law and democratic principles, the Council decided to prolong the existing restrictive measures by another year.

In an expression of solidarity and support with the families of political prisoners, on 7 November 2012, the Commissioner responsible for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy met with Natalia Pinchuk and Marina Statkevich, the wives of Ales Biliatski and Mikalay Statkevich.

The EU will continue to spare no efforts for the immediate release and rehabilitation of all the political prisoners, as well as to seek to address the needs of all victims of repression.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008544/12

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Guido Milana (S&D), David-Maria Sassoli (S&D), Marco Scurria (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Potito Salatto (PPE), Roberto Gualtieri (S&D), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE) e Francesco De Angelis (S&D)

(26 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Roma, zona Monti dell'Ortaccio: possibile apertura di una nuova discarica

Nelle scorse settimane il Commissario prefettizio ha proposto un sito per la realizzazione di un impianto per lo smaltimento dei rifiuti in località Monti dell'Ortaccio nel Comune di Roma. Si tratta di un'area in cui, tra insediamenti presenti e quelli da realizzare con il Piano di edilizia residenziale pubblica, vi saranno circa 20 000 abitanti.

Vale la pena di ricordare che il nuovo sito individuato è situato a soli 700 metri dalla discarica di Malagrotta, la più grande d'Europa, e ricade quindi nello stesso quadrante che da oltre 20 anni convive già con l'attuale discarica. Per di più, nella stessa area della Valle Galeria sono già presenti: la raffineria di Roma, il termovalorizzatore dei rifiuti ospedalieri, la centrale di gassificazione del CDR, i depositi di carburante e gas e l'impianto per la produzione di conglomerati bituminosi.

Recenti studi dell'ISPRA e dell'ARPA Lazio hanno evidenziato «una contaminazione diffusa delle acque sotterranee, esterne e interne al sito di Monti dell'Ortaccio, da parte di metalli e inquinanti», per cui la zona viene classificata come area a rischio di incidente rilevante.

Anche uno studio recente del Dipartimento di epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario della Regione Lazio ha sottolineato che nella popolazione insediata a ridosso degli impianti le patologie del tumore all'apparato respiratorio e cardiovascolare sono in eccesso.

Infine, il progetto della nuova discarica a Monti dell'Ortaccio prevede il trattamento di diverse tipologie di rifiuto: rifiuti prodotti dal trattamento di impianti (codice CER 19) e rifiuti urbani (codice CER 20), nonostante vi fosse l'impegno delle Autorità italiane ad interrare solo rifiuti trattati. Per questi motivi, tutti i comitati di quartiere hanno espresso forti preoccupazioni poiché la zona è densamente popolata e sussistono sul territorio falde acquifere e vincoli paesaggistici, mentre gli stessi Enti Locali si sono espressi in modo contrario all'ipotesi di realizzare un impianto a Monti dell'Ortaccio.

Ciò premesso, può la Commissione far sapere:

se è stata correttamente esperita la procedura di valutazione d'impatto ambientale preventiva e se esistono o meno le condizioni previste dalla direttiva 2011/92/CE;

se sono state effettuate le procedure obbligatorie di pubblicità ed informazione alla cittadinanza (VIA e VAS);

se sono state prese adeguatamente in considerazione da parte delle Autorità italiane le disposizioni contenute nella direttiva 2008/98/CE, nella decisione Ue del Consiglio 2003/33 che stabilisce criteri e procedure per l'ammissione dei rifiuti nelle discariche e, infine, nel regolamento UE 1013/2006 relativo alle spedizioni dei rifiuti;

se è stato previsto un piano di bonifica e riqualificazione dell'intera area di Valle Galeria, come prevede la direttiva 2004/35/CE sulla responsabilità ambientale in materia di prevenzione e riparazione del danno ambientale?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(15 novembre 2012)

In caso di apertura di discariche le autorità nazionali devono conformarsi alle seguenti direttive: direttiva 2011/92/UE (165), direttiva 1999/31/CE (166) e direttiva 2008/98/CE (167). La decisione del Consiglio 2003/33/CE (168) e il regolamento n. 1013/2006/CE (169) non sono direttamente pertinenti.

Per quanto riguarda le nuove discariche previste nel Lazio, la Commissione ha avviato un'indagine al fine di garantire che le autorità italiane applichino correttamente le normative UE, sia che la discarica si trovi in località Monti dell'Ortaccio o in altri siti. In base alle informazioni ad oggi disponibili, non è stato autorizzato nessun progetto concreto per la creazione di una discarica in Lazio. Di conseguenza, non è ancora possibile individuare alcuna violazione della normativa UE sull'ambiente. Tuttavia, qualora dall'indagine in corso risulti che il diritto dell'UE sia stato violato, la Commissione prenderà le misure necessarie.

Inoltre, la Commissione sta monitorando da vicino la situazione dei rifiuti in Lazio nell'ambito del procedimento d'infrazione 2011/4021 volto a garantire che le autorità italiane approntino sufficienti capacità per trattare tutti i rifiuti smaltiti nelle discariche di tale regione.

Per quanto riguarda la direttiva 2004/35/CE (direttiva sulla responsabilità ambientale) (170), la Commissione non dispone di informazioni in merito a un eventuale piano di recupero per la Valle Galeria previsto dalle autorità nazionali competenti. La direttiva sulla responsabilità ambientale si applica solo in caso di danno ambientale, secondo la definizione di quest'ultimo contenuta dalla direttiva stessa. Se le autorità nazionali concludono che il danno è significativo e stabiliscono un nesso di causalità tra l'attività dell'operatore responsabile e il danno, l'operatore deve individuare misure di riparazione e poi presentarle per approvazione alle autorità nazionali competenti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008544/12

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Guido Milana (S&D), David-Maria Sassoli (S&D), Marco Scurria (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Potito Salatto (PPE), Roberto Gualtieri (S&D), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE) and Francesco De Angelis (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Rome, Monti dell'Ortaccio: possible opening of a new landfill site

The Interim Town Administrator has recently proposed a location to house a landfill site in Monti dell’Ortaccio in Rome. It is an area where, between the existing homes and those to be built under the public residential building plan, there will be around 20 000 inhabitants.

It is worth remembering that the new site that has been identified is situated just 700 metres from the Malagrotta waste tip, the biggest in Europe, and therefore falls in the same quadrant which has already been living alongside the current tip for over 20 years. Moreover, the area of Valle Galeria itself already has: the Rome refinery, the hospital waste waste-to-energy plant, the refuse‐derived waste gasification plant, the fuel and gas storage facilities and the bituminous mix production plant.

Recent studies by the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the Lazio Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) have shown ‘widespread contamination of the underground waters, inside and outside the Monti dell’Ortaccio site, by metals and pollutants’, and so the zone is classified as major‐hazard area.

Also one recent study by the Lazio Region Health Service’s Department of Epidemiology pointed out that the number of cases of tumours of the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system in the population located next to the plant is excessive.

Finally, the project for the new landfill site at Monti dell’Ortaccio envisages the treatment of different types of waste: waste from waste treatment facilities (CER 19) and municipal waste (CER 20), despite the undertaking of the Italian authorities to bury only treated waste. For these reasons, all the local committees have expressed great concern since the area is heavily populated and there are water tables and scenic restrictions in the area, while the local authorities have opposed the idea of building a plant at Monti dell’Ortaccio.

In view of this, can the Commission state:

Whether the preventive environmental impact assessment procedure has been properly carried out and whether or not the conditions envisaged by Directive 2011/92/EC exist;

Whether the mandatory procedures for advertising and providing information to citizens have been carried out (environmental impact assessment (VIA) and strategic environmental assessment (VAS));

Whether the Italian authorities have adequately considered the provisions contained in Directive 2008/98/EC, in EU Council Decision No 2003/33 which establishes criteria and procedures for the admission of waste to dumps and, finally, in EU Regulation No 1013/2006 relating to the shipment of waste;

Whether a plan to reclaim and redevelop the entire Valle Galeria area has been envisaged, as provided for by Directive 2004/35/EC on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

When opening landfills, national authorities must comply with the following Directives: Directive 2011/92/EU (171), Directive 1999/31/EC (172) and Directive 2008/98/EC (173). Council Decision 2003/33/EC (174) and Regulation 1013/2006/EC (175) are not directly relevant.

As concerns the new landfills envisaged in Lazio, the Commission launched an investigation aimed at ensuring that, when opening a new landfill, whether in Monti dell'Ortaccio or in other sites, the Italian authorities correctly apply the above EU legislation. On the basis of the information available so far, no concrete project has been finally authorised for the construction of a landfill in Lazio. As a consequence, no breach of EU environmental law can be identified yet. However, should the ongoing investigation reveal that EC law has been breached, the Commission will take the necessary action.

Furthermore, the Commission is closely monitoring the waste situation in Lazio in the framework of infringement procedure 2011/4021, aimed at ensuring that the Italian authorities build enough capacity to treat all the waste disposed of in Lazio landfills.

As regards Directive 2004/35/CE (ELD) (176), the Commission has no information on whether a reclamation plan for the Valle Galeria has been envisaged by the competent national authorities. The ELD applies only in case of environmental damage as defined by the ELD. If the national authorities conclude that the damage is significant and establish a causal link between the activity of the liable operator and the damage, remedial measures must be identified by the operator and approved by the competent national authorities.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008545/12

à la Commission

Agnès Le Brun (PPE)

(26 septembre 2012)

Objet: Prix des céréales

La production céréalière mondiale souffre actuellement des mauvaises conditions climatiques qu'ont connues les zones traditionnelles de production du début à la fin des cycles de culture. La forte sécheresse et la grande chaleur au printemps et en été aux États-Unis ainsi que l'abaissement des perspectives dans la région de la Mer Noire ont des conséquences sur la culture du blé. Selon l'Association européenne des meuniers, les stocks mondiaux disponibles devraient diminuer de 33 Mt. La production européenne de céréales est déjà 2 % en dessous de la moyenne de ces 5 dernières années. Cela devrait conduire à des prix élevés et très volatils.

1. Prenant ces perturbations en compte, la Commission pense-t-elle que l'équilibre entre l'offre et la demande en matière de céréales sera assuré dans les prochaines années?

2. En cas d'inadéquation entre offre et demande, quelles mesures de marché seront mises en place pour garantir l'approvisionnement en matières premières de l'Union?

3. Étant donné l'augmentation de la demande mondiale, la Commission souhaite-t-elle faire primer les applications alimentaires par rapport aux applications non-alimentaires?

4. Selon les meuniers européens, les stocks de l'Union s'élèvent actuellement à 10 Mt, ce qui constitue le plus bas ratio stocks/consommation parmi les pays exportateurs au niveau mondial. La Commission entend-elle mettre en œuvre à l'avenir une stratégie européenne pour les stocks?

5. Comment la Commission compte-t-elle éviter que la grande volatilité des prix des matières premières utilisées dans les produits alimentaires de base ne provoque une augmentation des prix à la consommation?

Réponse donnée par M. Cioloș au nom de la Commission

(12 novembre 2012)

1.

Au niveau européen, malgré la sécheresse qui a sévi dans certains États membres cette année, les prévisions actuelles pour les céréales ne posent pas de graves problèmes d'approvisionnement. Le dernier bilan céréalier de la Commission estime la production totale de céréales pour 2012-2013 à 276 millions de tonnes, un niveau proche de la moyenne quinquennale. De plus, selon les analyses effectuées par la Commission européenne, la production céréalière dans l'Union devrait, sous réserve de certaines conditions, reprendre à moyen terme avec une prévision de récolte supérieure à 305 millions de tonnes d'ici à 2020

1.

Au niveau européen, malgré la sécheresse qui a sévi dans certains États membres cette année, les prévisions actuelles pour les céréales ne posent pas de graves problèmes d'approvisionnement. Le dernier bilan céréalier de la Commission estime la production totale de céréales pour 2012-2013 à 276 millions de tonnes, un niveau proche de la moyenne quinquennale. De plus, selon les analyses effectuées par la Commission européenne, la production céréalière dans l'Union devrait, sous réserve de certaines conditions, reprendre à moyen terme avec une prévision de récolte supérieure à 305 millions de tonnes d'ici à 2020

 (177)

2.

Afin de continuer à garantir un bon approvisionnement en céréales sur le marché de l'Union, la Commission européenne pourrait envisager de prolonger la suspension des droits dans le cadre des contingents tarifaires pour le blé tendre d'une qualité autre que la qualité haute et pour l'orge fourragère pour le reste de la campagne de commercialisation 2012-2013 (du 1

er

 janvier au 30 juin 2013). Pour l'instant, cette suspension est valable jusqu'au 31 décembre 2012.

3.	Comme la Commission européenne l'a déjà indiqué dans le document COM(2010) 672 final

3.	Comme la Commission européenne l'a déjà indiqué dans le document COM(2010) 672 final

 (178)

4.	La Commission européenne n'envisage pas pour le moment de mettre en œuvre une stratégie concernant les stocks européens. La création de stocks aurait de nombreuses répercussions liées à la localisation, aux coûts et à la durée, par exemple.

5.	La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à consulter les réponses données respectivement par M. Niculescu, Mme Dăncilă, M. Meyer et M. Hudghton aux questions écrites E-770/2012 et E-7833/2012; E-1931/2012; E-9532/2011; et E-8202/2012

5.	La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à consulter les réponses données respectivement par M. Niculescu, Mme Dăncilă, M. Meyer et M. Hudghton aux questions écrites E-770/2012 et E-7833/2012; E-1931/2012; E-9532/2011; et E-8202/2012

 (179)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008545/12

to the Commission

Agnès Le Brun (PPE)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Price of cereals

Global cereal production is currently suffering from bad weather conditions that have affected traditional areas of production throughout the entire crop cycles. Severe droughts and extreme heat in the spring and summer months in the United States together with the deteriorating outlook for crops in the Black Sea region have had repercussions for wheat cultivation. According to the European Flour Millers’ association, global stocks are expected to fall by 33 million tonnes. European cereal production is already 2 % lower than the average for the past five years. This should lead to high and very volatile prices.

1.	Taking account of these disturbances, does the Commission believe that the supply of cereals will meet demand over the next few years?

2.	In the event that supply fails to meet demand, what measures will be taken to ensure the supply of raw materials throughout the EU?

3.	Given the increase in global demand, does the Commission wish to prioritise food applications over non-food applications?

4.	According to the European Flour Millers’ association, EU stocks are currently in excess of 10 million tonnes, which is the lowest stock/consumption ratio among exporter countries worldwide. Does the Commission plan to implement a future European stocks strategy?

5.	How does the Commission plan to prevent the high volatility of the prices of raw materials used in basic foodstuffs leading to an increase in consumption prices?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

1.

At European level, despite this year's drought in certain Member States, the current forecast for cereals does not pose serious supply problems. The latest Commission cereals balance sheet puts total cereals production for 2012/13 at 276 million tonnes, a level close to the five-year average. Moreover, according to analysis conducted by the European Commission the EU cereals production is, subject to certain conditions, projected to recover over the medium term with an expectation of a crop exceeding 305 million tonnes by 2020

1.

At European level, despite this year's drought in certain Member States, the current forecast for cereals does not pose serious supply problems. The latest Commission cereals balance sheet puts total cereals production for 2012/13 at 276 million tonnes, a level close to the five-year average. Moreover, according to analysis conducted by the European Commission the EU cereals production is, subject to certain conditions, projected to recover over the medium term with an expectation of a crop exceeding 305 million tonnes by 2020

 (180)

2.

With a view to continue to ensure good supply of cereals on the EU market the European Commission could consider the prolongation of the current suspension of the duties within the tariff rate quotas for soft wheat other than high quality and feed barley for the rest of the marketing year 2012/2013 (1 January to 30 June 2013). For the time being this suspension is valid until 31 December 2012.

3.	As stated already by the European Commission in COM(2010) 672 final

3.	As stated already by the European Commission in COM(2010) 672 final

 (181)

4.	The European Commission does not envisage for the time being a strategy for European stocks. Creation of stocks would have lots of implications relating to e.g. location, costs and duration.

5.	The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its replies to Written Questions E-770/2012 and E-7833/2012 by Mr Niculescu, E-1931/2012 by Ms Dăncilă and E-9532/2011 by Mr Meyer and E-8202/2012 by Mr Hudghton

5.	The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its replies to Written Questions E-770/2012 and E-7833/2012 by Mr Niculescu, E-1931/2012 by Ms Dăncilă and E-9532/2011 by Mr Meyer and E-8202/2012 by Mr Hudghton

 (182)

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008546/12

al Consejo

Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) y Raimon Obiols (S&D)

(26 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Plan de crecimiento aprobado por el Consejo Europeo en junio de 2012

El Consejo Europeo del pasado mes de junio en Bruselas aprobó el llamado Compact for Growth and Jobs, un plan de crecimiento de 120 000 millones de euros (equivalentes al 1 % del PIB europeo) (183).

El plan (184) consiste en: a) una ampliación del capital del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) en 10 000 millones de euros, b) la movilización de fondos estructurales no utilizados por valor de 55 000 millones de euros (ayuda a las PYME y lucha contra el paro juvenil) y c) la activación de la fase piloto de los Project Bonds o bonos-proyecto, por 5 000 millones de euros (inversión productiva en energía, transporte e infraestructuras de banda ancha).

Algunas de las medidas recogidas en el plan, como la ampliación de capital del BEI (185) o la activación de los Project Bonds  (186), ya han sido aprobadas. No obstante, aún quedan por concretar detalles en lo que atañe a su implementación. En este sentido:

¿Cuándo se iniciará la implementación efectiva de estas decisiones?

En lo que respecta a los fondos estructurales y a los bonos de proyecto ¿qué papel se prevé que tengan las regiones europeas en su gestión y aplicación?

¿Qué mecanismos de evaluación se establecerán?

Respuesta

(26 de noviembre de 2012)

El «Pacto por el Crecimiento y el Empleo» (Compact for Growth and Jobs) adoptado por el Consejo Europeo de junio de 2012 incluye medidas destinadas a impulsar la financiación de la economía a través de la movilización de un total de 120 000 millones de euros para medidas de crecimiento de efecto rápido (187).

El procedimiento interno del Banco Europeo de Inversiones para la aprobación del aumento del capital del Banco ya está en marcha, y se prevé que finalice para finales del año 2012. La mayor parte del capital adicional se abonará a finales de marzo de 2013. La aplicación de los préstamos adicionales procedentes del aumento del capital comenzará en 2013.

El Reglamento (UE) n° 670/2012 establece, entre otras cosas, la fase piloto de la Iniciativa Europa 2020 de Obligaciones para la Financiación de Proyectos (188), que entró en vigor el 1 de agosto de 2012. Hace referencia a un acuerdo de cooperación entre el BEI y la Comisión Europea por el que se determinan los términos y condiciones detallados para la aplicación del instrumento de obligaciones para la financiación de proyectos, y que toma en cuenta las disposiciones que figuran en el anexo del Reglamento. El acuerdo debe firmarse antes de que se pongan en marcha las primeras operaciones de la fase piloto de la Iniciativa de Obligaciones para la Financiación de Proyectos. Recientemente concluyeron las negociaciones sobre este acuerdo, y se prevé que su firma tenga lugar durante las próximas semanas.

De conformidad con el artículo 11 del Reglamento general aplicable a los Fondos Estructurales (189), los objetivos de los Fondos se llevarán a cabo en el marco de una asociación entre la Comisión y el Estado miembro de que se trate. En este contexto, los Estados miembros deben organizar una asociación con las autoridades y cuerpos pertinentes, incluidas las autoridades regionales, locales, urbanas y cualquier otro tipo de autoridades públicas. La aplicación práctica es responsabilidad de la Comisión y los Estados miembros.

En términos de mecanismos de evaluación, el Reglamento (UE) n° 670/2012 establece que, además de la obligación de informar conforme al apartado 49 del Acuerdo Interinstitucional de 17 de mayo de 2006 sobre disciplina presupuestaria y buena gestión financiera, la Comisión debe informar, respaldada por el BEI, al Consejo y al Parlamento sobre el funcionamiento del instrumento de riesgo compartido, durante la fase piloto, a intervalos de seis meses tras la firma del acuerdo de cooperación. Asimismo, la Comisión y el BEI deben presentar un informe provisional al Consejo y al Parlamento Europeo en el segundo semestre de 2013; además, se llevará a cabo una evaluación completa e independiente en 2015.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008546/12

to the Council

Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) and Raimon Obiols (S&D)

(26 September 2012)

Subject: Growth plan approved by the European Council in June 2012

The European Council of June 2012 in Brussels adopted the so-called ‘Compact for Growth and Jobs’, a growth plan mobilising EUR 120 000 (equivalent to 1 % of European GDP) (190).

The plan (191) consists of (a) increasing the capital of the European Investment Bank (EIB) by EUR 10 billion, (b) mobilising EUR 55 billion in unused structural funds (to support SMEs and combat youth unemployment), and (c) activating the pilot phase of Project Bonds, with a value of EUR 5 billion (productive investment in energy, transport and broadband infrastructure).

Some of the measures included in the plan, such as the increase in the EIB’s capital (192) or the activation of the Project Bonds (193), have already been approved. However, some aspects of their implementation still need to be ironed out. With this in mind:

When will the effective implementation of these decisions start?

What role will the European regions play in the management and use of structural funds and project bonds?

What assessment mechanisms will be set in place?

Reply

(26 November 2012)

The ‘Compact for Growth and Jobs’ adopted by the European Council of June 2012 includes measures aiming at boosting the financing of the economy, through the mobilisation of a total of EUR 120 billion for fast-acting growth measures (194).

The European Investment Bank's internal procedure for the approval of the Bank's capital increase is under way and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2012. Most of the additional capital will be paid in by the end of March 2013. The implementation of the additional lending stemming from the capital increase will start in 2013.

Regulation (EU) No 670/2012 establishes, inter alia, the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative (195), which entered into force on 1 August 2012. It refers to a cooperation agreement between the EIB and the European Commission laying down the detailed terms and conditions for implementing the project bond instrument, taking into account the provisions laid down in the annex to the regulation. The agreement needs to be signed before the first operations under the pilot phase of the Project Bond Initiative can take place. Negotiations on this agreement were recently concluded and the signature is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

In accordance with Article 11 of the General Regulation applicable to the Structural Funds (196), the objectives of the Funds are to be pursued in partnership between the Commission and each Member State. In that context, Member States are to organise a partnership with authorities and bodies including the competent regional, local, urban and other public authorities. Practical implementation is the responsibility of the Commission and the Member States.

In terms of assessment mechanisms, Regulation (EU) No 670/2012 provides that, in addition to the reporting requirements set out in point 49 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management, the Commission shall, with the support of the EIB, report to the European Parliament and the Council every six months during the pilot phase on the performance of the risk-sharing instrument, starting six months after the signature of the cooperation agreement. The Commission and the EIB are also to submit an interim report to the European Parliament and the Council in the second half of 2013, while an independent full-scale evaluation is to be undertaken in 2015.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-008547/12

a la Comisión

Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D)

(27 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Resultados de los planes de acción de la Comisión Europea dirigidos a combatir el desempleo juvenil

En el Consejo Europeo informal del 30 de enero de 2012, Barroso anunció que se movilizarían los Fondos Estructurales que no se habían empleado en el periodo 2007-2013 para combatir el desempleo juvenil y apoyar a las PYME. Para ello se crearían grupos de expertos que diseñarían planes de acción en los ocho países que presentaban un nivel de paro juvenil superior al 30 % (Italia, Irlanda, Grecia, Portugal, Letonia, España, Lituania y Eslovaquia), a fin de ver cuál era el mejor uso que se podía hacer de dichos fondos. Se estimó que a finales de 2011 existían 82 000 millones de euros sin utilizar para toda la UE, de los que 10 700 millones correspondían a España. Los grupos de expertos de la CE han colaborado con los gobiernos y los agentes sociales de estos ocho países para estudiar el mejor uso que se puede dar a los fondos disponibles.

En mayo, la Comisión Europea presentó los resultados provisionales de los planes de acción, y los resultados distan de las promesas anunciadas. De los 82 000 millones se dice que una gran cuantía ya está asignada a importantes proyectos, por lo que quedan 29 800 sin emplear. Sin embargo, se afirma que, de éstos, únicamente se emplearán 7 300 millones de euros para los planes de acción dirigidos a los jóvenes. En el caso de España, se pasa de una primera estimación de 10 700 millones a finales de 2011 a una cantidad 10 veces menor, es decir, 1 100 millones de euros. Hasta la fecha solo se han utilizado 135 millones para apoyar a las empresas públicas de empleo y 157 millones para crear un fondo temporal de capital para las PYME dirigido principalmente a las «innovadoras». Es decir, hasta el momento solo se han empleado 292 millones de euros.

1. ¿Puede explicar la Comisión a qué se debe esta significativa divergencia entre las cifras anunciadas y las realmente empleadas para combatir el desempleo juvenil?

2. ¿No cree la Comisión que la tragedia humana que supone el paro para los ya 5 millones de jóvenes europeos en dicha situación exige más ambición en las ayudas por parte de la UE?

3. ¿Por qué se ofrecen datos tan poco precisos y detallados acerca de las medidas llevadas a cabo con dichos fondos para ayudar a los jóvenes?

4. ¿A cuántos jóvenes se ha ayudado con dichos planes de acción?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(30 de octubre de 2012)

La Comisión está de acuerdo en que, debido al elevado desempleo juvenil, Europa corre el riesgo de perder una generación. En diciembre de 2012, la Comisión presentará un paquete de medidas en favor del empleo juvenil, que incluirán dos iniciativas políticas, a fin de desarrollar sistemas de garantías para la juventud y de períodos de prácticas de calidad, así como iniciativas específicas en el ámbito del aprendizaje y de la movilidad. Dicho paquete incluirá asimismo un informe detallado sobre la aplicación del programa Iniciativa de Oportunidades para la Juventud.

En relación con el FSE (197), y según los datos nacionales, en el primer semestre de 2012 se utilizó un total de 233 millones de euros (198) en medidas de empleo juvenil en España. Las autoridades españolas estiman que, entre 2012 y 2015, esa cifra aumentará a 2 500 millones de euros.

A raíz de las reuniones con las autoridades españolas en el marco de la acción Oportunidades para la Juventud, España se comprometió a reasignar fondos para las PYME y los jóvenes. La reasignación ya efectuada representa aproximadamente 219 millones de euros del FSE y 745 millones del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional. Está en curso un nuevo conjunto de solicitudes de reprogramación de los actuales programas operativos. La Comisión solo aprobará modificaciones dirigidas a apoyar prioridades de Europa 2020, en particular los objetivos en materia de empleo y educación.

Los Reglamentos del FSE solo exigen que los Estados miembros informen sobre el número total de jóvenes participantes en medidas cofinanciadas por el FSE. Así pues, mientras se sabe que en 2011 el 32 % de los beneficiarios del FSE eran jóvenes (cinco millones de participantes), será necesario un esfuerzo adicional para obtener información más detallada y un desglose más completo de este grupo (por ejemplo, cuántos de ellos eran «ni-ni» (199)).

Los equipos de acción creados por la iniciativa Barroso han reasignado suficientes fondos del FSE para llegar a otros 625 350 jóvenes más.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008547/12

to the Commission

Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Results of the Commission's action plans to tackle youth unemployment

During the informal European Council of 30 January 2012, President Barroso announced that structural funds that were not allocated during the 2007‐2013 period would be mobilised to tackle youth unemployment and to support SMEs. Groups of experts were assembled to develop action plans in the eight countries with youth unemployment levels above 30 % (Italy, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Spain, Lithuania and Slovakia), and to decide on the best use of such funds. At the end of 2011, an estimated EUR 82 billion of EU funds had not been allocated, EUR 10.7 billion of which was earmarked for Spain. The Commission’s groups of experts have collaborated with the governments and social partners of these eight countries to explore the best use of the available funds.

In May, the Commission presented the provisional results of these action plans, which were a far cry from the promises announced. The findings state that a large portion of the EUR 82 billion is already assigned to major projects, leaving EUR 29.8 billion yet to be allocated. However, only EUR 7.3 billion of this amount will be used for the action plans targeting young people. The initial estimate for Spain of EUR 10.7 billion in late 2011 has been reduced to a tenth of that amount: EUR 1.1 billion. To date, only EUR 135 million has been used to support public employment services and a further EUR 157 million to create a temporary capital fund for SMEs, mainly aimed at ‘innovative’ companies. Therefore, only EUR 292 million has been used to date.

1. Can the Commission explain the significant disparity between the figures announced and the amounts actually used to tackle youth unemployment?

2. Does it not believe that youth unemployment, already a human tragedy affecting five million young Europeans, requires more ambitious EU aid?

3. Why is data on the measures taken to help young people using these funds so vague and lacking in detail?

4. How many young people have these action plans helped?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2012)

The Commission agrees that high youth unemployment puts Europe at risk of losing a generation. The Commission will present in December 2012 a Youth Employment Package, which will include two policy initiatives on youth guarantees and quality traineeships as well as targeted initiatives in the area of apprenticeships and mobility. It will also include a detailed report on the implementation of the Youth Opportunities Initiative.

In relation to the ESF (200), and according to national data, in the first half year of 2012 a total of EUR 233 million (201) were spent on youth employment measures in Spain. The Spanish authorities estimate that between 2012 and 2015 this figure will rise to EUR 2.5 billion.

As results of meetings with Spanish authorities in the frame of the Youth Opportunities Action team, Spain committed to reallocate funds for SMEs and young people. The reallocation already done represents approximately EUR 219 million from ESF and EUR 745 million from the European Regional Development Fund. A new set of requests for reprogramming the current operational programmes is underway. The Commission will only approve amendments addressed to support Europe 2020 priorities, in particular the targets related to employment and education.

ESF regulations require Member States to report only on the total number of young participants on ESF co-financed measures. So while it is known that in 2011 32 % of the ESF beneficiaries were young people (five million participants), additional effort would be needed to get more thorough information and a more complete breakdown of this group (e.g. how many of them were on NEETs (202)).

The action teams set up by the Barroso-initiative have re-allocated enough ESF funds to target an additional 625,350 young participants.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris P-008548/12

adresată Comisiei

George Sabin Cutaş (S&D)

(27 septembrie 2012)

Subiect: Uniunea Bancară Europeană

Crearea unei uniuni bancare europene ar putea fi răspunsul așteptat atât pentru criza economică și financiară, cât și pentru criza internă pe care o traversăm. În condițiile în care simpla coordonare s-a dovedit insuficientă pentru gestionarea crizelor bancare, iar supravegherea activităților băncilor, de cele mai multe ori cu un caracter transnațional, este limitată la nivel național, ideea unei uniuni bancare este oportună. Banca Centrală Europeană reprezintă nucleul acestei propuneri. Astfel, BCE ar deține noi atribuții de monitorizare a activității a aproximativ 6 000 de bănci din zona euro, precum și de solicitare a unor măsuri de corecție în cazul în care o bancă încalcă cerințele de capital.

Având în vedere că aproximativ 80 % din sectorul bancar din România este reprezentat de bănci aflate în statele membre ale zonei euro, impactul acestei decizii asupra țării mele nu este deloc de neglijat. În plus, prin respectarea acordurilor oficiale de cooperare consolidată cu BCE, România ar putea fi supusă aceluiași regim de supraveghere ca și statele din zona euro, Banca Centrală având dreptul să ceară și să verifice anumite documente de ordin intern.

În condițiile în care statele din afara zonei euro nu dețin drept de vot în consiliul de supraveghere al BCE, cum se împacă, în viziunea Comisiei, dezideratul de a avansa către o uniune federală cu promovarea unei Europe cu două viteze?

Răspuns dat de domnul Barnier în numele Comisiei

(7 noiembrie 2012)

Comisia consideră că instituirea unui mecanism de supraveghere unic în zona euro nu va submina integritatea pieței unice și va fi benefică pentru întreaga Uniune, deoarece va contribui la asigurarea stabilității financiare.

Mecanismul de supraveghere unic propus de Comisie este deschis tuturor statelor membre. Statele membre din afara zonei euro pot stabili în mod voluntar o cooperare strânsă cu BCE, caz în care dobândesc acces integral la toate informațiile și sunt implicate în activitățile Consiliului de supraveghere în cea mai mare măsură permisă de tratat și de statutul BCE. Decizia de stabilire a cooperării strânse va preciza în consecință modalitățile de implicare a statelor respective în procesul decizional al BCE.

În contextul negocierilor actuale și în limitele stabilite prin tratat, Comisia va avea în vedere și alte dispoziții care să permită, în măsura posibilului, participarea statelor din afara zonei euro pe picior de egalitate cu statele din zona euro.

BCE va acționa în conformitate cu cadrul de reglementare unic aplicabil tuturor statelor membre, iar Autoritatea bancară europeană va continua să asigure coerența practicilor de supraveghere în ansamblul Uniunii.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008548/12

to the Commission

George Sabin Cutaş (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: European Banking Union

Creating a European Banking Union might be the expected answer for both economic and financial crises and for the internal crisis that we are going through. In the context where simple coordination has proved insufficient to manage the banking crisis, and the monitoring of the activities of banks, most often with a transnational character, is limited at national level, the idea of a banking union is opportune. The European Central Bank (ECB) represents the nucleus of this proposal. Thus, the ECB would hold new responsibilities for monitoring about 6 000 banks in the euro area and request corrective measures where a bank violates capital requirements.

Since about 80 % of the banking sector in Romania is represented by banks found in the euro area Member States, the impact of this decision on my country is not insignificant. In addition, through compliance with official cooperation agreements consolidated with the ECB, Romania could be subjected to the same supervisory regime as the euro area Member States, the Central Bank having the right to request and verify certain internal documents.

In the context where the countries outside the euro area do not have voting rights on the ECB supervisory board, how, in the Commission's view, will agreement be reached on the desire to advance towards a Federal Union with promoting a Europe with two gears?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

The Commission believes that the establishment of a single supervisory mechanism in the Euro area will not undermine the integrity of the Single market and will be beneficial for the whole Union since it will help ensuring financial stability.

The Single Supervisory Mechanism proposed by the Commission is open to all Member States. Non Euro area Member States can voluntarily enter into close cooperation with the ECB. In that case, they will have full access to all information and they will be involved in the activities of the supervisory board to the greatest extent allowed by the Treaty and the ECB Statute. The decision establishing the close cooperation will specify the modalities for their involvement in the ECB decision making accordingly

In the context of the ongoing negotiations and within the limits set by the Treaty, the Commission will carefully consider any further provisions which would enable, to the extent possible, non-Euro area Member States' participation on an equal footing with Euro area Member States.

The ECB will act in accordance with the single rulebook applicable to all Member States and the European Banking Authority will continue to ensure consistency of supervisory practices across the whole Union.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008549/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(27 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Projetos de investimento em regime de parceria público-privada

Tendo em conta que:

—	As parcerias público-privadas (PPP) têm vindo a ser utilizadas em Portugal na última década, com particular incidência no domínio das infraestruturas rodoviárias e de transportes, e também com alguma relevância no setor das infraestruturas hospitalares;

—

As PPP são contratos pelos quais entidades privadas ficam responsáveis pela conceção, construção e exploração das referidas infraestruturas, que lhes são concessionadas, cabendo-lhes assegurar os custos de manutenção e exploração do projeto, sendo tais serviços, em contrapartida, remunerados pelo setor público ao longo do prazo da concessão;

—

Em Portugal, na Grécia, na Irlanda, em Espanha, na Itália e na Bélgica, há um denominador comum, que é o facto de todos estes países terem uma dívida pública superior a 100 % do PIB em 2011, bem como o de liderarem o «ranking» dos países com maiores responsabilidades financeiras futuras assumidas com PPP;

—	No elenco dos 14 maiores projetos de investimento através de PPP entre 2000 e 2008, só na Grécia se encontravam 4 projetos;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Pode a Comissão informar quais os maiores projetos de investimento através de PPP atualmente em curso na União Europeia?

Qual o volume de responsabilidades financeiras futuras que representarão para os respetivos Estados-Membros?

Quais os projetos de investimento através de PPP atualmente em curso em Portugal e que responsabilidades financeiras futuras representam para o respetivo orçamento nos próximos anos?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(28 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão não dispõe de um elenco de projetos de investimento em regime de PPP nos Estados‐Membros da UE, pois a utilização de PPP para fins de investimento é da responsabilidade de cada Estado‐Membro.

No que toca a Portugal, a Comissão tem conhecimento dos riscos que as PPP representam para as finanças públicas portuguesas. É justamente por isso que o Memorando de Entendimento (ME) inclui uma secção a elas dedicada, destinada a reduzir tais riscos através de um quadro regulamentar mais adequado (a última versão do ME pode ser consultada em http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp111_en.pdf.

As disposições sobre apresentação de relatórios foram já substancialmente melhoradas no âmbito do novo quadro e continuarão a sê‐lo no futuro. Permitimo‐nos remeter o Senhor Deputado para o relatório anual do Governo sobre as PPP, cujos dados são utilizados na preparação do orçamento (http://www.dgtf.pt/ResourcesUser/PPP/Documentos/Relatorios/2012/Relatorio_Anual_PPP_2012.pdf), e para o relatório do Ministério das Finanças sobre as PPP, relativo ao segundo trimestre de 2012 (http://www.dgtf.pt/ResourcesUser/PPP/Documentos/Relatorios/2012/GASEPC_Boletim_Info_PPP_2T12.pdf).

Ambos contêm as informações solicitadas, em grande pormenor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008549/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Public-private partnership investment projects

Given that:

—	Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been used in Portugal in the last decade, particularly in relation to road and transport infrastructure and, to some degree, to the hospital-infrastructure sector;

—

PPPs are contracts under which private entities are responsible for designing, building and running the aforementioned infrastructure, to which they are granted the concession, with them being responsible for the project’s maintenance and running costs and compensated by public-sector remuneration throughout the concession period;

—	Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy and Belgium can all lay claim to having a public debt in excess of 100 % of their GDP in 2011, and to leading the ‘league table’ for countries with the greatest future financial liabilities taken on by PPPs;

—	On the list of the 14 largest PPP investment projects in 2000‐08, four are located in Greece alone;

Can the Commission state:

What PPP investment projects are currently underway in the European Union?

What volume of future financial liabilities do these represent for the various Member States?

What PPP investment projects are currently underway in Portugal and what future financial liabilities do they represent for its budget in the next few years?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

The Commission does not have an inventory of PPP investment projects in EU Member States as the use of PPPs for investment purposes falls under the responsibility of each Member State.

As for Portugal, the Commission is aware of the risks PPPs represent for Portuguese public finances. This is one of the reasons why the memorandum of understanding (MoU) contains a dedicated section on PPPs aimed at reducing such risks by implementing an improved regulatory framework (for the latest edition of the MoU cf.: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp111_en.pdf)

As part of this new framework, reporting requirements have already been improved substantially and will be further improved in the near future. We refer the Honourable Member of Parliament to the annual government report on PPPs, which serves as input to the budget preparations:

http://www.dgtf.pt/ResourcesUser/PPP/Documentos/Relatorios/2012/Relatorio_Anual_PPP_2012.pdf

and to the Ministry of Finance's PPP report for the second quarter 2012: http://www.dgtf.pt/ResourcesUser/PPP/Documentos/Relatorios/2012/GASEPC_Boletim_Info_PPP_2T12.pdf.

These reports provide in great detail the requested information.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008550/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(27 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Transporte de animales — Número de animales inspeccionados durante su transporte en España

Según el «Informe anual sobre la protección de los animales durante su transporte» (203) presentado por las autoridades españolas a la Comisión Europea en 2010, tan solo un 0,21 % de los animales (ganado vacuno, porcino, ovino, caprino, equino) transportados de y a España y dentro de España fueron inspeccionados por las autoridades españolas para comprobar el cumplimiento del Reglamento (CE) n° 1/2005 relativo a la protección de los animales durante el transporte. Dicho de otro modo: del total de 101 324 215 animales, solo fueron físicamente inspeccionados 214 236. Este porcentaje es absolutamente insuficiente para garantizar un nivel aceptable de protección animal durante el transporte, máxime si se tiene en cuenta que el 40,67 % de los transportes de animales por carretera inspeccionados en España incumplían lo dispuesto en el citado Reglamento. Es más que conocido y sobradamente documentado que los transportes, de larga distancia en particular, afectan negativamente al bienestar de los animales. Cuanto más largo sea el transporte, más sufre el animal por espacio, alimento y agua insuficientes, elevadas temperaturas, etc.

Las conclusiones del Servicio Veterinario y Alimentario de la Comisión, así como las de diversas organizaciones de protección animal, demuestran que el nivel de cumplimiento del Reglamento (CE) n° 1/2005 resulta insuficiente.

1.

¿Considera la Comisión que, a la vista de estas cifras oficiales, y manteniéndose el vigente Reglamento sin modificaciones, España podrá invertir grandes cantidades de recursos financieros y humanos para incrementar significativamente el número de inspecciones de transportes de animales a fin de salvaguardar el bienestar de estos durante el transporte, y especialmente durante los transportes de larga distancia?

2.

Si la Comisión no puede garantizar este aspecto, ¿no cree que la negativa a modificar el Reglamento (CE) n° 1/2005 para introducir un límite máximo de ocho horas de desplazamiento, como ya han pedido el Parlamento y más de un millón de ciudadanos, europeos constituiría una violación del artículo 13 del TFUE?

3.

¿No cree la Comisión que la introducción de un límite máximo de ocho horas de desplazamiento facilitaría notablemente el que las autoridades pudieran hacer cumplir la legislación, ya que ésta sería mucho menos compleja (al quedar obsoletos los requisitos adicionales para el transporte de larga distancia) y así, aún en caso de vulneración de las normas, los animales no habrían de sufrir durante períodos muy prolongados, como ocurre bajo la actual normativa?

Respuesta del Sr. Šefčovič en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de noviembre de 2012)

1.	De conformidad con el artículo 26 del Reglamento (CE) n° 882/2004 sobre controles oficiales

1.	De conformidad con el artículo 26 del Reglamento (CE) n° 882/2004 sobre controles oficiales

 (204)  (205)

Nada indica a la Comisión que España incumpla sistemáticamente los artículos mencionados en relación con los controles del bienestar de los animales durante el transporte.

2.

A pesar de la gran importancia que se concede al bienestar de los animales en el artículo 13 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea (TFUE), en este artículo no se impone ninguna obligación concreta a la Unión ni a los Estados miembros para que modifiquen su legislación en un sentido específico o en otro.

3.	Sin realizar una evaluación adecuada, no es posible saber si un cambio en la legislación, tal como indica Su Señoría, facilitaría la aplicación de la legislación, o bien la

dificultaría.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008550/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Animal transport — Number of animals inspected during transport in Spain

According to the ‘Annual report on the protection of animals during transport’ (206) provided by the Spanish authorities to the European Commission in 2010, only 0.21 % of animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and equidae) transported within, to and from Spain were checked by the Spanish authorities for compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, i.e., out of a total of 101 324 215 million animals only 214 236 were physically checked. This percentage of physical checks is entirely insufficient to guarantee an acceptable level of animal protection during transport, especially in consideration of the fact that 40.67 % of animal transports checked on the road in Spain were found to be in violation of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. As is well known and largely documented, long-distance journeys in particular have negative consequences for the animals’ welfare. The longer the journey takes, the longer the animals suffer from insufficient space, insufficient water and feed supply, high temperatures, etc.

The findings both of the EU Commission’s Food and Veterinary Service and of animal welfare organisations show that the level of enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport is insufficient.

1.

In the light of these official figures, and if the present Regulation is not modified, does the Commission think that Spain will be able to invest large amounts of financial and human resources to significantly raise the number of inspections of animal transports in future, in order to safeguard the welfare of animals during transport, especially during long-distance journeys?

2.	If the Commission cannot guarantee this, does it not think that the refusal to amend Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 by establishing a maximum 8-hour journey limit, as already requested by Parliament and by over one million European citizens, constitutes a violation of Art. 13 TFEU?

3.

Does the Commission not think that the establishment of a maximum 8-hour journey limit would make enforcement much easier for the inspection authorities, as legislation would be much less complex (since all the additional requirements for long-distance transports would be obsolete), and in this way even where the standards were breached, animals would not have to suffer for very long periods as is happening under the present rules?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

1.	According to Article 26 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls

it is for the Member State to ensure proper resources for official controls. Official controls on, amongst others, live animals have according to Article 4 (2)(a) of the same Regulation to be effective and appropriate.

The Commission has no indications that Spain systematically fail to implement the abovementioned Articles in relation to controls of animal welfare during transport.

2.	In spite of the general importance given to animal welfare by Article 13 of the

Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), this article does not impose any concrete obligations upon the Union and Member States to amend their legislation in one particular way or another.

3.	Without a proper assessment, it is not possible to know whether a change to the legislation as indicated by the Honourable Member would make the legislation easier or more difficult to enforce.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008551/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Emergenza umanitaria in Siria

In Siria la situazione peggiora al punto tale che il conflitto rischia di estendersi; la situazione si sta deteriorando e ci si avvicina sempre più a un punto di estrema gravità sotto il profilo umanitario.

Secondo i dati dei vari coordinamenti locali riferiti dal direttore dell'Osservatorio siriano per i diritti umani, Rami Abdel Rahman, almeno 20 755 civili, 1 148 disertori e 7 095 soldati sono stati uccisi dall'inizio della rivolta. Le zone di massima allerta sono quelle di Tall-al-Abyad, valico di frontiera con la Turchia, e Aleppo dove sono stanziati cannoni e missili anti-aerei per fronteggiare i ribelli e le forze filo-governative di Damasco.

Oltre al numero di morti e feriti, elevatissimo è il tasso di emigrazione che colpisce il paese. Secondo l'ultimo dato reso pubblico dall'ufficio emergenze e disastri della presidenza del governo di Ankara, sono circa 84 000 i profughi accolti in Turchia che si aggiungono a quelli accampati in Iraq, Libano e Giordania, per un totale di 360 000 rifugiati.

Il dipartimento di Stato siriano non esclude la possibilità che anche paesi dell'intera area del Mediterraneo e in particolare l'Italia e la Grecia possano trovarsi nelle condizioni di dover accogliere molti profughi.

Viste le dichiarazioni dell'ONU sull'«impossibilità di applicare in Siria il principio della responsabilità di proteggere i civili», venendo meno alla risoluzione 2043 (2012) del Consiglio di Sicurezza, si interroga il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante per sapere:

Intende l'Unione europea, vista la situazione di allerta, aumentare la disponibilità finanziaria a titolo del Fondo europeo per i rifugiati?

In quale misura l'Italia e i paesi del Mediterraneo, gravati economicamente, possono usufruire del Fondo europeo per i rifugiati per far fronte alla suddetta situazione d'allerta?

L'Unione europea intende adottare misure straordinarie di supporto tecnico, logistico, sanitario nei confronti degli Stati membri che dovranno affrontare l'emergenza umanitaria dovuta al conflitto in Siria?

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(10 dicembre 2012)

La Commissione segue con attenzione gli sviluppi della complessa situazione in Siria e le sue possibili conseguenze sulla gestione delle frontiere dell'UE e delle migrazioni.

1.	Assieme all'UESA

1.	Assieme all'UESA

 (207)

Qualora l'afflusso di persone che necessitano di protezione internazionale aumentasse, il FER (208) potrebbe fornire un sostegno finanziario supplementare mediante l’attuazione di misure d’urgenza. A tal fine sono disponibili, nell’ambito del FER per il 2012, 10 milioni di euro.

2.	Nel corso dell’autunno sia l'Italia che la Grecia hanno chiesto un sostegno di emergenza da parte del FER per affrontare non soltanto la crisi siriana, ma anche la pressione generale sui loro sistemi di accoglienza conseguente alla primavera araba.

3.

L'intervento dell'Unione europea, da sempre in prima linea nelle attività umanitarie in Siria e nei paesi vicini, ha permesso di far fronte alle esigenze umanitarie e di sorvegliare con attenzione la situazione in loco per adeguare i finanziamenti al peggioramento delle condizioni. Con un contributo collettivo totale pari a quasi 305 milioni di euro (di cui più di 173 milioni stanziati dagli Stati membri e 131,8 milioni dalla Commissione), l’UE è al momento il principale donatore umanitario nel contesto della crisi siriana. L'Unione si è inoltre adoperata in particolare per garantire una risposta umanitaria internazionale coordinata, indipendente da considerazioni di ordine politico e fondata su principi umanitari. A tale proposito, la Commissione continua a svolgere, di concerto con altri partner, un ruolo determinante nella promozione del forum umanitario siriano.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008551/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Humanitarian emergency in Syria

The situation in Syria has worsened to such an extent that there is now a chance that the conflict could spread, as it is deteriorating rapidly and in humanitarian terms is fast becoming extremely serious.

According to data from various local organisations, reported by the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, at least 20 755 civilians, 1 148 deserters and 7 095 soldiers have been killed since the start of the uprising. The main conflict zones are Tall-al-Abyad, the border with Turkey, and Aleppo, where guns and anti-aircraft missiles are stationed facing the rebels and pro-Government forces in Damascus.

In addition to the number of dead and injured, the country is afflicted by a very high migration rate. The latest figures released by the Turkish Ministry for Disaster and Emergency Management in Ankara show that approximately 84 000 refugees have fled to Turkey. When added to the number of refugees that have fled to Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, the figure totals 360 000 refugees.

The Syrian state department has not ruled out the possibility that other Mediterranean countries, notably Italy and Greece, may also be required to accept a large number of refugees.

In light of UN statements on the ‘impossibility in Syria of applying the principle of protecting civilians’ and the failure of United Nations Security Council resolution 2043 (2012), could the Vice-President/High Representative state:

Whether, in light of this crisis, the European Union intends to increase financing available from the European Refugee Fund?

The extent to which Italy and other economically-troubled Mediterranean countries make use of the European Refugee Fund to address the aforementioned crisis.

Whether the European Union intends to adopt extraordinary technical, logistical and healthcare support measures for Member States that have to handle the humanitarian emergency arising from the conflict in Syria?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2012)

The Commission is closely following the situation as regards the development of the multi-faceted situation in Syria and its possible impact on the EU borders and migration management.

1.	Together with the EASO

1.	Together with the EASO

 (209)

If the influx of persons who are in need of international protection would increase additional financial support from the ERF (210) in form of emergency measures could be triggered. EUR 10 million are available for emergency support under the ERF 2012.

2.	Both Italy and Greece have applied for emergency support from the European Refugee Fund this autumn in order to not only address the Syria crisis but the overall pressure on their reception system resulting from the Arab Spring.

3.

The EU has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in Syria and neighbouring countries. The EU's response has addressed humanitarian needs and has closely monitored the situation on the ground in order to adjust its funding to the deterioration of the situation. At the moment, the EU is the main humanitarian donor in this crisis. The EU's total collective contribution reaches almost EUR 305 million (over EUR 173 million from the Member States and EUR 131.8 million from the Commission). Additionally, the EU has focused on ensuring a coordinated international humanitarian response separate from the political track and based on humanitarian principles. In this respect, the Commission continues to play a strong role as co-facilitator of the Syrian Humanitarian Forum.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008552/12

alla Commissione(Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Minoranze etniche in Vietnam

Sebbene il governo vietnamita abbia inserito nella costituzione nazionale i diritti umani fondamentali ed abbia anche ratificato il Patto internazionale sui diritti civili e politici, l'attuazione di questi diritti nel paese continua a essere molto insoddisfacente. In particolare sembra mancare nelle locali autorità la volontà politica di migliorare la protezione delle minoranze etniche. Come recentemente segnalato alle Nazioni Unite da organizzazioni della società civile, la popolazione appartenente all'etnia dei Khmer Krom, che vive nella parte meridionale del paese, ha subito restrizioni dei diritti civili e politici, e anche dei diritti economici, sociali e culturali, da quando il territorio in cui risiede è passato sotto l'amministrazione vietnamita dopo l'abbandono della regione da parte delle potenze coloniali europee.

Il rispetto dei diritti delle persone appartenenti a minoranze è uno dei valori dell'UE, esplicitamente citato all'articolo 2 del trattato sull'Unione europea, e l'articolo 21 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE vieta espressamente le discriminazioni fondate sull'appartenenza a una minoranza nazionale.

Alla luce di quanto precede, e considerando che l'UE sta attualmente negoziando un accordo di libero scambio con il Vietnam:

intende il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante invitare il governo vietnamita «Ho-Chi-Minh-ista» a mettere in atto efficaci misure di protezione per consentire alle minoranze etniche di avere pieno accesso ai loro diritti civili e politici, nonché a quelli economici, sociali e culturali?

ha mai sollecitato un'indagine sulla promozione e la tutela dei diritti delle minoranze etniche in Vietnam?

ritiene che sarà necessario sospendere i negoziati per l'accordo di libero scambio fino al momento in cui sia possibile inserire nel testo finale dell'accordo un capitolo sulla tutela dei diritti delle minoranze?

ritiene che, per sviluppare la pace, l'armonia, il rispetto, la comprensione e la cooperazione tra la popolazione Khmer Krom e quella vietnamita, occorra agire ulteriormente — nel rispetto del diritto, degli usi e delle prassi internazionali — al fine di garantire i diritti del popolo Khmer Krom?

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

(20 novembre 2012)

1.L'UE segue con particolare attenzione la situazione delle minoranze etniche in Vietnam e, nel quadro del dialogo periodico sui diritti umani UE-Vietnam, ha ripetutamente chiesto il rispetto dei loro diritti. Sulla questione delle minoranze etniche si è concentrata in particolare l'ultima tornata del dialogo, svoltasi il 12 gennaio 2012 a Hanoi, al termine della quale è stata organizzata una visita sul campo nella provincia di An Giang, dove attualmente vive la maggior parte della minoranza Khmer Krom. Negli ultimi anni l'UE ha inoltre fornito aiuti allo sviluppo allo scopo specifico di ridurre la povertà e promuovere i diritti delle minoranze etniche in Vietnam.

2.L'UE ha appoggiato Gay MacDougall, esperta indipendente dell'ONU per le minoranze, in occasione della sua visita in Vietnam nel luglio 2010 e ha ripetutamente invitato il governo vietnamita ad attuare le raccomandazioni da lei formulate.

3.Il nuovo accordo di partenariato e cooperazione UE-Vietnam, siglato nel giugno 2012, contiene importanti clausole politiche, fra cui una clausola sull'«elemento essenziale» riguardante i diritti umani, disposizioni sullo Stato di diritto e sulla Corte penale internazionale. Tali clausole permetteranno all'UE e al Vietnam di intensificare la loro cooperazione in questi ambiti.

Inoltre, al fine di garantire relazioni coerenti e integrate con i suoi paesi partner terzi, l'UE punta a creare un legame tra gli ALS da un lato, e gli accordi di partenariato e cooperazione, incluse le disposizioni sui diritti umani, dall'altro, in quanto accordi generali. Lo scopo è di garantire coerenza nella maniera in cui l'UE persegue i suoi obiettivi strategici generali di politica estera.

4.L'UE continuerà a promuovere il rispetto dei diritti di tutte le minoranze in Vietnam, inclusi quelli dei Khmer Krom.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008552/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Ethnic minorities in Vietnam

Despite the fact that the Vietnamese government has incorporated key human rights into its national constitution, and even though it has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the implementation of these rights remains very poor in the country. In particular, it seems there is a lack of political will from local authorities to further the protection of ethnic minorities. As civil society organisations have recently highlighted to the UN, the ethnic Khmer Krom population living in the southern part of the country have seen their civil and political rights, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights, restricted since their territory came under Vietnamese administration after the European colonial power left the region.

Respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities is one of the values of the EU. This value is explicitly mentioned in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, and Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of membership of a national minority.

In the light of this, and given that the EU is currently negotiating an FTA with Vietnam:

Does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to call on the ‘Ho Chi Minh-ist’ Vietnamese Government to put effective protection measures in place to enable ethnic minorities to have full access to their civil and political rights, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights?

Has the Vice-President/High Representative ever called for an investigation into the promotion and protection of ethnic minorities’ rights in Vietnam?

Does the Vice-President/High Representative feel that it will be necessary to suspend negotiations on the FTA until a chapter on protection of minority rights can be included in the final text of the agreement?

Does the Vice-President/High Representative feel that in order to develop peace, harmony, respect, understanding and cooperation between the Khmer Krom people and the Vietnamese people, further action — in compliance with international laws, customs and practices — should be taken in order to guarantee the rights of the Khmer Krom people?

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

(20 November 2012)

1.The EU attaches particular attention to the situation of ethnic minorities in Vietnam. It has consistently called for the respect of the rights of ethnic minorities in the framework of the regular EU-Vietnam Dialogue on Human Rights. The situation of ethnic minorities was actually the particular focus of the last round of the Dialogue which took place on 12 January 2012 in Hanoi. The Dialogue was followed by a field-visit to An Giang province, where most of the Khmer Krom minority currently live. The EU has also, in the past years, supported development assistance specifically aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting the rights of ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

2.The EU supported the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Ms Gay MacDougall, during her visit to Vietnam in July 2010. It has consistently called on Vietnam to implement the recommendations produced after the visit.

3.The new EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which was signed in June 2012, includes significant political clauses, including an essential element clause on human rights, provisions on the rule of law and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Such clauses will allow the EU and Vietnam to intensify cooperation on these issues.

In addition, in order to ensure a coherent and integrated relationship with its third partners, the EU is aiming at a link between FTAs, on the one hand, and PCAs, including their human rights provisions, as the broader agreements governing our relations, on the other. This seeks to ensure coherence in the way the EU pursues its broader foreign policy objectives.

4.The EU will continue to promote respect for the rights of all minorities, including Khmer Kroms, in Vietnam.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008553/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ειδικές Οικονομικές Ζώνες

H ελληνική στρατηγική απεγκλωβισμού της εθνικής οικονομίας από την ύφεση και επαναφοράς της σε τροχιά ανάπτυξης επανέφερε το θέμα της σύστασης και λειτουργίας «ειδικών οικονομικών ζωνών» (ΕΟΖ), μία πρωτοβουλία για την ενίσχυση της ανταγωνιστικότητας και τη δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας με την προσέλκυση ξένων επενδύσεων σε δραστηριότητες που περιλαμβάνουν καινοτομία και υψηλή τεχνολογία. Η θέσπισή τους συνεπάγεται ευνοϊκά φορολογικά καθεστώτα για τις υποψήφιες ξένες και εγχώριες εταιρείες, μια ημιαυτόνομη διοικητική δομή προσανατολισμένη στην παράκαμψη της γραφειοκρατίας και πολυνομίας, καθώς και ένα ευέλικτο σύστημα απασχόλησης που θα καθορίζεται από τις εργοδότριες επιχειρήσεις. Η πρόταση έχει υποστηριχθεί ένθερμα από γερμανικές βιομηχανίες παραγωγής ενέργειας που θέλησαν να επωφεληθούν από τις νέες συνθήκες στη χώρα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—

ποια είναι η Ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία που καλύπτει την ίδρυση ΕΟΖ; Ποιες προδιαγραφές πρέπει να πληρούνται για την έγκριση λειτουργίας των ΕΟΖ με βάση το κοινοτικό δίκαιο; Η ελληνική επικράτεια με τα χαρακτηριστικά που παρουσιάζει καλύπτει αυτές τις προδιαγραφές; Σε ποιες περιοχές της Ελλάδας είναι πιο πιθανή η δημιουργία ΕΟΖ;

—

σε ποια κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ λειτουργούν ΕΟΖ; Με βάση την εμπειρία χωρών στις οποίες θεσπίστηκαν ΕΟΖ, μπόρεσαν αυτές να οδηγήσουν σε οικονομική και κοινωνική ανάπτυξη; Υπάρχουν απτά παραδείγματα στην ΕΕ δημιουργίας τέτοιων ζωνών με διαφορετικό φορολογικό καθεστώς, οι οποίες να συνέβαλαν στην άνθιση της οικονομίας των χωρών που τις φιλοξενούν;

—	ποια θα μπορούσε να είναι η συνεισφορά της ΕΕ στη δημιουργία ΕΟΖ στην Ελλάδα; Τι είδους πολιτική και τεχνική υποστήριξη θα μπορούσε να παράσχει η ΕΕ; Η δημιουργία ΕΟΖ μπορεί να συνδυασθεί με περαιτέρω οικονομικές ενισχύσεις από ευρωπαϊκά αναπτυξιακά προγράμματα;

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008772/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ειδικές Οικονομικές Ζώνες

Οι Ειδικές Οικονομικές Ζώνες μπορούν να δώσουν ώθηση στην οικονομία, υποστήριξε ο υπουργός Ανάπτυξης Κωστής Χατζηδάκης, μιλώντας στο Εμπορικό και Βιομηχανικό Επιμελητήριο Θεσσαλονίκης.

Οι συγκεκριμένες γεωγραφικές περιοχές θα υπόκεινται σε ένα πλαίσιο ελεύθερης αγοράς, το οποίο φυσικά θα λειτουργεί κάτω από διαφορετικούς νόμους όσον αφορά τις εργασιακές σχέσεις και το καθεστώς φορολογίας. Το σχέδιο της κυβέρνησης περιλαμβάνει συγκεκριμένα το ενδεχόμενο πλήρους φοροαπαλλαγής για τις επιχειρηματικές δραστηριότητες που θα αναπτύσσονται εντός των Ειδικών Οικονομικών Ζωνών. Παράλληλα, προβλέπεται κι ένα ειδικό καθεστώς για την αμοιβή όσων θα εργάζονται στις ΕΟΖ, η οποία θα είναι ανάλογη με την παραγωγικότητα. Πρώτη από τις «υποψήφιες» περιοχές για την δημιουργία ΕΟΖ είναι η περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας-Θράκης, ακολουθεί η Πελοπόννησος, ενώ υπάρχει αντίστοιχη μελέτη και για το παραλιακό μέτωπο Φαλήρου-Σουνίου.

Το αμέσως επόμενο χρονικό διάστημα θα αρχίσουν οι σχετικές τεχνικές μελέτες προκειμένου να υποβληθούν στην Επιτροπή οι προτάσεις για εξειδικευμένα κίνητρα φορολογικού και διοικητικού χαρακτήρα για συγκεκριμένους κλάδους της οικονομίας.

Σύμφωνα με τα ανωτέρω, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή εάν εξετάζει το ενδεχόμενο επίσπευσης των Ειδικών Οικονομικών Ζωνών, πρωτίστως εντός του νομού Αττικής μιας και περισσότερο από το 50 % του εργατικού δυναμικού βρίσκεται εκεί αλλά και σημειώνεται η μεγαλύτερη ανεργία, τόσο σε απόλυτους αριθμούς όσο και σε ποσοστά αύξησης.

Κοινή απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Η οικοδόμηση μιας υγιούς βάσης για την οικονομική ανάκαμψη και την ανάπτυξη αποτελεί θεμελιώδη στόχο του προγράμματος πολυμερούς χρηματοδοτικής συνδρομής. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, υλοποιείται ήδη ένα ευρύ σύνολο μεταρρυθμίσεων με στόχο τη βελτίωση του επιχειρηματικού περιβάλλοντος, την αύξηση της ανταγωνιστικότητας και τη διασφάλιση της μεσοπρόθεσμης και μακροπρόθεσμης βιωσιμότητας των δημόσιων οικονομικών.

Ειδικές οικονομικές ζώνες μπορούν να ιδρύονται στην επικράτεια των κρατών μελών και οι επιχειρήσεις οι οποίες βρίσκονται σε αυτές μπορούν να λαμβάνουν στήριξη για νέες επενδύσεις, μεταξύ άλλων, με την προϋπόθεση ότι η στήριξη αυτή παρέχεται βάσει κανόνων της ΕΕ, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των κανόνων περί κρατικών ενισχύσεων. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, η λειτουργία των ΕΟΖ απαιτεί σημαντικές διοικητικές ικανότητες στο πλαίσιο των κυβερνήσεων των χωρών που τις φιλοξενούν, ώστε να εξασφαλίζονται ικανοποιητικές ρυθμίσεις και διευκολύνσεις (211). Εάν η δημιουργία των ΕΟΖ συνεπάγεται φοροαπαλλαγές και άλλου είδους διευκολύνσεις, πρέπει να προβλέπονται οι κατάλληλες διοικητικές ικανότητες. Ταυτόχρονα, πρέπει να ελαχιστοποιούνται οι κίνδυνοι φοροδιαφυγής και ενδοομιλικών συναλλαγών οι οποίες θα μπορούσαν να θέσουν σε κίνδυνο την επίτευξη των δημοσιονομικών στόχων για τα έσοδα.

Οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής προχωρούν, επί του παρόντος, σε ανασκόπηση της εμπειρίας που σχετίζεται με τις ΕΟΖ. Η Επιτροπή εξακολουθεί να προωθεί οριζόντια μέτρα τα οποία αποβλέπουν στη βελτίωση του επιχειρηματικού περιβάλλοντος σε όλους τους οικονομικούς τομείς και τις περιφέρειες της Ελλάδας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008553/12

to the Commission

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Special Economic Zones

The Greek government’s strategy to lift the national economy out of recession and get it back on the path to growth has brought back the issue of creating and operating ‘special economic zones’ as an initiative to improve competitiveness and create jobs by attracting foreign investment for innovative and high-technology activities. These zones will offer tax advantages to qualifying foreign and Greek companies, a semi-autonomous administrative structure designed to side-step red tape, overlapping laws and a flexible system of employment defined by employers. The proposal has been warmly welcomed by German energy producers wanting to take advantage of the situation in Greece.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

—

What European legislation covers the creation of special economic zones? What specifications must be fulfilled in order to approve the operation of special economic zones under Community law? Does the Hellenic Republic fulfil those specifications in its current state? In which areas of Greece are special economic zones most likely to be created?

—

Which EU Member States already operate special economic zones? Based on experience in countries with special economic zones, were they able to spur economic growth and social development? Are there tangible examples in the EU of special economic zones with a different tax regime which helped to boost the economy of the host country?

—	How might the EU contribute to the creation of special economic zones in Greece? What sort of political and technical support might the EU provide? Can the creation of special economic zones be combined with other financial support under European development programmes?

Question for written answer E-008772/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Special Economic Zones

While speaking to the Thessaloniki Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Greek Minister for Development Kostas Hatzidakis suggested that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) could help kick-start the economy.

These specific geographical areas would be regulated by a free market framework operating under different laws regarding labour relations and the tax system. The government’s plan includes complete tax exemption for business activities developed within the Specific Economic Zones. At the same time, there will be a special wage scheme for those working in the SEZs, which will be proportional to productivity. The first SEZ ‘candidate’ area is the Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, followed by the Peloponnese. The seafront area Faliro-Sounio is also being studied.

The relevant technical studies will begin in the next period so that proposals on tax and administrative incentives for specific economic sectors can be submitted to the Commission.

Can the Commission say whether it is looking at speeding up SEZ creation, primarily in the nomos of Attica, as more than 50 % of the labour force is located in this area and it has the highest unemployment levels in both absolute figures and growth rates.

Joint answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2012)

The building of a healthy base to sustain economic recovery and growth are key policy objectives of the multilateral financial assistance program. In this context, a wide set of reforms are already being implemented with the aim to improve business environment, increase competitiveness and safeguard medium and long term sustainability of public finance developments.

Special Economic Zones can be established on the territory of MS and undertakings located therein can receive support, e.g. for new investment, as long as it granted according to EU rules, including state aid rules. In any case, the implementation of SEZ's requires significant administrative capabilities within host governments to ensure adequate regulation and facilitation (212). In the event that the creation of the SEZ's entails tax exemptions and other facilities, the adequate administrative capability will need to be established. At the same time, the risks of tax evasion and transfer pricing that would jeopardise budgetary revenue targets must be minimised.

The Commission services are currently undertaking a review of the experience with SEZ's. The Commission continues to promote horizontal measures aiming at improving the business environment across economic sectors and regions in Greece.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008554/12

aan de Raad

Laurence J. A. J. Stassen (NI) en Lucas Hartong (NI)

(27 september 2012)

Betreft: Ondanks crisis blijft Griekenland massaal wapensystemen aanschaffen

Het Nederlandse programma Nieuwsuur schetst een zeer ontluisterend beeld van de Griekse defensie-uitgaven, die ondanks de crisis met maar liefst 6,9 % zijn gestegen (213). Griekenland geeft 3,2 % van zijn bnp uit aan defensie, wat ongeveer het dubbele is van de gemiddelde uitgaven voor defensie in Europa. Frankrijk en Duitsland worden er bovendien van beschuldigd Griekenland onder druk te hebben gezet om de aankoop van wapensystemen niet te annuleren, door te dreigen leningen naar Griekenland stop te zetten.

1.	Kan de Raad bevestigen dan wel ontkennen dat Frankrijk en Duitsland de Grieken onder druk hebben gezet om bestaande defensiecontracten niet te annuleren, door te dreigen noodleningen aan Griekenland stop te zetten?

2.	Is de Raad het met de PVV eens dat het absurd is Griekenland massaal wapensystemen blijft aanschaffen, terwijl men tegelijkertijd aan het Europees financieel infuus ligt? Zo neen, waarom niet?

3.	Hoe beoordeelt de Raad het feit dat Griekenland noodhulp van de EU blijft ontvangen en pleit voor een uitstel van bezuinigingen, terwijl de Griekse defensie-uitgaven sinds 2009 met maar liefst 6,9 % zijn gestegen.

4.	Is er volgens de Raad enige garantie te geven dat Europese noodhulp aan Griekenland niet linea recta wordt gespendeerd aan de aankoop van nog meer wapentuig voor de Griekse krijgsmacht?

Antwoord

(26 november 2012)

De Raad kan geen commentaar geven op deze aangelegenheid, aangezien hij deze niet heeft besproken.

De lidstaten van de eurozone die Griekenland financiële steun verlenen via intergouvernementele instrumenten, hebben met Griekenland overeenstemming bereikt over een aantal begrotings‐maatregelen. Volgens het memorandum van overeenstemming voor het tweede aanpassings‐programma voor Griekenland van maart 2012 heeft Griekenland in zijn begroting voor 2012 reeds maatregelen opgenomen die gericht zijn op „een verlaging van de aankopen van militair materieel met 300 miljoen EUR (contant en leveringen)”.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008554/12

to the Council

Laurence J.A.J. Stassen (NI) and Lucas Hartong (NI)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Greece continues buying large numbers of weapons systems despite crisis

The Dutch TV programme Nieuwsuur paints a shocking picture of Greece’s defence spending, which has gone up by as much as 6.9 % despite the crisis (214). Greece spends 3.2 % of its GDP on defence, which is approximately double of what other European countries spend on defence on average. Furthermore, France and Germany are accused of having put pressure on Greece not to cancel the purchase of weapon systems by threatening that they would stop lending money to Greece.

1.	Can the Council confirm or deny that France and Germany have put pressure on the Greeks not to cancel the existing defence contracts, by threatening that they would stop emergency lending to Greece?

2.	Does the Council agree with the PVV that it is absurd that Greece should continue buying large numbers of weapons systems while surviving on financial infusions from the EU? If not, why not?

3.	What view does the Council take of the fact that Greece continues to receive emergency aid from the EU and pleads for a postponement of austerity measures, while its defence spending has risen by as much as 6.9 % since 2009?

4.	Is it, in the Council’s view, possible to guarantee that European emergency aid to Greece will not be spent straight away on buying even more weapons for the Greek armed forces?

Reply

(26 November 2012)

The Council cannot comment on this matter as it has not discussed it.

Euro-area Member States which provide financial support to Greece by intergovernmental instruments have agreed with Greece on a number of budgetary measures. According to the memorandum of understanding for the Second Adjustment Programme for Greece of March 2012, Greece has already introduced measures to its 2012 budget aiming at a ‘reduction in the procurement of military equipment by EUR 300 million (cash and deliveries)’.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008555/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Sophocles Sophocleous (S&D)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δημοσιοποίηση κειμένου της τρόικας για αλλαγές στη αγορά εργασίας στην Ελλάδα

Σε ανεπίσημο έγγραφο (non paper) της τρόικας, που πήρε πρόσφατα το φως της δημοσιότητας, αξιώνεται από την κυβέρνηση της Ελλάδας να γίνουν μεγάλες αλλαγές στην αγορά εργασίας.

Συγκεκριμένα, στο εν λόγω κείμενο η τρόικα μεταξύ άλλων ζητά τα εξής:

—	αύξηση του μέγιστου αριθμού ημερών εργασίας σε 6 ημέρες ανά εβδομάδα για όλους τους τομείς·

—	μείωση του κατώτατου μισθού·

—	μείωση των αποζημιώσεων στον ιδιωτικό τομέα·

—	περιορισμό της ελάχιστης ημερήσιας ανάπαυσης στις 11 ώρες.

Ερωτώ την Επιτροπή τα πιο κάτω και παρακαλώ να μου δοθεί εμπεριστατωμένη απάντηση για την κάθε ερώτηση:

—	ποια είναι η άποψή της Επιτροπής για την πενθήμερη εργασία και το οκτάωρο, δικαιώματα τα οποία κατακτήθηκαν μετά από ιστορικούς και αιματηρούς αγώνες του παγκόσμιου εργατικού κινήματος;

—	επιβεβαιώνει η Επιτροπή την ύπαρξη του κειμένου;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Στο πλαίσιο του Προγράμματος Οικονομικής Προσαρμογής το οποίο συμφωνήθηκε μεταξύ των ελληνικών αρχών, του Διεθνούς Νομισματικού Ταμείου και της Επιτροπής (για λογαριασμό των κρατών μελών της ζώνης του ευρώ), συμφωνήθηκαν όροι και προϋποθέσεις της οικονομικής πολιτικής. Η διάρκεια της εβδομαδιαίας εργασίας και οι αλλαγές σε αυτή δεν είχαν συμπεριληφθεί ούτε συμπεριλαμβάνονται στους όρους αυτούς.

Η Επιτροπή είναι ο θεματοφύλακας του ενωσιακού κεκτημένου και φυσικά δεν θα υποστήριζε κανένα κράτος μέλος στη θέσπιση νομοθεσίας ασύμβατης με τη νομοθεσία της ΕΕ. Αυτό αφορά όχι μόνο τις γενικές αρχές για τις δίκαιες και πρόσφορες συνθήκες εργασίας, όπως ορίζονται στον Χάρτη Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων (215), αλλά και την οδηγία 2003/88/ΕΚ για την οργάνωση του χρόνου εργασίας (216).

Μελέτες σχετικά με τις επιπτώσεις των υπερβολικών ωρών εργασίας στην υγεία και την ασφάλεια καταδεικνύουν ότι, αν και ο απόλυτος κίνδυνος εξαρτάται από το είδος της εργασιακής δραστηριότητας, ο μέσος όρος του κινδύνου αυξάνεται σημαντικά μετά από περίπου οκτώ ώρες καθημερινής εργασίας και σαράντα ώρες εβδομαδιαίας εργασίας (217). Ως εκ τούτου, η οδηγία για την οργάνωση του χρόνου εργασίας ορίζει ότι κάθε εργαζόμενος δικαιούται ελάχιστη περίοδο ημερήσιας ανάπαυσης 11 διαδοχικών ωρών ανά εικοσιτετράωρο και ότι ο μέσος όρος του εβδομαδιαίου χρόνου εργασίας (συμπεριλαμβανομένων των υπερωριών) δεν πρέπει να υπερβαίνει τις 48 ώρες.

Ωστόσο, η νομοθεσία ορισμένων κρατών μελών θα μπορούσε να τροποποιηθεί ώστε να στηρίξει περισσότερο την ανάπτυξη και την απασχόληση, χωρίς να υπονομεύει τις συνθήκες εργασίας και τη σχετική νομοθεσία της ΕΕ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008555/12

to the Commission

Sophocles Sophocleous (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Publication of Troika non-paper on labour market reform in Greece

A recently produced Troika non-paper calls for the Greek Government to introduce major labour market reforms.

The measures called for by the Troika in the non-paper in question include:

—	an increase in the maximum number of working days to six days a week in all sectors;

—	a reduction in the minimum wage;

—	a reduction in private-sector remuneration;

—	a reduction in the minimum daily rest period to 11 hours.

In light of the above, will the Commission say, in a detailed reply to each question:

—	What is the Commission’s view of the five-day working week and eight-hour working day, rights won following bloody, historic battles by the global workers’ movement?

—	Can the Commission confirm the existence of this non-paper?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2012)

The existence of the Economic Adjustment Programme agreed between the Greek authorities and the International Monetary Fund and the Commission (on behalf of the euro area Member States) involves an agreement on economic policy conditionality. The duration of the working week or changes to it have not been and are not part of that conditionality.

The Commission is the guardian of the EU acquis and of course would not support legislation by Member States incompatible with EC law. This concerns not only the general principles in relation to fair and just working conditions set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights (218) but also the Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC (219).

Studies of the effects of long working hours on health and safety indicate that while the absolute risk depends on the type of activity, average risks increase sharply after about 8 hours' work per day and after about 40 hours' work per week (220). The Working Time Directive thus provides that every worker is entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours in each 24-hour period, and that average weekly working time (including any overtime) shall not exceed 48 hours on average.

However, some Member State legislation could be adjusted to make it more supportive of growth and jobs without undermining working conditions and the relevant EC law.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008556/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Sophocles Sophocleous (S&D)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Έρευνα της Επιτροπής για πιθανές πρακτικές παρεμπόδισης του ανταγωνισμού

Στις 4 Σεπτεμβρίου, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, ως θεματοφύλακας του ανταγωνισμού στην Ευρώπη, ανακοίνωσε ότι θα πραγματοποιήσει έρευνα για ενδεχόμενη παραβίαση του άρθρου 102 της Συνθήκης για τη Λειτουργία της ΕΕ από τον ρωσικό όμιλο Gazprom. Το άρθρο προβλέπει ευθύνες για κατάχρηση από την πλευρά εταιρειών της δεσπόζουσας θέσης που κατέχουν στην αγορά και μπορούν να εμποδίσουν το ελεύθερο εμπόριο μεταξύ των κρατών της ΕΕ.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	ποιο είναι το χρονοδιάγραμμα τη έρευνας και ποιες διαδικασίες θα ακολουθηθούν;

—	πώς σχολιάζει το διάταγμα Πούτιν αμέσως μετά την ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής, το οποίο θέτει υπό τον έλεγχο και την προστασία του κράτους όλες τις στρατηγικές ρωσικές εταιρείες που επιχειρούν στο εξωτερικό;

—	ποια είναι τα μέχρι τώρα συμπεράσματα της έρευνας;

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Οι διαδικασίες που πρέπει να τηρηθούν είναι οι ίδιες με εκείνες για οποιοδήποτε άλλη έρευνα για παράβαση της αντιμονοπωλιακής νομοθεσίας και διέπονται από τον κανονισμό 1/2003 (221). Σύμφωνα με τον κανονισμό, η Επιτροπή, ανάλογα με το αποτέλεσμα της προκαταρκτικής έρευνάς της, θα διατυπώνει γραπτώς τις αντιρρήσεις που θα έχει ενδεχομένως και θα δίνει στην εκάστοτε επιχείρηση τη δυνατότητα να υποβάλει παρατηρήσεις. Η διάρκεια μιας έρευνας για παράβαση της αντιμονοπωλιακής νομοθεσίας εξαρτάται από διάφορους παράγοντες, όπως η πολυπλοκότητα της υπόθεσης και ο βαθμός στον οποίο η εκάστοτε ενδιαφερόμενη επιχείρηση συνεργάζεται με την Επιτροπή.

Η Επιτροπή συνεχίζει την έρευνά της με τον ίδιο τρόπο όπως και πριν την έκδοση του διατάγματος και πιστεύει ότι όλες οι ενδιαφερόμενες επιχειρήσεις θα συνεργαστούν μαζί της, δεδομένου ότι αυτό υπηρετεί και τα δικά τους συμφέροντα. Eναπόκειται σε κάθε επιχείρηση που δραστηριοποιείται στην ΕΕ να σέβεται τους θεμελιώδεις κανόνες της Συνθήκης, όπως εκείνους που διέπουν τον ανταγωνισμό, ενώ αποτελεί ευθύνη της Επιτροπής η εξασφάλιση ισότιμων όρων εντός της εσωτερικής αγοράς.

Η Επιτροπή έχει εντοπίσει τρεις ύποπτες πρακτικές που ενδέχεται να συνιστούν παράβαση της αντιμονοπωλιακής νομοθεσίας, ως προς τις οποίες θα προβεί σε εμπεριστατωμένη έρευνα: α) αν η Gazprom διέσπασε τις αγορές φυσικού αερίου εμποδίζοντας την ελεύθερη ροή φυσικού αερίου μεταξύ κρατών μελών, β) αν η Gazprom δημιούργησε φραγμούς για τη διαφοροποίηση από πλευράς προμήθειας εμποδίζοντας την πρόσβαση σε εναλλακτικές πηγές προμήθειας φυσικού αερίου, και γ) αν η Gazprom επέβαλε μη δίκαιες τιμές στους πελάτες της.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008556/12

to the Commission

Sophocles Sophocleous (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Commission investigation into possible competition prevention

On 4 September, the European Commission, as the guardian of competition in Europe, announced that it intended to open an investigation into a possible infringement of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by the Russian group Gazprom. Article 102 provides for liability in the case of abuse by undertakings of a dominant position within the market that may prevent free trade between the EU Member States.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

—	What is the timetable for the investigation and what procedures are being followed?

—	What comments can it make on the Putin decree which immediately followed the Commission announcement, putting all strategic Russian companies trading abroad under the control and protection of the State?

—	What are the conclusions of the investigation so far?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The procedures to be followed are the same as for any other Commission's antitrust investigation and are governed by Regulation 1/2003 (222). In accordance with the regulation, the Commission will, depending on the outcome of its preliminary investigation, set out any objections it may have in writing and give the company concerned the possibility to comment. The duration of an antitrust investigation depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case and the extent to which the company concerned cooperates with the Commission.

The Commission continues its investigation in the same manner as before the adoption of the decree and trusts that all companies concerned will cooperate with it, since this is also in their best interest. It is incumbent on every company active in the EU to respect fundamental Treaty rules, such as those on competition, and it is the Commission's responsibility to preserve a level playing field within the internal market.

The Commission has identified three suspected anti-competitive practices, which will now be subject to an in-depth investigation: a) whether Gazprom has divided gas markets by preventing the free flow of gas between Member States; b) whether Gazprom created barriers to supply diversification by preventing access to alternative sources of gas supply; and c) whether Gazprom imposed unfair prices on its customers.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-008557/12

Komisijai

Juozas Imbrasas (EFD)

(2012 m. rugsėjo 27 d.)

Tema: Teisingas požiūris į Baltijos šalių žemdirbius Europos Sąjungos bendros žemės ūkio politikos po 2013 m. teisės aktų projektuose

Įstojusios į ES, Lietuva, Latvija ir Estija įsipareigojo kartu su kitomis valstybėmis narėmis vykdyti bendrą žemės ūkio politiką ir iki šiol tai drausmingai darė. 2012 m. baigėsi visi pereinamieji laikotarpiai, taikomi siekiant atitikti aukštus kokybinius ūkininkavimo reikalavimus. Nuo šiol visos šalys bendrojoje ES rinkoje turi veikti pagal vienodus standartus. Tačiau parama Lietuvai, Latvijai ir Estijai, ypač žemdirbių pajamoms išlaikyti skiriant tiesiogines išmokas, yra gerokai mažesnė. Paminėtina, kad tose pačiose geografinėse platumose esantys ES senbuvių šalių ūkiai gauna 2‐3 kartus didesnes išmokas.

Įvertinus nuo 2004 m. pasikeitusią dalyvavimo bendrojoje ES rinkoje padėtį, Stojimo sutartyje įrašytos ir istoriniais rodikliais pagrįstos nuostatos Lietuvai, Latvijai ir Estijai tampa labai nepalankios, kadangi tuo metu nepakankamai objektyviai buvo įvertintos trijų Baltijos šalių 50 metų buvimo kitos sąjungos sudėtyje pasekmės, neužbaigtų esminių reformų poreikis sąnaudoms ir įtaka konkurencingumui.

2014‐2020 metų ES biudžeto projekte numatoma, jog Baltijos šalių ūkininkams išmokos nuo 2014 m. kasmet augs tik apie 5 eurus už hektarą, nors 2007‐2013 m. jos augo po 14 eurų. 2020 m. planuojama, kad išmokos bus 35‐48 proc. mažesnės nei ES vidurkis. Nuo 2017 m. išmokos užšaldomos ir Baltijos šalių žemdirbiams išliks vienos mažiausių ES. Manau, kad esama ir formuojama žemės ūkio politika neužtikrina lygybės ir sąžiningos konkurencijos principų.

1.	Ar Komisija ketina klausimą dėl tokios susidariusios padėties spręsti formuodama adekvatų, įsipareigojimus ir ateities iššūkius atitinkantį ES biudžetą ir ES plėtros faktą atitinkančią jo dalį, skirtą bendrai žemės ūkio politikai finansuoti?

2.	Ar Komisija nemano, kad tiesioginių išmokų suma (finansinis paketas) Baltijos šalims turėtų būti nustatyta pagal naują skaičiavimo būdą?

3.	Politiškai labai sunku rasti bendrų objektyvių ekonominių kriterijų, kaip sumažinti didelių tiesioginių išmokų skirtumus tarp valstybių narių, todėl ar nevertėtų sudarant finansinį paketą Baltijos šalims pasirinkti 27 ES valstybių narių 2013 m. faktiškai susidariusio vidurkio 1 hektarui?

4.	Ar Komisija nemano, kad visų tiesioginių išmokų mokėjimą pagal naują būdą reikėtų taikyti jau nuo 2014 m. be jokio pereinamojo laikotarpio, kuris gali vėl atitolinti konkurencinių sąlygų suvienodinimą ES valstybėms narėms?

5.	Ar Komisija ketina spręsti paramos supaprastinimo tvarkos klausimą, nes dėl sudėtingų ir painių taisyklių bei reikalavimų nukenčia žemdirbiai?

D. Cioloşo atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. lapkričio 13 d.)

1.

Dėl 2014‐2020 m. daugiametės finansinės programos Komisija pasiūlė bendrai žemės ūkio politikai (BŽŪP) skirtas lėšas nominalia išraiška įšaldyti 2013 m. lygyje. Į atnaujintą ir neseniai Komisijos priimtą pasiūlymą įtrauktos papildomos Kroatijos stojimui skirtos lėšos. Tai paprasto stojimo derybų aiškinimo dalis.

2.

Kad būtų teisingiau paskirstomos tiesioginės išmokos, Komisija pasiūlė laikytis darnaus požiūrio ir padidinti finansinį paketą toms valstybėms narėms, kurių ES tiesioginės išmokos už hektarą yra mažesnės už vidutines, ir apriboti nuostolius tų, kurių išmokų lygis yra didesnis už vidutinį. Estijai, Latvijai ir Lietuvai, palyginti su jų esamu pagalbos lygiu, šis suvienodinimas bus naudingiausias.

3.	Taikant faktinį 27 ES valstybių narių išmokų vidurkį už hektarą būtų užtikrintas tolygus paskirstymas už hektarą. Tačiau

„tolygus“ nereiškia „teisingas“, ypač dėl to, kad valstybių narių ekonominiai veiksniai vis dar gerokai skiriasi.

4.

Valstybėms narėms, kurios taikė bendrosios išmokos schemą, kad išvengtų neigiamų padarinių vietoj istorinio modelio pradėjus taikyti regioninį modelį, nustatytas pereinamasis laikotarpis. 12 ES valstybių narių, išskyrus Maltą ir Slovėniją, vienkartinių išmokų už plotą schema visada buvo taikoma kaip pereinamojo laikotarpio sistema, o šios vienkartinės išmokos ir yra vienodo dydžio kompensacinės išmokos, todėl vienkartinių išmokų už plotą schemą taikančioms valstybėms narėms pereinamasis laikotarpis yra nepateisinamas.

5.

Pasiūlymai dėl BŽŪP reformos sudaro išsamų dokumentų rinkinį, kuriuo siekiama įvairių skirtingų politikos tikslų, įskaitant jos supaprastinimą. Teikiami kuo paprastesni pasiūlymai, kurie vis dėlto yra veiksmingi siekiant įvairių tikslų. Be to, supaprastinimas irgi bus labai svarbus nustatant būsimos politikos įgyvendinimo ES ir nacionaliniu lygmenimis taisykles.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008557/12

to the Commission

Juozas Imbrasas (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Draft legislation for the EU's Common Agricultural Policy after 2013: fair treatment for Baltic countries' farmers

When acceding to the EU, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the other Member States committed to adopting the common agricultural policy, which they have achieved in a disciplined manner. In 2012, all the transitional periods applied to meet high qualitative-farming requirements expired. Henceforth, all countries in the EU’s common market must operate in accordance with uniform standards. However, support for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in particular to maintain farmers’ incomes by granting direct payments, is significantly lower. Farms in established EU Member States in the same latitudes receive payments that are 2‐3 times higher.

In view of the changed situation since 2004 with regard to EU common market participation, the provisions of the Treaty of Accession and provisions based on historical indicators are becoming unfavourable for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia because objective assessment was not given to the 50 years the 3 Baltic States spent in another union, nor were the costs of unfinished essential reforms or the impact on competitiveness assessed.

The EU draft budget for 2014‐20 provides that from 2014 payments to farmers in Baltic countries will only increase by around EUR 5 per hectare, although in the period 2007‐2013 they increased by EUR 14. It is estimated that by 2020 payments will be 35‐48 % lower than the EU average. From 2017, payments will be frozen and those paid to farmers in Baltic countries will remain among the lowest in the EU. I believe that the current and future common agricultural policies fail to ensure the principles of equality and fair competition.

1.	Will the Commission address this situation by developing an adequate EU budget that meets commitments and future challenges and will the part intended to finance the common agricultural policy correspond to the fact of EU enlargement?

2.	Does the Commission believe that the direct payments (financial package) for the Baltic countries should be determined using a new calculation method?

3.

It is politically very difficult to find common, objective economic criteria on how to reduce the large disparities between the Member States in terms of direct payments. Therefore, when establishing a financial package for the Baltic countries, would it be appropriate to take the actual production average of the EU‐27 in 2013 per one hectare?

4.	Does the Commission believe that a new way of paying all direct payments should be introduced as early as 2014 without any transitional period, which may again delay harmonising competitive conditions for EU Member States?

5.	Will the Commission simplify aid procedures, because farmers are suffering due to complicated and confusing rules and requirements?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2012)

1.

For the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020, the Commission has proposed a nominal freeze of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) amounts at their 2013 level. Amounts have been added for the accession of Croatia in the updated Commission proposal recently adopted. It is a simple translation of the accession negotiations.

2.

To obtain a more equitable distribution of direct payments, the Commission has proposed a balanced approach with increasing the envelopes of Member States below the EU average direct payment per hectare and limiting the losses of Member States above the average. Compared to their current aid level, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will gain most from this convergence.

3.	To apply the actual EU-27 average per hectare would correspond to an equal distribution per hectare. However, equal does not mean equitable, in particular due to the substantial differences that still exist between Member States in terms of economic factors.

4.

A transitional period is allowed for Member States that applied the single payment scheme to avoid disruptive effects when moving from historic to regional model. The single area payment scheme applied in the EU-12 Member States except Malta and Slovenia was always designed as a transitional system and is already a flat rate payment; therefore a transitional period is not justifiable for SAPS Member States.

5.

The CAP reform proposals form a comprehensive package intending at addressing various policy objectives, including simplification. The proposals are as simple as possible, while still being effective to achieve the various objectives. Simplification will also play a prominent role when establishing the implementing rules of the future policy at EU and national levels.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-008558/12

Komisijai

Juozas Imbrasas (EFD)

(2012 m. rugsėjo 27 d.)

Tema: Europos Sąjungos ir Mauritanijos Islamo Respublikos žvejybos partnerystės susitarimas

2012 m. liepos 26 d. Mauritanijos sostinėje buvo pasirašytas naujas dvejus metus galiosiantis žvejybos partnerystės susitarimo protokolas tarp ES ir Mauritanijos Islamo Respublikos. Mauritanijos išskirtinės ekonominės zonos (IEZ) vandenyse Lietuvos tolimojo plaukiojimo žvejybos laivai žvejoja apie 40 metų. Tai vienas svarbiausių mūsų šalies tolimojo plaukiojimo laivų žvejybos rajonų nuo 2002 m. Čia sugaunama 54‐76 proc. visų Lietuvos laivais tolimuosiuose žvejybos rajonuose sužvejojamų žuvų.

Nors Žemės ūkio ministerijos pareigūnai aktyviai dalyvavo derybų procese, tačiau galutinis Europos Komisijos derybininkų grupės pasiektas rezultatas nemaloniai nustebino ir labai nuvylė ne tik valstybių narių administracijas, bet ir žvejybos pramonės atstovus. Nesugebėta pasipriešinti Mauritanijos institucijų atstovų reikalavimams dėl naujų ir labai sunkiai įgyvendinamų techninių žvejybos sąlygų, nors šioms sąlygoms kategoriškai prieštaravo Europos žvejybos sektoriaus atstovai. Jie teigė, jog nepakitus siūlomoms sąlygoms, žvejyba Mauritanijoje taps tiesiog neįmanoma. Kaip keletą tokių sunkiai įgyvendinamų arba žvejybai užkertančių kelią sąlygų galima paminėti reikalavimą, kad 60 proc. laivo įgulos sudarytų vietiniai Mauritanijos jūreiviai, kurie, kaip rodo praktika, neturi jokios jūrinės kvalifikacijos, reikalavimą neatlygintinai atiduoti 2 proc. laimikio vietos valdžiai, kuro įsigijimo monopolijos įteisinimą, draudžiamos žvejybos zonos nukėlimą nuo 12 iki 20 jūrmylių linijos, kur galima pagauti tik dešimtadalį to kiekio, kuris būdavo pagaunamas iki šiol. Žvejybos mokesčiai buvo labai padidinti – žvejų išlaidos vien mokesčiams gali išaugti iki 6 kartų.

Be to, Europos Komisija įsipareigojo mokėti Mauritanijai už šį protokolą beveik 70 milijonų eurų kasmet. Žvejams bus nebeįmanoma efektyviai žvejoti, jie bus verčiami trauktis iš šios Lietuvai ir kitoms ES valstybėms labai svarbios žvejybos zonos. Taigi nekyla abejonių, jog žuvų kainos ES vartotojams turėtų tik didėti.

1. Ar Komisija nemano, kad, patvirtinus šio pasirašyto susitarimo protokolo sąlygas, žvejyba Mauritanijos Islamo Respublikos ekonominės zonos vandenyse taps nuostolinga?

2. Ar Komisija nemano, kad, Europos Komisijai įsipareigojus mokėti Mauritanijai už šį protokolą beveik 70 milijonų eurų kasmet ir esant tikimybei, jog žvejyba šiame regione taps nepatraukli, šios skirtos Europos Sąjungos lėšos bus panaudojamos neefektyviai?

M. Damanaki atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. lapkričio 28 d.)

Komisija mano, kad 2012 m. liepos 26 d. parafuotas protokolas yra geriausia, ką ES galėjo pasiekti; tokia padėtis daug geresnė, nei tuo atveju, jeigu protokolo nebūtų. Protokolu suteikiamos realios galimybės ES laivynui ir užtikrinamas žvejybos veiklos tęstinumas tol, kol protokolas dar nepradėtas laikinai taikyti. Be to, jame numatoma galimybė tartis dėl techninio pobūdžio patikslinimų artėjant Jungtinių komitetų su Mauritanija posėdžiams. Derybos dėl naujojo protokolo rengtos visiškai skaidriai ir dalyvaujant suinteresuotosioms šalims.

Parafuotasis protokolas atitinka Tarybos suteiktus įgaliojimus ir jų principus, ypač dėl naudojimosi geriausiomis turimomis mokslinėmis rekomendacijomis ir dėl orientavimosi tik į perteklinius išteklius.

Atsižvelgiant į sektoriaus atstovų pateiktus duomenis, atrodo, kad naujos žvejybos galimybės yra pelningos ir tinkamos naudoti nepaisant to, kad techninės ir finansinės sąlygos yra griežtesnės. Jos visų pirma taikytinos sektoriaus segmentams, orientuojantis į didesnės vertės rūšių žuvis už 20 mylių zonos, taip pat į Lietuvos laivų gaudomas skumbres ir staurides.

Į protokolą įtrauktas straipsnis dėl Komisijos įsipareigojimo sumokėti, kuriuo suteikiama teisė denonsuoti protokolą, jei jame numatyti kiekiai nėra išnaudojami, ir pro rata temporis susigrąžinti finansinį įnašą.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008558/12

to the Commission

Juozas Imbrasas (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

On 26 July 2012, the EU and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania signed the Protocol to the new two-year Fisheries Partnership Agreement in the Mauritanian capital. Lithuanian long-distance fishing vessels have been fishing in the waters of Mauritania’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for about 40 years. Since 2002, this area has been one of the most important fishing areas for our country’s long-distance vessels. Of all fish caught by Lithuanian vessels in distant fishing areas, 54‐76 % comes from here.

Although Ministry of Agriculture officials actively participated in the negotiation process, the final result achieved by the European Commission’s team of negotiators came as an unpleasant surprise and a disappointment not only for Member State administrations, but also for representatives of the fisheries industry. The negotiators failed to counter the new and difficult technical conditions for fishing put forward by the representatives of Mauritania’s institutions, even though the representatives of the European fisheries sector categorically opposed these conditions. The fisheries’ sector representatives claimed that if the proposed conditions were not changed, fishing in Mauritania would simply become impossible. Some of the conditions claimed to be difficult to implement or to represent barriers to fishing are, for example: the requirement that 60 % of the vessels’ crews must be comprised of local Mauritanian seamen, who, as practice has shown, have no maritime qualifications whatsoever; the requirement that 2 % of the catch must be handed over to the local government free of charge; the legalisation of the monopoly on fuel procurement; and the redrawing of the boundaries of the fishing prohibition zone from the 12th nautical mile to the 20th, where only 10 % of the current quantities can be caught. Fishing taxes have increased significantly: costs incurred by fishermen from taxation alone can grow by as much as six times.

Additionally, the European Commission undertook a commitment to pay Mauritania an annual amount of almost EUR 70 million for this Protocol. Fishermen will find it impossible to engage in efficient fishing, and will be forced to withdraw from this fishing area, which has been very important to both Lithuania and the rest of the EU Member States. Therefore, fish prices for EU consumers would no doubt only increase.

1. Does the Commission understand that accepting the terms of the Protocol to this signed agreement will cause fishing in the waters of the Economic Zone of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to become unprofitable?

2. Does the Commission understand that if it adheres to its commitment to pay an annual amount of almost EUR 70 million to Mauritania for this Protocol, and assuming that fishing in this region will become unattractive, then these European Union funds will have been used inefficiently?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

The Commission believes that the Protocol initialled on 26 July 2012 is the best deal the EU could get, and is by far preferable to a situation without a Protocol. It offers viable opportunities for the EU fleet, and ensures continuity of fishing operations, pending the provisional application of the Protocol. Moreover, it allows for technical adjustments to be agreed in the context of the upcoming Joint Committees with Mauritania. The Protocol was negotiated in full transparency and with the involvement of the stakeholders.

The initialled Protocol is in line with the mandate from the Council and the principles therein, in particular regarding the use of the best available scientific advice and targeting only the surplus resources.

In the light of the data provided by the industry, the new fishing opportunities appear to be profitable and worth using, despite more stringent technical and financial conditions. This applies especially to the segments of the industry targeting higher value species beyond the 20-mile zone which also concerns mackerel and horse mackerel caught by Lithuanian vessels.

Concerning the Commission's commitment to pay, the new Protocol contains a clause which allows to denounce the protocol if it is underutilised and to recover pro rata temporis the financial contribution.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008559/12

a la Comisión

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D) y Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(27 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Dignidad de las personas con diversidad funcional

Diversos colectivos de personas con diversidad funcional que vienen denunciando su discriminación han alzado la voz de alarma ante el riesgo de segregación y exclusión de la vida ordinaria como consecuencia de la crisis. Recientemente, el Foro de Vida Independiente y Divertad expresó en la Oficina del Parlamento Europeo en Mad su «gran inquietud y sensación de riesgo vital» ante los recortes dirigidos a la población más dependiente y vulnerable.

La Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, firmada por la Unión Europea el 30 de marzo de 2007 y ratificada el 23 de marzo de 2010, reconoce el derecho de todas las personas con diversidad funcional a vivir en la comunidad en igualdad de opciones y a la adopción de medidas efectivas y pertinentes para facilitar el pleno goce de este derecho.

1. ¿Qué medidas ha adoptado o va adoptar la Comisión para garantizar que los planes de estabilidad y convergencia, los programas de reforma y, en su caso, los de ajuste macroeconómico que lleven a cabo los Estados miembros aborden la situación de este colectivo especialmente vulnerable y no supongan una merma en los derechos?

2. ¿Cómo va a tener en cuenta la atención a las necesidades de las personas que precisan de asistencia personal para vivir incluidas dentro de la comunidad en el reparto de los fondos comunitarios en el marco del próximo marco financiero plurianual?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(30 de noviembre de 2012)

Como parte del Semestre Europeo, la Comisión efectúa el seguimiento de la aplicación de las reformas estructurales por los Estados miembros para garantizar el avance hacia los objetivos de Europa 2020 en materia de crecimiento inteligente, sostenible e integrador.

Sobre la base de un análisis de la situación económica y social de cada país, la Comisión está preparando las Recomendaciones Específicas por País (REP) sobre las medidas que debe adoptar cada Estado miembro durante los 12 meses próximos. Estas recomendaciones pueden incluir una amplia gama de temas y abordar también la situación de los grupos vulnerables, en especial de las personas con discapacidad, y promover su inclusión social.

Para el período 2012-2013, el Consejo Europeo adoptó tres REP (para Estonia, Dinamarca y los Países Bajos), destinadas específicamente a las personas con discapacidad, y que abordan las reformas del empleo y de la protección social.

De acuerdo con la Estrategia Europea sobre Discapacidad 2010-2020 (223), el conjunto de medidas reguladoras propuesto en relación con los Fondos Estructurales para 2014-2020 identifica varias medidas destinadas a satisfacer las necesidades de las personas con discapacidad. En especial, el objetivo de los Fondos Estructurales es apoyar la transición de una asistencia institucional a otra de ámbito local y la accesibilidad para las personas con discapacidad (224). La lucha contra la discriminación y la mejora del acceso a la atención sanitaria y los servicios sociales son dos prioridades de inversión del objetivo temático de inclusión social del Fondo Social Europeo (FSE) (225) .

El artículo 7 del Reglamento sobre disposiciones comunes hace referencia al principio general de no discriminación basada, entre otras cosas, en la discapacidad durante la preparación y la ejecución de los programas. Para asegurar la eficacia de las inversiones en estos ámbitos, la Comisión ha propuesto unas disposiciones (226) de condicionalidad ex ante que deben cumplir todos los Estados miembros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008559/12

to the Commission

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D) and Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Dignity for people with functional diversity

Different groups of people with functional diversity, who continually denounce discrimination, have raised the alarm about the risk of segregation and exclusion from everyday life as a result of the crisis. The Spanish Forum for Independent Living and Diversity, the Foro de Vida Independiente y Divertad, recently spoke at the European Parliament Office in Madrid of its ‘grave concerns’ and feeling that the cuts targeted at the most dependent and vulnerable sector of society are potentially ‘life-threatening’.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signed by the European Union on 30 March 2007 and ratified on 23 March 2010, recognises the right of all persons with functional diversity to live in the community with equality of choice, and the adoption of the relevant effective measures to facilitate their full exercise of this right.

1. What steps has the Commission taken or will take to ensure that the stability and convergence plans, reform programs and, where appropriate, the macroeconomic adjustment programmes being carried out by Member States address the situation of this particularly vulnerable group without adversely affecting the group’s rights?

2. How will the allocation of EU funds in the next multiannual financial framework address the needs of people who require personal assistance to live included in the community?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

As part of the European Semester, the Commission monitors the implementation by Member States of structural reforms to ensure progress towards the agreed goals of Europe 2020 in terms of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Based on an analysis of the economic and social situation of each country, the Commission prepares Country Specific Recommendations (CSR) on measures to be adopted by each country over the next 12 months. These may cover a broad range of topics and also address the situation of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, and promote their social inclusion.

For the period 2012-2013 three CSRs specifically targeting i.a. persons with disabilities were adopted by the European Council for Estonia, Denmark and the Netherlands addressing employment and social protection reforms.

In line with the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (227), the proposed regulatory package on Structural Funds for 2014-2020 identifies several measures addressing the needs of disabled people. In particular Structural Funds will aim to support the transition from institutional to community-based care and accessibility for persons with disabilities (228). Combating discrimination and enhancing access to healthcare and social services are two investment priorities of the social inclusion thematic objective of the European Social Fund (ESF) (229).

Article 7 of the Common Provision Regulation refers to the general principle of non-discrimination based on i.a. disability during the preparation and implementation of programmes. To ensure that investments in these areas are effective, the Commission has proposed ex-ante conditionality requirements (230) to be fulfilled by the Member States.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008560/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: L'UE e il racket romeno degli sfruttamenti dei disabili

L'autorità di polizia ha sgominato a Milano un racket di criminali romeni, che controllava in tutta l’Italia settentrionale un elevato numero di disabili ridotti in schiavitù, letteralmente «acquistati» in Romania dai trafficanti e costretti a svolgere attività di mendicanti; dalle indagini svolte risulta che gli organizzatori del racket, che facevano la spola fra Romania e Italia, tutti di etnia rom o turca, hanno realizzato in poco tempo enormi guadagni, facendo lavorare i disabili sulle strade per 12 ore al giorno, mantenendoli in condizioni incivili in baracche fatiscenti, con vestiti logori e con nutrimenti paragonabili a quelli dei campi di concentramento.

1. La Commissione è al corrente di tali forme di racket organizzate dalla Romania?

2. Quali urgenti iniziative di contrasto a tali attività intende attuare per stroncare in Italia e nei pesi membri questo vergognoso sfruttamento dei disabili?

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(20 novembre 2012)

La Commissione nota con preoccupazione i vari casi riferitile di persone disabili che cadono vittime dei trafficanti nell’Unione europea. I risultati preliminari presentati nella strategia dell’UE per l’eradicazione della tratta degli esseri umani (231) indicano che, nella maggioranza dei casi registrati, le vittime sono sfruttate a fini sessuali (76 % nel 2010) e che, nel periodo 2008-2010, il 79 % delle vittime di sfruttamento sessuale era costituito da donne (di cui il 12 % ragazze). Secondo i dati provenienti da molti Stati membri, nella maggior parte dei casi le vittime provengono dall’Unione europea, essenzialmente da Romania e Bulgaria. La Commissione pubblicherà risultati più dettagliati entro la fine del 2012.

In base alla relazione di Europol del 2011 sulla valutazione della minaccia rappresentata dalla criminalità organizzata, i gruppi criminali rumeni (principalmente di etnia Rom) sono caratterizzati da un'elevata mobilità e sono tra i più temibili per quanto concerne la tratta di esseri umani.

La strategia dell’UE pone particolare attenzione ai gruppi vulnerabili, quali le persone con disabilità (soprattutto i minori) e prevede una serie di azioni mirate specificatamente a questo gruppo. La strategia invita inoltre gli Stati membri a potenziare l'azione penale nei confronti dei trafficanti, intensificando le indagini, istituendo unità nazionali multidisciplinari di contrasto della criminalità e incrementando la cooperazione di polizia e giudiziaria transfrontaliera.

Nel 2013 la Commissione effettuerà un'analisi approfondita delle iniziative di prevenzione già in atto. Partendo da tale analisi, nel 2014 la Commissione renderà disponibili fondi nell’ambito del programma di finanziamento della ricerca per migliorare la comprensione di tali gruppi ad alto rischio e in futuro mirerà le sue azioni in modo più coerente in collaborazione con gli Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008560/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: The EU and the Romanian racket exploiting disabled people

Police in Milan have broken up a Romanian criminal racket that had forced a large number of disabled people into slavery across Northern Italy. Disabled people were literally bought by traffickers in Romania and made to work as beggars. The subsequent investigation has revealed that the main perpetrators of the racket, who travelled back and forth between Romania and Italy and were all either Romanian or Turkish, rapidly made enormous profits by forcing these disabled people to work on the streets for 12 hours a day, keeping them in inhumane conditions in decrepit shacks, clothing them in rags and giving them food comparable to that served in concentration camps.

1. Is the Commission aware of these types of Romanian criminal rackets?

2. What pressing initiatives aimed at combating these activities does the Commission intend to implement in order to stamp out this shameful exploitation of disabled people in Italy and the Member States?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

The Commission notes with concern various reports on people with disabilities that fall prey to human traffickers across the EU. Preliminary data as presented in the EU Strategy for Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings (232) shows that most of registered victims in Member States are used for sexual exploitation (76% in 2010). It also shows that female victims accounted for 79% (12% girls) in 2008-2010. Most Member States reported that victims predominantly come from within the EU, and mainly from Romania and Bulgaria. The Commission will publish more detailed results by end 2012.

Europol, in its Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2011 Report, has identified Romanian (mostly of Roma ethnicity) criminal groups as extremely mobile and one of the most threating regarding trafficking in human beings.

The EU Strategy attaches special attention to vulnerable groups, such as people (especially children) with disabilities and foresees actions tailored to this category. The strategy also calls on Member States for increased prosecution of traffickers, by stepping up investigations, establishing national Multidisciplinary Law Enforcement Units and by increasing cross-border police and judicial cooperation.

In 2013, the Commission will thoroughly analyse existing prevention initiatives. Building on that, the Commission will in 2014 ensure that funding is available under the research funding programme to increase understanding of such high-risk groups, with a view to targeting actions in a more coherent manner in the future together with the Member States.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008561/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Esecuzioni in Iraq

Il 23 settembre 2012 il Sunday Times britannico ha riferito in merito alle preoccupazioni esistenti quanto al numero di esecuzioni che hanno avuto luogo in Iraq. Quest'anno sono state condannate a morte almeno 96 persone. I numeri sono in aumento. Gli osservatori internazionali sospettano che molte delle procedure giudiziarie non vengano svolte regolarmente e che le esecuzioni siano dovute a motivi politici. Le esecuzioni riguardano più di un quarto di tutti i detenuti condannati a morte negli otto anni successivi all'allontanamento dal potere di Saddam Hussein.

Nell’agosto 2012 il responsabile delle Nazioni Unite per le indagini sulle esecuzioni arbitrarie, Christof Heyns, ha descritto le esecuzioni autorizzate dal governo come «uccisioni arbitrarie» che sono «perpetrate dietro una cortina di processi legali irregolari». Ha aggiunto che «la continua mancanza di trasparenza in merito all’esecuzione della pena di morte in Iraq e il recente record raggiunto dal paese suscitano gravi preoccupazioni in relazione a quello che ci si può aspettare in futuro». Nell'ultimo mese il governo ha giustiziato ventisei persone compreso un saudita, un siriano e tre donne irachene, ma le esecuzioni sono state annunciate senza comunicare i loro nomi o altri importanti dettagli.

L'anno scorso l'Iraq si è collocato al quarto posto nel mondo in termini di numero di esecuzioni. Amnesty International afferma che le persone giustiziate in Iraq sono state condannate in tribunali che «non rispondono ai requisiti internazionali di un equo processo». In alcuni casi le detenzioni si basavano su torture e altri metodi coercitivi.

Il 29 agosto 2012 Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante ha rilasciato una dichiarazione sul problema delle esecuzioni rilevando: «L'Iraq è consapevole della forte posizione di principio dell'UE contro la pena di morte. Riteniamo che la pena capitale non sia un deterrente al crimine. L'UE invita ancora una volta l'Iraq a smettere di procedere alle esecuzioni capitali e a introdurre una moratoria sul ricorso alla pena di morte, al fine di abolirla».

1. Quali sforzi ha compiuto il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante dalla dichiarazione del 29 agosto al fine di persuadere il governo iracheno ad avviare azioni per migliorare la trasparenza del sistema giudiziario?

2. Sta seguendo il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante casi particolari di persone che devono essere giustiziate ma in relazione alle quali vi è incertezza in merito alla natura dei capi di accusa nei loro confronti?

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

(16 novembre 2012)

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è molto preoccupata per l’aumento delle esecuzioni capitali in Iraq nel corso dell'ultimo anno.

L'UE si è impegnata costantemente in questo campo e ha continuato a sollecitare le autorità irachene, sia pubblicamente che attraverso i canali diplomatici, affinché cessino le esecuzioni e sia introdotta una moratoria, in attesa che la pena di morte venga abolita. L'UE ha inoltre sollevato singoli casi con le autorità.

L’Unione europea, in particolare tramite la sua delegazione, è impegnata anche in un dialogo più generale sulla questione con le autorità irachene, compresi il presidente della Corte suprema, i ministri competenti per i diritti umani e la giustizia e il Parlamento. La delegazione dell'UE ha rilasciato una dichiarazione il 10 ottobre, giornata europea e mondiale contro la pena di morte, che integra la dichiarazione generale dall'AR/VP dello stesso giorno.

La delegazione UE è in stretto contatto con le Nazioni Unite e la società civile per quanto riguarda questi temi.

L'UE intende intensificare la cooperazione in materia di diritti umani con l'Iraq tramite l'accordo di partenariato e di cooperazione, firmato l’11 maggio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008561/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Executions in Iraq

On 23 September 2012, the UK’s Sunday Times reported that there are concerns over the number of executions that have taken place in Iraq. This year so far, at least 96 people have been sentenced to death. The numbers are on the rise. International observers suspect that many judicial procedures are not being carried out properly and that executions are carried out for political reasons. The number of executions in Iraq accounts for more than a quarter of all prisoners put to death in the eight years since Saddam Hussein was removed from power.

In August 2012 the UN investigator on arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns, described the government-sanctioned executions as ‘arbitrary killing [sic]’, which is ‘committed behind a smokescreen of flawed legal processes’. He added that the ‘continued lack of transparency about the implementation of the death penalty in Iraq, and the country’s recent record, raise serious concerns about the question of what to expect in the future’. Over the last month, the government has executed 26 people including a Saudi Arabian, a Syrian and three Iraqi women, but their executions were announced without mentioning their names or other important details.

Last year, Iraq ranked fourth in the world in terms of the number of executions. Amnesty International contends that the people executed in Iraq were sentenced in courts that ‘failed to meet international fair trial standards’. In some cases, convictions were based on torture and other methods of coercion.

On 29 August 2012, the Vice-President/High Representative released a statement on the problem of executions noting: ‘Iraq is aware of the EU’s strong and principled position against the death penalty. We believe that capital punishment does not act as a deterrent to crime. The EU calls again on Iraq to cease carrying out executions and to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, with a view to its abolition’.

1. What efforts has the Vice-President/High Representative made since her statement on 29 August with a view to persuading the Iraqi government to take steps towards improving transparency in the judicial system?

2. Is the Vice-President/High Representative monitoring any particular cases in which individuals are due to be executed but where there is uncertainty over the nature of the charges against them?

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

(16 November 2012)

The HR/VP has been following with concerns the increased use of the death penalty in Iraq during the last year.

The EU has been consistently engaged on this issue and has continued to urge the Iraqi authorities both publicly and through diplomatic channels to cease all executions and introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, pending its abolition. The EU has also raised individual cases with the authorities.

The EU, in particular through the EU Delegation, also engages in a more comprehensive dialogue on this issue with the Iraqi authorities, including with the Chief Justice, the Ministers of Human Rights and Justice as well as the Parliament. The EU Delegation issued a statement on 10 October, the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, which complemented the general statement by the HR/VP on the same day.

The EU Delegation is in very close contact with the United Nations as well as the civil society on this issue.

The EU intends to intensify cooperation on human rights with Iraq through the partnership and cooperation agreement, signed on 11 May.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008562/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Oslava nacizmu v Estónsku

V Estónsku sa nedávno konalo stretnutie estónskych veteránov z druhej svetovej vojny, na ktorom sa zúčastnil aj estónsky minister obrany. Ruská federácia reagovala na túto udalosť nahnevane a ostro kritizovala Estónsko, pričom vyhlásila, že účelom tejto spomienkovej oslavy bola oslava nacizmu, a protestovala proti prejavu, ktorý na tejto akcii predniesol minister obrany. Podľa ruských médií boli medzi účastníkmi stretnutia aj veteráni 20. divízie Waffen SS a veteráni, ktorí bojovali na strane nacistov proti sovietskej okupácii. Estónsko bolo v minulosti republikou Sovietskeho zväzu.

Skontroluje Komisia, či sa v Estónsku správne vykonáva rámcové rozhodnutie Rady o boji proti rasizmu a xenofóbii, ktoré obsahuje aj odmietnutie akejkoľvek formy nacizmu?

Odpoveď pani Redingovej v mene Komisie

(25. októbra 2012)

Rámcové rozhodnutie 2008/913/SVV zaväzuje všetky členské štáty, aby penalizovali okrem iného úmyselné verejné schvaľovanie, popieranie alebo hrubé zľahčovanie nacistických zločinov namierených voči skupine osôb alebo členovi takejto skupiny vymedzenej podľa rasy, farby pleti, náboženského vyznania, rodového pôvodu či národného alebo etnického pôvodu, ak sú tieto skutky vykonané tak, že môžu podnecovať násilie alebo nenávisť voči takejto skupine alebo členovi takejto skupiny (233).

Je úlohou vnútroštátnych orgánov, ako je polícia a súdy, aby všetky konkrétne prípady prešetrili a stanovili, či ich možno považovať za úmyselné verejné schvaľovanie, popieranie alebo hrubé zľahčovanie nacistických zločinov. Estónsko zatiaľ neoznámilo svoje opatrenia na transpozíciu rámcového rozhodnutia 2008/913/SVV, hoci jeho povinnosťou (rovnako ako aj povinnosťou všetkých členských štátov) bolo urobiť tak v termíne do 28. novembra 2010.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008562/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Glorification of Nazism in Estonia

In Estonia a gathering of Estonian World War II veterans has recently been held that was also attended by the country’s defence minister. The Russian Federation reacted angrily to this event and sharply criticised Estonia, claiming that the purpose of the commemoration was the glorification of Nazism and protesting at the speech delivered at the event by the defence minister. According to the Russian media, participants at the gathering also included veterans of the 20th Waffen SS Division and veterans who had fought on the Nazi side against Soviet occupation. Estonia was formerly a republic of the Soviet Union.

Will the Commission check whether the Council Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia, which also includes the rejection of any form of Nazism has been implemented correctly in Estonia?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2012)

Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA obliges all Member States to penalise, inter alia, the intentional public condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Nazi crimes, directed against groups or individuals defined by reference to their race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin, when the conduct is carried out in a manner likely to incite to violence or hatred against such a group or individuals (234).

It is for national authorities, such as the police and courts, to investigate any concrete cases and to determine whether they can be considered as intentional public condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Nazi crimes. Estonia has not yet notified its measures of transposition of Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA, although it was obliged to do so, as all Member States, by 28 November 2010.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008563/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Fuga di lavoratori stranieri dall'Italia

Secondo quanto risulta da un'indagine condotta dalla Fondazione Leone Moressa, si registra un forte cambiamento delle caratteristiche del mercato del lavoro straniero in Italia, tra cui in particolare l'abbandono dei posti ad opera dei lavoratori stranieri in Italia.

L'analisi si riferisce a uno spettro di 800 aziende italiane ed evidenzia che nel corso della prima parte del 2012 l'occupazione straniera nelle piccole e medie imprese in Italia ha registrato un calo dello 0,8 % . Si prevede che la percentuale salirà al —1,3 % nel secondo semestre.

I dati sono preoccupanti, in quanto consentono di rilevare da un lato un incremento del lavoro sommerso e dall'altro evidenziano che gli stranieri presenti in Italia si dirigono verso il nord Europa in considerazione delle più favorevoli condizioni di impiego.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione comunicare quanto segue:

È essa a conoscenza dei dati relativi ai lavoratori stranieri e in quale condizione si trovano negli stessi negli altri Stati membri?

Quali politiche intende adottare per incentivare le aziende che assumono lavoratori stranieri con un contratto regolare?

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(19 novembre 2012)

1.	In Italia i cittadini appartenenti a paesi terzi sono stati particolarmente colpiti dalla crisi: il loro tasso di occupazione è infatti sceso dal 66,2 % nel 2008 al 60,4 % nel 2011 (235) (mentre la disoccupazione è aumentata dall'8,8 % al 12,3 %).

Un fenomeno analogo si è verificato nella maggior parte degli Stati membri (236). In media, nell'UE il tasso di occupazione dei cittadini di paesi terzi è sceso dal 59,2 % nel 2008 al 54,9 % nel 2011, mentre per i cittadini degli Stati membri UE è passato dal 66 % al 64,6 % e per i cittadini UE che si sono spostati in uno Stato membro diverso da quello d'origine dal 69,7 % al 67,9 %.

2.

La Commissione non è competente ad adottare misure specifiche del tipo suggerito dall'Onorevole parlamentare. Tuttavia, con il suo «pacchetto occupazione» (aprile 2012) e le raccomandazioni specifiche per paese (luglio 2012), ha raccomandato agli Stati membri di adottare misure per combattere il lavoro sommerso e ha proposto loro di introdurre sussidi all'assunzione per le nuove assunzioni nette. Nel suo programma di lavoro per il 2013 (237) la Commissione ha inoltre annunciato la creazione di una piattaforma UE per la lotta contro il lavoro non dichiarato destinata a migliorare la cooperazione tra gli ispettorati del lavoro e gli altri organismi incaricati di assicurare il rispetto della legge. La Commissione ha anche invitato gli Stati membri a considerare la possibilità di trasferire il carico fiscale dal lavoro ad altre fonti in modo da incoraggiare la creazione di posti di lavoro, riducendo nel contempo il lavoro sommerso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008563/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Foreign workers fleeing Italy

According to a survey conducted by the Leone Moressa Foundation, the foreign labour market in Italy has recently undergone great change, including, in particular, the number of foreign workers in Italy who are quitting their jobs.

The survey refers to a spectrum of 800 Italian firms and highlights the fact that in the first part of 2012, the employment of foreigners in small and medium-sized enterprises in Italy decreased by 0.8 %. This figure is expected to decrease to — 1.3 % in the second half of the year.

These figures are worrying, as, on the one hand, they point to an increase in undeclared work and, on the other, show that foreigners in Italy are making their way to northern Europe to seek more favourable employment conditions.

Can the Commission therefore say:

whether it is aware of the data concerning foreign workers, and what the situation is in the other Member States;

what policies it will adopt to provide incentives to companies that hire foreign workers with a regular contract?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

1.	In Italy, third-country nationals have been particularly affected by the crisis as their employment rate has decreased from 66.2 % in 2008 to 60.4 % in 2011

1.	In Italy, third-country nationals have been particularly affected by the crisis as their employment rate has decreased from 66.2 % in 2008 to 60.4 % in 2011

 (238)

It has also been the case in most Member States (239). On average in the EU, the employment rate among third-country nationals has decreased from 59.2 % in 2008 to 54.9 % in 2011 — while for nationals and EU mobile citizens it changed respectively from 66 % to 64.6 % and from 69.7 % to 67.9 %.

2.

The Commission has no competence to take specific action in the direction suggested by the Honourable Member of the Parliament. However, the Commission through its Employment Package (April 2012) and the Country Specific Recommendations adopted in July 2012 has recommended Member States to adopt measures addressing the challenge of undeclared work and proposed Member States to use hiring subsidies for net new recruitment. Furthermore, the Commission announced in its Commission Work Programme 2013

2.

The Commission has no competence to take specific action in the direction suggested by the Honourable Member of the Parliament. However, the Commission through its Employment Package (April 2012) and the Country Specific Recommendations adopted in July 2012 has recommended Member States to adopt measures addressing the challenge of undeclared work and proposed Member States to use hiring subsidies for net new recruitment. Furthermore, the Commission announced in its Commission Work Programme 2013

 (240)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008564/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Dati sul mercato immobiliare

Secondo gli ultimi dati Istat, nei primi tre mesi dell'anno le vendite di case (154 813 in totale) sono diminuite del 16,9 per cento rispetto allo stesso periodo dell'anno precedente. Il 92,9 per cento dei contratti ha riguardato abitazioni (con un calo del 17,2 per cento rispetto allo scorso anno), il 6,3 per cento immobili ad uso economico (meno 11,8 per cento rispetto al 2011).

Il crollo del mercato — dicono gli esperti — è strettamente connesso non solo direttamente alla crisi ma anche alla sempre maggiore difficoltà di accesso al credito. Lo dice il dato sui mutui, diminuiti del 49,6 per cento rispetto al primo trimestre 2011 (92 415 in totale). In particolare, i prestiti garantiti da ipoteca immobiliare (64 116) hanno registrato una flessione tendenziale del 39,2 per cento, mentre quelli non garantiti (28 299) sono diminuiti del 63,6 per cento.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti si chiede alla Commissione quanto segue:

È a conoscenza degli ultimi dati Istat sul mercato immobiliare in Italia e può fornire dati analoghi sulla situazione del mercato immobiliare negli altri Stati membri?

Con quali politiche intende rilanciare il mercato immobiliare in Europa?

Intende superare le difficoltà di accesso al credito delle famiglie, che secondo gli esperti sono l'origine della crisi del mercato immobiliare, e, in caso affermativo, in che modo?

Risposta di Olli Rehn a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

1.	I dati sul mercato immobiliare non sono stati ancora raccolti e pubblicati dalla Commissione (Eurostat). Tuttavia, la Commissione raccoglie e pubblica regolarmente ogni trimestre i dati sull’evoluzione dei prezzi del mercato degli immobili residenziali negli Stati membri dell’UE

1.	I dati sul mercato immobiliare non sono stati ancora raccolti e pubblicati dalla Commissione (Eurostat). Tuttavia, la Commissione raccoglie e pubblica regolarmente ogni trimestre i dati sull’evoluzione dei prezzi del mercato degli immobili residenziali negli Stati membri dell’UE

 (241)  (242)  (243)  (244)

2.

La situazione dei mercati immobiliari presenta notevoli differenze tra gli Stati membri. Nella misura in cui gli sviluppi del mercato immobiliare presentino un rischio alla stabilità macroeconomica o possano provocare squilibri macroeconomici, la Commissione affronterà il problema attraverso la procedura per gli squilibri macroeconomici. L’analisi in base alla procedura per gli squilibri macroeconomici è finalizzata a cogliere il profilo di rischio costituito dalla formazione di bolle speculative dei prezzi immobiliari e quelli dovuti ad ingenti rettifiche

2.

La situazione dei mercati immobiliari presenta notevoli differenze tra gli Stati membri. Nella misura in cui gli sviluppi del mercato immobiliare presentino un rischio alla stabilità macroeconomica o possano provocare squilibri macroeconomici, la Commissione affronterà il problema attraverso la procedura per gli squilibri macroeconomici. L’analisi in base alla procedura per gli squilibri macroeconomici è finalizzata a cogliere il profilo di rischio costituito dalla formazione di bolle speculative dei prezzi immobiliari e quelli dovuti ad ingenti rettifiche

 (245)

3.

Il finanziamento immobiliare ha rivestito un ruolo centrale nella crisi, vista la recessione particolarmente grave negli Stati membri con un elevato indebitamento delle famiglie che impone costi finanziari e sociali a queste ultime. La Commissione ha proposto una direttiva sui contratti di credito relativi ad immobili residenziali

3.

Il finanziamento immobiliare ha rivestito un ruolo centrale nella crisi, vista la recessione particolarmente grave negli Stati membri con un elevato indebitamento delle famiglie che impone costi finanziari e sociali a queste ultime. La Commissione ha proposto una direttiva sui contratti di credito relativi ad immobili residenziali

 (246)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008564/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Property market statistics

According to the latest data from ISTAT, in the first three months of the year, house sales (154 813 in total) decreased by 16.9 % compared to the same period of the previous year. 92.9 % of sales contracts concerned homes (a 17.2 % drop compared to the previous year), while 6.3 % concerned business property (a decline of 11.8 % over 2011).

According to the experts, the collapse of the market is closely related not only to the economic crisis itself, but also to increasing difficulties in gaining access to credit. For instance, the data show that mortgages fell by 49.6 % compared to the first quarter of 2011 (92 415 mortgages in total). In particular, loans secured by a property mortgage (64 116) declined by 39.2 %, while unsecured loans (28 299) fell by 63.6 %.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following questions:

Is it aware of the latest ISTAT data on the Italian property market and can it provide similar data on the property market situation in the other Member States?

What policies will it pursue in order to boost the property market in Europe?

Will it take any action to help overcome the difficulties that families are having in securing credit, which, according to experts, is the main cause of the housing market crisis? If so, what action does it intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

1.	Data on house sales are not yet collected and disseminated by the Commission (Eurostat). Nevertheless, the Commission regularly collects and disseminates quarterly data on the price evolution of the residential property market in the EU Member States

1.	Data on house sales are not yet collected and disseminated by the Commission (Eurostat). Nevertheless, the Commission regularly collects and disseminates quarterly data on the price evolution of the residential property market in the EU Member States

 (247)  (248)  (249)  (250)

2.

Property market situations differ considerably across Member States. To the extent that property market developments pose a risk to macroeconomic stability or could lead to the creation of macroeconomic imbalances, the Commission will address this through its Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure (MIP). The analysis under the MIP aims at capturing the risk of house price bubbles building up as well as those stemming from large corrections

2.

Property market situations differ considerably across Member States. To the extent that property market developments pose a risk to macroeconomic stability or could lead to the creation of macroeconomic imbalances, the Commission will address this through its Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure (MIP). The analysis under the MIP aims at capturing the risk of house price bubbles building up as well as those stemming from large corrections

 (251)

3.

Housing finance played a central role in the crisis, with the recession particularly severe in those Member States with a large build-up in household debt, which imposes financial and social costs on households. The Commission has proposed a directive on credit agreements relating to residential property

3.

Housing finance played a central role in the crisis, with the recession particularly severe in those Member States with a large build-up in household debt, which imposes financial and social costs on households. The Commission has proposed a directive on credit agreements relating to residential property

 (252)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008565/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Suicidio dei lavoratori in tempo di crisi

Una recente indagine dell'Eures propone un quadro disastroso della situazione occupazionale in Italia, focalizzandosi sul suicidio dei lavoratori in tempo di crisi.

L'indagine ha registrato un aumento del 58,7 % nel numero di suicidi tra i lavoratori restituendoci un quadro preoccupante della vulnerabilità di disoccupati, esodati e imprenditori. Queste ultime sono, infatti, le categorie maggiormente esposte all'impatto della crisi.

L'aumento vertiginoso del tasso suicidario nel quadro fornito dall'Eures è strettamente connesso alla crisi del credito e del lavoro. Appare, quindi, necessario agire con interventi in grado di prevenire il fenomeno attraverso un'attenta osservazione della fascia a rischio.

Alla luce di quanto sopra esposto, può dire la Commissione con quali politiche l'UE intende sostenere le categorie più esposte in vista del legame tra la condizione occupazionale e il rischio suicidario? Può dire, altresì, con quali iniziative intende muoversi l'UE nella direzione della sensibilizzazione dell'opinione pubblica nei confronti del fenomeno?

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(19 novembre 2012)

EURES è il portale europeo della mobilità professionale. Si tratta di una rete di oltre 850 consulenti nell'Unione europea, nello Spazio economico europeo e in Svizzera. Il portale offre uno sportello unico presso cui reperire informazioni sulle opportunità di lavoro nei paesi membri della rete (253). EURES ha lo scopo di favorire la mobilità dei lavoratori in Europa e di migliorare l'incontro fra domanda e offerta di lavoro.

L'indagine cui fa riferimento l'Onorevole parlamentare è stata realizzata da un istituto italiano di ricerche sociali (EU.R.E.S., ossia EU Ricerche Economiche e Sociali (254)), che non ha alcun rapporto specifico con la Commissione e non è in alcun modo legato alla rete EURES.

L'aumento del numero di suicidi rappresenta senza alcun dubbio uno degli effetti più estremi e drammatici della crisi. È per questo che l'Unione europea deve adoperarsi quanto più possibile (come sta effettivamente facendo) per ritrovare la via della crescita e dell'occupazione e consentire così a ciascun cittadino di vivere una vita dignitosa. La Commissione ha inoltre presentato varie iniziative a favore dei meno abbienti (Fondo di aiuti europei agli indigenti, pacchetto di investimenti sociali, …) per permettere ai più deboli di ricevere un aiuto nei momenti di maggiore difficoltà. La Commissione ha inoltre proposto di riservare al FSE (255) il 25 % dei fondi di coesione, di cui il 20 % andrebbe destinato all'inclusione sociale.

È in corso di elaborazione, secondo quanto previsto dalla decisione della Commissione del 1° dicembre 2011 (256), un'azione comune sulla salute mentale e il benessere con il cofinananziamento del programma UE in materia di salute. Uno degli obiettivi dell'azione sarà l'identificazione e lo scambio di buone pratiche tra gli Stati membri per quanto riguarda la lotta contro la depressione. L'attuazione di questa azione comune dovrebbe cominciare all'inizio del 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008565/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Worker suicides at times of crisis

A recent survey by Eures paints a disastrous picture of the employment situation in Italy, focusing on the suicide of workers at times of crisis.

The survey showed an increase of 58.7 % in the number of suicides among workers, giving a bleak picture of the vulnerability of the unemployed, income-deprived (voluntary) early retirees and entrepreneurs. The latter are, in fact, those on whom the crisis is having the greatest impact.

The steep rise in the suicide rate shown by EURES is closely related to the credit crunch and the employment crisis. Action therefore needs to be taken in order to prevent this phenomenon through careful observation of the categories at risk.

Can the Commission say what policies the EU intends to pursue in order to support the most vulnerable groups, in view of the link between employment status and suicide risk? Can it also say what measures the EU intends to take to raise public awareness of this issue?

(Version française)

EURES est le portail européen pour la mobilité de l'emploi. Il est constitué d'un réseau de plus de 850 conseillers à travers l'Union européenne, l'Espace économique européen et la Suisse. Son portail est un guichet unique où chacun peut trouver de l'information sur les opportunités d'emploi dans les pays membres du réseau (257). Il vise à favoriser la mobilité du travail en Europe et à permettre de mieux faire se rencontrer offre et demande de travail.

L'étude à laquelle il est fait référence dans la question provient d'un centre de recherches sociales italien (EU.R.E.S. pour EU Ricerche Economiche e Sociali (258)) qui n'a pas de lien particulier avec la Commission et aucun avec EURES.

L'augmentation des suicides est certainement une conséquence des plus extrêmes et des plus dramatiques de la crise. C'est pourquoi l'Union européenne doit mettre (et met) tout en œuvre pour retrouver le chemin de la croissance et de la création d'emplois afin de permettre à chacun de vivre une vie décente. Au-delà, la Commission présente plusieurs initiatives en faveur des plus démunis (Fonds d'aide aux plus démunis, paquet «d'investissement social», …) afin de permettre aux plus fragiles de recevoir une aide dans les moments difficiles. La Commission propose également de réserver 25 % des fonds de Cohésion au FSE (259), dont 20 % à l'inclusion sociale.

Une action commune sur la santé mentale et le bien-être avec co-financement par le programme santé de l'UE est en cours de préparation, comme prévu dans la Décision de la Commission du 1er décembre 2011 (260). Un des objectives de l'action sera l'identification et l'échange de bonnes pratiques entre les États membres participants à la prévention de la dépression. Le début de la mise en œuvre de l'action commune est prévu début 2013.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008566/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Vittime di sfruttamento sessuale

I dati relativi al traffico di esseri umani in Europa sono allarmanti, tre quarti delle vittime sono oggetto di sfruttamento sessuale, il 79 % sono donne e il 12 % di queste ultime sono minorenni.

La Commissione europea ha già proposto una strategia quinquennale che si declina in cinque punti: prevenzione del traffico, punizione sicura dei responsabili, identificazione e protezione delle vittime, coordinamento interstatale, anche con Paesi fuori dalla UE, aumento dell'informazione sul fenomeno.

Ma il traffico cresce in maniera esponenziale, tanto da esser diventato in poco tempo la seconda fonte di guadagno delle organizzazioni criminali internazionali.

Ciascuno Stato membro ha adottato misure volte ad arginare il fenomeno, ma sarebbe necessario procedere all'armonizzazione delle legislazioni in materia affinché le azioni possano essere più incisive.

Alla luce di quanto precede, si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

come intende procedere l'UE in merito all'armonizzazione delle legislazioni in materia all'interno dei singoli Stati;

in merito ai cinque punti della strategia quinquennale, come intende in concreto darvi applicazione.

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(9 novembre 2012)

La direttiva 2011/36/UE (261) introduce una definizione comune del reato penale della tratta di esseri umani e stabilisce standard comuni per sanzioni, indagini e azioni penali nei confronti dei trafficanti, nonché in materia di assistenza, sostegno e protezione delle vittime. Il termine per il recepimento della direttiva è fissato al 6 aprile 2013 e la Commissione presenterà una relazione riguardo alla sua attuazione nel 2015.

Come rilevato dall'onorevole parlamentare, la strategia dell’UE per l’eradicazione della tratta degli esseri umani (2012-2016) (262) presenta cinque priorità e, per la loro realizzazione, 40 azioni specifiche che dovranno essere adottate, in particolare, da Commissione, Stati membri e agenzie dell’UE. Gli interventi previsti vanno dall'elaborazione di orientamenti e modelli di migliori pratiche sino ad attività di ricerca, al finanziamento e all’istituzione di meccanismi e procedure, quali le squadre investigative comuni, una piattaforma a livello dell'UE per la società civile, una coalizione europea delle imprese contro la tratta di esseri umani e unità nazionali multidisciplinari di contrasto della criminalità.

La Commissione invita l’onorevole parlamentare a consultare anche le risposte alle interrogazioni scritte E-006480/12, E-006490/12, E-006553/12, E-006561/12, E-006593/12, E-006675/12 ed E-007118/12 (263).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008566/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Victims of sexual exploitation

The statistics on human trafficking in Europe are alarming: three quarters of the victims are victims of sexual exploitation, 79 % are women and 12 % of these are minors.

The Commission has already proposed a five-year, five-point strategy relating to: the prevention of trafficking, certain punishment of those responsible, identification and protection of victims, inter-state coordination, even with countries outside the EU, and increased information on the phenomenon.

However, such trafficking is growing exponentially and has now become the second largest source of income of international criminal organisations.

Each Member State has taken measures to combat the problem, but laws need to be harmonised so that the action taken can be more effective.

Can the Commission therefore say:

what action the EU intends to take to harmonise the relevant laws in the Member States;

with regard to the five points of the five-year strategy, how exactly does it intend to implement them?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

Directive 2011/36/EU (264) lays down a common definition of the criminal offence of trafficking in human beings and common standards on penalties, investigations and prosecutions of traffickers and on assistance, support and protection of victims. The deadline for its transposition is 6 April 2013. The Commission will submit a report on its implementation in 2015.

As noted by the Honourable Member, the EU Strategy for the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings (265) has identified five key priorities, and aspires to put them into practice through a set of 40 specific actions to be implemented by notably the Commission, Member States, and EU Agencies. These vary from the development of guidelines and models of best practice models to research, funding and the establishment of mechanisms and procedures, such as Joint Investigation Teams, an EU Civil Society Platform, an EU Business Coalition and multi-disciplinary law enforcement units.

The Commission further refers to its answers to written questions E-006480/12, E-006490/12, E-006553/12, E-006561/12, E-006593/12, E-006675/12 and E-007118/12 (266).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008568/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Kriton Arsenis (S&D)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Εμπορία και χρήση χωροκατακτητικών ξένων ειδών ως κατοικίδιων ζώων

Το άρθρο 8, στοιχείο η) της Σύμβασης για τη Βιολογική Ποικιλότητα προβλέπει ότι κάθε συμβαλλόμενο μέρος θα «προλαμβάνει την εισαγωγή, ελέγχει ή εξαλείφει τα ξενικά είδη που απειλούν τα οικοσυστήματα, τους οικοτόπους ή τα είδη». Η απόφαση VIII/27, παράγραφος 53, της 8ης Συνδιάσκεψης των Συμβαλλομένων Μερών «ζητεί από τα συμβαλλόμενα μέρη και τις λοιπές κυβερνήσεις να λάβουν μέτρα, ανάλογα και σύμφωνα με τις εθνικές και διεθνείς υποχρεώσεις τους, για τον έλεγχο της εισαγωγής ή εξαγωγής κατοικίδιων ζώων, ειδών ενυδρείου, ζωντανών δολωμάτων, ειδών ζωντανής τροφής ή φυτικών σπόρων που αποτελούν κίνδυνο ως χωροκατακτητικά ξένα είδη».

1. Ποια μέτρα έχει λάβει η Επιτροπή για να περιορίσει τον κίνδυνο των χωροκατακτητικών ξένων ειδών, ιδίως σε σχέση με τα μη ιθαγενή είδη που εισάγονται προς πώληση και χρησιμοποιούνται ως κατοικίδια ζώα;

2. Εξετάζει η Επιτροπή το ενδεχόμενο να απαγορεύσει τη χρήση αναγνωρισμένων χωροκατακτητικών ξένων ειδών ως κατοικίδιων ζώων;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(27 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Σκοπός του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 338/97 του Συμβουλίου, της 9ης Δεκεμβρίου 1996 (267),είναι η προστασία των ειδών άγριας πανίδας και χλωρίδας με τον έλεγχο του εμπορίου τους. Ο κανονισμός περιλαμβάνει διατάξεις για την εισαγωγή, την εξαγωγή και την επανεξαγωγή, καθώς και το ενδοενωσιακό εμπόριο δειγμάτων των ειδών που παρατίθενται στα παραρτήματά του. Μέχρι τώρα, στο σχετικό παράρτημα έχουν περιληφθεί επτά χωροκατακτητικά είδη ζώων: κεφαλούδι της Τζαμάικας (Oxyura jamaicensis), χρωματιστή χελώνα (Chrysemys picta), αμερικανικός ταυροβάτραχος (Rana catesbeiana), ερυθροκρόταφη νεροχελώνα (Trachemys scripta elegans), σκίουρος του Pallas (Callosciurus erythraeus), γκρίζος σκίουρος (Sciurus carolinensis) και αλεποσκίουρος (Sciurus niger). Δυνάμει του κανονισμού της Επιτροπής 757/2012 (268) . απαγορεύεται η εισαγωγή στην ΕΕ δειγμάτων αυτών των ειδών.

Όπως αναφέρεται στην απάντηση στην ερώτηση E-006781/2012, είναι σε εξέλιξη η κατάρτιση από την Επιτροπή ειδικής νομοθετικής πράξης σχετικά με τα χωροκατακτητικά είδη, όπως προβλέπεται στην ανακοίνωση σχετικά με τη στρατηγική της ΕΕ για τη βιοποικιλότητα με ορίζοντα το 2020 (269). Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η Επιτροπή εξετάζει διάφορες επιλογές για την αντιμετώπιση επιλεγμένων χωροκατακτητικών ειδών ζώων ή φυτών, στις οποίες συγκαταλέγονται ενδεχόμενοι περιορισμοί στην εισαγωγή, πώληση και κατοχή τους. Η Επιτροπή θα επικεντρωθεί σε επιλεγμένα χωροκατακτητικά είδη και, επομένως, θα εξετάσει μόνο τα ζητήματα που προκύπτουν εξαιτίας του συγκεκριμένου υποσυνόλου χωροκατακτητικών ειδών που προκαλούν σημαντικά προβλήματα στη βιοποικιλότητα, το περιβάλλον, την κοινωνία και ή την οικονομία.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008568/12

to the Commission

Kriton Arsenis (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Trading and keeping of invasive alien species as pets

Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity states that Contracting Parties should take measures to ‘prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species’. Decision VIII/27, paragraph 53, of the 8th Conference of the Parties ‘urges Parties and other governments to take measures, as appropriate and consistent with their national and international obligations, to control import or export of pets, aquarium species, live bait, live food or plant seeds, that pose risks as invasive alien species’.

1. What measures has the Commission taken to curb the risks of invasive alien species, specifically in relation to non-native animal species imported for sale and their keeping as pets?

2. Is the Commission considering introducing a ban on keeping identified invasive alien species as pets?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (270) deals with the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein. It lays down the provisions for import, export and re-export as well as internal EU trade in specimens of species listed in its Annexes. To date, seven invasive animal species have been included in this annex: Ruddy duck, Painted turtle, American bullfrog, Red-eared slider, Pallas's squirrel, Grey squirrel and Eastern fox squirrel. Import into the EU of specimens from those species is prohibited under Commission Regulation 757/2012 (271)

As stated in reply to Question E-006781/2012, the Commission is working on the development of a dedicated legislative instrument on invasive species, as outlined in the communication on an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 (272). In this context, the Commission is evaluating different options to tackle selected invasive species, animals or plants, including possible restrictions to import, sale and holding. The Commission will focus on selected invasive species and will thus only address the issues created by that subset of invasive species that cause significant problems for biodiversity, the environment, society or the economy.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008571/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Marietta Giannakou (PPE) και Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παρενόχληση των δυνάμεων της Frontex από την Τουρκική Ακτοφυλακή

Τα ξημερώματα της 26ης Σεπτεμβρίου 2012, σκάφος της τουρκικής Ακτοφυλακής παρενόχλησε, μέσω ασυρμάτου, σλοβενικό σκάφος της διεθνούς δύναμης φύλαξης συνόρων Frontex, το οποίο επιχειρούσε στην περιοχή για την αποτροπή παράνομων μεταναστευτικών εισόδων στην Ελλάδα.

Συγκεκριμένα, το σκάφος της τουρκικής Ακτοφυλακής κάλεσε τον κυβερνήτη του σκάφους της Frontex να απομακρυνθεί από την περιοχή. Ο κυβερνήτης, ωστόσο, του σκάφους της Frontex, δεν υπάκουσε καθώς επιχειρούσε σε ελληνικά θαλάσσια ύδατα. Την ίδια στιγμή, σκάφος του λιμενικού της Ελλάδας, το οποίο εκτελούσε περιπολία στο πλαίσιο της επιχείρησης «ΠΟΣΕΙΔΩΝ 2012», έφτασε στο σημείο, υπενθυμίζοντας στο τουρκικό σκάφος ότι η Frontex δραστηριοποιείται στην περιοχή, προκειμένου να καταπολεμήσει τη λαθρομετανάστευση και ειδοποιώντας για την υποχρέωση του να εγκαταλείψει τα ελληνικά χωρικά ύδατα. Ακολούθησε ένταση ανάμεσα στο τουρκικό και ελληνικό σκάφος, καθώς το πρώτο αρνήθηκε να εγκαταλείψει την περιοχή, με αποτέλεσμα την πρόσκρουσή του σκάφους της τουρκικής Ακτοφυλακής στο σκάφος του ελληνικού Λιμενικού.

Είναι σαφές ότι η τουρκική τακτική των συνεχών παραβιάσεων του ελληνικού εναέριου και θαλάσσιου χώρου συνεχίζεται, όπως επίσης και οι απόπειρες παρενόχλησης θαλάσσιων μέσων της Frontex, θέτοντας σημαντικά εμπόδια στη συλλογική προσπάθεια που καταβάλλεται σε επίπεδο ΕΕ για την καταπολέμηση του φαινομένου της λαθρομετανάστευσης.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποιά είναι η θέση της για το συγκεκριμένο περιστατικό και την πρόθεση της Τουρκίας να εμποδίσει τις επιχειρήσεις της Frontex στα ευρωπαϊκά θαλάσσια σύνορα; Έχει λάβει γνώση του περιστατικού, και αν ναι, προτίθεται να προχωρήσει σε κάποια συγκεκριμένη ενέργεια;

Σε ποιες ενέργειες προτίθεται να προχωρήσει η Επιτροπή για την αποτροπή τουρκικών συμπεριφορών που εμποδίζουν την εκτέλεση της αποστολής της Frontex θέτοντας σε κίνδυνο την ασφάλεια των πληρωμάτων των σκαφών; Υπενθυμίζεται ότι στο Μνημόνιο Συνεργασίας που υπεγράφη μεταξύ Frontex και Τουρκίας στις 28.5.2012 υπάρχει δέσμευση των δύο μερών για κοινή συνεργασία και συντονισμό στην προσπάθεια καταπολέμησης της παράνομης μετανάστευσης.

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008694/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(28 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παραβίαση χωρικών υδάτων

Την Τετάρτη 26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012, στο Φαρμακονήσι στο Αιγαίο πραγματοποιήθηκε επεισόδιο μεταξύ σκαφών της ελληνικής και της τουρκικής ακτοφυλακής. Συγκεκριμένα, ένα σκάφος της τουρκικής ακτοφυλακής ζήτησε από σκάφος της Frontex που, στο πλαίσιο της επιχείρησης «POSEIDON 2012», περιπολούσε εντός των ελληνικών χωρικών υδάτων, να απομακρυνθεί γιατί κατά την άποψή τους βρισκόταν εντός των χωρικών υδάτων της Τουρκίας. Αμέσως στην περιοχή κατέφθασε πλοίο της ελληνικής ακτοφυλακής, που ενημερώθηκε από την Frontex, και εξήγησε πως στην ουσία το τουρκικό σκάφος παραβίαζε τα ελληνικά χωρικά ύδατα, ζητώντας του παράλληλα να αποχωρήσει.

Το κλίμα εντάθηκε ραγδαία με αποτέλεσμα να απειληθεί θερμό επεισόδιο.

Αξίζει να αναφερθεί ότι και οι δύο χώρες έχουν θρηνήσει θύματα στο πρόσφατο παρελθόν σε θερμά επεισόδια στο Αιγαίο.

Η προκλητική αυτή συμπεριφορά της Τουρκίας, που στην ουσία αμφισβητεί τα κυριαρχικά δικαιώματα κράτους μέλους, δεν συμβιβάζεται με την πολιτική της «καλής γειτονίας» που διακηρύσσει.

Ερωτάται λοιπόν η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος αν σκοπεύει να θέσει άμεσα και με επιτακτικό τρόπο το ζήτημα στις αρχές της χώρας, ώστε να συνεχισθεί ανεμπόδιστη η περιφρούρηση των ελληνικών και ευρωπαϊκών συνόρων από την Frontex και για να αποφευχθούν παρόμοια περιστατικά στο μέλλον.

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008804/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Επεισόδιο με σκάφος της Frontex στο Φαρμακονήσι

Στις 26/9/2012, στις 3 τα ξημερώματα, τουρκική ακταιωρός που είχε παραβιάσει τα ελληνικά χωρικά ύδατα, απαίτησε από σκάφος της Frontex με πλήρωμα από την Σλοβενία, που περιπολούσε κοντά στο Φαρμακονήσι, να απομακρυνθεί, υποστηρίζοντας ότι βρίσκεται σε τουρκικά χωρικά ύδατα. Μετά από ενημέρωση των ελληνικών αρχών από την Frontex, κατέπλευσε ελληνικό σκάφος της ακτοφυλακής. Ακολούθησαν ελιγμοί, και υπήρξε μετωπική σύγκρουση των δύο σκαφών, απασφαλίστηκαν όπλα και από τις δύο πλευρές, και ευτυχώς δεν είχαμε θερμότερο επεισόδιο.

Ανάλογο επεισόδιο είχε σημειωθεί στις 8.9.2009, όταν ελικόπτερο της Frontex με δύο Λετονούς χειριστές πάλι στο Φαρμακονήσι, δέχτηκε παρενόχληση μέσω ασυρμάτου από τουρκικό ραντάρ, με απαίτηση να αποχωρήσει από την περιοχή και να υποβάλλει σχέδιο πτήσης. Στην απάντηση (H-0319/09) που μου έδωσε τότε η κ. Malmström ως προεδρεύουσα του Συμβουλίου (Σουηδική Προεδρία) είχε τονίσει, μεταξύ άλλων, ότι «στα πλαίσια των διαπραγματεύσεων η ΕΕ έχει ζητήσει από την Τουρκία να αποφύγει κάθε είδους απειλών, πηγές συγκρούσεων ή μέτρα που θα μπορούσαν να βλάψουν τις καλές σχέσεις και τη δυνατότητα ειρηνικής επίλυσης διαφορών».

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω και το γεγονός ότι παρενοχλήσεις αυτού του χαρακτήρα είναι συχνές, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή: με βάση τις αναφορές που ασφαλώς έχει υποβάλει ο κυβερνήτης του σκάφους της Frontex, το σκάφος έπλεε σε ελληνικά χωρικά ύδατα όπως όφειλε, αφού περιπολεί εντός των ευρωπαϊκών θαλάσσιων συνόρων; Καθώς το επεισόδιο αποτελεί νέα προσβολή των κυριαρχικών δικαιωμάτων της Ελλάδας εκ μέρους της Τουρκίας και ασφαλώς κάθε έννοιας καλής γειτονίας, τι μέτρα θα λάβει η Επιτροπή προκειμένου να πάψουν αυτές οι απαράδεκτες και επικίνδυνες πρακτικές από την Τουρκία;

Κοινή απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

H Επιτροπή επικοινώνησε με τον Frontex και ζήτησε πληροφορίες για το επεισόδιο. Ο οργανισμός αυτός απάντησε ότι δεν συμμετείχε σλοβενικό πλοίο στην κοινή επιχείρηση Poseidon Sea 2012 την ημέρα εκείνη, και ότι δεν παρατηρήθηκε ούτε αναφέρθηκε παρενόχληση άλλου σκάφους άλλου κράτους μέλους.

Με γνώμονα τις πρόσφατες θετικές εξελίξεις όσον αφορά την επιχειρησιακή συνεργασία στον τομέα της διαχείρισης των συνόρων μεταξύ Ελλάδας και Τουρκίας, η Επιτροπή εκφράζει τη λύπη της για το επεισόδιο μεταξύ σκαφών της ελληνικής και της τουρκικής ακτοφυλακής. Είναι πεπεισμένη ότι τα δύο μέρη θα μπορέσουν να διερευνήσουν αντικειμενικά το επεισόδιο και να βρουν λύση που θα επιτρέψει την αποφυγή παρόμοιων γεγονότων στο μέλλον.

Η εφαρμογή του μνημονίου συνεννόησης για τη θέσπιση συνεργασίας μεταξύ του Frontex και των αρμόδιων τουρκικών αρχών, που υπεγράφη στις 28 Μαΐου 2012, θα πρέπει επίσης να συμβάλει στην οικοδόμηση αμοιβαίας εμπιστοσύνης και στη διευκόλυνση της επιχειρησιακής συνεργασίας μεταξύ των αρμόδιων ελληνικών και τουρκικών αρχών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008571/12

to the Commission

Marietta Giannakou (PPE) and Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Harassment of Frontex vessel by Turkish coastguards

In the early hours of 26 September 2012, a Slovene vessel forming part of the Frontex international border control force seeking to prevent clandestine migration into Greece, was challenged by a Turkish coastguard vessel, which radioed the ship’s captain ordering him to withdraw from the area.

Given that the Frontex vessel was in Greek territorial waters, its captain refused to comply. A Greek coastguard vessel patrolling the area as part of the ‘Poseidon 2012’ operation then arrived at the scene, informed the Turkish vessel that Frontex vessels were operating in the area to combat clandestine migration and advised it that it was in Greek territorial waters and was required to withdraw. Turkish vessel refused to comply and the resulting altercation became more heated, matters coming to a head with the Turkish vessel ramming the Greek vessel.

It is clear that Turkey is continuing its tactics of deliberately infringing Greek airspace and territorial waters and harassing Frontex vessels, thereby seriously obstructing joint operations being conducted at EU level in a bid to combat clandestine migration.

In view of this:

What view does the Commission take of this incident and efforts by Turkey to obstruct Frontex operations along Europe’s maritime borders? Has it been informed of this incident and, if so, does it intend to take any specific action?

What measures will the Commission take to counter Turkish efforts to hamper Frontex operations, thereby endangering the safety of its crews, given that the memorandum of understanding signed by Frontex and Turkey on 28 May 2012 is binding on both parties, requiring them to cooperate and to coordinate their efforts to combat clandestine migration?

Question for written answer E-008694/12

to the Commission

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Encroachment on territorial waters

On Wednesday, 26 September 2012, an incident involving Greek and Turkish coastguard vessels off the Aegean Island of Farmakonisi was sparked off when a Frontex vessel patrolling in Greek waters as part of the ‘Poseidon 2012’ operation was challenged by a Turkish coastguard vessel, which ordered it to leave the area, maintaining that it was in Turkish waters. A Greek coastguard vessel, which had been contacted by the Frontex vessel, arrived on the scene, advised the Turkish vessel that it was encroaching on Greek territorial waters and called on it to withdraw.

The tension quickly mounted, threatening a major incident.

It should be noted that major incidents in the Aegean have recently claimed victims on both sides.

This provocative action by Turkey, effectively challenging the sovereign rights of a Member State, bears no relation to what it claims to be its ‘good neighbourly relations’ policy.

In view of this will the High Representative immediately make urgent representations to the Turkish authorities with a view to allowing Frontex to continue to patrol Greek and European borders unhindered and avoiding such incidents in future?

Question for written answer E-008804/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Incident with Frontex vessel in Farmakonisi

On 26 September 2012 at 03:00, a Turkish patrol boat which had breached Greek territorial waters approached a Slovenian patrol boat operating for Frontex and demanded that it withdraw, claiming that it was in Turkish territorial waters. After Frontex had alerted the Greek authorities, the Greek coast guard arrived. Manoeuvres were made and the vessels collided head on while weapons were armed on both sides. It was fortunate that the incident was not more serious.

A similar incident occurred on 8 September 2009 when a Frontex helicopter with two Latvian pilots, again in Farmakonisi, was harassed through radio communications by Turkish radar demanding that it withdraw from the area and submit a flight plan. In the answer (H‐0319/09) given by Mrs Malmström during the Swedish Presidency of the Council, it was stressed, inter alia, that ‘in accordance with the framework for the negotiations, the EU has urged Turkey to avoid any kind of threats, sources of conflict or measures that could harm good relations and the possibility of resolving disputes in a peaceful manner’.

In view of the above and the fact that harassments of this nature occur frequently, will the Commission answer the following: On the basis of the information provided by the commander of the Frontex vessel, was the vessel sailing in Greek territorial waters, as it should have, given that it travels within European sea borders? As this incident constitutes another attack by Turkey on Greece’s fundamental rights and every concept of good neighbourly relations, what measures will the Commission take to stop these unacceptable and dangerous practices carried out by Turkey?

Joint answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2012)

The Commission contacted Frontex and inquired about this alleged incident. The Agency has confirmed that there was no Slovenian vessel deployed in the Joint Operation Poseidon Sea 2012 on that day, nor was harassment of other assets from another Member Sate observed and reported.

Having in mind the recent positive developments in the operational cooperation in the field of border management between Greece and Turkey, the Commission regrets the incident occurred between the vessels of the Hellenic and Turkish Coast Guards. It is convinced that the two parts will be able to objectively investigate this incident and find a solution which would prevent similar ones in the future.

The implementation of the memorandum of understanding establishing cooperation between Frontex and the relevant Turkish authorities, signed on 28 May 2012, should also contribute to building mutual confidence and facilitating the operational cooperation between the competent Greek and Turkish authorities

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008572/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — L'oro bianco e l'infanzia perduta dei bambini uzbeki

L'Uzbekistan è uno dei paesi più popolosi dell'Asia Centrale, con un totale di quasi trenta milioni di abitanti. Il paese è tra i principali produttori di cotone a livello mondiale ed è noto in tutto il mondo fin dall'epoca sovietica per lo sfruttamento della manodopera minorile.

Dal punto di vista legislativo i minori di quindici anni non possono accedere al mondo lavorativo, ma la realtà delle cose è un'altra: fin dall'età di sette anni i bambini sono reclutati per lavorare nei campi.

Lo Stato detiene il monopolio della produzione cotoniera; l'oro bianco costituisce per l'Uzbekistan una delle prime voci d'esportazione.

Le autorità negano il ricorso al lavoro minorile sostenendo si tratti di azioni volontarie, dettate da spirito patriottico.

Le stime rilevano un livello di sfruttamento minorile di enormi dimensioni: circa 450 mila minorenni sono costretti a lavorare nei campi di cotone uzbeki nel periodo di raccolta, tra settembre e novembre. L'organizzazione del lavoro è affidata dalle autorità locali direttamente alle scuole, che chiudono durante la stagione del raccolto, divenendo dormitori per i piccoli lavoratori. Questi spesso si ammalano e talvolta muoiono per il freddo, la fatica e l'assenza d'igiene.

In media ogni bambino riesce a raccogliere un chilo e mezzo di cotone al giorno ricevendo in cambio 25 som al chilo (due centesimi di euro). Se la quota di raccolta non è rispettata i bambini subiscono punizioni fisiche e vessazioni anche a livello di carriera scolastica.

Quest'anno il Primo Ministro Mirziyoyev ha dichiarato di voler combattere il lavoro minorile.

Attraverso quali azioni intende dunque il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante monitorare l'impegno assunto dal Primo Ministro ed assicurarsi che ai bambini uzbeki sia garantito il godimento dei diritti fondamentali?

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

(12 novembre 2012)

L'UE segue con la massima attenzione la questione del lavoro minorile in Uzbekistan, che è stata sollevata a più riprese nel dialogo politico con questo paese, da ultimo in occasione della riunione del comitato di cooperazione UE-Uzbekistan svoltasi a Tashkent nel luglio 2012.

L'UE ha preso atto dell'intenzione dichiarata delle autorità uzbeke di far applicare il divieto relativo al lavoro minorile e di rafforzare i controlli.

La raccolta del cotone di quest'anno non è ancora terminata. Dalle prime indicazioni e informazioni disponibili risulta una diminuzione del lavoro minorile per l'anno in corso. L'UE deve tuttavia mantenere un atteggiamento prudente e aspettare che la raccolta di quest'anno sia terminata prima di procedere a una valutazione più approfondita della situazione.

Grazie alla sua delegazione in Uzbekistan, aperta di recente, l'UE continuerà ovviamente a seguire la questione con la massima attenzione per accertarsi che i bambini uzbeki possano godere del loro diritto fondamentale all'istruzione nelle migliori condizioni possibili.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008572/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — ‘White gold’ and the lost childhood of Uzbek children

Uzbekistan is one of the most populous countries in Central Asia, with a total of almost thirty million people. The country is one of the leading producers of cotton in the world and has been known throughout the world, since the Soviet era, for the exploitation of child labour.

Legally, children under the age of fifteen are not allowed to work, but the reality is quite different: from the age of seven, children are recruited to work in the fields.

The state has a monopoly on cotton production; this so-called white gold is one of Uzbekistan's main exports.

The authorities deny the use of child labour, saying that it is voluntary work, done out of a spirit of patriotism.

Estimates have revealed a huge amount of child exploitation: approximately 450 000 minors are forced to work in the Uzbek cotton fields during the harvest season, between September and November. The local authorities entrust the task of organising the work directly to schools, which close during the harvest season and become dormitories for the young workers. The children often get sick and sometimes die from the cold, fatigue and lack of hygiene.

On average, each child manages to harvest one and a half kilos of cotton per day, receiving 25 som per kilo (two cents) in exchange. If the harvest quotas are not met, children have to endure corporal punishment and harassment, also at school.

This year, Prime Minister Mirziyoyev declared that he wanted to combat child labour.

What action will the Vice-President/High Representative take to monitor the commitment made by the Prime Minister and ensure that Uzbek children are allowed to enjoy their fundamental rights?

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

(12 November 2012)

The EU has been following very closely the issue of child labour in Uzbekistan. It has continuously been raised in the political dialogue with this country, most recently on the occasion of the last EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Committee that was held in July 2012 in Tashkent.

The EU has taken good note of the declared intention of the Uzbek authorities to enforce the prohibition of child labour and step up their monitoring of this phenomenon this year.

This year's cotton harvest is not over yet. From the early indications and information so far available, it would appear that, for the current year, the phenomenon of child labour has been curbed. The EU should, nonetheless, remain cautious and wait until this year's harvest is finished before assessing this situation more thoroughly.

With its newly established EU Delegation in Uzbekistan, the EU will obviously keep following this issue very closely to make sure that the Uzbek children can enjoy their fundamental rights to education in the best possible conditions.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008573/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Niger: la malaria colpisce il paese già afflitto dalla crisi alimentare

Un rapporto di MSF riporta che per circa l'80 % i bambini nigeriani ricoverati a causa di denutrizione hanno contratto anche la malaria. Solo negli ultimi giorni si calcola che il numero di ricoveri ospedalieri al Guidan Roumji Hospital nella regione del Maradi a sud del Niger sia salito da 117 a 430. I reparti di pediatria e terapia intensiva hanno un'occupazione del 200 %, aumentata così a dismisura a causa di una stagione delle piogge particolarmente intensa, portatrice per eccellenza di epidemie malariche. Le intense piogge, infatti, iniziate a luglio, hanno distrutto raccolti e riserve di cereali, rendendo ancora peggiori le condizioni alimentari già difficili.

La malaria è una delle principali cause di morte tra i minori di cinque anni e, combinata con la malnutrizione, è letale per i bambini più piccoli. La denutrizione, infatti, comporta un indebolimento delle difese immunitarie che rende molto vulnerabili alla malattia.

Molto spesso poi, i bambini che contraggono la malaria in villaggi isolati giungono in ospedale quando è ormai troppo tardi, spesso in stato comatoso, a causa delle lunghe distanze da percorrere.

Nel 2011, MSF, insieme ai partner locali, ha curato più di 200.000 casi di malaria nel solo Niger. Il paese possiede risorse scarsissime e la capacità d'azione delle organizzazioni internazionali è molto limitata.

Nonostante tali difficoltà, è fondamentale iniziare una transizione verso soluzioni a lungo termine.

Come intende dunque affrontare il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante, l'urgente necessità di migliorare l'accesso alle cure mediche e a un'alimentazione adeguata per i bambini del Niger?

Risposta di Andris Piebalgs a nome della Commissione

(22 novembre 2012)

Per contribuire alla sicurezza alimentare e nutrizionale nel Sahel, la Commissione ha lanciato il partenariato mondiale dell’UE per la resilienza del Sahel (AGIR) (273), il cui obiettivo è rafforzare in modo duraturo la resilienza delle famiglie più vulnerabili e che affronta, tra altre questioni fondamentali, quella della malnutrizione infantile.

Oltre al problema cronico e strutturale della malnutrizione, nel 2012 il Niger ha dovuto far fronte a una grave crisi alimentare. Per rispondere a queste due sfide, la Commissione ha finanziato progetti in materia di nutrizione e di assistenza alimentare per un importo totale di 54 milioni di euro.

La Commissione sostiene le strategie nazionali relative alla sicurezza alimentare, alla nutrizione e alla sanità, nello specifico l'iniziativa «3N» (Les Nigériens Nourrissent les Nigériens — i Nigeriani Nutrono i Nigeriani) e il piano di sviluppo del settore sanitario 2011-2015.

Nel quadro dell'iniziativa OSM (274) il Niger beneficia di un contributo di 25 milioni di euro, di cui 10 milioni destinati ai settori sanitario e alimentare. Inoltre, il programma tematico di sicurezza alimentare per il 2012 prevede di assegnare al paese 3,5 milioni di euro, finalizzati a migliorare la governance e le strategie per la nutrizione, rafforzando in tal modo gli effetti a livello nutrizionale in particolare per le donne e i bambini. Quest’azione sarà realizzata sostenendo l’iniziativa REACH (Renewed Effort Against Child Hunger), un partenariato tra agenzie delle Nazioni Unite.

La Commissione contribuisce con un importo di 100 milioni di euro l'anno al Fondo globale per la lotta contro l’AIDS, la tubercolosi e la malaria, che attualmente finanzia in Niger due azioni contro la malaria per un importo totale di 49,8 milioni di dollari USA (accesso alle cure per la malaria e disponibilità di zanzariere impregnate di insetticida a lunga durata per le donne incinte e i bambini di età inferiore ai 5 anni).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008573/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Niger: malaria has struck this country already afflicted by the food crisis

A report by MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) has revealed that some 80 % of children from Niger who have been hospitalised because of malnutrition have also contracted malaria. In the past few days alone it has been estimated that the number of hospital admissions to the Guidan Roumji Hospital in the region of Maradi, southern Niger, has risen from 117 to 430. The paediatric and intensive care departments have a 200 % occupation rate, which has increased so dramatically because of a particularly heavy rainy season, which is a leading cause of malaria epidemics. The heavy rains, in fact, which started in July, have destroyed crops and grain reserves, making the already difficult food conditions even worse.

Malaria is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five and, combined with malnutrition, is lethal to small children. Malnutrition, in fact, weakens the immune system making it very vulnerable to the disease.

All too often, children who contract malaria in remote villages reach hospital when it is too late, and are often comatose, due to the long distances they have had to travel.

In 2011, MSF, together with local partners, treated more than 200 000 cases of malaria in Niger alone. The country has very limited resources and the capacity for action of international organisations is very limited.

Despite these difficulties, it is vital to begin moving towards long-term solutions.

How, therefore, will the Vice-President/High Representative address the urgent need to improve access to healthcare and adequate nutrition for the children of Niger?

(Version française)

La Commission a lancé l'Alliance Globale pour l'initiative Résilience Sahel (AGIR) (275), un partenariat pour contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle au Sahel avec pour objectif le renforcement durable de la résilience des foyers les plus vulnérables, dont un des enjeux majeurs est la malnutrition infantile.

En 2012, en plus d'un problème chronique et structurel de malnutrition, le Niger a dû faire face à une crise alimentaire majeure. Pour répondre à ces deux défis, la Commission a financé des projets nutritionnels et d'assistance alimentaire d'un montant total de 54 millions d'euros.

La Commission soutient les stratégies nationales de sécurité alimentaire, de nutrition et de santé, notamment l'initiative 3N (Les Nigériens Nourrissent les Nigériens) et le Plan de Développement Sanitaire 2011-2015.

Le Niger bénéficie d'une allocation de 25 millions d'euros dans le cadre de l'initiative OMD (276), dont 10 millions d'euros sont alloués à la santé et la nutrition. Par ailleurs, le Programme thématique sécurité alimentaire 2012 prévoit 3.5 millions d'euros pour le Niger afin d'améliorer la gouvernance et les stratégies de nutrition et ainsi renforcer les impacts nutritionnels en particulier sur les femmes et les enfants. Cette action prendra la forme d'un appui à l'initiative REACH (Renewed Effort Against Child Hunger), un partenariat inter-agences des Nations unies.

La Commission contribue au Fonds Mondial de lutte contre le SIDA, la tuberculose et le paludisme à hauteur de 100 millions d'euros par an; un fonds qui finance actuellement au Niger deux actions contre le paludisme pour un montant total de 49,8 millions USD (accès des femmes enceintes et des enfants de moins de 5 ans au traitement et aux moustiquaires imprégnées d'insecticide longue durée).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008574/12

an die Kommission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(27. September 2012)

Betrifft: Einführung einer Zwangsabgabe durch den Obersten Rat der Europäischen Schulen

1. Ist der Kommission bekannt, dass der Oberste Rat der Europäischen Schulen eine Zwangsabgabe eingeführt hat, die alle Schüler der letzten Schulklassen betrifft und die Beratung und Unterstützung von Schülern bei der Bewerbung an Universitäten in Rechnung stellt?

2. Teilt die Kommission die Auffassung, dass die Beratung und Unterstützung der Schüler bei ihren Bewerbungen an Universitäten zu den klassischen Aufgaben einer auf die Hochschulreife vorbereitenden Schule und ihrer Lehrkräfte gehört?

3. Wie beurteilt die Kommission die Tatsache, dass sich die Europäischen Schulen damit eine neue Einnahmequelle sichern und diese Einnahmen unmittelbar an die Lehrer ausgezahlt werden sollen?

Antwort von Herrn Šefčovič im Namen der Kommission

(7. Dezember 2012)

Im April 2012 beschloss der Oberste Rat der Europäischen Schulen die Einführung verschiedener Gebühren für die Beratung von Schülern bei der Bewerbung an Hochschulen. Diese Regelung gilt für die Europäischen Schulen ab dem Abiturjahrgang 2013.

Eine von Lehrkräften durchgeführte Berufsberatung kommt allen Schülern der gymnasialen Oberstufe kollektiv zugute.

Neben dieser kollektiven Unterstützung benötigen bestimmte Schüler individuelle Hilfe beim Ausfüllen ihrer Bewerbungsunterlagen für die jeweilige Universität. Innerhalb der Europäischen Union sind die Bewerbungsverfahren von Land zu Land sehr unterschiedlich. In einigen Ländern werden keine besonderen Anforderungen gestellt, während das Verfahren in anderen Ländern kompliziert ist und zusätzliche Hilfe durch Lehrkräfte erfordert.

Per Beschluss des Obersten Rates wird eine individuelle Gebühr für Schüler eingeführt, die individuelle Hilfe von Lehrkräften benötigen, um ihre Bewerbungsunterlagen auszufüllen. Die Gebühren belaufen sich je nach Art der Bewerbung und damit verbundenem Zeitaufwand auf 130 bzw. 260 EUR. Die Gebühren werden nur einmal pro Schüler fällig.

Diese Gebühr ist den Schulen ausschließlich als Ausgleich für den Zeitaufwand der Lehrer beim Ausfüllen der Bewerbungsunterlagen zu zahlen. Die zusätzlichen Einnahmen der Schulen werden zur Bezahlung der Berufsberatungslehrer verwendet, die ihre Hilfe beim Ausfüllen der Hochschul-Bewerbungsunterlagen zusätzlich zu ihren Pflichtstunden anbieten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008574/12

to the Commission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Introduction of a mandatory contribution by the Board of Governors of the European Schools

1. Is the Commission aware that the Board of Governors of the European Schools has introduced a mandatory contribution that affects all pupils in their final years at school by charging for advising and helping them with their university applications?

2. Does the Commission agree that advising and helping pupils with their university application is one of the traditional tasks of schools and teaching staff that prepare pupils for university entrance?

3. What is the Commission’s view of the fact that this move by the European Schools is designed to secure a new source of income and that this income is to be paid out directly to teachers?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 2012)

In April 2012, the Board of Governors of the European Schools decided to adopt a set of fees for pupils in order to process their individual applications for higher education establishments. This decision takes effect from the 2013 Baccalaureate in the European Schools.

All pupils benefit from careers guidance teachers who are advising pupils on their career orientation in the last secondary years in a collective way.

Besides this collective support, some pupils need individual help for the preparation of their university applications. Application procedures differ a lot among the countries of the European Union. Some countries have no special requirements, whereas in other countries procedures are complicated and additional help from teachers is needed.

The Board of Governors' decision (277) implies an individual fee for pupils requiring individualised help from teachers in order to complete their applications. The level of the fees are 130 EUR or 260 EUR , depending on the type of application and the time required to complete it. The fees are only due once per student.

This fee is exclusively payable to the schools in compensation for the time spent by the teacher processing the application. The additional schools' revenue is used to pay the careers guidance teachers who process higher education applications, which is work done as overtime on top of their normal teaching load, according to the Annual School Plan.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008575/12

Komisii (podpredsedníčke Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľke Únie)

Anna Záborská (PPE)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: VP/HR — Spoločné vyhlásenie (A 412/12) v reakcii na film urážajúci islam zverejnený prostredníctvom YouTube

Dňa 20. septembra 2012 podpredsedníčka Európskej Komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie v mene EÚ podpísala Spoločné vyhlásenie vysokého predstaviteľa Európskej únie pre zahraničné veci a bezpečnostnú politiku, generálneho tajomníka Organizácie islamskej konferencie, generálneho tajomníka Arabskej ligy a predsedu komisie Africkej únie (A 412/12) v reakcii na vytvorenie filmu urážajúceho islam zverejneného prostredníctvom YouTube.

1. Keďže Podpredsedníčka Európskej Komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie určite dôkladne preskúmala všetky podrobnosti filmu pred tým, ako ho odsúdila v mene EÚ, mohla by pripomenúť konkrétne časti filmu, ktoré mala na mysli, keď sa podpísala pod tieto časti spoločného vyhlásenia:

–„odsudzujeme obhajobu náboženskej nenávisti, ktorá podnecuje k nepriateľstvu a násiliu“;

–„film urážajúci islam“;

–„posolstvo nenávisti a intolerancie“?

2. Ktoré ustanovenie Zmluvy udeľuje podpredsedníčke Európskej Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľke Únie právomoc v náboženských alebo teologických otázkach a ako európske acquis definuje pojem „náboženská nenávisť“?

3. V spoločnom vyhlásení sa hovorí: „Medzinárodné spoločenstvo nemôže byť rukojemníkom aktov extrémistov na oboch stranách.“ Koho podpredsedníčka Európskej Komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie považuje za extrémistov na „druhej strane“ a ako definuje pojem „extrémista“?

Odpoveď podpredsedníčky Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľky Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(21. decembra 2012)

Vysoká predstaviteľka veľmi pozorne sleduje udalosti, ktoré vyprovokovala upútavka na film „Innocence of Muslims“, vrátane protestov a násilností, ku ktorým došlo vo viacerých krajinách. Vo svojom vyhlásení zo 14. septembra 2012 dôrazne odsúdila akékoľvek násilie.

Celkové odsúdenie akéhokoľvek presadzovania náboženskej nenávisti, ktorá podnecuje k nevraživosti a násiliu, uvedené vo vyhlásení EÚ/OIC/LAS/AU z 20. septembra, sa odvoláva na medzinárodné normy ľudských práv. Je potrebné pripomenúť, že článok 20 Medzinárodného paktu o občianskych a politických právach (ICCPR) zaväzuje štáty, aby takéto presadzovanie postavili mimo zákon. EÚ splnila túto povinnosť v roku 2008 prijatím rámcového rozhodnutia o boji proti rasizmu a xenofóbii, ktoré sa presne zameriava na „verejné podnecovanie k násiliu alebo nenávisti voči skupine osôb alebo členovi takejto skupiny vymedzenej podľa rasy, farby pleti, náboženského vyznania, rodového pôvodu či národného alebo etnického pôvodu“.

Vysoká predstaviteľka sa vo svojich vyhláseniach nevyjadrila, či obsah upútavky, ktorý ľudia v mnohých krajinách považovali za urážlivý a neúctivý, predstavuje podnecovanie k násiliu alebo nenávisti, ktoré uvedená právna norma zakazuje. Rozhodnúť o tejto otázke, ako aj celkovo o uplatnení uvedených právnych noriem na konkrétne prípady, je v právomoci súdov.

Hoci žiadna dohodnutá definícia termínu „extrémista“ neexistuje, bežne sa používa na označenie osôb, ktoré používajú vieru alebo náboženské vyznanie na podporu provokácií a konfrontácie alebo ako dôvod pre násilie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008575/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Anna Záborská (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Joint statement (A 412/12) in response to a film insulting Islam on YouTube

On 20 September 2012, the Vice-President/High Representative co-signed on behalf of the EU a ‘Joint statement by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, OIC Secretary General, Arab League Secretary General, and Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union’ (A 412/12), in response to ‘the production of a film insulting Islam’ on YouTube.

1.	As the Vice-President/High Representative will certainly have studied all details of the film in an extensive manner before condemning it on behalf of the EU, could she kindly recall the specific passages of the film she had in mind when endorsing the following passages of the joint statement:

—	‘advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility and violence’

—	‘insulting [of] Islam’

—	‘message of hatred and intolerance’?

2.	Which provision of the Treaty confers a competency in religious or theological matters on the VP/HR, and how does the EU

acquis

define the concept of ‘religious hatred’?

3.	The joint statement said:

‘The international community cannot be held hostage to the acts of extremists on either side.’ Who does the Vice-President/High Representative consider to be the extremists on the ‘other side’, and how does she define the term ‘extremist’?

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

(21 December 2012)

The HR/VP has followed very closely the events triggered by the release of the trailer ‘Innocence of Muslims’, including the protests and violence that have taken place in several countries. She has firmly condemned any violence in her statement of 14 September 2012.

The overall condemnation of any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility and violence made in the 20 September EU/OIC/LAS/AU declaration refers to international human rights standards. It has to be recalled that Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), obliges States to prohibit by law any such advocacy. The EU complied with this obligation in adopting its 2008 Framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia, which precisely targets ‘public incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined on the basis of race, colour, descent, religion or belief, or national or ethnic origin’.

In her statements, the HR/VP has not determined whether the content of the trailer — that has been felt as offensive and disrespectful by people in many countries — constitutes an incitement to violence or hatred prohibited under the abovementioned legal standards. That determination, and more generally the application of these legal standards to particular cases, falls within the remit of the judiciary.

Even though there is no agreed definition of the term ‘extremist’, this term is commonly used to refer to persons who use beliefs or religion in order to fuel provocation and confrontation, or have recourse to violence.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008576/12

a la Comisión

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE) y Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(27 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Competencia y organismos reguladores en España

El Gobierno español acaba de hacer público un nuevo anteproyecto de fusión de los organismos reguladores que desoye la mayor parte de las advertencias sobre falta de neutralidad y defectos de forma que el propio Consejo de Estado español realizó al analizar el primer anteproyecto. Igualmente el nuevo texto parece no haber tenido en cuenta algunas significativas intervenciones de autoridades europeas alertando de los problemas que plantea este proyecto. A este hecho acaba de sumarse ahora que el Gobierno español ha anunciado su intención de poner al frente de la Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) (278) a una persona que, al margen de sus capacidades técnicas, ha ocupado relevantes cargos tales como ministra, presidenta del parlamento de una comunidad autónoma, secretaria de estado, etc., designada o en representación de un determinado partido político: el que actualmente ostenta el Gobierno de España con mayoría absoluta.

Las numerosas disposiciones comunitarias que se refieren a los organismos reguladores inciden en la necesidad de preservar e incrementar su independencia frente a los poderes políticos para fomentar así su eficacia, imparcialidad, previsibilidad y rapidez a la hora de emitir sus dictámenes. De ese modo se mejora la seguridad jurídica y económica para los consumidores y los operadores. Por ello la mayor parte de los Estados de la Unión siguen las instrucciones emanadas de la normativa comunitaria y están dando lugar a modelos de desconcentración opuestos al que se dibuja en ese nuevo proyecto. Igualmente, y por la misma razón, son excepción perfiles como el de la persona propuesta en España para presidir la CNMV. Ante estos hechos:

¿Dispone ya la Comisión del nuevo anteproyecto de fusión de organismos reguladores?

¿Considera que en su actual redacción se ajusta a la normativa comunitaria?

¿Cree que es adecuado que una persona que ha desarrollado una carrera política de más de veinte años bajo las siglas de un determinado partido político reúne las condiciones de independencia que requiere el buen funcionamiento de un órgano como la CNMV de España?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(26 de noviembre de 2012)

1.	La respuesta a la pregunta de Su Señoría es no, puesto que la Comisión no ha recibido una copia del nuevo proyecto español para fusionar los organismos reguladores. Solo se ha presentado a la Comisión una versión preliminar del proyecto de propuesta.

2.

La Comisión no cuenta con suficientes datos sobre este asunto para poder investigar el problema planteado y, por lo tanto, no está en condiciones de responder a la pregunta en este momento. A su debido tiempo y una vez aprobada la ley en las Cortes españolas, se analizará según los requisitos de independencia de las autoridades nacionales de reglamentación con arreglo a lo dispuesto en la legislación de la UE para los sectores comprendidos en la ley.

3.	El proceso de nombramiento del jefe de la Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) lo gestionan las autoridades nacionales. Por lo tanto, la Comisión aconseja a Su Señoría que se ponga en contacto directamente con las autoridades españolas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008576/12

to the Commission

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE) and Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Competition and regulating bodies in Spain

The Spanish Government has just published a new draft proposal to merge the regulating bodies, ignoring warnings over lack of neutrality and procedural errors made by the Spanish Council of State in connection with the initial draft law. The new text also seems not to have taken into account a number of significant interventions by the European authorities warning about the problems posed by this project. Added to this is the fact that the Spanish Government has announced its intention to appoint a person to head the National Stock Market Authority (CNMV) (279) who, regardless of her technical capacities, has held important posts as a minister, President of an autonomous regional parliament, Secretary of State, etc as a representative or appointee of a specific political party, which is the same one that is now in government with an absolute majority.

The numerous Community provisions relating to the regulating bodies point to the need to maintain and increase their independence from the political powers in order to ensure their effectiveness, impartiality and speed in issuing decisions. This is in order to provide greater legal and economic safety for consumers and operators, and is why most Member States act in line with Community rules, giving rise to a pattern of devolution which is the opposite of what this new draft law proposes. The profile of the candidate proposed by the Spanish Government to head the CNMV also contradicts current trends, for the same reasons.

1.	Has the Commission already received a copy of the new draft proposal to merge the Spanish regulatory bodies?

2.	Does it consider the present text to be in line with Community rules?

3.	Does it consider that a person whose political career over the last twenty years has developed under the auspices of a particular political party can be said to meet the conditions of independence required for an organisation such as the Spanish CNMV to function correctly?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

1.	The answer to the question of the Honourable Member is no, the Commission has not received a copy of the new draft to merge the Spanish regulatory bodies. Only a preliminary version of the draft proposal was presented to the Commission.

2.

The Commission does not have sufficient details on the matter to be able to investigate the problem raised and is not therefore in a position to answer the question at the moment. In due time and once the law is approved at the Spanish Parliament, it will be analysed in light of the requisites of independence of National Regulatory Authorities as set by the various EU legislation for sectors covered in the law.

3.	The process of appointment of head of the National Stock Market Authority (CNMV) is managed via the National Authorities. The Commission would therefore suggest to the Honourable Member to contact directly the Spanish Government.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008577/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Winter tyres across the EU

Given the success of introducing winter tyre requirements in EU Member States such as Germany, Austria and Luxembourg, has the Commission considered an approach at European level to create legislative proposals taking into account weather conditions in each EU Member State?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honorable Member that with Commission Regulation 523/2012 (280), a common definition of winter tyres becomes applicable as from 1 November 2012. Furthermore, the Commission intends to launch in 2013 a study on tyre-related safety aspects. This study shall also assess the question of winter tyres, in particular their safety benefits. On that basis and taking into account the different wheather conditions across the EU, the Commission will be able to decide whether further legislative initiative is appropriate to achieve a harmonised approach.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008578/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: EU strategy on cardiovascular disease

Although in Europe major reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality have been achieved, cardiovascular disease still accounts for 54 % of all deaths in women and 43 % of deaths in men. It has been suggested that a comprehensive EU strategy on cardiovascular diseases to help Member States better focus their needs, structures and resources would be of benefit.

Has the Commission given consideration to such an approach?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the fact that cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality in the EU, and that this group of diseases remains a major burden for healthcare systems in Europe.

The Commission is addressing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases through its strategies on nutrition, physical activity and tobacco (281) .

In addition, the Commission has been financing projects under the Health Programme specifically dealing with cardiovascular diseases prevention and management, such as EuroHeart I and II, EURHOBOP, and SITS EAST. Information on the projects is available on the Commission's website (282).

To address common issues related to major chronic diseases, the Commission has launched a reflection process on chronic diseases with Member States based on the Declaration of the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (283), and on the 2010 Council conclusions on ‘Innovative approaches for chronic diseases in public health and healthcare systems’ (284).

This process — while not disease specific — may help identify possible areas of action in which an intervention would bring clear EU added value and would support Member States in their fight against chronic diseases.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008579/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: EU effort towards developing adequate maritime environmental protection systems

According to experts working in maritime environmental protection systems, the biggest challenge facing their industry is the provision and build-up of adequate reception facilities which can handle waste streams once these are landed ashore and have an established infrastructure to make sure that all recyclables are reused and re-enter the cycle.

Whilst it is understood that national bodies must take responsibility in making sure that the smallest possible number of recyclables enter landfills and remain unused, some effort is required at a European level also.

Has the Commission any opinions on the matter?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

The management of waste and cargo residues originating from maritime transport is regulated by the International Convention Marpol 73/78 (285). The convention, which has been ratified by all EU Member States, requires Parties to provide adequate Port Reception Facilities (PRF) for ship-generated waste and cargo residues that are not allowed to be discharged into the sea. Directive 2000/59/EC (286), as amended, brings the aforementioned requirements into European law and provides for additional obligations and enforcement mechanisms. The objective is to increase the volume of waste delivered in PRF, in order to achieve a greater protection of the marine environment. Achieving ‘zero-waste’ in maritime transport is one of the Commission priorities as set out in the communication on Strategic goals and recommended actions for the EU's maritime transport policy until 2018 (287) .

Regarding the potential for recycling, Marpol 73/78 requires solid-waste to be separated on-board ships, which provides an opportunity for Member States to organise a consistent separation of the waste streams at the delivery in ports. The Commission has been very active to promote reuse, recycling and recovery of waste within the EU, including by making proposals for common requirements and targets. In particular, Directive 2008/98/EC (288) provides for general requirements on Member States to set up separate waste collection by 2015 for paper, metal, plastic and glass, however leaving a certain margin of discretion as to the technical, environmental and economic feasibility. The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the existing waste legislation and continues to seek ways for improving the situation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008580/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: EU action to support active and healthy ageing

According to AGE Platform Europe, the EU could be doing more to help organise local and regional authorities and other stakeholders across the EU whose aim is to find smart and innovative solutions to support active and healthy ageing and develop age-friendly environments. The European Union could also coordinate better their action toward the relevant Europe 2020 flagship initiatives.

Has the Commission considered anything along these lines?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Commission launched the pilot European Innovation Partnership on Active & Healthy Ageing in 2010 to contribute to the Europe 2020 objective of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth while coordinating stakeholders' activities.

Six action areas have been identified by the Steering Group of the Partnership. They cover actions that are already ongoing or ready to start this year. One of the areas brings together local and regional authorities and other stakeholders across the EU to find smart and innovative solutions to support active and healthy ageing and develop age-friendly environments.

The relevant activities are directed at aligning stakeholders' initiatives as developed by:

regions and cities implementing age-friendly environment actions and practices;

EU Networks of stakeholders forging the development of a Covenant for an Age-Friendly EU by 2020;

researchers addressing the spatial context: tackling the challenge of an accessible and desirable physical and spatial environment for all;

researchers and SME's developing and promoting ICT-based products and services, including smart homes, for age-friendly environments.

The Commission's role in the Partnership is to facilitate the conditions to implement those initiatives and build on the synergies arising from the actions at local level.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008581/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: EU action against ‘cyber stalking’

The problem of ‘cyber stalking’ is on the increase in Europe.

What is the EU considering doing to assist the victims of cyber stalking, whose problems are often not taken seriously by relevant state authorities?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern. While there are many similarities between offline and online stalking, the online communication technologies provide new avenues for stalkers to pursue their victim and invade their privacy.

According to Directive 2002/58/EC, referred to as ePrivacy Directive, Member States shall ensure the confidentiality of communications. Listening, tapping, or engaging in other kinds of interception or surveillance, without consent or being legally authorised, is prohibited. Furthermore, the storing of information, or the gaining of access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only allowed on condition that the subscriber or user concerned has given his or her consent.

The Commission aims at empowering children and young people to deal with any risky situation they may face online. The Safer Internet Programme (289) promotes a safer use of online technologies, particularly by children, and fight against illegal content, and harmful behaviour, such as cyber bullying and online grooming. The Programme co-funds Safer Internet Centres (290) in all the Member States.

The Commission encourages Member State initiatives on awareness raising on safe online behaviour also to Internet users at large, such as the recent European Cyber Security Month (291) of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).

Moreover, the Commission intends to present proposals to improve cyber-security in the EU, as outlined in Commission reply to Question E-007542/12 (292).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008582/12

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Commission proposals to tackle scam groups

A constituent has recently contacted me regarding a scam named ‘Industry and Commerce’, apparently originating in Valencia, Spain. The Commission revealed in responses to previous parliamentary questions that legislation was being considered at a European level to tackle the issue, and that such legislation would be available in the first half of 2012.

However, there has been no such proposal to date, and as scams continue to disturb European citizens, is the Commission still intent on tackling this issue?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2012)

The communication mentioned by the Honourable Member is scheduled to be adopted by the Commission by the end of 2012. It should focus on the problems which European businesses face when confronted with misleading marketing practices, including with the schemes of misleading directory companies, and should present concrete proposals to address them. This may include future legislative action.

At the same time, the Commission will promote better coordination of the cross-border enforcement activities of the Member States. For this purpose, a first meeting with all enforcement authorities will be organised by the end of this year to coordinate actions in cross-border cases of business-to-business misleading schemes.

Let me assure you that the Commission takes this problem very seriously and will take the necessary steps to eliminate the misleading marketing practices affecting businesses in Europe.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008584/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Verifica dell'effettiva data di scadenza della concessione per l'Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A.

L'Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. gestisce, in regime di concessione, il tratto dell'autostrada A4 Brescia-Padova di 146 km ed è titolare della concessione di progettazione, di costruzione e di gestione dell'autostrada A31 Trento-Valdastico-Vicenza-Rovigo (130 km). Nel 2006 è stata formalizzata una procedura di infrazione, ex art. 226 del trattato CE, riguardante un pacchetto di concessioni autostradali, fra le quali la rideterminazione della durata della concessione relativa alla Società Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. (procedura di infrazione n. 2006/4378) conclusasi in data 8 ottobre 2009 con l'eliminazione delle ragioni di infrazione e l'archiviazione da parte della Commissione. La procedura ha impedito in quel periodo alla Società qualsiasi attività di investimento in attuazione del piano economico finanziario. Il 9 luglio 2007 Anas e la Società Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. hanno sottoscritto una nuova convenzione unica novativa di tutti i precedenti rapporti, con oggetto le tratte autostradali: A4 Brescia-Padova; A31 Trento— Vicenza-Rovigo ai sensi della legge 101/2008. L'art. 4 della convenzione stabilisce che «In funzione della realizzazione della Valdastico nord, la scadenza della concessione è fissata al 31.12.2026. In caso di mancata approvazione del Progetto definitivo relativo alla realizzazione della Valdastico nord entro il 30.6.2013, verranno conseguentemente definiti dalle Parti, nei 6 mesi successivi, gli effetti sul Piano economico-finanziario e sulla Concessione».

Tutto ciò premesso, si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

—	se essa ritenga vincolante il termine intermedio del 30 giugno 2013, quale scadenza della concessione in essere della A4, in caso di mancata approvazione del progetto definitivo relativo alla realizzazione della tratta Valdastico nord entro la stessa data;

—

se esistano le condizioni per avviare un'analisi della situazione venutasi a creare in danno della Società stessa, mantenendo immutata la finalità di realizzare, nell'ambito di una concessione autostradale regolarmente affidata, un'importante infrastruttura, il completamento a nord della A31 Valdastico, inserita nei corridoi europei e nel piano delle opere strategiche del governo italiano determinando le nuove condizioni e la scadenza di efficacia della convenzione che rendano possibile la realizzazione del programma degli investimenti già approvato;

—	se esistano le condizioni per sterilizzare il tempo intercorso tra l'avvio della procedura di infrazione (n. 2006/4378) e la sua archiviazione (circa 4 anni), prolungando la scadenza della convenzione unica di 4 anni.

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

La Commissione ha deciso di archiviare il caso n. 2006/4378 tra l'altro alla luce di alcuni impegni assunti dalle autorità italiane. Uno di tali impegni consiste nel non richiedere in futuro alcuna ulteriore proroga della durata della concessione. Anche la disposizione di cui all'articolo 4 del contratto di concessione, in base alla quale, nel caso in cui il piano di costruzione del tratto di autostrada «Valdastico Nord» non sia approvato entro il 30 giugno 2013 le parti determineranno gli effetti sulla concessione, rientrava nelle circostanze di fatto e di diritto che hanno portato alla chiusura del caso.

La necessità di completare la costruzione del tratto di autostrada «Valdastico Nord» era una delle ragioni principali che hanno indotto le autorità italiane a prorogare la durata della concessione. La Commissione si attende pertanto che l'articolo 4 del contratto di concessione sia pienamente rispettato. Il tempo trascorso tra l'avvio e la chiusura del procedimento di infrazione non dovrebbe avere alcun impatto su tale disposizione.

La Commissione non è a conoscenza di alcuna circostanza che potrebbe mettere in questione l'applicazione di tale disposizione o modificare le circostanze che hanno portato alla chiusura del procedimento di infrazione. Essa, pertanto, non intende riavviare un esame della situazione.

Se l'onorevole parlamentare desidera fornire informazioni ulteriori e più dettagliate relative al caso in questione, la Commissione è pronta ad esaminare tali informazioni e a prendere in considerazione ogni eventuale provvedimento necessario.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008584/12

to the Commission

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Verification of the expiry date for the concession granted to Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A.

The motorway company Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. holds the concession to manage the 146 km long Brescia-Padova stretch of the A4 motorway and has been granted the concession to design, build and manage the A31 Trento-Valdastico-Vicenza-Rovigo (130 km) motorway. In 2006, an infringement procedure (infringement procedure No 2006/4378) was brought under Article 226 of the EC Treaty in regard to a package of motorway concessions, including an extension to the concession granted to Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. The infringement procedure was concluded on 8 October 2009 when the Commission dismissed the grounds for the infringement and closed the procedure. Due to the infringement procedure, the company had been unable to make any investments during this time in the financial plan. On 9 July 2007 Anas and Autostrada Brescia Verona Vicenza Padova S.p.A. had signed a new agreement which novated all previous connections and concerned the following stretches of motorway: A4 Brescia-Padova; A31 Trento— Vicenza-Rovigo pursuant to Law 101/2008. Article 4 of the agreement stipulated that ‘The concession for the construction of the Valdastico nord section shall expire on 31 December 2026. In the event that the construction plan for the Valdastico nord section has not been approved by 30 June 2013, the effects thereof on the Financial Plan and on the Concession shall be determined by the parties in the six months following this date’.

— Does the Commission consider the interim deadline of 30 June 2013 binding, this being the date on which the existing concession for the A4 will expire if the construction plan for the Valdastico nord section has not been approved by then?

— Are there grounds for instigating an inquiry into the situation, which is to the company’s detriment? This should not alter the goal of completing, by means of a properly awarded motorway concession, construction of the A31 Valdastico north link, an important stretch of infrastructure which forms part of the European corridors and of the Italian Government’s strategic works plan, but would allow new terms and conditions to be established including an expiry date for the agreement that makes completion of the approved investment plan possible.

— Are there grounds for cancelling out the time expended between commencement of Infringement Procedure No 2006/4378 and its conclusion (approximately four years) thereby extending the deadline for the Agreement by four years.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

The Commission decided to close case n. 2006/4378 i.a. in the light of certain commitments made by the Italian authorities. One of these commitments was to request no further extension of concession duration in the future. The provision contained in Article 4 of the concession contract — according to which, in case the construction plan for the motorway section ‘Valdastico Nord’ is not approved by 30 June 2013, the parties will determine the effects thereof on the concession — was also part of the factual and legal circumstances that led to the closure of the case.

The need to complete the construction of the motorway section ‘Valdastico Nord’ was one of the main reasons for the Italian authorities to extend the concession duration. The Commission would therefore expect that Article 4 of the concession contract is fully complied with. The time elapsed between the launch and the closure of the infringement procedure should not to have any bearing on this provision.

The Commission is not aware of any fact that could put into question the application of this provision or alter the circumstances that led to the closure of the infringement procedure. The Commission therefore does not intend to reinitiate an investigation of the situation.

Should the Honourable Member wish to provide additional and more detailed information on the case at issue, the Commission will be ready to examine such information and consider any appropriate step.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-008585/12

an die Kommission

Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE)

(27. September 2012)

Betrifft: Clean IT

Am 21. September veröffentlichte die Bürgerrechtsorganisation European Digital Rights ein von der Kommission finanziertes und im Rahmen des CleanIT-Projekt erstelltes Dokument über die Nutzung des Internet zu terroristischen Zwecken (293). Das Dokument gibt Anlass zu ernsthaften Bedenken hinsichtlich der Vereinbarkeit der Projekttätigkeiten und -vorschläge mit den Grundrechten, obzwar auf der Website des Projekts versichert wird, dass es nicht auf die Einschränkung der Freiheit im Internet abziele, sondern Sicherheitsanliegen verfolge und die Nutzung des Internet für terroristische Zwecke einschränken wolle (294).

Die Kommission finanziert auch Projekte wie „CEO Coalition“ zur Bekämpfung von Materialien über Kindesmissbrauch im Internet.

Warum finanziert die Kommission CleanIT und CEO Coalition unabhängig voneinander und ohne jegliche Koordinierung — und ohne Maßnahmen zu Meldesystemen, Kennzeichnungssystemen, der Verhinderung eines erneuten Hochladens usw. zu entwickeln?

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-008818/12

an die Kommission

Jan Philipp Albrecht (Verts/ALE)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: „Clean IT“

Am 21. September 2012 hat der gemeinnützige Verein „European Digital Rights“ ein Dokument veröffentlicht, das im Rahmen des von der Kommission finanzierten „Clean IT“-Projekts erstellt wurde und die Nutzung des Internets für terroristische Ziele betrifft. Das Dokument gibt Anlass zu ernsthaften Bedenken hinsichtlich der Vereinbarkeit der Projekttätigkeiten und —vorschläge mit den Grundrechten, gleichwohl auf der Website des Projekts versichert wird, dass es nicht auf die Einschränkung der Freiheit im Internet abziele, sondern Sicherheitsanliegen verfolge und die Nutzung des Internet für terroristische Zwecke einschränken wolle. Die Kommission finanziert auch Projekte wie die „CEO-Coalition“ zur Bekämpfung von Kinderpornografie im Internet.

Warum finanziert die Kommission „Clean IT“ und die „CEO-Coalition“, damit diese (ohne jegliche Abstimmung untereinander) Strategien für die Meldung und Entfernung rechtswidriger Inhalte entwickeln, obwohl das eigene Personal der Kommission (GD MARKT) ebenfalls Strategien in diesem Bereich entwickelt?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(19. November 2012)

Was das Clean IT-Projekt angeht, wird die Frau Abgeordnete auf die Antwort der Kommission auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-8386/12, P-8569/12 und P-8906/12 verwiesen.

Die „CEO Koalition“ formierte sich im Dezember 2011 als freiwillige Kooperationsinitiative zur Bewältigung der neuen Herausforderungen, die sich aus der Vielfalt der Online-Zugangsmöglichkeiten der jungen Europäer ergeben. Der fünfte Aktionsbereich des Arbeitsprogramms der Koalition sieht vor, dass in Übereinstimmung mit dem geltenden Rechtsrahmen die geeigneten Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, um Material über sexuellen Kindesmissbrauch aus dem Internet zu entfernen. Sein Anwendungsbereich ist auf den sexuellen Kindesmissbrauch beschränkt. Die GD MARKT ist in diese Übung angemessen einbezogen.

Die Kommission prüft derzeit Optionen, um die Melde- und Abhilfeverfahren (N&A) im Rahmen einer horizontalen Initiative zu den Melde- und Abhilfeverfahren N&A (295) zu verbessern. Abhängig von der endgültigen Form dieser horizontalen Initiative könnte sie durch andere Initiativen zu spezifischen Kategorien illegaler Inhalte ergänzt werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008585/12

to the Commission

Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: The CleanIT project

On 21 September 2012 European Digital Rights published a document, funded by the Commission and written by the CleanIT project, regarding the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes (296). The document raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental rights compatibility of the project’s activities and proposals, despite the assurances on the project’s website that the ‘This project does not aim to restrict Internet freedom, but we do have security concerns and want to limit the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes’ (297).

The Commission is also funding projects such as the ‘CEO Coalition’ to fight child abuse material on the Internet.

Why is the Commission funding CleanIT and the CEO Coalition which are both, independently and with no coordination, developing policy on reporting buttons, flagging systems, prevention of re-upload, etc.?

Question for written answer P-008818/12

to the Commission

Jan Philipp Albrecht (Verts/ALE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Clean IT

On 21 September 2012, the non-profit association European Digital Rights released a document produced by the Commission-funded Clean IT project regarding the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. This document raises serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the project's activities and proposals with fundamental rights, notwithstanding the assurances made on its website that the project ‘does not aim to restrict Internet freedom, but we do have security concerns and want to limit the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes’. The Commission is also funding projects such as the ‘CEO Coalition’ to fight child abuse material on the Internet.

Why is the Commission funding Clean IT and the CEO Coalition to develop policy on notice and takedown (without any coordination between them), while the Commission's own staff (DG MARKT) are also developing policy on this subject?

Joint answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

Concerning the Clean IT project itself, the Honourable Members are referred to the Commission's joint reply to Written Questions P-8386/12, P-8569/12 and P-8906/12.

Regarding the CEO Coalition, the initiative was launched in December 2011, as a cooperative voluntary intervention designed to respond to emerging challenges arising from the diverse ways in which young Europeans go online. The fifth commitment of the coalition entails taking the appropriate steps in line with the applicable legal framework to remove from the Internet child sex abuse material. Its scope is limited to child sex abuse. DG MARKT is appropriately involved in this exercise.

Finally, the Commission is indeed analysing options for improving notice-and-action (N&A) procedures in the context of a horizontal initiative on N&A (298). Depending on its final shape, it could be complemented by other initiatives on specific categories of illegal content.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie P-008586/12

Komisii (podpredsedníčke Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľke)

Anna Záborská (PPE)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: VP/HR – spoločné vyhlásenie (A 412/12) k vytvoreniu filmu urážajúceho islam zverejneného prostredníctvom služby YouTube

Dňa 20. septembra 2012 podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie v mene EÚ podpísala Spoločné vyhlásenie vysokého predstaviteľa Európskej únie pre zahraničné veci a bezpečnostnú politiku, generálneho tajomníka Organizácie islamskej konferencie, generálneho tajomníka Arabskej ligy a predsedu komisie Africkej únie (A 412/12) k vytvoreniu filmu urážajúceho islam (299).

1.	Spomenie si podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie na nejaké odsúdenia, ktoré v mene EÚ vydala k akejkoľvek forme urážok smerovaných na verejnosti voči kresťanskej viere alebo katolíckej cirkvi a jej predstaviteľom?

2.

Spomenie si podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie na bilaterálne a multilaterálne úsilie na úrovni OSN o vydanie spoločného vyhlásenia odsudzujúceho pokračujúce prenasledovanie kresťanských menšín a vrážd kresťanských kňazov, členov náboženských rádov a laikov na Blízkom východe?

3.	Čo podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie dosiahla v bilaterálnych a multilaterálnych vzťahoch, pokiaľ ide o ochranu kresťanov na Blízkom východe pred urážkami, prenasledovaním, vraždami a hanobením?

4.	Môže podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie popísať jej spoločnú stratégiu s ostatnými signatármi spoločného vyhlásenia A 412/12 na verejné odsúdenie a odstránenie urážajúcich a hanlivých opisov kresťanstva v základných islamských textoch s cieľom podporiť mier?

5.	Môže podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka Únie vopred poskytnúť záruky, že sa podpíše pod vyhlásenie Svätej stolice odsudzujúce budúce prípady znevažovania urážajúceho kresťanov typu

„Da Vinci Code“ alebo „Piss Christ“?

Odpoveď podpredsedníčky Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľky Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(21. decembra 2012)

Sloboda náboženstva a viery je ako všeobecné ľudské právo jednou z hlavných priorít politiky EÚ v oblasti ľudských práv.

Vysoká predstaviteľka a podpredsedníčka Komisie využíva na presadzovanie tohto základného práva celé spektrum diplomatických nástrojov, ktoré má k dispozícii, vrátane dialógov o ľudských právach a dôverných demaršov. V súlade so závermi Rady pre zahraničné veci z februára 2011 vysoká predstaviteľka opakovane odsúdila násilie a teroristické činy na celom svete, a to najmä proti kresťanom a ich bohoslužobným miestam, ale aj proti moslimským pútnikom a iným náboženským skupinám.

Konkrétnym príkladom je prípad pastora Nadarcháního v Iráne, ktorému hrozil trest smrti za odpadlíctvo a na ktorého situáciu poukázala vysoká predstaviteľka pri viacerých príležitostiach. Táto rozhodná angažovanosť napokon v septembri 2012 priniesla jeho oslobodenie a prepustenie.

Spoločné vyhlásenie podpísané 20. septembra 2012 vysokou predstaviteľkou spolu s generálnym tajomníkom Organizácie islamskej spolupráce, generálnym tajomníkom Arabskej ligy a predsedom Komisie Africkej únie je ďalším prejavom angažovanosti vysokej predstaviteľky za šírenie mieru a tolerancie.

Vzhľadom na násilie, ktoré prepuklo po uverejnení upútavky na film „Innocence of Islam“ na internete, signatári vyhlásenia odsúdili „akékoľvek presadzovanie náboženskej nenávisti, ktoré podnecuje k nevraživosti a násiliu“ v súlade s medzinárodnými normami ľudských práv.

Stratégia EÚ súvisí s konsenzuálnym prístupom, ktorý vyústil do prijatia rezolúcie Rady pre ľudské práva č. 16/18, v ktorej sa stanovujú konkrétne opatrenia boja proti náboženskej netolerancii a násiliu. V súlade s týmto prístupom je aj výzva spoločného vyhlásenia adresovaná všetkým lídrom, či už politickým, laickým alebo náboženským, aby šírili dialóg a vzájomné porozumenie.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008586/12

to the Commission

Anna Záborská (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Joint statement (A 412/12) on the occasion of the production of a film insulting Islam on YouTube

On 20 September 2012 the Vice-President/High Representative co-signed, on behalf of the EU, a ‘Joint statement by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, OIC Secretary General, Arab League Secretary General, and African Union Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union’ (A 412/12) on the occasion of ‘the production of the film insulting Islam’ (300).

1.	Would the Vice-President/High Representative kindly recall the condemnations she has issued on behalf of the EU of any form of insult directed in the public arena at Christian beliefs or at the Catholic Church and its representatives?

2.

Would the Vice-President/High Representative kindly recall her bilateral and multilateral efforts at the UN to obtain a joint statement of condemnation of the ongoing persecution of Christian minorities and the murder of Christian clergy, members of religious orders and laypersons in the Middle East?

3.	What has the Vice-President/High Representative achieved in her bilateral and multilateral relations to protect Christians in the Middle East from insults, persecution, murder and defamation?

4.	Can the Vice-President/High Representative describe her joint strategy with the co‐signatories of Joint Statement A 412/12 to publicly condemn and efface the offensive and derogatory depictions of Christianity in Islam’s core texts, in order to promote peace?

5.	Can the Vice-President/High Representative give advance assurance that she will co‐sign a statement with the Holy See condemning the next occurrence of blasphemy offensive to Christians of the

‘The Da Vinci Code’ or ‘Immersion (Piss Christ)’ type?

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

(21 December 2012)

As a universal human right, freedom of religion and belief is a high priority under the EU's human rights policy.

The HR/VP has been using the full range of diplomatic instruments at her disposal, including Human rights dialogues and confidential demarches, to address this fundamental right. In line with the February 2011 Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the HR/VP has repeatedly condemned, violence and acts of terrorism worldwide, in particular against Christians and their places of worship, but also Muslim pilgrims and other religious communities.

A concrete example is the case of Pastor Nadarkhani in Iran who faced death penalty on apostasy charges, and whose situation was raised on multiple occasions by the HR/VP. This resolute engagement ultimately led to his acquittal and release in September 2012.

The joint statement that the HR/VP signed with the OIC Secretary General, the Arab League Secretary General and the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union on 20 September 2012 is another aspect of the HR/VP's engagement to promote peace and tolerance.

Taking into account the outburst of violence due to the posting of the ‘Innocence of Islam’ trailer on the Internet, it condemned ‘any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility and violence’, in line with international Human rights standards.

The strategy the EU follows is linked to the consensual approach that prevailed in the adoption by the Human Rights Council of resolution 16/18, which provides for concrete steps to fight religious intolerance and violence. The call made in the joint statement on all leaders, whether they be political, secular or religious, to promote dialogue and mutual understanding is in line with such an approach.

(Latviešu valodas versija)

Jautājums, uz kuru jāatbild rakstiski, E-008587/12

Komisijai

Krišjānis Kariņš (PPE)

(2012. gada 27. septembris)

Temats: “Ryanair” īstenotā negodīgā konkurence Rīgas lidostā

Starptautiskā lidosta “Rīga” (RIX) ir nozīmīga reģiona transporta sakaru nodrošināšanā. Tā ir lielākā Baltijas valstīs un apkalpo16 aviokompānijas. Palielinoties administrācijas izmaksām, lidostas vadība pieņēma lēmumu iekasēt drošības nodevu par katru pasažieri 7 EUR apmērā. Nodeva attiecas uz tiem pasažieriem, kuriem jāiziet drošības pārbaude pirms lidojuma. Tā stājās spēkā no 2012. gada 1. janvāra. 15 no 16 lidostā “Rīga” operējošajām aviokompānijām ir piekritušas šo drošības nodevu iekļaut biļetes cenā, bet iebildusi ir tikai “Ryanair”. Rezultātā katram “Ryanair” pasažierim pirms došanās uz reisu lidostas kasē ir jāsamaksā šī nodeva.

1.	Vai Komisija piekrīt, ka šāda situācija ir patērētāju maldinoša un traucē konkurencei, jo papildu izmaksas

“Ryanair” biļešu cenā neuzrāda?

2.	Vai Komisija apstiprina, ka tiek pārkāpts Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes Regulas (EK) Nr. 1008/2008 23. panta 1. punkts?

3.	Ko Komisija plāno darīt, lai šo patērētājam un konkurencei nelabvēlīgo situāciju izlabotu?

Atbildi Komisijas vārdā sniedza Sīms Kallass

(2012. gada 26. novembris)

Regulā (EK) Nr. 1008/2008 ir paredzēti noteikumi par cenu pārskatāmību, un tās 23. panta 1. punktā ir skaidri norādīts, ka aviokompānijām ir tiesības iekasēt papildmaksas. Minētajā pantā ir teikts, ka aviokompānijas šo informāciju par papildmaksu apjomu paziņo skaidri, pārskatāmi un precīzi jebkura rezervēšanas procesa sākumā un tā laikā, bet tikai tad, ja šādi maksājumi ir pievienoti gaisa pārvadājuma maksai vai gaisa pārvadājuma tarifam. Tomēr šajā regulā nav noteikuma, ar kuru saskaņā aviokompānijai papildmaksa būtu jāiekļauj biļetes cenā, jo īpaši tad, ja rezervācijas laikā nekāds maksājums nav prasīts. Tāpēc Komisija uzskata, ka Regula (EK) Nr. 1008/2008 nav pārkāpta.

Direktīvā Nr. 2005/29/EK (301) ir iekļauti noteikumi par to, kad komercprakse, ko izmanto tirdzniecības partneri, būtu uzskatāma par negodīgu komercpraksi.

Par šo noteikumu piemērošanu, kuri aizsargā patērētāju tiesības un garantē taisnīgu konkurenci, – Komisijas kā Līguma sargātājas kontrolē – ir atbildīgas dalībvalstis. Tālab dalībvalstu ziņā ir noteikt, vai maksas ir uzrādītas saskaņā ar Regulu (EK) Nr. 1008/2008 un/vai atbilst Direktīvai 2005/29/EK un vai to līmenis ir pasažierus maldinošs, kā arī pieņemt attiecīgus pasākumus, ja dalībvalstis secina, ka attiecīgā prakse ir prettiesiska.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008587/12

to the Commission

Krišjānis Kariņš (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Unfair competition by Ryanair at Riga airport

Riga international airport (RIX) plays an important part in maintaining the region’s transport links. It is the biggest airport in the Baltic States, serving 16 airlines. As administrative costs have increased, the airport’s management has decided to levy a security charge of EUR 7 on each passenger, applicable to passengers who have to undergo security checks before boarding. It was introduced with effect from 1 January 2012. 15 of the 16 airlines operating at Riga airport agreed to include the security charge in ticket prices, while only Ryanair objected. As a result, each Ryanair passenger has to pay the charge at the airport’s cash desk before setting out on a journey.

1. Does the Commission agree that this situation misleads consumers and distorts competition, as the additional charges are not indicated as part of Ryanair’s ticket price?

2. Can the Commission confirm that Article 23(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council is being breached?

3. What will the Commission do to remedy this situation, which is damaging to consumers and to competition?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 contains price transparency provisions and clearly indicates in Article 23(1) that airlines have the right to collect surcharges. They shall communicate their amount in a clear, transparent and unambiguous way at the start of and throughout any booking process but only where such charges have been added to the air fare or air rate. However, the regulation does not oblige an airline to include any surcharge in the fare, particularly if no payment is going to be required at the time of booking. Thus, the Commission is of the view that Reg. (EC) 1008/2008 is not breached.

Directive No 2005/29/EC (302) contains provisions whether a commercial practice applied by commercial partners shall be considered unfair.

The Member States are in charge of the enforcement of these provisions which protect consumers and guarantee fair competition, under the control of the Commission as guardian of the Treaty. It is therefore up to the Member States to determine whether prices are displayed according to the Reg. (EC) 1008/2008 and/or in compliance with the directive 2005/29/EC and whether their level is misleading for passengers and to take appropriate action may they be found unlawful.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008589/12

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Johannes Cornelis van Baalen (ALDE)

(27 september 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — Verklaring Catherine Asthon, OIC, Arabische Liga en Afrikaanse Unie naar aanleiding van film „Innocence of Muslims”

1. Is de Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger het eens dat de vrijheid van meningsuiting een fundamenteel grondrecht is, verankerd in het Europees Verdrag voor de Rechten van de Mens (EVRM), de Universele Verklaring voor de Rechten van de Mens (UVRM) en het Verdrag voor Burgerrechten en Politieke rechten (BuPo)?

2. Vindt de Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger dat vrijheid van meningsuiting ook van toepassing is in het specifieke geval van de film „Innocence of Muslims”? Indien ja, waarom heeft de VP-HV hier geen melding van gemaakt in de verklaring die zij gezamenlijk heeft uitgegeven met de secretaris-generaal van de OIC, de secretaris-generaal van de Arabische Liga en de Commissaris voor Vrede en Veiligheid van de Afrikaanse Unie (d.d. 20/09)?

3. Heeft de Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger de vrijheid van meningsuiting, als grondrecht in de Westerse wereld, verdedigd tijdens haar onderhoud met bovengenoemde vertegenwoordigers van de OIC, Arabische Liga en Afrikaanse Unie?

4. Is de Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger op de hoogte van de uitspraken van een woordvoerder van de Arabische Liga (Al-Araby) naar aanleiding van de gezamenlijke verklaring, dat de EU, de Arabische Liga, OIC, Afrikaanse Unie en de Europese Unie zouden werken aan een verdrag tegen Godslastering? Indien ja, is hiervan daadwerkelijk sprake?

5. Is de Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger van plan om de vrijheid van meningsuiting, als fundamenteel grondrecht in de EU, voortaan te verdedigen in haar contacten met derde landen, in het bijzonder uit de Arabische wereld?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(22 januari 2013)

De EU is er vast van overtuigd dat vrijheid van meningsuiting een grondrecht is voor iedereen. Zoals werd beklemtoond in de conclusies van de Raad van februari 2011, is vrijheid van godsdienst of overtuiging nauw verweven met vrijheid van mening en meningsuiting, alsook met de andere mensenrechten en fundamentele vrijheden die allemaal bijdragen tot een democratische samenleving.

De EU beschermt deze fundamentele vrijheid in het kader van het overleg met de vertegenwoordigers van de Organisatie van Islamitische Samenwerking, de Arabische Liga en de Afrikaanse Unie. Op de vergadering van de Ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken tussen de EU en de Arabische Liga van 13 november 2012 in Caïro benadrukten de ministers in hun gezamenlijke verklaring hun bereidheid om de mensenrechten, met inbegrip van de vrijheid van meningsuiting, te bevorderen en te beschermen.

De Commissie is op de hoogte van de recente oproep voor een internationaal wetgevingskader voor de bescherming van religie eerder dan voor het individuele recht om al dan niet te geloven. De EU blijft sterk gekant tegen enige vaststelling van normen op dit gebied. De EU zal zich blijven inzetten voor religieuze tolerantie door het uitvoeringsproces van wederzijds overeengekomen VN-resoluties, zoals de resoluties 16/13 en 16/18 van de Mensenrechtenraad die werden aangenomen in maart 2011 en de daarop volgende resoluties die werden aangenomen door de VN-Mensenrechtenraad en de Algemene Vergadering van de VN.

Een voorbeeld van de publieke actie van de EU om vrijheid van meningsuiting in de Arabische wereld te bevorderen, is het feit dat de hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter in juni 2012 bij de overheid van Soedan erop heeft aangedrongen om het recht van de burgers op vrijheid van meningsuiting en vrijheid van de media te eerbiedigen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008589/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Johannes Cornelis van Baalen (ALDE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Statement by Catherine Ashton, OIC, Arab League and African Union concerning the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’

1. Does the Vice-President/High Representative agree that freedom of expression is a fundamental right provided for by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?

2. Does the Vice-President/High Representative consider that freedom of expression also applies in the specific case of the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’? If so, why did the VP/HR not mention this in her joint statement of 20 September with the Secretary-General of the OIC, the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union?

3. Did the Vice-President/High Representative defend freedom of expression, as a fundamental right in the Western world, during her meeting with the aforementioned representatives of the OIC, Arab League and African Union?

4. Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the statement by a spokesperson for the Arab League (Al-Araby), further to the joint statement, that the EU, the Arab League, the OIC, the African Union and the European Union were drafting a convention against blasphemy? If so, is this true?

5. Does the Vice-President/High Representative intend, in future, to defend freedom of expression, as a fundamental right in the EU, in her contacts with third countries, particularly in the Arab world?

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

(22 January 2013)

The EU firmly believes that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of every person. As recalled by the Council in February 2011 conclusions, freedom of religion or belief is intrinsically linked to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as to other human rights and fundamental freedoms, which all contribute to the building of democratic societies.

The EU is defending this fundamental freedom in the framework of its dialogues with representatives of the OIC, League of Arab States (LAS) and African Union (AU). For example, during the EU-LAS Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Cairo on 13 November 2012, the ministers underlined in their joint declaration their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of expression.

The Commission is aware of the recent calls for an international legal framework to protect religion as such rather than the right of individuals to believe or not. The EU maintains a firm position against any standard setting in this regard. The EU will stay engaged in fostering religious tolerance through the implementation process of consensual UN resolutions, such as the Human Rights Council resolutions 16/13 and 16/18 adopted in March 2011, and the subsequent resolutions adopted at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.

As an example of EU’s public action to ensure freedom of expression in the Arab world the HR/VP urged, in June 2012 the government of Sudan to respect the ctizens’ rights to freedom of expression, freedom of the media.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008590/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Tremila ragazzi iscritti d'ufficio in scuole imam in Turchia

Fonti di stampa turche denunciano che il governo del premier islamico Tayyip Erdogan ha iscritto d'ufficio migliaia di ragazzi di Istanbul nelle scuole religiose, le imam hatip: infatti, tremila adolescenti della parte europea di Istanbul i cui risultati scolastici sono stati ritenuti insufficienti per passare al liceo sono stati iscritti contro la loro volontà, e contro il parere dei genitori, nelle «scuole per imam » sunnite, di cui Erdogan vuole favorire l'espansione. I ragazzi avevano chiesto invece di entrare in scuole di formazione professionale.

Come valuta la Commissione questa ingerenza da parte del governo turco che viola le libertà personali e le scelte didattiche degli studenti turchi e dei loro genitori?

Risposta di Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(20 novembre 2012)

La Commissione è al corrente del problema segnalato dall'onorevole parlamentare e ha sollevato la questione con le autorità turche.

Il nuovo sistema scolastico turco, adottato nel primo semestre del 2012, è entrato in vigore con l'anno accademico 2012-2013. Gli studenti turchi che superano l'esame di ammissione nazionale con il punteggio più alto vengono iscritti nella scuola prescelta, mentre gli altri vengono iscritti nell'istituto generale più vicino. Questo si applica agli studenti che non seguono l'insegnamento professionale.

Le autorità turche hanno informato la Commissione che in una sottoprovincia di Istanbul il sistema informatico aveva registrato automaticamente gli studenti nella scuola più vicina, senza fare distinzioni tra gli istituti di insegnamento generale e gli istituti professionali.

Non appena individuato l'errore, le autorità hanno adottato le misure correttive necessarie per registrare gli studenti nelle scuole da loro scelte.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008590/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: 3 000 children enrolled ex officio in imam schools in Turkey

According to Turkish press reports, the government of the Islamic Prime Minster, Tayyip Erdoğan, has enrolled ex officio thousands of children in Istanbul in religious schools (Imam Hatip). 3 000 adolescents from the European part of Istanbul whose school results were not considered good enough for them to go to secondary school have been enrolled against their will, and against their parents’ wishes, in Sunni ‘schools for imams’, which Erdoğan wants to expand. The children had asked to go to vocational training schools instead.

What is the Commission’s view of this interference by the Turkish Government, which violates the personal freedoms and the educational choices of Turkish students and their parents?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the issue raised by the Honourable Member and has raised it with the Turkish authorities.

The implementation of the new Turkish education system, adopted in the first half of 2012, started in the academic year 2012-2013. After sitting the Turkish National Entrance Examination, the most successful students are registered at the school of their choice while the other students are registered at the nearest ordinary general school. This concerns students who do not follow vocational education.

The Turkish authorities have informed the Commission that in an Istanbul sub-province the computer system registered automatically students to the nearest school, considering that general and vocational schools are the same.

As soon as the computer mistake was realised, the authorities took the required corrective action so that the students were eventually registered at the schools of their choice.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008591/12

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Islam e Unione europea

Premesso che:

mercoledì 19 settembre il settimanale francese «Charlie Hebdo» ha pubblicato alcune vignette satiriche su Maometto nelle quali è raffigurato un ebreo ortodosso che spinge una sedia a rotelle sulla quale è seduto un uomo in turbante; il titolo, riferito a un celebre film francese, è «Gli intoccabili 2». Sulla controcopertina, invece, è raffigurato Maometto nudo mentre è intento a mostrare il sedere a un regista.

Le reazioni suscitate dalle vignette sono state immediate: minacce e intimidazioni sarebbero arrivate in redazione, le attività nelle scuole e sedi diplomatiche sono state sospese e il ministro degli Esteri francese, Laurent Fabius, ha annunciato misure precauzionali per proteggere le ambasciate francesi da eventuali attacchi e proteste.

Questo recente episodio è solo uno dei tanti ostacoli al dialogo Europa-Islam. Pochi giorni prima, il presidente del Parlamento europeo, Martin Schulz, ha condannato la diffamazione dell'Islam legata al film americano «L'innocenza dei musulmani», che ha provocato l'indignazione del mondo musulmano.

Considerando i recenti atti di violenza, è stata firmata una nota congiunta di Lega araba, Unione Africana (UA), UE e Conferenza islamica (OIC) che condanna l'incitazione all'odio religioso e sottolinea il rispetto della libertà di espressione.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

—	obiettivi fondamentali dell'Unione europea, intende la Commissione intraprendere azioni volte a favorire il dialogo e il rispetto reciproco tra la cultura occidentale e l'Islam?

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(14 novembre 2012)

L'Unione europea condanna duramente tutte le forme e le manifestazioni di intolleranza, comprese quelle fondate sulla religione. Il diritto dell'UE vieta in modo specifico l'istigazione alla violenza o all'odio nei confronti di un gruppo di persone, o di un suo membro, definito per esempio in riferimento alla religione (303). Spetta alle autorità nazionali, in particolare alle autorità giudiziarie, esaminare i casi singoli e stabilire se una data situazione rappresenti istigazione alla violenza o all'odio per motivi religiosi.

La Commissione, avvalendosi di tutti i poteri conferitile dai trattati, è impegnata nella lotta contro l'intolleranza religiosa e continuerà ad adoperarsi in quest'ambito, in particolare monitorando l'attuazione della legislazione dell'UE che vieta i discorsi pubblici di istigazione all'odio e la discriminazione religiosa e sostenendo finanziariamente le attività dei portatori di interesse tese a promuovere, ad esempio, la comprensione interreligiosa e interculturale e una maggiore tolleranza nell'UE (304).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008591/12

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Islam and the European Union

On 19 September 2012 the French weekly magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ published some satirical cartoons about Mohammed in which an orthodox Jew is seen pushing a man in a turban in a wheelchair. The title, a clear reference to a famous French film, is ‘The Untouchables 2’. The back cover, however, depicts a naked Mohammed exposing his backside to a film director.

The reaction to the cartoons was immediate: the editorial office was threatened and intimidated, work in schools and diplomatic offices was suspended and the French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, announced precautionary measures to protect French embassies from possible protests and attacks.

This latest episode is only one of the many obstacles to EU‐Islam dialogue. Just a few days before this, the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, had condemned the defamation of Islam through the American film ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ which has caused outrage in the Muslim world.

The recent acts of violence led to the signing of a Joint Statement by the Arab League, the African Union, the EU and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) condemning incitement to religious hatred and emphasising respect for freedom of expression.

— Peace and cooperation between peoples are core objectives of the European Union. In view of this, is the Commission planning any measures to promote dialogue and mutual respect between western culture and Islam?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

The European Commission strongly condemns all forms and manifestations of intolerance, including those based on religion. The EU legislation specifically bans incitement to violence or hatred targeted against a group of people or a member of a group defined for instance by reference to religion (305). It is for national authorities, including judicial authorities to look into individual cases and to determine whether a concrete situation represents incitement to religious violence or hatred.

The Commission is committed to fighting against religious intolerance by making use of all powers available under the Treaties. It will continue its work in this field in particular through monitoring the implementation of EU legislation prohibiting public hate speech and discrimination based on religion and by providing financial support to stakeholders' activities aimed for instance at promoting better interfaith and intercultural understanding and improved tolerance in the EU (306).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008592/12

aan de Commissie

Laurence J. A. J. Stassen (NI)

(27 september 2012)

Betreft: Anti-islamfilm verboden in Turkije

„In opdracht” van de premier Erdoğan heeft de rechtbank in Turkije de regering toestemming gegeven op internet de toegang tot de anti-islamfilm Innocence of Muslims te blokkeren. Het departement van Binali Yilderim, Turks minister van vervoer en communicatie, heeft Google en YouTube verzocht de video met de trailer van de film te verwijderen.

1.	Is de Commissie bekend met het bericht

1.	Is de Commissie bekend met het bericht

 (307)

2.	Wat vindt de Commissie ervan dat

Innocence of Muslims

in Turkije verboden is? Verwerpt de Commissie deze ordinaire censuur?

3.	Deelt de Commissie de mening dat Turkije met het verbod handelt in strijd met de vrijheid van meningsuiting?

4.

Deelt de Commissie de mening dat Turkije met het verbod voor de zoveelste keer heeft aangetoond de Europese normen en waarden niet te onderschrijven? Deelt de Commissie de mening dat Turkije derhalve nimmer tot de EU moet toetreden? Is de Commissie er dan ook toe bereid de toetredingsonderhandelingen met Turkije te beëindigen? Zo neen, hoe kan de Commissie een eventueel toekomstig Turks EU-lidmaatschap nog verdedigen, nu dit land films verbiedt resp. de vrijheid van meningsuiting inperkt?

Antwoord van de heer Füle namens de Commissie

(20 november 2012)

De Commissie is ervan op de hoogte dat een Turkse rechtbank de autoriteiten toestemming heeft gegeven om de toegang tot de film „Innocence of Muslims” op het internet te blokkeren.

De Commissie hecht veel belang aan de vrijheid van meningsuiting, met inbegrip van de vrijheid om kennis te nemen van informatie en ideeën zonder de tussenkomst van overheidsinstanties en ongeacht grenzen. Volgens het Europees Verdrag tot bescherming van de rechten van de mens kan de uitoefening van deze vrijheden onder bepaalde voorwaarden echter worden onderworpen aan beperkingen, die bij wet zijn voorzien en die in een democratische samenleving noodzakelijk zijn in het belang van de nationale of openbare veiligheid.

De Commissie benadrukt in haar voortgangsverslag van 2012 over Turkije dat voor bepaalde websites nog steeds verboden gelden die disproportioneel van omvang en duur zijn en dat de wet van het internet, die de vrijheid van meningsuiting en het recht van burgers op toegang tot informatie beperkt, moet worden herzien.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008592/12

to the Commission

Laurence J.A.J. Stassen (NI)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Ban on anti-Islamic film in Turkey

‘On the instructions’ of Prime Minister Erdoğan, a court in Turkey has authorised the government to block access to the anti-Islamic film Innocence of Muslims on the Internet. The ministry of Binali Yilderim, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Communications, has asked Google and YouTube to remove the video clip containing the trailer for the film.

1.	Is the Commission aware of the report

1.	Is the Commission aware of the report

 (308)

2.	What view does the Commission take of the fact that

Innocence of Muslims

has been banned in Turkey? Does the Commission condemn this crude censorship?

3.	Does the Commission agree that, by imposing this ban, Turkey has breached the principle of freedom of expression?

4.

Does the Commission agree that, by imposing this ban, Turkey has demonstrated yet again that it does not endorse European norms and values? Does the Commission agree that Turkey should therefore never be allowed to accede to the EU? Will the Commission accordingly terminate the accession negotiations with Turkey? If not, how can the Commission still defend the possibility of future EU membership for Turkey when that country is banning films and restricting freedom of expression?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

The Commission is aware that a Turkish court has allowed the authorities to block access to the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ on the Internet.

The Commission attaches the greatest importance to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to receive information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. At the same time the Commission recalls that pursuant to the European Convention on Human Rights the exercise of these freedoms may under certain conditions be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security or public safety.

The Commission underlines in its 2012 Progress Report on Turkey that website bans of disproportionate scope and duration continued, and that the Law on the Internet, which limits freedom of expression and restricts citizens’ right to access to information, needs to be revised.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008593/12

a la Comisión

Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)

(27 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Análisis de las aguas de baño

En respuesta a la pregunta E-008773/2011 sobre la contaminación química de las aguas de baño en la costa del País Vasco, el Sr. Potocnik se remite a la respuesta dada al parlamentario Sr. Obermeyr (E-4141/2010). En dicha respuesta el Comisario señala lo siguiente: «Los Estados miembros controlan químicamente las aguas superficiales de forma periódica. Controlan las concentraciones de las 41 sustancias contempladas en la Directiva 2008/105/CE». Se entiende, pues, que todos los análisis a realizar para garantizar la calidad de las aguas de baño deben controlar todas y cada una de las 41 substancias señaladas en la Directiva.

Según diversos medios de comunicación, los análisis realizados en verano de 2012 por encargo de entidades locales de la costa vasca con el objetivo de obtener la bandera azul para sus playas no cumplen con dicha Directiva. Los análisis, realizados por la empresa Rivages Pro Tech, filial de Lyonnaise des Eaux (grupo Suez Environnement), solo analizan dos parámetros bacteriológicos (concretamente, Escherichia coli y enterococos) y obvian el análisis de contaminantes químicos. Por otra parte, los análisis de la calidad de las aguas, realizados por laboratorios independientes especializados e impulsados por la organización social Coordination Santé Environnement Pays Basque, han demostrado la existencia de contaminación química importante en las aguas de la costa vasca. Este hecho ha suscitado alarma y preocupación entre la ciudadanía y organizaciones sociales de la costa vasca, ya que entienden que la bandera azul en las playas garantiza la calidad de sus aguas.

La gestión de la bandera azul corresponde a la Fundación Europea de Educación Ambiental, organización no gubernamental que recibe una gran financiación pública. La bandera azul se concede en función de una serie de criterios, uno de los cuales es la calidad de las aguas de baño.

1. ¿Considera la Comisión que sería deseable que los análisis de calidad de las aguas de baño efectuados para la obtención de la bandera analizasen también las substancias químicas contempladas en la Directiva 2008/105/CE?

2. ¿Piensa la Comisión que puede ser necesario iniciar algún procedimiento legislativo para garantizar el cumplimiento de los análisis señalados por dicha directiva en el proceso de obtención de la bandera azul?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de noviembre de 2012)

Como señala Su Señoría, el procedimiento de adjudicación de banderas azules corresponde a una fundación privada. En consecuencia, la Comisión no desea realizar ningún comentario respecto a dicho procedimiento.

La calidad de las aguas de baño se protege en la EU mediante la Directiva sobre las aguas de baño (309), la cual obliga a todos los Estados miembros a garantizar la ausencia de contaminación microbiológica en sus zonas de baño. La Comisión ha adoptado símbolos para informar al público de la clasificación de las aguas de baño en base a su contaminación microbiológica, así como de cualquier prohibición de baño o recomendación de abstenerse del mismo (310). Dichos símbolos se utilizan cada vez más en toda la UE. Tanto la Comisión como los Estados miembros pretenden establecer contactos con aquellos agentes que manejen otros sistemas de clasificación para asegurar que consideran el sistema establecido en la Directiva.

La protección de las aguas superficiales de la UE ante la contaminación química se garantiza a través de la Directiva marco sobre el agua (DMA) (311), en la que se incluyen referencias específicas a las zonas de baño, tal y como se explicó en la respuesta a la pregunta E-4141/2010 (312) remitida a Su Señoría. La Comisión no está estudiando ningún procedimiento de control o requisito de información adicional en relación con substancias químicas en las aguas de baño.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008593/12

to the Commission

Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Analysis of bathing water

In his answer to Question E‐008773/2011 on chemical pollution in bathing water on the Basque Country coast, Mr Potočnik referred to the reply to the question tabled by Franz Obermayr (E‐4141/2010). In that answer the Commissioner pointed out that ‘Member States conduct chemical monitoring of surface waters on a regular basis. They monitor concentrations of the 41 substances listed in the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) Directive 2008/105/EC’. This means that all the analyses to be carried out in order to guarantee bathing water quality must monitor each and all of the 41 substances listed in the directive.

There have been a number of reports in the media that the analyses carried out in summer 2012 for local authorities on the Basque coast with a view to obtaining the blue flag for their beaches do not comply with this directive. The analyses carried out by the company Rivages Pro Tech, a subsidiary of Lyonnaise des Eaux (Suez Environnement group), analysed only the bacteriological parameters (specifically Escherichia coli and enterococci) and failed to analyse chemical pollutants. Moreover, the water quality analyses carried out by specialist independent laboratories on the initiative of the organisation Coordination Santé Environnement Pays Basque have found significant chemical pollution in waters along the Basque coast. This has sparked alarm and concern among the public and relevant organisations on the Basque coast, since they believe that the blue flag award for their beaches represents a guarantee of water quality.

The blue flag programme is run by the European Foundation for Environmental Education, a non-governmental organisation that receives a large amount of public funding. The blue flag is awarded on the basis of a series of criteria which include bathing water quality.

1. Does the Commission consider that it would be desirable if analyses of bathing water quality carried out with a view to obtaining the blue flag also analysed the chemical substances listed in Directive 2008/105/EC?

2. Does the Commission believe that it may be necessary to launch a legislative procedure to guarantee that the analyses referred to in this directive are properly carried out as part of the process for obtaining the blue flag?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

As pointed out by the Honourable Member, ‘Blue Flags’ are awarded by a private foundation. As such, the Commission does not wish to comment on its award process.

The quality of bathing waters is protected in the EU by the Bathing Water Directive (313), which obliges Member States to ensure that there is no microbial pollution in bathing areas. The Commission has adopted symbols for information to the public on bathing water classification — based on microbial contamination — and on any bathing prohibition or advice against bathing (314). These symbols are being increasingly used all around the EU. The Commission and the Member States intend to liaise with operators using other classification schemes to ensure that they take into account the system established by the directive.

The protection of EU surface waters from chemical pollution is ensured by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (315), which includes particular references to bathing areas as explained in the reply to the Question E-4141/2010 (316) referred to by the Honourable Member. The Commission is not considering additional monitoring or reporting obligations for chemicals in bathing waters.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008594/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(27 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Richiesta di finanziamenti comunitari nel settore turistico

Il 24 luglio 2007 a Peschici (Foggia, Italia) scoppiò sul Gargano un violentissimo incendio. Tra i villaggi turistici coinvolti, uno venne completamente distrutto, con danni che ammonterebbero a 7/8 milioni di euro.

A causa dell'incendio, la struttura fu chiusa durante la stagione turistica 2007 e riuscì a riaprire solo in quella successiva, nonostante gli ingenti danni. Per ripristinare gli impianti gravemente danneggiati, l'azienda — con l'aiuto di alcuni istituti di credito — ha fatto uno sforzo notevole, investendo 4/5 milioni di euro, senza ricevere alcun contributo.

Tutto questo anche perché il centro occupa circa il 10 % della forza lavoro di Peschici, contribuendo in maniera significativa a far sopravvivere il già precario sistema economico locale. A seguito degli incendi in Puglia del 2007, sono stati previsti due tipi di aiuti finanziari: il primo dal Fondo di solidarietà europeo per le amministrazioni territoriali, il secondo dal Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale, da utilizzare — secondo le modalità stabilite nel programma operativo regionale (POR) 2007-2013 — dalle aziende turistiche della Puglia.

In riferimento al primo tipo di aiuto finanziario, gli organi preposti, avendo presentato in ritardo la domanda, hanno impedito alle amministrazioni locali di beneficiare dei consistenti contributi predisposti dall'UE.

Per il secondo, invece, la regione Puglia ha pubblicato solo nel 2012 il POR destinato alle imprese turistiche, che aveva però un periodo di programmazione 2007-2013, escludendo così questa azienda dai fondi. Alla società in questione è stato quindi impedito l'accesso alle provvidenze previste dal POR, perché tutte le spese per i lavori di ripristino sono state sostenute e pagate nel 2008-2009 e pertanto i relativi documenti hanno una data successiva all'incendio, ma anteriori alla data di pubblicazione del bando.

Alla luce di questi elementi, si chiede alla Commissione:

—	che tipo di finanziamenti potrebbero essere previsti per quelle aziende che hanno sostenuto spese di ripristino di attività commerciali e di servizi prima che la regione Puglia indicesse i bandi?

Risposta di Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(22 novembre 2012)

Il Fondo di solidarietà dell'UE non è stato attivato nel caso menzionato dall'onorevole deputato. Nei casi in cui viene attivato il Fondo di solidarietà, l'aiuto finanziario può essere usato soltanto per interventi pubblici d'emergenza, non per dare assistenza ad imprese private.

L'articolo 4 del regolamento del Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale (FESR) (317) prevede la possibilità di sostenere attività nel campo del turismo allorché sono destinate a promuovere lo sviluppo del turismo sostenibile, lo sviluppo socioeconomico delle regioni e l'offerta di servizi turistici ad alto valore aggiunto. Nell'ambito del FESR non sono previsti finanziamenti per i danni agli immobili o alle infrastrutture causati da catastrofi naturali o di altro genere come quella menzionata dall'onorevole deputato.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008594/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Request for EU funding in the tourism sector

On 24 July 2007, a violent fire broke out in Peschici (Foggia, Italy) on the Gargano peninsula. Among the tourist villages affected, one was completely destroyed, with damages estimated at EUR 7-8 million.

Because of the fire, the centre was closed throughout the 2007 tourist season and only managed to reopen the following season, despite the extensive damage. To restore the severely damaged facilities, the centre — with the help of several banks — made a considerable effort, investing EUR 4-5 million without receiving any contribution.

An important aspect of this is the fact that the centre in question employs about 10 % of the workforce of Peschici, thus contributing significantly to the survival of the already precarious local economy. After the 2007 fires in Puglia, two types of financial aid were provided for: the first from the European Solidarity Fund for local and regional authorities, the second from the European Regional Development Fund, to be used — in accordance with the provisions of the Regional Operational Programme (ROP) 2007-2013 — by the tourism firms of Puglia.

With regard to the former type of financial aid, the bodies responsible, having submitted their application belatedly, prevented local authorities from benefiting from the substantial EU contributions available.

As for the second type of aid, the Puglia region did not publish its ROP for tourism firms until 2012, the programming period for which was, however, for 2007-2013, which meant that the centre was unable to be granted the relevant funding. The company in question was thus denied access to the precious funds provided by the ROP because all the expenditure relating to the restoration work had been borne and paid in 2008-2009 and therefore the relevant documents bear a date that is subsequent to the fire but prior to the date of publication of the call for proposals.

In the light of these facts, can the Commission say:

—	What kind of funding could be provided for those companies that have had to bear the expense of restoring businesses and services before the Puglia region published its calls for proposals?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The EU Solidarity Fund was not activated for the case mentioned by the Honourable Member. In cases where the Solidarity Fund is activated, the financial aid may only be used for public emergency operations, not for assistance to private businesses.

Article 4 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulation (318) provides for the possibility to support tourism activities whenever they are designed to promote the development of sustainable tourism, the socioeconomic development of regions and the supply of high added value tourist services. No funding is envisaged under the ERDF to pay for damage to facilities or infrastructure caused by natural or other disasters as mentioned by the Honourable Member.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008597/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Collision avec les animaux marins

Un des effets collatéraux de la pêche reste les collisions avec les animaux marins.

De nombreux animaux, notamment des dauphins, sont retrouvés morts sur les côtes à cause de la présence en très grand nombre de bateaux.

Il existe des dispositifs acoustiques permettant d'éloigner les animaux marins.

La Commission compte-t-elle rendre obligatoire, ou du moins favoriser, l'utilisation de dispositifs de dissuasion acoustiques dans le domaine de la pêche?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(19 novembre 2012)

L'interprétation donnée par la Commission au terme «collisions» englobe les collisions intervenues entre des animaux marins et des navires, y compris les navires de pêche et les collisions ou interactions avec des engins de pêche. Ces deux types de collision sont susceptibles d'entraîner la mort d'animaux marins.

La Commission a connaissance de la recherche menée afin de réduire les risques de collision entre navires et mammifères marins. Elle sait que l'organisation maritime internationale (OMI) a adopté des lignes directrices visant à réduire au minimum le risque de collision entre les navires et les cétacés, dont des actions spécifiques que les États concernés peuvent mettre en œuvre pour réduire ce risque. Ces lignes directrices pourraient s'appliquer aux navires de pêche, bien que ce problème soit davantage lié à la marine marchande.

La Commission est également consciente du fait que des prises accessoires de cétacés dans les pêcheries européennes sont rapportées depuis un certain nombre d'années et qu'il a été prouvé sans ambiguïté que, dans certaines pêcheries, les prises accessoires atteignent un niveau préoccupant. C'est pourquoi l'Union a adopté en 2004 le règlement (CE) no 812/2004 (319), qui a intégré des mesures de suivi et d'atténuation des risques afin de remédier à ce problème. La protection des mammifères marins est également inscrite dans le projet de proposition relatif à la nouvelle politique commune de la pêche, qui souligne la nécessité de mettre en place des mesures visant à réduire et à éliminer progressivement les prises accessoires de ces espèces.

Dans le cadre du règlement existant, des dispositifs de dissuasion acoustiques ont été rendus obligatoires dans les zones et les pêcheries où des niveaux élevés de prises accessoires de cétacés sont connus ou prévisibles. Il s'agit notamment de filets maillants dans les eaux de la mer Baltique, la mer Celtique et de la mer du Nord. Même si ces mesures ont permis d'obtenir certains résultats dans la réduction des prises accessoires de cétacés dans ces pêcheries, la recherche se poursuit dans les États membres afin d'améliorer davantage ces dispositifs ainsi que de mettre au point des dispositifs pour d'autres engins de pêche, connus pour être associés à des prises accessoires ou soupçonnés de l'être.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008597/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Collisions with marine animals

Collisions with marine animals are one of the side effects of fishing.

Numerous animals, including dolphins, are found dead along the coastline because of the proximity of a very large number of vessels.

There are acoustic devises that can chase away marine animals.

Does the Commission intend to make these compulsory ar at least to encourage the use of acoustic deterrent devices in the fisheries sector?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Commission interprets collisions as covering collisions of marine animals with ships including fishing vessels and collisions or interactions with fishing gears. Both can result in the death of marine animals.

The Commission is aware of research to reduce the risks of ship collisions with marine mammals. The Commission understands the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted guidelines for minimising the risk of ship strikes with cetaceans, including specific actions at the disposal of concerned States which can be implemented to reduce this risk. These would apply to fishing vessels although this problem is associated more with merchant shipping.

The Commission is also aware that in European fisheries cetacean bycatch has been reported for a number of years and there is unequivocal evidence that in some fisheries, bycatch is at a level to be of concern. Therefore in 2004 the Union enacted Regulation (EC) 812/2004 (320) which included monitoring and mitigation measures to address this problem. Protection of marine mammals is also recognised in the draft proposal for the new Common Fisheries Policy which highlights the need for measures to minimise and progressively eliminate bycatch of such species.

As part of the existing Regulation, acoustic deterrent devices were made mandatory in areas and fisheries with known or foreseeable high levels of bycatch of cetaceans. These include gillnet fisheries in the Baltic Sea, Celtic Sea and the North Sea. These measures have been somewhat effective in reducing cetacean bycatch in these fisheries although research is continuing in Member States to improve these devices further and also develop devices for other fishing gears, where bycatch is known or suspected.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008598/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Site d'achat en ligne Amazon

Amazon, site d'achat en ligne et leader de la vente de livres sur l'internet, pratique des taux de remise de 50 % avec les éditeurs dans le cadre du contrat «avantage» en France, tandis que la plupart des libraires pratiquent un taux de 13 %. Or, Amazon, dont le siège social est implanté à Seattle, d'une part bénéficie d'une fiscalité avantageuse et, d'autre part, opère un chantage auprès des éditeurs en faisant pression sur les prix, du fait de sa stratégie du prix unique du livre.

1. La Commission pense-t-elle que le marché du livre en France est le théâtre d'une situation de concurrence déloyale entre la firme américaine Amazon et les éditeurs indépendants?

2. Quelle stratégie européenne la Commission peut-elle mettre en place pour éviter une telle concurrence déloyale vis-à-vis des éditeurs indépendants en Europe?

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(29 novembre 2012)

Les taux de remise différents accordés par les éditeurs à Amazon et à d'autres détaillants ne peuvent pas être considérés comme une infraction à la législation de l'UE en matière de concurrence sauf s'il peut être démontré qu'Amazon est en situation d'abus de position dominante en violation de l'article 102 du TFUE, que cette entreprise a conclu des accords anticoncurrentiels ou se livre à des pratiques anticoncurrentielles avec des éditeurs en violation de l'article 101 du TFUE. À l'heure actuelle, la Commission ne dispose d'aucune preuve démontrant qu'Amazon détient une position dominante dans le secteur de la vente de livres ou qu'elle a conclu des accords anticoncurrentiels avec les éditeurs. La Commission n'est donc pas en mesure, à ce stade, d'établir si le comportement décrit par l'Honorable Parlementaire est contraire aux règles de concurrence de l'UE.

La Commission reste déterminée à garantir le plein respect des règles de concurrence de l'UE dans le secteur de l'édition et suit de près l'évolution de la situation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008598/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Amazon, the online shopping platform

Under its ‘Advantage’ contract, online shopping platform and leading online bookseller Amazon is granted a 50 % discount by publishers, while most bookshops only receive 13 %. In addition, Amazon, whose headquarters are in Seattle, benefits from a lower rate of tax and blackmails publishers by exerting price pressure on them under its fixed book price strategy.

1. Does the Commission believe there is unfair competition in the French book market between the American company Amazon and independent publishers?

2. What Europe-wide strategy could the Commission implement to prevent such unfair competition vis-à-vis independent publishers in Europe?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2012)

The difference in discounts granted by publishers to Amazon and to other retailers cannot constitute an infringement of EU competition law, unless it can be shown that Amazon is abusing a dominant position in breach of Article 102 TFEU or that Amazon has entered into anti-competitive agreements or practices with publishers in breach of Article 101 TFEU. The Commission currently does not have any evidence regarding whether Amazon has a dominant position in the sale of books. Neither does it have any evidence that Amazon has entered into anti-competitive agreements with publishers. The Commission is therefore not in a position at this stage to take a view on whether the conduct described by the Honourable Member is in breach of the EU competition rules.

The Commission remains committed to ensuring the full respect of the EU competition rules in the publishing sector and closely monitors relevant developments.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008599/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Protection des dauphins dans la mer Noire

En 2012, un nombre croissant de dauphins ont été retrouvés morts sur les rivages de la mer Noire, avec, comme cause principale, des captures accidentelles des bateaux de pêche. D'autres causes telles que la diminution critique des réserves de pêche peuvent être imputées à ces disparitions inquiétantes pour la survie de l'espèce. En effet, les dauphins de la mer Noire sont classés dans le livre rouge de l'Organisation internationale des espèces menacées. Il est important que l'Union européenne se saisisse de ce problème malgré le fait que la mer Noire ne soit pas couverte par le règlement (CE) no 812/2004 établissant des mesures relatives aux captures accidentelles de cétacés dans les pêcheries.

1. Est-il envisagé d'inclure la mer Noire dans un futur règlement établissant des mesures relatives aux captures accidentelles de cétacés dans les pêcheries?

2. La Commission a-t-elle prévue d'organiser une coopération accrue avec les États riverains de la mer Noire pour renforcer la protection de cette espèce menacée?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(6 décembre 2012)

L'intégration des préoccupations environnementales dans la gestion de la pêche est un principe fondamental de la politique commune de la pêche (PCP) et de sa réforme en cours. Dans sa communication du 21 septembre 2011, la Commission a indiqué que les mesures de surveillance et de réduction des captures accessoires doivent être ciblées dans la zone afin de protéger les espèces les plus menacées et que des mesures renforcées visant à réduire les captures accessoires de cétacés pourraient être prévues. Ces mesures devraient être définies sur la base de la réforme de la PCP dès qu'elles seront convenues.

Une communication récente de la Commission (321) présente les possibilités de révision des mesures actuelles de surveillance et de réduction des captures accessoires de cétacés dans les pêcheries dans l'attente des résultats de la réforme de la PCP.

La mer Noire est une zone écologiquement sensible et stratégique où la Commission encourage la coopération et les échanges afin de renforcer la conservation de l'écosystème marin, en coopération étroite avec la Bulgarie, la Roumanie et la Commission de la mer Noire. L'initiative intitulée «synergie de la mer Noire» et le partenariat pour l'environnement pourraient également contribuer à la réalisation de cet objectif. La PCP met également en œuvre des mesures de gestion pour l'exploitation durable de certains stocks de la mer Noire.

La Commission s'est attelée à la mise en place d'une gestion régionale des pêcheries dans la mer Noire et, à cet égard, elle est étroitement associée aux activités de la CGPM dans ce domaine. À l'initiative de la Commission, la question des prises accessoires de cétacés a également été traitée par la CGPM qui, sur la base d'une proposition de l'UE, a adopté une recommandation sur la réduction des prises accessoires de cétacés (CGPM/36/2012/2). En outre, la Commission finance une étude collaborative visant à évaluer les conséquences néfastes des activités de pêche sur les populations de cétacés dans la mer Noire. Les résultats de cette étude seront disponibles à l'automne 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008599/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Protection of dolphins in the Black Sea

In 2012, an increasing number of dolphins were found dead on the shores of the Black Sea, mainly as a result of accidental capture by fishing vessels. Other causes, such as the critical decline in fish stocks, can be attributed to these deaths, which are worrying for the survival of the species. Black Sea dolphins are in fact listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of threatened species. It is important for the EU to take up this issue, despite the fact that the Black Sea does not come under Council Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries.

1. Is there a plan to include the Black Sea in any future regulation laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries?

2. Does the Commission intend to increase cooperation with Black Sea countries in order to strengthen the protection of this endangered species?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2012)

The integration of environmental concerns into fisheries management is a fundamental principle of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and its ongoing reform. In its communication of 21 September 2011, the Commission indicated that monitoring and mitigation need to be targeted in the area for species most under threat and that improved mitigation measures could be foreseen in relation to cetacean by-catch. Such measures would need to be defined on the basis of the reformed CFP as soon as agreed.

A recent Commission Communication (322) identifies options for revising the current monitoring and mitigation of cetacean by-catch in fisheries pending outcomes of the CFP reform.

The Black Sea is a strategic and environmentally sensitive area where the Commission is fostering cooperation and exchanges to enhance conservation of the marine ecosystem, in close cooperation with Bulgaria, Romania and the Black Sea Commission. The Black Sea Synergy Initiative and the Environment Partnership could further contribute to this objective. The CFP also implements management measures for sustainable exploitation of some stocks in the Black Sea.

The Commission is working towards a regional fisheries management in the Black Sea and in this respect it is closely involved in relevant activities within the GFCM. On the initiative of the Commission the issue of cetacean by-catch has also been addressed by the GFCM, which acting on an EU proposal adopted a recommendation on the mitigation of cetacean by-catch (GFCM/36/2012/2). In addition, the Commission is funding a collaborative study assessing the adverse impacts of fisheries on cetacean populations in the Black Sea. The results of this study will be available by autumn 2014.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008600/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Adhésion de l'Union européenne à la Convention de l'Unesco pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel immatériel

La sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel immatériel de l'Union européenne doit passer par sa reconnaissance internationale. Cette reconnaissance permettrait en outre de promouvoir la diversité du patrimoine régional européen et de renforcer le sentiment d'appartenance à la communauté européenne en intégrant la pluralité des traditions et cultures dans un héritage commun européen.

En ce sens, la Commission considère-t-elle que l'adhésion de l'Union européenne à la Convention de l'Unesco permettrait d'améliorer la préservation du patrimoine culturel immatériel, qui constitue un des meilleurs exemples de la devise de l'Union européenne «Unie dans la diversité»?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(9 novembre 2012)

La Commission partage le point de vue de l'auteur de la question: l'héritage culturel, dont le patrimoine culturel immatériel, est d'une importance capitale pour nos sociétés.

Conformément à l'article 167 du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne, les interventions de l'Union ont pour seul objectif d'encourager la coopération entre États membres et, le cas échéant, de soutenir la réalisation des actions de ces États membres, notamment dans la perspective de la conservation et de la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel d'importance européenne. Actuellement, il n'existe aucun plan d'action au niveau de l'UE en rapport avec la Convention de 2003 de l'Unesco pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel immatériel; quoi qu'il en soit, cette convention n'est pas ouverte à l'adhésion d'organisations d'intégration régionale comme l'Union européenne.

La Commission encourage et soutient activement les activités culturelles dans le cadre du programme Culture (2007-2013), dont le but est de promouvoir la coopération culturelle en Europe et de mettre en valeur son patrimoine culturel commun et la richesse de sa diversité culturelle. Pour ce qui est des appuis financiers, l'Union a investi depuis 2007, au titre de son programme Culture, un montant de 32 millions d'euros dans 108 projets relatifs à l'héritage culturel, y compris le patrimoine culturel immatériel.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008600/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: EU accession to the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Any action to safeguard the EU’s immaterial cultural heritage should involve gaining international recognition of such heritage. This would also make it possible to promote the diversity of Europe’s regional heritage and strengthen a feeling of belonging to the European Community, by integrating its widely varied traditions and cultures into a common European heritage.

With this in mind, does the Commission consider that the EU’s accession to the Unesco Convention would lead to better preservation of our immaterial cultural heritage, which is one of the best examples of the European slogan ‘united in diversity’?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view that cultural heritage, including intangible cultural heritage, is of high importance for our societies.

According to Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, actions by the Union are limited to encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and implementing their actions, inter alia, in view of the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance. There are at present no plans for EU level action in relation to the 2003 Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage which is not, in any event, open to the accession of Regional Integration Organisations such as the EU.

The Commission actively encourages and supports cultural activities within the framework of the Culture programme (2007-2013) with the aim of promoting cultural cooperation in Europe and highlighting Europe's shared cultural heritage and rich cultural diversity. In terms of financial support, the EU Culture programme has since 2007 invested EUR 32 million in 108 cultural heritage projects, including projects in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008601/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Instauration d'une journée européenne contre le harcèlement et la violence à l'école

Aujourd'hui, un enfant sur dix est victime de harcèlement à l'école. Les jeunes accédant de plus en plus tôt à Internet et aux réseaux sociaux, au harcèlement physique et moral s'ajoute souvent le harcèlement en ligne. Il faut condamner plus fermement ces violences physiques, verbales, sexuelles et psychologiques faites aux enfants dans l'Union européenne.

Ces violations des droits fondamentaux sont exacerbées lorsqu'elles s'attaquent au groupe le plus vulnérable de la société et peuvent avoir des conséquences désastreuses en termes de traumatisme et de construction personnelle.

1. En ce sens, la Commission ne pense-t-elle pas que la promotion et le renforcement de la lutte contre les violences faites à l'école devrait s'incarner, en partie, dans l'instauration d'une journée européenne contre le harcèlement et la violence à l'école?

2. La Commission compte-t-elle communiquer à ce sujet particulièrement en 2013, «Année de la citoyenneté»?

3. Que préconise la Commission pour endiguer au maximum ce phénomène?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(4 décembre 2012)

La Commission ne prévoit pas d'organiser une Journée européenne contre le harcèlement à l'école, mais elle est résolue à participer, dans le cadre de ses compétences, à la lutte contre ce phénomène. La Commission souhaite attirer l'attention de l'Honorable Parlementaire sur la Journée internationale de la non-violence, organisée le 2 octobre par l'Assemblée générale des Nations unies, depuis 2007, qui pourrait également contribuer à prévenir le harcèlement et la violence dans les écoles.

C'est aux États membres qu'il incombe de protéger les enfants contre la violence. L'Union européenne peut soutenir les initiatives nationales par l'échange de connaissances et par des financements. Lors du Forum européen pour les droits de l'enfant en 2012, un atelier spécifique était consacré au rôle des systèmes de protection de l'enfance dans la prévention de la violence à l'encontre des enfants (323). Une des actions prioritaires en 2013, dans le cadre du programme Daphné, est la conception et/ou la mise en œuvre de programmes de lutte contre le harcèlement dans les écoles.

Le programme Safer Internet (324) cofinance des centres pour un internet plus sûr dans tous les États membres, dont la principale mission consiste à sensibiliser les jeunes, les enseignants et les parents à propos des risques auxquels les jeunes sont susceptibles d'être exposés en ligne et à leur donner les moyens d'y faire face. Ces centres offrent des services d'assistance auprès desquels jeunes, parents et enseignants peuvent obtenir des conseils sur les problèmes auxquels ils sont susceptibles d'être confrontés sur l'internet, y compris le harcèlement en ligne.

Diverses actions de financement menées par l'Union européenne (325) permettent aux écoles et aux autorités locales de collaborer avec des partenaires de toute l'Europe. Dans le cadre de ces actions, plusieurs projets traitent de la question du harcèlement et de la violence à l'école. Dans le contexte d'eTwinning, la Commission met également à disposition un projet type sur l'aide que peut apporter la médiation par les pairs afin d'éviter le harcèlement.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008601/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Establishment of a European Day against bullying and violence at school

One in ten children currently suffers bullying at school. With young people accessing the Internet and social networks at an earlier and earlier age, physical and psychological bullying is now joined by online bullying. Such physical, verbal, sexual and psychological violence against children in the European Union must be condemned more severely.

This violation of fundamental rights is even more serious when it involves the most vulnerable group in society and can have disastrous effects, causing trauma and harming personal development.

1. Does the Commission agree that the fight against violence in schools could be promoted and strengthened by establishing a European Day against bullying and violence at school?

2. Does the Commission intend to make a statement on this matter, particularly in 2013, the ‘European Year of Citizens’?

3. What does the Commission advocate as a way of curbing this behaviour as much as possible?

Answer given by Mme Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

The Commission has no plans not intend to establish a European Day against bullying in schools but is committed to contribute within its remit to the fight against this phenomenon. The Commission would also draw the Honourable Member's attention to the International Day of Non-Violence, 2 October, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, which could also contribute to prevention of bullying and violence in schools.

The protection of children from violence falls under the responsibility of the Member States. The European Union can support national initiatives through exchange of knowledge and through funding. At the 2012 European Forum on the rights of the child, there was a specific workshop on the role of child protection systems in preventing violence against children (326). In 2013, under the DAPHNE Programme, one of the priority actions is the development and/or rolling out of anti-bullying programmes in schools.

The Safer Internet Programme (327) co-funds Safer Internet Centres in all Member States, whose main task is to raise awareness among young people, teachers and parents, regarding the possible risks young people may encounter online and empower them to deal with these risks. The Centres run helplines for young people, parents, and teachers if they need advice on any issue they face online, including cyber bullying.

Various EU funding actions (328) allow schools and local authorities to work with partners across Europe. Within these actions, there are a number of projects that tackle the issue of bullying and violence in schools. In eTwinning, the Commission also provides a model project on how to encourage peer mediation in order to avoid bullying.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008603/12

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 septembre 2012)

Objet: Tensions entre le Japon et la Chine

La Chine et le Japon se livrent à des provocations concernant les îles Senkaku. Des navires pénètrent régulièrement dans les eaux territoriales du Japon autour de ces îles.

Nissan et Toyota ont même décidé, ce mercredi 26 septembre, d'interrompre en partie leur production destinée à la Chine.

Des négociations entre l'Union européenne et le Japon ont actuellement lieu en vue d'un accord de libre-échange.

— Les tensions entre le Japon et la Chine peuvent-elles avoir une incidence sur les négociations en cours?

— Si oui, dans quelle mesure?

Réponse donnée par M. De Gucht au nom de la Commission

(20 novembre 2012)

L'UE suit attentivement l'évolution des relations entre le Japon et la Chine, notamment la question territoriale mentionnée par l'Honorable Parlementaire et pour laquelle la Commission espère qu'une solution pacifique constructive pourra être trouvée. Ces événements n'affectent cependant pas les discussions en cours avec le Japon sur l'éventualité d'un futur accord bilatéral de libre-échange.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008603/12

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Tensions between Japan and China

China and Japan are provoking each other over the Senkaku islands. Vessels regularly enter Japanese territorial waters surrounding these islands.

On 26 September, Nissan and Toyota even decided to curtail production in China.

The European Union is currently in talks with Japan on a free-trade agreement.

— Could the tensions between Japan and China hinder the current talks?

— If yes, to what extent?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

The EU monitors attentively the developments of the relations between Japan and China including the territorial issue mentioned by the Honourable Member and for which the Commission hopes a constructive peaceful solution can be found. These events, however, are not affecting the discussions with Japan on a potential future bilateral Free Trade Agreement.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008604/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27. september 2012)

Om: En union i Unionen

Det forlyder, at euro-landene med kommissionsformand Barroso, eurogruppechef Jean-Claude Juncker, ECB-chef Draghi og rådsformand Van Rompuy i spidsen planlægger at etablere et eget parlament for eurolandene, og at disse lande kommer til at afgive væsentlig mere suverænitet til EU på det finanspolitiske område. Argumentet er, at det vil bringe »mere demokrati« ind i samarbejdet mellem eurolandene.

Men en realisering af dette forslag vil i sagens natur komme til at skabe et Europa i forskellige hastigheder og risikerer at køre ikke‐eurolandene ud på et politisk og beslutningsmæssigt sidespor. Hvad er Kommissionens holdning til en »union i Unionen« og har Kommissionen gjort sig overvejelser om konsekvenserne for det overordnede EU‐samarbejde, herunder for gennemsigtigheden og hensynet til udviklingen af demokrati?

Og hvordan forholder Kommissionen sig til, at etableringen af et »euro-parlament« kræver en ændring af Lissabon-traktaten — en ændring, som kan forventes at møde stor modstand i medlemslande som eksempelvis Frankrig og Holland?

Der henvises til artiklen »EU will eigenes Parlament für die Euro-Länder« i Handelsblatt, 6. september 2012 (329).

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af José Manuel Barroso

(12. december 2012)

Som jeg påpegede i min tale om Unionens tilstand, er der ikke behov for at opsplitte eller oprette nye institutioner for at fuldende en egentlig Økonomisk og Monetær Union (ØMU) og styrke den økonomiske styring. Den bedste fremgangsmåde er at arbejde med og via de allerede eksisterende institutioner: Europa-Kommissionen som den uafhængige europæiske myndighed og overvåget af Europa-Parlamentet som den parlamentariske forsamling for EU og euroområdet.

Europa-Kommissionen har netop vedtaget en plan for en udbygget og egentlig ØMU, som bekræfter dette princip. Planen vil blive fremlagt Europa-Parlamentet. Den vil ligeledes bidrage til debatten ved Det Europæiske Råds møde i december, hvor det forventes, at man vedtager en specifik og tidsbestemt køreplan for fremtidige skridt hen imod en egentlig ØMU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008604/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: A union within the Union

It is reported that the eurozone countries headed by Commission President Barroso, Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker, ECB president Draghi and Council President Van Rompuy are planning to establish a separate parliament for the eurozone countries, and that these countries will deliver significantly more sovereignty to the EU in the field of fiscal policy. The argument is that this will bring ‘more democracy’ in cooperation among eurozone countries.

Implementation of this proposal, however, will inevitably create a Europe of different speeds with the risk that non-eurozone countries will be sidetracked in terms of policy and decision-making. What is the Commission’s view of a ‘union within the Union’ and has the Commission given thought to the consequences for overall EU cooperation, including transparency and regard for the development of democracy?

How does the Commission view the fact that the establishment of a ‘Euro-parliament’ requires changing the Lisbon Treaty — a change that is likely to encounter strong opposition in Member States such as France and Holland?

I refer the Commission to the article entitled ‘EU will eigenes Parlament für die Euro-Länder ’ in the Handelsblatt of 6 September 2012 (330).

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2012)

As I stated in my State of the Union address, there is no need to split or to create new institutions to complete a genuine economic and monetary union (EMU) and reinforce economic governance. The best way is to work with and through the existing institutions: the European Commission as the independent European authority, and overseen by Parliament as the assembly for the EU and for the euro area.

The Commission has just adopted a Blueprint for a Deep and Genuine EMU that confirms this principle. The Blueprint will be presented to Parliament. It will also contribute to the debate at the December European Council, which is expected to adopt a specific and time-bound roadmap on future steps towards a genuine EMU.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008605/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27. september 2012)

Om: Spansk og slovensk obstruktion af varernes frie bevægelighed

Det er blevet oplyst for spørgeren, at bl.a. Spanien og Slovenien pålægger distributører af IT-software at opkræve en skat på software, der importers fra andre EU‐lande.

I Slovenien er der tale om, at man tilbageholder 25 % af salgsprisen indtil skatten mellem de 2 lande er udlignet, men der i Spanien pålægges en skat på 6 % af salgsprisen, hvilken afgift efterfølgende kan fradrages i skat.

1.	Kan Kommissionen bekræfte, at disse — og evt. andre — EU‐lande har en sådan skattepraksis?

2.	Er dette tilfældet, vil Kommissionen da give sin vurdering af, om dette er foreneligt med traktatens regler om det indre marked og forbuddet mod at indføre tekniske handelshindringer indenfor fællesskabet?

3.	Skulle Kommissionen finde den beskrevne praksis i strid med reglerne, agter den da at gribe ind over for de nævnte medlemsstater og evt. andre med lignende beskatningsformer?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Algirdas Šemeta

(20. november 2012)

1.

Spørgsmålet vedrører kildeskat på de royalties, som én virksomhed betaler en anden for at anvende IT-software. Eftersom der ikke findes specifik EU-lovgivning på dette område (se punkt 3) nedenfor) finder de almindelige skatteprincipper som fastsat i OECD's modelbeskatningsoverenskomst normalt anvendelse. Her bestemmes det, at royalties‐betalinger kun bør beskattes i det land, hvor modtageren er etableret. Visse medlemsstater anvender dog ikke dette princip i deres aftaler om dobbeltbeskatning og forbeholder sig retten til at opkræve skat på royalties, der har kilde i deres område.

2.

Domstolen

2.

Domstolen

 (331)

3.

Kommissionen er klar over ulemperne for cash-flowet, de nationale skatteforvaltningers administrative byrde og de efterlevelsesomkostninger for virksomhederne, som sådan en kildeskat medfører, og har derfor stillet forslag om bestemmelser i den afledte ret for at fjerne sådanne barrierer på tværs af grænserne på specifikke områder. Der findes allerede gældende direktiver i EU vedrørende grænseoverskridende udbytte samt rente‐ og royalties-betalinger mellem associerede selskaber, og der ligger i øjeblikket andre forslag til drøftelse i Rådet, f.eks. til en FKSSG

3.

Kommissionen er klar over ulemperne for cash-flowet, de nationale skatteforvaltningers administrative byrde og de efterlevelsesomkostninger for virksomhederne, som sådan en kildeskat medfører, og har derfor stillet forslag om bestemmelser i den afledte ret for at fjerne sådanne barrierer på tværs af grænserne på specifikke områder. Der findes allerede gældende direktiver i EU vedrørende grænseoverskridende udbytte samt rente‐ og royalties-betalinger mellem associerede selskaber, og der ligger i øjeblikket andre forslag til drøftelse i Rådet, f.eks. til en FKSSG

 (332)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008605/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Obstruction of the free movement of goods by Spain and Slovenia

It has been brought to my attention that Spain and Slovenia, inter alia, oblige distributors of IT software to levy a tax on software imported from other EU Member States.

In Slovenia, 25 % of the sales price is withheld until the tax between the 2 countries has been settled, whilst in Spain a 6 % tax is imposed on the sales price, a duty that can then be deducted from tax.

1. Can the Commission confirm that these — and possibly other — EU Member States have such tax practices?

2. If so, will the Commission give its view on whether this is compatible with the Treaty rules on the internal market and the prohibition on creating technical barriers to trade within the Community?

3. Should the Commission find these practices contrary to the rules, does it intend to take action against those Member States and any others with similar forms of taxation?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

1.

The question concerns withholding taxes on royalty payments paid by one company to another for the use of IT software. In the absence of specific EU legislation in this area (see under 3) below), the general tax principle laid down in the OECD Model Tax Convention often applies. It provides that royalty payments should only be taxed in the country where the recipient resides. However some Member States do not apply this principle in their double tax agreements and reserve the right to tax royalties that have a source in their territory.

2.

The ECJ

2.

The ECJ

 (333)

3.

The Commission is aware of the cash flow disadvantages, the administrative burden for national fiscal authorities and the compliance cost for business deriving from such withholding taxes and consequently proposed secondary legislation to remove such cross-border obstacles in specific areas. There are already Directives in force in the EU for cross-border dividends as well as interest and royalty payments between associated companies, while other proposals are currently pending before Council, e.g. for a CCCTB

3.

The Commission is aware of the cash flow disadvantages, the administrative burden for national fiscal authorities and the compliance cost for business deriving from such withholding taxes and consequently proposed secondary legislation to remove such cross-border obstacles in specific areas. There are already Directives in force in the EU for cross-border dividends as well as interest and royalty payments between associated companies, while other proposals are currently pending before Council, e.g. for a CCCTB

 (334)

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008606/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27. september 2012)

Om: Sikkerheden ved EU's ydre grænse og svindel med statsborgerskab

Da EU har besluttet, at al intern grænsekontrol skal afskaffes og rettighederne for unionsborgere hele tiden udvides, får landenes ydre kontrol en ekstra stor betydning. Det er derfor med stor bekymring, spørgeren har læst følgende artikel (335), hvilken der i det følgende henvises til.

Af artiklen fremgår det bl.a., at det er en fordel for en person, der svigagtigt har opnået rumænsk statsborgerskab, at få et identitetskort frem for et pas, da identitetskortet giver myndighederne dårligere mulighed for at undersøge og bekæmpe svindel.

På denne baggrund bedes Kommissionen besvare følgende:

Vil Kommissionen på baggrund af den veldokumenterede svindel med tildelingen af statsborgerskaber i Rumænien redegøre for, hvilke initiativer, den har iværksat for at bekæmpe dette?

Vil Kommissionen redegøre for, hvilke mindstekrav der gælder for kvaliteten af den dokumentation, der kræves for at opnå adgang til Unionen som vandrende arbejdstager?

Hvad vil Kommissionen gøre for at sikre, at opholdskortenes sikkerhed mod svindel og misbrug kommer på højde med den, der sikres ved anvendelse af et pas?

Vurderer Kommissionen, at det vil være tilladt for nationalstaterne at kræve pas forevist, når identiteten for rumænske personer skal fastslås, idet svindelen med rumænske identitetskort således er udbredt og veldokumentet?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Viviane Reding

(20. november 2012)

I henhold til artikel 4, stk. 1, og artikel 5, stk. 1, i direktiv 2004/38/EF har EU-borgere ret til at forlade eller rejse ind i en medlemsstat med et gyldigt identitetskort eller pas. Medlemsstaterne kan ikke indskrænke denne ret ved at kræve et gyldigt pas som det eneste acceptable rejsedokument.

Som fastsat i artikel 35 i direktivet, kan medlemsstaterne træffe de nødvendige foranstaltninger til at nægte, ophæve eller tilbagekalde rettigheder i henhold til dette direktiv, når der er tale om misbrug af rettigheder eller om svig. Sådanne foranstaltninger skal stå i rimeligt forhold til misbruget, træffes fra sag til sag og være omfattet af de proceduremæssige garantier i artikel 30 og 31 i direktivet.

EU-retten om fri bevægelighed tillader medlemsstaterne at træffe effektive foranstaltninger over for personer, som fremviser et pas eller identitetskort fra en medlemsstat, hvori de ikke er statsborgere.

Med indførelsen af biometriske identifikatorer i opholdstilladelser for tredjelandsstatsborgere i henhold til forordning (EF) nr. 1030/2002 (336) har opholdstilladelsen opnået samme sikkerhedsgrad som pas udstedt af medlemsstaterne til deres statsborgere, hvilket sikrer en pålidelig forbindelse mellem indehaveren og dokumentet.

Artikel 77, stk. 3, i traktaten om Den Europæiske Unions funktionsmåde bemyndiger Rådet til at vedtage bestemmelser for identitetskort, hvis en indsats fra EU viser sig påkrævet for at fremme udøvelsen af retten til fri bevægelighed for EU-borgere. Der er for øjeblikket ingen planer om at hæve det tekniske kvalitetsniveau for identitetskort ved at foreslå regler som dem, der gælder for pas og opholdstilladelser.

Spørgsmål vedrørende opnåelse af statsborgerskab i en medlemsstat falder ind under ansvarsområdet for den pågældende medlemsstat, som fastsætter betingelserne for erhvervelse og fortabelse af statsborgerskab under behørig hensyntagen til EU-retten (337).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008606/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Security on the EU's external borders and citizenship fraud

Since the EU has decided that all internal border controls are to be abolished and the rights of EU citizens are constantly being extended, countries’ external border controls assume even greater importance. It is therefore with great concern that I read the following article (338), to which I refer below.

One of the points to emerge from the article is that it is advantageous for a person who has fraudulently obtained Romanian citizenship to get an identity card instead of a passport because the identity card makes it harder for the authorities to investigate and combat fraud.

1.	In the light of the well documented fraud in awarding Romanian citizenship, will the Commission explain what initiatives it has taken to combat this?

2.	Will the Commission explain the minimum requirements that apply to the quality of the documentation required to gain admission to the Union as a migrant worker?

3.	What will the Commission do to ensure that the level of security against fraud and abuse for residence permits comes up to the standard guaranteed when using a passport?

4.	Does the Commission consider that it would be permissible for countries to require presentation of a passport when determining the identity of Romanian nationals, given that cases of fraud with Romanian identity cards are so widespread and well documented?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

As provided in Articles 4(1) and 5(1) of Directive 2004/38/EC, EU citizens have a right to leave or enter a Member State with a valid identity card or passport. Member States may not restrict this right by requiring a valid passport as the only acceptable travel document.

As stipulated in Article 35 of the directive, Member States may adopt the necessary measures to refuse, terminate or withdraw any right conferred by this directive in the case of abuse of rights or fraud. Any such measure shall be proportionate, taken on a case-by-case basis and subject to the procedural safeguards provided for in Articles 30 and 31 of the directive.

EC law on free movement authorises Member States to take effective measures against those persons who present a passport or identity card of a Member State of which they are not a national.

With the introduction of biometric identifiers into the residence permits for third-country nationals in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1030/2002 (339), the residence permit has the same level of security as the passport issued by Member States to their citizens establishing a reliable link between the holder and the document.

Article 77(3) TFEU authorises the Council to adopt provisions concerning identity cards if action by the EU should prove necessary to facilitate the exercise of free movement rights of EU citizens. Currently, there are no plans to raise the level of technical quality of identity cards by proposing rules comparable to those applicable for passports and residence permits.

Regarding issues related to obtaining the nationality of a Member State, this falls under the responsibility of that Member State having due regard to Union law, to lay down the conditions for the acquisition and loss of nationality (340).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008607/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27. september 2012)

Om: Samarbejde mellem EU, Den Arabiske Liga og Den Afrikanske Union om begrænsning af ytringsfriheden

1.	Vil Kommissionen redegøre for, om EU har indledt noget samarbejde med Den Arabiske Liga, IOC og/eller Den Afrikanske Union

1.	Vil Kommissionen redegøre for, om EU har indledt noget samarbejde med Den Arabiske Liga, IOC og/eller Den Afrikanske Union

 (341)  (342)

2.	Såfremt dette er tilfældet, vil Kommissionen da beskrive hvilke initiativer, der er tale om, samt karakteren af disse?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Štefan Füle

(30. november 2012)

EU har ikke indledt noget samarbejde med Den Islamiske Samarbejdsorganisation (OIC), Den Arabiske Liga (LAS) og Den Afrikanske Union (AU), der sigter på at arbejde for lovgivning, der indskrænker ytringsfriheden.

EU fordømmer enhver tilskyndelse til religiøst had, som udgør et incitament til fjendtlighed og vold, således som den højtstående repræsentant/næstformanden gjorde det i sin erklæring af 14. september 2012 og i den fælles erklæring af 20. september 2012 fra EU, OIC, LAS og AU.

EU agter at fremme tolerance og respekt både internt og sammen med regionale partnere som OIC, LAS og AU og gennem ANNA Lindh-fonden (hvor LAS er partner).

EU søger til stadighed at fremme ytringsfrihed ved systematisk at inddrage lande og regionale partnere i politisk dialog og samarbejde. Hvad angår Afrika, understøtter partnerskabet om demokratisk regeringsførelse og menneskerettigheder de statslige og private mediers rolle i at fremme demokratisk regeringsførelse. Den første Afrika-EU-workshop om ytringsfrihed blev afholdt i Tunis den 13. og 14. december 2011. LAS's og OIC's deltagelse i EU‐udviklingsprogrammerne indenfor disse områder er ved at komme i stand.

Kort sagt: Fokus for EU's samarbejde med regionale partnere er at fremme tolerance og respekt som defineret i FN's Menneskerettighedsråds resolution 16/18 af 12. april 2011 (343) og ikke at begrænse ytringsfriheden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008607/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Cooperation between the EU, the Arab League and the African Union on restricting the freedom of expression

1.	Will the Commission clarify whether the EU has initiated any cooperation with the Arab League, the OIC and/or the African Union

1.	Will the Commission clarify whether the EU has initiated any cooperation with the Arab League, the OIC and/or the African Union

 (344)  (345)

2.	If so, will the Commission describe what initiatives are involved, and the nature of these?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The EU has not initiated any cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS) and African Union (AU) aimed at working on legislation that restricts the freedom of expression.

The EU condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility and violence as the HR/VP did in her statement of 14 September 2012 and in the EU/ OIC‐ LAS‐ AU Joint Statement on 20 September 2012.

The EU intends to foster tolerance and respect internally and also together with regional partners like the OIC, LAS and AU and through the Anna Lindh Foundation (to which the LAS is a partner).

The EU consistently seeks to protect and promote freedom of expression by systematically engaging countries and regional partners in political dialogue and cooperation. For Africa, the partnership on Democratic Governance and Human Rights supports the role of public and private media in fostering democratic governance. A first Africa-EU workshop on freedom of expression was held in Tunis on 13 and 14 December 2011. The involvement of the LAS and OIC in the EU development programmes in these areas is being initiated.

To sum up, the focus of EU cooperation with regional partners is fostering tolerance and respect — as defined by UN Human Rights Council resolution 16/18 of 12 April 2011 (346) — and not on the restricting of freedom of expression.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-008608/12

do Komisji

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(27 września 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Gospodarowanie odpadami komunalnymi

Zgodnie z przepisem art. 6d ust. 1 ustawy z 1 lipca 2011 r. o zmianie ustawy o utrzymaniu czystości i porządku w gminach oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2011 nr 152, poz. 897), wójt, burmistrz lub prezydent miasta jest zobowiązany zorganizować przetarg na odbieranie i zagospodarowanie odpadów komunalnych. Gminna jednostka organizacyjna będzie mogła odbierać odpady komunalne od właścicieli nieruchomości jedynie w przypadku, gdy zostanie wyłoniona w drodze przetargu.

Zgodnie z orzecznictwem Trybunału Sprawiedliwości UE, w myśl dyrektyw dotyczących udzielania zamówień publicznych nie ma obowiązku ogłaszania przetargu, nawet w przypadku, gdy zleceniobiorca jest podmiotem prawnie odrębnym od instytucji zamawiającej, gdy spełnione zostaną dwa warunki. Po pierwsze, organ administracji publicznej będący instytucją zamawiającą musi sprawować nad tym odrębnym podmiotem kontrolę analogiczną do kontroli sprawowanej nad swoimi własnymi służbami, a po drugie, podmiot ten musi wykonywać swoją działalność w zasadniczej części na rzecz kontrolującej ją jednostki (347).

Czy, zatem przepis art. 6d ust. 1 niniejszej ustawy, nakazujący organizowanie przetargu na odbiór odpadów komunalnych, odnoszący się również do gminnych jednostek organizacyjnych, które do chwili wejścia w życie ustawy prowadziły działalność polegającą na odbieraniu odpadów komunalnych i chcą nadal taką działalność prowadzić, jest zgodny z prawem unijnym?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Barniera w imieniu Komisji

(26 października 2012 r.)

Komisja pragnie poinformować Pana Posła, że Trybunał Sprawiedliwości UE wypracował w swoim orzecznictwie tzw. wyjątek „in house”, aby utrzymać prawo instytucji zamawiających do samoorganizacji. W tym kontekście stosunki między instytucją zamawiającą a odrębną osobą prawną bez kapitału prywatnego są wyłączone z zakresu unijnych przepisów dotyczących zamówień publicznych, o ile:

instytucja zamawiająca sprawuje nad daną osobą prawną kontrolę podobną do kontroli, jaką sprawuje nad własnymi służbami; oraz

ta osoba prawna wykonuje przeważającą część swojej działalności na rzecz kontrolującej ją instytucji zamawiającej.

W drodze tego wyłączenia Trybunał przyznaje instytucjom zamawiającym prawo – lecz nie obowiązek – do niestosowania unijnych przepisów dotyczących zamówień publicznych, o ile spełnione są odpowiednie warunki.

W związku z tym przepis krajowy wyłączający stosowanie wyjątku „in house”, taki jak przepis wymieniony przez Pana Posła, nie może być jako taki uznany za niezgodny z unijnym prawem zamówień publicznych.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008608/12

to the Commission

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Managing municipal waste

Under the provisions of Article 6(d)(1) of the Polish Law of 1 July 2011 amending the Law on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities and other laws (OJ 2011, No 152, item 897), mayors are obliged to arrange a call for tender for the collection and management of municipal waste. Municipal organisational units will only be able to collect municipal waste from property owners in the event that their tender is selected.

In accordance with Court of Justice case‐law, directives on public procurement do not impose an obligation to announce a call for tender — even when the contractor is a legally separate entity from the contracting authority — if two conditions are met. Firstly, the public administration body acting as the contracting authority must maintain a level of oversight of the separate entity that is identical to its oversight of its own services. Secondly, work on behalf of the contracting authority must constitute the main part of that entity’s activities (348).

In this connection, are the provisions of Article 6(d)(1) of the aforementioned Law, which make it compulsory for mayors to arrange calls for tender for the collection of municipal waste and which also relates to municipal organisational units that — until the entry into force of the Law — collected waste and wish to continue doing so, is in accordance with EC law?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Court of Justice of the EU has developed the so-called ‘in-house exception’ to preserve the power of self-organisation of contracting authorities. In that context, the relationship between a contracting authority and a distinct legal person without private capital involved is exempted from EU public procurement rules if:

The contracting authority exercises over the legal person concerned a control which is similar to that which it exercises over its own departments; and

That legal person carries out the essential part of its activities with the controlling contracting authority.

With this exemption, the Court confers to contracting authorities the right to exclude the application of EU public procurement rules when the relevant requirements are met, but not the obligation to do so.

Hence, a national provision which excludes the application of the ‘in-house exception’ like the one to which the Honourable Member refers cannot per se be considered incompatible with EU public procurement legislation.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008609/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τέλος ηλεκτροδοτούμενων ακινήτων στην Ελλάδα

Ο Επίτροπος κ. Οettinger απάντησε γραπτώς εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής προς το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο (Ε-008714/2011) στις 24.11.2011 σχετικά με το τέλος ηλεκτροδοτούμενων ακινήτων που ενσωματώνεται στους λογαριασμούς της ΔΕΗ στην Ελλάδα, και τόνισε ότι η οδηγία 2009/72/ΕΚ δεν συναρτά την παροχή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας προς τα νοικοκυριά με τις φορολογικές τους υποχρεώσεις. Όμως, στην Ελλάδα η ΔΕΗ έχει προχωρήσει στην διακοπή ρεύματος σε καταναλωτές που έχουν πληρώσει το ρεύμα που κατανάλωσαν αλλά δεν κατέβαλαν το ειδικό τέλος ηλεκτροδοτούμενων ακινήτων που είχε ενσωματωθεί στους λογαριασμούς ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας που λάμβαναν.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Μπορούν να ζητήσουν αποζημίωση όσοι καταναλωτές υπέστησαν διακοπή ηλεκτρικού ρεύματος παρότι είχαν καταβάλει το κόστος της ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας που όφειλαν;

Απάντηση του κ. Oettinger εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η οδηγία 2009/72/ΕΚ (349) δεν περιλαμβάνει ρητούς κανόνες σχετικά με την είσπραξη φόρου μέσω των λογαριασμών ηλεκτρικού ρεύματος. Παράλληλα, μπορεί να θεωρηθεί ότι με τον ελληνικό νόμο 4021/2011, με τον οποίο επιβλήθηκε προσωρινή έκτακτη εισφορά στα ακίνητα, η οποία εισπράττεται μέσω των τιμολογίων παροχής ηλεκτρικού ρεύματος, υλοποιείται μέρος των υποχρεώσεων της Ελλάδας βάσει της απόφασης 2011/734/ΕΕ του Συμβουλίου (όπως τροποποιήθηκε) σχετικά με τη δημοσιονομική εποπτεία και τα μέτρα μείωσης του ελλείμματος.

Μολονότι θα μπορούσε να θεωρηθεί ότι ο εν λόγω νόμος παρέχει το απαιτούμενο νομικό πλαίσιο για το συμβιβάσιμο του μηχανισμού είσπραξης εισφορών με το ενωσιακό δίκαιο, η Επιτροπή υπέβαλε στην Ελλάδα, νωρίτερα το τρέχον έτος, σειρά ερωτημάτων σχετικά με ορισμένες ιδιομορφίες του ελληνικού νόμου και τις ανησυχίες που εγείρουν όσον αφορά τις διατάξεις της οδηγίας 2009/72/ΕΚ περί προστασίας των καταναλωτών. Η Επιτροπή εξετάζει επί του παρόντος τις απαντήσεις των ελληνικών αρχών και, εάν οι απαντήσεις αυτές δεν κριθούν ικανοποιητικές, θα προβεί στις απαιτούμενες ενέργειες. Αυτό βέβαια δεν θίγει το δικαίωμα εκάστου Έλληνα πολίτη να κάνει χρήση των μέσων που παρέχει η ελληνική έννομη τάξη ή να προσφύγει σε εναλλακτικούς μηχανισμούς επίλυσης διαφορών, περιλαμβανομένων εκείνων που απαιτούνται βάσει της οδηγίας 2009/72/ΕΚ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008609/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Real estate tax in Greece

In his written answer to the European Parliament (E‐008714/2011) of 24 November 2011 regarding the inclusion of real estate tax in electricity bills in Greece, Mr Oettinger indicated on behalf of the Commission that directive 2009/72/EC contained no provisions linking household electricity supplies to fiscal obligations. However, the Greek Public Power Cooperation has started to cut off electricity supplies to consumers who have paid for the electricity they consumed but not the special real estate tax included in their electricity bill.

In view of this, are consumers entitled to seek damages for having had their electricity cut off despite having paid for what they used?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

Directive 2009/72/EC (350) does not contain explicit rules on the collection of tax through electricity bills. Meanwhile the Greek law 4021/2011, introducing a temporary special levy on immovable property collected through electricity invoices, can be seen as implementing parts of Greece's obligations under Council Decision 2011/734/EU (as amended) on fiscal surveillance and deficit reduction measures for Greece.

While this could provide a legal context for the compatibility of the levy collection mechanism with EC law, earlier this year the Commission submitted to Greece a number of questions on some of the specificities of the Greek law and concerns it may raise with respect to the consumer protection provisions of Directive 2009/72/EC. The Commission is currently assessing the Greek authorities' replies to those questions and may take action if these replies are deemed unsatisfactory. This situation is without prejudice to the rights of individual Greek consumers to seek redress through means available to them within the Greek legal system or on the basis of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including those required under Directive 2009/72/EC.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008610/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Προμήθεια αστικών λεωφορείων στην Ελλάδα

Η Ελλάδα διαθέτει μια σημαντική βιομηχανία αμαξωμάτων και βαρέων οχημάτων, η οποία έκανε για χρόνια εξαγωγές και εκτός Ευρώπης, ενώ κάλυπτε και την εγχώρια ζήτηση. Πριν 4 χρόνια άρχισε η αντικατάσταση του στόλου των αστικών λεωφορείων της Αθήνας — η οποία συνεχίζεται — αλλά, ατυχώς, η ελληνική βιομηχανία έμεινε εντελώς έξω από την προμήθεια εκατοντάδων αστικών λεωφορείων.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή,

— Πόσα αστικά λεωφορεία αντικαθίστανται συνολικά στην Αθήνα, ποιο το συνολικό κόστος της αντικατάστασης και ποια η οικονομική συμμετοχή της ΕΕ;

— Ποιος ο λόγος αποκλεισμού της ελληνικής βιομηχανίας αμαξωμάτων και βαρέων οχημάτων;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

1.	Κατά τη διάρκεια των περιόδων 2000-2006 και 2007-2013 η Εταιρεία Θερμικών Λεωφορείων (Ε.ΘΕ.Λ) αγόρασε 944 λεωφορεία με συνολικές δημόσιες δαπάνες 200 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ. Η ΕΕ συγχρηματοδότησε αυτή την προσπάθεια με 110 εκατομμύρια ευρώ.

2.

Η ευθύνη για τη διαδικασία των διαγωνισμών ανήκει στο κράτος μέλος. Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει στη διάθεσή της πληροφορίες για το αν η ελληνική βιομηχανία αποκλείστηκε από τη συγκεκριμένη διαδικασία διαγωνισμού και στην περίπτωση αυτή, αν αυτός ο αποκλεισμός κρίνεται δικαιολογημένος ή όχι. Καμία καταγγελία δεν έχει υποβληθεί στην Επιτροπή σχετικά με τις εν λόγω διαδικασίες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008610/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Supply of city buses in Greece

The Greek coachwork and heavy vehicle industry has for years been supplying the export market, both inside and outside Europe, as well as the domestic market. However, regarding the ongoing replacement of the Athens city bus fleet, which commenced four years ago, Greek manufacturers were unlucky enough excluded from the supply of hundreds of vehicles.

In view of this:

What is the total number of city buses being replaced in Athens and the total cost thereof? What funding is being provided by the EU?

Why was the Greek coachwork and heavy vehicle industry excluded?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

1.	During the 2000-2006 and 2007-2013 periods, 944 buses have been purchased for Etaireia Thermikon Leoforeion (ETHEL) with a total public cost of EUR 200 million. The EU has co-financed the endeavour with EUR 110 million.

2.

The Member State has responsibility over the tendering procedures. The Commission does not possess information on whether the Greek manufacturers have indeed been excluded from the tendering procedure under consideration and if so, whether this exclusion was justified or not. No complaint has been submitted to the Commission with regard to the said procedures.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008611/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ελευθερία έκφρασης στην Τουρκία

Τα στοιχεία των τελευταίων ετών δείχνουν αύξηση του αριθμού των φυλακισμένων δημοσιογράφων στην Τουρκία.

Φέτος τον Απρίλιο στην Τουρκία υπήρχαν 95 φυλακισμένοι δημοσιογράφοι, ενώ πριν από ένα χρόνο ο αριθμός των φυλακισμένων έφτανε τους 57.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Με ποιο τρόπο προτίθεται να συμβάλλει στην προστασία της ελευθερίας της έκφρασης στην Τουρκία;

—	Δεδομένου ότι η Τουρκία είναι χώρα υπό ένταξη στην ΕΕ, με ποιο τρόπο ενεργεί η Επιτροπή προκειμένου να ευθυγραμμίσει η Τουρκία την πολιτική της στους τομείς της ελευθερίας της έκφρασης, αλλά και της δικαιοσύνης και της δημόσιας διοίκησης με το κεκτημένο της ΕΕ;

Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί εκ του σύνεγγυς τις εξελίξεις στην Τουρκία με βάση τα πολιτικά κριτήρια, από τα οποία η ελευθερία της έκφρασης είναι πρωταρχικής σημασίας. Η Επιτροπή έχει εκφράσει σοβαρές ανησυχίες σχετικά με την αύξηση των παραβιάσεων της ελευθερίας της έκφρασης, και έχει επανειλημμένα τονίσει ότι, παρά τις πρόσφατες νομοθετικές βελτιώσεις, το ισχύον νομικό πλαίσιο, αφενός, δεν εγγυάται επαρκώς την ελευθερία της έκφρασης σύμφωνα με την Ευρωπαϊκή Σύμβαση Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων και τη νομολογία του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικαστηρίου Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων και, αφετέρου, επιτρέπει στα δικαστήρια να την ερμηνεύουν περιοριστικά. Αυτό πρέπει να αλλάξει επειγόντως, και η Επιτροπή προσβλέπει στην υιοθέτηση από την Τουρκία μιας τέταρτης δέσμης μέτρων δικαστικής μεταρρύθμισης, η οποία θα πρέπει να επιλύσει τον πυρήνα του προβλήματος. Η Επιτροπή θίγει τακτικά το θέμα αυτό στις συνεχιζόμενες επαφές της με τις τουρκικές αρχές.

Λεπτομερής ανάλυση της ελευθερίας της έκφρασης στην Τουρκία καθώς και των εξελίξεων στον τομέα της δικαιοσύνης και της δημόσιας διοίκησης περιλαμβάνεται στην έκθεση προόδου για το 2012 (351), η οποία υποβλήθηκε στο Κοινοβούλιο στις 10 Οκτωβρίου 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008611/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Freedom of expression in Turkey

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of journalists incarcerated in Turkey.

In April 2012, they numbered 95, compared to 57 one year previously.

In view of this:

What action is being envisaged by the Commission to help protect freedom of expression in Turkey?

Given that Turkey is seeking EU accession, what action is being taken by the Commission to bring Turkish policy into line with basic EU tenets regarding not only freedom of expression but also justice and public administration?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission closely monitors developments in Turkey under the political criteria, of which freedom of expression is an essential component. It has expressed serious concerns regarding the increase in violations of freedom of expression, and it has consistently underlined that, despite recent legislative improvements, the present legal framework does not sufficiently guarantee freedom of expression in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and permits restrictive interpretation by the judiciary. This needs to be changed urgently, and the Commission is looking forward to Turkey's adoption of a fourth judicial reform package, which should address the core of the problem. The Commission regularly raises this matter in its ongoing contacts with the Turkish authorities.

A detailed analysis of the freedom of expression in Turkey as well as of the developments in the area of justice and public administration can be found in the 2012 Progress Report (352) presented to Parliament on 10 October 2012.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008612/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Στρεβλώσεις στην αγορά καυσίμων

Σύμφωνα με πρόσφατα στοιχεία της Επιτροπής Ανταγωνισμού της Ελλάδας, οι τιμές των καυσίμων στην Ελλάδα παραμένουν στα ύψη, ενώ οι στρεβλώσεις παραμένουν διατηρώντας τα καύσιμα ακριβά.

Το υψηλό ενεργειακό κόστος μετακυλύεται και στις τιμές των υπόλοιπων προϊόντων, σε μια δύσκολη για τη χώρα οικονομική περίοδο, επιτείνοντας την ύφεση.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Διαθέτει στοιχεία σχετικά με τις συνθήκες ανταγωνισμού σε ορισμένες περιοχές της χώρας και για το ενδεχόμενο εναρμονισμένων πρακτικών τιμών;

—	Σε ποιες ενέργειες έχει προβεί για τον εντοπισμό τυχόν καρτέλ στον χώρο των καυσίμων; Μπορεί να μας δώσει περισσότερα στοιχεία επ’ αυτού;

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει λάβει γνώση συγκεκριμένων αντιανταγωνιστικών πρακτικών στην ελληνική αγορά καυσίμων. Παρακολουθεί συνεχώς τον ανταγωνισμό στην ευρωπαϊκή αγορά καυσίμων και, συγκεκριμένα, μέσω του ελέγχου των κοινοποιήσεων για συγκεντρώσεις επιχειρήσεων και της εξέτασης των καταγγελιών που άπτονται της αντιμονοπωλιακής νομοθεσίας.

Στον τομέα της επιβολής της αντιμονοπωλιακής νομοθεσίας, στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Ανταγωνισμού, η Επιτροπή βρίσκεται σε στενή επαφή με τις εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού οι οποίες επίσης παρακολουθούν τον ανταγωνισμό στον τομέα των καυσίμων στο εκάστοτε κράτος μέλος, δεδομένου ότι πολλές λιανικές αγορές καυσίμων έχουν εθνική διάσταση.

Από πλευράς συγκεντρώσεων, η ανάλυση των αγορών χονδρικής και λιανικής πετρελαϊκών προϊόντων στο πλαίσιο σχετικών υποθέσεων, όπως οι διαδικασίες OMV-MOL και Statoil-Jet, μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην διαπίστωση προβλημάτων που με τη σειρά τους μπορεί να έχουν ως αποτέλεσμα την εγκατάλειψη της συγκέντρωσης (υπόθεση OMV-MOL) ή σε διορθωτικά μέτρα (υπό μορφή πώλησης καταστημάτων λιανικής στην υπόθεση Statoil-Jet).

Εάν προκύψει ότι ενδέχεται να υπάρχει περίπτωση συμπαιγνίας σε πολύ τοπικό επίπεδο, η ελληνική Αρχή Ανταγωνισμού κατά κανόνα θα διερευνήσει το ζήτημα βάσει της εθνικής νομοθεσίας ανταγωνισμού. Τούτο διότι το εμπόριο μεταξύ κρατών μελών ενδέχεται να μην επηρεάζεται και η Επιτροπή ενδέχεται να μην έχει δικαιοδοσία για την εφαρμογή του ευρωπαϊκού δικαίου. Ωστόσο, η Επιτροπή δεν θα διστάσει να λάβει μέτρα είτε η ίδια είτε σε συνεργασία με την ελληνική Αρχή Ανταγωνισμού, εάν λάβει επαρκείς πληροφορίες που δείχνουν την ύπαρξη σύμπραξης μεταξύ επιχειρήσεων ή καταχρηστικής συμπεριφοράς από μέρους μεμονωμένων εταιρειών στην εν λόγω αγορά.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008612/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Distortions on the fuel market

According to recent information released by the Greek competition committee, fuel prices in Greece are being kept artificially high as a result of market distortions.

High energy costs are being reflected in the prices of other products at a time of economic difficulties for Greece, thereby aggravating the recession.

In view of this:

Does the Commission have information regarding conditions of competition in specific areas of Greece and the possibility of price fixing?

What action has it taken with a view to identifying fuel cartels? Can it give us further information?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The Commission is not aware of specific anti-competitive practices on the Greek fuel market. It constantly monitors competition on the European fuel market, in particular by scrutinizing merger notifications and examining antitrust complaints.

On the antitrust side, within the European Competition Network, the Commission closely liaises with national competition authorities (NCAs) which also follow the competitive landscape in the fuel sector in their respective Member States, given the national scope of many fuel retail markets.

On the merger side, the analysis of wholesale and retail markets for refined oil products in the course of merger cases, such as the OMV-MOL and the Statoil-Jet proceedings, may lead to the identification of concerns, which in turn may lead to abandoning the merger (as in the OMV-MOL case) or to remedies (in the form of divestitures of retail outlets in the Statoil-Jet case).

If it appears that price collusion may exist within very local areas, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) would normally investigate the issue under national competition law. This is because trade between Member States may not be affected and the Commission may not have jurisdiction to apply European law. Neverthless, the Commission will not hesitate to act, either itself or in coordination with the HCC, if it receives sufficient information pointing to collusive behaviour of undertakings or abusive behaviour of individual companies on this market.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008613/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Η κλιματική αλλαγή απειλεί τη ζωή των ανθρώπων

Περισσότεροι από 100 εκατομμύρια άνθρωποι θα πεθάνουν έως το 2030 εάν η διεθνής κοινότητα δεν καταφέρει να αντιμετωπίσει την κλιματική αλλαγή, αναφέρει έκθεση που πραγματοποιήθηκε για λογαριασμό των κυβερνήσεων 20 χωρών.

Σύμφωνα με την έκθεση, η αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας εξαιτίας των εκπομπών αερίων, το λιώσιμο των πάγων, τα ακραία καιρικά φαινόμενα, η ξηρασία και η άνοδος της στάθμης των θαλάσσιων υδάτων θα θέσουν σε κίνδυνο πληθυσμούς και νοικοκυριά. Παράλληλα η έκθεση επισημαίνει ότι οι επιπτώσεις της κλιματικής αλλαγής έχουν μειώσει την παγκόσμια παραγωγή κατά 1,6 % του παγκόσμιου Ακαθάριστου Προϊόντος ή σχεδόν κατά 1,2 τρισεκατομμύρια δολάρια το χρόνο και οι απώλειες μπορεί να διπλασιαστούν και να φθάσουν στο 3,2 % του παγκόσμιου Ακαθάριστου Προϊόντος μέχρι το 2030, αν δεν αποτραπεί η άνοδος της θερμοκρασίας στον πλανήτη, ξεπερνώντας το 10 % του πριν από το 2100.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή,

— Γνωρίζει αυτά τα δεδομένα, και ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει στα επόμενα έτη ως προς το θέμα της κλιματικής αλλαγής που επίκειται λόγω της αύξησης της θερμοκρασίας;

— Δεδομένου ότι οι επιστήμονες και οι κυβερνήσεις παγκοσμίως συμφωνούν ότι οι κλιματικές αλλαγές έχουν προκληθεί κατά κύριο λόγο από ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες, ποια συγκεκριμένα μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει η Επιτροπή για να αλλάξει ο τρόπος με τον οποίο παράγουμε και καταναλώνουμε ώστε να αποτραπεί η συνεχιζόμενη αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας και η ενδεχόμενη απώλεια ανθρώπινης ζωής;

Απάντηση της κας Hedegaard εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(15 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

1.

Κατά τη διάσκεψη των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για το κλίμα που πραγματοποιήθηκε το 2009 στην Κοπεγχάγη, η διεθνής κοινότητα αναγνώρισε ότι ο περιορισμός της υπερθέρμανσης του πλανήτη κάτω από 2 °C αποτελούσε το συνολικό επίπεδο φιλοδοξίας των αναλαμβανόμενων κλιματικών δράσεων που αναμένεται να επιτρέψει την παρεμπόδιση επικίνδυνων και πιθανώς καταστροφικών επιπτώσεων στην ανθρώπινη κοινωνία και στο φυσικό περιβάλλον. Μολονότι οι χώρες που αντιπροσωπεύουν άνω του 80% των παγκόσμιων εκπομπών έχουν δεσμευθεί να καθορίσουν εγχώριους στόχους μείωσης των εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου, από μελέτη του Προγράμματος των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για το Περιβάλλον (UNEP) προκύπτει ότι οι εν λόγω δεσμεύσεις μόλις και αντιπροσωπεύουν περίπου το 50% της απαιτούμενης περιστολής των εκπομπών έως το 2020. Ως εκ τούτου η ΕΕ ανέλαβε την πρωτοβουλία για διεθνή διάλογο σχετικά με το πώς μπορεί να γεφυρωθεί το χάσμα μεταξύ των σημερινών δεσμεύσεων και τι χρειάζεται για να μην αυξηθεί η θερμοκρασία του πλανήτη πάνω από το ανώτατο όριο των 2 °C.

Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι ακόμη και αν η υπερθέρμανση του πλανήτη περιορισθεί στους 2 °C, θα εξακολουθήσουν να υφίστανται κλιματικές επιπτώσεις που θα έχουν αντίκτυπο στην οικονομία και στο περιβάλλον, όπως καταδεικνύεται στην έκθεση στην οποία αναφέρεται το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου. Για να περιορισθούν οι συνέπειες ανάλογων αναπόφευκτων κλιματικών επιπτώσεων, η Επιτροπή εκπονεί ήδη στρατηγική της ΕΕ με στόχο την προσαρμογή στην αλλαγή του κλίματος η οποία πρόκειται να εγκριθεί την άνοιξη του 2013.

2.

Με το πακέτο για το κλίμα και την ενέργεια, η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση διαθέτει πλήρη σειρά μέτρων, τα οποία θα της επιτρέψουν να επιτύχει τον στόχο της για μείωση κατά 20% των εκπομπών αερίων που επιδεινώνουν το φαινόμενο του θερμοκηπίου έως το 2020. Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή εξακολουθεί να στηρίζει τις προσπάθειες των κρατών μελών για την επίτευξη των ενεργειακών και κλιματικών στόχων τους, με ήδη εφαρμοζόμενα ή υπό εκπόνηση πανευρωπαϊκά μέτρα όπως η οδηγία για την ενεργειακή απόδοση, η πρόταση για την αύξηση των σχετικών με το κλίμα δαπανών της ΕΕ ώστε να αντιπροσωπεύουν τουλάχιστον το 20% του προϋπολογισμού της ΕΕ (2014-2020), τα πρότυπα επιδόσεων για τις εκπομπές καυσαερίων από αυτοκίνητα και ημιφορτηγά το 2020, η αναθεώρηση του κανονισμού για τα φθοριούχα αέρια και η εφαρμογή του προγράμματος επίδειξης «NER 300».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008613/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Threat to human life from climate change

According to a report commissioned by the governments of 20 countries, over 100 million people will die by 2030 if the international community fails to get to grips with climate change. According to the report, increased temperatures caused by gas emissions, with melting ice, extreme climatic conditions, drought and rising water levels will endanger populations and households. The report also indicates that the impact of climate change has reduced global output by 1.6 % of world GNP or almost USD 1.2 billion per year, losses which may double and reach 3.2 % of world GNP by 2030 and over 10 % by 2100 if nothing is done to contain rising temperatures on the planet.

In view of this:

Is the Commission aware of this and what measures will it take over the coming years in response to the urgent problem of rising temperatures caused by climate change?

Given that scientists and governments worldwide agree that climate change is chiefly manmade, what specific measures will the Commission take with a view to altering our production and consumption patterns, so as to contain the constant rise in temperatures with the attendant loss of human life?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

1.

At the 2009 United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, the international community recognised limiting global warming below 2°C as the overall ambition level for climate action in order to be able to prevent dangerous and potentially catastrophic impacts on human society and the natural environment. While countries representing more than 80% of global emissions have pledged domestic greenhouse gas reduction targets, a UNEP analysis shows that these pledges amount to only around 50% of the required emission reductions by 2020. Hence the EU is engaging proactively in discussions on how to close the gap between the current pledges and what is needed to remain below the 2°C ceiling.

Even if the global warming is limited to 2°C, there still will be climate change impacts that will affect the economy and environment, as demonstrated in the report the Honourable Member refers to. The Commission is currently preparing a EU Strategy for Adaptation to reduce the effects of such unavoidable climate impacts, which is scheduled for adoption in Spring 2013.

2.

With the climate and energy package, the European Union has a comprehensive set of measures in place, which will enable the EU to meet its 20% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2020. Furthermore, the Commission continues to support Member States to reach their climate and energy targets through EU-wide measures that are currently being implemented or are in preparation, such as the Energy Efficiency Directive, the proposal to increase the EU climate-related expenditure to at least 20% of the 2014-2020 EU budget, the emission performance standards for cars and vans for 2020, the review of the F-Gas regulation and the implementation of the ‘NER 300’ demonstration programme.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008614/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παραβίαση της οδηγίας 98/50/ΕΚ κατά την πώληση της ΑΤΕ ΑΕ

Κατά την πώληση της ΑΤΕ στην Τράπεζα Πειραιώς έγινε διαχωρισμός της ΑΤΕ σε «καλό» και «κακό» τμήμα. Το «καλό» μεταβιβάστηκε στην Τράπεζα Πειραιώς, ενώ το «κακό» δεν μεταβιβάστηκε και παρέμεινε στην υπό εκκαθάριση ΑΤΕ ΑΕ. Στο δεύτερο κομμάτι, ως μη μεταβιβαζόμενα θεωρήθηκαν και τα δικαιώματα και οι απαιτήσεις που είχαν οι εργαζόμενοι, εξαιτίας των συμβατικών σχέσεων με την υπό πώληση εταιρία (ΦΕΚ αριθ. 2209/27.7.2012, Παράρτημα, σημείο 2, στοιχείο ζ).

Στην οδηγία 98/50/ΕΚ, και συγκεκριμένα στο άρθρο 3, παράγραφος 1, ορίζεται ότι «τα δικαιώματα και οι υποχρεώσεις του εκχωρητή, που απορρέουν από σύμβαση εργασίας ή από εργασιακή σχέση υφισταμένη κατά την ημερομηνία της μεταβιβάσεως, μεταβιβάζονται διά της μεταβιβάσεως αυτής στον εκδοχέα».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

—	Η ανωτέρω ρύθμιση δεν αποτελεί κατάφωρη παραβίαση της κοινοτικής νομοθεσίας και ιδιαίτερα του άρθρου 3 της οδηγίας 98/50/ΕΚ;

—	Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει για την προστασία των εργασιακών δικαιωμάτων των εργαζομένων της ΑΤΕ, αλλά και όσων εργαζομένων βρεθούν σε αντίστοιχη θέση στο μέλλον;

—	Τι θα πράξει για την κατάργηση των διατάξεων του Ν. 4021/2011 που προσβάλλουν τα άρθρα 3 και 4 της οδηγίας 98/50/ΕΚ περί διασφάλισης των δικαιωμάτων των εργαζομένων;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η οδηγία 2001/23/ΕΚ (353) ορίζει έναν γενικό κανόνα αυτόματης μεταβίβασης των συμβατικών δικαιωμάτων και υποχρεώσεων στον νέο ιδιοκτήτη μιας επιχείρησης.

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 5 της εν λόγω οδηγίας, εκτός και εάν τα κράτη μέλη προβλέπουν άλλως, η αρχή αυτή δεν ισχύει για μεταβιβάσεις όπου ο εκχωρητής υπόκειται σε διαδικασία αφερεγγυότητας κινηθείσα με σκοπό την εκκαθάριση των περιουσιακών στοιχείων του εκχωρητή και οι οποίες διεξάγονται υπό την εποπτεία αρμόδιας δημόσιας αρχής. Επιπλέον, η προστασία των εργασιακών δικαιωμάτων των εργαζομένων παρέχεται μόνο στην περίπτωση όπου υπάρχει μεταβίβαση κατά την έννοια της εν λόγω οδηγίας.

Στα εθνικά δικαστήρια εναπόκειται να εξακριβώσουν, βάσει όλων των πραγματικών στοιχείων, αν η μεταβίβαση πραγματοποιήθηκε κατά την έννοια της εν λόγω οδηγίας. Τα εθνικά δικαστήρια είναι τα πλέον αρμόδια για να αξιολογήσουν μεμονωμένες υποθέσεις. Μόνο τα εθνικά δικαστήρια μπορούν να επιδικάσουν αποζημίωση σε περίπτωση που κάποιος εργαζόμενος υπέστη βλάβη ή ζημία. Επομένως, είναι προς όφελος των εργαζομένων να ζητήσουν νομική συμβουλή σχετικά με τα εθνικά ένδικα μέσα που έχουν στη διάθεσή τους, αν θεωρούν πιθανόν να μην έχουν γίνει σεβαστά τα έννομα δικαιώματά τους.

Η Επιτροπή συγκεντρώνει επί του παρόντος πληροφορίες με σκοπό να εξακριβώσει αν οι διατάξεις του Ν. 4021/2011 συμμορφώνονται με την εν λόγω οδηγία και θα γνωστοποιήσει το συντομότερο τα αποτέλεσματά της.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008614/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Infringement of Directive 98/50/EC in connection with the sale of ATEbank

In connection with the takeover by the Piraeus Bank of ATEbank, the latter was divided into ‘sound’ and ‘unsound’ assets. The ‘sound’ assets were absorbed by the Bank of Piraeus while the ‘unsound’ assets were not and remained with ATEbank, which was being placed into liquidation. The latter included the rights and claims of employees under the terms of their contract with ATEbank (Official Gazette 2209 of 27 July 2012 — Annex, paragraph 2(g)).

Paragraph 3(1) of Directive 98/50/EC states that, ‘the transferor’s rights and obligations arising from a contract of employment or from an employment relationship existing on the date of a transfer shall, by reason of such transfer, be transferred to the transferee’.

In view of this:

Is the above arrangement not a direct infringement of EC law and, in particular, Article 3 of Directive 98/50/EC? What measures will the Commission take to protect the rights of ATEbank employees and any other employees finding themselves in a similar situation in future? What action will it take with a view to having overturned the provisions of Law 4021/2011, which run counter to Articles 3 and 4 of Directive 98/50/EC regarding measures to safeguard the rights of employees?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

Directive 2001/23/EC (354), sets out a general rule of automatic transfer of contractual rights and obligations to the new owner of an undertaking.

In accordance with Article 5 of the directive, unless Member States provide otherwise, this principle does not apply to transfers where the transferor is the subject of insolvency proceedings instituted with a view to the liquidation of the assets of the transferor and are under the supervision of a competent public authority. The protection is also only afforded to employees in case there is a transfer within the meaning of the directive.

It is for the national courts to ascertain, on the basis of all the factual circumstances, whether the transfer within the meaning of the directive took place. The national courts are in the best position to evaluate individual cases. Only the national courts can award compensation in case an employee has suffered loss or damage. It is, therefore, in the interest of employees to take legal advice on the means of redress available at national level if they consider that there is a possibility that their rights in law have not been respected.

The Commission is currently collecting information in order to ascertain whether the provisions of Law 4021/2011 comply with the directive. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.

---

(1)  Id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2000/43/KE tad-29 ta' Ġunju 2000 li timplimenta l-prinċipju tat-trattament ugwali bejn il-persuni irrespettivament mill-oriġini tar-razza jew etniċità, Edizzjoni Speċjali tal-ĠU bil-Malti: Kapitolu 20 Volum 01, pp. 23 — 27.

(2)  Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000.

(3)  COM(2009)170.

(4)  li tieħu post id-Deċiżjoni Qafas tal-Kunsill 2001/220/JHA.

(5)  ara wkoll Art. 17 tad-Direttiva li jagħti lill-vittmi d-dritt li tagħmel ilment fl-Istat Membru tagħha ta' residenza għal delitt imġarrab barra mill-pajjiż.

(6)  COM(2009)170.

(7)  which replaces Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA.

(8)  see also Art. 17 of the directive giving victims the right to make a complaint in their Member State of residence for a crime suffered abroad.

(9)  Ewrobarometru Speċjali 342 dwar is-Setgħa tal-Konsumatur, 2010, TNS Opinion & Social http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_342_en.pdf

(10)  L-iżvilupp u l-organizzazzjoni ta' korsijiet ta' taħriġ għal entitajiet mingħajr skop ta' qligħ fl-UE, li jagħtu parir finanzjarju lill-konsumaturi http://www.ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:85575-2012:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 .

(11)  Special Eurobarometer 342 on Consumer Empowerment, 2010, TNS Opinion & Social http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_342_en.pdf

(12)  Development and organisation of training courses for non-profit entities in the EU, which provide financial advice to consumers http://www.ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:85575-2012:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 .

(13)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-854_en.htm

(14)  Għadha ma ġietx ippubblikata f'Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-UE.

(15)  Il-perjodu ta' implimentazzjoni huwa ta' sentejn. L-iskadenza preċiża tal-implimentazzjoni se tkun magħrufa ladarba d-Direttiva tiġi ppubblikata f'Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-UE.

(16)  Not yet published in the Official Journal of the EU.

(17)  The implementation period is of 2 years. The precise implementation deadline will be known once the directive is published in the Official Journal of the EU.

(18)  ĠU L 10, 14.1.1997.

(19)  OJ L 197, 24.7.2012.

(20)  OJ L 10, 14.1.1997.

(21)  Il-Komunikazzjoni “It-Tkabbir Blu: Opportunitajiet għal Tkabbir Sostenibbli fis-Settur tal-Baħar u dak Marittimu” (COM(2012) 494 tat-13.9.2012).

(22)  eż. MARPOL 73/78 Anness IV.

(23)  (Id-Direttiva 2005/35/KE dwar it-tniġġis ikkawżat minn vapuri u l-introduzzjoni ta’ penali għal ksur).

(24)  Communication ‘Blue Growth: Opportunities for Marine and Maritime Sustainable Growth’ (COM(2012) 494 of 13.9.2012).

(25)  e.g. MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV.

(26)  (Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements).

(27)  Stqarrija għall-Istampa IP/12/800.

(28)  Press release IP/12/800.

(29)  Id-Direttiva 2001/37/KE tal-Parlament Ewropej u tal-Kunsill tal-5 ta' Ġunju 2001 dwar l-approssimazzjoni tal-liġijiet, regolamenti u dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi ta' l-Istati Membri li jirrelataw mal-manifattura, preżentazzjoni u l-bejgħ ta' prodotti tat-tabakk — Dikjarazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni, ĠU L 194, 18.7.2001.

(30)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=P-2012-007926&language=EN.

(31)  Directive 2001/37/EC of Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products — Commission statement, OJ L 194, 18.7.2001.

(32)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=P-2012-007926&language=EN.

(33)  U L 276, 20.10.2010.

(34)  U L 358, 18.12.1986.

(35)   OJ L 276, 20.10.2010.

(36)   OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(37)  Proposta għal Regolament tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-protezzjoni ta’ individwi fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar ta’ dejta personali u dwar il-moviment liberu ta’ dik id-dejta (Regolament Ġenerali dwar il-Protezzjoni tad-Dejta), COM(2012) 11; u proposta għal Direttiva tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-protezzjoni ta’ individwi fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar ta’ dejta personali mill-awtoritajiet kompetenti għall-finijiet ta’ prevenzjoni, investigazzjoni, sejbien jew prosekuzzjoni ta’ reati kriminali jew l-eżekuzzjoni ta’ pieni kriminali, u l-moviment liberu ta’ tali dejta, COM(2012) 10.

(38)  Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation), COM(2012)11; and proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and the free movement of such data, COM(2012)10.

(39)  http://www.who.int/blindness/actionplan/en/index.html

(40)  http://www.who.int/blindness/actionplan/en/index.html

(41)  COM(2011)348 del 14.6.2011.

(42)  GU L 199 del 30.7.1999.

(43)  COM(2011) 348 of 14.6.2011.

(44)  OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.

(45)  Richtlijn 2000/29/EG van de Raad.

(46)  Council Directive 2000/29/EC.

(47)  These issues on volatility of insurance products with long-term guarantees were detected in QIS5 or observed during 2010as a consequence of drastic changes in financial markets.

(48)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(49)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/llp/call12_en.htm

(50)  http://www.programmallp.it/lkmw_file/LLP///2012_Call/Call_%20nazionale_2012.pdf

(51)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/llp/call12_en.htm

(52)  http://www.programmallp.it/lkmw_file/LLP///2012_Call/Call_%20nazionale_2012.pdf

(53)  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444082904577607314156618138.html

(54)  http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/NavTree_prod/AppLinkServices?pid=273_39411782_273_211978_211978&lang=en&appId=nui&appUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fappsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu%2Fnui%2Fshow.do%3Fdataset%3Dprc_hicp_cann%26lang%3Den

(55)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2012_autumn/el_en.pdf

(56)  http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/global-reports/doing-business-2013

http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/greece

http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAWB/Doing%20Business/Documents/Annual-Reports/English/DB13-full-report.pdf

(57)  http://www.bankofgreece.gr/BogDocumentEn/Balance_of_Payments-Data.xls

(58)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2012_autumn/el_en.pdf

(59)  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444082904577607314156618138.html

(60)   http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/NavTree_prod/AppLinkServices?pid=273_39411782_273_211978_211978&lang=en&appId=nui&appUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fappsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu%2Fnui%2Fshow.do%3Fdataset%3Dprc_hicp_cann%26lang%3Den.

(61)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2012_autumn/el_en.pdf

(62)  http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/global-reports/doing-business-2013; http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/greece; http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAWB/Doing%20Business/Documents/Annual-Reports/English/DB13-full-report.pdf

(63)  http://www.bankofgreece.gr/BogDocumentEn/Balance_of_Payments-Data.xls

(64)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2012_autumn/el_en.pdf

(65)  Consultables à l'adresse suivante: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/fr/parliamentary-questions.html

(66)  Directive 90/314/CEE du Conseil du 13 juin 1990 concernant les voyages, vacances et circuits à forfait, JO L 158 du 23.6.1990, pp. 59‐64.

(67)  Available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(68)  Council Directive 90/314/EEC of 13 June 1990 on package travel, package holidays and package tours, OJ L 158, 23.6.1990, p. 59‐64.

(69)  {JO L 268 du 18.10.2003.

(70)  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003.

(71)  Organización Común de Mercados.

(72)  Reglamento n° 1050/2007 (DO L 240 de 13.9.2007).

(73)  Artículo 13, apartado 1, del Reglamento (CE) n° 510/2006 (DO L 93 de 31.3.2006).

(74)  Reglamento (CE) n° 510/2006, relativo a la protección de las indicaciones geográficas y de las denominaciones de origen de los productos agrícolas y alimenticios.

(75)  the common market Organisation.

(76)  Commission Regulation No 1050/2007 (OJ L 240 of 13.9.2007).

(77)  Article 13 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (OJ L 93 of 31.3.2006).

(78)  Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

(79)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/articles/euro/2010-03-22-legal-tender-euro_en.htm; MEMO/10/92.

(80)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy finance/articles/euro/2010-03-22-legal-tender-euro en.htm, MEMO/10/92

(81)  Richtlinie 2009/119/EG des Rates vom 14. September 2009 zur Verpflichtung der Mitgliedstaaten, Mindestvorräte an Erdöl und/oder Erdölerzeugnissen zu halten (ABl. L 265 vom 9.10.2009).

(82)  Verordnung (EU) Nr. 994/2010 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 20. Oktober 2010 über Maßnahmen zur Gewährleistung der sicheren Erdgasversorgung (ABl. L 295 vom 12.11.2010).

(83)  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1234/2007 des Rates vom 22. Oktober 2007 über eine gemeinsame Organisation der Agrarmärkte und mit Sondervorschriften für bestimmte landwirtschaftliche Erzeugnisse (ABl. L 299 vom 16.11.2007).

(84)  KOM(2011)25 endg.

(85)  Council Directive 2009/119/EC of 14 September 2009 imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products, OJ L 265, 9.10.2009.

(86)  Regulation (EU) No 994/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply, OJ L 295, 12.11.2010.

(87)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products, OJ L 299, 16.11.2007.

(88)  COM(2011)25 final.

(89)  Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31‐50.

(90)  Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation)' COM(2012) 11 final 2012/0011 (COD).

(91)  Articles 31 and 32 of the proposed Regulation. The data subjects will be notified if the personal data breach is likely to adversely affect the protection of their personal data or privacy.

(92)  Art. 23 of Directive 95/46/EC.

(93)  www.mobilityplans.eu

(94)  White Paper ‘Towards a European transport area’ (COM(2011) 144 final), also: Staff Working Document — SEC(2011) 391 final — and Impact Assessment report for the White Paper — SEC(2011)358 final.

(95)  http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/consultations/2012-12-10-urban-dimension_en.htm

(96)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/budget/www/index-fr.htm

(97)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/budget/www/index-en.htm

(98)  Étude Maids BE 2004; http://www.maids-study.eu/

(99)  Increased safety for motorcycle and moped riders (Une sécurité accrue pour les conducteurs de motocycles et de cyclomoteurs); Administration suédoise des transports, août 2012:

http://publikationswebbutik.vv.se/upload/6859/2012_194_increased_safety_for_motorcycle_and_moped_riders.pdf

(100)  Maids Study BE 2004; http://www.maids-study.eu/

(101)  Increased safety for motorcycle and moped riders ; Swedish Transport Administration August 2012 http://publikationswebbutik.vv.se/upload/6859/2012_194_increased_safety_for_motorcycle_and_moped_riders.pdf

(102)  JO L 309 du 27.11.2001.

(103)  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001.

(104)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp?language=fr

(105)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp?language=en.

(106)  Βλέπε πίνακα 3 στη σελίδα 47, στη διεύθυνση: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/capital/docs/fdi_ma_2011_part1_20111207_en.pdf

(107)  Κανονισμός (ΕΚ) αριθ. 139/2004 του Συμβουλίου, της 20ής Ιανουαρίου 2004, για τον έλεγχο των συγκεντρώσεων μεταξύ επιχειρήσεων. ΕΕ L 24 της 29.1.2004, σ. 1-22 (κανονισμός συγκεντρώσεων της ΕΕ).

(108)  Μητρώο των υποθέσεων στη διεύθυνση http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/

(109)  See Table 3 on page 47 at http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/capital/docs/fdi_ma_2011_part1_20111207_en.pdf

(110)  Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings. OJ L 24, 29.01.2004, p. 1-22 (EU Merger Regulation).

(111)  Case registry at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/.

(112)  Βλ. http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2012/2012-ageing-report_en.htm

(113)  Έκθεση του 2009 της για τη διατηρησιμότητα των δημόσιων οικονομικών, βλ.:

http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/publication_summary16273_en.htm

(114)  See http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2012/2012-ageing-report_en.htm

(115)  For the 2009 Sustainability Report see http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/publication_summary16273_en.htm

(116)  Τα σχετικά δελτία έργου διατίθενται για το κοινό στην ακόλουθη ηλ. διεύθυνση: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/instruments/funding-by-country/turkey/index_en.htm

(117)  The relevant Project Fiches are publicly available at http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/instruments/funding-by-country/turkey/index_en.htm

(118)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-953_el.htm?locale=el

(119)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-953_en.htm?locale=en.

(120)  Zie bijvoorbeeld De Volkskrant van dinsdag 22 september, pagina 22.

(121)  cf. for example p. 22 of De Volkskrant of Tuesday 22 September 2012.

(122)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/major_chronic_diseases/diseases/alzheimer/index_en.htm#fragment1

(123)  http://www.neurodegenerationresearch.eu/

(124)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/major_chronic_diseases/diseases/alzheimer/index_en.htm#fragment1

(125)  http://www.neurodegenerationresearch.eu/

(126)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/major_chronic_diseases/diseases/alzheimer/index_en.htm#fragment1

(127)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_information/dissemination/echi/docs/dementia2_en.pdf

(128)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/indicators/echi/list/index_en.htm

(129)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/data_collection/key_documents/index_en.htm

(130)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/major_chronic_diseases/diseases/alzheimer/index_en.htm#fragment1.

(131)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_information/dissemination/echi/docs/dementia2_en.pdf

(132)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/indicators/echi/list/index_en.htm

(133)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/data_collection/key_documents/index_en.htm

(134)  Präimplantationsdiagnostik in Europa — Institut für technologische Zukunftsforschung (IPTS) der Gemeinsamen Forschungsstelle der Europäischen Kommission (ftp://ftp.jrc.es/pub/EURdoc/eur22764en.pdf).

(135)  Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in Europe — European Commission Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (ftp://ftp.jrc.es/pub/EURdoc/eur22764en.pdf).

(136)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp107_en.pdf

(137)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/economic_governance/documents/alert_mechanism_report_2012_en.pdf

(138)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp107_en.pdf

(139)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2012/pdf/ee-2012-7_en.pdf

(140)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/133857.pdf

(141)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp123_en.pdf

(142)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/134269.pdf

(143)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2012/pdf/ee-2012-7_en.pdf

(144)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/133857.pdf

(145)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp123_en.pdf

(146)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/134269.pdf

(147)  COM(2011) 625/3.

(148)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/literacy/index_en.htm

(149)  http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/language-technologies/projects_en.html

(150)  http://www.meta-net.eu/sra-en.

(151)  Cfr. http://cordis.europa.eu/projects/rcn/85779_en.html

(152)  Cfr. http://langtech.jrc.it/JRC-Acquis.html

(153)  http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/language-technologies/projects_en.html

(154)  http://www.meta-net.eu/sra-en.

(155)  See http://cordis.europa.eu/projects/rcn/85779_en.html

(156)  See http://langtech.jrc.it/JRC-Acquis.html

(157)  http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/decision_president_fr.pdf

(158)  Les membres du GEE sont nommés «ad personam» et ne représentent ni des États membres, ni des partis politiques, ni des groupes de pression, ni des religions. Les membres désignés ont signé une déclaration sur l'honneur dans laquelle ils attestent de leur indépendance à l'égard de tous les tiers intéressés.

(159)  http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/decision_president_en.pdf

(160)  EGE Members are nominated ‘ad personam’ and they do not represent Member States, political parties, lobby groups or religions. The selected EGE Members have signed a declaration on honour stating their independence from any interested third party.

(161)  http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/5091/Religie/article/detail/3322004/2012/09/25/Moslimlanden-gaan-NV-vragen-om-verbod-op-blasfemie.dhtml.

(162)  http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/5091/Religie/article/detail/3322004/2012/09/25/Moslimlanden-gaan-NV-vragen-om-verbod-op-blasfemie.dhtml

(163)  Forslag til Europa-Parlamentets og Rådets direktiv om håndhævelse af direktiv 96/71/EF om udstationering af arbejdstagere som led i udveksling af tjenesteydelser (KOM(2012)0131 endelig af 21. marts 2012).

(164)  Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (COM(2012) 131 final of 21 March 2012).

(165)  Direttiva 2011/92/UE concernente la valutazione dell'impatto ambientale di determinati progetti pubblici e privati, GU L 26 del 28.1.2012.

(166)  Direttiva 1999/31/CE relativa alle discariche di rifiuti, GU L 182 del 16.7.1999.

(167)  Direttiva 2008/98/CE relativa ai rifiuti e che abroga alcune direttive, GU L 312 del 22.11.2008.

(168)  Decisione 2003/33/CE del Consiglio che stabilisce criteri e procedure per l'ammissione dei rifiuti nelle discariche ai sensi dell'articolo 16 e dell'allegato II della direttiva 1999/31/CE, GU L 11 del 16.1.2003.

(169)  Regolamento (CE) n. 1013/2006 relativo alle spedizioni di rifiuti, GU L 190 del 12.7.2006.

(170)  Direttiva 2004/35/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio sulla responsabilità ambientale in materia di prevenzione e riparazione del danno ambientale, GU L 143 del 30.4.2004.

(171)  Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012).

(172)  Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste (OJ L 182, 16.7.1999).

(173)  Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008).

(174)  Council Decision 2003/33/EC establishing criteria and procedures for the acceptance of waste at landfills pursuant to Article 16 of and Annex II to Directive 1999/31/EC (OJ L 11, 16.1.2003).

(175)  Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste (OJ L 190, 12.7.2006).

(176)  Directive 2004/35/CE on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage (OJ L 143, 30.4.2004).

(177)  Commission européenne, direction générale de l'agriculture et du développement rural, Prospects for Agricultural Markets and Income in the EU 2011‐2020 (Perspectives concernant les marchés et les revenus agricoles dans l'Union européenne pour la période 2011-2020), page 16: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/caprep/prospects2011/fullrep_en.pdf

(178)  http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/cap-post-2013/legal-proposals/com627/-672_fr.pdf

(179)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/fr/parliamentary-questions.html

(180)  European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Prospects for Agricultural Markets and Income in the EU 2011‐2020, page 16: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/caprep/prospects2011/fullrep_en.pdf

(181)  http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/cap-post-2013/communication/com2010-672_en.pdf

(182)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(183)  Press Statement by President Van Rompuy, 28th June 2012, http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/131358.pdf

(184)  European Council 28-29 June 2012: Conclusions, http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/131388.pdf

(185)  Pendiente de ratificación, tal y como señaló el presidente del BEI, Werner Hoyer, el pasado 20 de septiembre en su comparecencia ante la Comisión de Asuntos Económicos y Monetarios del Parlamento Europeo. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/en/committees/video?event=20120920-0900-COMMITTEE-ECON.

(186)  EU Regulation n. 670/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2012, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:204:0001:0010:EN:PDF.

(187)  EUCO 76/12 — ANEXO.

(188)  Reglamento (UE) n° 670/2012 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de julio de 2012, por el que se modifican la Decisión n° 1639/2006/CE por la que se establece un programa marco para la innovación y la competitividad (2007-2013) y el Reglamento (CE) n° 680/2007 por el que se determinan las normas generales para la concesión de ayudas financieras comunitarias en el ámbito de las redes transeuropeas de transporte y energía (DO L 204 de 31.7.2012, p. 1).

(189)  Reglamento (CE) n° 1083/2006 del Consejo, de 11 de julio de 2006, por le que se establecen las disposiciones generales relativas al Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, al Fondo Social Europeo y al Fondo de Cohesión y se deroga el Reglamento (CE) n° 1260/1999 (DO L 210 de 31.7.2006, p. 25).

(190)  Press Statement by President Van Rompuy, 28th June 2012, http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/131358.pdf

(191)  European Council 28-29 June 2012: Conclusions, http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/131388.pdf

(192)  Subject to ratification, as indicated by the President of the EIB, Werner Hoyer, on 20 September 2012 in his hearing before Parliament’s Committee on Foreign and Monetary Affairs: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/en/committees/video?event=20120920-0900-COMMITTEE-ECON

(193)  EU Regulation No 670/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2012, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:204:0001:0010:EN:PDF

(194)  EUCO 76/12 — ANNEX.

(195)  Regulation (EU) No 670/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2012 amending Decision No 1639/2006/EC establishing a Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007-2013) and Regulation (EC) No 680/2007 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks (OJ L 204 of 31.7.2012, page 1).

(196)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (OJ L 210 of 31.7.2006, page 25).

(197)  Fondo Social Europeo.

(198)  Total estimado de 22 programas operativos.

(199)  Ni estudian ni trabajan.

(200)  European Social Fund.

(201)  Estimated sum over 22 operational programmes.

(202)  Neither in employment, education or training.

(203)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/transport/docs/2010_ES%20I_report.pdf

(204)  Reglamento (CE) n° 882/2004 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 29 de abril de 2004, sobre los controles oficiales efectuados para garantizar la verificación del cumplimiento de la legislación en materia de piensos y alimentos y la normativa sobre salud animal y bienestar de los animales, DO L 165 de 30.4.2004. p. 1.

(205)  Artículo 26: «Los Estados miembros velarán por que existan los recursos económicos adecuados para facilitar los recursos personales y de otro tipo necesarios para efectuar los controles oficiales por cualesquiera medios que se consideren oportunos, incluida la imposición general o el establecimiento de tasas o gravámenes».

(206)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/transport/docs/2010_ES%20I_report.pdf

(207)  Ufficio europeo di sostegno per l'asilo.

(208)  Fondo europeo per i rifugiati.

(209)  European Asylum Support Office.

(210)  European Refugee Fund.

(211)  Απαιτείται ειδικότερα η ανάπτυξη ενός κατάλληλου νομικού, κανονιστικού και θεσμικού πλαισίου, το οποίο θα συμπεριλαμβάνει αποτελεσματική φορολογική διοίκηση και εξίσου αποτελεσματικά γραφεία επιθεώρησης εργασίας.

(212)  In particular, the development of an appropriate legal, regulatory, and institutional framework is needed, including an efficient tax administration and labour inspectorate office.

(213)  http://www.uitzendinggemist.nl/afleveringen/1291482.

(214)  http://www.uitzendinggemist.nl/afleveringen/1291482.

(215)  Χάρτης Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων της ΕΕ, Επίσημη Εφημερίδα C 303 της 14ης Δεκεμβρίου 2007: Άρθρο 31: Δίκαιες και πρόσφορες συνθήκες εργασίας 1. Κάθε εργαζόμενος έχει δικαίωμα σε συνθήκες εργασίας οι οποίες σέβονται την υγεία, την ασφάλεια και την αξιοπρέπειά του. 2. Κάθε εργαζόμενος έχει δικαίωμα σε ένα όριο μέγιστης διάρκειας εργασίας, σε ημερήσιες και εβδομαδιαίες περιόδους ανάπαυσης, καθώς και σε ετήσια περίοδο αμειβόμενων διακοπών.

(216)  ΕΕ L 299 της 18.11.2003, σ. 9.

(217)  Nachreiner, Wirtz, Dittmar, Schomann & Bockelmann, In-depth study on health and safety aspects of working time (Διεξοδική μελέτη για τις πτυχές της υγείας και της ασφάλειας σε σχέση με τον χρόνο εργασίας), (Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, 2010), σ. 3.

(218)  Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, OJ C303/1, 14.12.2007: ‘Article 31: Fair and just working conditions: 1. Every worker has the right to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. 2. Every worker has a right to limitation of maximum working hours, to daily and weekly rest periods and to an annual period of paid leave.’.

(219)  OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9.

(220)  Nachreiner, Wirtz, Dittmar, Schomann & Bockelmann, In-depth study on health and safety aspects of working time, (European Commission, 2010), p.3.

(221)  ΕΕ L 1 της 4.1.2003, σ. 1.

(222)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p.1.

(223)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52010DC0698:ES:NOT.

(224)  En contraste con el período actual, la accesibilidad de las personas discapacitadas se encuentra mejor integrada en los artículos sobre programación, ejecución y seguimiento, pero, sobre todo, en las disposiciones sobre condicionalidad ex ante. Varias acciones clave en el Marco Estratégico Común hacen referencia a la accesibilidad de las personas con discapacidad en el marco de los objetivos temáticos en los ámbitos del transporte y la promoción de la inclusión social y la lucha contra la pobreza. La transición de una asistencia institucional a otra de ámbito local también cuenta con prioridad en el proyecto de Reglamento, en el contexto de la condicionalidad ex ante, las prioridades de inversión y las acciones clave.

(225)  COM(2011) 607. Por otro lado, la Comisión propuso que como mínimo el 25 % de la financiación de cohesión se asignara al FSE de cada Estado miembro y al menos el 20 % de ese importe se destinara a la inclusión social.

(226)  COM(2011) 615. La propuesta de la Comisión contiene una condición ex ante sobre la discapacidad que hace referencia a la existencia de un mecanismo que garantice la ejecución y aplicación efectivas de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad. El Consejo Europeo excluyó esta disposición el 24 de abril de 2012, pero la Comisión no comparte esta posición.

(227)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52010DC0636:EN:NOT.

(228)  In contrast to the current period, accessibility for disabled persons is better embedded in the articles on programming, implementation and monitoring, but above all in the ex-ante conditionality provisions. Several key actions in the Common Strategic Framework are referring to accessibility of disabled person under thematic objectives in the areas of transport and promoting social inclusion and combating poverty. The transition from institutional to community-based care is also prioritised in the draft regulation, in the context of ex-ante conditionality, investment priorities and key actions.

(229)  COM(2011) 607. Futhermore, the Commission proposed has foreseen that at least 25% of cohesion funding is allocated to the ESF in each MS and that at least 20% of this amount is focused on social inclusion.

(230)  COM(2011) 615. The Commission's proposal contains an ex-ante conditionality on disability which refers to the existence of a mechanism to ensure effective implementation and application of the UN CRPD. This provision has been excluded by the European Council on 24 April 2012, but the Commission does not share this position.

(231)  La strategia dell’UE per l’eradicazione della tratta degli esseri umani (2012-2016), COM(2012)286 def.

(232)  The EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012‐2016, COM(2012) 286 final.

(233)  Článok 1 ods. 1 písm. d) rámcového rozhodnutia Rady 2008/913/SVV z 28. novembra 2008 o boji proti niektorým formám a prejavom rasizmu a xenofóbie prostredníctvom trestného práva, Ú. v. EÚ L 328, 6.12.2008.

(234)  Article 1(1)(d) of Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, OJ L 328, 6.12.2008.

(235)  Tali dati sono ricavati dall'inchiesta sulla forza lavoro dell' UE e si riferiscono alla popolazione in età lavorativa (15-64 anni).

(236)  Dati più dettagliati figurano nell'esame trimestrale sull'occupazione e la situazione sociale (Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review), dicembre 2011, pagg.38-45.

(237)  COM(2012)629 def.

(238)  The figures provided are derived from the EU-Labour force survey and refer to the working-age population (aged 15-64).

(239)  More detailed figures can be found in the Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review, December 2011, pp.38-45.

(240)  COM(2012) 629 final.

(241)  Le pubblicazioni sono su base trimestrale e sono disponibili su: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/hicp/methodology/owner_occupied_housing_hpi/experimental_house_price_indices.

(242)  Si prevede che ciò avverrà nei prossimi mesi, in corrispondenza con l’entrata in vigore del relativo regolamento quadro. I dati dell’ISTAT sull’evoluzione dei prezzi attualmente sono provvisori e non sono stati ancora pubblicati.

(243)  V. la pubblicazione dell’ottobre 2012.

(244)  L’indice aggregato dei prezzi per l’area dell’euro sono saliti da 99,5 a 100,4.

(245)  In caso di necessità le raccomandazioni politiche proposte dalla Commisisone e adottate dal Consiglio nel contesto del semestre UE.

(246)  Attualmente nei negoziati della consultazione a tre con il PE e il Consiglio.

(247)  The publications are on a quarterly basis and available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/hicp/methodology/owner_occupied_housing_hpi/experimental_house_price_indices.

(248)  Expected to take place in the coming months in correspondence to the entering into force of the related framework regulation. Data from ISTAT on the price evolution is currently provisional and not yet publicly disseminated.

(249)  See the October 2012 release.

(250)  The aggregated price index for the euro area has moved up, from 99.5 to 100.4.

(251)  In case of a need, policy recommendations proposed by the Commisison and adopted by the Council in the context of the EU Semester.

(252)  At present in trialogue negotiations with EP and Council.

(253)  http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=it.

(254)  http://www.eures.it/.

(255)  Fondo sociale europeo.

(256)  (2011/C 358/06).

(257)  http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=fr

(258)  http://www.eures.it/

(259)  Fonds Social Européen.

(260)  2011/C 358/06.

(261)  Direttiva 2011/36/UE concernente la prevenzione e la repressione della tratta di esseri umani e la protezione delle vittime, e che sostituisce la decisione quadro del Consiglio 2002/629/GAI.

(262)  COM(2012)286 def.

(263)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/it/parliamentary-questions.html;jsessionid=548666A91908DCBDC2FD399280C13C73.node2.

(264)  Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA.

(265)  COM(2012)286 final.

(266)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(267)  ΕΕ L 61 της 3.3.1997.

(268)  ΕΕ L 223 της 21.8.2012.

(269)  COM (2011) 244 τελικό.

(270)  OJ L 61, 3.3.1997.

(271)  OJ L 223, 21.8.2012.

(272)  COM(2011)244 final.

(273)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-613_en.htm .

(274)  OSM = Obiettivi di sviluppo del millennio.

(275)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-613_fr.htm

(276)  OMD = Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développment.

(277)  Document 2011-09-D-36-fr-6.

(278)  http://www.deia.com/2012/09/20/economia/el-gobierno-propondra-a-elvira-rodriguez-para-presidir-la-cnmv.

(279)  http://www.deia.com/2012/09/20/economia/el-gobierno-propondra-a-elvira-rodriguez-para-presidir-la-cnmv.

(280)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 523/2012 of 20 June 2012 amending Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of certain Regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe on the type-approval of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor , OJ L 160, 21.6.2012, p. 8‐12.

(281)  http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/health_problems/cardiovascular_diseases/index_en.htm#

(282)  http://ec.europa.eu/eahc/projects/database.html

(283)  http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2F66%2FL.1&Lang=E

(284)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/lsa/118282.pdf

(285)  International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships ,1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (Marpol 73/78): http://www.imo.org/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-(MARPOL).aspx

(286)  Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues, OJ L 332 , 28.12.2000, p. 81.

(287)  COM(2009) 8 final.

(288)  Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and repealing certain Directives (Waste Framework Directive), OJ L 312 , 22.11.2008 p. 3.

(289)  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/index_en.htm

(290)  www.saferInternet.org.

(291)  http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/cert/security-month/pilots.

(292)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(293)  http://www.edri.org/cleanIT

(294)  http://www.cleanitproject.eu/faq/

(295)  Dabei werden folgende Ziele verfolgt i) die Entfernung legaler Inhalte begrenzen; ii) die Entfernung illegaler Inhalte beschleunigen und iii) die Rechtssicherheit erhöhen. Nähere Informationen finden Sie auf der Webseite http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/e-commerce/notice-and-action/index_de.htm

(296)  http://www.edri.org/cleanIT

(297)  http://www.cleanitproject.eu/faq/

(298)  The objectives are to i) limit takedown of legal content; ii) speed up takedown of illegal content; and iii) increase legal certainty. For further details please consult: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/e-commerce/notice-and-action/index_en.htm

(299)  http://www.eu-un.europa.eu/articles/en/article_12602_en.htm

(300)  http://www.eu-un.europa.eu/articles/en/article_12602_en.htm

(301)  Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 2005. gada 11. maija Direktīva 2005/29/EK, kas attiecas uz uzņēmēju negodīgu komercpraksi iekšējā tirgū attiecībā pret patērētājiem, OV L 149, 11.6.2005., 22.–39. lpp.

(302)  Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market, OJ L 149, 11.06.2005, p.22-39.

(303)  Decisione quadro 2008/913/GAI del Consiglio, del 28 novembre 2008, sulla lotta contro talune forme ed espressioni di razzismo e xenofobia mediante il diritto penale (GU L 328 del 6.12.2008); direttiva 2010/13/UE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 10 marzo 2010, relativa al coordinamento di determinate disposizioni legislative, regolamentari e amministrative degli Stati membri concernenti la fornitura di servizi di media audiovisivi (direttiva sui servizi di media audiovisivi) (GU L 95 del 15.4.2010).

(304)  Per maggiori informazioni sul lavoro della Commissione in quest'ambito è possibile consultare il sito Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/racism-xenophobia/index_en.htm

(305)  Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, OJ L 328, 6.12.2008; Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive), OJ L 95, 15.4.2010.

(306)  For further information on the Commission's work in this field, see http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/racism-xenophobia/index_en.htm

(307)  http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2664/Nieuws/article/detail/3322562/2012/09/26/Turken-mogen-anti-islamfilm-niet-meer-zien.dhtml.

(308)  http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2664/Nieuws/article/detail/3322562/2012/09/26/Turken-mogen-anti-islamfilm-niet-meer-zien.dhtml.

(309)  Directiva 2006/7/CE, DO L 64 de 4.3.2006.

(310)  Decisión de Ejecución 2011/321/UE de la Comisión, DO L 143 de 31.5.2011.

(311)  Directiva 2000/60/CE, DO L 327 de 22.12.2000.

(312)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(313)  EU Directive 2006/7/EC, OJ L 64, 4.3.2006.

(314)  Commission Implementing Decision 2011/321/EU, OJ L 143, 31.5.2011.

(315)  EU Directive 2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(316)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(317)  Regolamento (CE) n. 1080/2006 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 5 luglio 2006, relativo al Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale.

(318)  Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the European Regional Development Fund.

(319)  JO L 193 du 20.4.2004, p. 12.

(320)  OJ L150, 20.4.2004, p.12.

(321)  COM,(2011) 578 final. Communication de la Commission au Parlement européen et au Conseil relative à la mise en œuvre de certaines dispositions du règlement (CE) no 812/2004 du Conseil du 26 avril 2004 établissant des mesures relatives aux captures accidentelles de cétacés dans les pêcheries et modifiant le règlement (CE) n° 88/98.

(322)  COM(2011) 578 final Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of certain provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries and amending Regulation (EC) No 88/98.

(323)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/events/child-forum-2012/index_en.htm

(324)  ec.europa.eu/saferinternet

(325)  Partenariats scolaires Comenius, Comenius Regio et eTwinning, actions relevant du programme de l'UE pour l'éducation et la formation tout au long de la vie.

(326)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/events/child-forum-2012/index_en.htm

(327)  ec.europa.eu/saferInternet.

(328)  Comenius School Partnerships, Comenius Regio Partnerships and eTwinning, actions of the EU Lifelong Learning Programme,.

(329)  http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/radikaler-reformvorschlag-eu-will-eigenes-parlament-fuer-die-euro-laender/7100282.html

(330)  http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/radikaler-reformvorschlag-eu-will-eigenes-parlament-fuer-die-euro-laender/7100282.html

(331)  Senest i sag C-498/10, X NV mod Staatssecretaris van Financiën.

(332)  Forslag til Rådets direktiv om et fælles konsolideret selskabsskattegrundlag, KOM(2011)0121 endelig — 2011/0058(CNS).

(333)  Latest in Case C-498/10, X NV v. Staatssecretaris van Financiën.

(334)  Proposal for a Council Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, COM(2011) 121 final — 2011/0058 (CNS).

(335)  Henvisning: http://euobserver.com/justice/117551.

(336)  Senest ændret ved forordning (EF) nr. 380/2008.

(337)  Ifølge fast retspraksis; se for eksempel sag C-135/08 af 2.3.2010, Rottmann mod Freistaat Bayern, præmis 39, 45 og 48.

(338)  cf: http://euobserver.com/justice/117551.

(339)  As last amended by Regulation (EC) 380/2008.

(340)  According to settled case law; see for instance Case C-135/08, 2.3.2010, Rottmann v Freistaat Bayern, pts 39, 45 and 48).

(341)  http://www.politicsandcurrentaffairs.co.uk/world-events/112932-arab-league-oic-european.html

(342)  http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/algeria/2012/09/21/Islam-Arab-League-EU-AU-speak-against-religious-hatred_7508740.html

(343)  FN's Menneskerettighedsråds resolution 16/18 om bekæmpelse af intolerance over for, negative stereotyper om, stigmatisering og diskrimination af samt vold og tilskyndelse til vold mod personer på grund af religion eller tro: http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/RES/16/18.

(344)  http://www.politicsandcurrentaffairs.co.uk/world-events/112932-arab-league-oic-european.html

(345)  http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/algeria/2012/09/21/Islam-Arab-League-EU‐AU-speak-against-religious-hatred_7508740.html

(346)  UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18, ‘Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief’: http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/RES/16/18

(347)  Wyroki TSUE w sprawach: C-107/98 Teckal, C‐26/03 Stadt Halle i RPL Lochau, C‐84/03 Komisja przeciwko Hiszpanii, C‐29/04 Komisja przeciwko Austrii, C‐340/04 Carbotermo i Consorzio Alisei, C‐295/05 Asemfo.

(348)  CJEU judgments in cases: C-107/98 Teckal, C 26/03 Stadt Halle and RPL Lochau, C 84/03 Commission vs. Spain, C 29/04 Commission vs. Austria, C 340/04 Carbotermo and Consorzio Alisei, and C 295/05 Asemfo.

(349)  Οδηγία 2009/72/ΕΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 13ης Ιουλίου 2009, σχετικά με τους κοινούς κανόνες για την εσωτερική αγορά ηλεκτρικής ενεργείας και για την κατάργηση της οδηγίας 2003/54/ΕΚ, EE L 211 της 14.8.2009.

(350)  Directive 2009/72/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC, OJ L 211, 14.8.2009.

(351)  http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2012/package/tr_rapport_2012_en.pdf

(352)  http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2012/package/tr_rapport_2012_en.pdf

(353)  Οδηγία 2001/23/EΚ του Συμβουλίου, της 12ης Μαρτίου 2001, περί προσεγγίσεως των νομοθεσιών των κρατών μελών, σχετικά με τη διατήρηση των δικαιωμάτων των εργαζομένων σε περίπτωση μεταβιβάσεων επιχειρήσεων, εγκαταστάσεων ή τμημάτων εγκαταστάσεων ή επιχειρήσεων. Με την οδηγία αυτή καταργείται η προηγούμενη οδηγία 77/187/ΕΟΚ, όπως τροποποιήθηκε από την οδηγία 98/50/ΕΚ.

(354)  Council Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees' rights in the event of transfers of undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses. The directive repealed previous Directive 77/187/EEC, as amended by Directive 98/50/EC.

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