(English version)

Question for written answer P-006454/12

to the Commission

Catherine Stihler (S&D)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Studies on software longevity

In response to Question E‐000125/2012 relating to software longevity, the Commission stated that it had not conducted any research to understand the consequences of perfectly good hardware being made redundant by software updates.

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2012)

The problem posed by the question is part of the larger problem of interoperability. While the Commission does not plan specific research on the precise issue raised by the question, it actively addresses the larger problem of interoperability and upgradability of software and hardware by encouraging and supporting the use of open standards whenever possible, because open standards can guarantee interoperability of hardware and software solutions from different vendors. In that respect the Commission is carefully monitoring these developments, especially from the point of view of consumer protection and software interoperability.

Ongoing work by the European Commission is fully in line with this direction (see e.g. Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) (47) Actions on: the reform of the ICT standardisation regime in Europe (DAE action 21); the provision of guidance on public procurement of ICT (DAE action 23); and the feasibility of measures that could lead to the licensing of interoperability information (DAE action 25)).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-006456/12

til Kommissionen

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(27. juni 2012)

Om: Regler vedrørende lægelig udlevering af antibiotika

Debatten om brugen af antibiotika til mennesker og dyr kommer med jævne mellemrum frem i de danske medier og blandt fagfolk. I den forbindelse er jeg interesseret i at få et svar på, hvilke regler der gør sig gældende for salg af antibiotika, når læger udleverer antibiotika. Mit spørgsmål lyder som følgende:

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af John Dalli

(21. august 2012)

I henhold til direktiv 2001/83 (48) træffes der afgørelse om, hvorvidt udlevering af humanmedicinske lægemidler er receptpligtig eller ej, når der gives tilladelse til markedsføring. Der kræves recept for lægemidler, når de ofte og i meget vid udstrækning bliver anvendt under unormale omstændigheder, og dette direkte eller indirekte kan være til fare for sundheden (49). Tilladelse til markedsføring af antibiotika til mennesker er hovedsagelig blevet givet af medlemsstaterne. Kommissionen råder ikke over oplysninger om, i hvilke medlemsstater det kun er muligt at købe antibiotika på recept.

For at sikre en hensigtsmæssig anvendelse af antimikrobielle stoffer i humanmedicin sigtes der i Kommissionens handlingsplan for den voksende trussel fra antimikrobiel resistens (50) fra 2011 bl.a. imod »at forbedre gennemførelsen i alle medlemsstater af receptpligt for antimikrobielle stoffer «.

I direktiv 2001/82/EF (51) fastsættes bestemmelser for besiddelse, forhandling og udlevering af veterinærlægemidler, herunder antibiotika. Der kræves dyrlægerecept, for at der kan udleveres lægemidler, som er beregnet til behandling af sygdomsforløb, som forudsætter en nøjagtig forudgående diagnose, eller hvis brug kan give virkninger, som vanskeliggør eller griber ind i senere diagnoser eller behandlinger. Endvidere er det kun personer, der er bemyndiget dertil i henhold til deres nationale lovgivning, som må være i besiddelse af eller råde over veterinærlægemidler eller stoffer, der kan anvendes som veterinærlægemidler, og som frembyder antiinfektiøse egenskaber.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006456/12

to the Commission

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Regulations governing the supply of antibiotics by doctors

The debate surrounding the use of antibiotics for human beings and animals appears regularly in the Danish media and amongst professionals. In this regard, I would be interested to know which regulations apply to the sale of antibiotics supplied by doctors. My question is as follows:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2012)

According to Directive 2001/83 (52) a decision on supply of a human medicinal product with or without a prescription is taken when a marketing authorisation is granted. Medicinal products shall be subject to medical prescription where they are frequently and to a very wide extent used incorrectly, and as a result are likely to present a direct or indirect danger to human health  (53). Marketing authorisations for antibiotics for human use have been granted mostly by the Member States. The Commission does not possess information in which Member States it is possible to buy antibiotics only on medical prescription.

To ensure a prudent use of antimicrobials in human medicines, the Commission's 2011 action plan against the rising threats from antimicrobial resistance (54) among other actions aims at ‘Improving the implementation by all Member States of the prescription only requirements for antimicrobial agents ’ .

Directive 2001/82/EC (55) sets out provisions on the possession, distribution and dispensing of veterinary medicines, including antibiotics. A veterinary prescription is required for the dispensing of medicines which are intended for the treatment of conditions that require a precise diagnosis or their use may cause effects which impede or interfere with subsequent diagnostic or therapeutic measures. Additionally, only persons empowered by the national legislation may possess veterinary medicines or substances that have anti-infectious effects.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006457/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: „Start-up Centers“ im wirtschaftlich gebeutelten Süden Europas

Angesichts der schwierigen Lage in den südlichen Ländern stellt sich die Frage, ob die Kommission in ihren projektbezogenen Plänen im Zuge des wirtschaftlichen Wiederaufbaus auch an die Gründung sogenannter „Start-up Centers“ denkt. (Bitte um ausführliche Erläuterung).

Antwort von Herrn Tajani im Namen der Kommission

(13. August 2012)

Die Kommission überwacht seit 2007 die Fortschritte der Mitgliedstaaten bei der Einrichtung von Unternehmensgründungszentren entsprechend den Schlussfolgerungen der Frühjahrstagung des Europäischen Rates 2006. Die Mitgliedstaaten sollen die Verwaltungsvorgänge zur Unternehmensgründung schneller und kostengünstiger gestalten und zentrale Anlaufstellen schaffen, bei denen sämtliche Verfahren erledigt werden können. Hierbei wurden erhebliche Fortschritte erzielt. Während eine Unternehmensgründung im Jahr 2007 durchschnittlich 12 Tage in Anspruch nahm und Kosten von 485 EUR verursachte, lag der Aufwand 2012 bei 6,5 Tagen und 397 EUR. Die meisten Mitgliedstaaten haben auch effiziente zentrale Anlaufstellen eingerichtet.

Sämtliche Informationen zu diesem Thema sowie die erzielten Fortschritte können, geordnet nach Jahren und Ländern, unter folgendem Link abgerufen werden:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/business-environment/start-up-procedures/index_en.htm

Was die direkte Unterstützung von Unternehmensgründungen über die Verringerung des Verwaltungsaufwandes hinaus, etwa durch Gründerzentren (business incubators) oder sogenannte Unternehmensbeschleuniger (business accelerators), betrifft, so ist die Kommission an das Subsidiaritätsprinzip gebunden. Die Einrichtung von Unternehmensgründungszentren in Europa fällt somit nicht in ihre Zuständigkeit. In einigen Ländern existieren hierfür nationale Strategien, in anderen (nämlich in Italien und Spanien) werden entsprechende Maßnahmen auf regionaler und gelegentlich sogar kommunaler Ebene getroffen. Die Mitgliedstaaten und die Regionen werden hierbei von der Kommission sowohl über die Strukturfonds als auch durch die Verbreitung bewährter Praktiken unterstützt. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde Barcelona Activa, das Zentrum der Stadt Barcelona zur Förderung der unternehmerischen Tätigkeit, bei der Verleihung des Europäischen Unternehmerpreises 2011 mit dem Großen Preis der Jury für vorbildliche Förderung und Unterstützung der unternehmerischen Tätigkeit ausgezeichnet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006457/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: ‘Start-up centres’ in economically stricken southern Europe

In view of the difficult situation in southern Member States, is the Commission considering establishing ‘start-up centres’ as part of its project-based plans for economic recovery? (Please provide a detailed explanation.)

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

The Commission has been monitoring Member State progress in the implementation of start-up centres since 2007 following the Spring Council conclusions of 2006. The target for Member States is to reduce the costs and times for administrative procedures to start up a company and to create one-stop shops where all procedures can be carried out. Substantial progress has been achieved. Whereas in 2007 it took an average of 12 days and a cost of EUR 485 to start up a company, in 2012 those figures are 6.5 days and EUR 397. Most Member States have also established effective one-stop shops.

All information on this issue and year on year progress for each country can be found in:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/business-environment/start-up-procedures/index_en.htm

Beyond administrative simplification and regarding direct support for the creation of enterprises (incubators, accelerators, etc) the Commission is subject to the rule of subsidiarity and is not competent to establish start-up centres in Europe. In some countries this is a national strategy; in others (namely Italy and Spain) it is a regional and sometimes even local matter. In this area Member States and Regions are supported by the Commission via the Structural Funds and also via the dissemination of good practices. In this respect Barcelona Activa, the entrepreneurship support centre of the city of Barcelona, was awarded the 2011 European Entrepreneurship Award as a model of entrepreneurship promotion and support.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006458/12

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Vielfältige Straßenbenützungsgebühren in der EU — Konsumentenschutz

Wer mit dem Auto in Urlaub fährt, muss viele Bestimmungen beachten, die teilweise stark von den Usancen im Heimatland abweichen. Die Straßenbenützungsgebühren und die Einhebung von Vignetten-, Maut‐ und Sondergebühren werden von den Ländern zum Teil sehr unterschiedlich geregelt. Einige Länder haben ein elektronisches Vignettensystem, andere heben die Gebühren an extra Mautstellen ein. So erleben die Urlauber, dass neben den teuren Spritkosten noch zusätzliche Ausgaben und oft auch „streckenbezogene“ Gebühren oder Sondermauten anfallen können, davor warnen gerade in den Urlaubszeiten die Autofahrerklubs und Konsumentenschützer.

Ab der österreichisch-italienischen Grenze bei Thörl-Maglern zahlt man beispielweise für eine Fahrt nach Rimini eine zusätzliche Streckenmaut von ca. 38 EUR pro Richtung. Auch Fahrten nach Split in Kroatien werden für die Konsumenten teuer. Im Vorjahr kostete die Autofahrt noch 28 EUR, mittlerweile wurden die Gebühren auf 30 EUR pro Strecke erhöht Auch die Zahlungsmodalitäten könnten unterschiedlicher nicht sein — nicht immer werden neben Bargeld auch Kreditkarten akzeptiert. In Frankreich muss bei einigen Stationen die Gebühr sogar bar in einen Behälter geworfen werden, das Wechselgeld bekommt man aber dort nicht zurück. Auch ist in manchen Städten, beispielsweise in London, die Einfahrt ins Zentrum gebührenpflichtig oder es gibt in großen deutschen Städten Umweltzonen. Daraus resultieren folgende Fragen:

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(27. Juli 2012)

1.Im EU-Recht sind keine Vorschriften für die Erhebung von Straßenbenutzungsentgelten für Personenkraftwagen vorgesehen. Damit steht es den Mitgliedstaaten frei, Regelungen für die Erhebung von Straßenbenutzungsentgelten einzuführen, sofern diese den Vertragsgrundsätzen der Nichtdiskriminierung und der Verhältnismäßigkeit genügen. Die Kommission möchte den Herrn Abgeordneten darauf hinweisen, dass sie in einer am 14. Mai angenommenen Mitteilung (KOM(2012)199) dargelegt hat, wie diese Grundsätze bei Vignettensystemen für leichte Personenkraftwagen anzuwenden sind. Zudem möchte sie den Herrn Abgeordneten auf die bevorstehende öffentliche Konsultation im Zusammenhang mit der Vorbereitung einer möglichen Initiative zu Straßenbenutzungsentgelten aufmerksam machen. Die Konsultation wird uns zu einer besseren Einschätzung verhelfen, wie sich nichtharmonisierte Regelungen für Straßenbenutzungsentgelte auf Verkehrsteilnehmer auswirken.

2.Wie von dem Herrn Abgeordneten erwähnt, stellen Kraftfahrerverbände Informationen über die Regelungen für Straßenbenutzungsentgelte in verschiedenen Ländern bereit. Kraftfahrer können Mauttarife auch direkt auf den Internetseiten der für die Mauterhebung zuständigen Stellen einsehen; oft werden die fälligen Straßenbenutzungsentgelte (Maut und Vignetten) zudem von Online-Routenplanern automatisch errechnet.

3.Im EU-Recht sind keine Vorschriften für Bußgelder vorgesehen, die in einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten für das Mautprellen oder das Fahren ohne Vignette verhängt werden. Derartige Bußgelder sollten den Vertragsgrundsätzen der Verhältnismäßigkeit und der Nichtdiskriminierung genügen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006458/12

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Numerous road usage charges in the EU — consumer protection

Anyone travelling on holiday by car needs to comply with a large number of rules and regulations, some of which differ significantly from the norms in their home country. Road usage charges and the levying of vignette fees, tolls and special charges are dealt with by the different Member States in widely different ways. Some countries operate an electronic vignette system, while others collect the fees at separate toll booths. This means that holidaymakers find that, on top of expensive fuel costs, they also need to pay additional fees and that ‘route-specific’ charges or special tolls may also arise; drivers’ associations and consumer protection agencies issue warnings about this, particularly around holiday times.

For example, from the border between Austria and Italy at Thörl-Maglern, an additional toll of approximately EUR 38 is payable each way on a car journey to Rimini. Driving to Split in Croatia is also an expensive business for the consumer. Last year this journey cost EUR 28. However, the charges on this route have now been increased to EUR 30 each way. Likewise, the payment arrangements differ greatly, as credit cards are not always accepted alongside cash. In France, some toll booths require the driver to throw the fee into a basket. However, no change is given. Also, in some cities, such as London, charges are payable before entering the city centre, while low-emission zones exist in large German cities. I ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 2012)

1.There is no EU legislation that specifies rules for charging passenger cars. Consequently, Member States are free to put in place road charging arrangements as long as the Treaty principles of non-discrimination and proportionality are respected. The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that it has explained how these principles apply in the case of vignettes for light passenger vehicles in a communication adopted on 14 May (COM(2012)199). The Commission would also like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member on the upcoming public consultation in the context of the preparation of a possible initiative on road charging. This consultation will help to better appreciate the impact of non-harmonised road charging schemes on road users.

2.As mentioned by the Honourable Member, drivers' associations provide information on road charging arrangmeents in different countries. Drivers can also check toll rates directly on the websites of toll chargers; the amounts of road charges (tolls and vignettes) are also often automatically calculated by the online route planning tools.

3.There is no EU legislation regulating the fines imposed in individual EU Member States for toll dodging or driving without a vignette. Such fines should respect the Treaty principles of proportionality and non-discrimination.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006459/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papastamkos (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Χρηματοδότηση των ελληνικών τραπεζών από την Ευρωπαϊκή Τράπεζα Επενδύσεων

Δύναται να με πληροφορήσει η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(13 Αυγούστου 2012)

Τα υφιστάμενα δάνεια της ΕΤΕπ για ΜΜΕ που έχουν ήδη υπογραφεί και εκταμιευθεί στην Ελλάδα έχουν διατεθεί πλήρως (δηλαδή τα χρήματα έχουν δοθεί στους τελικούς δικαιούχους/στις ΜΜΕ). Προκειμένου να ενισχυθεί η παροχή δανείων της ΕΤΕπ στην Ελλάδα, στα τέλη Μαΐου 2012 συγκροτήθηκε ταμείο εγγυήσεων ύψους 500 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ, με χρηματοδότηση από τα Διαρθρωτικά Ταμεία, το οποίο διατίθενται στην Ελλάδα με σκοπό να διευκολυνθεί η παροχή δανείων της ΕΤΕπ ύψους έως 1 δις ευρώ προς ελληνικές τράπεζες για τις ΜΜΕ, στο πλαίσιο του οποίου η πρώτη δόση των 500 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ εγκρίθηκε τον Ιούνιο από το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο της ΕΤΕπ. Σύμφωνα με την απόφαση που έλαβαν οι εθνικές και διεθνείς αρχές, πριν από την υπογραφή δανείων με δικαιούχους τράπεζες, οι τελευταίες οφείλουν να έχουν την ενδεδειγμένη κεφαλαιοποίηση σύμφωνα με τις απαιτήσεις της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδας και του Ελληνικού Ταμείου Χρηματοπιστωτικής Σταθερότητας.

Επιπλέον, την περίοδο 2011-12 εγκρίθηκαν/υπεγράφησαν δάνεια της ΕΤΕπ συνολικού ύψους 440 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ υπό την εγγύηση του Ελληνικού Δημοσίου, τα οποία όμως δεν έχουν εκταμιευθεί, επειδή εκκρεμεί η συμφωνία για ορισμένους όρους μεταξύ της ΕΤΕπ και των ελληνικών αρχών. Ειδικότερα, η ΕΤΕπ υπέγραψε τον Δεκέμβριο 2011 δύο συμβάσεις με την Εθνική Τράπεζα και την PCB για συνολικό ποσό 300 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ, για τις οποίες δεν έχουν ακόμη πραγματοποιηθεί οι εκταμιεύσεις, επειδή τελεί ακόμη υπό διαπραγμάτευση η συμφωνία εγγύησης του Δημοσίου.

Πέραν των ανωτέρω, η Επιτροπή συνεργάζεται στενά με την ΕΤΕπ για να αποδεσμεύσει μια σειρά άλλων χρηματοπιστωτικών μέσων που στηρίζονται από τα Διαρθρωτικά Ταμεία, τα οποία έχουν ως στόχο να προσφέρουν άκρως αναγκαίες πιστώσεις σε ελληνικές ΜΜΕ, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του JEREMIE, του Ταμείου Επιχειρηματικότητα ETEAN, και του ευρωπαϊκού μηχανισμού μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων Progress.

Συνολικά, η Επιτροπή, η ΕΤΕπ και οι ελληνικές αρχές εργάζονται από κοινού με εποικοδομητικό πνεύμα ώστε να πραγματοποιήσουν απτά βήματα προόδου σε όλα τα ανοικτά μέτωπα.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006459/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papastamkos (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Financing of Greek banks by the European Investment Bank

Can the Commission tell me:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

Existing EIB loans for SMEs already signed and disbursed in Greece have been fully allocated (i.e. the money has reached the final beneficiaries/SMEs). In order to strengthen EIB lending in Greece, a EUR 500 million guarantee fund was established at the end of May 2012 through funding from Structural Funds allocated to Greece with a view to facilitating EIB lending of up to EUR 1 billion to Greek Banks for SMEs, with the first tranche of EUR 500 million approved in June by EIB's Board of Directors. In line with the decision taken by national and international authorities, before signing loans with beneficiary banks, the latter must be appropriately capitalised in accordance with the requirements of the Bank of Greece and the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund.

In addition, EIB loans totalling EUR 440 million were approved/signed in 2011-12 under the Greek State guarantee but await disbursal, pending agreement of certain conditions between the EIB and the Greek authorities. In particular, EIB signed two contracts with NBG and PCB in December 2011 for a total of EUR 300 million, for which disbursements have not yet taken place, as the State Guarantee Agreement is still under negotiation

Further to the above, the Commission is working closely with the EIB to unblock a number of other financial instruments supported by Structural Funds, which aim to provide much needed credit to Greek SMEs, including JEREMIE, the ETEAN Entrepreneurship Fund, and the European Progress Microfinance Facility.

Overall, the Commission, the EIB and the Greek authorities are working together in a constructive spirit in order to make tangible progress on all open fronts.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006460/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Zugang zu Büchern für Menschen mit Sehbehinderungen

Kommissionsmitglied Barnier hat am 15. Februar 2012 versprochen, sich um ein Mandat zur Aushandlung eines rechtlich bindenden Vertrages mit der Weltorganisation für geistiges Eigentum zu bemühen, um den Zugang für Blinde und andere lesebehinderte Personen zu Büchern zu verbessern.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(14. August 2012)

Entsprechend der im Europäischen Parlament im Februar 2012 gegebenen Zusage nahm die Kommission am 8. Juni 2012 eine Empfehlung für einen Beschluss des Rates an, durch den die Kommission ermächtigt wird, im Rahmen der Weltorganisation für geistiges Eigentum ein internationales Übereinkommen über einen besseren Zugang zu Büchern für Menschen mit Lesebehinderung auszuhandeln.

Die Verhandlungen in den zuständigen Gremien des Rates werden im Herbst fortgesetzt. Die Kommission wird selbstverständlich alle erforderlichen Anstrengungen unternehmen, um eine Einigung zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten zu erleichtern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006460/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Access to books for visually impaired people

Commissioner Barnier promised on 15 February 2012 to seek a mandate to negotiate a binding treaty at the World Intellectual Property Organisation in order to improve access to books for blind and other print-disabled people.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

In accordance with the commitment made at the European Parliament in February 2012, the Commission adopted a recommendation for a Council decision authorising the Commission to negotiate and international agreement within the World Intellectual Property Organisation on improved access to books for print impaired persons on 8 June 2012.

The negotiations in the relevant Council bodies are to continue in the autumn. The Commission will of course make all efforts necessary to facilitate an agreement between the Member States.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006462/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Sprunghafter Anstieg der Arbeitslosenquote in Griechenland

Die Arbeitslosenquote in Griechenland hat eine Rekordhöhe erreicht. Offiziellen Angaben zufolge waren im ersten Quartal 2012 22,6 % arbeitslos. Wie das statistische Amt des Landes mitteilte, stieg die Quote infolge des starken Rückgangs der wirtschaftlichen Tätigkeit gegenüber dem vorangegangenen Dreimonatszeitraum um 22,6 %.

Seit Beginn der Arbeitslosenstatistik im Jahr 1998 ist dies der höchste Anstieg der Arbeitslosenquote in nur einem Quartal. Im ersten Quartal 2011 lag die Arbeitslosenquote noch bei 15,9 %.

Antwort von Herrn Andor im Namen der Kommission

(14. August 2012)

1 & 2. Im Juli 2011 hat Präsident Barroso die Taskforce für Griechenland eingesetzt, um die Unterstützung der Kommission für Griechenland dadurch auszubauen, dass die für die Schaffung von Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten unerlässlichen Mittel aus dem EU-Fonds im Bereich der Kohäsionspolitik wirksamer genutzt werden. Die Mitteilung der Kommission „Wachstum für Griechenland“ (56) enthält eine umfassende Agenda zur Ankurbelung des Wachstums und zum Abbau der Arbeitslosigkeit in diesem Land. Zielvorgaben sind etwa die Kontrolle über die öffentlichen Finanzen, die Verbesserung der Vergabe von Krediten an die Realwirtschaft durch Rekapitalisierung der Banken und Durchführung von Programmen zur Unterstützung von KMU, die Modernisierung der öffentlichen Verwaltung und die Verbesserung des Unternehmensumfelds sowie die Milderung der sozialen Auswirkungen der Krise.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006462/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Greece jobless rate soars

Greece’s jobless rate has soared to record figures. Data showed that 22.6% were out of work in the first quarter of 2012. That is a rise from 20.7% in the previous three-month period as economic activity slumped, the country’s statistics service announced.

It is the highest quarterly unemployment rate since figures were first published back in 1998. The jobless rate for the first quarter of 2011 was 15.9%.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

1 and 2. The Task Force for Greece was launched by President Barroso in July 2011, stepping up the Commission's support to Greece in making more effective use of EU cohesion policy funds, essential for the creation of job opportunities. The Commission's Communication ‘Growth for Greece’ (59) sets out a comprehensive agenda for restoring growth and reducing unemployment in Greece. This includes controlling public finances, improving credit flows to the real economy by recapitalising banks and implementing SME support schemes, modernising public administration and improving the business environment, as well as tackling the social consequences of the crisis.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006463/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Reform der EURES-Aktivitäten

In ihrem „Beschäftigungspaket“ schlägt die Kommission vor, EURES dahin gehend zu reformieren, dass auch die Privatwirtschaft einbezogen wird, und Anreize dafür zu schaffen, dass die im Rahmen öffentlich-privater Partnerschaften erbrachten Dienstleistungen besser werden. Diese Reform, die 2014 in Kraft treten wird, sieht auch vor, dass ein großer Teil der EURES-Aktivitäten durch ESF-Programme in den Mitgliedstaaten finanziert wird, wodurch sie gezielt auf die Bedürfnisse der einzelstaatlichen Arbeitsmärkte ausgerichtet werden können.

— Wie kann die Kommission für einen besseren Zugang zur Beschäftigung sorgen, insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Mobilität, und die Schwierigkeiten angehen, die bei der Besetzung von Stellen aufgrund der Mangels an geeigneten Bewerbern auftreten?

Antwort von Herrn Andor im Namen der Kommission

(17. August 2012)

Eines der Ziele der EURES-Reform ist es, das strukturelle Missverhältnis zwischen Arbeitskräfteangebot und ‐nachfrage durch Steigerung der Mobilität innerhalb der EU anzugehen. Aus diesem Grund wird EURES so umgestaltet, dass bestimmte Gruppen von Arbeitskräften mit hoher Bereitschaft zur Mobilität sowie Arbeitgeber unterstützt werden, die in ihrem Niederlassungsstaat nicht die von ihnen benötigten Arbeitskräfte finden. Das EURES-Netz wird auf neue Dienstleister ausgedehnt; damit erweitert es seine Zugriffsmöglichkeiten in Bezug auf den Stellenmarkt wie auch seinen Pool an geeigneten Kandidaten. Dadurch dürften mehr Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten leichter zugänglich werden, und die Arbeitgeber dürften mehr Unterstützung bei der Suche nach Arbeitskräften mit den geforderten Befähigungen und Qualifikationen erfahren.

Die Stärkung der Arbeitskräftemobilität innerhalb der EU im Rahmen von EURES reicht aber allein nicht aus, um einen besseren Abgleich von Angebot und Nachfrage auf dem Arbeitsmarkt zu erzielen. Aus-, Weiterbildungs‐ und Umschulungsmaßnahmen, die den Anforderungen des Arbeitsmarktes Rechnung tragen, sowie effiziente Arbeitsvermittlungen, die auch innerhalb der einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten dazu beitragen, dass Arbeitsuchende auf passende freie Stellen vermittelt werden, spielen hierbei eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Diese Investitionen in der gesamten EU werden aus dem Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) unterstützt.

Die Kommission hat für den Zeitraum 2014-2020 ein Gesamtmaßnahmenpaket für die künftige Kohäsionspolitik der Europäischen Union einschließlich einer neuen Verordnung über den Europäischen Sozialfonds (62) vorgeschlagen. Im Rahmen dieses Verordnungsvorschlags können aus dem ESF verschiedene Maßnahmen zur Beschäftigungsförderung und zur Steigerung der Arbeitskräftemobilität unterstützt werden, darunter lokale Beschäftigungsinitiativen und die Förderung der Mobilität der Arbeitskräfte, die Arbeitsuchenden und Nichterwerbstätigen einen besseren Zugang zur Beschäftigung bieten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006463/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Reform of EURES activities

In its ‘employment package’, the Commission proposes to reform EURES to include private operators and encourage a higher level of service delivery through public‐private partnerships. This reform, which will come into effect in 2014, also provides for a large proportion of EURES activities to be financed through the ESF programmes in the Member States, thereby enabling them to be tailored to national labour market needs.

— How can the Commission facilitate more effective access to employment, in particular in connection with mobility, and address difficulties in filling job vacancies owing to the lack of suitable candidates?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

One of the objectives of the EURES reform is to address the structural mismatch between the supply of and demand for labour by increasing intra-EU mobility. EURES will therefore be transformed to support both specific groups of workers with a high propensity for mobility and employers experiencing recruitment difficulties in their home territory. The EURES network will be opened to new providers, thereby increasing its outreach capacity on the job vacancy market and expanding the pool of suitable candidates. This should provide easier access to more employment opportunities and support employers in recruiting the talented and skilled workers they need.

However, greater intra-EU mobility facilitated by EURES is not the only measure to improve the matching process on the labour market. Education, training and re-skilling in line with the labour market needs, and well-functioning employment services that support the matching of jobseekers with vacancies also within Member States are all crucial in this respect. The European Social Fund (ESF) supports these investments across the EU.

For the period 2014-2020, the Commission proposed an overall legislative package for the Union's future cohesion policy, including a new ESF Regulation (63). Under the proposed regulation, the ESF can contribute to promoting employment and supporting labour mobility by several means, including local employment initiatives and support for labour mobility which will improve the access to employment of job-seekers and inactive people.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006464/12

al Consiglio

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Al-Qaeda addestra convertiti all'Islam per compiere nuovi attentati

Nel tardo giugno 2012 Associated Press ha riferito che, secondo almeno tre agenzie di sicurezza europee, un cittadino norvegese, convertitosi all’Islam e addestrato da al-Qaeda, starebbe aspettando ordini per compiere un attentato in occidente.

Le agenzie ritengono che l’uomo sia «operativo», il che significa che ha completato l'addestramento e che è in attesa di ricevere istruzioni sull’obiettivo da colpire. Associated Press ha affermato che tutte le agenzie hanno dato la notizia a condizione dell'anonimato, perché non erano autorizzate a trattare il caso pubblicamente. Il nome dell'interessato non è stato reso pubblico, non essendo stato accusato di alcun reato. L’uomo, sui trent'anni, non è un immigrante. Dopo essersi convertito all’Islam nel 2008 ed essere entrato a far parte delle frange più estremiste, si è recato in Yemen per essere addestrato come terrorista, dove sembra trovarsi tuttora. Gli ufficiali militari yemeniti hanno affermato che al-Qaeda starebbe addestrando cittadini europei nelle zone meridionali del paese.

Un portavoce del servizio di sicurezza norvegese PST ha dichiarato che, in base alle sue valutazioni, sarebbero «parecchi» gli estremisti islamici a essersi spostati dalla Norvegia in varie zone di conflitto per partecipare ai campi di addestramento. Ha inoltre affermato che i convertiti «possono godere di un livello di copertura diverso, soprattutto se non hanno nessun precedente penale».

Risposta

(8 ottobre 2012)

Non spetta al Consiglio pronunciarsi su articoli pubblicati dalla stampa.

Gli Stati membri e il Consiglio mantengono contatti regolari con gli altri partner per quanto riguarda la minaccia terroristica. Ad esempio, in seguito agli attacchi di Oslo del luglio dello scorso anno, i rappresentanti delle autorità norvegesi sono stati invitati ad assistere alle riunioni del Gruppo «Terrorismo» del Consiglio.

Il coordinamento tra gli Stati membri sulle questioni in materia di terrorismo viene effettuato nell'ambito dei competenti organi del Consiglio nonché nelle sedi bilaterali e multilaterali.

Per quanto riguarda la domanda dell'onorevole parlamentare relativa allo scambio d'informazioni tra Stati membri, il 2 dicembre 2010 il Consiglio ha adottato le conclusioni relative al meccanismo di condivisione delle informazioni sulle modifiche dei livelli nazionali di minaccia (64), invitando gli Stati membri a tenersi reciprocamente informati su qualunque modifica dei rispettivi livelli nazionali di minaccia, corrispondenti in caso ai livelli nazionali di allerta, con la massima sollecitudine, ricorrendo all'INTCEN come canale di comunicazione per divulgare ulteriormente tali informazioni agli altri 26 Stati membri dell'UE e ai pertinenti organi dell'UE.

Il 26 e 27 aprile 2012 il Consiglio ha adottato le conclusioni (65) sulla deradicalizzazione e sul disimpegno da attività terroristiche, invitando in particolare gli Stati membri ad adottare iniziative tese a rafforzare ulteriormente la cooperazione intersettoriale tra le autorità pubbliche a livello nazionale, regionale e locale affinché si promuovano strategie e azioni per dissuadere gli elementi radicalizzati dall'adottare la violenza e per incoraggiarli ad abbandonare le attività terroristiche; ad intensificare la cooperazione tra autorità pubbliche e soggetti privati in modo da sensibilizzare maggiormente all'interno dei gruppi radicalizzati le persone che hanno subito condanne per terrorismo o sono influenzate da elementi radicali; e a sviluppare metodi intesi ad aiutare le persone ad uscire da gruppi radicalizzati.

Gli Stati membri discutono regolarmente della minaccia terroristica nell'ambito dei competenti organi del Consiglio. Il problema degli europei che si recano nei «punti caldi» del terrorismo per esservi addestrati come terroristi è stato discusso in diverse occasioni e viene affrontato mediante i progetti e la cooperazione nel quadro della strategia antiterrorismo dell'Unione europea (66) la cui attuazione è oggetto di periodiche relazioni del coordinatore antiterrorismo dell'UE (67).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006464/12

to the Council

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Al-Qaeda training Muslim convert to launch attacks

In late June 2012, the Associated Press reported that at least three European security agencies believed that a Norwegian man, who had converted to Islam and been trained by al-Qaeda, was awaiting orders to carry out an attack in the West.

The agencies believe that the individual is ‘operational’, i.e. that he has completed training and is waiting to hear what his target will be. The AP said that all the agencies had spoken on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly. The man’s name has not been disclosed, since he has not been accused of a crime. He is in his 30s and does not come from an immigrant background. He converted to Islam in 2008 and subsequently became radicalised and travelled to Yemen to receive terrorist training. He is believed still to be there. Yemeni military officials say they have information on Europeans training with al-Qaeda in the southern part of the country.

A spokesman for the Norwegian PST security service said that, according to its own assessment, ‘several’ Islamic extremists had travelled from Norway to various conflict zones to attend training camps. He said that converts ‘will have a different level of cover, especially if they have no criminal record’.

Reply

(8 October 2012)

It is not for the Council to comment on articles appearing in the press.

Member States and the Council are in regular contact with other partners on the terrorist threat. For example, representatives from the Norwegian authorities were invited to the Council's Terrorism Working Party in the aftermath of the Oslo attacks in July last year.

The coordination between Member States on terrorism issues is carried out within the competent Council bodies as well as in bilateral and multilateral fora.

As regards the question of the Honourable Member concerning information exchange between Member States, the Council adopted conclusions on 2 December 2010 on the information-sharing mechanism on changes in the national threat level (68), requesting Member States to inform each other as soon as possible of any change in their national terrorism threat level, as reflected, where appropriate, by the national alert level, using as a communication channel IntCen, which would further disseminate this information to the other 26 EU Member States and relevant EU bodies.

On 26-27 April 2012, the Council adopted conclusions (69) on de-radicalisation and disengagement from terrorist activities, in particular inviting the Member States to take steps to further strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation among public authorities at the national, regional and local levels in order to promote strategies or efforts dissuading radicalised individuals from violence and encouraging them to abandon terrorist activities; to intensify cooperation between public authorities and private actors in order to increase awareness of individuals within radicalised groups who have been either convicted of terrorism or are being influenced by radicals; and to develop methods aimed at helping individuals exit radicalised groups.

Member States discuss the terrorist threat regularly in the competent Council bodies. The issue of Europeans travelling to terrorist hotspots to receive training has been discussed on several occasions and is addressed through projects and cooperation in the framework of the EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy (70) the implementation of which is the subject of regular reports by the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator (71).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006465/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Fusione di gruppi militanti in Africa

Il 25 giugno 2012 il capo del Comando militare americano in Africa, il generale dell’esercito Carter Ham, ha affermato che gruppi militanti stanno cercando di «coordinare e sincronizzare» le loro operazioni in Africa. Secondo il generale Ham, i gruppi più pericolosi attivi nel continente africano sono: al-Qaeda nel Maghreb islamico (AQMI), Boko Haram in Nigeria e al-Shabab in Somalia e nell'Africa orientale. Il loro obiettivo è di creare stati islamici nell'Africa settentrionale. Un analista della sicurezza operante a Washington ha osservato che la capacità di al-Qaeda nel Maghreb islamico di convogliare armi e addestrare gruppi locali come Boko Haram «rappresenta un'opportunità imperdibile per i gruppi terroristi locali».

In passato si è molto parlato dei legami tra al-Qaeda e gruppi jihadisti africani, senza però appurare con certezza se esisteva un collegamento diretto e operativo. Tuttavia, il capo di Boko Haram, Abubaker Shekau, ha di recente dichiarato che tali supposizioni sono vere e anche il governo nigeriano le condivide. Il generale Ham ritiene inoltre che AQMI stia condividendo esplosivi e denaro con Boko Haram.

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

(29 agosto 2012)

L’eventualità che tra AQIM, Boko Haram e al-Shabab si instauri un rapporto di coordinamento e cooperazione desta serie preoccupazioni e richiede un’attenzione costante. Benché distinti per piani e obiettivi, i tre gruppi potrebbero trarre reciproco vantaggio da tale cooperazione. Inoltre, la situazione ha acquisito una dimensione nuova e pericolosa poiché, in seguito alla perdita di controllo del governo malese sul Nord del paese, la regione settentrionale del Mali è divenuta un rifugio per estremisti e organizzazioni criminali.

L’UE lavora con le autorità di tutti i paesi coinvolti, sia intrattenendo un dialogo politico e sulla sicurezza che fornendo un sostegno concreto ed effettivo attraverso il FES e lo strumento per la stabilità. In qualità di copresidente del gruppo di lavoro sul Corno d’Africa del forum globale antiterrorismo, l’UE apporterà inoltre il proprio sostegno per la creazione di strutture regionali di lotta al terrorismo, concentrandosi principalmente sulla questione del finanziamento ai gruppi terroristici e sulla cooperazione in materia di applicazione della legge. La strategia dell’UE per la sicurezza e lo sviluppo nel Sahel, che mira a sostenere le iniziative intraprese dal paese, è ora in piena attuazione operativa, ivi comprese importanti misure concrete per affrontare le problematiche della sicurezza e dello sviluppo regionali. Sono altresì in corso due missioni PSDC dell’UE nel Corno d’Africa e nel Sahel (72).

Con l’attuazione e l’ulteriore sviluppo della strategia globale per il Sahel e del quadro strategico per il Corno d’Africa, l’UE porta avanti i lavori in materia di sviluppo e sicurezza e sostiene le iniziative intraprese dall’Africa per affrontare alla radice le cause dell’instabilità e dell’insicurezza in entrambe le regioni. Con quest’impostazione di ampio respiro, l’UE appoggia le attività svolte dalle organizzazioni regionali pertinenti e dell’Unione Africana al riguardo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006465/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Merging of militant groups in Africa

On June 25 2012, the head of the United States Africa Command, Army General Carter Ham, said that militant groups in Africa are seeking to ‘coordinate and synchronise’ their operations. He believes that the three most dangerous groups operating in Africa are: al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Boko Haram in Nigeria and al-Shabab in Somalia and East Africa. The three groups are intent on creating Islamic states across North Africa. One Washington-based security analyst noted that the ability of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb to funnel weapons and training to local militant groups such as Boko Haram has ‘created a witch’s brew of opportunities for local terrorist groups’.

In the past there were questions over the connections between al-Qaeda and African-based jihadist groups, but there was always uncertainty over whether there was a direct, operational link. However, the head of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has now declared that this is true, and the Nigerian Government supports the notion. In particular, General Ham believes that AQIM is probably sharing explosives and funds with Boko Haram.

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

(29 August 2012)

Possible coordination and cooperation between AQIM, Boko Haram and al-Shabab is a matter of serious concern in need of continued attention. The three groups' agendas and objectives are distinct but they all stand to gain from such cooperation. Following the Malian government's loss of control over the north of the country, the existence of a safe haven for extremists and organised criminals in the north of Mali adds a new and dangerous dimension to the situation.

The EU is working with the authorities in all the countries concerned, both in terms of political and security dialogue as well as concrete practical support through the EDF and the Instrument for Stability. In its capacity as co-chair of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum working group for the Horn of Africa, the EU will also help build regional counter-terrorism capacities, focusing on terrorist financing and law enforcement cooperation. The EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel, aiming at supporting the countries' efforts, is now fully in the process of operational implementation, including significant concrete measures to address regional security and development challenges. Moreover, there are two ongoing EU CSDP missions in the Horn of Africa and in the Sahel (73).

In implementing and further developing its comprehensive Sahel strategy and its Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, the EU is taking forward work spanning development and security challenges and supporting African efforts towards tackling the root causes of instability and insecurity in both regions. Through this comprehensive approach, the EU supports the efforts of the relevant regional organisations and the African Union.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-006468/12

to the Commission

Claude Moraes (S&D)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Safety at sporting events

In its communication entitled ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’ (COM(2011)0012), the Commission states that sport has an ‘overriding social dimension which greatly affects the EU’s overall interests’. It recognises the competences of the Member States in the area of the organisation of sports but also states that action at EU level can address challenges such as violence and intolerance linked to sporting events.

Given the outbreaks of violence that took place in Poland on 13 June during the Euro 2012 competition, can the Commission tell me and my constituents whether it intends to provide guidance or introduce measures in the area of the organisation of sport? Is the Commission intending to introduce measures to ensure that the organisation and promotion of major sporting events will henceforth be subject to safety inspections?

— Is the Commission taking violence at sporting events and expected safety standards into account where candidate countries for EU membership are concerned? There have been reports of violent outbreaks at sporting events in some candidate countries such as Turkey, which indicate that that they may not have the same standards as the EU countries to which European citizens travel.

Answer given by Mme Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2012)

The Commission has described the measures taken to ensure safety at sporting events in its reply to Written Questions E‐6284/2011 by Mr Nikolaos Salavrakos, E‐000591/2012 by Mr Bernd Lange and E‐009229/2011 by Ms Mara Bizzotto (74).

The Commission does not intend to introduce new measures to ensure that the organisation of major sporting events is subject to safety inspection. Member States and sport organisations like UEFA, in the case of EURO 2012, are responsible for safety inspections. In the frame of the Council of Europe ‘Convention on Spectator violence and misbehaviour at sport events’ safety and security arrangements are monitored by experts in Europe including non‐EU Member States.

Regarding safety and security standards in candidate countries for EU membership, the Commission would draw attention to the adoption of the 2012 Action plan implementing the 2011-2013 EU Work Programme on further measures designed to maximise safety and security in connection with sport events in April 2012. This plan includes an additional action on strengthening police cooperation with non‐EU countries in the area of sport events safety and security.

Finally, to develop cooperation with third countries, the Council adopted on 14 December 2011 Conclusions on strengthening police cooperation in the area of sport events and security.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006469/12

a la Comisión

Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

(27 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Negociaciones de adhesión Turquía-Unión Europea en el segundo semestre de 2012

Dada la actitud de las autoridades de Turquía de no reconocimiento de Chipre y teniendo en cuenta que este Estado Miembro ostentará la Presidencia del Consejo de la Unión Europea a partir del próximo 1 de julio, ¿cuáles serán, a juicio de la Comisión, las repercusiones de estos hechos en el desarrollo de las negociaciones de adhesión de Turquía a la Unión Europea y en la evolución de la llamada «nueva agenda positiva» durante el segundo semestre de 2012?

Respuesta del Sr. Füle en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de agosto de 2012)

La Comisión se propone seguir aplicando la agenda positiva con Turquía de la manera más constructiva posible, teniendo al mismo tiempo debidamente en cuenta las preocupaciones de los Estados miembros. Por otra parte, la Comisión remite a Su Señoría a su respuesta a las preguntas escritas E-005033/2012, P-006009/2012, E-006140/2012, E-005956/2012 y E-006223/2012 (75).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006469/12

to the Commission

Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Turkey-European Union accession negotiations in the second half of 2012

Given the Turkish authorities’ stance on non-recognition of Cyprus and considering that Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union beginning 1 July, what does the Commission think will be the impact of these events during the course of negotiations over Turkey’s accession to the European Union and during the development of the so-called ‘new positive agenda’ in the second half of 2012?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

The Commission intends to continue to implement the Positive Agenda with Turkey in the most constructive way possible, while taking due account of the concerns of the Member States. The Commission furthermore refers the Honourable Member to its answer to previous written questions E‐005033/2012, P‐006009/2012, E‐006140/2012, E‐005956/2012 and E‐006223/2012 (76).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006470/12

al Consejo

Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

(27 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Evolución de las relaciones Unión Europea-Turquía en el segundo semestre de 2012

A la vista de la actitud de las autoridades de Turquía de no reconocimiento de Chipre y teniendo en cuenta el hecho de que el citado Estado Miembro ostentará la Presidencia del Consejo de la Unión Europea a partir del próximo 1 de julio, ¿qué espera el Consejo de la evolución de las relaciones UE-Turquía durante el segundo semestre de este año?

Respuesta

(8 de octubre de 2012)

En lo que se refiere a las declaraciones de Turquía según las cuales va a congelar sus relaciones con la Presidencia del Consejo de la UE durante el segundo semestre de este año, se ruega a Su Señoría que se remita a la respuesta del Consejo a la pregunta escrita E-006139/2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006470/12

to the Council

Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Developments in EU-Turkey relations in the second half of 2012

Given the Turkish authorities’ stance on non-recognition of Cyprus and considering the fact that Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with effect from 1 July, what are the Council’s hopes for the trend in EU‐Turkey relations in the second half of this year?

Reply

(8 October 2012)

As regards Turkey's statements to the effect that it will freeze its relations with the Presidency of the Council of the EU during the second half of this year, the Honourable Member is invited to refer to the Council's reply to Written Question E‐006139/2012.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-006471/12

til Kommissionen

Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(27. juni 2012)

Om: Fremskydning af arbejdet med definition af hormonforstyrrende stoffer

Ny forskning fra Syddansk Universitet viser, at børn af kvindelige gartnere, som har været i kontakt med pesticider, der indeholder hormonforstyrrende stoffer, bliver påvirket af disse stoffer, på trods af at kvinderne er stoppet med at arbejde med pesticiderne tidligt i deres graviditet. Børnene bliver blandt andet påvirket på centralnervesystemet, mens nogle børn oplever højere fedtprocent og højere blodtryk som følge af giftstofferne.

EU‐kommissionen er forpligtet til senest ved udgangen af 2013 at præsentere en definition af »hormonforstyrrende stoffer«. Før denne definition er udarbejdet, er det ikke muligt for nationale myndigheder at forbyde pesticider på grund af deres hormonforstyrrende egenskaber.

I lyset af den nye viden fra Syddansk Universitet synes det hensigtsmæssigt, at EU‐kommissionen fremskynder sit arbejde med definitionen af hormonforstyrrende stoffer, så det bliver muligt at forbyde pesticider, der indeholder disse stoffer.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Janez Potočnik

(8. august 2012)

Kommissionen agter at medtage al relevant forskning vedrørende hormonforstyrrende stoffer i sit arbejde med at fastsætte en egnet definition af hormonforstyrrende stoffer.

Kommissionen vil snarest fastlægge en passende proces for definitionen. Processen vil blive drøftet med de relevante ad-hoc-grupper og inddrage medlemsstaterne og andre relevante parter.

Kommissionen agter at overholde sine retlige forpligtelser i henhold til forordning (EF) nr. 1107/2009 (77) (markedsføring af plantebeskyttelsesmidler) og inden udgangen af 2013 at forelægge foranstaltninger om specifikke kriterier til bestemmelse af hormonforstyrrende egenskaber. Spørgsmålet om et eventuelt dansk forbud er derfor ikke relevant.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006471/12

to the Commission

Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Developments in defining endocrine-disrupting chemicals

New research from the University of Southern Denmark shows that the children of female gardeners who have been in contact with pesticides containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals are being affected by these substances, despite the women having stopped working with the pesticides early in their pregnancy. Amongst other things, the children’s central nervous systems are being affected and some children have a higher body fat percentage and higher blood pressure due to the toxins.

The European Commission is due to present a definition of ‘endocrine-disrupting chemicals’ by the end of 2013 at the latest. Before this definition is presented, national authorities are unable to ban pesticides on the basis of their endocrine-disrupting properties.

In view of the new findings from the University of Southern Denmark, it is appropriate for the European Commission to develop its work to define endocrine-disrupting chemicals to make it possible to ban pesticides containing these substances.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

The Commission intends to take into account all relevant research on endocrine disruptors in an effort to arrive at a suitable definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

The Commission will determine in due course the definition process required. This process will be discussed with the relevant ad-hoc groups, involving the Member States and other relevant partners.

The Commission intends to fulfil its legal obligation under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (78) (Placing of Plant Protection Products on the Market) and to present by the end of 2013 measures concerning specific criteria for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties. The question of a possible Danish ban is therefore not relevant.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006472/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ευρωπαϊκή Κάρτα ασφάλισης ασθενείας για φοιτητές

Οι ευρωπαίοι πολίτες επωφελούνται από την ΕΚΑΑ με την οποία παρέχεται πρόσβαση σε ιατρικά αναγκαία κρατική περίθαλψη κατά την προσωρινή διαμονή τους σε ένα από τα 27 κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ, την Ισλανδία, το Λιχτενστάιν, τη Νορβηγία και την Ελβετία.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(9 Αυγούστου 2012)

Κατ’ αρχήν, οι φοιτητές οι οποίοι διαμένουν προσωρινά στη χώρα στην οποία σπουδάζουν θεωρείται ότι εξακολουθούν να διαμένουν και να είναι ασφαλισμένοι στη χώρα καταγωγής τους. Κατά συνέπεια, έχουν δικαίωμα στην αναγκαία ιατροφαρμακευτική περίθαλψη στην χώρα στην οποία σπουδάζουν υπό τις ίδιες προϋποθέσεις με τα άτομα που είναι ασφαλισμένα στην εν λόγω χώρα. Αυτό δεν σημαίνει μόνον ότι θα πρέπει να λαμβάνουν περίθαλψη με τους ίδιους όρους, αλλά και ότι θα πρέπει να καταβάλουν τυχόν έξοδα περίθαλψης που επιβαρύνουν τους ασθενείς. Η ευρωπαϊκή κάρτα ασφάλισης ασθένειας επιβεβαιώνει το δικαίωμα αυτό στην αναγκαία ιατροφαρμακευτική περίθαλψη στο πλαίσιο του δημόσιου συστήματος υγείας. Οι φοιτητές μπορούν να αποκτήσουν την εν λόγω κάρτα επικοινωνώντας με την αρμόδια αρχή στη χώρα καταγωγής όπου είναι ασφαλισμένοι.

Οι φοιτητές που δεν είναι ασφαλισμένοι στη χώρα καταγωγής τους θα πρέπει να επικοινωνήσουν με τον φορέα κοινωνικής ασφάλισης της χώρας στην οποία σπουδάζουν, ο οποίος θα αξιολογήσει την κατάσταση και θα αποφασίσει εάν οι φοιτητές μπορεί να θεωρηθεί ότι διαμένουν και είναι ασφαλισμένοι στη χώρα στην οποία σπουδάζουν.

Οι φοιτητές που εργάζονται κατά τη διάρκεια των σπουδών τους θεωρείται ότι είναι ασφαλισμένοι στη χώρα απασχόλησης. Αυτοί θα πρέπει συνεπώς να επικοινωνούν με τον φορέα κοινωνικής ασφάλισης της χώρας στην οποία είναι ασφαλισμένοι για να λάβουν περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με το δικαίωμά τους σε ιατροφαρμακευτική περίθαλψη.

Στην περίπτωση φοιτητών που διακινούνται στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος Erasmus, το τριτοβάθμιο ίδρυμα αποστολής έχει την υποχρέωση να ενημερώνει τους εξερχόμενους φοιτητές σχετικά με τις ρυθμίσεις όσον αφορά την ασφάλιση στην χώρα υποδοχής και να εξακριβώνει ότι έχουν επαρκή ασφαλιστική κάλυψη.

Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί συνεχώς την εφαρμογή του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 883/2004 (79) και του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 987/2009 (80).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006472/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: European Health Insurance Card for students

European citizens have EHIC cards which give them access to required medical attention, provided that they are residents of one of the 27 Member States of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2012)

As a matter of principle, students staying temporarily in the country where they pursue their studies are regarded as still residing and insured in their home country. They are therefore entitled to necessary healthcare in the country where they are studying on the same conditions as persons insured in that country. This not only means that they should be treated under the same conditions, but also that they will have to pay any patient fees that might apply. The European Health Insurance Card confirms this entitlement to necessary healthcare within the public healthcare system. A student can obtain the card by contacting the competent institution in the home country where they are insured.

A student who is not insured in their home country should contact the social security institution of the country where they are studying. The institution will then assess the situation and determine whether the student can be considered as residing and insured in the country where they are studying.

A student who is employed during their studies is regarded as insured in the country of employment. They should therefore contact the social security institution of the country where they are employed to find out more about their right to healthcare.

In the case of student mobility in the framework of the Erasmus programme, the sending higher education institution has the obligation to inform outgoing students about the arrangements regarding insurance in the host country and to verify that they have sufficient coverage.

The Commission is continuously monitoring the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (81) and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 (82).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006473/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παράνομη διακίνηση πληροφοριών πιστωτικών καρτών στην ΕΕ

Το φαινόμενο διακίνησης πληροφοριών πιστωτικών καρτών λαμβάνει σταδιακά μεγάλες διαστάσεις τόσο στις ΗΠΑ όσο και στην ΕΕ. Είναι χαρακτηριστικό πως στις ΗΠΑ, προκειμένου να συλληφθούν πρόσωπα που διακινούσαν σχετικές πληροφορίες, το FBI δημιούργησε ένα διαδικτυακό φόρουμ, στο οποίο οι χρήστες μπορούσαν να ανταλλάσσουν κλεμμένα στοιχεία για λογαριασμούς και πιστωτικές κάρτες. Αποκαλύφθηκαν δεκάδες πρόσωπα που παρανομούσαν αφαιρώντας ποσά εκατοντάδων εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων.

— Γνωρίζει η Επιτροπή την έκταση του φαινομένου στην ΕΕ;

— Σε επίπεδο συνεργασίας των αστυνομικών αρχών των κρατών μελών και της Europol επιχειρείται προσπάθεια αντιμετώπισης τους φαινομένου της παράνομης διακίνησης πιστωτικών καρτών;

— Υπάρχουν σε γνώση της Επιτροπής ενδεικτικά στοιχεία σχετικά με το ύψος των χρημάτων που διακινούνται από την σχετική παράνομη δράση στην ΕΕ;

Απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(29 Αυγούστου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για την αύξηση της απειλής κλοπής ταυτότητας ως εγκλήματος, του οποίου η παράνομη διακίνηση πληροφοριών πιστωτικών καρτών αποτελεί μόνο μια πτυχή. Όσον αφορά την ηλεκτρονική μόνο κλοπή ταυτότητας, μια πρόσφατη έρευνα του Ευρωβαρομέτρου (83) κατέδειξε ότι σε ολόκληρη την ΕΕ ποσοστό 8 % των χρηστών του Διαδικτύου έχει σχετική εμπειρία ή έχει υπάρξει θύμα κλοπής ταυτότητας. Αυτό έχει σημαντικό αντίκτυπο στις αντιλήψεις και τη συμπεριφορά των πολιτών, με αποτέλεσμα ποσοστό 61 % των χρηστών του Διαδικτύου να ανησυχεί για το φαινόμενο αυτό και ποσοστό 18 % να θεωρεί λιγότερο πιθανή την ηλεκτρονική αγορά αγαθών λόγω του φαινομένου αυτού.

Επίσης, στις 28 Μαρτίου 2012, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή εξέδωσε ανακοίνωση για το Ευρωπαϊκό Κέντρο για εγκλήματα στον κυβερνοχώρο (EC3), που θα ιδρυθεί στο πλαίσιο της Europol. Η λειτουργία του EC3 θα εξυπηρετεί τον καλύτερο συντονισμό της ροής πληροφοριών και της συνεργασίας και επομένως θα επιτρέπει την αποτελεσματικότερη απάντηση στις απειλές για εγκλήματα στον κυβερνοχώρο, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των απειλών σχετικά με την απάτη που αφορά κάρτες πληρωμής, το ηλεκτρονικό «ψάρεμα» και την κλοπή ταυτότητας.

Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή συμμετέχει στο φόρουμ «SecuRe Pay» (που αφορά την ασφάλεια των λιανικών πληρωμών) το οποίο δημιουργήθηκε από το «Ευρωσύστημα». Πρόκειται για εθελούσια συνεργασία μεταξύ των εποπτών και εποπτικών αρχών της ΕΕ για να αντιμετωπιστούν οι αδυναμίες και οι ελλείψεις στον τομέα της ασφάλειας πληρωμών. Η Επιτροπή και η Europol συμμετέχουν ως παρατηρητές.

Η οδηγία 2002/58/ΕΚ (84) υποχρεώνει τα κράτη μέλη να κατοχυρώνουν, μέσω της εθνικής νομοθεσίας, το απόρρητο των επικοινωνιών καθώς και των συναφών δεδομένων κίνησης και απαγορεύει τις αυτόκλητες εμπορικές κλήσεις (spam), που αποτελούν μία από τις κύριες μεθόδους του ηλεκτρονικού «ψαρέματος» και της επακόλουθης κλοπής πληροφοριών των καρτών πληρωμής. Επί του παρόντος, η Επιτροπή εκπονεί μελέτη για την κλοπή ταυτότητας και για τα πιθανά μέτρα αντιμετώπισης αυτού του ζητήματος.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006473/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Illegal trafficking in credit card information in the EU

The phenomenon of trafficking in credit card information is gradually assuming major proportions in the USA and the EU. In the USA, in order to arrest people trafficking in this type of information, the FBI created an online forum where users could exchange stolen information on accounts and credit cards. This brought to light dozens of persons who were stealing hundreds of millions of dollars.

— Is the Commission aware of the extent of this phenomenon in the EU?

— In terms of cooperation between Member States’ police authorities and Europol, are attempts being made to combat the phenomenon of the illegal trafficking in credit card information?

— To the Commission’s knowledge, are data available on the amount of money being stolen through this kind of illegal activity in the EU?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(29 August 2012)

The Commission is aware of the growing threat of identity theft as a crime, of which trafficking in credit card information is but one form. Considering solely identity theft online, a recent Eurobarometer survey (85) showed that across the EU 8% of Internet users have experienced or have been victims of identity theft. This has a considerable impact on citizen's perceptions and behaviour, with 61% of Internet users being concerned about it and 18% being less likely to buy goods online because of that.

On 28 March 2012, the European Commission also adopted a communication on a European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), to be established within Europol. EC3 will serve to better coordinate information flows and cooperation and thus to enable a more effective response to cybercrime threats, including those related to payment card fraud, phishing and identity theft.

Furthermore, the Commission is participating in the SecuRe Pay Forum (dealing with the security of retail payments) that has been set up by the Eurosystem. It is a voluntary cooperation between EU overseers and supervisors to address weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the field of payments security. The Commission and Europol participate as observers.

Directive 2002/58/EC (86) obliges EU Member States to ensure confidentiality of the communications and the related traffic data through national legislation and prohibits unsolicited commercial communications (spam), one of the main avenues for phishing and subsequent payment card information theft. The Commission is currently conducting a study on identity theft and on possible measures to address this issue.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006474/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Νοικοκυριά που αντιμετωπίζουν πρόβλημα πρόσβασης σε ρεύμα στην ΕΕ

Η οικονομική κρίση και η απώλεια θέσεων εργασίας έχει θέσει σε κίνδυνο αυτονόητες άλλοτε υπηρεσίες που απολαμβάνουν οι ευρωπαίοι πολίτες. Είναι χαρακτηριστικό πως στην Ελλάδα εκατοντάδες νοικοκυριά — λόγω οικονομικών δυσχερειών — δεν μπόρεσαν να ανταποκριθούν στην έκτακτη φορολόγηση ηλεκτροδοτούμενων επιφανειών, με αποτέλεσμα να κινδυνεύει να διακοπεί το ρεύμα στις οικίες τους. Από την άλλη πλευρά, η δραματική μείωση των οικογενειακών προϋπολογισμών καθιστά σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις σχεδόν αδύνατη την εξόφληση λογαριασμών για την παροχή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας.

Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει η Επιτροπή για το αν συλλέγει στοιχεία σχετικά με το ποσοστό των ευρωπαίων πολιτών που αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα για την κάλυψη των αναγκών τους στο στοιχειώδες αγαθό της ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας; Κατά πόσον διαπιστώνει επιδείνωση του ποσοστού αυτού στα κράτη μέλη που πλήττονται ιδιαίτερα από την οικονομική κρίση; Προβλέπεται να αναλάβει συγκεκριμένες πρωτοβουλίες και να υποβάλει συγκεκριμένες προτάσεις σε κράτη μέλη που τελούν υπό πρόγραμμα και έχουν ενταχθεί στο EFSF, προκειμένου να περιοριστεί ο αυξανόμενος αριθμός των νοικοκυριών που δεν έχουν πρόσβαση στο ηλεκτρικό ρεύμα;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Αυγούστου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή συλλέγει στοιχεία όσον αφορά τόσο το ποσοστό των νοικοκυριών που δεν μπορούν να θερμάνουν επαρκώς την οικία τους, όσο και το ποσοστό των νοικοκυριών που καθυστερούν να εξοφλήσουν λογαριασμούς επιχειρήσεων κοινής ωφέλειας (87).

Σύμφωνα με τα αριθμητικά αυτά στοιχεία, το ποσοστό των νοικοκυριών που δεν μπορούν να θερμάνουν επαρκώς την οικία τους αυξήθηκε, μεταξύ 2008 και 2010, στα ακόλουθα κράτη μέλη: Ιρλανδία, Εσθονία, Ισπανία, Λετονία, Λιθουανία και Μάλτα. Στην Ελλάδα, το ποσοστό έχει αυξηθεί σημαντικά όσον αφορά τον πληθυσμό που διαβιώνει με εισόδημα χαμηλότερο από το όριο της φτώχειας (από 29,9 % το 2008 σε 38,4 % το 2010), αλλά παρέμεινε σταθερό όσον αφορά τον πληθυσμό στο σύνολό του (15,4 %).

Το ποσοστό των ατόμων που καθυστερούν να εξοφλήσουν λογαριασμούς επιχειρήσεων κοινής ωφέλειας αυξήθηκε, μεταξύ 2008 και 2010, στα ακόλουθα κράτη μέλη: Κύπρος, Λετονία, Ουγγαρία, Σλοβενία, Σλοβακία, Ιρλανδία, Πολωνία, Εσθονία, Ισπανία και Πορτογαλία. Τα αριθμητικά στοιχεία για το 2011 αναμένεται να είναι διαθέσιμα εντός των προσεχών μηνών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006474/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Households having problems accessing electricity in the EU

The economic crisis and job losses have put services previously taken for granted by European citizens at risk. A factor of this phenomenon in Greece is that hundreds of households — due to economic difficulties — cannot pay the emergency tax on areas with access to electricity, with the result that the electricity supply to their homes may be cut off. Furthermore, the dramatic reduction in household incomes means that in some cases it is almost impossible for households to pay their electricity bills.

Can the Commission tell me whether it is collecting data on the percentage of European citizens with problems meeting their basic electricity needs? To what extent is the increase in this percentage in Member States badly affected by the economic crisis? Does it intend to take specific initiatives and make specific proposals to Member States that are implementing programmes and that have been included in the EFSF, in order to determine the increased number of households without electricity?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The Commission collects data on both the percentage of households unable to keep their home adequately warm and the percentage of households with arrears on utility bills (88).

According to these figures, the percentage of households unable to keep their home adequately warm between 2008 and 2010 has increased in the following Member States: Ireland, Estonia, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta. In Greece, the percentage has increased considerably among the population living with an income below the poverty threshold (from 29.9% in 2008 to 38.4% in 2010), but remained stable among the population as a whole (15.4%).

The percentage of people with arrears on utility bills between 2008 and 2010 has risen in the following Member States: Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ireland, Poland, Estonia, Spain and Portugal. Figures for 2011 should be available within the coming months.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006475/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας βασισμένων στις νέες τεχνολογίες

Με ανακοίνωσή της (Reference: IP/12/685) στις 26.6.2012, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή έκανε έκκληση για μια ευρωπαϊκή προσπάθεια προώθησης των βασικών τεχνολογιών γενικής εφαρμογής. Στην ανακοίνωση σημειώνεται πως η παγκόσμια αγορά βασικών τεχνολογιών γενικής εφαρμογής προβλέπεται να αυξηθεί από 646 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ σε περισσότερα από 1 τρισεκατομμύριο ευρώ μεταξύ 2008 και 2015 (αξία μεγαλύτερη του 8 % του ΑΕγχΠ της ΕΕ), η οποία θα συνοδευτεί από ταχεία αύξηση των θέσεων εργασίας.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Tajani εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(28 Αυγούστου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή έχει προσδιορίσει τις βασικές τεχνολογίες γενικής εφαρμογής (ΒΤΓΕ) ως μία από τις προτεραιότητες επενδύσεων για τη χρηματοδότηση της περιφερειακής καινοτομίας. Οι λιγότερο αναπτυγμένες περιφέρειες και εκείνες που πλήττονται από την κρίση μπορούν να χρησιμοποιήσουν τις ΒΤΓΕ για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της βιομηχανικής τους βάσης και για τη βελτίωση της ανταγωνιστικότητας για την επίτευξη ανάπτυξης και δημιουργίας νέων θέσεων απασχόλησης.

Η πολιτική για τις ΒΤΓΕ αποσκοπεί στην ενίσχυση της τεχνολογικής αριστείας στην Ευρώπη. Οι ΒΤΓΕ επελέγησαν ως προτεραιότητα στο ΕΤΠΑ (89). Οι ΒΤΓΕ θα συμπεριληφθούν επίσης στις στρατηγικές για έξυπνη εξειδίκευση, ώστε να εντοπιστεί εκείνο το κομμάτι της αγοράς στις περιφέρειες της ΕΕ που είναι πρόσφορο σε αλυσίδες αξίας και να κατανεμηθεί ανάλογα η χρηματοδότηση. Η έξυπνη εξειδίκευση είναι η εκ των προτέρων προϋπόθεση για το ΕΤΠΑ.

Λόγω του υψηλού επενδυτικού κόστους των σχεδίων ΒΤΓΕ, είναι σημαντικό να χρησιμοποιηθούν συνέργειες μεταξύ των κονδυλίων. Τα σχέδια μπορούν πλέον να χρηματοδοτούνται σε περισσότερα στάδια (90), από τα κονδύλια της ΕΕ (91) και τα εθνικά/ περιφερειακά κονδύλια.

Η Επιτροπή, προκειμένου να μετατρέψει το προβάδισμα της ΕΕ στη βασική Ε&Α σε αγαθά και υπηρεσίες, πρότεινε να προσανατολίσει τα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα της και το πρόγραμμα Horizon 2020 προς τις δραστηριότητες που σχετίζονται περισσότερο με την καινοτομία, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της υποστήριξης δοκιμαστικών γραμμών παραγωγής και σχεδίων επίδειξης. Τα κράτη μέλη και οι περιφέρειες θα πρέπει να πράξουν παρομοίως με την υλοποίηση στρατηγικών έξυπνης εξειδίκευσης και με ειδικές ενέργειες συνεργατικών σχηματισμών σχετικά με τις KET.

Στη συγκριτική μελέτη της Επιτροπής για την εθνική χρηματοδότηση σχεδίων στον τομέα των ΒΤΓΕ (92) τονίζεται ότι οι πολιτικές των κρατών μελών δεν υποστηρίζουν επαρκώς την ανάπτυξη της έρευνας και της τεχνολογίας σύμφωνα με τις ανάγκες της αγοράς. Οφείλουν να εξισορροπήσουν τη χρηματοδότηση δοκιμαστικών γραμμών παραγωγής/σχεδίων επίδειξης, ώστε να καταστεί δυνατή η μετατροπή της έρευνας σε προϊόντα. Οι ΒΤΓΕ τροφοδοτούν πολλές αλυσίδες αξίας. Τα προϊόντα που βασίζονται στις ΒΤΓΕ προσφέρουν συχνά μεγάλη προστιθέμενη αξία όταν ενσωματώνονται σε σύνθετα συστήματα. Αυτές οι παρεπόμενες εφαρμογές αποφέρουν μεγαλύτερη οικονομική ανάπτυξη και ανταγωνιστικότητα.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006475/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Job creation through new technologies

In its communication (Reference: IP/12/685) of 26 June 2012, the European Commission made an appeal for a European effort to boost key enabling technologies (KETs). The communication notes that the international market for KETs is expected to increase from EUR 646 billion to over EUR 1 trillion between 2008 and 2015 (more than 8% of the EU’s GDP), which will be accompanied by rapid job growth.

— Is there a group of proposals and plans that Member States which are badly affected by the economic crisis can use, with resources available for this purpose? Can the Commission see the danger that, due to the crisis, some Member States are falling behind in the effort to obtain EU investment in new technologies?

— According to the Commission, the EU is not translating its dominant position in basic R & D into the production of products and services required to boost growth and employment. What are its proposals for Member States to reverse this situation?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(28 August 2012)

The Commission has identified Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) as one of the investment priorities for regional innovation financing. Less developed regions and those affected by the crisis may use KETs to modernise the industrial base and improve competitiveness resulting in growth and jobs.

The KETs policy aims to reinforce technological excellence in Europe. KETs were singled out as a priority in the ERDF (93). KETs will also be included in the context of strategies for smart specialisation to identify a regions' niche in EU value chains and allocate funding. Smart specialisation is an ex-ante conditionality for the ERDF.

Given the high investment costs of KETs projects, it is essential to use synergies between funds. Projects can now be financed at more stages (94), from EU (95) and national/regional funds.

To translate the EU's lead in basic R & D into goods and services, the Commission proposed to adapt its instruments and Horizon 2020 towards more innovation related activities, including support for product pilot lines and demonstration projects. Member States and regions should proceed similarly with the implementation of smart specialisation strategies and the KETs cluster-specific actions.

The Commission benchmarking study for national funding KETs-related projects (96) highlighted that Member States in their policy measures did not sufficiently support research and technology development close to the market. They should rebalance funding to pilot lines/demonstrator projects to allow translation of research into products. KETs feed many value chains. KETs based products often provide great added value when integrated into complex systems. These subsequent applications result in greater economic growth and competitiveness.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006476/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Επιπτώσεις της κρίσης στις εργασίες μερικής απασχόλησης όπου εργάζονται οι νέοι

Σύμφωνα με στοιχεία της υπηρεσίας Cedefop, η οικονομική κρίση σε πολλά κράτη μέλη έχει επιτείνει το φαινόμενο της μερικής απασχόλησης και της υποαπασχόλησης στις νεαρές ηλικίες. Σημαντικότερο όμως στοιχείο αποτελεί το γεγονός, ότι οι περισσότεροι νέοι που υποαπασχολούνται δηλώνουν ότι επιθυμούν και είναι έτοιμοι ανά πάσα στιγμή να εργαστούν ως πλήρως απασχολούμενοι.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Αυγούστου 2012)

Παρ’ ό,τι, ως αποτέλεσμα της παρούσας κρίσης, ο αριθμός των ατόμων ηλικίας 15-24 ετών με μερική απασχόληση στην ΕΕ των 27 έχει μειωθεί (97), το ποσοστό της εργασίας μερικής απασχόλησης μεταξύ των νέων έχει στην πραγματικότητα αυξηθεί από 26,3 % το 2008 σε 29,7 % το 2011 (98).

Η υποαπασχόληση αφορά άτομα με μερική απασχόληση που επιθυμούν και είναι διαθέσιμα να εργαστούν περισσότερες ώρες. Η υποαπασχόληση σε άτομα 15-24 ετών στην ΕΕ των 27 αυξήθηκε από 1,324 εκατομμύρια άτομα το 2008 σε 1,504 εκατομμύρια το 2011. Η μεγαλύτερη αύξηση σημειώθηκε στο ΗΒ (99), την Ισπανία (100), την Πολωνία και την Ιρλανδία (101), ενώ η μεγαλύτερη μείωση σημειώθηκε στη Γερμανία (102).

Η ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής σχετικά με την πρωτοβουλία «Ευκαιρίες για τους νέους» (103) καλεί τα κράτη μέλη να αντιμετωπίσουν τα υψηλά ποσοστά ανεργίας των νέων με την αποτελεσματικότερη αξιοποίηση των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων της ΕΕ, ιδίως του ΕΚΤ. Σε αυτό περιλαμβάνεται και η αναδιάταξη των πόρων από τομείς χαμηλής απορρόφησης πόρων υπέρ μέτρων υποστήριξης της μετάβασης των νέων από την εκπαίδευση στην απασχόληση και των προσπαθειών τους για την εξεύρεση συμβάσεων αορίστου χρόνου. Ωστόσο, η ΕΕ δεν μπορεί να εξασφαλίσει ότι οι θέσεις εργασίας που δημιουργούνται χάρη στις επενδύσεις των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων είναι θέσεις εργασίας πλήρους πασχόλησης: αυτό δεν εξαρτάται μόνο από την επένδυση αλλά και από άλλους παράγοντες της αγοράς εργασίας.

Σε μια σειρά ειδικών ανά χώρα συστάσεων που εξέδωσε το Συμβούλιο τον Ιούλιο του 2012, ζητείται η τροποποίηση της εθνικής νομοθεσίας περί των συμβάσεων απασχόλησης, σε ορισμένα κράτη μέλη (104), με στόχο τη μείωση του κατακερματισμού της αγοράς εργασίας και, έτσι, τη μείωση των φραγμών όσον αφορά την πρόσβαση των νέων στην αγορά εργασίας.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η Επιτροπή δημοσίευσε επίσης μια πρώτη επισκόπηση των αποτελεσμάτων των εργασιών των «ομάδων δράσης» που έχουν σταλεί στα οκτώ κράτη μέλη με τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά ανεργίας στους νέους σύμφωνα με την πρωτοβουλία «Ευκαιρίες για τους νέους» (105).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006476/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Impact of the crisis on the part-time employment of youth

According to Cedefop data, the economic crisis has aggravated the phenomenon of part-time employment or underemployment of the youth in many Member States. The most telling fact of all is that most young people who are underemployed say that they want to and are ready at any time to take up full-time work.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

Although, as a result of the present crisis, the number of persons aged 15-24 who are employed part-time in the EU‐27 has decreased (106), the share of part-time work among young persons has actually increased from 26.3% in 2008 to 29.7% in 2011 (107).

Underemployment concerns people who are employed part-time, but who wish and are available to work more hours. Underemployment of people aged 15-24 has increased in the EU‐27 from 1 324 million persons in 2008 to 1 504 in 2011. This number increased the most in the UK (108), Spain (109), Poland and Ireland (110), and decreased the most in Germany (111).

The Commission’s communication on the Youth Opportunities Initiative (112) urges the Member States to address high youth unemployment rates by making more effective use of the EU Structural Funds, and in particular the ESF. This includes rechanneling funds from areas with lower uptake of funding to measures which support the transition of young people from education to employment and their efforts to find an open-ended contract. The EU cannot, however, ensure that jobs created thanks to structural funds' investments are full-time: this does not depend only on the investment but also on other labour market factors.

A number of country-specific recommendations adopted by the Council in July 2012 call for amendments to national legislation on employment contracts in some of the Member States (113), the aim being to reduce labour market segmentation and by this means also to reduce the barriers to young peoples' labour market access.

In this context the Commission has also published a first overview of the results of the work of the ‘action teams’ sent to the eight Member States with the highest youth unemployment rates pursuant to the Youth Opportunities Initiative. (114)

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006477/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Κατασκευή κοινωνικών κατοικιών στην Ελλάδα

Το πρόβλημα των αστέγων καθώς και των πολιτών που χρήζουν κοινωνικής προστασίας διογκώνεται σε πολλές ευρωπαϊκές χώρες που βρίσκονται αντιμέτωπες με πρωτοφανείς οικονομικές συνθήκες. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης (ΕΤΠΑ) και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο (ΕΚΤ) υποστηρίζουν δραστηριότητες για την προώθηση της κοινωνικής ενσωμάτωσης και της ένταξης των αστέγων στην αγορά εργασίας, ενώ το ΕΤΠΑ μπορεί να επενδύσει στην κατασκευή κοινωνικών κατοικιών.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(3 Αυγούστου 2012)

Η έλλειψη στέγης ως κοινωνικό πρόβλημα εξετάζεται από την Επιτροπή στο πλαίσιο της ευρωπαϊκής πλατφόρμας για την καταπολέμηση της φτώχειας.

Το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης συγχρηματοδοτεί στεγαστικές παρεμβάσεις υπέρ των περιθωριοποιημένων ομάδων του πληθυσμού στο πλαίσιο μιας ολοκληρωμένης προσέγγισης, η οποία περιλαμβάνει κυρίως ενέργειες στους τομείς της παιδείας, της υγείας, των κοινωνικών υποθέσεων, της απασχόλησης και της ασφάλειας και μέτρα εξάλειψης του διαχωρισμού. Οι ενέργειες αυτές μπορούν να συγχρηματοδοτηθούν και από άλλες πηγές χρηματοδότησης, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινωνικού Ταμείου για την προώθηση της ένταξης στην αγορά εργασίας των περιθωριοποιημένων ομάδων.

Ορισμένες χώρες, όπως η Βουλγαρία, η Ισπανία, η Ρουμανία, η Ελλάδα και η Ουγγαρία, διερευνούν τη δυνατότητα να αναπτύξουν δραστηριότητες και να χρηματοδοτήσουν μια σειρά πιλοτικών ολοκληρωμένων στεγαστικών παρεμβάσεων σε τοπικό ή περιφερειακό επίπεδο. Η Γαλλία προέβη σε τροποποίηση επιχειρησιακών προγραμμάτων έτσι ώστε να επιτραπούν παρεμβάσεις στον τομέα αυτό. Οι παρεμβάσεις αυτές απευθύνονται κατά κύριο λόγο, αλλά όχι αποκλειστικά, σε περιθωριοποιημένες κοινότητες Ρομά.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006477/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Construction of social housing in Greece

The problem of homelessness, together with that of citizens in need of social protection, is growing in many European countries faced with unprecedented economic difficulties. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) support initiatives to promote social inclusion and the integration of homeless people into the employment market, while the ERDF can invest in the construction of social housing.

— Has Greece made the Commission aware of the funding issue for social housing construction from structural funds? Have other Member States have made use of resources for this purpose?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(3 August 2012)

Homelessness is examined by the Commission in the framework of the European Platform against Poverty.

The European Regional Development Fund co-funds housing interventions in favour of marginalised groups of the population and as part of an integrated approach which includes, in particular actions in the fields of education, health, social affairs, employment and security and desegregation measures. These actions may be co-funded with other sources of funding, including the European Social Fund to promote labour market integration of marginalised groups.

A number of countries, including Bulgaria, Spain, Romania, Greece and Hungary, are exploring the possibility to set up operations and fund a number of local or regional pilot integrated housing interventions. France has proceeded to modify operational programmes to allow interventions in this field. These interventions are targeting principally, but not exclusively, Roma marginalised communities.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006478/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δια Βίου Μάθηση: Αρνητικές επιδόσεις στην προσπάθεια αύξησης της συμμετοχής του ποσοστού ενηλίκων με χαμηλό επίπεδο εκπαίδευσης

Σύμφωνα με τα στοιχεία της υπηρεσίας Cedefop, οι ηλικίες 25-64 ετών, πολιτών με χαμηλές δεξιότητες, είναι δυσκολότερο να συμμετέχουν σε προγράμματα δια βίου μάθησης. Το ποσοστό μάλιστα παραμένει στο 3,8 %, παρουσιάζοντας μηδενική μεταβολή από το 2008 και παρά τις προσπάθειες της Επιτροπής και των κρατών μελών να ενθαρρύνουν δράσεις σχετικές με την διά βίου μάθηση.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(3 Αυγούστου 2012)

Το έτος 2008 συμπίπτει με την έναρξη της χρηματοπιστωτικής κρίσης, εξ αιτίας της οποίας φυσικά πρόσωπα και εταιρείες είχαν λιγότερα κεφάλαια στη διάθεσή τους για την εκπαίδευση και την κατάρτιση. Το οξύ πρόβλημα της ανεργίας των νέων ανάγκασε την Ένωση και τα κράτη μέλη να επικεντρώσουν την προσοχή τους σ’ αυτό το τμήμα του πληθυσμού.

Η συμμετοχή ατόμων με χαμηλή ειδίκευση σε δράσεις δια βίου μάθησης εξακολουθεί να αποτελεί προτεραιότητα. Τον Νοέμβριο του 2011, το Συμβούλιο Υπουργών εξέδωσε ψήφισμα για μια ανανεωμένη ευρωπαϊκή αντζέντα για τη μάθηση ενηλίκων, στο οποίο καλούσε τα κράτη μέλη να δώσουν, με τη βοήθεια της Επιτροπής, ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα στη βελτίωση της παροχής κύκλων μαθημάτων στους πολυάριθμους ευρωπαίους με χαμηλή ειδίκευση, ξεκινώντας από τις βασικές δεξιότητες και προχωρώντας σε μεγαλύτερη εξειδίκευση για την απασχόληση και τη ζωή εν γένει. Οι προτεραιότητες για την περίδο 2012-14 εναρμονίστηκαν με τους στρατηγικούς στόχους στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης «ET2020».

Από την ετήσια έρευνα ανθρώπινου δυναμικού αντλούνται στοιχεία για τη συμμετοχή στη διά βίου μάθηση. Τα τελευταία αριθμητικά στοιχεία για το 2011, που δημοσίευσε η Eurostat στις 7 Ιουνίου 2012, δείχνουν ότι ενώ ο μέσος όρος της ΕΕ ήταν 8,9 %, στην Ελλάδα ήταν 2,4 %, βλέπε συνημμένο πίνακα στον οποίο διαπιστώνονται μεγάλες διακυμάνσεις μεταξύ χωρών (115).

2011 — Συμμετοχή στη διά βίου μάθηση στην EΕ-27, ηλικιακή ομάδα 25-64

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006478/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Lifelong learning: poor results of attempts to increase the percentage of adults with a low level of education participating in lifelong learning

According to data from Cedefop, it is more difficult for low-skilled persons aged 25‐64 to participate in lifelong learning programmes. The percentage remains at 3.8%, unchanged since 2008, despite efforts by the Commission and the Member States to promote initiatives connected with lifelong learning.

— Why have Commission initiatives, and those of the Member States, not produced results for this section of the population?

— What changes to its strategy does the Commission think are necessary to reverse the trend?

— Is it in a position to provide data on Greece’s situation in this matter compared to the other Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(3 August 2012)

2008 coincides with the start of the financial and economic crises, as a result of which individuals and companies have less funding at their disposal for education and training. The acute situation with regard to youth unemployment has meant that both at EU and national levels much attention has been concentrated on this segment of the population.

Participation of the low-skilled in lifelong training remains a priority. In November 2011, Ministers adopted a Council resolution on a renewed European Agenda for Adult Learning, asking Member States with the help of the Commission to pay particular attention to improving provision for the high number of low-skilled Europeans, starting with basic skills as a precursor to up-skilling for work and life in general. Priorities for 2012-14 are set in line with the strategic objectives of ET2020.

The annual Labour Force Survey is the source of data on participation in lifelong learning. The latest figues for 2011, released by Eurostat on 7 June 2012, show that while the EU average was 8.9%, in Greece it was 2.4%, see attached table showing large country variations (116).

2011 Participation in lifelong learning

in EU‐27, age group 25-64

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006480/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Zunahme des Menschenhandels zum Zweck der sexuellen Ausbeutung

Menschenhandel ist ein Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit, und doch nimmt er weltweit zu, nicht zuletzt in Europa. Die Opfer dieses furchtbaren Verbrechens sind in erster Linie junge Frauen und Mädchen, die zu sexuellen Zwecken wie Sklaven behandelt und ausgebeutet werden.

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(8. August 2012)

In der kürzlich verabschiedeten Strategie der EU zur Beseitigung des Menschenhandels 2012-2016 wird herausgestellt, dass der Menschenhandel die moderne Sklaverei ist. Menschenhändler passen ihre Methoden fortwährend an. Daher ist es wichtig, koordiniert und umfassend gegen den Menschenhandel vorzugehen. In der EU-Strategie verweist die Kommission auf den sich wandelnden Charakter dieses Problems, das bereichsübergreifend und unter Berücksichtigung der Geschlechterperspektive angegangen werden muss. Vorrang werden der Verbrechensprävention, der Strafverfolgung von Menschenhändlern, dem Schutz der Opfer sowie der Zusammenarbeit und der Koordinierung eingeräumt.

Aufgrund der Komplexität des Menschenhandels ist das gesamte Ausmaß dieses Phänomens schwer einzuschätzen. Vergleichbare und zuverlässige Daten sind jedoch sehr wichtig. Deshalb sieht die EU-Strategie konkrete Maßnahmen zur Erhebung von Daten vor. Im Herbst 2012 wird die Kommission in Zusammenarbeit mit Eurostat detaillierte Ergebnisse veröffentlichen.

Für die Kommission sind Schutz und Unterstützung der Opfer ein vorrangiges Anliegen. Dies spiegelt sich nicht nur in der kürzlich verabschiedeten Strategie wider, sondern auch in den Rechtsvorschriften, die der Kommission als Grundlage für die EU-Strategie dienten.

Die Richtlinie 2011/36/EU zur Verhütung und Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels ist vor allem auf den Schutz und die Unterstützung der Opfer ausgerichtet. Sie soll sicherstellen, dass die Menschenrechte der Opfer gewahrt und ihnen ein wirksamer Schutz und eine effiziente Unterstützung geboten werden; darüber hinaus ist eine breite Palette von Maßnahmen vorgesehen, die von der Rechtsberatung bis hin zur Vermeidung einer erneuten Traumatisierung, insbesondere in Gerichtsverfahren, reichen. Im Einzelnen tragen die Mitgliedstaaten dafür Sorge, dass die Opfer Zugang zu Zeugenschutzprogrammen oder vergleichbaren Maßnahmen haben sowie eine besondere Behandlung zur Verhinderung sekundärer Viktimisierung erhalten (117)  (118).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006480/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Sex trafficking on the rise

Human trafficking is a crime against humanity, yet it is on the rise globally, not least in Europe. The main victims of this appalling crime are young women and girls, enslaved and exploited for sex.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

The recently adopted EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 stresses that it is the slavery of our times. Traffickers constantly adapt their methods. Therefore, it is important to address human trafficking in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. In the EU Strategy, the Commission recognises the evolving character of this phenomenon and the need to address it in a multidisciplinary way, underpinned by a gender perspective. It prioritises the prevention of the crime, the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of the victims, cooperation and coordination.

Due to the complexity of trafficking in human beings, it is difficult to gauge its full extent. Comparable and reliable data is however very important. Hence, the EU Strategy foresees specific actions on data collection. In the autumn of 2012, the Commission, in cooperation with Eurostat, will publish detailed results.

The Commission views protection and assistance of victims as a priority. This is not only reflected in the recently adopted Strategy but also in legislation upon which the Commission based the EU Strategy.

The directive 2011/36/EU on trafficking has a strong focus on victim protection and support. In addition to guaranteeing the victim's human rights, effective protection and assistance, measures are stipulated covering a wide spectrum: from legal advice to avoidance of re-traumatisation, especially in court proceedings. More specifically, MS shall ensure amongst others that the victims receive access to witness protection programmes or other similar measures, as well as specific treatment aimed at preventing secondary victimisation (119)  (120).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006481/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Schulabbruch

Laut kürzlich von der Kommission veröffentlichten Zahlen verlassen in Griechenland 13,1 % der Schüler die Schule vorzeitig ohne Abschluss. Es ist darauf hinzuweisen, dass Griechenland im Rahmen der Strategie Europa 2020 dazu verpflichtet ist, diese Quote auf 10 % zu senken. In der Erklärung von Lissabon heißt es, dass die Schulabbrecherquote in allen bzw. den meisten Mitgliedstaaten der EU zu hoch ist; der EU-Durchschnitt beträgt 13,5 %.

Antwort von Frau Vassiliou im Namen der Kommission

(13. August 2012)

Die Europäische Kommission hat im Januar 2011 die Mitteilung „Bekämpfung des Schulabbruchs“ KOM(2011)18 angenommen, in der sie darlegt, wie sie die Ausarbeitung der Politikmaßnahmen in den Mitgliedstaaten unterstützen und einen gezielten Einsatz der EU-Mittel bei der Eindämmung vorzeitiger Schulabgänge gewährleisten will. Im Juni 2011 hat der Rat eine Empfehlung für politische Strategien zur Senkung der Schulabbrecherquote (121) angenommen, die die Grundlage für die Maßnahmen auf europäischer Ebene bildet. Darin wird betont, dass in umfassende, faktengestützte Politikmaßnahmen und insbesondere Präventions‐ und Interventionsmaßnahmen investiert werden muss. Im Anhang der Empfehlung ist der Rahmen für die Politikmaßnahmen abgesteckt; dort werden die wichtigsten und erfolgversprechendsten Maßnahmen zur Verringerung der Schulabbrecherquoten im Einzelnen beschrieben.

Zwar liegt die Verantwortung für die Gestaltung des Bildungssystems ausschließlich beim jeweiligen Mitgliedstaat, doch gewährt die Kommission den Mitgliedstaaten ihre Unterstützung, indem sie den Austausch von Erfahrungen und bewährten Verfahren auf EU-Ebene fördert. Die seit Dezember 2011 bestehende thematische Arbeitsgruppe zum Thema Schulabbruch erarbeitet Leitlinien, die Hilfestellung bei Folgendem geben sollen: Ausarbeitung und Umsetzung umfassender, faktengestützter Politikmaßnahmen zur Eindämmung des Schulabbruchs, Bekämpfung vorzeitiger Abgänge in der beruflichen Aus‐ und Weiterbildung, bessere Unterstützung von Lehrern und anderen Ausbildern, die gefährdete junge Menschen unterrichten, sowie wirksamere Einbindung von kommunalen Einrichtungen, Eltern und sonstigen Interessengruppen. Die ersten Ergebnisse soll die Gruppe Ende 2013 vorlegen. Griechenland wirkt an den Arbeiten dieser Gruppe mit.

Die Kommission beabsichtigt ferner, die Datenlage zum Schulabbruch in Europa zu verbessern, insbesondere im Bereich der beruflichen Aus‐ und Weiterbildung. Hierzu bewertet sie derzeit Qualität und Verfügbarkeit der vorhandenen Daten und Angaben. Gegebenenfalls werden zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt zielgerichtete Untersuchungen eingeleitet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006481/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Early school leaving

According to recent figures published by the Commission, 13.1% of students in Greece leave school before completing their studies. It should be noted that under the Europe 2020 strategy, Greece is committed to reducing this figure to 10%. The Lisbon Declaration states that there are too many early school leavers in all or most Member States of the EU; the European average is 13.5%.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

In January 2011, the European Commission adopted a communication on ‘Tackling Early School Leaving’ [COM(2011)18] outlining how the Commission intends to support policy developments in Member States and to ensure the targeted use of EU funding to combat early school leaving. The Council adopted in June 2011 a Council Recommendation on policies to reduce early school leaving (122) which forms the basis of activities at European level. It underlines the need to invest in evidence-based and comprehensive policies and especially in prevention and intervention measures; a policy framework annexed to the recommendation provides further detail on the most relevant and successful measures to reduce ESL.

While Member States are solely responsible for the organisation of their education systems, the Commission supports them by promoting the exchange of experiences and good practices at EU level. The Thematic Working Group on early school leaving, set up in December 2011, is working on policy guidelines for developing and implementing evidence-based and comprehensive policies to tackle early school leaving, addressing early school leaving in vocational education and training, improving support for teachers and other professionals dealing with young people at risk, and involving local communities, parents and other stakeholders more effectively. First results will be available by end 2013; Greece is represented in this group.

The Commission also intends to improve the knowledge base on early school leaving processes in Europe, especially in the area of vocational education and training. Currently the Commission is assessing the quality and availability of existing data and information; targeted studies in this area might follow.

(Leagan Gaeilge)

Ceist i gcomhair freagra scríofa E-006482/12

chuig an gCoimisiún

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(27 Meitheamh 2012)

Ábhar: Staitisticí ar Bhochtaineacht Leanaí

Dé réir ‘cárta tuairisce’ a d’fhoilsigh Unicef le déanaí, tá 13 mhilliún páiste san Aontas Eorpach, san Iorua agus san Íoslainn nach bhfuil bunábhair na forbartha ar fáil dóibh. Bronnadh an ‘drochthuairisc’ sin tamall gairid roimh fhoilsiú mholadh deiridh an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh maidir le bochtaineacht leanaí agus le leas leanaí.

Meastar nach bhfuil a dhóthain eolais nó a dhóthain staitisticí á mbailiú le scrúdú ceart a dhéanamh ar cheist na bochtaineachta leanaí. Ní mór go mbeadh eolas suas chun dáta ar bhochtaineacht leanaí ar fáil chun bearta cuí a chur i bhfeidhm le leanaí a chosaint.

Freagra ón gCoimisinéir Šemeta thar ceann an Choimisiúin

(16 Lúnasa 2012)

Tá an Coimisiún (Eurostat) ag cur sonraí ar fáil maidir le bochtaineacht leanaí, sonraí atáthar a bhaint as na Staitisticí maidir le hIoncam agus Dálaí Maireachtála (EU-SILC). De réir Airteagal 10(2) de Rialachán (CE) Uimh. 1117/2003 ó Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus ón gComhairle maidir le EU-SILC, ní mór na micreashonraí a bhaineann leis an gcomhpháirt thrasghearrthach a chur chuig an gCoimisiún (Eurostat) faoin 30 Samhain de bhliain N + 1 ar a dhéanaí. Dá thoradh sin bíonn sonraí SILC a thagraíonn do bhliain tagartha N (ioncam bhliain N — 1) ar fáil agus craobhscaoileann an Coimisiún (Eurostat) iad roimh dheireadh bhliain N + 1.

I gcomhthéacs an athbhreithnithe lár téarma ar an mórsprioc AE 2020 maidir le cuimsiú sóisialta in 2015, táthar ag díriú ar na bearta maidir le díth ábhartha a fheabhsú. Chuige sin, leis an dréachtmhodúl ad hoc SILC, 2014, atá á ullmhú faoi láthair ag Eurostat, táthar ag súil go mbaileofar trí cinn déag d’athróga díthe ábhartha a bhaineann le leanaí. Tá sé beartaithe freisin go bhféadfadh na Ballstáit na hathróga sin de chuid SILC a bhailiú in 2013 ar bhonn deonach. Ba cheart a thabhairt faoi deara nach gcuirtear agallamh ar na leanaí féin sa suirbhé a bhaineann le Staitisticí maidir le hIoncam agus Dálaí Maireachtála; bailítear an fhaisnéis ar a ndálaí trí cheisteanna sainiúla a chur ar na daoine fásta sa teaghlach.

De réir Airteagal 13(1) den Rialachán thuasluaite, gheobhaidh gach Ballstát ranníocaíocht airgeadais ón AE le linn na gceithre bliana tosaigh den bhailiú sonraí chun cuid de chostas na hoibre a íoc. Ní dhearnadh foráil maidir le haon mhaoiniú eile ar leibhéal an AE le haghaidh bailiú staitisticí maidir le bochtaineacht agus eisiamh sóisialta go ginearálta, ná maidir le bochtaineacht leanaí go háirithe.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006482/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(27 June 2012)

Subject: Statistics on child poverty

According to a report card published recently by Unicef, 13 million children in the European Union, Norway and Iceland are without the basic items necessary for their development. That unfavourable report was submitted shortly before the publication of the last European Commission report on child poverty and child welfare.

It is thought that not enough information or enough statistics are being collected to properly examine the issue of child poverty. Up-to-date information on child poverty must be made available to put in place appropriate measures for child protection.

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The Commission (Eurostat) is providing data on child poverty from the Statistics on Income and Living Condition (EU‐SILC). According to Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1177/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the EU‐SILC, micro-data for the cross-sectional component referring to reference year N shall be transmitted to the Commission (Eurostat) by the 30 November N+1 at the latest. As a consequence, SILC data referring to reference year N (income of year N-1) are available and disseminated by the Commission (Eurostat) before the end of year N+1.

In the context of the mid‐term review of the EU2020 headline target on social inclusion in 2015, improved measures of material deprivation are aimed at. For this purpose, the draft 2014 SILC ad hoc module currently being prepared by Eurostat is expected to collect, inter alia, 13 material deprivation variables dedicated to children. It is also envisaged that Member States could collect these variables in SILC in 2013 on a voluntary basis. It should be noted that in the SILC survey children are not directly interviewed but the information on their situation is gathered by dedicated questions to the adults of their household.

According to Article 13(1) of the above Regulation, for the first four years of data collection each Member State receives a financial contribution from the EU towards the cost of the work involved. No other funding is foreseen at EU level for the collection of statistics on poverty and social exclusion in general and child poverty in particular.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006483/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Igualdad y no discriminación en la Unión Europea

Diversos estudios realizados en el Estado español y documentación publicada en todo el mundo (123) sobre el respeto a la diversidad de las personas, ponen de manifiesto que el comportamiento social en el Estado español y en Europa (extendido también más allá de la UE) suele estar cargado de prejuicios hacia la diversidad que se refleja en actitudes como el racismo, la xenofobia, el machismo, la violencia de género, el bullying, la homofobia, etc., que llevan a actitudes de menosprecio hacia la persona. Tanto desde las instituciones, como desde la sociedad y los centros educativos (124), se reclama la revisión de este tipo de actitudes para favorecer el cambio social hacia la aceptación plena de la diversidad de las personas. Todos los expertos en estos temas coinciden en que la solución pasa por tratar estos temas desde las escuelas y las familias.

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(17 de agosto de 2012)

La Comisión Europea es consciente de que el comportamiento social tiende a estar cargado de prejuicios contra la diversidad y condena firmemente todas las manifestaciones de discriminación, racismo, homofobia, sexismo y xenofobia, ya que estos fenómenos son incompatibles con los valores y principios en los que se basa la Unión Europea y con el artículo 21 de la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea.

Dentro de los límites de sus competencias, la Comisión está plenamente comprometida con este esfuerzo mediante la integración de la no discriminación en todas sus políticas, incluida la educación, y a través de campañas de sensibilización para luchar contra los estereotipos (125). Resultan indispensables políticas nacionales adecuadas de lucha contra los prejuicios, tanto en las escuelas como a todos los niveles de la sociedad, con el fin de mejorar la aceptación de la diversidad por los ciudadanos.

La Comisión ayuda financieramente a las autoridades nacionales y a la sociedad civil para luchar contra la discriminación a través del programa Progress y apoya distintas iniciativas para fomentar la diversidad y los valores europeos en los centros de enseñanza (126).

El Marco Europeo de Competencias Clave (127) describe las ocho competencias imprescindibles que todos los ciudadanos europeos necesitan para su realización y desarrollo personales, así como para una ciudadanía activa, la integración social y el empleo. Entre las «competencias sociales y cívicas» se incluyen las personales, interpersonales e interculturales que permiten a las personas participar plenamente en la vida cívica en sociedades cada vez más diversificadas, lo que comprende la igualdad de sexos, la no discriminación y la tolerancia. Para contribuir a promover el aprendizaje de estas competencias, la Comisión financia la Red europea sobre competencias clave en la enseñanza escolar (KeyCoNet en sus siglas inglesas) (128).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006483/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Equality and non-discrimination in the European Union

Various studies carried out in Spain and documentation published throughout the world (129) on respect for human diversity show that social behaviour in Spain and in Europe (and beyond the EU) tends to be laden with prejudices against diversity. This is reflected in attitudes such as racism, xenophobia, sexism, gender violence, bullying, homophobia, etc., which lead to contempt towards others. Institutions, society and educational centres (130) are all calling for a shift in attitudes to make way for social changes leading to full acceptance of human diversity. All the experts in these fields agree that the solution is to address these issues within schools and families.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

The European Commission is aware that social behaviour tends to be laden with prejudices against diversity and strongly condemns all manifestations of discrimination, racism, homophobia, sexism and xenophobia, as these phenomena are incompatible with the values and principles on which the European Union is based and with Article 21 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The Commission is fully committed within the boundaries of its competences to this endeavour by mainstreaming non-discrimination in all its policies, including education, and through awareness raising campaigns to fight against stereotypes (131). Adequate policies at national level combating prejudices both at schools and at all levels of society are key to improve diversity acceptance rates of citizens.

The Commission provides financial support to national authorities and civil society to combat discrimination through PROGRESS programme and supports several initiatives to foster diversity and promote European values at schools (132).

The European Framework of Key Competences (133) describes the eight key competences that all European citizens need for personal fulfilment and development, active citizenship, social inclusion and employment. The ‘social and civic competence’ includes the personal, interpersonal and intercultural competences that enable individuals to participate fully in civic life in increasingly diverse societies, including gender equality, non-discrimination and tolerance. To help promote the learning of these competences, the Commission funds the European policy network on key competences in school education (KeyCoNet) (134).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006484/12

προς το Συμβούλιο

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(28 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Άμβλυνση των μακροοικονομικών ανισορροπιών στην Ευρώπη

Στις 18.6.2012, το Διεθνές Νομισματικό Ταμείο δημοσίευσε «Σημείωμα για Συζήτηση» (135) με θέμα «Ενθάρρυνση της ανάπτυξης στην Ευρώπη τώρα», στο οποίο και αναφέρεται πως τα κράτη-μέλη της νότιας Ευρώπης χρειάζονται περιορισμό των ονομαστικών μισθών, ενώ τα κράτη της βόρειας Ευρώπης θα πρέπει να επιτρέψουν την αύξηση των μισθών σύμφωνα με την παραγωγικότητα και τις εξελίξεις στην αγορά. Παράλληλα τονίζεται πως το μοντέλο ανάλυσης του ΔΝΤ για τη νομισματική και δημοσιονομική πολιτική (GIMF) αποδεικνύει πως τα νότια κράτη θα επωφελούνταν περισσότερο από την υλοποίηση μεταρρυθμίσεων στα βόρεια κράτη-μέλη από ό,τι αντιστρόφως. Επιπρόσθετα, ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής κ. Ρεν, σε ομιλία (136) του στις 15.6.2012, δήλωσε πως οι πλεονασματικές οικονομίες μπορούν να συμβάλουν στην άμβλυνση των ανισορροπιών μέσω της κατάργησης μη αναγκαίων ρυθμιστικών περιορισμών για την εσωτερική ζήτηση και, φέροντας ως παράδειγμα τη Γερμανία, ενθάρρυνε την αύξηση μισθών σύμφωνα με την παραγωγικότητα, η οποία και θα βοηθούσε την εσωτερική ζήτηση.

Δεδομένων των παραπάνω θέσεων ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:

Απάντηση

(8 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Σύμφωνα με τον κανονισμό (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1176/2011 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου της 16ης Νοεμβρίου 2011, σχετικά με την πρόληψη και τη διόρθωση των μακροοικονομικών ανισορροπιών (137) και βασιζόμενη σε πίνακες αποτελεσμάτων, η Επιτροπή δημοσιεύει ετήσια έκθεση με θέμα το μηχανισμό επαγρύπνησης.

Στην έκθεση με θέμα το μηχανισμό επαγρύπνησης που δημοσιεύθηκε στις 14 Φεβρουαρίου 2012, η Επιτροπή αναφέρει ότι σε 12 κράτη έχουν ενδεχομένως σημειωθεί μακροοικονομικές ανισορροπίες.

Στα πλαίσια του Ευρωπαϊκού Εξαμήνου, η Επιτροπή πραγματοποίησε εις βάθος ανάλυση σχετικά με τα κράτη που αναφέρονται στην έκθεση και, σύμφωνα με το προληπτικό σκέλος της διαδικασίας, συνέταξε συστάσεις για τη διόρθωση των εντοπισθεισών ανισορροπιών. Οι ανισορροπίες εντοπίσθηκαν στους τομείς της εξωτερικής ανταγωνιστικότητας, του χρέους (χρέος των νοικοκυριών, χρέος του ιδιωτικού τομέα ή δημόσιο χρέος) και στη σταθερότητα του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα.

Στις 10 Ιουλίου 2012, το Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε συστάσεις προς κάθε κράτος μέλος σχετικά με τις οικονομικές πολιτικές που καθορίζονται στα εθνικά μεταρρυθμιστικά τους προγράμματα, γνώμες σχετικά με τις φορολογικές πολιτικές που καθορίζονται στα προγράμματα σταθερότητας και σύγκλισης των κρατών μελών, καθώς και ειδική σύσταση σχετικά με τις οικονομικές πολιτικές των κρατών μελών της ευρωζώνης. Οι δώδεκα από τις 27 ανά χώρα συστάσεις καταγράφουν τους κίνδυνους που απορρέουν από τις υπερβολικές μακροοικονομικές ανισορροπίες και προτείνουν δράσεις για τον έγκαιρο εντοπισμό και την πρόληψή τους. Οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής θα παρακολουθούν εκ του σύνεγγυς και σε συνεχή βάση την εφαρμογή των συστάσεων

Όσον αφορά τις ποσοτικές εκτιμήσεις, η Επιτροπή διεξάγει οικονομικές αναλύσεις, τόσο για τα κράτη μέλη όσο και για την ΕΕ συνολικά, προκειμένου οι πολιτικές για την αποκατάσταση της ισορροπίας να αποβούν προς όφελος ολόκληρης της ΕΕ. Κατόπιν της υποβολής τους από την Επιτροπή, το Συμβούλιο είναι πρόθυμο να τις θέσει υπό συζήτηση.

Το Συμβούλιο δεν έχει συζητήσει ειδικότερα συστάσεις εκδοθείσες από το Διεθνές Νομισματικό Ταμείο αλλά μπορεί να λάβει υπόψη τις απόψεις και τα συμπεράσματά του. Πρέπει επίσης να σημειωθεί ότι το προαναφερόμενο υπηρεσιακό σημείωμα του ΔΝΤ για συζήτηση αντιπροσωπεύει τις απόψεις των συντακτών του και όχι αναγκαστικά τις απόψεις του ΔΝΤ ή την πολιτική του ΔΝΤ. Τα υπηρεσιακά σημειώματα του ΔΝΤ για συζήτηση δημοσιεύονται με σκοπό να προκαλέσουν σχόλια και περαιτέρω συζητήσεις.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006484/12

to the Council

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Macroeconomic rebalancing in Europe

On 18 June 2012 the International Monetary Fund published a ‘Discussion Note’ (138) on ‘Fostering Growth in Europe Now’, which states that the southern European Member States need nominal wage restraint, while northern European Member States should let wages rise in line with productivity and market developments. It also highlights that the IMF’s Global Integrated Monetary and Fiscal Model shows that the southern Member States would gain more from reforms in the northern countries than vice-versa. Moreover, in a speech (139) given on 15 June 2012, Mr Rehn, the Vice-President of the European Commission, stated that surplus economies can contribute to rebalancing by removing unnecessary regulatory constraints on domestic demand and, citing the example of Germany, encouraged wage increases in line with productivity which would help domestic demand.

In view of this:

Reply

(8 October 2012)

Pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, of the European Parliament and Council, of 16 November 2011, on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (140), the Commission publishes an annual Alert Mechanism Report, based on scoreboard indicators.

On 14 February 2012, the Commission published the Alert Mechanism Report, which identified 12 countries that may have been affected by macroeconomic imbalances.

In the context of the European Semester, the Commission subsequently conducted an in-depth analysis of the countries specified in the report, which gave rise to recommendations to correct the identified imbalances under the preventive arm of the procedure. The imbalances were identified in the areas of external competitiveness, indebtedness (households’ indebtedness, private sector’s or public debt) and stability of financial sector.

On 10 July 2012, the Council adopted recommendations to each Member State on the economic policies set out in their national reform programmes, opinions on the fiscal policies set out in the member states' stability and convergence programmes and a specific recommendation on the economic policies of the Member States of the eurozone. Among the 27 country-specific recommendations, twelve identified risks related to excessive macroeconomic imbalances and proposed actions to be taken to allow early identification and prevention of excessive imbalances.The implementation of the recommendations will be monitored closely and on an ongoing basis by the Commission services.

As regards quantitative assessments, the Commission carries out economic analyses of Member States and the EU as a whole regarding how rebalancing policies will benefit the EU as a whole. The Council is open to discussing them, whenever they are submitted to it by the Commission.

The Council has not discussed specifically recommendations made by the International Monetary Fund but it may take its views and conclusions into consideration. It should be also noted that the aforementioned IMF’s Staff Discussion Note represents the views of its authors and does not necessarily represent IMF views or IMF policy. IMF’s Staff Discussion Notes are published to elicit comments and to further debate.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006485/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(28 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Άμβλυνση των μακροοικονομικών ανισορροπιών στην Ευρώπη

Στις 18.6.2012, το Διεθνές Νομισματικό Ταμείο δημοσίευσε «Σημείωμα για Συζήτηση» (141) με θέμα «Ενθάρρυνση της ανάπτυξης στην Ευρώπη τώρα», στο οποίο και αναφέρεται πως τα κράτη-μέλη της νότιας Ευρώπης χρειάζονται περιορισμό των ονομαστικών μισθών, ενώ τα κράτη της βόρειας Ευρώπης θα πρέπει να επιτρέψουν την αύξηση των μισθών σύμφωνα με την παραγωγικότητα και τις εξελίξεις στην αγορά. Παράλληλα τονίζεται πως το μοντέλο ανάλυσης του ΔΝΤ για τη νομισματική και δημοσιονομική πολιτική (GIMF) αποδεικνύει πως τα νότια κράτη θα επωφελούνταν περισσότερο από την υλοποίηση μεταρρυθμίσεων στα βόρεια κράτη-μέλη από ό,τι αντιστρόφως. Επιπρόσθετα, ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής κ. Ρεν, σε ομιλία (142) του στις 15.6.2012, δήλωσε πως οι πλεονασματικές οικονομίες μπορούν να συμβάλουν στην άμβλυνση των ανισορροπιών μέσω της κατάργησης μη αναγκαίων ρυθμιστικών περιορισμών για την εσωτερική ζήτηση και, φέροντας ως παράδειγμα τη Γερμανία, ενθάρρυνε την αύξηση μισθών σύμφωνα με την παραγωγικότητα, η οποία και θα βοηθούσε την εσωτερική ζήτηση.

Δεδομένων των παραπάνω θέσεων ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(31 Ιουλίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί με τα συμπεράσματα του Διεθνούς Νομισματικού Ταμείου στα οποία αναφέρεται το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου στην ερώτησή της σχετικά με την ανάγκη προσαρμογής της αύξησης των ονομαστικών μισθών στις συγκεκριμένες συνθήκες των κρατών μελών, ιδίως στα επίπεδα παραγωγικότητάς τους, καθώς και με την ανάγκη αποκατάστασης της ανταγωνιστικότητας. Όπως δήλωσε ο αρμόδιος Επίτροπος Οικονομικών και Νομισματικών Υποθέσεων, δήλωση στην οποία γίνεται αναφορά στην ερώτηση, η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί ότι οι χώρες με σημαντικό πλεόνασμα ισοζυγίου τρεχουσών συναλλαγών μπορούν να συμβάλουν στην άμβλυνση των μακροοικονομικών ανισορροπιών καταργώντας τους περιττούς περιορισμούς στην εγχώρια ζήτηση και ενθαρρύνει την παροχή κινήτρων για την τόνωση της εγχώριας ζήτησης μέσω της αύξησης μισθών με βάση την παραγωγικότητα στις εν λόγω χώρες.

Συνεπώς, στις ειδικές ανά χώρα συστάσεις (ΕΑΧΣ) και στις συστάσεις για τα κράτη μέλη της ευρωζώνης που πρότεινε η Επιτροπή στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωπαϊκού Εξαμήνου, στις 30 Μαΐου 2012, οι οποίες εγκρίθηκαν από το Συμβούλιο στις 10 Ιουλίου 2012, αναφέρεται ότι οι χώρες με πλεόνασμα μπορούν να συμβάλουν στην άμβλυνση των μακροοικονομικών ανισορροπιών με την εξάλειψη περιττών ρυθμιστικών και άλλων περιορισμών στην εγχώρια ζήτηση, στις υπηρεσίες και στις επενδυτικές ευκαιρίες. Επιπροσθέτως, σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις με τις ΕΑΧΣ ενθαρρύνονται μεμονωμένα κράτη μέλη να ενισχύσουν τη σχέση μεταξύ μισθών και επιπέδων παραγωγικότητας.

Η Επιτροπή διεξάγει επί του παρόντος μελέτη σχετικά με τις πλεονασματικές οικονομίες, η οποία θα είναι διαθέσιμη τους προσεχείς μήνες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006485/12

to the Commission

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Macroeconomic rebalancing in Europe

On 18 June 2012 the International Monetary Fund published a ‘Discussion Note’ (143) on ‘Fostering Growth in Europe Now’, which states that the southern European Member States need nominal wage restraint, while northern European Member States should let wages rise in line with productivity and market developments. It also highlights that the IMF’s Global Integrated Monetary and Fiscal Model shows that the southern Member States would gain more from reforms in the northern countries than vice-versa. Moreover, in a speech (144) given on 15 June 2012, Mr Rehn, the Vice-President of the European Commission, stated that surplus economies can contribute to rebalancing by removing unnecessary regulatory constraints on domestic demand and, citing the example of Germany, encouraged wage increases in line with productivity which would help domestic demand.

In view of the this:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2012)

The Commission concurs with the International Monetary Fund conclusions mentioned by the Honourable Member in her question on the need to adjust nominal wage growth to the specific conditions of Member States, in particular their productivity levels and the need to restore competitiveness. As stated by the Commissioner in charge for Economic and Monetary affairs and quoted in the question, the Commission agrees that countries with a significant current account surplus can contribute to rebalancing by removing unneccessary constraints on domestic demand and it encourages incentives to the latter via wage increases in line with productivity in these countries.

Accordingly, the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) and the recommendations for the euro-area Member States proposed by the Commisison under the European Semester, on 30 May 2012, and adopted by the Council on 10 July 2012, indicate that surplus countries can contribute to rebalancing by removing unnecessary regulatory and other constraints on domestic demand, services and on investment opportunities. Moreover, in a number of cases the CSRs encouraged individual Member States to strenghten the link between wages and productivity levels.

The Commission is currently undertaking a study regarding surplus economies which will become available in the following months.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006486/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Nature of scientific evidence used in drafting Council Directive 2007/43/EC on minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production

Pursuant to the answer to Question E‐002254/2012, can the Commission detail the exact nature of the scientific trials and evidence relied on as indication for the inclusion of the specific level of lighting as contained within Annex A of Council Directive 2007/43/EC? In particular, can it supply details regarding the following: breed, age-range, diet and numbers of chickens used, duration of the trials, and management system employed in them?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2012)

As mentioned in its previous reply to the Written Question E‐002254/2012, the requirements regarding light of Directive 2007/43/EC on the protection of chickens kept for meat production (145) were based on the conclusions of the report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on the Welfare of Chickens Kept for Meat Production adopted in March 2000 (146).

The experts of the Committee analysed scientific articles as well as publications from the industry available at that time. They took into account references covering breeds such as Ross and Cobb broilers, different age ranges (0-3 days, 3-5 days, 5-days-end of production, 3‐14 days, 3-21 days, whole production cycle), different management systems (conventional broilers, Freedom Food Standards), and various numbers of chickens (limited numbers in scientific papers, larger numbers in publications from the industry). Regarding diet, the main aspect quoted in the report is the impact of different lighting regimes on feed conversion rates. Further detailed information can be found in the references provided at the end of the report.

Finally additional and recent scientific references on lighting regimes for broilers can be found in the scientific opinions on the influence of genetic parameters on the welfare and the resistance to stress of commercial broilers (147) and on the use of animal-based measures to assess welfare of broilers (148) published in 2010 and 2012 by the European Food Safety Authority.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-006487/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(28 de junho de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Transparência e participação das organizações da sociedade civil (OSC) no Egito

Após a realização da primeira volta das eleições presidenciais no Egito, espera-se que o diálogo político e económico entre aquele país e a UE venha a intensificar-se, logo que tome posse um governo com características civis, em especial no que se refere às negociações tendentes à celebração de um acordo de comércio livre aprofundado e abrangente. Como tenciona a União certificar-se de que os futuros acordos de comércio e de investimento com o Egito estejam em consonância com as obrigações da UE em matéria de Direitos Humanos e de política de desenvolvimento? Em relação aos acordos comerciais propostos, para quando se espera o anúncio dos resultados das avaliações de impacto (incluindo os estudos de impacto nos domínios do ambiente, da sustentabilidade e dos Direitos Humanos)? Garantirá a UE que as avaliações de impacto sejam transparentes e prevejam a participação das organizações da sociedade civil (OSC) antes, durante e após a assinatura de qualquer acordo comercial? Como tenciona a UE garantir a possibilidade da ocorrência de um debate público informado, inclusivo e transparente sobre as negociações comerciais no Egito?

Dado que o diálogo entre a UE e o Egito será regido pelo princípio da responsabilidade mútua, a transparência e a participação deveriam ser duas das componentes fulcrais deste processo. Por conseguinte, quando irão ser tornados públicos os imprescindíveis documentos políticos relacionados com a implementação da política de «mais por mais», designadamente aqueles que são passíveis de influenciar o financiamento atribuído a países ao abrigo da rubrica orçamental do programa de apoio à parceria, às reformas e ao crescimento inclusivo (Spring)? Como pretende a UE garantir a congruência, a transparência e a equidade processual através da aplicação de critérios transparentes e de padrões de referência atinentes ao respeito dos Direitos Humanos, incluindo quaisquer recomendações específicas para que se verifiquem melhorias, sempre que isso seja necessário? Que efeito produziria uma avaliação negativa feita pelas organizações da sociedade civil (OSC) da situação dos Direitos Humanos e da Democracia no Egito no plano dos acordos de comércio e de investimento? Como tenciona a UE garantir que sejam realizadas consultas com significado e em tempo útil com todas as partes interessadas (incluindo as que é provável que se oponham aos acordos) sobre as futuras atividades do BERD e do BEI?

Resposta dada por Štefan Füle em nome da Comissão

(16 de agosto de 2012)

As futuras Zonas de Comércio Livre Aprofundadas e Abrangentes farão parte integrante dos Acordos de Associação em vigor. As cláusulas destes acordos relativas aos direitos humanos continuarão, por conseguinte, a ser aplicáveis. Será realizada uma avaliação de impacto da sustentabilidade do comércio a fim de analisar a forma como as disposições relativas ao comércio e matérias conexas a negociar/em negociação são suscetíveis de afetar as questões económicas, sociais, ambientais e relativas aos direitos humanos no Egito (e outros países relevantes). Poderiam igualmente ser propostas disposições (relativas ao comércio e matérias conexas) destinadas a maximizar os benefícios das Zonas de Comércio Livre Aprofundadas e Abrangentes e a prevenir ou minimizar potenciais efeitos negativos. Esta avaliação será realizada em estreita consulta com as organizações da sociedade civil locais.

Os princípios da política «Mais por Mais» foram estabelecidos publicamente na comunicação conjunta da Comissão/AR/VP «Uma nova estratégia para uma vizinhança em mutação» (149) de maio de 2011 e posteriormente aprofundados em várias declarações e discursos públicos. Estes princípios estão já ser aplicados em decisões relativas às dotações do orçamento Spring. Espera‐se que a política «Mais por Mais» seja melhor definida no Regulamento relativo ao novo Instrumento Europeu de Vizinhança (IEV), que se encontra atualmente em debate interinstitucional. Após a adoção do regulamento relativo ao novo IEV, devem ser desenvolvidas disposições mais pormenorizadas para a aplicação da política «Mais por Mais», tomando em consideração a experiência adquirida com o SPRING e o Programa de Integração e de Cooperação implementado no âmbito da Parceria Oriental. Deste modo, haverá uma ligação mais forte entre os relatórios anuais de acompanhamento da PEV no Egito e as decisões relativas às dotações da política «Mais por Mais». Os pareceres da sociedade civil, nomeadamente no que diz respeito às reformas democráticas e sociais, continuarão a ser integralmente tomados em consideração na avaliação dos progressos realizados pelos países parceiros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006487/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Transparency and CSOs' participation in Egypt

Following the first round of the presidential elections in Egypt, it is expected that political and economic dialogue between that country and the EU will intensify once a civilian government is in place, especially on the negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. How will the Union ensure that upcoming trade and investment agreements with Egypt are consistent with human rights obligations and EU development policy? In relation to proposed trade agreements, when can outcomes of impact assessments be expected (including environmental, sustainability and human rights impact assessments)? Will the EU ensure that impact assessments are transparent and provide for the participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) before, during and after any trade agreement? How will it ensure that informed, inclusive and transparent public debate can take place in Egypt on trade negotiations?

Given that the dialogue between the EU and Egypt will be governed by the principle of mutual accountability, transparency and participation should be two key components of this process. When, therefore, will key policy documents related to the implementation of the ‘More for More’ policy be made public, especially those liable to influence the funding allocated to countries under the SPRING budget line? How will the EU ensure consistency, transparency and procedural fairness by applying transparent criteria and benchmarks concerning human rights compliance, including any specific recommendations for improvements where necessary? When consulting with CSOs, what bearing would a negative assessment on the CSOs’ part of the human rights and democracy situation in Egypt have on trade and investment agreements? How will the EU ensure that meaningful and timely consultations are conducted with all relevant stakeholders (including those likely to oppose agreements) on the future activities of the EBRD and the EIB?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The future deep and comprehensive free trade areas (DCFTAs) will be an integral part of existing Association Agreements. The human rights' clauses of these agreements will therefore continue to apply. A Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment will be conducted to analyse how trade and trade-related provisions to be negotiated/under negotiation could affect economic, social, environmental, and human rights issues in Egypt (and other relevant countries). Measures (trade or non-trade) could also be proposed to maximise the benefits of the DCFTAs and to prevent or minimise potential negative impacts. This assessment will be carried out in close consultation with local CSOs.

The principles of the ‘More for More’ policy were publicly set out in the joint Commission/HRVP Communication ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’ (150) issued in May 2011 and have been further elaborated in several public statements and speeches. These principles are already being applied in decisions on the allocation of the SPRING budget. The ‘More for More’ policy is expected to be further defined in the new European Neighbourhood Instrument Regulation (ENI) currently under interinstitutional discussion. Once the new ENI Regulation is adopted, more detailed arrangements for the application of the ‘More for More’ policy should be developed taking into account the experience acquired with SPRING and EaPIC. Thus, there will be a stronger linkage between the annual ENP in Egypt Progress Reports and the ‘More for More’ allocation decisions. The views of Civil Society, in particular as regards democratic and social reforms, will continue to be fully taken into account in the assessment of the progress achieved by the partner countries.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006488/12

to the Commission

Nicole Sinclaire (NI)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Off-budget lines

Could the Commission advise me as to what funds from the 2013 budget are to be considered ‘off budget’?

Could the Commission also advise as to who will have scrutiny over ‘off-budget’ funds?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2012)

According to Articles 310(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and 4(1) of the Financial Regulation, the EU budget covers all revenue and expenditure of the European Union.

As a result, all the funds managed by Commission are coming from the EU budget. As the budget is cash based however, and the accounts are accrual based, a number of accounts are held ‘off budget’, corresponding to cash outflows, but representing transfer of assets rather than expenses. These are entirely regular and legal, and form part of the EU accounts, deemed as reliable for four years by the Court of auditors.

The attached Annex includes some details, primarily based on the 2011 EU annual accounts, on 3 categories of items sometimes colloquially referred to as ‘off budget’.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006490/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Cross-border cooperation on human trafficking

Directive 2011/36/EU (151) encourages cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the fight against trafficking in human beings. This is undoubtedly a particularly important step towards the eradication of human trafficking across the Member States. This is a particularly pertinent issue in Northern Ireland which has recently become a thoroughfare for traffickers into both England and the Republic of Ireland. Joint investigation teams have been proposed as a means to facilitate this cooperation:

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2012)

The Commission has recently adopted the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 (152). Following from Directive 2011/36/EU (153), the strategy recognises the importance of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) and encourages Member States to create, where relevant, such teams and involve Europol and Eurojust in all cross-border trafficking cases.

Due to a grant by the Commission, Eurojust has established a JIT Funding Project. Through this project, which is currently ongoing and will last for a total of 36 months, Eurojust supports JITs by, for example, reimbursing their costs related to travel, accommodation, translation and interpretation and by lending equipment. Criteria for allocation of funds are determined by Eurojust (154).

The Commission also funds projects related to the establishment of JITs. So for example, a project which is currently funded is on Requirements for Establishing Joint Investigation Teams aiming to exchange best practices, develop common training curricula and establish a network for contact points for JITs on trafficking in human beings (155). The Commission regularly funds such projects through the General funding Programme on Security and Safeguarding Liberties and the Specific Programme Prevention of and Fight against Crime. The criteria, according to which projects are to be funded, are specific to each call for proposals.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006491/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Commission report on minor use pesticides

The Commission report on minor use pesticides has been long promised. Can the Commission provide an exact date when Parliament might expect to receive this report?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2012)

The Commission report on the establishment of a European fund for minor uses as requested in Article 51(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (156) concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products is under preparation. It is now foreseen to submit the report to the European Parliament and to the Council by the end of 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006492/12

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(28 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Possibile violazione delle norme a tutela della salute dei lavoratori della Pubblica Amministrazione e disparità di trattamento tra dipendenti pubblici e privati

L'articolo 71 del decreto-legge 25 giugno 2008, n. 112 (Disposizioni urgenti per lo sviluppo economico, la semplificazione, la competitività, la stabilizzazione della finanza pubblica e la perequazione tributaria), convertito con la legge n. 133 del 6 agosto 2008, prevede che per i periodi di assenza per malattia ai dipendenti di alcune pubbliche amministrazioni italiane nei primi dieci giorni di assenza è corrisposto il trattamento economico fondamentale con esclusione di ogni indennità o emolumento, comunque denominati, aventi carattere fisso e continuativo, nonché di ogni altro trattamento accessorio. Resta fermo il trattamento più favorevole eventualmente previsto dai contratti collettivi o dalle specifiche normative di settore per le assenze per malattia dovute ad infortunio sul lavoro o a causa di servizio, oppure a ricovero ospedaliero, nonché per le assenze relative a patologie gravi che richiedano terapie salvavita. Tale principio sarebbe stato inserito per un maggiore risparmio per le Amministrazioni dello Stato e per un miglioramento dei saldi di bilancio. Tuttavia, le disposizioni contenute nella presente legge determinerebbero un'illegittima disparità di trattamento nel rapporto di lavoro tra dipendenti del settore pubblico e dipendenti del settore privato. Infatti, nel settore privato italiano, si giunge al massimo, in alcuni contratti collettivi, alla previsione dell'omesso pagamento dei primi tre giorni di malattia, subentrando dal quarto giorno l'Istituto nazionale per la previdenza sociale (INPS); inoltre, nessun contratto priva il lavoratore della retribuzione o di una parte sostanziale di essa oltre il terzo giorno.

Tutto ciò premesso, si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(28 agosto 2012)

La normativa nazionale descritta dall'onorevole parlamentare riguarda il trattamento economico per i periodi di malattia dei dipendenti pubblici italiani. Nessuna delle leggi sul lavoro o delle direttive in fatto di salute e sicurezza citate dall'onorevole parlamentare riguarda però il trattamento di malattia, che è di competenza degli Stati membri. Tali disposizioni inoltre non contemplano il caso di condizioni lavorative differenti tra dipendenti del settore pubblico e dipendenti del settore privato.

Le normative citate si riferiscono al coordinamento dei sistemi di sicurezza sociale per i lavoratori che si spostano tra gli Stati membri dell'UE. Esse quindi non riguardano in alcun modo il trattamento di malattia. Gli articoli del Trattato citati dall'onorevole parlamentare riguardano peraltro politiche e iniziative dell'Unione di portata generale e di conseguenza non sono applicabili ai provvedimenti nazionali degli Stati membri.

La legislazione europea contro le discriminazioni contempla unicamente cause specifiche di discriminazione. In particolare la direttiva 2006/54/CE (157) stabilisce un quadro normativo generale per l'attuazione del principio delle pari opportunità e della parità di trattamento fra i generi in rapporto a occupazione e impiego. La direttiva 2000/78/CE (158) vieta le discriminazioni fondate sulla religione o le convinzioni personali, la disabilità, l’età o l’orientamento sessuale in fatto di occupazione e condizioni di lavoro. La direttiva 2000/43/CE (159) infine vieta le discriminazioni fondate sulla razza o l'origine etnica.

La legislazione europea contro le discriminazioni non contempla la discriminazione tra diversi settori di occupazione o diverse mansioni lavorative. Ne consegue che qualsiasi domanda relativa alla legittimità di un trattamento differenziato tra lavoratori del settore pubblico e del settore privato deve ricevere risposta dalla normativa nazionale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006492/12

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Possible breach of rules on health and safety at work by government departments and disparity of treatment between public and private employees

Under Article 71 of Decree-Law No 112 of 25 June 2008 (Urgent measures to promote economic development, simplification, and competitiveness, the stabilisation of public finances and tax equalisation), as converted into Law No 133 of 6 August 2008, during periods of absence due to illness the employees of certain Italian Government departments are paid the basic salary for the first 10 days of absence, exclusive of any fixed and ongoing allowances of whatever kind and of any other ancillary payments. This is without prejudice to any more favourable treatment to which they may be entitled under collective agreements or sector-specific rules on absences resulting from accidents at work or work-related illnesses or hospitalisation, or on absences due to serious illnesses that require life-saving treatment. This provision was apparently included in order to save the government money and improve the state of public finances. However, the provisions of this law appear to result in an unlawful disparity in treatment between employees in the public sector and those in the private sector. In the Italian private sector, under the least favourable collective agreements, pay is stopped for the first three days of absence, with the Istituto Nazionale per la Previdenza Sociale (the national welfare body for the private sector) taking over from the fourth day; furthermore, under no collective agreement are workers deprived of their pay, or a substantial portion of it, beyond the third day.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(28 August 2012)

The national measures described by the Honourable Member relate to rates of sick pay within the Italian public service. However, none of the labour law or health and safety directives referred to by the Honourable Member relate to sick pay, which is a competence of the Member States. Furthermore, this legislation does not address any differences in working conditions between workers in the public sector and workers in the private sector.

The regulations mentioned relate to the coordination of social security systems for workers moving between the EU Member States. They therefore, bear no relevance to sick pay. Moreover, the Treaty articles mentioned by the Honourable Member generally relate to EU policies and actions and, as such, are not applicable to national measures of the Member States.

EU anti-discrimination legislation only covers specific grounds of discrimination. In particular, Directive 2006/54/EC (160) lays down a general framework on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation. Directive 2000/78/EC (161) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation in employment and occupation. Finally, Directive 2000/43/EC (162) prohibits discrimination on grounds of race or ethnic origin.

EU anti-discrimination legislation does not cover discrimination between different sectors of employment or different working positions. Therefore, any question regarding the legitimacy of a differential treatment between workers of the public sector and workers of the private sector has to be solved under national law.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006496/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Pino Arlacchi (S&D)

(28 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Indagini EULEX sulla gestione delle risorse finanziarie da parte dell'UNMIK

Tra il 1999 e il 2008 l'UE ha versato alla missione delle Nazioni Unite in Kosovo (UNMIK) aiuti record — più di due miliardi di euro — per la ripresa postbellica e l'opera di costruzione dello Stato. La mancanza di risultati tangibili ha portato all'apertura di un'indagine condotta da una task force composta dall'Ufficio dei servizi di controllo interno dell'ONU, dall'Unità investigazioni finanziarie (insieme a funzionari della Guardia di Finanza) e dall'Ufficio europeo per la lotta antifrode (OLAF).

La task force ha scoperto che la vaga architettura giuridica istituita in Kosovo dall'UE e dall'UNMIK si era tradotta in una mancanza di trasparenza quanto al modo in cui erano spesi i fondi dei donatori. In effetti, tra il 2003 e il 2008 la stessa task force ha coordinato 50 inchieste sulla gestione dei flussi di denaro da parte dell'UNMIK, delle quali la maggior parte si è conclusa con un nulla di fatto. La task force ha infine individuato 11 casi con rilevanza penale accertata per una somma di oltre 60 milioni di EUR, che sono stati presentati al capo dell'UNMIK perché fossero poi deferiti al relativo dipartimento di giustizia.

Tuttavia, sulla scia della dichiarazione di indipendenza del Kosovo del 2008, il dipartimento di giustizia dell'UNMIK è stato molto rapidamente chiuso e tutti i casi sensibili riguardanti abusi e malversazioni commessi da personale internazionale e locale delle Nazioni Unite non sono arrivati in giudizio. Secondo gli accordi tra l'ONU e l'UE relativi al passaggio da UNMIK a EULEX, gli 11 casi sono stati trasferiti da UNMIK alla magistratura locale in Kosovo ma, stando a fonti locali, EULEX non ha mai dichiarato ufficialmente se abbia o meno richiesto i fascicoli ai giudici locali o se siano in corso le indagini che UNMIK aveva lasciato dietro di sé.

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

(3 settembre 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006496/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Pino Arlacchi (S&D)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — EULEX investigations into UNMIK money management

Between 1999 and 2008, the EU injected a record amount of aid — more than two billion euros — into the post-war recovery and state-building operation led by the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The lack of visible results led to the establishment of an investigation task force by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Financial Investigation Unit (comprising Italian Guardia di Finanza officials) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

The task force found out that the vague legal architecture set up in Kosovo by the EU and UNMIK resulted in a lack of accountability as to how donor money was spent. In fact, between 2003 and 2008, the same task force coordinated 50 investigations into UNMIK-managed money flows, most of which came up with nothing. Eventually, the task force shortlisted 11 cases containing evidence of criminal conduct and involving over EUR 60 million. All 11 cases were submitted to the head of UNMIK for further referral to its Department of Justice.

However, in the wake of Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, UNMIK’s Department of Justice closed in a rush, and all sensitive cases involving alleged abuses and misappropriations by international and local UN staff did not come to trial. Under the UN-EU agreements governing the handover from UNMIK to EULEX, the 11 files were transferred from UNMIK to local judges in Kosovo, but according to local sources, EULEX has never officially stated whether or not it has asked the local judges for these files and whether the investigations that UNMIK left behind are being carried out.

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

(3 September 2012)

Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for forwarding to the legal authorities in Kosovo.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006500/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD) e Charles Tannock (ECR)

(28 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Sostegno dei Fratelli musulmani a favore della mutilazione genitale femminile

Il 24 maggio 2012 l'organizzazione Open Democracy ha segnalato che i Fratelli musulmani d'Egitto hanno offerto l'esecuzione di circoncisioni femminili in alcuni villaggi, dietro pagamento di un corrispettivo simbolico, nel quadro dei loro programmi di assistenza alla comunità. Ad esempio, nel villaggio egiziano di Abou Aziz, nella regione di Minya, alcuni residenti sostengono che i Fratelli musulmani abbiano allestito cliniche sanitarie mobili atte a eseguire l'intervento. Il governatore di Minya ha avvertito che, secondo la legge sui diritti dei minori, la mutilazione genitale femminile è reato. Il partito della Libertà e della giustizia dei Fratelli musulmani nega di aver offerto il servizio ad Abou Aziz. Tuttavia l'autore della relazione di Open Democracy ha trovato ivi affisso un volantino del partito della Libertà e della giustizia ove erano elencati i servizi medici specialistici disponibili. In calce all'elenco vi era la seguente frase: «Si eseguono circoncisioni maschili e femminili per 30 LE (lira sterlina egiziana) a persona».

In Egitto era stata precedentemente condotta una campagna a livello nazionale finalizzata a dimostrare che questa usanza non è imposta dalla religione. I Fratelli musulmani hanno però sviluppato una strategia volta a minare gli sforzi tesi a debellare questa pratica. Innanzitutto, numerosi membri dell'organizzazione sostengono che la circoncisione femminile serva a compiacere Dio, e che secondo la Sunna (pratica di vita del Profeta Mohammed) tale pratica debba comportare il «taglio, benché superficiale». In secondo luogo, i Fratelli musulmani cercano di presentare la circoncisione femminile come un intervento medico che può essere eseguito in anestesia, sebbene non sia menzionato in nessun testo medico. La terza strategia consiste nel propugnare la depenalizzazione di tale pratica, con il pretesto che dovrebbe trattarsi di una scelta personale del tutore della ragazza interessata. In parlamento i Fratelli musulmani hanno obiettato alla penalizzazione di tale pratica nel quadro della legge sui minori, approvata nel 2008, sostenendo che secondo la Sharia è accettabile circoncidere la propria figlia.

La pratica delle circoncisione femminile è giustificata in alcuni paesi africani e in parte del mondo musulmano, poiché si crede che protegga la castità delle ragazze impedendo loro di commettere atti peccaminosi. Attualmente sia l'UE che l'UNICEF sono impegnate in uno sforzo congiunto per debellare il problema in paesi quali l'Egitto, l'Eritrea, l'Etiopia, il Senegal, il Sudan e l'India. L'approccio utilizzato si propone di modificare le norme sociali e gli atteggiamenti a livello della popolazione locale.

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

(28 agosto 2012)

La situazione precaria delle donne in Egitto desta serie preoccupazioni e deve essere affrontata con prontezza, adottando e attuando misure giuridiche adeguate, necessarie per lottare con efficacia contro la violenza e la discriminazione nei confronti delle donne e per garantire la parità di genere. Particolare attenzione va dedicata all’obiettivo di eliminare la mutilazione femminile, poiché tale pratica viola sia i diritti umani fondamentali che le convenzioni internazionali. L’UE sostiene la lotta delle autorità egiziane (Consiglio nazionale per la popolazione) contro le pratiche di mutilazione genitale femminile, concedendo una sovvenzione di 3 milioni di euro attraverso l’UNDP.

Promuovere la parità tra uomini e donne rappresenta da tempo una priorità nelle attività condotte in Egitto dall’UE, che intende favorire l’uguaglianza di genere nel paese sostenendo l’impegno delle autorità egiziane nella promozione dei diritti delle donne, integrando la questione di genere nel dialogo politico con le autorità egiziane e appoggiando in modo attivo le iniziative della società civile in tal senso. Nonostante l’evoluzione della situazione nel paese e il recente scioglimento della camera bassa del parlamento, il SEAE seguirà da vicino gli sviluppi di questa questione fondamentale tramite la delegazione dell’UE. L’Unione europea continuerà a esprimere le proprie preoccupazioni in merito ai diritti delle donne nel paese, ivi compresa la pratica della mutilazione genitale femminile, ai più alti livelli.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006500/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD) and Charles Tannock (ECR)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Muslim Brotherhood support for female genital mutilation

On May 24 2012, the organisation Open Democracy reported that Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has offered to perform female circumcisions in villages for a nominal fee, as part of its community outreach schemes. For example, in the Egyptian village of Abou Aziz in the region of al-Minya, some residents allege that the Muslim Brotherhood operates mobile health clinics which carry out the procedure. The governor of Minya has warned that the Child Rights Law criminalises female genital mutilation (FGM). The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party denies that it offered the service in Abou Aziz. However, the writer of the Open Democracy report discovered a flyer from the Freedom and Justice Party posted in Abou Aziz which listed its medical specialities. At the bottom of the list, it read: ‘We receive cases for circumcision for males and females for LE30 [Egyptian Pounds] a case’.

A nationwide campaign had previously been mounted in Egypt to show that the custom is not religiously prescribed. However, the Muslim Brotherhood has developed a strategy to undermine efforts to stamp out the practice. First of all, many of its members argue that female circumcision is pleasing in the eyes of God, and according to the Sunnah, or words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, it stipulates that FGM should involve ‘cutting, but only lightly’. Secondly, the Muslim Brotherhood is working to present FGM as a medical procedure, which can be done under anaesthesia. Yet FGM is not mentioned in any medical textbooks. The third strategy is to push for the decriminalisation of the practice, under the pretext that it should be left as a personal choice for the guardian of the girl concerned. In the parliament, the Muslim Brotherhood had objected to the criminalisation of the practice under the Child Law passed in 2008. It argued that, under the Shari’a, it is acceptable to circumcise one’s daughter.

The practice of female circumcision is justified in countries in Africa, and parts of the Muslim word, as it is believed to protect a girl’s chastity and it will prevent a girl from committing sinful acts. At present, both the EU and Unicef are involved in a joint effort to tackle the problem of FGM in countries such as Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sudan and India. The approach is aimed at changing social norms and attitudes at grass-roots level.

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

(28 August 2012)

The precarious situation of women in Egypt is worrying and needs to be addressed swiflty with the adoption and implementation of appropriate legal measures which are required to fight efficiently violence and discrimination against women and to ensure gender equality. The eradication of the practice of female genital mutilation deserves particular attention being contrary to fundamental human rights and international conventions. The EU is providing a EUR 3 million grant — through UNDP‐ to support the Egyptian Authorities efforts (National Council for Population) in combating female genital mutilation practices.

Promoting gender equality has been a longstanding priority of the EU's action in Egypt. The EU seeks to promote gender equality in Egypt by supporting Egyptian authorities' efforts to promote women's rights, by mainstreaming gender equality in its political dialogue with the Egyptian authorities and by proactively supporting civil society initiatives that promote women's rights. Despite the fluid situation in the country and the recent dissolution of the lower house of the parliament the EEAS will follow this important issue closely through the EU Delegation. The EU will continue to raise its concerns on women's rights in the country, including on the FGM practice, at the highest possible level.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006501/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Robotics

L-industrija robotika hija settur li qed igawdi suċċess u l-użu tar-robots mistenna li jikber b’mod sinifikattiv fis-snin li ġejjin. L-Unjoni Ewropea rrikonoxxiet il-potenzjal tar-robotika fil-futur u b’konsegwenza tappoġġja aktar minn 100 proġett fil-qasam tar-robotika u s-sistemi konjittivi, u tat 400 miljun Euro ta’ finanzjament bejn l-2007 u l-2011. B’danakollu, l-użu li kulma jmur qed jikber tar-robotika jista’ wkoll jwassal għal kwestjonijiet etiċi mingħajr preċedent.

B’liema mod beħsiebha l-Kummissjoni tindirizza t-tħassib li jista’ jkun hemm ta’ natura etika f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mal-użu tar-robotika?

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

(6 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni hija konxja dwar kwistjonijiet etiċi, legali u tas-soċjetà relatati mar-robotika. Il-pjan biex jiġu indirizzati kwistjonijiet etiċi huwa kif ġej:

Proġetti ta' riċerka ffinanzjati mill-UE jeħtieġu jindirizzaw kwistjonijiet etiċi b’mod konvinċenti meta, pereżempju, dawn ikunu jirrikjedu l-ġbir ta' dejta personali. Il-Kummissjoni tagħmel enfasi fuq kwistjonijiet etiċi, biex jiġi żgurat li l-proġetti jagħtuhom l-attenzjoni dovuta.

Il-Kummissjoni tinvesti fir-riċerka biex tindirizza kwistjonijiet etiċi u legali ulterjuri. Pereżempju, il-proġett Robolaw iffinanzjat taħt is-Seba' Programm Kwadru għar-Riċerka, l-Iżvilupp Teknoloġiku u l-Attivitajiet ta' Dimostrazzjoni (www.robolaw.eu) jinvestiga l-implikazzjonijiet legali tar-robotika u l-pjanijiet ta’ rapportar dwar dawn lejn tmiem il-proġett. Nixtiequ niġbdu l-attenzjoni tal-Onorevoli Membru li dan il-qasam għadu wieħed emerġenti u jonqsu s-soluzzjonijiet fattibbli.

Il-Kummissjoni ser tidħol fi djalogu strutturat mas-soċjetà ċivili u l-partijiet interessati l-oħrajn sabiex tiddiskuti kwistjonijiet etiċi u legali tar-robotika u ser tippjana sessjonijiet ta’ ħidma mal-istituzzjonijiet bħall-Konfederazzjoni Ewropea tat-Trade Unions u l-Organizzazzjoni Ewropea tal-Konsumaturi, il-BEUC.

L-istħarriġ riċenti tal-Eurobarometer jiżvela wkoll li dawk iċ-ċittadini tal-UE li għandhom esperjenza personali fl-użu tar-robots wisq probabbli jkollhom opinjoni pożittiva dwarhom (88 %). Din hija r-raġuni għaliex il-Kummissjoni tappoġġa avvenimenti bħall-ġimgħa Ewropea dwar ir-Robotika u tikkomunika dwar kwistjonijiet relatati mar-robotika sabiex tkompli żżid l-għarfien pubblika dwar ir-riċerka researchrobotic iffinanzjata mill-UE. Il-komunità Ewropea tar-robotika għandha l-intenzjoni li tindirizza kwistjonijiet etiċi, legali u tas-soċjetà dwar ir-robotika u tinkludi l-partijiet interessati tas-soċjetà ċivili fil-prijoritajiet strateġiċi tar-riċerka tagħha li qed tippjana li twettaq bħala Sħubija Pubblika-Privata possibbli fir-Robotika. Il-Kummissjoni qed timmonitorja l-iżvilupp ta' dawn il-prijoritajiet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006501/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Robotics

The robotics industry is a thriving sector of the economy, and the use of robots is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years. The European Union has recognised the potential of robotics in the future and is consequently supporting more than 100 projects in the areas of robotics and cognitive systems, providing EUR 400 million in funding between 2007 and 2011. However, the increasing use of robotics may also raise unprecedented ethical issues.

How does the Commission intend to address any ethical concerns that may arise in relation to the use of robotics?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(6 August 2012)

The Commission is aware of ethical, legal and societal issues related to robotics. The plan to address ethical issues is as follows:

EU‐funded research projects need to address ethical issues in a convincing manner when, for example, they require collection of personal data. The Commission puts emphasis on ethical issues, ensuring that projects pay attention to them.

The Commission invests into research addressing ethical and legal issues further. For example, the Robolaw project funded under the 7th Framework Programme (www.robolaw.eu) investigates legal implications of robotics and plans reporting on these towards the end of the project. We draw the attention of the Honourable Member that this area is still emerging and lacks workable solutions.

The Commission is entering into a structured dialogue with civil society and other stakeholders to discuss ethical and legal issues of robotics and plans workshops with institutions such as the European Trade Union Confederation and the European Consumers' Organisation, BEUC.

The recent Eurobarometer also reveals that those EU citizens with personal experience of using robots are more likely to have a positive view of them (88%). This is why the Commission supports events such as European Ropotics week and communicates on robotics-related issues to increase public awareness of EU‐funded researchrobotic research. The European robotics community intends to address ethical, legal and societal issues of robotics and the inclusion of civil society stakeholders their strategic research priorities which they plan to carry as a possible Public-Private Partnership in Robotics. The Commission monitors the development of these priorities.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006502/12

lill-Kummissjoni (Viċi President / Rappreżentant Għoli)

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: VP/HR — Armenia

Wara żjara fi Brussell, il-Prim Ministru tal-Armenja Tigran Sargsyan, li reġa’ nħatar mill-ġdid dan l-aħħar, stieden lill-Unjoni Ewropea tfassal dikjarazzjoni għal riżoluzzjoni paċifika tat-tilwima dwar l-istatus ta’ Nagorno-Karabakh, u dan minħabba fit-tensjonijiet li kulma jmur qed jikbru. Il-Prim Ministru, barra minn hekk, stieden lill-Unjoni Ewropea thedded is-sanzjonijiet fil-każ li tintuża l-forza.

X’inhu l-pożizzjoni tar-Rappreżentant Għoli għar-rigward ta’ dawn it-talbiet u x’inhi n-natura tas-sanzjonijiet li kieku jiġu kkontemplati f’dan il-każ partikolari?

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

(8 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Ir-RGħ/il-VP hija konxja ta' dawn it-talbiet.

Ir-RGħ/il-VP ripetutament sejħet għar-riżoluzzjoni paċifika tal-kunflitt tan-Nagorno-Karabakh. Fit-8 ta’ Ġunju 2012 il-kelliem tar-RGħ/il-VP fi stqarrija esprima t-tħassib tar-RGħ/il-VP dwar l-inċidenti serji li ġew irrappurtati fl-4, il-5 u s-6 ta’ Ġunju 2012 u appella liż-żewġ naħat sabiex jirrispettaw strettament il-waqfien mill-ġlied u biex jeżerċitaw il-galbu sew fil-konkret kif ukoll fid-dikjarazzjonijiet pubbliċi, sabiex ma jkunx hemm eskalazzjoni ulterjuri tas-sitwazzjoni. L-istqarrija kompliet tfakkar li t-theddid jew l-użu tal-forza ma jikkontribwix għal riżoluzzjoni tal-kunflitt.

Dawn l-inċidenti huma sinjal ċar tal-importanza li jiġi stabbilit mekkaniżmu funzjonanti tal-investigazzjoni tal-inċidenti kif propost mill-OSCE. Barra minn dan, huma jsaħħu l-ħtieġa li jsir progress fil-proċess ta’ negozjazzjoni. Għaldaqstant, ir-RGħ/il-VP appellat lill-Armenja u lill-Ażerbajġan, bħala pajjiżi sħab, biex ikabbru l-isforzi tagħhom biex jaslu għal ftehim fuq il-prinċipji ta' Madrid, bħala bażi għall-paċi, u biex jimplimentaw bis-sħiħ l-impenji li saru mill-Presidenti tagħhom fil-qafas tal-Grupp ta’ Minsk tal-OSCE. L-UE tappoġġja bis-sħiħ il-Grupp ta’ Minsk tal-OSCE u l-isforzi tal-kopresidenti tiegħu bil-għan li jkun hemm riżoluzzjoni paċifika tal-kunflitt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006502/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Armenia

After a visit to Brussels, Armenia’s newly re-appointed Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan called on the European Union to draw up a declaration for a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, in view of the increasing tensions. The Prime Minister further called upon the European Union to threaten sanctions in the event of a use of force.

What is the position of the High Representative with regard to these requests and what is the nature of the sanctions that would be envisaged in this particular case?

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

(8 August 2012)

The HR/VP is aware of these requests.

The HR/VP has repeatedly called for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On 8 June 2012, a statement of the HR/VP’s spokesperson expressed the HR/VP’s concern about the reported serious armed incidents on 4, 5 and 6 June 2012, and called on both sides strictly to respect the ceasefire and to exercise restraint both on the ground and in public statements, in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation. The statement further recalled that the threat or use of force does not contribute to a resolution of the conflict.

These incidents highlight the importance of a functioning incident investigation mechanism as proposed by the OSCE. Moreover, they reinforce the need for progress in the negotiation process. Consequently, the HR/VP has urged Armenia and Azerbaijan, as partner countries, to step up their efforts to reach agreement on the Madrid principles, as a basis for peace, and to fully implement the commitments made by their Presidents in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. The EU fully supports the OSCE Minsk Group and the efforts of its co-chairs aimed at a peaceful conflict resolution.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006503/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Il-Miri għall-Effiċjenza Enerġetika

L-Unjoni Ewropea għandha t-tir li tnaqqas l-użu tagħha tal-enerġija primarja b’20% sal-2020. Jekk il-progress jissokta bir-rata ta' bħalissa, hemm probabilità kbira li din il-mira mhix se tintlaħaq, billi r-rata ta' tnaqqis s'issa hija biss ta' 9%.

Id-Direttiva tal-2011 dwar l-effiċjenza enerġetika, proposta mill-Kummissjoni Ewropea, tidher li hi għodda ewlenija fil-ksib tal-mira mixtieqa. B’danakollu, l-Istati Membri kienu riluttanti li jissottoskrivu għad-dispożizzjonijiet tagħha u għalhekk qed jipperikolaw il-probabilità li l-UE tilħaq il-miri tal-2020.

B’mod differenti minn miri oħrajn tal-2020, il-mira tal-effiċjenza enerġetika ma hijiex legalment vinkolanti. Fid-dawl tar-reżistenza tal-Istati Membri għaliha, il-Kummissjoni tqis li hu possibbli li jitwaqqfu miri vinkolanti fil-futur? Liema miżuri alternattivi beħsiebha tipproponi l-Kummissjoni ħalli tiżgura li l-mira tal-2020 tintlaħaq?

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

(1 ta' Awwissu 2012)

L-ammont totali mistenni tal-iffrankar li jirriżulta mit-test finali miftiehem tad-Direttiva dwar l-Effiċjenza Enerġetika (165), suġġett għall-approvazzjoni finali tal-koleġiżlaturi, huwa ta’ madwar 100 Mtoe (jew 66% tal-proposta oriġinali tal-Kummissjoni). Meta dan in-numru jiżdied ma’ politiki kurrenti (li huma stmati li se jiffrankaw bejn 164 u 166 Mtoe) u ma’ miżuri tal-White Paper dwar it-Trasport (166) (iffrankar stmat ta’ madwar 50 Mtoe), fl-2020 l-użu tal-enerġija primarja jkun 17% inqas minn tal-projezzjonijiet għal xenarju fejn kollox jibqa’ kif inhu. Għalhekk, ikun għad baqa’ diskrepanza ta’ 3% sabiex tintlaħaq il-mira ta’ 20%.

Waħda mill-azzjonijiet diġà previsti sabiex tingħalaq din id-diskrepanza hija r-reviżjoni ppjanata tal-11-il miżura ta’ implimentazzjoni eżistenti dwar l-ekodisinn u t-tikkettar tal-enerġija li mistennija jikkontribwixxu 1% aktar ta' ffrankar tal-enerġija u li ma tqisux fil-valutazzjoni tal-politiki attwali.

Skont id-dispożizzjonijiet ġodda tad-Direttiva dwar l-Effiċjenza Enerġetika, jekk jiġu approvati mill-koleġiżlaturi, l-Istati Membri huma mitluba jistabbilixxu miri nazzjonali mhux vinkolanti għall-effiċjenza enerġetika. Il-Kummissjoni se tevalwa l-progress sat-30 ta’Ġunju 2014 u tista’ tipproponi iktar miżuri, jekk ikun hemm bżonn. Dawn jistgħu jinkludu proposta għal miri nazzjonali vinkolanti għall-effiċjenza enerġetika.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006503/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Energy efficiency targets

The European Union aims to reduce its primary energy use by 20% by 2020. If progress continues at the current rate, this target is most probably not going to be met, given that the rate of reduction to date is only 9%.

The energy efficiency directive proposed by the Commission in 2011 is regarded as a major tool for achieving the desired target. However, Member States have been reluctant to sign up to its provisions and are consequently jeopardising the EU’s likelihood of reaching the 2020 targets.

Unlike other 2020 targets, the energy efficiency target is not legally binding. In the light of Member States’ resistance, does the Commission consider it possible to establish binding targets in the future? What alternative measures does the Commission intend to propose in order to ensure that the 2020 target is met?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2012)

The expected total amount of savings resulting from the agreed final text of Energy Efficiency Directive (167), subject to the final approval of the co-legislators, is around 100 Mtoe (or 66% of the Commission's original proposal). When this number is added to current policies (which are estimated to deliver savings of 164 to 166 Mtoe) and to measures from the Transport White paper (168) (estimated savings of about 50 Mtoe), then in 2020 primary energy use would be 17% less than in the business-as-usual projections. Therefore, there would be a remaining gap of 3% to the 20% target.

One of the already foreseen actions for closing of this gap is the planned review of 11 existing ecodesign and energy labelling implementing measures which is expected to contribute with an additional 1% of energy savings and was not taken into account in the assessment of current policies.

According to the provisions of the new Energy Efficiency Directive, if approved by the co-legislators, Member States are required to set national non-binding energy efficiency targets. The Commission will evaluate progress by 30 June 2014 and could propose further measures, if necessary. This could include a proposal for binding national energy efficiency targets.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006505/12

lill-Kummissjoni (Viċi President / Rappreżentant Għoli)

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: VP/HR — Kunsill Arktiku

Bil-Komunikazzjoni tagħha tal-2008 “L-Unjoni Ewropea u r-reġjun tal-Artiku” (COM(2008)0763), il-Kummissjoni Ewropea ħadet l-ewwel pass lejn l-iżvilupp tal-politika tal-UE dwar kwestjonijiet tal-Arktiku. Fil-kuntest ta’ dan l-iżvilupp fil-politika, l-Unjoni Ewropea timmira li tingħata status ta’ osservatur fil-Kunsill tal-Arktiku.

Billi l-ewwel talba tal-UE kien riġettata mill-Kunsill tal-Arktiku fl-2009, b'liema mod beħsiebħa r-Rappreżentant Għoli żżid il-probabilità li jinkiseb status ta' osservatur fil-futur qrib?

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

(8 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni applikat, f’isem l-UE, biex tkun osservatur permanenti fil-Kunsill tal-Artiku fl-1 ta’ Diċembru 2008. Il-Ministri tal-Affarijiet Barranin tal-Kunsill tal-Artiku ddeċidew darbtejn (2009 u 2011) biex jipposponu d-deċiżjoni finali tagħhom li jaċċettaw osservaturi ġodda inkluż l-UE, iċ-Ċina, l-Italja, il-Ġappun, Singapur u l-Korea t’Isfel. Peress li ġew adottati kriterji għall-ammissjoni ta’ osservaturi f’Mejju 2011, f’Diċembru 2011 tressqet informazzjoni aġġornata mill-Kummissjoni f’ittra ffirmata kemm mir-RGħ/il-VP kif ukoll mill-Kummissarju responsabbli għas-Sajd u għall-Affarijiet Marittimi lill-President tal-Kunsill tal-Artiku, il-Ministru tal-Affarijiet Barranin Svediż Carl Bildt. Il-Kunsill tal-Artiku mistenni jiddeċiedi dwar applikazzjonijiet għall-istatus ta’ osservatur fil-laqgħa Ministerjali tiegħu li jmiss f’Kiruna, l-Isvezja, f’Mejju 2011. L-istatus ta’ osservatur, kif iddefinit mill-Kunsill tal-Artiku nnifsu, jippermetti lill-UE li tintensifika l-kooperazjoni u tkompli tkun ta’ kontribut pożittiv għax-xogħol tal-Kunsill u tar-reġjun tal-Artiku b’mod ġenerali.

Kif ġie riaffermat fil-Komunikazzjoni tal-2012 (169), l-UE tqis il-Kunsill tal-Artiku bħala forum importanti għall-kooperazzjoni internazzjonali fir-reġjun. Sa mill-2008, l-UE żiedet sostanzjalment l-involviment tagħha fil-kooperazzjoni tal-Artiku b’mod partikolari bl-impenn tagħha mal-Kunsill tal-Artiku, mal-membri tal-Kunsill tal-Artiku u mal-Parteċipanti Permanenti. Is-servizzi tal-Kummissjoni, is-Servizz Ewropew għall-Azzjoni Esterna (SEAS) u l-aġenziji tal-UE pparteċipaw bħala osservaturi ad hoc fil-laqgħat tal-Kunsill tal-Artiku u involvew ruħhom b’mod attiv fil-laqgħat u l-gruppi ta’ ħidma tiegħu. Il-kuntatti u d-djalogu mal-presidenzi konsekuttivi Norveġiża, Daniża u Svediża kienu frekwenti u kostruttivi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006505/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Arctic Council

With its 2008 Communication entitled ‘The European Union and the Arctic Region’ (COM(2008)0763), the Commission took a first step towards developing an EU policy on Arctic issues. In the context of this policy development, the European Union aims to be granted permanent observer status in the Arctic Council.

Given that the EU’s first bid was rejected by the Arctic Council in 2009, how does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to increase the likelihood of obtaining permanent observer status in the near future?

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

(8 August 2012)

The Commission applied, on behalf of the EU, to become a permanent observer to the Arctic Council on 1 December 2008. The Arctic Council Foreign Ministers have decided twice (2009 and 2011) to postpone their final decision on accepting new observers including the EU, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Since criteria for the admission of observers were adopted in May 2011, updated information was submitted in a letter co-signed by the HR/VP and Commissioner responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs to the Chair of the Arctic Council, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt in December 2011. The Arctic Council is expected to decide on applications for observer status at its next Ministerial meeting in Kiruna, Sweden in May 2013. Observer status, as defined by the Arctic Council itself, would allow the EU to intensify cooperation and continue to make a positive contribution to the work of the Council and Arctic region in general.

As reaffirmed in the 2012 Communication (170), the EU considers the Arctic Council to be an important forum for international cooperation in the region. Since 2008, the EU has substantially increased its involvement in Arctic cooperation, notably through its engagement with the Arctic Council, Arctic Council members and Permanent Participants. The Commission, the European External Action Service and EU agencies have participated as ad hoc observers in Arctic Council meetings and engaged actively in its working groups. Contacts and dialogue with the consecutive Norwegian, Danish and Swedish chairmanships have been frequent and constructive.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006507/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: L-investiment Ċiniż

Bil-kwestjonijiet kollha li ż-Żona tal-Euro għandha bil-munita tagħha u d-dejn sovran, ir-reġjun dar lejn iċ-Ċina bħala soluzzjoni. Filwaqt li ċ-Ċina ma għamlet l-ebda offerti uffiċjali ta’ finanzjament, l-Ewropa kienet l-akbar reċevent ta’ investiment barrani dirett is-sena l-oħra, li fisser 34% ta' mergers u akwiżizzjonijiet. B’dana kollu, l-industrija Ewropea wriet li hi pjuttost suspettuża dwar l-involviment Ċiniż u tilmenta li qed tħabbat wiċċha ma’ konkorrenza inġusta minn kumpaniji barranin fis-suq tal-UE. Min-naħa l-oħra, il-kriżi wasslet li l-industriji Ewropej ikunu anqas kompetittivi, b’detriment għall-isforzi favur it-tkabbir, u l-involviment barrani hu ta’ ġid għall-Ewropa.

Dan l-aħħar bosta kumpaniji Ċiniżi li ttantaw mergers jew akwiżizzjonijiet fl-Ewropa sabu ħafna reżistenza. Il-Kummissjoni fasslet Inizjattiva ta’ Akkwist Pubbliku Estern f’Marzu li għadda li se tillimita l-aċċess għas-suq tal-akkwist pubbliku għall-barranin, inkluża ċ-Ċina.

Billi l-investiment Ċiniż huwa kritiku għat-tiswija taż-Żona tal-Euro, kif tipproponi l-Kummissjoni li żżomm l-interess barrani fil-futur filwaqt li tippersegwi tali miżuri għall-protezzjoni tal-industrija Ewropea?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur De Gucht f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(8 ta' Awwissu 2012)

It-Trattat dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea jistipula biċ-ċar l-impenn tal-UE għat-trasparenza lejn l-investiment dirett barrani (IDB). Huwa jistabbilixxi l-kompetenza esklussiva tal-UE għal IDB skont il-Politika Kummerċjali Komuni bil-għan li progressivament tabolixxi r-restrizzjonijiet għall-IDB.

Bħala l-akbar sors tad-dinja kif ukoll destinazzjoni tal-IDB, l-UE hija benefiċjarju ewlieni minn sistema ekonomika dinjija miftuħa u hija impenjata li tiżgura li s-swieq tagħha jibqgħu miftuħin għall-IDB. Madankollu, kwalunkwe kumpanija barranija li takkwista kumpanija Ewropea jew sehem fiha jkollha taġixxi skont ir-regoli eżistenti dwar il-kompetizzjoni u t-trasparenza applikabbli fl-UE u l-Istat Membru in kwistjoni.

Il-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-futur tal-Politika Ewropew tal-Investiment (171) identifikat liċ-Ċina bħala sieħeb potenzjali ma’ min se tmexxi ftehim ta' investiment waħdieni. Sabiex tivvaluta bis-sħiħ ix-xewqa u l-fattibilità ta' dawn in-negozjati u l-impatt ekonomiku, soċjali, u ambjentali ta' ftehim potenzjali, il-Kummissjoni qed twettaq valutazzjoni tal-impatt li tabilħaqq timmira lejn il-benefiċċji ta' ftehim ambizzjuż u bbilanċjat tal-investiment bejn l-UE u ċ-Ċina għar-relazzjoni ma' investiment bilaterali tagħha. Fl-14-il Summit bejn l-UE u ċ-Ċina li sar fi Frar 2012, il-mexxejja qablu li jimxu lejn in-negozjati ta’ ftehim ta’ investiment li jkopri l-kwistjonijiet kollha ta’ interess għaż-żewġ naħat. Fi żmien debitu, il-Kummissjoni se tressaq rakkomandazzjoni lill-Kunsill għall-ftuħ tan-negozjati.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006507/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Chinese investment

With the eurozone’s ongoing issues with its currency and sovereign debt, the region has looked to China as a solution. While China has made no official offers of funding, Europe was its biggest recipient of foreign direct investment last year, accounting for 34% of mergers and acquisitions. However, European industry has shown itself to be rather suspicious of Chinese involvement and complains that it faces unfair competition from foreign companies in the EU market. On the other hand, the crisis has rendered European industries less competitive, which is detrimental to efforts to boost growth, and foreign involvement is beneficial to Europe.

Recently many Chinese companies attempting mergers or acquisitions in Europe have found themselves encountering resistance. The Commission drafted an external public procurement initiative in March which will limit access to the public procurement market to outsiders, including China.

Given that Chinese investment is critical to economic recovery in the eurozone, how does the Commission propose to maintain foreign interest in the future while pursuing such measures to protect European industry?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

The Treaty on the European Union sets out clearly the EU's commitment to openness towards foreign direct investment (FDI). It establishes the EU's exclusive competence for FDI under the Common Commercial Policy with the aim of progressively abolishing restrictions to FDI.

As the world's largest source as well as destination of FDI, the EU is a major beneficiary of an open world economic system and is committed to ensuring that its markets remain open for FDI. Nevertheless, any foreign company that acquires a European company or a stake in it will have to act in accordance with the existing rules on competition and transparency applicable in the EU and the Member State in question.

The Commission Communication on the future European investment policy (172) identified China as a potential partner with whom to pursue a stand-alone investment agreement. In order to fully assess the desirability and feasibility of such negotiations and the economic, social, and environmental impact of a potential agreement, the Commission has been conducting an impact assessment which indeed points towards the benefits of an ambitious and balanced EU‐China investment agreement for its bilateral investment relationship. At the 14th EU‐China Summit in February 2012, leaders agreed to move towards negotiations of an investment agreement covering all issues of interest to either side. The Commission will in due time come forward with a recommendation to the Council for opening negotiations.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006509/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Ħaddiema bil-ħiliet

Fl-2010, il-Kummissjoni pproponiet “Aġenda għall-ħiliet u Impjiegi ġodda” biex tappoġġja l-istati membri fit-tnaqqis tal-qgħad. L-Ewropa qed issofri rati għoljin bla preċedent ta’ qgħad, imma wkoll nuqqas ta’ ħaddiema b’ħiliet għoljin, l-aktar fl-oqsma tax-xjenza, it-teknoloġija u l-inġinerija. Din l-hekk-imsejħa “brain drain” ħalliet lill-Ewropa b’qabża bejn it-talba għal impjiegat b’ħiliet għoljin u l-għadd ta’ ħaddiema kkwalifikati. L-istatistika turi li, f’termini ta’ immigrazzjoni, il-massa tal-impjegati b’ħiliet tmur lejn l-Istati Uniti, filwaqt li l-impjegati mingħajr ħiliet għandhom tendenza li jmorru fl-UE. Il-programmi appoġġjati mill-Aġenda jiffokalizzaw fuq l-investiment fl-edukazzjoni u l-programmi ta’ taħrig, imma ż-żamma ta’ individwi b’ħiliet għoljin l-UE wkoll għandha tkun prijorità.

X’se tagħmel il-Kummissjoni ħalli timmiitiga l-livelli ta’ ħaddiema b’ħiliet għoljin li qed jitilqu mill-UE?

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

(14 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Fi żmien qasir, il-mobbiltà fl-UE tista' tikkostitwixxi alternattiva mixtieqa u, fl-istess ħin tgħin biex jittaffew skarsezzi f'xogħlijiet speċifiċi u/jew inkonsistenzi fl-UE-27. Il-Kummissjoni qed tipproponi li tittrasforma lill-EURES (173) fi strument immexxi mid-domanda biex tappoġġa tqabbil effettiv bejn id-domanda u l-provvista tax-xogħol, filwaqt li tissodisfa l-obbligi ġuridiċi biex tiġi żgurata t-trasparenza tal-postijiet tax-xogħol battala b'iktar għodod onlajn innovattivi u awtoservizzi.

Il-Kummissjoni se tippreżenta proposta leġiżlattiva sal-aħħar tal-2012 biex tappoġġa lill-ħaddiema mobbli, tkompli ttejjeb il-portal “L-Ewropa Tiegħek” (174) u teżamina l-possibilitajiet għal miżuri li jneħħu l-ostakli fiskali għall-ħaddiema transkonfinali. L-adozzjoni tad-Direttiva dwar il-Kwalifiki Professjonali se tkompli tiffaċilita r-rikonoxximent tant meħtieġ tal-kwalifiki professjonali.

Il-Komunikazzjoni dwar l-ERA għandha fost l-oħrajn l-għan li jitnaqqas l-esodu ta' mħuħ billi jitlesta suq tax-xogħol miftuħ għar-riċerkaturi. Qed jiġu proposti azzjonijiet biex ir-reklutaġġ tar-riċerkaturi jkun miftuħ, trasparenti u msejjes fuq il-mertu , għall-portabilità u l-aċċess transkonfinali għall-għotjiet, u għat-twaqqif ta' programmi dottorali, innovattivi u strutturati.

Il-Kummissjoni qed tirrevedi d-Direttivi tal-Istudenti u tar-Riċerkaturi sabiex jiġi ffaċilitat id-dħul ta’ riċerkaturi u studenti minn pajjiżi terzi u b’hekk jiżdied l-għadd ta' individwi b'ħila għolja fl-UE.

Il-Panorama tal-Ħiliet se tindirizza l-inkonsistenzi bejn il-postijiet battala u l-ħiliet biex issir eħfef biex individwi jsibu impjieg fl-Ewropa.

L-Aġenda tal-Modernizzazzjoni tal-Edukazzjoni Għolja (175) għandha l-għan ta' negozji aktar innovattivi u edukazzjoni orjentati internazzjonalment, li jaffettwaw l-“esodu ta' mħuħ”. Żewġ azzjonijiet speċifiċi inklużi huma l-Istitut Ewropew tal-Innovazzjoni u t-Teknoloġija (176) u l-Alleanzi ta' Għarfien (177).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006509/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Skilled workers

In 2010 the Commission proposed an ‘Agenda for New Skills and Jobs’ to support Member States in reducing unemployment. Europe is suffering from record rates of unemployment, but also from a shortage of highly skilled workers, particularly in the fields of science, technology and engineering. This ‘brain drain’ has left Europe with a gap between the demand for highly skilled labour and the numbers of qualified workers. Statistics show that, in terms of immigration, the bulk of skilled labour goes to the US, whereas unskilled labour tends to go to the EU. Programmes supported by the Agenda focus on investment in education and training programmes, but the retention of highly skilled individuals within the EU should also be a priority.

What is the Commission doing to reduce the numbers of highly skilled workers leaving the EU?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

In the short term, mobility within the EU could constitute a desirable alternative and, at the same time help alleviate specific labour shortages and/or mismatches in EU‐27. The Commission is proposing to transform EURES (178) into a demand-driven instrument to support effective matching between labour demand and supply, while fulfilling the legal obligation of ensuring transparency of job vacancies with more innovative online tools and self-services.

The Commission will present a legislative proposal end 2012 to support mobile workers, continue to improve the ‘Your Europe’ (179) portal and examine options for measures removing tax obstacles for cross-border workers. Adoption of the Professional Qualifications Directive would further facilitate the much needed recognition of professional qualifications.

The communication on ERA aims inter alia to reduce brain drain by completing an open labour market for researchers. Actions are proposed on the open, transparent and merit-based recruitment of researchers, cross-border access to and portability of grants, and setting up structured innovative doctoral programmes.

The Commission is revising the Students' and Researchers' Directives to facilitate the entry of third country students and researchers thus increasing the number of highly skilled individuals in EU.

The Skills Panorama will address vacancies/skills mismatches to facilitate individuals to find employment in Europe.

The Higher Education Modernisation Agenda (180) aims at a more innovative business and internationally oriented education, affecting ‘brain drain’. Two specific actions included are the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (181) and the Knowledge Alliances (182).

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006510/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(28 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Eurodac

L-Eurodac twaqqaf fl-2000 (Regolament (KE) Nru 2725/2000) biex joħloq sistema Ewropea komuni u komprensiva għar-reġistrazzjoni tal-marki tas-swaba’. Din id-dejtabejż tintuża għall-monitoraġġ tal-applikanti għall-ażil kif ukoll għall-immigranti illegali interċettati fl-UE. Ir-Regolament (KE) Nru 2725/2000 iħeġġeġ is-sanzjonijiet mill-Istati Membri fil-każ ta’ abbuż informazzjonali marbut mad-dejtbejż Eurodac, ħalli jkunu protetti l-privatezza u s-sigurtà tal-individwi. Għall-2012, il-Kummissjoni ddiskutiet il-possibilità li jitwessa’ l-aċċess Eurodac għall-awtoritajiet nazzjonali tal-eżekuzzjoni tal-liġi, ħalli jkunu kkombattuti t-terroriżmu u l-kriminalità gravi.

Fl-opinjoni tal-Kummissjoni, dan it-tkabbir fil-kamp tal-aċċess se jwassal li l-protezzjoni tal-informazzjoni Eurodac tkun aktar diffiċli biex tiġi ġestita? X’inhi l-valutazzjoni tal-użu ħażin tad-data s’issa?

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

(16 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Ir-Regolament (KE) Nru 2725/2000 stabbilixxa l-EURODAC bħala strument għall-ażil li jiġbor, jittrażmetti jew jirreġistra l-marki tas-swaba' tal-applikanti għall-ażil u ċ-ċittadini ta' pajjiżi terzi maqbuda jaqsmu fruntiera esterna b'mod irregolari jew b'soġġorn illegali, bl-iskop li jiġi applikat ir-Regolament (KE) 343/2003.

Fil-Memorandum ta’ Spjegazzjoni tal-proposta Riformulata tal-EURODAC 2012 (183) il-Kummissjoni ddikjarat li l-użu tad-dejta tal-EURODAC għal raġunijiet ta’ infurzar tal-liġi jimplika bidla fl-iskop tad-dejta pproċessata u tikkostitwixxi “interferenza” għad-dritt tal-protezzjoni tad-dejta (184). Madankollu, dawn il-bidliet mhux se jagħmlu l-protezzjoni tal-informazzjoni li hemm fil-bażi ta' dejta tal-EURODAC aktar diffiċli biex tiġi ġestita peress li hemm salvagwardji ċari li jiddelinjaw min ikun jista' jaċċedi d-dejta tal-EURODAC u f'liema ċirkostanzi.

Il-KEPD jipproduċi rapporti dwar l-użu tad-dejta tal-EURODAC (185). Il-proposta l-ġdida tal-EURODAC tirrifletti xi wħud mir-rakkomandazzjonijiet tal-KEPD (pereżempju, dwar l-għoti ta' informazzjoni lis-suġġetti tad-dejta u l-bidliet fir-regoli dwar tħassir ta' dejta). Barra minn hekk, għal darba oħra fuq ir-rakkomandazzjoni tal-KEPD, il-possibilità eżistenti fl-Artikolu 18(2) tar-Regolament EURODAC biex suġġett tad-dejta jikseb komunikazzjoni tad-dejta relatata miegħu li tkun irreġistrata fil-bażi ta' dejta ċentrali se tiġi alterata. Fil-futur l-Istati Membri se jkollhom jibagħtu kopja tat-talba tas-suġġett tad-dejta għal aċċess lill-awtorità ta' sorveljanza nazzjonali kompetenti. Dan sabiex ikun ippruvat li t-talba tkun fil-fatt ġejja mis-suġġett tad-dejta u li dawn it-tfittxijiet ma jkunux qed jitwettqu b’mod mhux xieraq.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006510/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Eurodac

Eurodac was established in 2000 (Regulation (EC) No 2725/2000) as a common and comprehensive European system for recording fingerprints. The Eurodac database is used to monitor asylum applicants as well as illegal immigrants intercepted in the EU. Regulation (EC) No 2725/2000 encourages the Member States to impose sanctions in the event of information contained in the Eurodac database being abused, so as to protect the privacy and security of individuals. The Commission has discussed the possibility of giving national law enforcement authorities access to Eurodac from 2012, in order to combat terrorism and serious crime.

In the Commission’s opinion, will this widened access make the protection of information contained in the Eurodac database more difficult to manage? What is the assessment of the misuse of Eurodac data to date?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

Regulation (EC) No 2725/2000 set up Eurodac as an asylum instrument that collects, transmits or records fingerprints of asylum applicants and third‐country nationals apprehended with an irregular crossing of an external border or with illegal stay, for the purpose of applying Regulation (EC) 343/2003.

In the Explanatory Memorandum to the 2012 Eurodac Recast proposal (186) the Commission stated that the use of Eurodac data for law enforcement purposes implies a change of purpose of the data processed and constitutes an ‘interference’ with the right to data protection (187). However, these changes will not make the protection of information contained in the Eurodac database more difficult to manage as there are clear safeguards delineating who may access Eurodac data and under what circumstances.

The EDPS produces reports concerning the use of Eurodac data. (188) The new Eurodac proposal reflects some of the EDPS's recommendations (for example, on the provision of information to data subjects and changes to the rules on erasure of data). In addition, again on recommendation of the EDPS, the existing possibility in Article 18(2) of the Eurodac Regulation for a data subject to obtain communication of the data relating to him/her recorded in the central database will be altered. In future Member States will have to send a copy of the data subject's request for access to the competent national supervisory authority. This in order to prove that the request did in fact come from the data subject and that such searches are not being carried out inappropriately.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006511/12

aan de Commissie

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 juni 2012)

Betreft: Subsidies voor France Terre d'Asile

De organisatie „France Terre d'Asile” steunde tijdens de campagne voor de presidentsverkiezingen in Frankrijk openlijk de kandidatuur van François Hollande. Dat gebeurde onder meer via een persmededeling op 24 april 2012, getiteld „François Hollande sans hésitation!”. Aangezien in het logo van de organisatie het logo van de Europese Unie verwerkt is, kon de indruk gewekt worden dat de Europese Unie zelf achter deze kandidaat stond.

Ontvangt „France Terre d'Asile” subsidies van de Europese Unie? Zo ja, hoeveel bedroeg dat in 2010 en 2011?

Acht de Commissie het geoorloofd dat EU-subsidies deels gebruikt worden om bepaalde personen en/of politieke partijen electoraal te steunen? Welke regels gelden  terzake?

Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie

(9 augustus 2012)

„France Terre d'Asile” heeft van de Commissie slechts financiële steun ontvangen voor de uitvoering van projecten.

Binnen het Europees Vluchtelingenfonds (EVF) heeft „France Terre d’Asile” diverse projecten uitgevoerd die door de EU mede waren gefinancierd in het kader van het nationale programma van Frankrijk dat in gezamenlijk beheer wordt uitgevoerd. De projecten werden op nationaal niveau geselecteerd door de nationale, voor het fonds verantwoordelijke autoriteit (in dit geval het Franse ministerie van Binnenlandse zaken). De nationale programma’s van Frankrijk en de lijst van door de nationale verantwoordelijke autoriteit geselecteerde en gefinancierde projecten staan beschreven op internet (189).

Binnen de communautaire acties van het Europees Vluchtelingenfonds heeft de Commissie na een oproep tot het indienen van voorstellen in 2010 en 2011 diverse projecten gefinancierd, onder meer drie projecten waarbij „France Terre d'Asile” partner was. Binnen het proefproject voor hervestiging werden na een oproep tot het indienen van voorstellen in 2011 twee projecten geselecteerd, onder meer één project waarbij „France Terre d'Asile” partner was. Het totale bedrag dat in het kader van deze vier projecten per ondertekende subsidieovereenkomst werd vastgelegd en toegewezen aan „France Terre d'Asile”, bedraagt 233.150,30 euro.

Er gelden bepaalde voorschriften voor het gebruik van de EU-vlag. De Commissie is er zich echter niet van bewust dat „France Terre d'Asile” in het persbericht dat door het geachte Parlementslid wordt vermeld, de EU-vlag heeft gebruikt (190).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006511/12

to the Commission

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Subsidies for France terre d'asile

The France Terre d’Asile organisation openly supported François Hollande during the French presidential election campaign. This support was expressed, for example, through a press release on 24 April 2012 under the headline ‘François Hollande sans hésitation!’ Since the organisation’s logo incorporates that of the European Union, this could give the impression that the European Union was also behind this candidate.

Is France Terre d’Asile receiving subsidies from the EU? If so, how much did it receive in 2010 and 2011?

Is it appropriate, in the Commission’s view, that EU subsidies should be partially used to support certain persons and/or political parties during elections? What rules apply in this situation?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2012)

France Terre d'Asile has only received finance from the Commission to implement projects.

Within the European Refugee Fund (ERF), France Terre d’Asile has implemented several projects co‐financed by the EU under the national programme of France, which is implemented in shared management. The projects have been selected at national level by the national Responsible Authority in charge of the Fund (in this case the French Ministry of Interior). The national programmes of France and the list of projects selected and funded by the national Responsible Authority are available on the Internet (191)

Within the Community Actions of the ERF, several projects were awarded by the Commission following a call for proposals in 2010 and 2011, among which three projects had France Terre d'Asile as a partner. Within the Pilot project on Resettlement, following a call for proposals in 2011, two projects were selected, among which one has France Terre d'Asile as a partner. The total amount committed and allocated to France Terre d'Asile under these four projects as per the signed grant agreement is of EUR 233 150.30.

There are rules applicable for the authorisation of the use of the EU flag. However, the Commission is not aware that France Terre d'Asile has used the EU flag within the press release mentioned by the Honourable Member (192).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006512/12

aan de Commissie

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 juni 2012)

Betreft: Subsidies „Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants” (CISPM)

Ontvangt de organisatie „Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants” (CISPM) subsidies of enige andere steun van de EU? Zo ja, hoeveel bedraagt deze steun?

Tussen 2 juni en 2 juli organiseert deze vereniging een „Marche européen des sans papiers et migrants”. Ontving dat initiatief enige steun van de Europese Unie? Zo ja, welke, en voor welk bedrag?

Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie

(29 augustus 2012)

De „Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants” ontvangt geen subsidie of andere financiële steun van de Europese Commissie.

De Europese Commissie was niet betrokken bij de organisatie van dit initiatief.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006512/12

to the Commission

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Subsidies for the ‘Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants’

Is the ‘Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants’ organisation receiving subsidies or any other support from the EU? If so, how much support is being provided?

Between 2 June and 2 July 2012, this association is organising a ‘Marche européen des sans papiers et migrants’. Is this initiative supported by the European Union? If so, in what way and by what amount?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(29 August 2012)

The ‘Coalition Internationale des Sans Papiers et Migrants’ does not receive subsidies or financial support from the European Commission.

The European Commission was not involved in the organisation of this initiative.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-006515/12

til Kommissionen

Anne E. Jensen (ALDE)

(28. juni 2012)

Om: Implementering af forordning (EU) nr. 720/2011

Kommissionens forordning (EU) nr. 720/2011 vil tillade væsker i håndbagagen efter en scanningsprocedure i sikkerhedstjekket per 29. april 2013.

Men ifølge konsulenthuset BOOZ & Co, der udarbejdede en rapport til Kommissionen om en implementering af dette på baggrund af en række test med scanningsteknologien i 14 lufthavne, var teknologien til scanningsproceduren dog af manglefuld kvalitet. Det resulterede i op til 30 procent fejlindikationer og hyppigere eftersyn af håndbagage, hvilket konkret medførte øget ventetid og forværret serviceniveau for passagerne.

De operationelle vanskeligheder med den nuværende teknologi er både bekræftet af BOOZ & Co, samt af BAA, Schipol Group og Aéroports de Paris. De understreger alle, at en implementering, både fuldstændig eller delvis, vil medføre flere gener og negative konsekvenser for passagerne, da en stor andel af deres væsker, herunder parfumer eller spiritus, vil blive beslaglagt som følge af fejlregistrering fra scanningsproceduren.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Siim Kallas

(24. august 2012)

Med hensyn til det ærede medlems første spørgsmål har Kommissionen i samarbejde med eksperter fra medlemsstaterne og interessenter fra luftfartssikkerhedsindustrien gennemført en række test i EU‐lufthavne og analyseret resultaterne heraf sammen med anden relevant information om screening af væsker. Konsulenthuset Booz & Co. assisterede Kommissionen i forbindelse med denne undersøgelse.

Konsulentrapporten er stemplet »EU restricted«, eftersom den indeholder forretningsmæssigt følsomme oplysninger og oplysninger vedrørende luftfartssikkerhed. Adgangen til den vil derfor være begrænset til de eksperter, der arbejder direkte med spørgsmålet.

På baggrund af testresultaterne, en analyse af anden relevant information og konsulenternes rapport har Kommissionen vedtaget en rapport om screening af væsker, spray og gelé (LAGs) i EU‐lufthavne (193).

I denne rapport konkluderer Kommissionen, at flydende sprængstoffer stadig udgør en betydelig risiko for civil luftfart, og at producenterne systemer til sporing af flydende sprængstoffer har gjort betydelige fremskridt i arbejdet med at udvikle teknologi, der på tilfredsstillende vis kan mindske denne risiko. Rapporten anerkender imidlertid, at en ophævelse af begrænsningerne på LAGs pr. 29. april 2013, som påtænkt i EU's lovgivning, udgør en stor operationel udfordring for branchen, hovedsagelig som følge af omfanget af ændringen, der indebærer, at alle LAGs skal screenes. Derfor finder Kommissionen, at det er bedst at udsætte ophævelsen af begrænsningerne og indføre obligatorisk screening trinvis fra januar 2014, omend Kommissionen samtidig står ved sin plan om at tillade flypassagererne at medbringe LAGs i håndbagagen i fremtiden.

Inden for de nærmeste par måneder vil Kommissionen indføre de nødvendige ændringer af EU‐lovgivningen om LAGs efter aftale med medlemsstaterne og Europa-Parlamentet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006515/12

to the Commission

Anne E. Jensen (ALDE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Implementation of Regulation (EU) No 720/2011

With effect from 29 April 2013, Commission Regulation (EU) No 720/2011 will permit liquids in hand luggage after a scanning procedure in the security check.

However, according to an implementation report prepared for the Commission by the consultancy firm BOOZ & Co, there are shortcomings in the technology for the scanning procedure. This report was based on a series of tests carried out on scanning technology at 14 airports. The results indicate an error rate of up to 30% and more frequent inspection of hand luggage, which leads to increased waiting times and a poorer level of service for passengers.

The operational difficulties experienced with the current technology have been confirmed by BOOZ & Co and by BAA, Schipol Group and Aéroports de Paris. They all stress that any implementation, whether full or partial, will cause more inconvenience and have greater consequences for passengers. A large proportion of their liquids, including perfumes and spirits, will be seized as a result of errors in the scanning procedure.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(24 August 2012)

With respect to the first question of the Honourable member, the Commission together with Member States' experts and industry stakeholders in the field of aviation security organised trials at EU airports and analysed this and other relevant information in respect of liquid screening. In the carrying out of this work, the Commission was assisted by the consultant, Booz & Co.

Their report is classified ‘EU restricted’ as it contains security and commercial sensitive information. Its accessibility will therefore be restricted to the experts directly working on the file.

Based on trial results, the analysis of other information and the consultant's report, the Commission adopted a report on the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) at EU airports (194).

Therein the Commission concludes that the risk posed by liquid explosives to civil aviation is still significant and LEDS manufacturers have made substantial progress to develop instruments which can adequately address this risk. However, the report acknowledges that the removal of the LAGS restrictions by 29 April 2013, as currently envisaged in EC law, presents a considerable operational challenge to the industry mainly due to the scale of the change stemming from the obligation to screen all LAGs. Therefore, while reiterating its commitment to allow future air travellers to carry LAGs in their cabin baggage, the Commission considers it appropriate to delay the removal of the restrictions and to introduce the obligation to screen step by step starting in January 2014.

Within the coming months the Commission will introduce the necessary revision to the EU legislation on LAGs with the agreement of the Member States and the European Parliament.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006517/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(28 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Οι κοινωνικό-οικονομικές συνθήκες στον ευρωπαϊκό νότο

Σοκάρουν τα στοιχεία της νέας έκθεσης της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για την κοινωνική κατάσταση στην Ευρώπη το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2012, που αφορούν την ανεργία, τη φτώχεια και την έλλειψη στέγης στα κράτη-μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Ιδιαίτερα για την Ελλάδα, την Ισπανία, την Ιταλία και την Πορτογαλία, η Επιτροπή περιγράφει με μελανά χρώματα τις κοινωνικό-οικονομικές συνθήκες στις χώρες αυτές. Σύμφωνα με την μελέτη, το 68 % των Ελλήνων ζει κάτω από το όριο της φτώχειας, (σ.σ. δηλαδή με εισόδημα κάτω από το 60 % του μέσου εθνικού εισοδήματος) και διαθέτει πάνω από το 40 % του εισοδήματός του για το ενοίκιο ή την αποπληρωμή στεγαστικού δανείου. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι η απασχόληση στην Ελλάδα έχει μειωθεί κατά 400 000 θέσεις εργασίας το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2012 σε σχέση με την αντίστοιχη περίοδο του 2011, ενώ την ίδια στιγμή στην Ισπανία χάθηκαν 660 000 θέσεις εργασίας, στην Πορτογαλία 210 000 και στην Ιταλία 180 000. Οι άστεγοι στην Ελλάδα αυξήθηκαν κατά 25 % το 2011 σε σχέση με το 2009, φθάνοντας τους 20 000 συνολικά. Παράλληλα, χιλιάδες Έλληνες και Ισπανοί εγκαταλείπουν της πατρίδες τους, μεταναστεύοντας σε χώρες που δεν έχουν επηρεαστεί σημαντικά από την κρίση, όπως η Γερμάνια, η Αυστραλία, και ο Καναδάς.

Η μελέτη αυτή αποτυπώνει τη ζοφερή κατάσταση στην οποία βρίσκεται ο ευρωπαϊκός νότος, και κάποια ισότιμα κράτη μελή της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Λαμβάνοντας αυτά τα στοιχεία υπόψη,

Ερωτάται ο Επίτροπος Ολι Ρεν:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Αυγούστου 2012)

Η οικονομική κρίση είναι επίσης κοινωνική κρίση για την Ευρώπη, με ολέθριες συνέπειες για πολλούς πολίτες της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Από την πρώτη στιγμή η Επιτροπή εργάζεται αόκνως για να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι επιπτώσεις της κρίσης πρωτίστως στις ευάλωτες ομάδες. Η δημοσιονομική εξυγίανση πρέπει να πραγματοποιηθεί κατά τρόπο που να ευνοεί την ανάπτυξη, δεδομένου ότι η ανάπτυξη αποτελεί βασική προϋπόθεση για τη δημιουργία απασχόλησης. Οι δαπάνες κοινωνικής προστασίας εξακολουθούν να είναι απαραίτητες, καθότι αποτελούν δείκτη ασφαλείας σε εκείνους που πλήττονται περισσότερο από την κρίση και στις ευάλωτες κοινωνικές ομάδες.

Ως εκ τούτου, σύμφωνα με το ευρωπαϊκό εξάμηνο 2012, πολλά κράτη μέλη έλαβαν συστάσεις για να εκσυγχρονίσουν το κράτος πρόνοιας ώστε να βελτιωθεί η αποτελεσματικότητακαι να μειωθεί το κόστοςτων σχετικών μέτρων, να ενισχυθεί η απασχόληση και οι πολιτικές υπερ των ευάλωτων κοινωνικών ομάδων και να μειωθεί η φτώχεια και ο αριθμός των εργαζομένων με χαμηλές αμοιβές.

Τον Ιούνιο του 2012 το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο έλαβε αποφάσεις για μέτρα υπέρ της ανάπτυξης τα οποία αναμένεται να βελτιώσουν τις οικονομικές προοπτικές. Σημαντικές αποφάσεις ελήφθησαν επίσης για να επισπευσθεί η ένωση των τραπεζών και να διαραγεί η αρνητική σχέση μεταξύ των τραπεζών και δημόσιου χρέους. Η συνδυασμένη εφαρμογή των προγραμμάτων και των ειδικών ανά χώρα συστάσεων στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού εξαμήνου ελπίζεται ότι θα βελτιώσει με την πάροδο του χρόνου την κατάσταση όλων των πολιτών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006517/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Socioeconomic conditions in Southern Europe

The EU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review — June 2012 concerning unemployment, poverty and homelessness in the EU Member States contains shocking statistics. The Commission describes the socioeconomic conditions in Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal as particularly worrying. According to the study, 68% of Greek citizens are living below the poverty line (with an income of less than 60% of the average national income) and more than 40% of their income goes on rent or mortgage payments. Employment fell notably in Greece by 400 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, while 660 000 jobs were lost in Spain, 210 000 in Portugal and 180 000 in Italy. The number of homeless people in Greece rose by 25% in 2011 compared to 2009, bringing the total to 20 000. At the same time, thousands of Greek and Spanish citizens are leaving their countries, migrating to countries such as Germany, Australia and Canada which have not been significantly affected by the crisis.

This study shows the dismal situation in Southern Europe and some other EU Member States. Given these statistics, will Commissioner Olli Rehn answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(6 August 2012)

The economic crisis is also a social crisis for Europe with dire consequences for many EU citizens. From the outset the Commission has worked tirelessly to minimise the impact of the crisis above all on the vulnerable. The ongoing necessary fiscal consolidation needs to take place in as growth-friendly manner as possible, since growth is a key pre-requisite for employment creation. Social protection expenditure remains indispensable to provide a safety net for those most hit by the crisis and the vulnerable.

Therefore, under 2012 European Semester, many Member States received recommendations to modernise welfare states to improve their targeting and cost-effectiveness, to improve employment support and activation policies for vulnerable groups and also to alleviate poverty, including in-work poverty.

The June 2012 European Council has now taken decisions on growth-enhancing measures that should bring additional support and improve economic prospects. Important decisions were also taken to bring forward the banking union to break the negative nexus between the bankes and the sovereign. In combination with the implementation of programmes and country-specific recommendations under the European Semester, this should over time restore the situation for EU citizens everywhere.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006518/12

an die Kommission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(28. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Indect-Projekt

Die Kommission hat 15 Mio. EUR für das Indect-Projekt zur Verfügung gestellt.

ndect abgeschlossen ist und in welcher Projektphase es sich derzeit befindet?

ndect eingeplanten und bereitgestellten Mittel sind zum Zeitpunkt dieser Anfrage schon ausgegeben worden?

Antwort von Herrn Tajani im Namen der Kommission

(1. August 2012)

Die Kommission teilt dem Herrn Abgeordneten mit, dass das Projekt Indect bis zum 31. Dezember 2013 abgeschlossen sein soll.

Was den Beitrag der Kommission sowie den Status und die Vereinbarkeit von Indect mit EU-Recht betrifft, verweist die Kommission den Herrn Abgeordneten auf die Antworten auf die schriftlichen Anfragen E‐005371/2012 von Herrn Filip Kaczmarek und E‐005080/2012 von Herrn Franz Obermayr (195).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006518/12

to the Commission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Indect (Intelligent information system supporting observation, searching and detection for security of citizens in urban environment) project

The Commission has made EUR 15 million available for the Indect project.

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Indect project is due to be completed by 31 December 2013.

Concerning the EC contribution, the status and the conformity of Indect with EC law, the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to the answers provided in the Written Questions E‐005371/2012 by Mr Filip Kaczmarek and E‐005080/2012 by Mr Franz Obermayr (196).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006520/12

aan de Commissie

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 juni 2012)

Betreft: Aanwezigheid van commissarissen op Bilderberg-bijeenkomst

Van 31 mei tot 3 juni 2012 vond de jaarlijkse bijeenkomst plaats van de Bilderberg-groep, in Chantilly, Virgina (VS). Verschillende leden van de Europese Commissie namen deel aan deze conferentie.

Welke commissarissen waren aanwezig? Hoeveel medewerkers waren erbij?

In welke hoedanigheid waren zij daar aanwezig? Vertegenwoordigden zij officieel de Commissie?

Brachten zij binnen de Commissie verslag uit over de besprekingen die tijdens de bijeenkomst werden gehouden? Is deze informatie, in het kader van de openbaarheid van bestuur, toegankelijk voor het publiek? Zo neen, waarom niet?

Werden hun reis‐ en verblijfskosten door de Commissie betaald? Zo ja, hoeveel bedragen deze kosten?

Antwoord van de heer Barroso namens de Commissie

(16 augustus 2012)

De officiële lijst van deelnemers aan de jaarvergadering voor 2012 van de Bilderberg Groep, gehouden in Virginia (VS) van 31 mei tot 3 juni 2012, kan op internet worden geraadpleegd: http://www.infowars.com/bilderberg-2012-the-official-list-of-participants/. Vicevoorzitter Joaquín Almunia, vicevoorzitter Neelie Kroes en commissaris Karel De Gucht namen aan de vergadering deel. De heer Pierre Vimont, uitvoerend secretaris-generaal van de Europese dienst voor extern optreden, nam eveneens deel. Aan de vergadering nam geen ambtenaar van de Europese Commissie deel.

De genoemde leden van de Europese Commissie namen aan de vergadering deel op grond van een persoonlijke uitnodiging. De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar haar antwoord op vraag E-7306/2011 van de heer Batten (197).

Vicevoorzitter Almunia nam deel aan de zittingen inzake concurrentiebeleid, de economische situatie en de euro. Vicevoorzitter Neelie Kroes nam deel aan de zittingen over het Europese politieke landschap, de conomische groei en de samenwerking van souveraine landen in cyberspace. De deelname van commissaris De Gucht betrof met name de zittingen inzake de economische en politieke vooruitzichten voor China, de stand van de Trans-Atlantische betrekkingen en de toekomst van de democratie in de geïndustrialiseerde wereld.

De reiskosten werden door de Commissie betaald, zoals voor elke dienstreis. De kosten bedroegen 4 322,43 euro voor vicevoorzitter Almunia, 4 167,98 euro voor vicevoorzitter Kroes en ongeveer 980 euro voor commissaris De Gucht die zijn deelname aan de Bilderberg-vergadering combineerde met een dienstreis naar Washington in zijn hoedanigheid van Europese vicevoorzitter van de EU-VS-Werkgroep op hoog niveau Banen en Groei en van de Trans-Atlantische Economische Raad.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006520/12

to the Commission

Philip Claeys (NI)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Commissioners attending Bilderberg meetings

The Bilderberg Group held its annual meeting in Chantilly, Virginia, USA from 31 May to 3 June 2012. Various members of the European Commission took part in this conference.

Which commissioners were present? How many officials were there?

In what capacity were they present? Were they officially representing the Commission?

Did they report to the Commission on the discussions held during the meeting? Is this information available to the public, in accordance with transparency of administration? If not, why not?

Were their travel and subsistence expenses paid by the Commission? If so, how much did these expenses amount to?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The official list of participants to the Bilderberg Group 2012 annual meeting, held in Virginia (USA) from 31 May to 3 June 2012, can be consulted via the Internet site http://www.infowars.com/bilderberg-2012-the-official-list-of-participants/. Vice-President Joaquin Almunia, Vice-President Neelie Kroes and Commissioner Karel de Gucht attended the meeting. Mr Pierre Vimont, Executive Secretary-General of the European External Action Service also attended. The meeting was not attended by any official of the European Commission.

The abovementioned Members of the European Commission attended the meeting as participants on a personal invitation. The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its answer to the Question E‐7306/2011 by Mr Batten (198).

Vice-President Almunia participated in sessions on competition policy, on the economic situation and the euro. Vice-President Neelie Kroes participated in sessions on the European political landscape, economic growth and the cooperation of sovereign states in cyberspace. Commissioner De Gucht's participation was focused in sessions on the economic and political outlook for China, the state of Trans-Atlantic relations and the future of democracy in the developped world.

The travel expenses incurred were paid by the Commission, as for any mission. The expenses involved amount to EUR 4 322.43 as concerns Vice-President Almunia, EUR 4 167.98 as concerns Vice-President Kroes and approximately EUR 980 as concerns Commissioner de Gucht who combined attendance at the Bilderberg meeting with a mission to Washington as European Co-chair of the High Level Group on Growth and Jobs and of the Transatlantic Economic Council.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-006521/12

do Komisji

Jacek Włosowicz (EFD) oraz Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(28 czerwca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Inwigilowanie obywateli w Polsce

W kwietniu 2012 r. krajowe media podnosiły temat inwigilowania polskich obywateli. Szerokie komentarze związane były z raportem Fundacji Panoptykon, zajmującej się problemem kontroli państwa nad społeczeństwem. Prawnicy z Panoptykon wskazali, powołując się na dane Urzędu Komunikacji Elektronicznej, że uprawnione do tego polskie służby w 2011 r. ponad 1 mln 850 tys. razy sięgały po informacje polskich obywateli wynikające z ich połączeń telefonicznych. Stanowi to prawie pół miliona więcej wniosków w stosunku do roku 2010 i aż 800 tysięcy więcej w stosunku do roku 2009.

Według Fundacji już dane z 2009 r. stanowiły niechlubny rekord polskich służb w inwigilowaniu swoich obywateli. W roku 2011 ten niechlubny w Unii Europejskiej rekord został niestety przez polskie służby pobity (199),  (200),  (201).

Wobec tego pragnę zapytać, jak Komisja ocenia te niepokojące statystyki dotyczące inwigilowania polskich obywateli?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Cecilię Malmström w imieniu Komisji

(16 sierpnia 2012 r.)

Dyrektywa w sprawie zatrzymywania danych (202) przewiduje zatrzymywanie przez dostawców usług niektórych danych, nieobejmujących danych o treści przekazywanych informacji. Dane te mogą zostać udostępnione z uzasadnionych powodów właściwym organom na warunkach i przy zachowaniu procedur prawnych określonych w prawie krajowym zgodnie z Kartą praw podstawowych.

Komisja jest świadoma obaw wyrażonych przez liczne zainteresowane strony w odniesieniu do tej dyrektywy. Komisja rozważa zaproponowanie przeglądu tej dyrektywy równocześnie z przeglądem dyrektywy o prywatności i łączności elektronicznej (dyrektywy 2002/58/WE). Komisja popiera mechanizm umożliwiający przejrzyste i rzeczowe monitorowanie zatrzymywania i udostępniania danych dotyczących połączeń oraz korzystania z takich danych, zauważając, że w wielu państwach członkowskich (włączając Polskę) właściwe organy często zwracają się do różnych dostawców usług z tą samą prośbą o udostępnienie danych z telefonów komórkowych, co powoduje przekłamania w statystykach. W związku z tym Komisja przedstawiła państwom członkowskim wytyczne określające, w jaki sposób powinny być zestawiane statystyki i informacje jakościowe oraz analizuje otrzymane odpowiedzi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006521/12

to the Commission

Jacek Włosowicz (EFD) and Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(28 June 2012)

Subject: Surveillance of citizens in Poland

In April 2012, the Polish media raised the issue of the surveillance of Polish citizens. The wide-ranging commentaries were linked to a report by the Panoptykon Foundation, a body which deals with the state surveillance of society. On the basis of data from the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), the Panoptykon lawyers reported that the authorised Polish services accessed information from telephone calls made by Polish citizens over 1 850 000 times in 2011. This represents almost half a million more cases than in 2010 and as many as 800 000 more than in 2009.

According to the Foundation, the 2009 figure was already a disgraceful record set by the Polish services in the surveillance of the country’s citizens. In 2011, this record, considered a disgrace in the European Union, was regrettably beaten by the Polish services. (203)  (204)  (205)

In view of this, what is the Commission’s opinion on these worrying statistics on the surveillance of Polish citizens?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The Data Retention Directive (206) provides for the retention of certain data, which do not include data on the content of communications, by service providers. These data may be accessed for legitimate reasons by competent authorities, on conditions and in compliance with legal procedures set out in national law in compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The Commission is aware of the concerns expressed by a number of stakeholders regarding the directive. The Commission is considering proposing a revision at the same time as proposing the revision of the E-Privacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC). The Commission is in favour of a mechanism for transparent and meaningful monitoring of the retention of, access to and use of communications data, noting that in a number of Member States (including Poland) competent authorities usually submit the same request for mobile telephone data to multiple service providers, thus distorting the statistics. The Commission therefore earlier this year wrote to the Member States with guidance on how statistics and qualitative information should be collated and it is examining the responses which have been received.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-006523/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Riesame dell'elenco delle sostanze prioritarie nel settore della politica delle acque

Il Parlamento è attualmente impegnato nell'esame della proposta della Commissione, del 31 gennaio 2012, recante modifica delle direttive 2000/60/CE e 2008/105/CE per quanto riguarda le sostanze prioritarie nel settore della politica delle acque.

Recentemente sono stati presentati dati nuovi che sollevano dubbi in merito all'inclusione di determinate sostanze nell'elenco di sostanze prioritarie proposto. La Commissione aveva proceduto all'inserimento di tali sostanze nell'elenco a seguito dell'analisi di studi precedentemente condotti dal Comitato scientifico dei rischi sanitari e ambientali (CSRSA).

Considerando che, secondo i dati più recenti e completi, l'inclusione delle sostanze in questione nell'elenco delle sostanze prioritarie potrebbe risultare ingiustificata e che, in base all'articolo 16, paragrafo 4, della direttiva quadro in materia di acque, il prossimo riesame dell'elenco potrà essere realizzato soltanto fra quattro anni, l'interrogante chiede alla Commissione di rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(23 luglio 2012)

La proposta della Commissione concernente una direttiva del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio recante modifica delle direttive 2000/60/CE (207) e 2008/105/CE (208), per quanto riguarda le sostanze prioritarie nel settore della politica delle acque (209) è pienamente conforme all'articolo 191, paragrafo 3, del TFUE, poiché si basa sui dati scientifici e tecnici disponibili al momento in cui è stata presentata.

Le motivazioni scientifiche e tecniche che hanno giustificato la selezione delle sostanze prioritarie proposte in base al rischio significativo che costituiscono per o tramite l'ambiente acquatico, sono fondate su una procedura approfondita e completa nell’ambito della quale sono state passate in rassegna migliaia di sostanze chimiche e sono state individuate 15 nuove sostanze da inserire nell’elenco. Questa procedura ha coinvolto esperti degli Stati membri e delle parti interessate. Il comitato scientifico dei rischi sanitari e ambientali ha ricontrollato con esito positivo che le sostanze proposte rispettassero le norme di qualità ambientale.

I costi di monitoraggio connessi alla proposta della Commissione sono limitati e in parte compensati dalla riduzione della frequenza dei controlli per alcune sostanze indicate nella proposta. La Commissione, nella valutazione d’impatto che accompagna la proposta (210), ha anche individuato misure efficaci sotto il profilo dei costi che gli Stati membri potrebbero attuare per soddisfare le pertinenti norme di qualità ambientale. Conformemente al principio di sussidiarietà, spetta agli Stati membri scegliere le misure più idonee da attuare a livello di bacino idrografico.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-006523/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Review of the list of priority substances in the field of water policy

Parliament is currently working on the Commission proposal of 31 January 2012 amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy.

New data has recently been presented that raises questions about the inclusion of some substances on the proposed list of priority substances. These substances had been placed on the list by the Commission following a review of earlier studies conducted by the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER).

Given that the most recent and comprehensive data indicates that the inclusion of these substances on the list of priority substances may be unjustified, and given that the next review of the list can, according to Article 16(4) of Water Framework Directive, only take place in four years’ time, the Commission is asked to answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2012)

The Commission proposal for a directive of the Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 2000/60/EC (211) and 2008/105/EC (212) as regards priority substances in the field of water policy (213) is fully in line with Article 191 (3) of the TFEU as it is based on scientific and technical data available at the time it was proposed.

The scientific and technical justification for selecting the proposed priority substances, according to the significant risk they pose to or via the aquatic environment, is based on a solid and thorough process that has screened thousands of chemicals and identified 15 new substances for listing. This process involved Member States and stakeholders' experts. The environmental quality standards to be respected for the proposed substances have been favourably reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks.

The monitoring costs attached to the Commission proposal are limited and partly offset by the reduced monitoring frequency for some substances specified in the proposal. The Commission has also identified in the impact assessment accompanying the proposal (214) cost-effective measures that Member States could implement to achieve the relevant environmental quality standards. In line with the principle of subsidiarity, it is for the Member States to choose the most suitable measures they wish to implement at river basin level.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006524/12

a la Comisión

Josefa Andrés Barea (S&D)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Acciones contra la plaga de picudo rojo en zonas del Mediterráneo

Desde el punto de vista histórico y cultural, el valor del Palmeral de Elche es importantísimo como un ejemplo único de las técnicas agrícolas árabes en el continente europeo. El paisaje formado por los huertos de palmeras de Elche, con sus complejos sistemas de riego, fue estructurado en el siglo VIII d.C., cuando una gran parte de la península Ibérica estaba bajo la dominación musulmana. Pero hay buenos motivos para pensar que quizá su origen sea más antiguo todavía y se remonte a la época del asentamiento de los fenicios y los romanos en la región. En el año 2000, el Palmeral fue declarado por la Unesco parte del Patrimonio Histórico Mundial.

Hoy el Palmeral de Elche sufre las consecuencias de una plaga provocada por un insecto llamado «picudo rojo» (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), que ataca a las palmeras y se expande incontroladamente por la Península Ibérica, en particular por Cataluña, Andalucía, la Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia y Canarias.

Esta plaga, que parece proceder de Egipto, se ha propagado por toda la costa mediterránea afectando a gran número de países del sur de Europa. Sin tratamiento o sin una detección precoz, el ataque de este insecto conduce a la muerte de las palmeras afectadas. Las larvas del picudo se alojan en el interior del tronco donde se alimentan del tejido tierno. La propagación es muy rápida puesto que el insecto puede volar entre palmeras vecinas.

En la región de Valencia, la asociación de viveristas de la provincia estima que los gastos adicionales que supone a los productores los tratamientos para luchar contra la plaga se elevan a 500 000 euros anuales. Entre otros perjuicios económicos, esta plaga afecta sobre todo a los productores de palmeras, en su mayoría pequeñas y medianas empresas que han visto sus cultivos destrozados, con las consecuentes pérdidas económicas. Teniendo en cuenta la crisis económica que afecta al país, el efecto de la plaga no hace más que empeorar la situación de estos productores.

¿Qué medidas prevé tomar la Comisión para tratar de controlar la plaga de picudo rojo que afecta a los cultivos de palmeras?

¿Se han revisado las medidas de control fitosanitario para evitar que siga propagándose la plaga, aumentando, en particular, los controles de las importaciones de palmeras del norte de África?

Dentro del marco de la Política Agrícola Común ¿se contempla algún tipo de indemnización para los productores afectados por plagas procedentes de terceros países?

Respuesta del Sr. Dalli en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de agosto de 2012)

En 2007, la Comisión adoptó medidas de emergencia para controlar la introducción y propagación en la UE del picudo rojo (Decisión 2007/365/CE (215)). En 2010, la Comisión modificó esta Decisión para introducir medidas más estrictas.

Según la Decisión, las plantas sensibles originarias de terceros países donde se conoce la presencia del organismo deben haber sido cultivadas en determinadas condiciones durante un período de al menos un año antes de la exportación, con el fin de garantizar que no se hayan detectado signos de picudo rojo. Además, durante un período de al menos un año antes de su traslado dentro de la UE, las plantas sensibles deben haber sido colocadas en un sitio con completa protección física frente a la introducción del picudo rojo en un lugar de producción situado en un Estado miembro. Las inspecciones oficiales en dicho sitio deben realizarse al menos cada tres meses. También hay un proyecto de investigación destinado a la detección precoz, erradicación, control y contención del picudo rojo, financiado con cargo al séptimo Programa Marco.

Por lo que se refiere a la ayuda económica, hasta la fecha no se ha aplicado ninguna medida legislativa para indemnizar a los productores afectados por organismos nocivos para los vegetales con arreglo al régimen fitosanitario de la Unión, establecido por la Directiva 2000/29/CE del Consejo (216).

En el Reglamento (CE) n° 1698/2005 del Consejo (217) se prevén ayudas para reconstituir el potencial de producción agrícola dañado por catástrofes naturales, aunque esta medida no está incluida actualmente en el programa de desarrollo rural de Valencia.

Cuando se cultivan plantas de palma como actividad agrícola, la legislación de la PAC sobre pagos directos permite que los Estados miembros financien medidas de gestión de riesgos a través de un seguro o de fondos mutuales (artículo 68 del Reglamento (CE) n° 73/2009 (218)). En España no se han aplicado estas medidas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006524/12

to the Commission

Josefa Andrés Barea (S&D)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Action against the red palm weevil pest in Mediterranean areas

The Palmeral of Elche is of major importance from a cultural and historical point of view as a unique example of Arab agricultural techniques in Europe. The landscape formed by the palm tree gardens of Elche, with their complex irrigation systems, was created in the 8th century when much of the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim rule. However, there are sound reasons for believing that its origins may be even more ancient and could date back to the time of Phoenician and Roman settlement in the region. In 2000, Unesco declared the Palmeral a World Heritage Site.

Today the Palmeral of Elche is suffering the effects of an insect pest known as ‘red palm weevil’ (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), which attacks palm trees and is spreading uncontrollably throughout the Iberian Peninsula, particularly through Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia and the Canary Islands.

This pest, which appears to have originated in Egypt, has spread along the entire Mediterranean coast and has affected a large number of southern European countries. Without treatment or early detection, an attack by these insects leads to the death of the affected palm trees. The larvae of the weevil burrow into the middle of the trunk where they feed on the soft tissue. The spread is rapid as the insect can fly from tree to tree.

In the Valencia region, the nursery business association in the province has estimated the additional cost to producers of treatments to combat the pest at EUR 500 000 a year. In terms of economic damage, amongst other things, this pest particularly affects palm tree growers, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises which have seen their plantations destroyed, with the associated economic losses. Given Spain’s economic crisis, the impact of the pest can only worsen the producers’ situation.

What measures will the Commission take to try to control the red palm weevil pest affecting palm tree growers?

Has it revised pest-control measures to stop the pest’s relentless spread, particularly by increasing checks on palm imports from north Africa?

In the context of the common agricultural policy, are there any plans for compensating producers affected by insect pests from third countries?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2012)

In 2007, the Commission issued emergency measures to control the entry and spread in the EU of red palm weevil (RPW). (Decision 2007/365/EC (219)). In 2010 the Commission amended this decision, providing stricter measures.

According to this legislation, susceptible plants originating in third countries where the organism is known to occur, shall have been growing under specific conditions, during a period of at least one year prior to export, to ensure that no signs of RPW have been observed. In addition, during a period of at least one year prior to the movement within the EU, susceptible plants are placed within a Member State in a site with complete physical protection against the introduction of RPW. Official inspections are carried out at least every three months within this site. Furthermore, a dedicated research project is funded from Framework Programme 7, for early detection, eradication, control and containment of RPW.

As regards financial support, under the Union plant-health regime established by Council Directive 2000/29/EC (220), there is currently no legislation implemented to compensate producers affected by plant harmful organisms.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (221) foresees support for restoring the agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters, although this measure is currently not included in the Rural Development Program of Valencia.

When palm plants are grown within an agricultural activity, the CAP legislation on direct payments allows Member States to finance risk management measures through insurance or mutual funds (Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (222)). Such measures are not implemented in Spain.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006525/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Regulación de las «terapias naturales»

Las llamadas «terapias naturales» son reconocidas por un sector de la población europea, pero apenas por la ciencia. «Esta ausencia de demostración de su eficacia no debe ser considerada como sinónimo de ineficiencia», dice un informe elaborado por el Ministerio de Sanidad español (223). Y sigue: «Muchos pacientes refieren cierto grado de satisfacción asociado a una percepción de mejoría de los síntomas o en su bienestar con el uso de distintas terapias naturales».

El principal problema que motivó el informe fue la necesidad de aclarar el mapa de las «terapias naturales», regular la actividad, la formación de quienes la ejercen y los centros donde se da asistencia a los pacientes.

El informe detalla que quienes aplican estas terapias pertenecen a cinco grandes grupos: médicos titulados, otros titulados en Ciencias de la Salud o en Psicología, personas sin titulación oficial en Ciencias de la Salud, vendedores de herboristerías o de productos utilizados para las medicinas no convencionales y los sanadores que se atribuyen poderes. Únicamente los centros donde trabajen médicos están legalmente reconocidos.

También existen programas de homeopatía y otros estudios medios o superiores que no están reglamentados, como la quiropráctica, la naturopatía, la osteopatía, etc., y que carecen de una titulación sanitaria homologada.

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión de lo que se acaba de exponer?

¿Tiene previsto la Comisión regular en la EU este tipo de «terapias naturales», los centros donde se ejercen y la formación de quienes la ejercen?

Respuesta del Sr. Barnier en nombre de la Comisión

(17 de agosto de 2012)

Una profesión regulada es una actividad profesional cuyo acceso y ejercicio está supeditado de manera directa o indirecta a la posesión de una cualificación profesional.

La Directiva 2005/36/CE constituye el marco jurídico europeo para el reconocimiento mutuo de las cualificaciones profesionales. La Directiva se aplica a todos los ciudadanos de un Estado miembro que deseen acceder a una profesión regulada o ejercerla en un Estado miembro, pero compete a cada Estado miembro regular la profesión.

La Comisión conoce la disparidad de las legislaciones de los Estados miembros relativas a las profesiones reguladas y, concretamente, a la relacionada con las «terapias naturales». La Comisión ha introducido por ello, en su propuesta de modernización de la Directiva sobre las cualificaciones profesionales, un mecanismo de evaluación recíproca de las profesiones reguladas. Si se adopta, los Estados miembros deberán notificar la lista de profesiones para las que se exige una cualificación específica, justificar la necesidad de regular esas profesiones y evaluarlas de forma recíproca.

Según los datos disponibles en la base de datos de las profesiones reguladas, la naturopatía (medicina naturista) está regulada en Suiza, Hungría, Islandia y Liechtenstein. Otros Estados miembros del EEE no la han notificado como profesión regulada.

Por consiguiente, en los Estados miembros donde la profesión no esté regulada, no existen, que sepa la Comisión, cualificaciones profesionales específicas que limiten el acceso a dicha profesión o su ejercicio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006525/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Regulation of ‘natural therapies’

‘Natural therapies’ are recognised by some sections of the European population, but barely so by science. A report published by the Spanish Health Ministry states that the lack of evidence surrounding their efficacy should not be deemed proof of their inefficacy (224). It goes on to say that many patients derive some comfort from the perception that their symptoms or their wellbeing are improved through the use of various natural therapies.

The main issue addressed by the report is the need to bring some clarity to the array of ‘natural therapies’ and to regulate their practice, the training of their practitioners and the centres where patients are treated.

The report states that the practitioners of these therapies fall into five main groups: qualified doctors, those with qualifications in Health Sciences or Psychology, those without qualifications in Health Sciences, those selling herbal medicines or ingredients for non-conventional medicines and healers who claim to have healing powers. Only centres staffed by qualified doctors are legally recognised.

There are also study courses in homeopathy and other unregulated mid‐level and higher courses, such as chiropractic treatments, naturopathy and osteopathy, which do not lead to a universally recognised health qualification.

What is the Commission’s view of the above?

Does the Commission intend to bring in EU regulations on these kinds of ‘natural therapies’, the centres where they are practised and the training of their practitioners?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

A regulated profession is a professional activity access to which, and the pursuit of which is subject directly or indirectly to the possession of a professional qualification.

Directive 2005/36/EC constitutes the European legal framework for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The directive shall be applied to all nationals of a Member State wishing to access or pursue a regulated profession in a Member State. It is however within the competence of the individual Member States to regulate a profession.

The Commission is aware of the disparity of the legislations concerning regulated professions, notably the profession of ‘natural therapists’ in the Member States. For this reason, in its proposal for modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive, the Commission introduces a mutual evaluation mechanism on regulated professions. If adopted, Member States will have to notify the list of professions for which they require a specific qualification, justify the need for regulating these professions and evaluate them on a mutual basis.

According to the data available in the regulated professions database, naturopathy (natural health medicine) is regulated, in Switzerland, Hungary, Iceland and in Lichtenstein. Other EEA Member States have not notified it as a regulated profession.

Accordingly, in Member States where the profession is not regulated, there is to the knowledge of the Commission, no specific professional qualifications restricting access to or pursuit of such a profession.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006526/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Mención de la radiación acumulada en el historial clínico

Las rodillas y la columna vertebral son las partes del cuerpo más radiografiadas, aunque algunos especialistas opinan que a veces hay «un abuso innecesario» (225). Se calcula que en el Estado español se hace una radiografía por persona y por año y que en EE.UU., entre el 20 % y el 50 % de las TAC no están plenamente justificadas.

Por eso, radiólogos europeos han propuesto que en el historial clínico de cada paciente conste la dosis de radiación que va acumulando a lo largo de su vida, de modo que, aunque el médico no sea el mismo, esta información siga presente.

Al parecer, la acumulación de la radiación aumenta el riesgo de padecer algún tumor, «aunque no está demostrada la relación directa entre la radiación acumulada y la aparición de tumores, es solamente estadísticas». Tratándose de menores de diez años, el riesgo de tener leucemia o tumores cerebrales es superior a medida que aumentan el número de dosis recibidas, según publica la revista The Lancet.

La realidad radiológica actual es mucho menos agresiva que hace unos años, sobre todo porque se utiliza con más frecuencia la resonancia magnética, pero igualmente los médicos insisten en evitar las radiografías y las TAC que no sean estrictamente necesarias.

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión sobre este tema?

¿Cree que es positivo que estos datos aparezcan en el historial clínico de cada ciudadano europeo?

¿No cree la Comisión que estos datos permitirían estudiar la relación entre las dosis de radiación recibidas, los problemas médicos y la edad en que aparecen?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(16 de agosto de 2012)

La Comisión está de acuerdo en la necesidad de justificar y optimizar algunos procedimientos radiológicos y, puesto que comparte la creciente preocupación en este tema, ha emprendido ya una serie de iniciativas para responder a esa necesidad.

Así, en 2010, adoptó una Comunicación sobre las aplicaciones médicas de las radiaciones ionizantes (226). En ella se exponen las principales medidas para mejorar la protección de los pacientes y del personal médico frente a las radiaciones.

Dos años más tarde, el 30 de mayo de 2012, la Comisión adoptó una propuesta de Directiva sobre normas de seguridad básicas (227) cuyo objeto es reforzar algunos requisitos para dar respuesta a las preocupaciones expuestas en la Comunicación arriba citada. Aunque no utilice el término historial clínico, la propuesta de la Comisión dispone que las dosis de radiación recibidas durante un examen médico deben figurar en el informe de ese examen. La propuesta establece también que los Estados miembros han de determinar la distribución de estimaciones de dosis individuales debidas a la exposición médica, teniendo en cuenta la distribución de edades y el género de la población expuesta.

Además, la Comisión ha publicado unas directrices sobre la estimación de las dosis recibidas por la población en procesos médicos (228). El objetivo es apoyar la aplicación de la Directiva 97/43/Euratom, relativa a la protección de la salud frente a los riesgos derivados de las radiaciones ionizantes en exposiciones médicas (229). Para 2013 está previsto un nuevo informe sobre las dosis recibidas por la población europea a partir de procedimientos de radiodiagnóstico (230).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006526/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Reference to accumulated radiation in clinical notes

Ankles and the spinal column are the most X-rayed parts of the body, even though some specialists believe that sometimes there is an unnecessary abuse (231). It has been calculated that every person in Spain is X-rayed once a year and that in the United States between 20% and 50% of CT scans are not fully justified.

European radiologists have therefore suggested that all patients’ clinical notes should state the dose of radiation accumulated over the course of their lives, so that this information is available even if different doctors are involved.

It appears that accumulated radiation increases the risk of developing a tumour, although no direct relationship between accumulated radiation and the emergence of tumours has been shown, the relationship is only statistical. According to a report in The Lancet, the risk of children under 10 developing leukaemia or brain tumours is higher the greater the number of doses received.

Modern radiological practices are far less aggressive than they were a few years ago, particularly due to the more frequent use of magnetic resonance imaging, but also because doctors insist on avoiding radiography and CT scans that are not strictly necessary.

What is the Commission’s view on this issue?

Does it think it would be a positive for this data to feature in the clinical notes of every European citizen?

Does the Commission not think that this data would make it easier to study the relationship between the doses of radiation received, medical problems and the age at which they appear?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

The Commission shares the growing concerns regarding the justification and optimization of some radiological procedures and has undertaken a series of initiatives to address them.

In 2010 the Commission adopted a communication on medical applications of ionizing radiation (232) which identified key issues to improve radiation protection of patients and medical staff.

The Commission also adopted on 30 May 2012 a proposal for a new Directive on Basic Safety Standards (233) (BSS) which aims at strengthening some requirements to meet the concerns highlighted in the communication. While the BSS Directive does not use the term ‘clinical notes’, the Commission proposal stipulates that the radiation dose which is delivered during a medical examination shall form part of the report on this examination. The proposal also specifies that Member States shall determine the distribution of individual dose estimates from medical exposure taking into account the age distribution and the gender of the exposed population.

In addition, the Commission has published guidelines on estimating population doses from medical procedures (234) with the view to support the implementation of Directive 97/43/Euratom on Medical Exposure (235). A new summary report on European population doses from radiodiagnostic procedures (236) is also planned for 2013.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006527/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Demanda de biomasa forestal a medio plazo, en relación con la producción potencial de Cataluña

La central de producción eléctrica con biomasa que la empresa Nufri pretende instalar en El Palau d’Anglesola (Lleida, España) quemará anualmente decenas de millones de Kg. de biomasa procedente de aprovechamientos forestales, biomasa procedente de cultivos energéticos, subproductos agrícolas y biomasa de árboles frutales (237).

Según científicos del CREAF, en Cataluña la producción potencial de productos forestales susceptibles de ser utilizados para producir energía es de 300 millones de Kg. Por lo tanto, la central proyectada quemaría el 21 % de la producción total anual de Cataluña.

Si tenemos en cuenta el hecho de que actualmente (según el propio gobierno autonómico catalán) se encuentran en distintas fases de tramitación en Cataluña entre 30 y 40 centrales eléctricas con uso de biomasa forestal, muchas de ellas de gran capacidad, fácilmente llegamos a la conclusión de que no habrá combustible (biomasa forestal) suficiente para abastecerlas, incluso aunque se doblara la producción potencial de biomasa forestal aprovechable. Muchos ciudadanos temen que se quemen residuos de variada procedencia, con serias consecuencias medioambientales y de salud pública.

Por ello, y en vista de la respuesta a la pregunta escrita E-004249/2012,

¿Qué opina la Comisión sobre este asunto? ¿No cree la Comisión que nos encontramos ante una evidente falta de previsión que tendrá consecuencias muy negativas en el futuro?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(16 de agosto de 2012)

Además de la respuesta a la pregunta planteada por Su Señoría, la Comisión cree que no se puede llegar a una conclusión sobre la disponibilidad de biomasa forestal para abastecer las centrales eléctricas de Cataluña que utilizan este tipo de combustible. De hecho, deben tenerse en cuenta el número de centrales y su capacidad, además de la cuota de la biomasa forestal. Esta última es del 45 % en la central mencionada en la pregunta, pero podría ser muy inferior en las demás. También se debe tener en cuenta el suministro procedente de fuera de Cataluña.

En lo relativo al uso de los recursos forestales en Cataluña según datos recientes, mientras que se tala una media del 63 % del incremento forestal en la UE, esta cifra es de alrededor del 20 % en Cataluña. Por lo tanto, parece haber grandes posibilidades de mejorar la movilización sostenible de la madera para fines de bioenergía y otros en esa región. Esto también podría contribuir a la prevención de los incendios forestales. La Dirección General de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural publicó, en colaboración con la CEPE-FAO y Forest Europe, una «Guía de buenas prácticas para la movilización sostenible de madera en Europa» (Good practice guidance on the sustainable mobilisation of wood in Europe  (238)) que puede tenerse en cuenta a la hora de movilizar los recursos forestales.

A esto se añade que también se debe tener en cuenta el suministro procedente de fuera de Cataluña.

Además, su Señoría expresa el temor de los ciudadanos a que se usen otros combustibles derivados de residuos en esas instalaciones. Sin embargo, cabe recordar que un cambio a otros combustibles no puede realizarse fácilmente por razones técnicas y de autorización. Aun en las situaciones en las que pudiera darse el caso, y como se explica en la respuesta anterior de la Comisión, las emisiones están reguladas y no deberían dar lugar a un aumento de los riesgos para el medio ambiente o la salud pública.

Por último, como se indica en la respuesta a la pregunta E-004249/2012 de Su Señoría (239), la Comisión está estudiando en este momento si se ha examinado de manera suficiente la sostenibilidad de la biomasa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006527/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Medium-term demand for forest biomass with regard to potential production in Catalonia

The biomass power plant that the Nufri company intends to build in El Palau d’Anglesola (Lleida, Spain) will burn tens of millions of kilograms per year of biomass from logging operations, energy crops, agricultural by-products and fruit trees (240).

According to scientists from the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), in Catalonia the potential production of forestry products that could be used to produce energy is estimated at 300 million kg. The planned plant would therefore burn 21% of Catalonia’s total annual produce.

According to Catalonia’s own regional government, 30 to 40 power plants using forest biomass, many of which have a high capacity, are now in various stages of operation in Catalonia. Taking this into account, we could easily conclude that there will not be enough fuel (forest biomass) to supply them even if the potential production of biomass from logging operations were to double. Many citizens fear that they are burning waste from various sources with serious consequences for the environment and public health.

Therefore, and in view of the answer to Written Question E‐004249/2012:

What is the Commission’s view on this matter? Does it not believe that this shows a clear lack of foresight which will have very negative consequences in the future?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2012)

In addition to the reply to the question referred to by the Honourable Member the Commission is of the view that it is not possible to conclude on the availability of forest biomass to supply the power plants of Catalonia using this type of fuel. Indeed the number of plants, their capacity but also the share of forest biomass has to be taken into account. The latter is 45% in the power plant mentioned in the question but could be much lower in the other plants.

On the use of forest resources in Cataluña, according to recent data, while in the EU, on average 63% of the increment is felled, in Cataluña this figure is around 20%. Therefore, there seems to be great potential to further improve the sustainable mobilisation of wood in Cataluña for bioenergy and/or other purposes. This could also contribute to forest fire prevention. DG Agriculture and Rural development together with UNECE-FAO and Forest Europe published a ‘Good practice guidance on the sustainable mobilisation of wood in Europe’ (241) that might be considered when mobilising wood resources.

Additionally, one also needs to consider supply from outside Catalonia.

Furthermore, the Honourable Member expresses citizens' fear of other waste derived fuels being used in these plants. It is to be noted however that a shift to other fuels cannot take place that easily for technical and authorisation reasons. Even in situations where this could be the case and as explained in previous reply, emissions are regulated and should not lead to higher risks for the environment and public health.

Finally, as stated in the reply to E‐4249/2012 (242) by the Honourable Member, the Commission is currently assessing whether or not the sustainability of biomass is sufficiently addressed.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006528/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Consecuencias que tendrá la utilización de biomasa para uso eléctrico sobre el uso térmico

La elevada demanda de biomasa forestal para la obtención de electricidad competirá con la utilización de esta biomasa para uso térmico.

El uso de la biomasa para obtener electricidad es una novedad en Cataluña. De momento están funcionando solamente tres plantas de dimensiones moderadas. Para el uso térmico, en cambio, existen ya más de mil pequeñas instalaciones funcionando en escuelas, instalaciones deportivas y comunidades de vecinos.

En vista de la respuesta de la Comisión a la pregunta E-004249/2012, y teniendo en cuenta que:

¿qué opina la Comisión sobre los efectos de la substitución del uso térmico de la biomasa por el uso eléctrico?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006529/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 de junio de 2012)

Asunto: Impacto de las centrales de producción eléctrica con biomasa

Existe una diferencia entre el impacto producido por las plantas de uso térmico de la biomasa y las de uso eléctrico. Además de lo ya expuesto en la pregunta anterior (E-006528/2012), hay otros aspectos de este tema que se han de tener en cuenta.

Las centrales eléctricas de biomasa necesitan el suministro constante de gran cantidad de agua. La proyectada central de 14 Mw. en El Palau d’Anglesola, por ejemplo, necesita 60 000 litros/hora. Las centrales de uso térmico, sin embargo, consumen agua en pequeñas cantidades. El agua es un recurso escaso, especialmente en países como España.

Las centrales eléctricas de biomasa necesitan ocupar una gran superficie de suelo, porque deben almacenar combustible para varios días de funcionamiento. En el caso de la planta que proyecta la empresa Nufri, la ocupación prevista es de 60 000 m2, con el problema añadido de que se trata de una zona agrícola de regadío con una calidad del suelo excepcional. La Unión Europea ha alertado frecuentemente sobre la pérdida de suelos agrícolas productivos. El uso térmico de la biomasa no requiere una ocupación específica del suelo, puesto que se trata de pequeñas calderas.

Para las centrales eléctricas de biomasa frecuentemente hay que construir líneas eléctricas para transportar la electricidad producida. El proyecto de planta de la empresa Nufri incluye una línea eléctrica de 21,89 Km. con 159 torres que discurre por terrenos agrícolas, con el consiguiente impacto visual y las molestias y servidumbres en las parcelas afectadas. Por el contrario, para el uso térmico no se necesita ninguna infraestructura específica.

Teniendo en cuenta estas consideraciones, así como lo limitado de la cantidad de biomasa disponible, y la respuesta recibida a la pregunta escrita E-004249/2012,

¿Qué opina la Comisión sobre el uso eléctrico de la biomasa, pudiendo destinarse a uso térmico que prácticamente no tiene impacto en el uso del suelo, los recursos y el paisaje? ¿No piensa la Comisión que es mejor desde diversos puntos de vista destinar la biomasa disponible a uso térmico?

Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de agosto de 2012)

La generación de electricidad a partir de fuentes renovables, como mediante la combustión de biomasa, es una de las soluciones identificadas por los Estados miembros para cumplir los requisitos y objetivos de la Directiva sobre energías renovables (243). Atendiendo a las proyecciones presentadas por los Estados miembros en sus planes de acción nacionales en materia de energía renovable (244), en 2020, el sector de la calefacción y refrigeración seguirá siendo el sector energético más importante en términos de consumo final de energía a partir de la biomasa (90 Mtep) en comparación con el sector eléctrico (20 Mtep). Globalmente, más del 50 % del incremento del consumo final de energía a partir de la biomasa previsto por los Estados miembros entre 2010 y 2020 se dirigirá hacia el sector de la calefacción y refrigeración.

En su informe de 2010 sobre la sostenibilidad de la biomasa (245), la Comisión formuló recomendaciones a los Estados miembros sobre los criterios de sostenibilidad de la biomasa sólida usada para la producción de electricidad y para calefacción y refrigeración. En la actualidad, la Comisión está evaluando los planes nacionales para comprobar si tienen en cuenta suficientemente la sostenibilidad de la biomasa y está estudiando la posible oportunidad de medidas adicionales. La Comisión tiene previsto informar sobre este asunto en breve plazo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006528/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Consequences of using biomass to generate electricity rather than heat

The high demand for forest biomass for electricity generation will compete with the use of such biomass for producing heat.

The use of biomass to produce electricity is something of a novelty in Catalonia. At the moment there are only three medium-sized plants in operation. However, in the case of heat generation there are already more than 1 000 small installations operating in schools, sports facilities and residential communities.

Please consider the following:

In view of the above and the Commission’s reply to Question E‐004249/2012, what is the Commission’s opinion of the effects of replacing the thermal use of biomass with using it for electricity production?

Question for written answer E-006529/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Impact of biomass electricity power plants

There is a difference between the impact of biomass thermal power plants and biomass electricity power plants. In addition to what was stated in the previous Question (E‐006528/2012), there are other aspects of this matter that need to be taken into account.

Biomass electricity power plants need a constant supply of large amounts of water. The planned 14 megawatt power plant in El Palau d’Anglesola, for example, needs 60 000 litres per hour. Water is a scarce resource, especially in countries like Spain.

Biomass electricity power plants take up a great deal of space as they have to store sufficient fuel for several days of operation. In the case of the plant that the company Nufri is planning, the proposed area is 60 000 m2. In addition, this is an irrigated agricultural area where the soil is exceptionally good. The European Union has often warned of the loss of productive agricultural land. The use of biomass for heat generation does not require such large areas of land as the boilers are small.

Biomass electricity power plants often require the building of electric power lines to transport the electricity produced. The plan for the Nufri plant includes a 21.89-kilometre electricity power line with 159 pylons passing through agricultural land. This has a visual and disruptive impact and would affect the rights of way on the farmland involved. On the other hand, no specific infrastructure is needed for thermal use.

Taking these considerations into account, as well as the limited amount of available biomass, and the reply given to Written Question E‐004249/2012:

What is the Commission’s view on using biomass for electricity, when it could be used for producing heat which involves almost no impact on land use, resources and the landscape? Does it not think it better from several viewpoints to use the available biomass to generate heat?

Joint answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(6 August 2012)

Renewable electricity generation, including through biomass combustion, is one of the solutions identified by Member States to meet the requirements and objectives of the Renewable Energy Directive (246). According to projections provided by Member States in their National Renewable Energy Action Plans (247), in 2020, the heating and cooling sector would remain the most important energy sector in terms of final energy consumption from biomass (90 Mtoe) compared to the electricity sector (20 Mtoe). Overall, more than 50% of the increase of final energy consumption from biomass planned by Member States between 2010 and 2020 would be directed towards the heating and cooling sector.

In its 2010 Report on biomass sustainability (248), the Commission made recommendations to Member States on sustainability criteria for solid biomass used in electricity and heating and cooling. The Commission is currently assessing whether national schemes have sufficiently addressed the sustainability of biomass and is considering whether additional measures would be appropriate. The Commission is planning to report on this shortly.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006530/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(29. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: EU-Handelskammer in Südkorea

Medienberichten zufolge stellt die EU-Handelskammer in Südkorea wegen eines Streits um Steuerforderungen und Steuerstrafen in Millionenhöhe ihre Arbeit ein. Der EU-Handelskammer wird unter anderem vorgeworfen, keine Mehrwertsteuer auf ihre Umsätze gezahlt zu haben. Die EU-Handelskammer wiederum weist darauf hin, dass sie wie andere ausländische Handelskammern in Südkorea den Status einer gemeinnützigen Organisation hat und daher keine Mehrwertsteuer entrichten muss. Zudem wurde anscheinend keine der anderen ausländischen Kammern jemals geprüft.

Antwort von Karel De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(8. August 2012)

Der Kommission ist bekannt, dass die koreanischen Steuerbehörden die Europäische Handelskammer in Korea (EUCCK) überprüft hat. Die EUCCK ist eine privatrechtliche Organisation, die vor mehr als 20 Jahren in Korea als unabhängige Vereinigung nach koreanischem Recht gegründet wurde und europäische Unternehmen in Korea vertreten. Der EUCCK kommt zusammen mit anderen Handelskammern eine wertvolle Rolle zu, da sie Input und Ansichten der Privatwirtschaft zu Handels‐ und Investitionsfragen liefern, die u. a. während der Verhandlungen und der Umsetzung des Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der EU und Korea einflossen.

Da die EUCCK dem koreanischen Steuerrecht unterliegt, muss sie dieses beachten. Die Kommission sieht sich nicht in der Lage, zu den Gründen für die Steuerprüfung in Korea Stellung zu nehmen. Soweit der Kommission bekannt, hat die Geschäftsführung der EUCCK die Entscheidung der Steuerbehörde angefochten. Die Kommission erwartet, dass das koreanische Rechtssystem eine faire, unvoreingenommene und ausgewogene Behandlung der EUCCK gewährleistet, wie sie jede andere derartige Organisation in Korea erhalten würde, und dass ihr alle rechtlich zulässigen Verteidigungsmöglichkeiten gewährt werden. Dies betrifft auch die mögliche Einlegung von Rechtsmitteln.

Da die EUCCK nicht über ausreichende Mittel verfügt, die Steuernachzahlung sowie die auferlegte Strafe zu begleichen, befindet sie sich nach Kenntnis der Kommission in einem Umstrukturierungsprozess. Es ist im Interesse der EU, dass die europäischen Unternehmen in Korea über eine angemessene Vertretung verfügen. Die Kommission wird die einschlägigen Anstrengungen der europäischen Unternehmen in Korea in geeigneter Weise unterstützen. Allerdings müssen sich die europäischen Unternehmen in Korea entscheiden, wie sie eine angemessene Vertretung am besten sicherstellen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006530/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: European Union Chamber of Commerce in South Korea

According to media reports, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in South Korea is to cease its activities over a dispute in relation to tax demands and tax penalties of several million. Among the accusations levelled at the European Union Chamber of Commerce is the claim that it had not paid value added tax (VAT) on its turnover. In turn, the European Union Chamber of Commerce points out that, like other foreign chambers of commerce in South Korea, it is a non-profit-making organisation and is therefore exempt from paying VAT. Furthermore, it would appear that none of the other foreign chambers have ever been audited.

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

The Commission is aware of the investigation which has been conducted by the Korean Tax Authorities on the EU Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK). The EUCCK is a private association independently established in Korea more than 20 years ago, under Korean law, and representing European businesses in Korea. The EUCCK, together with other Chambers of Commerce, has played a valuable role in providing input and views from the private sector on trade and investment issues, including in the process of the negotiation and implementation of the EU‐Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Being subject to Korean tax laws, the EUCCK must abide by them. The Commission is not in a position to comment on the motivation of the tax audits in Korea. The Commission understands that the EUCCK management is legally contesting the legal determination made by the Tax Office. The Commission expects that the Korean legal system will ensure that the EUCCK is treated in a fair, non-discriminatory and balanced way as any other organisation of this kind would be treated in Korea and is granted every possibility to defend itself according to the law; including through an appeal process.

The Commission has been informed that, due to the lack of financial means to pay for the tax recovery and penalty imposed on them, the EUCCK is in the process of restructuring. It is in the interest of the EU to have a proper representation of the European business community in Korea and the Commission will support as appropriate the efforts by the EU businesses in Korea towards this goal. However, it is for the European business in Korea to decide on the best way to ensure their proper representation.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006531/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(29. Juni 2012)

Betrifft: Schuldzuweisung Eurokrise

Deutschland wird vorgeworfen, es habe mit zu niedrigen Löhnen den anderen Staaten Europas unnötig Konkurrenz gemacht und die Eurokrise entfacht. Dies hätte die deutsche Nachfrage (etwa nach italienischer Pasta und griechischem Olivenöl) einerseits geschwächt, andererseits die deutschen Exporte so stark verbilligt, dass die Industrien in den südlichen Euroländern keine Chance mehr gehabt hätten, am Heimmarkt zu bestehen. Der Internationale Währungsfonds fordert gar in seinem jüngsten Bericht, Deutschland solle sein Lohnniveau an das von Frankreich und Italien anpassen.

Das Deutsche Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW) wiederum kommt in einer Studie zu dem Schluss, dass sich die Lohnstückkosten nicht langsamer als im Schnitt der Eurozone entwickelt haben und Deutschlands Exporte in die Eurozone sich seit Einführung des Euros kaum geändert haben. Nach einer Stagnation zwischen 2001 und 2007 konnten die deutschen Unternehmen erst in den Jahren nach dem Ausbruch der Krise etwas mehr in Europa absetzen. Lediglich außerhalb des Kontinents fand das deutsche Exportwunder statt. Und an diesem Boom der Deutschen naschten die anderen Euroländer mit. Es wird der Schluss gezogen, dass Deutschland von der Euro-Einführung de facto gar nicht profitiert hat und dass die deutsche Industrie die Unternehmen der anderen Euroländer gar nicht verdrängen konnte, da sie nicht stärker vertreten war als vorher.

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(7. August 2012)

Nach Auffassung der Kommission sollten alle Mitgliedstaaten in angemessener Weise zum Abbau von Zahlungsbilanzungleichgewichten im Euroraum beitragen. Der Abbau von Ungleichgewichten in Ländern, die einen Überschuss ausweisen, dürfte Länder mit einem Defizit in den von ihnen unternommenen beträchtlichen Anpassungsanstrengungen unterstützen.

In Bezug auf Deutschland stimmen wir der Schlussfolgerung des jüngsten Berichts der Dienststellen des Internationalen Währungsfonds zu den Artikel-IV-Konsultationen 2012 zu, dass man den marktgetriebenen Prozess des Abbaus von Ungleichgewichten, der bereits eingesetzt hat, voranschreiten lassen sollte. Die aufgrund des starken Arbeitsmarkts und der gesunden Bilanzen steigenden Einkommen dürften Konsum und Investitionen ankurbeln und so dazu beitragen, dass sich das Wachstum wieder stärker hin zur Binnennachfrage verlagert. Laut Frühjahrsprognose 2012 der Kommission werden im laufenden und im kommenden Jahr Lohnzuwächse in einer Größenordnung von etwa 3 % erwartet.

Abgesehen von dem Vorschlag, die Voraussetzungen für eine dem Produktivitätswachstum entsprechende Lohnentwicklung zu schaffen, hat die Kommission in ihren im Rahmen des Europäischen Semesters 2012 ausgegebenen länderspezifischen Empfehlungen verschiedene Bereiche genannt, in denen Deutschland seine Anstrengungen zur Steigerung der Produktivität fortsetzen bzw. verstärken sollte: Erhöhung der Effizienz der öffentlichen Ausgaben und des Steuersystems, Angehen der verbleibenden strukturellen Schwächen im Finanzsektor, Verbesserung der Arbeitsmarktbeteiligung bestimmter Personengruppen und Förderung des Wettbewerbs im Dienstleistungssektor und in den Netzindustrien. Durch Umsetzung dieser Empfehlungen würde Deutschland sein Potenzialwachstum steigern und seine Wachstumsquellen diversifizieren und damit auch zum Abbau der Zahlungsbilanzungleichgewichte innerhalb des Euroraums beitragen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006531/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Finger-pointing and the euro crisis

Germany stands accused of unnecessarily competing with other European states through excessively low wage levels, thus fuelling the euro crisis. It is claimed that this has weakened German demand (for Italian pasta and Greek olive oil, for example) while making German exports so cheap that the industrial sector in the southern states of the euro area could not possibly survive in the domestic market. In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund has even called on Germany to bring its wage levels into line with those of France and Italy.

However, a study carried out by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) comes to the conclusion that the unit cost of labour has not developed more slowly than the euro area average and that Germany’s exports to the euro area have hardly changed since the introduction of the euro. Following stagnation between 2001 and 2007, German businesses only started to sell more to Europe in the years following the outbreak of the crisis. The German export miracle took place exclusively beyond Europe’s borders. The other members of the euro area have also enjoyed the benefits of the German boom. The conclusion drawn is that Germany has not in fact profited from the introduction of the euro at all and that German industry could not possibly drive undertakings in other euro area Member States out of business, as it was in no stronger position in the past.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2012)

The Commission is of the view that all Member States should contribute in an appropriate manner to reducing external imbalances within the euro area. Rebalancing in surplus countries should support the considerable ongoing adjustment efforts in deficit countries.

As regards Germany, we share the conclusion of the latest International Monetary Fund Staff Report on the 2012 Article IV consultation to let take place the market-driven process of rebalancing, which can already be observed. Rising incomes on the back of the strong labour market and healthy balance sheets should bolster consumption and investment, contributing to rebalancing growth towards domestic demand. Indeed, according to the Commission's spring 2012 forecast, wage growth of around 3% is expected this year and next.

Besides suggesting to create conditions for wages to grow in line with productivity, the Commission has identified in its country-specific recommendations under the 2012 European Semester various areas where Germany should continue or step up efforts to raise productivity. These include increasing the efficiency of public spending and of the tax system, addressing the remaining structural weaknesses of the financial sector, increasing labour market participation of certain groups, and enhancing competition in the services sectors and network industries. By implementing these recommendations Germany would increase potential growth and diversify its sources, and hence also contribute to reducing external imbalances within the euro area.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006533/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(29 Ιουνίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ευρωπαϊκή απαγόρευση εισαγωγών ιρανικού πετρελαίου

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, βασιζόμενη σε στοιχεία σχετικά με το πυρηνικό πρόγραμμα του Ιράν, αποφάσισε να απαγορεύσει τις εισαγωγές ιρανικού πετρελαίου στην ΕΕ. Η Ελλάδα εισήγαγε πετρέλαιο από το Ιράν υπό ευνοϊκούς όρους, όπως για παράδειγμα την αγορά με πίστωση. Ενόψει της απαγόρευσης εισαγωγών, η Ελλάδα απήυθυνε έκκληση για ειδική μεταχείριση που θα της επιτρέψει να συνεχίσει τις εισαγωγές πετρελαίου από το Ιράν υπό ευνοϊκούς όρους, με σκοπό τη μείωση της οικονομικής επιβάρυνσης που προκύπτει λόγω της εξάρτησης από εισαγόμενο πετρέλαιο. Ωστόσο, η ΕΕ απέρριψε την έκκληση της Ελλάδας για ειδική μεταχείριση και η έναρξη απαγόρευσης εισαγωγών αναμένεται στο σύνολο της ΕΕ για την 1η Ιουλίου 2012.

Με το ενδεχόμενο της οικονομικής κατάρρευσης της Ελλάδας λόγω της κρίσης καθώς και των πιθανών επιπτώσεών της στην Ευρωζώνη, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τούς λόγους της απαγόρευσης και κατανοώντας την ανάγκη για μια ολιστική ευρωπαϊκή αντιμετώπιση του πυρηνικού προγράμματος του Ιράν, θα θέλαμε να ρωτήσουμε την Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου κας Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(13 Αυγούστου 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006533/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: European embargo on Iran's oil exports

The European Union, on the basis of evidence regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, has decided to enforce an embargo on the import of Iranian oil into the EU. Greece had been importing oil from Iran under favourable conditions, such as buying on credit. Under the embargo scheme, Greece had pleaded for special treatment that would allow her to continue to import oil from Iran under favourable conditions, in order to ease the financial burden that comes from dependence on imported oil. However, the EU rejected the Greek calls for special treatment and the embargo was scheduled to come into force for the whole of the EU on 1 July, 2012.

In the light of the severe Greek financial crisis and the possible side effects on the eurozone in the event of a Greek meltdown, and considering the reasons for the embargo as well as understanding the need for a holistic European action towards Iran’s nuclear programme, I would like to ask the Commission:

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

(13 August 2012)

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006535/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: L-enerġija rurali

Studju reċenti juri li 40 miljun ċittadin Ewropew, li l-parti l-kbira tagħhom jgħixu f’żoni rurali, mhumiex konnessi mal-grilja enerġetika. Iż-żoni rurali jaffaċċaw problema unika f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mal-enerġija rinnovabbli: apparagun tad-djar fil-bliet, dawn id-djar għandhom tendenza li jkunu kemm eqdem, u dan jagħmilhom inkompatibbli mat-teknoloġija enerġetika effiċjenti, kif ukoll iktar imbiegħda minn xulxin, fattur li jwassal għal konnettività tal-grilja skarsa. Minkejja dawn il-fatturi, l-isforzi biex tiżdied l-effiċjenza enerġetika, bħalma hi d-Direttiva dwar l-Enerġija Rinnovabbli (2002/28/KE), għandhom tendenza li jikkonċentraw primarjament fuq iż-żoni urbani.

Fid-dawl tal-fatt li ż-żoni rurali jammontaw għal 90 % tat-territorju tal-UE u għal 56 % tal-popolazzjoni tagħha, il-Kummissjoni qed tippjana li timmodifika l-istrateġiji eżistenti jew tfassal direttivi biex jiġu indirizzati aħjar il-bżonnijiet partikolari ta’ dawn ir-reġjuni, sabiex l-Ewropa kollha kemm tkun iktar viċin li tissodisfa l-objettivi ta’ enerġija rinnovabbli tagħha?

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

(1 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Id-Direttiva dwar l-Enerġija Rinnovabbli (249) tistabbilixxi objettiv ta’ sehem ta’ 20% ta' enerġija rinnovabbli tal-konsum totali tal-enerġija fl-UE sal-2020, permezz tat-twaqqif ta’ miri nazzjonali legalment vinkolanti. Id-Direttiva ma tiffokax b'mod partikolari fuq żoni urbani billi tħalli r-responsabbiltà f’idejn l-Istati Membri biex jiddeċiedu kif għandha tintlaħaq il-mira nazzjonali tagħhom.

Safejn huma kkonċernati ż-żoni rurali, il-Kummissjoni hija tal-opinjoni li dawn għandhom rwol importanti fl-iżvilupp tal-enerġija rinnovabbli fil-perspettiva li twassal għas-sena 2020. It-teknoloġiji tal-enerġija rinnovabbli jistgħu wkoll jipprovdu l-enerġija għal żoni li ma għandhomx aċċess għas-sistema tal-elettriku. Din hija r-raġuni għaliex l-appoġġ għall-bidla lejn ekonomija b’emissjonijiet baxxi tal-karbonju u li hija reżistenti għat-tibdil fil-klima (b’attenzjoni, fost l-oħrajn, fuq l-iffaċilitar tal-provvista u l-użu ta’ sorsi rinnovabbli tal-enerġija) hija waħda mill-prijoritajiet identifikati mill-Kummissjoni fil-proposta tagħha tar-Regolament dwar l-iżvilupp rurali għall-perjodu 2013-2020 (250) . Il-Kummissjoni riċentament ikkummissjonat ukoll studju dwar l-impatti tal-enerġija rinnovabbli fuq il-bdiewa Ewropej. Dan l-istudju se jiġi ppubblikat dalwaqt mill-Kummissjoni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006535/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Rural energy

A recent study reveals that 40 million European citizens, mostly living in rural areas, are not connected to the energy grid. Rural areas face a unique problem when it comes to renewable energy: compared with city housing, homes tend to be both older, making them incompatible with energy-efficient technology, and further apart from one another, making for poor grid connectivity. Such factors notwithstanding, efforts to increase energy efficiency, such as the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), tend to focus primarily on urban areas.

Given that rural areas make up 90% of the EU’s territory and account for 56% of its population, does the Commission plan to modify existing strategies or draw up directives to better address the particular needs of these regions, in order to bring Europe as a whole closer to meeting its renewable energy goals?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2012)

The Renewable Energy Directive (251) establishes an objective of a 20% renewable energy share in total EU energy consumption by 2020, through the establishment of national legally binding targets. It does not focus in particular on urban areas as it leaves the responsibility to Member States to decide how their national target should be reached.

As far as rural areas are concerned, the Commission is of the view that these have an important role to play in renewable energy development towards 2020. Renewable energy technologies can also provide energy to areas that do not have access to the grid. This is why the support of the shift towards a low-carbon and climate resilient economy (with a focus, among other things, on facilitating the supply and use of renewable sources of energy) is one of the priorities identified by the Commission in its proposal of Regulation on rural development for the period 2013-2020 (252). Also, the Commission has recently commissioned a study on the impacts of renewable energy on European farmers. This study will be published shortly by the Commission.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006536/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Iż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja u l-Istitut Ewropew tal-Innovazzjoni u t-Teknoloġija

Tul is-snin, l-Unjoni Ewropea appoġġat iż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja, li tinvolvi 46 pajjiż u tfittex li jkollha effett rivoluzzjonarju fl-edukazzjoni għolja. Iż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja hija kompatibbli mal-għanijiet tal-UE stess ta’ sistemi tal-edukazzjoni aħjar u iktar koerenti fl-Ewropa. Fil-passat, l-UE tat kontribut liż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja permezz tal-Programmi Qafas dwar ir-Riċerka u l-Iżvilupp Teknoloġiku tagħha, li, għal deċennju, ipprovdew aġenda ta’ modernizzar għall-finanzjament tar-riċerka, żieda fil-kompetittività tal-edukazzjoni, u trawwim tal-mobilità u l-impjegabilità tal-ħaddiema Ewropej. L-iktar wieħed riċenti minn dawn il-programmi, l-FP7, se jiskadi fl-aħħar tal-2013, u r-rwol tiegħu se jitwettaq bħala parti mill-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020 tal-UE.

L-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020 tpoġġi ż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja taħt l-awspiċi tal-Istitut Ewropew tal-Innovazzjoni u t-Teknoloġija (EIT), aġenzija li ġiet stabbilita fl-2008 sabiex iżżid il-kompetittività u t-tkabbir sostenibbli fl-Ewropa. Tradizzjonalment, l-EIT iffoka fuq l-innovazzjoni u l-intraprenditorjat, u minkejja li s-sistema ta’ edukazzjoni għolja hija parti minn dan, ma kienx hemm kollaborazzjoni uffiċjali maż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja.

Il-Kummissjoni tqis li ż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja hija ta’ prijorità għolja għall-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020 bħalma kienet għall-programmi preċedenti, meta wieħed jikkunsidra li din testendi lil hinn mis-27 Stat Membru tal-UE? Ir-rwol tal-EIT fir-rigward taż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja kif se jkun differenti minn dak tal-FP7, u l-Kummissjoni x’garanziji tista’ tagħti li l-EIT se jkun effikaċi biex jieħu f’idejh dan ir-rwol ġdid u jtejjeb l-edukazzjoni għolja?

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

(3 ta' Awwissu 2012)

L-Unjoni Ewropea ssostni l-iżvilupp taż-Żona Ewropea ta' Edukazzjoni Għolja (EHEA) kemm permezz tal-parteċipazzjoni attiva tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea fid-diversi fora ta' politika stabbiliti bħala parti mill-Proċess ta' Bolonja, kif ukoll billi tikkontribwixxi finanzjarjament, permezz ta' programmi ta' edukazzjoni u taħriġ ġestiti mill-Kummissjoni, għat-tmexxija tas-Segretarjat ta' Bolonja, tal-Konferenzi Ministerjali, u tan-netwerk ta' esperti dwar il-Proċess ta’ Bolonja u dwar ir-riforma tal-edukazzjoni ogħla li joperaw fil-pajjiżi tal-UE u dawk lil hinn minnha, li jipparteċipaw fil-Proċess ta' Bolonja. Il-Programmi ta' Qafas dwar ir-Riċerka, min-naħa l-oħra, ikkontribwew bil-kbir għat-tisħiħ taż-Żona Ewropea tar-Riċerka (ŻER), li l-kopertura ġeografika tagħha hi differenti minn dik tas-47 pajjiż tal-EHEA.

L-Istitut Ewropew tal-Innovazzjoni u t-Teknoloġija (EIT) huwa parti integrali tal-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020. Il-missjoni tiegħu hi li jintegra t-trijangolu tal-għarfien: l-edukazzjoni ogħla, ir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni. Dan jagħmlu prinċipalment permezz tal-Komunitajiet ta' Konoxxenza u Innovazzjoni (KKI). Dawn tal-aħħar jinkludu għadd ta' attivitajiet fl-edukazzjoni b'komponent intraprenditorjali qawwi. Għalkemm l-EIT jista' jaġixxi wkoll bħala mudell għal eżempji oħra ta' kooperazzjoni bejn l-edukazzjoni, ir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni tul l-EHEA u lil hinn minnha, l-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020 ma tpoġġix speċifikament l-EHEA taħt l-awspiċi tal-EIT u lanqas ma tipproponi li għandu jkollha xi rwol partikolari b'rabta mal-iżvilupp tal-EHEA nnfisha.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006536/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: EHEA — EIT

Over the years, the European Union has supported the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which involves 46 countries and seeks to revolutionise higher education. The EHEA is compatible with the EU’s own goals of better and more coherent education systems in Europe. In the past, the EU has contributed to the EHEA by means of its Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development, which, for a decade, have provided a modernisation agenda for funding research, increasing competitiveness in education, and fostering mobility and employability among European workers. The latest of these programmes, FP7, expires at the end of 2013, and its role will be taken over as part of the EU’s Horizon 2020.

Horizon 2020 places the EHEA under the auspices of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an agency established in 2008 to increase sustainable growth and competitiveness in Europe. The EIT has traditionally focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, and although the higher education system is a part of this, it has not officially collaborated with the EHEA.

Does the Commission consider the EHEA to be as high a priority for Horizon 2020 as it was for past programmes, given that it extends beyond the immediate 27 Member States of the EU? How will the role of EIT in relation to the EHEA differ from that of FP7, and what assurances can the Commission provide that it will be effective in assuming its new role and improving higher education?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(3 August 2012)

The European Union supports the development of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) both through the active participation of the European Commission in the various policy fora established as part of the Bologna Process, and by financially contributing, through the education and training programmes managed by the Commission, to the running of the Bologna Secretariat, the Ministerial Conferences, and the network of experts on the Bologna Process and on higher education reform operating in EU and non-EU Bologna countries. The Research Framework Programmes have on the other hand largely contributed to the strengthening of the European Research Area (ERA), of which the geographical coverage differs from that of the 47 countries of the EHEA.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an integral part of Horizon 2020. Its mission is to integrate the knowledge triangle: higher education, research and innovation. It does this primarily through the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). The latter include a number of activities in education with a strong entrepreneurial component. Although the EIT can also act as a model for other examples of education-research-innovation cooperation throughout the EHEA and beyond, Horizon 2020 does not specifically place the EHEA under the auspices of the EIT nor propose that it should have any particular role in relation to the development of the EHEA itself.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006537/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Politika tas-sajd

Il-politika komuni tas-sajd (PKS) tal-Unjoni Ewropea bniet is-sisien għall-monitoraġġ tal-istokkijiet tal-ispeċijiet differenti u għall-istabbiliment ta' prattiki tas-sajd sostenibbli. Maż-żmien, iżda, ġiet espressa kritika dwar in-nuqqasijiet tal-PKS li rriżultat fi proposti għal riformi li se jiġu nnegozjati din is-sena biex jidħlu fis-seħħ fis-snin li ġejjin. Fost dawn ir-riformi nsibu projbizzjoni fuq ir-rimi, ir-reġjonalizzazzjoni tal-prattiki tas-sajd u d-determinazzjoni tar-rendiment massimu sostenibbli.

L-adegwamenti politiċi se jissarrfu f'aktar restrizzjonijiet fuq l-industrija tas-sajd li diġà tinsab taħt pressjoni qawwija. Billi l-konformità min-naħa tal-Istati Membri kienet problema fl-imgħoddi u li ċerti pajjiżi huma sproporzjonatament dipendenti fuq id-dħul mis-sajd, il-Kummissjoni għandha pjanijiet biex fir-riformi tagħha tinkludi dispożizzjonijiet li se jgħinu lill-pajjiżi dipendenti bil-qawwi fuq din l-industrija, bil-għan li jkunu jistgħu jikkooperaw aħjar mal-proċess ta' implimentazzjoni?

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

(7 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni qed tipproponi li l-Fond Ewropew Marittimu u tas-Sajd (FEMS) se jgħin lis-settur tas-sajd fl-UE kollha fl-implimentazzjoni tar-riforma tal-Politika Komuni tas-Sajd u fit-tranżizzjoni għal sajd sostenibbli. Wieħed mill-għanijiet ewlenin tar-riforma huwa li s-settur tas-sajd isir ekonomikament vijabbli u reżiljenti għax-xokkijiet esterni u għall-kompetizzjoni minn pajjiżi terzi.

B’mod partikolari, il-FEMS propost jinkludi appoġġ għat-tranżizzjoni lejn Rendiment Massimu Sostenibbli (Maximum Sustainable Yield — MSY) u l-iffaċilitar tal-introduzzjoni gradwali ta’ projbizzjoni fuq ħut skartat, li tinvolvi miżuri bħal appoġġ għal irkaptu u għal tekniki tas-sajd aktar selettivi, investiment f’tagħmir abbord u f’faċilitajiet tal-port meħtieġa għall-użu ta’ qabdiet mhux mixtieqa, miżuri ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni u pproċessar.

Fl-aħħar nett, il-FEMS jiffoka b’mod speċjali fuq komunitajiet kostali u interni li jiddependu fuq is-sajd u se jappoġġa t-tkabbir ekonomiku u l-ħolqien tal-impjiegi permezz ta’ proġetti li jżidu l-valur tas-sajd u tal-attivitajiet relatati mas-sajd u permezz ta’ diversifikazzjoni favur setturi oħra tal-ekonomija marittima.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006537/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Fishing policy

The European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) has laid the groundwork for monitoring stocks of different species and establishing sustainable fishing practices. Over the years, however, criticism has been expressed regarding the shortcomings of the CFP, leading to reform proposals, which are to be negotiated this year and to enter into force in the following years. These reforms include a discard ban, regionalisation of fishing practices, and the determination of maximum sustainable yield.

The policy adjustments will mean further restrictions on the already hard-pressed fishing industry. Given that compliance by the Member States has been a problem in the past and that certain countries are disproportionately dependent on revenue from fishing, does the Commission have any plans to include provisions in its reforms that will aid countries heavily reliant on this industry, so that they can better cooperate in the implementation process?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2012)

The Commission proposes that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will assist the fisheries sector across the EU in the implementation of the common fisheries policy reform and in the transition to sustainable fishing. One of the main aims of the reform is to make the fisheries sector economically viable and resilient to external shocks and to competition from third countries.

In particular, the proposed EMFF includes support for the transition to Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and facilitate the gradual introduction of a discard ban, involving measures such as support for more selective gears and fishing techniques, investment in equipment on board and in port facilities necessary for the use of unwanted catches, marketing measures and processing.

Finally, the EMFF has a special focus on coastal and inland communities dependent on fishing and will support the creation of growth and jobs through projects adding value to fishing and fishing-related activities and through diversification to other sectors of the maritime economy.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006538/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Testijet tal-istress

L-Unjoni Ewropea bdiet l-prattika ta' testijiet tal-istress bħala konsegwenza tal-kriżi finanzjarja globali, sabiex tittestja r-reżistenza tal-banek Ewropej u tevalwa r-riskju sistemiku ġenerali tas-swieq finanzjarji. It-testijiet tal-istress għandhom jitweqqu fuq bażi annwali u jinvolvu taħlita ta' 90 bank minn Stati Membri differenti. Madankollu, l-Awtorità Bankarja Ewropea (ABE) mhux se twettaq il-proċess din is-sena u mistennija li twettaq ir-ronda li jmiss fl-2013.

In-nuqqasijiet fir-rigward tat-testijiet tal-istress huma magħrufa sew, bħat-tendenza tagħhom li jissottovalutaw in-nuqqas tal-kapital reali. Il-kritiċi għamlu sejħa lill-ABE biex teżerċita prudenza sistemika u tiffoka aktar fuq l-identifikazzjoni tal-kundizzjonijiet li jistgħu jirriżultaw f'instabbiltà finanzjarja u fuq l-evalwazzjoni tal-ħtiġijiet kapitali fuq il-bażi tal-istat tas-sistema finanzjarja inġenerali, filwaqt li tqis ir-responsabbilitajiet legali li huma vulnerabbli għal ġbid ta' flus mill-bank minn ħafna nies f'daqqa.

Il-Kummissjoni għandha xi kumment dwar il-kritika tal-effikaċja tat-test tal-istress? Fid-dawl tal-fatt li falliment ieħor ikun ta' detriment għall-konsensus ġenerali dwar l-isforzi politiċi mmirati lejn it-trazzin tal-kriżi u jista' jwassal għal ġbid ta' flus f'daqqa minn banek Ewropej aktar dgħajfa, għandha xi rakkomandazzjonijiet għall-ABE bil-ħsieb li tiżgura evalwazzjoni preċiża u ta' suċċess is-sena d-dieħla?

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

(17 ta' Awwissu 2012)

It-testijiet tal-istress organizzati mill-Awtorità Bankarja Ewropea (ABE) ikkontribwixxew biex jitjiebu l-pożizzjonijiet kapitali tal-banek u tiżdied it-trasparenza (inkluż dwar id-dejn sovran).

It-test tal-istress madwar l-UE kollha l-aktar riċenti, organizzat fl-2011, identifika nuqqas kapitali ta' EUR 26.8bn u wassal għal żieda kapitali ta' prevenzjoni ta' EUR 50 biljun. L-ABE sussegwentement irrakkomandat tisħiħ tal-kapital għall-banek li jgħaddu mit-test tal-istress b’marġni żgħir iżda li jkollhom ammonti sinifikanti ta’ dejn sovran taħt stress u mexxiet pjan ta' rikapitalizzazzjoni sinifikattiv ħafna li talab lil 71 bank fl-UE biex iżidu l-kapital ta' kwalità għolja tagħhom għal 9%, wara li jiġi kkalkulat bafer addizzjonali kontra l-pussess ta' sovrani taħt stress. Is-27 bank li kellhom nuqqas kapitali rnexxielhom iżidu l-kapital tagħhom b'total ta' EUR 94.4bn.

B'eżerċizzju ta' rikapitalizzazzjoni sinifikanti li diġà qed jitwettaq fl-2011-2012, l-ABE iddeċidiet li tipposponi t-testijiet tal-istress madwar l-UE kolha li jmiss għall-2013.

Il-Kummissjoni se tikkoopera mal-partijiet kollha involuti bil-għan li tikkontribwixxi għat-titjib kontinwu tat-testijiet tal-istress.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006538/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Stress tests

The European Union began the practice of ‘stress tests’ in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, in order to test the resilience of European banks and asses the overall systemic risk of financial markets. Stress tests are to be carried out on a yearly basis and involve an assortment of 90 banks from different Member States. However, the European Banking Authority (EBA) is forgoing the process this year and is expected to hold the next round in 2013 instead.

There is wide awareness of the shortcomings of stress tests, such as their tendency to underestimate real capital shortfall. Critics call for the EBA to exercise systemic prudence and focus more on identifying conditions which can result in financial instability and on assessing capital needs on the basis of the state of the financial system as a whole, taking account of liabilities that are vulnerable to runs.

Does the Commission have any comment to make about the criticism of stress test effectiveness? Given that another failure would be detrimental to the general consensus on policy efforts geared toward containing the crisis and could lead to a run on Europe’s weaker banks, does it have any recommendations to make to the EBA with a view to ensuring an accurate and successful assessment next year?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

The stress tests organised by the European Banking Authority (EBA) have contributed to improving banks capital positions and increasing transparency (including on sovereign debt).

The most recent EU‐wide stress test, organised in 2011, identified a capital shortfall of EUR 26.8 bn and prompted pre-emptive capital-raising of EUR 50 bn. EBA subsequently recommended a capital strengthening for banks passing the stress with a small margin but holding significant amounts of stressed sovereign debt and steered a very significant recapitalization plan requesting some 71 EU banks to raise their high quality capital to 9%, after accounting for an additional buffer against stressed sovereign holdings. The 27 banks with a shortfall managed to increase their capital by a total of EUR 94.4 bn.

With a significant recapitalization exercise already taking place in 2011‐2012, the EBA has decided to postpone the next EU‐wide stress tests to 2013.

The Commission will cooperate with all parties involved with a view to contributing to the continuous improvement of the stress tests.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006539/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Il-flessigurtà

Il-mudell ta’ “flessigurtà” — flessibilità ta’ ingaġġ u tkeċċija għall-impjegaturi kkombinata ma’ benefiċċji u sigurtà għall-impjegati — huwa rikonoxxut bħala mezz biex jittejbu l-kwalità tal-impjiegi u l-opportunitajiet ta’ impjieg fl-Ewropa. Il-Kummissjoni introduċiet bosta oqfsa u linji gwida mmirati lejn l-implementazzjoni tal-flessigurtà fis-sistemi nazzjonali, fosthom il-Komunikazzjoni COM(2007)0359, li tipprovdi rakkomandazzjonijiet biex jiġu aġġustati l-kuntratti tax-xogħol, il-politiki tax-xogħol u s-sistemi tas-sigurtà soċjali.

Minkejja dan, l-isforzi ta’ flessigurtà kienu mxekkla wara li faqqgħet il-kriżi, u minħabba d-differenzi kbar bejn l-Istati Membri fir-rigward tal-kwistjonijiet soċjali. Il-problemi ekonomiċi wasslu biex il-pajjiżi naqqsu l-programmi ta’ assistenza soċjali sabiex jissodisfaw l-objettivi ta' awsterità, u r-riġidità ta’ ċerti swieq tax-xogħol Ewropej tfisser li l-flessigurtà mhijiex qed tiġi implementata fil-livell nazzjonali, kif kien mixtieq. Il-Kummissjoni tiddikjara li se teżamina mill-ġdid il-prinċipji ta’ flessigurtà u se tirriforma l-proċess ta’ implementazzjoni sabiex trawwem il-mobilità u l-ħolqien tal-impjiegi.

Il-Kummissjoni kif qed tippjana li ttejjeb il-metodi tal-implementazzjoni tal-flessigurtà, fid-dawl tal-fatt li l-kriżi kellha impatt varjat fuq is-swieq tax-xogħol tal-Istati Membri u l-fatt li ma hemmx soluzzjoni unika valida għall-kull pajjiż? F’kuntest fejn il-pajjiżi huma kkonċentrati fuq iż-żieda tal-miżuri ta’ awsterità iktar mill fuq iż-żieda tal-programmi ta’ assistenza soċjali, il-Kummissjoni xi prospetti għandha biex tkompli tippromwovi riforma ta’ flessigurtà kontinwa fis-snin li ġejjin?

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

(14 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Fil-komunikazzjoni tagħha tal-2010, “Aġenda għal ħiliet u impjiegi ġodda: Kontribut Ewropew lejn impjieg għal kulħadd” (253), il-Kummissjoni saħqet li momentum ġdid għall-flessigurtà għandu jkun imsejjes fuq approċċ komuni. F'Novembru 2011 il-Kummissjoni organizzat Konferenza tal-Partijiet Interessati dwar il-Flessigurtà li laqqgħet rappreżentanti mill-Istati Membri, l-imsieħba soċjali u l-istituzzjonijiet Ewropej għal diskussjoni komprensiva dwar il-komponenti tal-flessigurtà, u notevolment dwar kif il-kunċett jista' jitwessa' aktar biex ikun ta' appoġġ għall-ħolqien ta’ impjiegi u dwar kif dan għandu jiġi adattat għall-bidliet fil-kuntest soċjoekonomiku.

Il-Kummissjoni tirreferi lill-Onorevoli Membru għall-komunikazzjoni dwar il-Pakkett tal-Impjiegi (254), li tispjega aktar passi fir-riformi strutturali fis-suq tax-xogħol biex tiżgura t-tranżizzjonijiet tas-suq tax-xogħol u swieq tax-xogħol inklużivi. Dawn ikopru punti bħal pereżempju l-bżonn għal pagi deċenti u sostenibbli, biex it-tranżazzjonijiet irendu, biex ikun żgurat li jkun hemm arranġamenti kuntrattwali xierqa u għal sistemi ta’ benefiċċji li jinvolvu r-responsabbiltajiet reċiproċi. Il-Kummissjoni tinnota wkoll li l-prinċipji tal-flessigurtà ma jinvolvux miżuri “uniformi għal kulħadd”. Id-dokument ta' Ħidma tal-Persunal tal-Kummissjoni (255) li jakkompanja l-komunikazzjoni dwar il-Pakkett tal-Impjiegi jispjega fil-qosor il-miżuri ta’ politika li l-Istati Membri adottaw matul il-kriżi fil-qasam tal-flessigurtà u tidentifika n-nuqqasijiet ewlenin tagħhom.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006539/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Flexicurity

The model of ‘flexicurity’ — hiring and firing flexibility for employers combined with benefits and security for employees — is acknowledged as a means of improving job quality and employment opportunities in Europe. The Commission has introduced multiple frameworks and guidelines geared towards implementing flexicurity in national systems, including COM(2007)0359, which provides recommendations for adjusting work contracts, labour policies and social security systems.

However, flexicurity efforts have been hindered in the wake of the crisis, and by acute differences between Member States over social issues. Economic problems have led countries to scale back welfare programmes to meet austerity targets, and the rigidity of certain European labour markets means that flexicurity is not being implemented at national level, as had been hoped. The Commission states that it will review flexicurity principles and reform the process of implementation as a means of fostering job creation and mobility.

How does the Commission plan to improve the methods for implementing flexicurity, taking in to account the fact that the crisis has had a varied impact on Member States’ labour markets and that no single solution works for every country? In a context in which countries are focused on increasing austerity measures rather than welfare programmes, what are the Commission’s prospects for pushing for continued flexicurity reform in the coming years?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

In its 2010 communication ‘An Agenda for new skills and jobs: A European contribution towards full employment’ (256), the Commission stressed that a new momentum for flexicurity must be based on a common approach. In November 2011 the Commission held a Stakeholder Conference on Flexicurity that brought together representatives of the Member States, the social partners and the European institutions for a comprehensive discussion of the components of flexicurity, and notably on how the concept could be taken further to support job creation and on how to adapt it to the changing socioeconomic context.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the communication on the Employment Package (257), which outlines further steps in structural labour market reforms to secure labour market transitions and inclusive labour markets. These cover such points as the need for decent, sustainable wages, to make transitions pay, to ensure there are suitable contractual arrangements and for benefit systems to involve reciprocal responsibilities. The Commission would also point out that the principles of flexicurity do not involve ‘one-size-fits-all’ measures. The Commission Staff Working Document (258) accompanying the Employment Package communication outlines the policy measures that the Member States have adopted during the crisis in the field of flexicurity and identifies their main shortcomings.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006540/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: CETA

L-UE u l-Kanada għandhom jiffinalizzaw ftehim ta' kummerċ ħieles sa tmiem din is-sena. Il-Ftehim Ekonomiku u Kummerċjali Komprensiv (CETA) se jipprevedi aktar moviment ta' merkanzija, servizzi u investimenti bejn iż-żewġ reġjuni. Madankollu, nibtu ċerti ostakli li qegħdin jheddu l-ftehim, billi wħud mill-Istati Membri mhumiex sodisfatti bil-kwisjonijiet pendenti fil-qasam tal-viżi. Il-problemi fl-immigrazzjoni wasslu biex il-Gvern Kanadiż jirrikjedi liċ-ċittadini ta' ċerti pajjiżi, fosthom ir-Repubblika Ċeka, il-Bulgarija u r-Rumanija, jiksbu viża biex jivvjaġġaw lejn il-Kanada. Il-pajjiżi kkonċernati pprotestaw mhux ftit għal dan ir-rekwiżit u qegħdin jheddu li jimblokkaw is-CETA sakemm jiġu revokati r-rekwiżiti ta' viża.

Billi l-Kanada huwa sieħeb kummerċjali importanti tal-UE u li kollaborazzjoni aktar mill-qrib se toħloq impjiegi li tant hemm bżonnhom kif anki tagħti spinta sinifikattiva lill-ekonomija tal-UE, waqt li fl-istess ħin jiġi rispettat id-dritt sovran tal-Gvern Kanadiż li jiġġestixxi l-fruntieri tiegħu, kif tipproponi r-Rappreżentant Għoli/Viċi President li tagħmilha ta' medjatur bejn iż-żewġ partijiet biex tiggarantixxi s-suċċess ta' ftehim reċiprokament vantaġġjuż?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sur De Gucht f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(14 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-kwistjoni tan-nonreċiproċità tal-viża tibqa’ fattur negattiv sinifikanti u kumpless fir-relazzjonijiet UE-Kanada. Il-Kummissjoni tqis li l-ivvjaġġar mingħajr viża lejn il-Kanada għall-Istati Membri kollha tal-UE jeħtieġ li jinkiseb mill-aktar fis possibbli u mingħajr prekondizzjonijiet addizzjonali.

L-UE hija r-reġjun minn fejn joriġinaw l-aktar l-applikazzjonijiet għall-ażil fil-Kanada. Dan huwa ta’ tħassib serju, u potenzjalment jista' jkollu effetti negattivi fuq l-eżitu pożittiv u r-ratifika ta’ diversi ftehimiet importanti mal-Kanada inkluż il-Ftehim Ekonomiku u Kummerċjali Komprensiv (CETA). L-ivvjaġġar mingħajr viża bejn l-UE u l-Kanada huwa ta’ importanza kbira għall-Kummissjoni, għalkemm mhuwiex parti mill-ambitu tan-negozjati taċ-CETA u ċ-CETA ma ntużax direttament bħala mod biex issir pressjoni fuq il-Kanada.

Madankollu, in-negozjaturi tal-UE ripetutament, fil-marġini tan-negozjati, għamluha ċara lill-kontropartijiet Kanadiżi tagħhom li din hija kwistjoni importanti għall-UE u anke deċiżiva għall-Istati Membri kkonċernati. Inġibdet l-attenzjoni tan-negozjaturi Kanadiżi li miżuri li jimmiraw li jintroduċu jew iżommu r-rekwiżiti tal-viża huma f’kontradizzjoni mal-ispirtu ta’ ftehim bħaċ-CETA li jfittex li jressaq lill-UE u l-Kanada eqreb lejn xulxin.

Il-Kummissjoni hija lesta li tkompli tesplora mal-Kanada, f’kooperazzjoni mill-qrib mal-Istati Membri kkonċernati, miżuri addizzjonali possibbli li jgħinu fit-tnaqqis tal-għadd kbir ta' applikazzjonijiet għall-ażil mingħajr bażi jew li ġew irtirati. Saru laqgħat fuq il-livell tal-esperti biex jiġu spjegati aħjar il-kwistjonijiet involuti.Il-Kummissjoni tilqa’ r-riforma tal-ażil mill-Kanada. Ladarba tkun fis-seħħ, tista’ taġixxi bħala deterrent għall-applikazzjonijiet mhux iġġustifikati u twassal biex il-Kanada tneħħi r-rekwiżit tal-viża għaċ-ċittadini Ċeki, Bulgari u Rumeni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006540/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: CETA

The EU and Canada are set to finalise a free trade deal by the end of this year. CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, will provide for greater movement of goods, services and investments between the two regions. However, certain obstacles have surfaced that threaten the agreement, as some Member States are upset over outstanding visa issues. Problems with immigration have led the Canadian Government to require citizens of certain countries, including the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania, to obtain visas in order to travel to Canada. This has been met with much protest from the countries concerned, who are threatening to block CETA unless the visa requirements are revoked.

Given that Canada is a significant trading partner of the EU and that closer collaboration will create much-needed jobs and provide a significant boost to the EU economy, while at the same time respecting the Canadian Government’s sovereign right to manage its borders, how does the Vice-President/High Representative propose to mediate between the two sides to ensure the success of a mutually beneficial deal?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

The issue of visa non-reciprocity remains a significant negative and complex factor in EU‐Canada relations. The Commission considers that visa free travel to Canada for all EU Member States needs to be achieved as soon as possible and without additional preconditions.

The EU is the number one source-region for asylum applications in Canada. This is a serious concern, and could potentially have negative effects on the successful conclusion and ratification of several important agreements with Canada including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Visa-free travel between the EU and Canada is of utmost importance to the Commission, although it isnot part of the scope of the CETA negotiations and the CETA has not been directly used as a way to put pressure on Canada.

However, the EU negotiators have repeatedly, in the margins of the negotiations, made it clear to their Canadian counterparts that this is an important question for the EU and even decisive for the Member States concerned. It has been pointed out to the Canadian negotiators that measures which aim at introducing or maintaining visa requirementsare in contradiction with the spirit of an agreement like the CETA which tries to bring the EU and Canada closer together.

The Commission is ready to further explore with Canada, in close cooperation with the Member States concerned, possible additional measures to help reduce the high numbers of unfounded or withdrawn asylum applications. Meetings at expert level took place to further explain the issues at stake. The Commission welcomes the asylum reform by Canada. Once in force, it could act as a deterrent to unfounded applications and lead Canada to lift the visa requirement for Czech, Bulgarian and Romanian citizens.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006542/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Unjoni tal-Innovazzjoni

L-innovazzjoni hija ġeneralment meqjusa bħala mutur għat-tkabbir u bħala mezz biex l-ekonomija Ewropea terġa’ lura fit-triq it-tajba. F'rapport reċenti dwar il-progress bit-titolu “l-istat tal-Unjoni tal-Innovazzjoni 2011”, il-Kummissjoni tenfasizza distakki fl-innovazzjoni li jeżistu bejn il-prestazzjoni tal-innovazzjoni fl-Ewropa vis-à-vis l-Istati Uniti u l-Ġappun, fejn tenfasizza l-ħtieġa li l-Unjoni Ewropea tintensifika l-mpenn tagħha fir-rigward tal-innovazzjoni. Madankollu, ir-rapport jindika wkoll li hemm r-riskju li d-distakki fl-innovazzjoni jistgħu jkolmpu jitwessgħu fi ħdan l-UE nnifisha, hekk kif l-Istati Membri qegħdin jinvestu f'miri ta' innovazzjoni fi gradi differenti.

Sabiex l-Ewropa tilħaq il-miri tagħha fir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni, u biex tippromwovi investimenti fl-innovazzjoni aktar omoġenji fl-Istati Membri kollha u biex tiżgura li l-Istati Membri jallokaw biżżejjed fondi għal dan l-objettiv, l-impenn li “jitwarrbu baġits dedikata nazzjonali għall-akkwist fir-rigward tal-innovazzjoni” jidher relevanti ferm. Madankollu r-rapport jindika li dan l-impenn ma sarx. Il-Kummissjoni tista' tipprovdi xi informazzjoni dwar ir-raġuni għaliex dan il-għan ma ġiex segwit u jekk biħsiebha tieħu l-impenn f'idejha fil-futur qarib? Dan il-għan għandu jiġu sospiż, il-Kummissjoni qiegħda tippjana li tintroduċi xi miżuri alternattiva li għandhom l-istess mira?

Tweġiba mogħtija mis-Sinjura Geoghegan-Quinn f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(21 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Użu iktar strateġiku tal-akkwist pubbliku ta' prodotti u servizzi innovattivi jibqa' fil-mira tal-politika tal-innovazzjoni tal-UE. Il-komunikazzjoni dwar l-Unjoni tal-Innovazzjoni proponiet li l-Istati Membri u r-Reġjuni jwarrbu baġits allokati għall-akkwist pubbliku ta' prodotti u servizzi innovattivi sabiex toħloq swieq tal-akkwist li jibda minn EUR 10 biljun kull sena. Waqt li l-mira ma ġietx aċċettata mill-Kunsill, il-Kunsill stieden lill-Istati Membri biex iżidu u jtejbu l-użu tagħhom tal-baġits għall-akkwist tal-innovazzjoni fuq bażi volontarja. Diversi Stati Membri stabbilixxew oqfsa ta' appoġġ li jintegraw l-akkwist pubbliku ta' prodotti u servizzi innovattivi fl-istrateġiji tal-innovazzjoni tagħhom.

Fl-2011 il-Kummissjoni pproponiet li l-leġiżlazzjoni tal-akkwist pubbliku tal-UE tiġi mmodernizzata. Din il-proposta tinkludi diversi miżuri biex titħeġġeġ l-innovazzjoni, bħal sħubija ġdida għall-innovazzjoni, il-faċilitazzjoni ta' proċedura tal-akkwist konġunt transfruntier, l-introduzzjoni tal-element tal-innovazzjoni bħala parti mill-kriterji tal-għoti ta' kuntratti u r-rekwiżit ta’ rappurtar annwali dwar l-implimentazzjoni ta' politiki tal-akkwist sostenibbli, inkluż it-trawwim tal-innovazzjoni.

Fl-istess waqt, il-Kummissjoni qiegħda tappoġġja proġetti pilota li jgħinu lill-awtoritajiet kontraenti jiġbru flimkien ir-riżorsi tagħhom biex jintuża l-potenzjal tad-domanda pubblika għal soluzzjonijiet innovattivi. L-inizjattiva Orizzont 2020, il-Programm Qafas tal-UE li jmiss għar-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni, ipproponiet appoġġ akbar għal proġetti bħal dawn. Barra minn hekk, il-proposta tal-Kummissjoni għar-Regolament Ġenerali tal-Fondi Strutturali tintroduċi kondizzjonalità ex-ante għall-investiment fir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni msejsa fuq l-eżistenza ta' Strateġiji Intelliġenti ta' Speċjalizzazzjoni, inkluż l-użu attiv tal-akkwist pubbliku ta’ prodotti u servizzi innovattivi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006542/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Innovation Union

Innovation is widely regarded as a driver for growth and as a means to put the European economy back on track. In a recent progress report entitled ‘State of the Innovation Union 2011’, the Commission points to innovation gaps that exist between innovation performance in Europe vis-à-vis the USA and Japan, highlighting the need for the European Union to step up its commitment to innovation. However, the report also points to a risk of innovation gaps widening within the EU itself, as Member States are investing in innovation goals to differing degrees.

In order to allow Europe to meet its research and innovation targets, to promote more homogenous investments in innovation across Member States and to ensure that Member States allocate sufficient funds to this objective, the commitment to ‘set aside dedicated national procurement budgets for innovation’ seems highly relevant. Yet the report indicates that this commitment has not been taken up. Could the Commission provide any information as to why this particular goal has not been followed through and whether it intends to take it up in the near future? Should this goal be suspended, is the Commission planning to introduce any alternative measures that point in the same direction?

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

(21 August 2012)

A more strategic use of public procurement of innovative products and services remains a goal of EU innovation policy. The Innovation Union communication proposed that Member States and Regions set aside dedicated budgets for public procurement of innovative products and services in order to create procurement markets starting from EUR 10 billion per year. While the target was not taken up by the Council, the Council invited Member States to increase and improve their use of procurement budgets for innovation on a voluntary basis. Several Member States established support frameworks embedding public procurement of innovative products and services in their innovation strategies.

In 2011 the Commission proposed to modernise the EU public procurement legislation. This proposal includes several measures to encourage innovation, such as a new innovation partnership procedure, facilitation of cross-border joint procurement, introducing the innovative character as part of award criteria and requiring annual reporting on the implementation of sustainable procurement policies, including fostering innovation.

In parallel, the Commission has been supporting pilot projects to help contracting authorities to pool their resources to unleash the potential of public demand for innovative solutions. Stronger support to such projects has been proposed under Horizon 2020, the next EU Framework Programme for research and innovation. In addition, the Commission proposal for the General Regulation of the Structural Funds introduces ex-ante conditionality for research and innovation investment based on the existence of Smart Specialisation Strategies, including active use of public procurement of innovative products and services.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006543/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Ittikkettar tal-Ikel

Fil-proposta tagħha għal regolament tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar l-għoti ta' informazzjoni fuq l-ikel lill-konsumaturi (COM (2008) 0040), il-Kummissjoni tenfasizza l-fatt li “l-ittikkettar nutrittiv huwa mod stabbilit kif wieħed jista' jagħti informazzjoni lill-konsumaturi li tgħin l-għażla ta' ikel tajjeb għas-saħħa”. Għalhekk, il-proposta tagħmilha obbligatorja li l-livelli tal-enerġija, tax-xaħam, tas-saturati, tal-karboidrati, taz-zokkor u tal-melħ jintwerew fuq it-tikketti tal-ikel.

Filwaqt li x'akatarx il-konsumaturi adulti se jkollhom biżżejjed informazzjoni biex jagħmlu għażliet bnini fl-ikel, dan it-tip ta' informazzjoni jista' ma jinftiehemx tajjeb minn gruppi ta' konsumaturi żgħażagħ.

Madanakollu tendenzi fl-għażla tal-ikel fost it-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ qegħdin iwasslu għal tħassib dejjem akbar, fid-dawl tal-fatt li l-obesità fost it-tfal qiegħda tiżdied u t-tendenzi fl-ikel stabbiliti f'età żgħira x'katarx li jibqgħu jippersisitu tul il-ħajja. Fid-dawl ta' dawn l-iżviluppi, il-Kummissjoni introduċiet, jew ikkunsidrat li tintroduċi, xi miżuri li jippreskrivu tipi ta' ttikkettar li jinfthemu aktar faċilment mit-tfal, pereżempju tikketti aktar viżwali u ssimplifikati fuq il-prodotti tal-ikel li huma mmirati speċifikament lejn gruppi ta' konsumaturi żgħażagħ?

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

(7 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni mhix beħsiebha tintroduċi miżuri li jippreskrivu tikketti ssimplifikati għall-ikel immirat speċifikament lejn gruppi ta' konsumaturi żgħażagħ.

Ir-Regolament (UE) 1169/2011 (259) jintroduċi tikkettar nutrittiv obbligatorju u jippreskrivi regoli dwar kif din l-informazzjoni għandha tkun preżentata fuq ikel ippakkjat minn qabel. Filwaqt li l-ittikkettar nutrittiv u l-mod bażiku ta' kif jiġi ppreżentat huma armonizzati f'livell tal-Unjoni, l-iżvilupp ta' modi oħra ta' espressjoni u preżentazzjoni, inklużi modi simplifikati u aktar viżwali, huwa possibbli. Skont l-Artikolu 35 tar-Regolament, modi addizzjonali għall-espressjoni u l-preżentazzjoni tad-dikjarazzjoni nutrittiva jistgħu jiġu żviluppati bl-użu ta’ forom jew simboli grafiċi, sakemm dawn ikunu konformi mar-rekwiżiti speċifiċi deskritti f’dan l-Artikolu. F’din il-flessibbiltà, prevista fir-Regolament (UE) 1169/2011, għall-Istati Membri individwali u għall-operaturi tan-negozji tal-ikel, hija r-responsabbiltà ta’ dawn l-atturi li jintroduċu modi aktar simplifikati u li jinfurmaw lill-Kummissjoni kif xieraq.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006543/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Food labelling

In its proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers (COM(2008)0040), the Commission highlights the fact that ‘nutrition labelling is an established way for providing information to consumers to support health conscious food choices’. The proposal therefore makes it mandatory for the levels of energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugar and salt to be shown on food labels.

Whilst this is likely to provide adult consumers with sufficient information to make healthy food choices, this type of information may not be understood by younger consumer groups.

Yet eating habits amongst children and young people are causing growing concern, given that childhood obesity is on the rise and that eating habits established at an early age are likely to persist throughout life. In view of these developments, has the Commission introduced, or considered introducing, any measures that would prescribe more child-friendly labelling types, for instance simplified and more visual labels on products that are targeted specifically at young consumer groups?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2012)

The Commission does not intend to introduce measures prescribing simplified labels for foods targeting specifically young consumer groups.

Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (260) introduces mandatory nutrition labelling and prescribes rules on how this information has to be presented on pre-packed foods. While nutrition labelling and its basic form of presentation is harmonised at Union level, the development of other forms of expression and presentation, including simplified and more visual forms, is possible. According to Article 35 of the regulation, additional forms of expression and presentation of the nutrition declaration can be developed using graphical forms or symbols provided they comply with specific requirements described in this Article. Within this flexibility provided by Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 for individual Member States and food business operators it is left for those actors to introduce more simplified forms and inform the Commission accordingly.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006544/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Persuni b'diżabbiltà

Persuna minn kull sitt persuni fiż-żona tal-Unjoni Ewropea hija kklassifikata bħala persuna b'diżabbiltà, grupp li jħabbat wiċċu ma' diskriminazzjoni kontinwa f'oqsma bħas-servizzi, l-akkomodazzjoni u l-edukazzjoni. Il-ġlieda kontra din id-diskriminazzjoni qiegħda titwettaq permezz ta' Artikoli fil-Karta tad-Drittijiet Fundamentali tal-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-Istrateġija Ewropea tad-Diżabbiltà 2010-2020 (COM (2010) 0636), li tikkunsidra l-għanijiet ta' Horizon 2020. Problemi relatati ma' direttivi preċedenti jinkludu l-enfasi fuq l-iffinanzjar ta' istituzzjonijiet paternalistiċi u forom oħra ta' kura, mingħajr ma ssir biżżejjed enfasi fuq l-aspetti għar-riforma sabiex dawk il-persuni b'diżabbiltà jkunu jistgħu jgħixu u jiffunzjonaw b'mod indipendenti fil-komunitajiet tagħhom. Il-COM (2010) 0636 ifittex li jbiddel dan, u jagħmel impenn akbar lejn l-inklużjoni soċjali.

Il-miżuri li qegħdin jiġu implimentati mill-Kummissjoni jindirizzaw lil dawk li bħalissa jinsabu istituzzjonalizzati (li bihom ma jibqgħux dipendenti fuq forom attwali ta' kura) jew ifittxu li jipprevjenu l-istituzzjonalizzazzjoni ta' persuni b'diżabbiltà fil-futur? Fil-każ tal-ewwel, il-Kummissjoni fasslet xi strateġiji biex tingħata l-għajnuna lill-persuni b'diżabbiltà mdorrija għall-kura paternalistika sabiex it-tranżizzjoni tagħhom tkun ta' suċċess u jkunu kapaċi jgħixu u jaħdmu b'mod indipendenti?

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

(23 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Permezz tal-istrateġija tal-UE dwar id-Diżabilità 2010-2020, il-Kummissjoni timmira li tappoġġja lill-Istati Membri fil-promozzjoni tal-inklużjoni soċjali u l-ħajja indipendenti għall-persuni kollha b’diżabilità. Dan l-għan huwa konformi mal-Konvenzjoni tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Persuni b’Diżabbiltà (NU CRPD) (261), li l-UE saret parti għaliha f'Jannar 2011.

L-Istati Membri tal-UE jibqgħu madankollu responsabbli għat-tfassil, il-ġestjoni u l-implimentazzjoni tas-servizzi soċjali u tas-saħħa u l-UE ma għandha ebda kompetenza li tintervjeni direttament f'dan il-qasam. Ir-rapport tal-FRA (262) li ġie ppubblikat riċentement identifika inizjattivi ewlenin fil-politika, il-liġi u l-prattika li jistgħu jiffaċilitaw il-progress lejn it-twettiq tad-dritt ta' ħajja indipendenti għall-persuni b'diżabilitajiet.

Biex jikkonformaw mal-obbligi li joriġinaw mis-CPRD tan-NU, l-Istati Membri tal-UE jeħtieġu jirriformaw il-kura istituzzjonali u s-servizzi tal-kura fit-tul tagħhom biex jiżguraw li persuni diġà fl-istituzzjonijiet jew f'riskju li jiġu mqiegħda fl-istituzzjonijiet ikunu jistgħu jeżerċitaw id-dritt tagħhom li jagħżlu l-arranġamenti tal-għajxien li jippreferu huma stess, billi jkollhom aċċess għas-servizzi u l-faċilitajiet li jissodisfaw il-ħtiġijiet tagħhom u billi jingħataw il-possibilità li jiġu inklużi fil-komunità.

Il-Fondi Strutturali tal-UE, b'mod partikolari l-FSE u l-FEŻR, jistgħu jappoġġjaw l-isforzi tal-Istati Membri f'dan il-qasam. Il-Kummissjoni tħeġġeġ lill-Istati Membri biex jużaw il-fondi tal-UE għal riformi ta' deistituzzjonalizzazzjoni, pereżempju billi jappoġġaw it-taħriġ tal-persunal, l-investimenti fl-infrastruttura soċjali u l-aċċessibbiltà, u l-iżvilupp ta' mudelli ta' kura mibnija madwar il-persuni u mfassla biex jissodisfaw il-ħtiġijiet inklużi servizzi ta' kwalità bbażati fil-komunità u aċċess għal għajnuna personali. Dawn l-għanijiet jinsabu fil-proposti tal-Kummissjoni għall-Politika ta' Koeżjoni futura 2014-2020 (263) li bħalissa qed jiġu eżaminati mill-Parlament Ewropew u mill-Kunsill.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006544/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Disabled persons

One in six people in the European Union area is classified as disabled, a group which has faced continuous discrimination in fields such as services, housing and education. Such discrimination is combated through various articles in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Commission Communication on the European Disability Strategy for 2010-2020 (COM(2010)0636), which considers the goals of Horizon 2020. Problems with past directives include the emphasis on funding paternalistic institutions and other forms of care, without enough of a focus on reforming aspects of society to enable those with disabilities to live and function independently in their communities. COM(2010)0636 seeks to alter this, making more of a commitment to social inclusion.

Do the measures that the Commission is implementing cater to those who are currently institutionalised (removing them from dependence on current forms of care) or do they seek to prevent the institutionalisation of disabled persons in the future? In the case of the former, does the Commission have any strategies for assisting disabled persons who have grown accustomed to paternalistic care so their transition is successful and they are able to live and function independently?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2012)

With the EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020, the Commission aims to support the Member States in promoting social inclusion and independent living for all persons with disabilities. This objective is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) (264), to which the EU has become a party in January 2011.

The EU Member States remain however responsible for the design, management and delivery of social and health services and the EU has no competence to intervene directly in this field. The recently published FRA's report (265) identified key initiatives in policy, law and practice that can facilitate progress towards realising the right to independent living of persons with disabilities.

To comply with the obligations stemming from the UN CRPD, EU Member States need to reform their institutional care and long-term care services to ensure that persons already in institutions or at risk of being placed in such institutions are enabled to exercise their right to choose their own preferred living arrangements, by having access to services and facilities meeting their needs and allowing them to be included in the community.

EU Structural Funds, in particular the ESF and ERDF, can support Member States’ efforts in this area. The Commission encourages the Member States to use EU funds for de-institutionalisation reforms, for instance by supporting training of staff, investments in social infrastructure and accessibility, and the development of person-centred, needs-tailored models of care, including quality community-based services and access to personal assistance. These objectives are in the Commission's proposals for the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 (266) that are currently being examined by the European Parliament and the Council.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006545/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: “Small Business Act” għall-Ewropa

Impriżi żgħar u medji (SMEs) jimpjegaw aktar minn żewġ terzi tal-forza tax-xogħol Ewropea. Madankollu, l-SMEs intlaqtu ħażin mir-riċessjoni u mill-kriżi tal-kreditu, kwistjoni li teħtieġ l-akbar attenzjoni tal-UE. “Is-Small Business Act” għall-Ewropa li nbeda fl-2008 jindirizza din il-problema u jsostni l-iżvilupp tal-SMEs f'ambjent instabbli. Huwa jsostni t-titjib tal-aċċess għall-iffinanzjar u t-titjib tal-ħiliet, u jħeġġeġ il-gvernijiet biex ifasslu limitu ta' żmien massimu għall-kwittanza u l-ħlas ta' dejn marbut mall-falliment finanzjarju.

Uħud jargumentaw li inizjattivi SBA, inklużi dawk imsemmija hawn fuq, huma ta' benefiċċju biex titħeġġeġ l-intraprenditorija u tingħata assistenza lil negozji matul il-fażi tal-bidu, iżda li mhumiex effettivi biex jindirizzaw l-istadju ta' żvilupp, li huwa ugwalment importanti għas-sostenn tan-negozji u s-saħħa tal-ekonomija. Il-Kummissjoni tħoss li dawn l-affermazzjonijiet huma ġustifikati? Wara li saret reviżjoni, il-Kummissjoni għandha miżuri ġodda x'tissuġġerixxi, bħal servizzi ta' sostenn jew strumenti finanzjarji speċifiċi, li huma diretti lejn l-istadju ta' żvilupp tal-SMEs?

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

(13 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni hija konxja sew li l-SMEs intlaqtu ħażin mill-kriżi, u għalhekk hija ħaffet l-implimentazzjoni kemm tal-SBA kif ukoll tar-Reviżjoni tal-SBA (adottati fi Frar 2011). Fir-rigward tal-aċċess għall-finanzjament, il-miżuri proposti u, f’xi każijiet dawk li tnedew diġà, jindirizzaw il-ħtiġijiet tal-SMEs fl-istadji kollha taċ-ċiklu tal-ħajja tagħhom, inkluż il-fażi tal-iżvilupp.

F'Diċembru 2011 ġie adottat Pjan ta' Azzjoni biex jitjieb l-aċċess għall-finanzi għall-SMEs (267) u l-informazzjoni dwar l-aċċess għall-fondi hija disponibbli fuq il-websajt Europa (268). Il-programm CIP (269) jipprovdi strumenti finanzjarji li jżidu l-provvista ta’ kapital tar-riskju, self u kiri lill-SMEs, kif ukoll servizzi ta’ appoġġ għan-negozju fil-livell lokali permezz tal-Enterprise Europe Network. Barra minn hekk, l-RSI l-ġdida (270), il-proġett pilota tal-FP7 (271) RSFF (272), jinkoraġġixxi lill-banek biex jipprovdu self lill-SMEs innovattivi u impriżi żgħar ta' daqs medju li jinvestu fir-RDI (273).

Il-Kummissjoni beħsiebha tkompli dan l-approċċ u ssaħħu permezz tal-programmi proposti COSME (274) u Orizzont 2020 (275). COSME se jtejjeb l-aċċess għal kemm il-finanzjament kif ukoll għas-swieq, se jippromwovi l-intraprenditorija u se jtejjeb il-kundizzjonijiet qafas, b’mod partikolari għall-SMEs. Huwa se jappoġġja t-twaqqif, l-iżvilupp u t-tkabbir tan-negozji. Il-programm Orizzont 2020 se jipprovdi aktar appoġġ għad-dejn u l-finanzjament tal-ekwità għall-entitajiet motivati mir-RDI, b'mod partikolari l-SMEs, permezz tal-programm dedikat tiegħu “L-Aċċess għall-Finanzjament tar-Riskju” u Strument ġdid tal-SMEs iffukat fuq id-dimostrazzjoni u l-iżvilupp, li se jindirizza t-tipi kollha ta’ SMEs li huma innovattivi sew u (kemm dawk l-SMEs li jiffokaw fuq it-teknoloġija avvanzata u r-riċerka, kif ukoll dawk li ma jiffokawx fuq ir-riċerka, li huma ta' natura soċjali jew joffru servizz).

Fl-aħħar nett, huwa ppjanat li l-Pjan ta' Azzjoni tal-Intraprenditorija 2020 jiġi adottat sal-aħħar ta' din is-sena b'azzjonijiet għat-titjib tal-ambjent tan-negozju għal kemm l-intraprendituri ġodda kif ukoll dawk stabbiliti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006545/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Small Business Act

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are responsible for employing more than two-thirds of the European labour force. However, SMEs have been hit hard by the recession and credit crunch, a matter that requires the EU’s utmost attention. The Small Business Act (SBA) initiated in 2008 addresses this problem and supports the development of SMEs in an unstable environment. It supports improving access to finance and upgrading skills, and encourages governments to set a maximum time limit for the discharging and settling of bankruptcy debts.

Some argue that SBA initiatives, including those mentioned above, are beneficial in encouraging entrepreneurship and assisting businesses during the start-up phase, but are not as effective in addressing the development stage, which is equally important for sustaining businesses and the health of the economy. Does the Commission feel that these claims are justified? Following a review, does the Commission have any new measures to suggest, such as specific support services or financial instruments, that are directed at the development stage of SMEs?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

The Commission is fully aware that SMEs have been hit hard by the crisis, so it has accelerated implementation of both the SBA and the SBA Review (adopted in February 2011). As regards access to finance, the measures proposed and, in some cases, already launched address the needs of SMEs at all stages of their life cycle, including the development phase.

An Action Plan to improve SME access to finance was adopted in December 2011 (276) and information on access to funding is available on the Europa website (277). The CIP programme (278) provides financial instruments that increase the supply of venture capital, loans and leasing to SMEs, as well as business support services at local level via the Enterprise Europe Network. In addition, the new RSI (279) pilot scheme of the FP7 (280) RSFF (281) encourages banks to provide loans to innovative SMEs and small mid‐sized firms investing in RDI (282).

The Commission intends to continue and strengthen this approach with the proposed COSME (283) and Horizon 2020 (284) programmes. COSME will improve access to both finance and markets, promote entrepreneurship and improve framework conditions, in particular for SMEs. It will support the setting-up, development and growth of businesses. Horizon 2020 will provide increased support to debt and equity financing for RDI-driven entities, in particular SMEs, via its dedicated ‘Access to Risk Finance’ programme and a new SME Instrument focused on demonstration and development, which will target all types of highly innovative SMEs (both high-tech and research-driven, as well as non-research-focused, social or service SMEs).

Finally, it is planned to adopt the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan by the end of this year, with actions to improve the business environment for both new and established entrepreneurs.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006548/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Ċipru

Fl-1 ta' Lulju 2012, ir-Repubblika ta' Ċipru se tieħu f'idejha l-Presidenza tal-UE għall-ewwel darba mill-adeżjoni tagħha fl-2004. Madankollu hemm riskju perċettibbli tal-iffriżar tar-relazzjonijiet bejn l-awtoritajiet Ċiprijotti Griegi u Torok, u dawn tal-aħħar diġà appellaw sabiex il-problema ta' Ċipru tissolva qabel il-bidu tal-Presidenza. Fil-perspettiva ta' dawn l-iżviluppi, kif biħsiebha l-Kummissjoni tistenna mill-Presidenza Ċiprijotta li tagħmel negozjati ta' riunifikazzjoni bejn iż-żewġ naħat u x'impatt qed tipprevedi għan-negozjati tal-adeżjoni tat-Turkija mal-UE? Kif biħsiebha l-Kummissjoni tevita ostakoli eventwali għall-progress li sar fin-negozjati ta' riunifikazzjoni s'issa u x'miżuri se tieħu biex tippromwovi l-progress f'dan il-qasam?

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

(4 ta' Settembru 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni tagħti l-appoġġ qawwi tagħha għat-taħdidiet dwar ftehim biex tinstab soluzzjoni komprensiva tal-problema ta' Ċipru. Il-Kummissjoni kemm-il darba saħqet li n-negozjati dwar ftehim għandhom ikomplu, b'xi mod jew ieħor, matul il-Presidenza Ċiprijotta tal-Kunsill tal-UE. L-Onorevoli Membru jista' jkun konxju tal-fatt li fil-bidu ta' Lulju, il-President Barroso ħatar rappreżentant personali ġdid għall-Bon Offiċji tan-NU, sinjal ċar tal-appoġġ qawwi tal-Kummissjoni lill-proċess ta’ ftehim.

Barra l-appoġġ lill-Bon Offiċji tan-NU, il-Kummissjoni tipprovdi assistenza lill-komunità Ċiprijotta Torka abbażi tar-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KE) Nru 389/2006 tas-27 ta’ Frar 2006. L-għan tal-programm huwa li tingħata assistenza liċ-Ċiprijotti Torok biex iħejju għar-riunifikazzjoni ta' Ċipru, li se ssegwi l-ftehim politiku li ilu mistenni tal-kwistjoni ta' Ċipru. Il-programm jiffoka fuq l-iżvilupp soċjali u ekonomiku tal-komunità Ċiprijotta Torka.

Il-Kummissjoni tirreferi għall-pożizzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea fl-aktar Kunsill ta’ Assoċjazzjoni reċenti mat-Turkija, li sar fit-22 ta’ Ġunju 2012, li matulu hija saħqet li l-impenn u l-kontribut tat-Turkija f’termini konkreti lejn soluzzjoni komprensiva tal-problema ta’ Ċipru huma kruċjali. Filwaqt li fakkret fil-konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill Ewropew tad-9 ta’ Diċembru 2011 rigward dikjarazzjonijiet u theddid mit-Turkija, l-UE esprimiet tħassib serju u tappella għal rispett sħiħ tar-rwol tal-Presidenza tal-Kunsill, li hija karatterstika istituzzjonali fundamentali tal-UE, stipulata fit-Trattat.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006548/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Cyprus

On 1 July 2012, the Republic of Cyprus will take over the EU Presidency for the first time since its accession in 2004. Yet there is a perceivable risk of a freezing of relations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish authorities, the latter having called for the Cyprus problem to be resolved before the start of the Presidency. In view of these developments, how does the Commission expect the Cypriot Presidency to affect reunification talks between the two parties and what impacts does it foresee for Turkey’s accession talks with the EU? In what way does the Commission intend to prevent any setbacks to the progress made in reunification talks thus far and what measures will it take to promote progress in this area?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2012)

The Commission strongly supports the settlement talks for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. The Commission has stressed repeatedly that the settlement negotations should continue in one way or another during the Cypriot EU Council Presidency. The Honourable Member may be aware that at the beginning of July, President Barroso appointed a new personal representative to the UN Good Offices, a clear sign of the Commission's strong support to the settlement process.

Next to the support to the UN Good Offices, the Commission provides assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community based on Council Regulation (EC) No 389/2006 of 27 February 2006. The aim of the programme is to assist the Turkish Cypriots to prepare for the reunification of Cyprus, which will follow the long-awaited political settlement of the Cyprus issue. The programme focuses on the social and economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.

The Commission refers to the position of the European Union at the latest Association Council with Turkey which took place on 22 June 2012, at which it underlined that Turkey’s commitment and contribution in concrete terms to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is crucial. Recalling the European Council conclusions of 9 December 2011, with regard to Turkish statements and threats, the EU expressed serious concern and calls for full respect of the role of the Presidency of the Council, which is a fundamental institutional feature of the EU provided for in the Treaty.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006551/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Ir-responsabbiltà soċjali tal-kumpanniji

L-istrateġija mġedda tal-UE għar-responsabbiltà soċjali tal-kumpanniji (CSR) għall-2011-14 tappoġġja l-kunċett li l-kumpanniji għandhom jikkunsidraw l-interessi tas-soċjetà u l-ambjent, aktar milli sempliċement il-profitabilità u t-tkabbir. Din l-istrateġija timmodifika approċċi preċedenti mmirati lejn l-iżvilupp sostenibbli. Sa minn mindu kien varat dan il-kunċett, kien hemm dibattitu dwar jekk il-miżuri tas-CSR għandhomx ikunu mandatorji jew volontarji għan-negozji tal-pajjiżi tal-UE. Dan wassal għal problemi fil-passat bejn l-UE u l-NGOs, li jemmnu li prattiki bħal dawn għandhom ikunu obbligatorji. L-Alleanza għas-CSR tal-Kummissjoni fl-2006 wasslet biex l-NGOs waqqfu l-parteċipazzjoni tagħhom u jibdew koalizzjoni għalihom.

L-għanijiet tal-politika tas-CSR tal-UE huma konsistenti mal-aġendi tal-NGOs, pereżempju iktar trasparenza dwar kwistjonijiet soċjali u ambjentali, attenzjoni ikbar għad-drittijiet tal-bniedem, il-ġlieda kontra t-tixħim u korruzzjoni, u t-titjib tal-prattiki tax-xogħol u l-impjieg. Barra minn hekk, il-Kummissjoni ddikjarat li biħsiebha taħdem mal-intrapriżi favur l-iżvilupp tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem f'ċertu setturi industrijali fuq il-bażi tal-Prinċipji ta' Gwida tan-NU.

Madankollu, l-Aġenda 2011-14 ma tistipulax miżuri ġodda li jistgħu jkunu infurzati legalment u għadha tqiegħed ir-responsabbiltà għall-implimentazzjoni — b'mod li jagħżluh huma — fuq l-Istati Membri u n-negozji individwali. Il-Kummissjoni tinsab imħassba li dan il-qafas ġdid se jkompli jaljena l-NGOs u qiegħda tippjana li tinkludi l-NGOs fil-proċessi ta' konsultazzjoni jew reviżjonijiet futuri?

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

(13 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni dejjem segwiet approċċ b'ħafna partijiet interessati fit-tfassil tal-politika tagħha dwar ir-Responsabbiltà Soċjali Korporattiva (CSR). L-istrateġija tas-CSR il-ġdida tal-Kummissjoni tikkonsolida approċċ aktar kostruttiv u inklussiv f’kooperazzjoni mal-partijiet interessati kollha, inklużi l-Istati Membri, in-negozji, it-trejdjunjins u l-NGOs. L-NGOs, flimkien ma’ partijiet interessati oħra, jipparteċipaw f'forum tal-UE b'ħafna partijiet interessati dwar is-CSR, korp li se jgħin fir-reviżjoni tal-implimentazzjoni tal-istrateġija l-ġdida tal-Kummissjoni.

Id-definizzjoni ta' CSR tal-Kummissjoni fl-aħħar Komunikazzjoni tagħha dwar dan is-suġġett ma teskludix l-użu ta’ leġiżlazzjoni komplementari, meta jkun meħtieġ u xieraq. Leġiżlazzjoni eżistenti fil-livell nazzjonali tal-UE diġà hija rilevanti għall-mod li bih l-intrapriżi jissodisfaw ir-responsabbiltà soċjali tagħhom. Il-Komunikazzjoni tas-CSR tal-Kummissjoni tirreferi għall-akkwist pubbliku, li l-Kummissjoni għamlet proposti leġiżlattivi ġodda għalih fi tmiem l-2011. Hija tirreferi wkoll għal proposta leġiżlattiva pendenti biex ittejjeb l-iżvelar ta' informazzjoni ambjentali u soċjali tal-kumpaniji.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006551/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Corporate social responsibility

The EU’s 2011-14 renewed strategy for corporate social responsibility (CSR) supports the concept that companies should consider the interests of society and the environment, rather than just profitability and growth. This strategy modifies previous approaches geared towards sustainable development. Since the concept’s outset, there has been debate over whether CSR measures should be mandatory or voluntary for businesses in EU countries. This has led to problems in the past between the EU and NGOs, which believe that such practices should be obligatory. The Commission’s Alliance for CSR in 2006 resulted in NGOs reining in their participation and starting their own coalition.

The goals of the EU’s CSR policy are consistent with the agendas of NGOs, for example increasing transparency on social and environmental issues, bringing greater attention to human rights, combating bribery and corruption, and improving labour and employment practices. Furthermore, the Commission has stated that it intends to work with enterprises to develop human rights in certain industrial sectors on the basis of the UN Guiding Principles.

However, the 2011-14 Agenda does not lay down any new legally enforceable measures and still places the responsibility for implementation — in a manner of their choosing — on Member States and individual businesses. Is the Commission concerned that the new framework will further alienate NGOs and does the Commission plan to include NGOs in future consultation processes or reviews?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2012)

The Commission has always pursued a multistakholder approach in designing its policy on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Commission’s new CSR strategy consolidates a more constructive and inclusive approach in cooperation with all stakeholders including Member States, business, trade unions and NGOs. NGOs, together with other stakeholders, participate in the EU Multistakeholder Forum on CSR, a body that will help to review implementation of the Commission’s new strategy.

The Commission's definition of CSR in its latest Communication on this subject does not rule out the use of complementary legislation, when necessary and appropriate. Existing legislation at national EU level is already relevant to the way in which enterprises meet their social responsibility. The Commission’s CSR Communication refers to public procurement, for which the Commission made new legislative proposals at the end of 2011. It also refers to a pending legislative proposal to improve company disclosure of social and environmental information.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006553/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Traffikar tal-bnedmin fl-Ewropa

Il-Komunikazzjoni mill-Kummissjoni bit-titolu “L-istrateġija tal-UE lejn il-Qerda tat-Traffikar tal-Bnedmin 2012 — 2016” (COM(2012)0286) tiddefinixxi tali strateġija bil-għan li jingħata aktar sostenn lill-vittmi tat-traffikar u li l-awturi tar-reat jiġu affrontati b'mod aktar effikaċi.

Fil-Valutazzjoni ta' Theddid mill-Kriminalità Organizzata li l-Europol wettaq fl-2011, huwa jindika l-fatt li l-gruppi tal-kriminalità organizzata siltu benefiċċju miż-żieda tal-miżuri ta' kontroll tal-immigrazzjoni fl-UE, meta dak li jkun iqis li l-immigrazzjoni klandestina saret aktar diffiċli għall-migranti irregolari li, b'konsegwenza ta' dan, qegħdin jirrikorru għall-gruppi tal-kriminalità organizzata. Dan il-fenomenu qiegħed jagħmilha aktar diffiċli biex issir distinzjoni bejn il-migranti volontarji u l-vittmi reali tat-traffikar.

Fid-dawl ta' dawn l-iżviluppi, b'liema mod biħsiebha l-Kummissjoni tiffaċilita l-identifikazzjoni tal-vittmi tat-traffikar tal-bnedmin, u tipprevedi l-introduzzjoni ta' miżuri eventwali intiżi li jipprevjenu li l-kontrolli aktar rigorużi tal-immigrazzjoni jrewħu l-kriminalità organizzata?

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

(9 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Fl-istrateġija tal-UE adottata dan l-aħħar għall-Qerda tat-Traffikar tal-Bnedmin 2012-2016, il-Kummissjoni Ewropea tagħti prijorità, inter alia, lill-identifikazzjoni tal-vittmi tat-traffikar, il-protezzjoni tagħhom u l-għajnuna għalihom. Hija tirrikonoxxi li l-identifikazzjoni tal-vittmi hija diffiċli iżda tenfasizza l-importanza tagħha, u tkompli tiddefinixxi sett ta' miżuri konkreti għal identifikazzjoni aħjar tagħhom.

Speċifikament, sa tmiem l-2012, il-Kummissjoni se tiżviluppa linji gwida għall-gwardji tal-fruntieri u għas-servizzi konsolari dwar l-identifikazzjoni tal-vittmi. Il-Kummissjoni qed tiffinanzja wkoll proġett għall-iżvilupp ta' linji gwida biex jiġu identifikati aħjar il-vittmi. Dawn il-linji gwida se jiffaċilitaw strateġija aktar armonizzata u ser itejbu l-identifikazzjoni u għandhom ikunu ta' għajnuna għall-prattikanti f'dan il-qasam.

L-istrateġija tenfasizza li l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li jiġu stabbiliti mekkaniżmi ta' riferiment nazzjonali formali u funzjonali (285). Dawn il-mekkaniżmi għandhom jiddeskrivu l-proċeduri għal identifikazzjoni, protezzjoni u assistenza aħjar u jinkludu lill-awtoritajiet pubbliċi rilevanti kollha u lis-soċjetà ċivili. F'dan ir-rigward, sal-2015, il-Kummissjoni għandha l-għan li tiżviluppa mudell għal mekkaniżmu ta' riferiment tranżnazzjonali tal-UE li jgħaqqad il-mekkaniżmi ta' riferiment nazzjonali biex jiġu identifikati, riferuti, mħarsa u megħjuna aħjar il-vittmi.

Ir-rabtiet bejn il-migrazzjoni irregolari u t-traffikar tal-bnedmin ġew indirizzati fil-qafas tad-Dokument Orjentat lejn l-Azzjoni dwar it-tisħiħ tad-dimensjoni esterna tal-UE kontra t-traffikar tal-bnedmin u l-Approċċ Globali lejn il-Migrazzjoni u l-Mobbiltà, fejn waħda mill-prijoritajiet hija li jiġu evitati u jitnaqqsu l-migrazzjoni irregolari u t-traffikar tal-bnedmin, biex titnaqqas il-vulnerabbiltà tan-nies.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006553/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Human trafficking in Europe

The Commission Communication entitled ‘The EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016’ (COM(2012)0286) sets out such a strategy in order to provide increased support for victims of trafficking and to target perpetrators more effectively.

In its 2011 Organised Crime Threat Assessment, Europol points to the fact that organised crime groups have benefited from the increased immigration control measures in the EU, given that illegal immigration has become more difficult for irregular migrants, who as a result are resorting to organised crime groups. This phenomenon is making it more difficult to distinguish between voluntary migrants and actual trafficking victims.

In light of these developments, in what way does the Commission intend to facilitate the identification of victims of human trafficking, and does it envisage the introduction of any measures to prevent tougher immigration controls from fuelling organised crime?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2012)

In the recently adopted EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 the European Commission prioritises, inter alia, the identification, protection and assistance to victims of trafficking. It acknowledges that the identification of victims is difficult but underlines its importance, and further outlines a set of concrete measures for their better identification.

Specifically, by the end of 2012, the Commission will develop guidelines for border guards and consular services on victims' identification. The Commission is also funding a project for the development of guidelines to better identify victims. These guidelines will facilitate a more harmonised approach and will improve identification and should assist practitioners.

The strategy underlines that Member States should ensure that formal, functional national referral mechanisms are established (286). These mechanisms should describe procedures to better identify, refer, protect and assist victims and include all relevant public authorities and civil society. In this respect, by 2015 the Commission aims to develop a model for an EU Transnational Referral Mechanism which links national referral mechanisms to better identify, refer, protect and assist victims.

The links between irregular migration and trafficking in human beings have been addressed within the framework of the Action Oriented Paper on strengthening the EU external dimension against trafficking in human beings and the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility, whereby one of the priorities is to prevent and reduce irregular migration and trafficking in human beings, in order to decrease people's vulnerability.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-006556/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(29 ta' Ġunju 2012)

Suġġett: Il-malnutrizzjoni

Il-malnutrizzjoni għadha kawża ewlenija ta’ tħassib fil-pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw. Huwa stmat li l-malnutrizzjoni għadha l-kawża ta’ terz tal-imwiet kollha fost it-tfal taħt l-età ta’ ħames snin. Barra minn hekk, il-malnutrizzjoni matul il-fażijiet bikrija tat-tfulija għandha konsegwenzi fit-tul għal-livell ta' produttività li persuna tista’ tikseb fil-futur, u b’hekk għandha impatt fuq it-tkabbir ekonomiku ta’ pajjiż.

L-importanza tan-nutrizzjoni ġiet rikonoxxuta fl-Għanijiet ta' Żvilupp tal-Millennju. Minkejja dan, il-progress fir-rigward tal-ewwel Għan ta’ Żvilupp tal-Millenju, li għandu bħala objettiv il-qerda tal-ġuħ u l-faqar estrem, ilu staġnat sa mill-perjodu 2000-2002.

Il-Kummissjoni kif tista’ tgħin biex tħaffef il-progress fir-rigward ta’ dan l-għan ta’ żvilupp partikulari?

Il-Kummissjon kif biħsiebha tintroduċi xi bidliet biex tindirizza l-kwistjoni tal-malnutrizzjoni barra mill-ambitu tal-Għanijiet ta’ Żvilupp tal-Millenju, u qiegħda tikkunsidra li tevalwa l-politiki eżistenti tal-UE fir-rigward tal-impatt tagħhom fuq il-malnutrizzjoni?

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

(21 ta' Awwissu 2012)

Il-Kummissjoni għandha rwol ewlieni fil-ġlieda kontra l-ġuħ u l-malnutrizzjoni, u l-UE hija l-akbar donatur fid-dinja għas-sigurtà tal-ikel.

Jinsab fis-seħħ qafas ta’ politika li jiżgura li s-sigurtà tal-ikel u n-nutriment jżommu pożizzjoni għolja fuq l-aġenda politika. Għaddejja ħidma dwar “Il-Pjan ta' Implimentazzjoni tal-UE għall-għajnuna għall-pajjiżi li qegħdin jiżviluppaw sabiex jindirizzaw l-isfidi tas-sigurtà tal-ikel u n-nutrizzjoni” li jenfasizza r-rwol tan-nutrizzjoni fl-assistenza esterna u jqis ir-rwol tas-settur privat.

Filwaqt li rrikonoxxiet l-effetti qerrieda tal-malnutrizzjoni u n-nuqqas ta' nutrizzjoni, u l-effetti negattivi fil-potenzjal tat-tkabbir tal-pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw, il-Kummissjoni żiedet l-isforzi tagħha biex tiġġieled in-nuqqas ta' nutrizzjoni, u żiedet l-iskala tal-appoġġ tal-UE f'dan il-qasam permezz ta' serje ta' inizjattivi speċifiċi għan-nutrizzjoni, li jinkludu enfasi aktar b’saħħtu fuq in-nutrizzjoni fl-Istrument tal-Programm Tematiku tas-Sigurtà tal-Ikel (FSTP) tagħha, il-Faċilità għall-Ikel u l-istrumenti ġeografiċi. Is-sigurtà tal-ikel, inkluż in-nutriment, hija mistennija wkoll li tkun prijorità fl-ipprogrammar tal-għajnuna għall-iżvilupp tal-UE għall-2014-2020.

Il-Kummissjoni tat appoġġ qawwi fl-iScaling-up Nutrition Movement (SUN) (287), u pprovdiet appoġġ finanzjarju tal-UE lis-Segretarjat tiegħu. Il-Membru tal-Kummissjoni responsabbli għall-Iżvilupp huwa membru tal-Grupp ta' Tmexxija tal-SUN, li jipprovdi gwida strateġika għall-Moviment.

Il-Kummissjoni, flimkien ma' membri oħra tal-G8, poġġiet in-nutrizzjoni bħala waħda mill-prijoritajiet tas-Samit tal-G8 ta’ din is-sena u tal-laqgħa reċenti tal-G20 f'Los Cabos.

Dawn il-miżuri kollha se jgħinu biex jitħaffef il-progress fuq l-Għan ta' Żvilupp tal-Millennju 1 (MDG 1) u li jittejjeb in-nutriment.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006556/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Malnutrition

Malnutrition continues to be a major cause for concern across the developing world. It is estimated that malnutrition is still the cause of one third of all deaths amongst children under the age of five. In addition, malnutrition during the early phases of childhood can have long-term consequences for the level of productivity that a person can achieve in the future, thereby having an impact upon a country’s economic growth.

The importance of nutrition was recognised in the Millennium Development Goals. However, progress on the first Millennium Development Goal, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, has stalled since 2000-2002.

In what way can the Commission help speed up progress on this particular development goal?

Does the Commission intend to introduce any measures to tackle the issue of malnutrition outside the scope of the Millennium Development Goals, and is it considering assessing existing EU policies with regard to their impact on malnutrition?

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2012)

The Commission plays a leading role in tackling hunger and malnutrition, and the EU is the world's largest donor to food security.

A policy framework is in place to ensure that food and nutrition security (FNS) remain high on the political agenda. Work is under way on an ‘EU Implementation plan to assist developing countries in addressing food and nutrition security challenges’ which emphasises the role of nutrition in external assistance and takes into account the role of the private sector.

Recognising the devastating effects of malnutrition and under-nutrition, and the negative effects in the potential for growth of developing countries, the Commission has stepped up its efforts to combat under-nutrition, scaling-up EU support in this area through a series of nutrition-specific initiatives, which include placing a stronger focus on nutrition in its Food Security Thematic Programme Instrument (FSTP), the Food Facility and the geographical instruments. Food security, including nutrition, is also expected to be a priority in EU development assistance programming for 2014-2020.

The Commission has been very supportive of the Scaling-up Nutrition Movement (SUN) (288), providing EU financial support to its Secretariat. The Member of the Commission responsible for Development is a member of the SUN Lead Group, which provides strategic guidance to the Movement.

The Commission, with other G8 members, placed nutrition as one of the priorities of this year's G8 Summit and during the recent G20 meeting in Los Cabos.

All these measures will help to speed up progress on Millennium Development Goal 1 (MDG 1) and to improve nutrition.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006557/12

à la Commission

Constance Le Grip (PPE)

(29 juin 2012)

Objet: Répercussions des normes «Bâle III» sur le financement de l'économie réelle

La crise des «subprimes» de 2007 a déclenché une succession de crises dont l'économie européenne peine à sortir.

Les normes internationales «Bâle III» en matière de fonds propres bancaires, adoptées par le G20 en novembre 2010, visent à renforcer le système financier pour éviter aux établissements bancaires une nouvelle crise de liquidité.

Avec l'adoption des règles «Bâle III», des contraintes supplémentaires vont peser sur les actifs des banques, qui vont, de ce fait, se répercuter sur le financement de l'économie réelle et en particulier sur les activités à l'exportation des entreprises européennes.

À l'heure des discussions relatives à la transposition de la réforme «Bâle III» dans le droit européen, comment la Commission envisage-t-elle de limiter le risque d'un assèchement des crédits à l'exportation pour les entreprises européennes qui souhaitent partir à la conquête des marchés étrangers?

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(21 août 2012)

Les propositions législatives de révision de la directive sur les exigences de fonds propres ( (289)) présentées par la Commission visent à améliorer la résilience du système bancaire de l'UE pour tenir compte de la crise financière de 2008 et de l'accord de Bâle III. Le renforcement de la stabilité financière implique effectivement des coûts à court terme, et les éventuels effets indésirables sur la croissance économique et la création d'emplois doivent être évalués, en particulier dans le contexte actuel, économiquement fragile. Cependant, il apparaît clairement qu'un système bancaire plus solide et plus résilient est source de bénéfices à long terme pour les citoyens et les entreprises, et pour l'économie réelle de manière plus générale.

Les propositions CRD IV ont reconnu le rôle essentiel des crédits commerciaux dans la croissance économique de l'UE, et mentionnent expressément que les conséquences pouvant les affecter doivent être examinées avant toute prise de décision définitive concernant le ratio de levier et les coussins de liquidités.

Étant donné l'importance de ce sujet, la Commission examine avec grand intérêt les modifications se rapportant aux crédits commerciaux suggérées par les colégislateurs, notamment la définition proposée des instruments y afférant. La Commission prend acte des amendements envisagés à la fois par le Conseil et par le Parlement, en vertu desquels les banques seraient autorisées à utiliser, dans le calcul du ratio de levier, des facteurs de conversion plus faibles ( (290)) pour les transactions relatives aux crédits commerciaux. Le ratio pour ces transactions serait alors moins restrictif.

La Commission peut adhérer à l'objectif visé par ces modifications dans la mesure où celles-ci restent en adéquation avec les objectifs de stabilité financière fondamentaux du dispositif sur les exigences de fonds propres. La Commission constate également que le ratio de levier n'est destiné à être imposé comme exigence contraignante qu'en 2018, au terme d'une période d'observation préalable à sa mise en œuvre et permettant son calibrage adéquat. De cette manière, les instruments de crédits commerciaux devraient être soumis à des mesures appropriées.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006557/12

to the Commission

Constance Le Grip (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Repercussions of the ‘Basel III’ standards on the financing of the real economy

The ‘subprime’ crisis of 2007 triggered a series of crises from which the European economy is struggling to emerge.

The ‘Basel III’ international standards regarding bank capital, adopted by the G20 in November 2010, are aimed at reinforcing the financial system to protect banking institutions against another liquidity crisis.

With the adoption of the ‘Basel III’ rules, additional constraints will apply to bank assets, which will have an effect on the financing of the real economy and, in particular, on the export operations of European businesses.

At a time when discussions are taking place on the transposition of the ‘Basel III’ reforms into European law, how does the Commission plan to limit the risk that export credits may dry up for European businesses that wish to conquer global markets?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2012)

The Commission legislative proposals revising the Capital requirements directive (291) aim at enhancing resilience of the EU banking system in light of the 2008 financial crisis and the Basel III agreement. Enhancing financial stability indeed carries short-term costs, which must be weighed against potential adverse impacts on economic growth and job creations, particularly in the current fragile economic context. On the other hand, it is clear that a more resilient and solid banking system brings long-term benefits to citizens and companies and more generally to the real economy.

The importance of trade finance for the EU economic growth was acknowledged in the CRD IV proposal, which mentions specifically that the effect on trade finance must be considered before taking any final decisions on the leverage ratio and the liquidity buffers.

Given the importance of the matter, the Commission is considering with great interest the modifications suggested by the co-legislators on trade finance, notably the proposed definition of trade instruments. The Commission notes that both the Council and the Parliament are considering amendments which would allow banks using lower conversion factors (292) for trade finance transactions in the leverage ratio, making it less restrictive for such transactions.

The Commission can support the objective of such modifications to the extent they remained consistent with the core financial stability objectives of the capital framework. The Commission also notes that the leverage ratio is expected to be implemented as a binding measure only in 2018, after a review period allowing for a proper calibration of the ratio before its implementation. This should confer an appropriate treatment of trade finance instruments.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006558/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Disparità di genere e discriminazioni indirette: nella Banca d'Italia, non c'è posto per le donne

Uno studio pubblicato in Italia rivela che, nell'aprile del 2012, i dipendenti della Banca d'Italia sull'intero territorio nazionale erano 6 970; delle donne, il 35 % del totale, solo il 22 % ricopriva posizioni dirigenziali. Un miglioramento rispetto al 2002, in cui le donne rappresentavano il 28 % degli 8 447 dipendenti e il 15 % dei dirigenti. Ancora oggi tuttavia le donne sono meno della metà dei neoassunti laureati. Le statistiche Eurostat confermano questa tendenza: la presenza di donne nei gradi superiori risente di fattori socio-demografici. Oltre l'80 % dei dirigenti della Banca è nella fascia di età tra i 50 e i 65 anni e in possesso di istruzione universitaria. In questa classe di età ci sono poche donne laureate e ancor meno specializzate in materie rilevanti per le funzioni istituzionali di una banca centrale.

Tra il 1998 e il 2009 si sono svolte 7 selezioni destinate al profilo «economico» e 6 destinate a «giuristi»; in totale si sono presentati 13 397 candidati, di cui 423 sono stati dichiarati idonei. Le donne erano il 61,5 % dei partecipanti e solo il 35,5 % degli idonei. Al processo di preselezione parteciperebbero i candidati maschi più abili, mentre questo non sarebbe il caso per le donne. A questi elementi di eterogeneità è riconducibile il 40 % della disparità di genere nei risultati dei concorsi. Un 34 % è attribuibile a effetti delle stesse variabili: ad esempio, avere un figlio di età inferiore ai 14 anni svantaggia le donne, ma non gli uomini. Il risultato riflette l'asimmetria nel lavoro domestico e di cura della famiglia, che nel nostro paese è particolarmente pronunciata.

Circa un quarto del divario rimane non spiegato. Potrebbe segnalare l'esistenza della c.d. «discriminazione implicita» e «indiretta» enunciata dalla CGUE; tale fattispecie ricorre quando un datore di lavoro accorda involontariamente una preferenza a candidati appartenenti a un certo gruppo, in assenza di elementi che ne dimostrino la migliore qualità rispetto agli altri.

Considerando:

e chiarire se intenda procedere a una verifica del corretto recepimento degli obblighi nella normativa italiana, alla luce dell'interpretazione consolidata della CGUE — dal «caso Defrenne II» ad oggi — sulla nozione di «discriminazione indiretta o implicita»?

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(17 agosto 2012)

La Commissione sta attualmente monitorando l’attuazione della direttiva 2006/54/CE (293), recante il concetto di discriminazione indiretta.

In caso di mancato o non corretto recepimento di tale direttiva da parte di uno Stato membro, la Commissione, nel suo ruolo di custode dei trattati, intraprenderà le azioni legali opportune a garantire la piena conformità alla normativa dell’UE, fino a portare il caso, se necessario, dinanzi alla Corte di giustizia dell’Unione europea.

Una volta che la legislazione dell’UE è stata recepita nell’ordinamento giuridico nazionale, la verifica della sua applicazione nei casi specifici è in linea di principio di competenza delle giurisdizioni nazionali. Spetta quindi ai singoli cittadini promuovere il procedimento giudiziario e denunciare la violazione del diritto dell’UE dinanzi alle giurisdizioni nazionali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006558/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Gender disparity and indirect discrimination: at the Bank of Italy there is no place for women

In April 2012, a study published in Italy reveals that the Bank of Italy employed 6 970 people across the country. 35% of them were women and 22% of these held executive positions. This is an improvement from 2002, when women represented 28% of the 8 447 employees and 15% of executives. However, women still account for fewer than half of the newly recruited graduates. Eurostat statistics confirm this trend: the presence of women at higher levels is affected by socio-demographic factors. Over 80% of the Bank’s executives are in the 50 to 65 age range and are university educated. In this age range, there are few female graduates and even fewer with specialisations in subjects that are relevant to the institutional functions of a central bank.

Between 1998 and 2009, seven selection procedures were held for ‘economic’ positions and six for ‘lawyers’; in total there were 13 397 candidates, 423 of whom were declared suitable. Women accounted for 61.5% of the candidates and only 35.5% of those declared suitable. The most able male candidates seem to take part in the pre-selection process, but this is not the case for women. These differences are responsible for 40% of the gender disparity in the competitions’ results, while 34% are attributable to the effects of the same variables: for example, having a child aged under 14 is a disadvantage for women, but not for men. The result reflects the asymmetry in domestic and family care work, which is particularly marked in Italy.

Around a quarter of the gap remains unexplained. This might signal the existence of the so-called ‘implicit’ and ‘indirect discrimination’ defined by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in which an employer involuntarily favours candidates belonging to a certain group despite the absence of any evidence showing they are better than others.

Considering:

Could the Commission:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

The Commission is currently monitoring the implementation of Directive 2006/54/EC (294), including the notion of indirect discrimination, which is provided by the abovementioned Directive.

In case of lack of or incorrect transposition of the directive by a Member State, the Commission, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, would take the appropriate legal steps to ensure full compliance with EC law, including, where necessary, by bringing the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

When the EU legislation has been correctly implemented in the national legal system, the monitoring of its application in a particular case is in principle the competence of national courts. It is therefore up to individuals to initiate judicial proceedings and claim any breach of EC law before the national courts.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006559/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Criminalità organizzata in America Latina: un enorme danno ecologico

Poiché la conferenza di Rio+ 20 sulla sostenibilità ambientale si è appena conclusa in Brasile, sembra doveroso riflettere sull'incidenza negativa della criminalità organizzata sull'ambiente naturale in America Latina. La produzione e la lavorazione di cocaina, ad esempio, una delle principali fonti di reddito per molte organizzazioni criminali latinoamericane, provoca in tutte le sue fasi danni all'ambiente, soprattutto a causa del deflusso dei prodotti chimici utilizzati per elaborare la polvere.

Il traffico di cocaina è solo una delle tante attività in mano alla criminalità che provocano danni molto gravi all'ambiente e agli habitat naturali. In Brasile, infatti, è stato documentato un traffico di specie animali rare che permetteva ai clan di vendere circa 38 milioni di esemplari selvatici all'anno, con un giro di affari enorme. In Messico, a Cosoleacaque, lo scorso dicembre si è verificata una fuoriuscita di greggio di 1 500 litri a causa di una tubatura creata illegalmente. I cartelli messicani degli Zetas, Sinaloa e Familia Michoacana si sono ormai inseriti nel giro di affari legato al petrolio, a danno dell'ambiente e della popolazione locale.

In Colombia si stima che le miniere illegali di oro producano circa 23 tonnellate del metallo prezioso ogni anno. Poiché la criminalità organizzata (Farc, Urabenos, Paisas) utilizza il mercurio nel processo di estrazione dell'oro, la Colombia è diventato il Paese che ha il più elevato tasso di inquinamento da mercurio pro capita.

— In considerazione del fatto che il crimine organizzato, a causa di attività illecite, danneggia notevolmente le risorse naturali dei paesi latinoamericani, potrebbe la Commissione chiarire se stia monitorando tali danni ambientali e se intenda prevedere misure per contrastare lo sfruttamento indiscriminato delle risorse da parte dei clan?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(8 agosto 2012)

Oltre a recare danni all’ambiente, lo sfruttamento illegale delle ricchezze naturali dell’America latina ad opera della criminalità organizzata compromette — sul piano generale — lo stato di diritto e ha un impatto negativo sotto il profilo socioeconomico.

La Commissione è consapevole di questo grave problema grazie alle sue delegazioni presenti nella regione e ai contatti con le autorità ambientali e di applicazione della legge, con le ONG e con altri soggetti. Ciononostante, non è in grado di monitorare su base sistematica il danno ambientale che le attività criminali procurano alle risorse naturali dell’America latina, dato che compete ai paesi stessi determinare quali attività sono legali e quali illegali.

Per contrastare tali attività l’UE dispone di diversi strumenti, quali ad esempio lo sviluppo delle capacità necessarie delle autorità nazionali grazie alla cooperazione allo sviluppo, il sostegno alla Convenzione sul commercio internazionale delle specie di flora e di fauna selvatiche minacciate di estinzione (CITES) e il piano d'azione dell'UE per l’applicazione delle normative, la governance e il commercio nel settore forestale (FLEGT).

Per quanto riguarda quest’ultimo strumento, Honduras e Guyana hanno recentemente annunciato l'intenzione di negoziare con l'UE accordi di partenariato FLEGT su base volontaria, in modo da garantire che il legname e i suoi derivati che questi paesi esportano nell’UE siano soggetti a una verifica che attesti che il legname sia stato tagliato legalmente.

La Commissione europea finanzia inoltre diversi programmi di cooperazione allo sviluppo destinati ad affrontare il problema della produzione di droghe e il danno ambientale ad essa legato, quali ad esempio il programma Laboratorios de Paz in Colombia e il programma FONADAL-YUNGAS in Bolivia.

La Commissione continuerà a lavorare con i paesi della regione per combattere lo sfruttamento illegale delle risorse naturali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006559/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: The enormous ecological damage caused by organised crime in Latin America

Since the recent end of the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development in Brazil, it seems appropriate to reflect on the negative impact of organised crime on the natural environment in Latin America. For example, every stage in the production and processing of cocaine, one of the main sources of revenue for many Latin American criminal organisations, is damaging to the environment, mainly due to run-off of the chemicals used for processing the powder.

Cocaine trafficking is just one of the many criminal activities that cause serious damage to the environment and natural habitats. In Brazil, there is evidence of rare-animal trafficking which has enabled gangs to sell around 39 million wild animals a year, producing huge revenues. Last year in Mexico, at Cosoleacaque, an illegally constructed pipeline caused an oil spill of 1 500 litres. Mexico’s Zeta, Sinaloa and Familia Michoacana cartels have now tapped into the oil business, to the detriment of the environment and local people.

In Colombia, it is estimated that illegal gold mines produce an estimated 23 tonnes of the precious metal every year. As organised criminal gangs (FARC, Urabenos, Paisas) use mercury in the gold extraction process, Colombia has become the country with the highest level of mercury pollution per capita.

— Since organised criminal activities are causing serious damage to the natural resources of Latin American countries, can the Commission state if it is monitoring this environmental damage? Does it intend to take measures to combat the indiscriminate use of resources by gangs?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

Illegal exploitation by organised crime of Latin America's rich natural resources is not only damaging to the environment but also undermines the rule of law generally and has negative social and economic effects.

The Commission is aware of this important issue through its Delegations in the region and contacts with environmental and law enforcement authorities, NGOs and other actors. However, it is not able to monitor on a systematic basis the environmental damage to natural resources in Latin America caused by criminal activities, since it is for the countries themselves to determine whether activities are legal or illegal.

The EU has a number of instruments to combat such activities, such as capacity-building with national authorities through development cooperation, support to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as well as the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade — FLEGT) Action Plan.

Concerning the latter Honduras and Guyana have recently announced their intention to negotiate FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements with the EU so as to ensure that timber and timber products exported from these countries to the EU are verified as legally harvested.

In addition the European Commission funds several development cooperation programmes aimed at addressing drug production and associated environmental damage such as the Laboratorios de Paz programme in Colombia and the FONADAL-YUNGAS programme in Bolivia.

The Commission will continue to work with the countries of the region to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006560/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: «Science: it's a girl thing» — video promozionale

Vista la campagna lanciata dalla Commissione europea lo scorso 21 giugno con lo slogan «Science: it's a girl thing»;

Considerato che:

Chiedo alla Commissione:

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(21 agosto 2012)

Il video promozionale era inteso a richiamare l’attenzione delle ragazze dai 13 ai 18 anni, un target molto difficile da raggiungere con comunicazioni di taglio scientifico, indirizzandole alle pagine web che riportano una grande quantità di informazioni sul mondo della scienza e sulle possibilità di carriera nella ricerca, compresi dei video-testimonianza di modelli di riferimento.

Da diversi gruppi di riflessione è emerso che le teenager pensano che lavorare in ambito scientifico equivalga ad isolarsi in un laboratorio: sono convinte di non avere le competenze per dedicarsi a tali attività e preferiscono lavori più creativi o che prevedono contatti sociali.

Il senso del video era di mostrare alle ragazze di questa fascia d’età che l’ambito scientifico può essere alla loro portata, combinando immagini di natura scientifica con immagini della loro vita quotidiana.

Il video è costato 102 000 EUR.

Il video è stato ritirato venerdì, 22 giugno. La Commissione si rammarica del fatto che il video possa essere stato ritenuto offensivo e ha pubblicato le sue scuse sia su Twitter, sia sul sito Facebook (295) (motivando la propria posizione). Le copie in versione mirror condivise in Internet non possono essere rimosse.

Il video era soltanto uno dei tanti elementi di una campagna basata sul concetto più ampio delle ricercatrici viste come modelli di riferimento che condividono la loro passione e le loro esperienze. La Commissione invita attivamente le donne che operano in ambito scientifico a partecipare alla campagna e ha inserito oltre 600 nominativi nell’elenco di Twitter realwomeninscience. Le teenager possono visualizzare i video delle ricercatrici sul sito (296) e interagire via Facebook nonché nel quadro degli eventi nazionali previsti per il 2012 e il 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006560/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: ‘Science: It's a Girl Thing!’ promotional video

In view of the campaign launched by the European Commission on 21 June 2012 with the slogan ‘Science: It’s a Girl Thing!’ and given that:

Can the Commission state:

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

(21 August 2012)

According to focus groups, many teenage girls associate science with being isolated in a laboratory: they think they lack the ability to do science and prefer the idea of creative or social work.

The concept of the video was to show teenage girls that science can be for them by combining images of science with images of their everyday life.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006561/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Traffico internazionale di bambini: la lotta contro la tratta e la riduzione in schiavitù — nuove prospettive e tutela giuridica

Secondo i dati forniti dall'Organizzazione Internazionale del Lavoro (OIL), ogni anno sono 20,9 milioni le vittime di sfruttamento relativo al lavoro forzato e sessuale. Ancor più allarmanti sono le statistiche Europol, secondo cui si contano 5 milioni e mezzo di minori, usati per l'accattonaggio organizzato e letteralmente venduti in veri e propri mercati di esseri umani: 20 000 EUR per acquistarli e addestrarli alle attività illegali. Ogni anno, secondo quanto riferito dalla Commissione, la tratta di essere umani frutta alle organizzazioni criminali internazionali 25 miliardi di EUR. Molte delle vittime provengono dai Paesi terzi, ma la tratta di cittadini europei all'interno dell'UE è in continua crescita. I Paesi dai quali arriva il maggior numero di donne, bambini e uomini destinati a finire sui mercati sono la Bulgaria e la Romania. I dati raccolti a livello europeo sono coerenti con quelli forniti dall'UNODC e mostrano come la criminalità organizzata continui a investire capitali, mezzi e risorse umane, agendo come un'impresa e diversificando i propri investimenti, dal traffico di droga all'immigrazione clandestina.

Il nodo cruciale del fenomeno viene in rilievo però dall'analisi di ulteriori dati: dal 2008 al 2010 le condanne nei confronti dei responsabili dei traffici umani sono scese da 1500 a solo 1250; ciò significa che sono ancora migliaia i casi legati allo sfruttamento che restano impuniti. La lacuna principale viene dal tessuto normativo e dalla scarsa reattività del sistema di sanzioni predisposto a livello europeo, poiché l'UE non è ancora sufficientemente chiara e «blindata» su una definizione comune della fattispecie di reato e sull'inquadramento giuridico delle fattispecie correlate che alimentano la tratta di essere umani.

Considerando che la base giuridica per la lotta contro il traffico di essere umani è costituita in primis dagli articoli 3 e 67 del TFUE, che le donne e le ragazze immigrate sono più vulnerabili rispetto alle donne e alle ragazze cittadine dell'UE di fronte al crimine organizzato, ad esempio attraverso la prostituzione e il traffico di essere umani:

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(17 agosto 2012)

Il quadro legislativo dell’Unione europea in materia di lotta contro la tratta degli esseri umani attribuisce particolare importanza alle vittime minori. Tale aspetto si riflette nella direttiva 2011/36/EU (299) e nella strategia (300) recentemente adottata dall’UE. La direttiva individua nei minori la categoria più vulnerabile e adotta un approccio di «tolleranza zero» nei confronti dei trafficanti, anche inasprendo le pene massime previste. La strategia dell’UE si incentra sulle vittime ed evidenzia l’aspetto della protezione dei minori, delineando iniziative concrete e incoraggiando gli Stati membri ad istituire meccanismi nazionali di riferimento ufficiali e funzionali, che consentano di individuare, indirizzare, proteggere e assistere meglio le vittime, per il loro recupero e il loro reinserimento. È anche prevista l’elaborazione di orientamenti su sistemi per la protezione dei minori, che gli Stati membri dovranno rafforzare. Per giunta, nel 2013 la Commissione fornirà informazioni precise alle autorità nazionali sui diritti di cui godono, in forza delle norme dell’UE, le vittime della tratta negli ambiti sociale e del lavoro e in qualità di vittime e di migranti.

Alcuni aspetti riguardanti il reciproco riconoscimento delle sentenze definitive sono già trattati nella decisione quadro 2008/675/GAI (301).

Si osservi poi che la Commissione ha presentato una proposta di direttiva orizzontale che istituisce standard minimi per i diritti, l’assistenza e la protezione delle vittime di reato, che i colegislatori dovrebbero adottare nel settembre del 2012. Tale proposta introduce un ampio ventaglio di diritti delle vittime nel procedimento penale, compresi il diritto all’informazione e il diritto a fruire dei servizi di assistenza alle vittime.

La Commissione si occupa infine della protezione e dell’assistenza alle vittime anche predisponendo fondi ad hoc. Per progetti in questo campo si rinvia al sito web della UE contro la tratta degli esseri umani (302).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006561/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: New prospects and legal protection in the fight against international trafficking and enslavement of children

Figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) show that 20.9 million people are subjected to forced labour or sexual exploitation every year. Even more alarming are the Europol statistics, which show that 5.5 million minors are used for organised begging and literally sold in human markets, where EUR 20 000 is enough to buy a child and train him or her to perform illegal activities. According to information provided by the Commission, international criminal organisations earn EUR 25 billion a year from human trafficking. Many of the victims are from third countries, but trading in European citizens within the EU is growing steadily. The countries with the highest number of women, children and men ending up on this market are Bulgaria and Romania. Figures gathered at European level are consistent with those of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and show that organised crime is continuing to invest capital, equipment and human resources, acting as a business and diversifying its investments, from drug smuggling to illegal immigration.

The crucial problem in this respect is revealed, however, by analysing other data: between 2008 and 2010, the number of convictions for human trafficking fell from 1 500 to just 1 250, which means that thousands of cases of exploitation go unpunished. This is due, for the most part, to the legislative framework and poor responsiveness of the system of sanctions set up at European level, given that the EU still lacks a sufficiently clear and firm common definition of the offence or of the related offences that fuel human trafficking.

Given that the main legal basis for the fight against human trafficking is established by Articles 3 and 67 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and that immigrant women and children are more vulnerable to organised crime, for example through prostitution and human trafficking, than those of EU countries,

‘satellite’ crimes, for which the Member States have different sanctioning systems, is an obstacle to the fight against the deep entrenchment of Mafia-style organised crime in the EU?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

The EU framework for addressing trafficking in human beings, attaches special importance to children victims. This is reflected in Directive 2011/36/EU (303) and the recently adopted EU Strategy (304). The directive recognises children as the most vulnerable and takes a zero-tolerance approach towards the traffickers by, inter alia, increasing maximum penalties. The EU Strategy is victim centred and, highlights children protection. Concrete actions are outlined and Member States are encouraged to establish formal and functional national referral mechanisms, which would allow for better identification system, referral, protection and assistance of victims, for their recovery and reintegration. Foreseen is also the development of guidelines on child protection systems, and their enhancement by Member States. Furthermore, in 2013 the Commission will provide clear information to national authorities on the labour, social, victim and migrant rights that victims of trafficking have under EC law.

Some aspects of mutual recognition of final judgments have already been addressed in Framework Decision 2008/675/JHA (305).

Of note, the Commission tabled a proposal for a horizontal Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, expected to be formally adopted by the co-legislators in September 2012. This proposal introduces a broad set of victims' rights in the criminal proceedings, including the right to information and right to access the victim support services.

Finally, the Commission addresses victim protection and assistance also through funding opportunities. Relevant projects can be found at the EU Anti-Trafficking website (306).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006562/12

alla Commissione

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Libertà di circolazione

La libera circolazione dei lavoratori è un principio fondamentale dell'UE, sancito dall'articolo 45 del TFUE e ulteriormente precisato dal diritto derivato e dalla giurisprudenza del giudice lussemburghese.

Diverse sentenze della Corte di giustizia hanno precisato che l'obiettivo della normativa europea in merito alla libertà di circolazione sarebbe pregiudicato ove il lavoratore che abbia usufruito di tale diritto goda in seguito di un trattamento (ad esempio previdenziale) inferiore a quello del lavoratore rimasto a lavorare nello Stato membro d'origine (tra le altre, CG in causa C-24/75, 21 ottobre 1975, Petroni; CG in causa C-807/90, 9 luglio 1980, Gravina; CG in causa C-293/88, 2 maggio 1990, Winter-Lutzins).

In Italia, nei confronti del personale, anche navigante, dei vettori aerei e delle società da questi derivanti a seguito di processi di riorganizzazione o trasformazioni societarie sono state adottate le leggi 291/2004 e 166/2008.

Tali leggi dispongono in merito alla cassa integrazione guadagni straordinaria e mobilità e dispongono che l'INPS (Istituto nazionale della previdenza sociale) sia il responsabile del monitoraggio dei provvedimenti autorizzativi d'integrazione salariale, delle domande di mobilità e dei benefici contributivi.

Tale Istituto ha emanato la circolare n. 94, datata 8 luglio 2011, che dispone che «il trattamento di mobilità [giustamente sospeso nel periodo d'impiego a tempo determinato] non è più erogabile se il beneficiario si trasferisca o si rioccupi all'estero durante il periodo di godimento dell'indennità». Si crea in tal senso una forte discriminazione tra lavoratori che decidano di impiegarsi temporaneamente all'estero e lavoratori temporaneamente impiegati nel territorio nazionale, cui è concesso il rientro in mobilità.

Tale normativa non rappresenta un certo e immotivato ostacolo alla libertà di circolazione del lavoratore nel mercato interno?

Risposta di Laszlo Andor a nome della Commissione

(14 agosto 2012)

Secondo la Commissione la regola menzionata non ostacola la libera circolazione dei lavoratori. In linea di principio, cambiare il proprio paese di attività significa che cambia anche lo Stato membro responsabile di erogare le prestazioni di disoccupazione.

I cittadini sono di norma assoggettati alla legislazione dello Stato membro in cui lavorano. Di conseguenza, il paese in cui la persona ha lavorato da ultimo è responsabile delle prestazioni di disoccupazione. Regole speciali si applicano alle persone che sono abitualmente residenti in uno Stato membro diverso dal paese in cui lavorano.

Per tale motivo quando una persona che ha titolo a prestazioni di disoccupazione in Italia va ad occupare un posto di lavoro all'estero, lo Stato membro in cui lavora è competente per l'erogazione delle prestazioni di disoccupazione a detta persona a meno che questa non sia abitualmente residente in Italia. In quest'ultimo caso, piuttosto che riprendere il pagamento delle prestazioni di disoccupazione precedentemente garantite, la autorità italiane dovrebbero tener conto dei periodi di assicurazione, occupazione o lavoro autonomo completati all'estero e calcolare le prestazioni di disoccupazione sulla base della retribuzione più recente. Tale procedura sarebbe conforme al disposto dell'articolo 62, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 883/2004 (307).

Per ora la Commissione non ha ricevuto denunce di lavoratori migranti i quali affermino che i loro diritti in forza della normativa UE ad accedere alle prestazioni di disoccupazione non siano stati rispettati dalle autorità italiane.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006562/12

to the Commission

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Freedom of movement

Freedom of movement for workers is a fundamental principle of the EU, enshrined in Article 45 of the TFEU and confirmed by its derivative legislation and by Luxembourg case law.

Various rulings by the Court of Justice have stated that the objective of European legislation on freedom of movement would be compromised if a worker who had taken advantage of this right then received a lower payment (e.g. social security) than a worker who had remained in the Member State of origin (see, among others, Case C‐24/75 Petroni v ONPTS [1975] ECR I‐1149; Case C‐807/90 Gravina v Landesversicherungsanstalt Schwaben [1980] ERC I‐2205; Case C‐293/88 Winter-Lutzins v Bestuur Van de Sociale Verzekeringsbank [1990] ERC I‐1623).

In Italy, Laws 291/2004 and 166/2008 have been adopted in respect of staff (including flight crew) employed by airlines and spin-off companies created as a result of corporate reorganisation or transformation processes.

These laws contain provisions relating to the extraordinary Earnings Supplement Fund and unemployment benefits, and make the National Institute of Social Security (INPS) responsible for monitoring earnings supplement authorisations and applications for unemployment or social security benefits.

On 8 July 2011, the INPS issued Circular No 94, which states that ‘unemployment benefit [appropriately suspended during any period of fixed-term employment] is no longer payable if the beneficiary relocates to or is re-employed in another country during the period of eligibility for the benefit’. This produces serious discrimination against workers who decide to take up temporary employment abroad compared with those working on a temporary basis in Italy, who can claim the benefit again when their employment ends.

Does the Commission not think that this rule is a real and unreasonable hindrance to freedom of movement for workers in the internal market?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2012)

In the view of the Commission, the described rule does not hinder the free movement of workers. In principle, to change ones country of work means that the Member State responsible for providing unemployment benefits also changes.

Citizens are normally subject to the legislation of the Member State in which they work. As a consequence,, the country in which the person was last employed is responsible for the granting of unemployment benefits. Special rules apply to individuals who are habitually resident in a Member State other than their country of employment.

Therefore, when a person, who is entitled to unemployment benefits in Italy, takes up employment abroad, the Member State of employment is competent for the provision of unemployment benefits to that person, unless he/she is habitually resident in Italy. If the latter is the case, rather than resuming the payment of the previously granted unemployment benefits, the Italian authorities should take into account the periods of insurance, employment or self-employment completed abroad and calculate unemployment benefits on the basis of the most recent salary. This procedure would be in accordance with Article 62(3) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (308).

At present, the Commission has not received any complaints from migrant workers in which it is claimed that rights under EC law regarding access to unemployment benefits are not being respected by the Italian authorities.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006563/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: «Applications Helpdesk»

L'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) ha istituito un'unità di assistenza dedicata alle richieste di valutazione inoltrate da imprese e addetti ai lavori. Il nuovo servizio si pone l'obiettivo di affinare la comprensione delle attività di valutazione del rischio e dei requisiti necessari per l'immissione di nuovi prodotti nella catena alimentare europea. L'EFSA si è inoltre impegnata nella semplificazione delle procedure da seguire per ottenere la valutazione delle sostanze, dei prodotti e delle diciture relative alla salute da riportare sulle etichette.

Considerando l'impatto economico del settore agroalimentare nell'UE (900 miliardi di euro annui e 4,4 milioni di persone impiegate) non stupisce la considerevole crescita del numero di richieste ricevute dall'EFSA per conoscere valutazioni relative alle autorizzazioni. Secondo stime dell'Agenzia, oggi questo settore assorbe il 40 % delle risorse (il doppio rispetto al 2008) e coinvolge i due terzi della produzione scientifica.

Nei prossimi anni la valutazione di alcune richieste diventerà più complessa e ci si aspetta un aumento delle domande su additivi per mangimi, enzimi e aromi. Per affrontare questa situazione in maniera efficiente, l'EFSA ha istituito l’«Applications Helpdesk», un servizio di supporto che deve fornire informazioni e assistenza ai richiedenti, agli Stati membri, alle parti interessate e agli altri soggetti coinvolti. È prevista anche la possibilità di inviare domande specifiche sui requisiti legali e tecnici per le valutazioni.

Può la Commissione fornire maggiori informazioni su come tale misura possa effettivamente offrire vantaggi alle imprese?

Risposta di John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(17 agosto 2012)

L'Agenzia europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) è indipendente dalla Commissione e gestisce in autonomia la propria organizzazione.

La Commissione ha pertanto invitato l'agenzia a rispondere direttamente all'interrogazione dell'onorevole parlamentare. La risposta dell'EFSA verrà inoltrata dalla Commissione all'onorevole parlamentare nel più breve tempo possibile.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006563/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Applications helpdesk

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a helpdesk unit to deal with applications made by companies and industry professionals. The new service aims to improve understanding of its risk assessment work and the requirements necessary to place new products in the EU food chain. The EFSA is also streamlining the procedures to follow in order to obtain an evaluation of substances, products and health claims intended for labelling.

Considering the economic impact of the EU agrofood sector (EUR 900 billion annually with 4.4 million people employed), it is not surprising that there has been a substantial increase in the number of requests received by the EFSA for applications-related evaluations. According to the agency’s estimates, this sector now accounts for 40% of its resources (twice the 2008 level), and two thirds of its scientific outputs.

Over the coming years, the assessment of certain applications will become more complex and an increase in applications for feed additives, enzymes and flavourings is expected. To deal with this situation efficiently, the EFSA has established an ‘Applications helpdesk’, a service intended to provide information and support to applicants, Member States, stakeholders and other interested parties. It is also possible to submit specific questions related to legal and technical requirements for evaluations.

Can the Commission provide further information as to how this measure can effectively benefit companies?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is independent from the Commission and is responsible for its own organisation.

The Commission has therefore asked EFSA to provide a response to the question raised by the Honourable Member. EFSA's reply will be sent by the Commission to the Honourable Member as soon as possible.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006565/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Droga, i «poliassuntori»

Attualmente si consumano più droghe allo stesso tempo e molti le fabbricano in casa. Si parla di «laboratory kitchen». Persino la marijuana oggi è artificiale. In rete si possono trovare e comprare centinaia di tipi di semi che agiscono sulla mente o che stimolano il fisico. La biotecnologia ha alterato anche il mondo degli stupefacenti.

In queste settimane si è parlato molto dei «sali da bagno», una droga che stimola aggressività e scatena forme di cannibalismo. Ma non è la sola droga di questo tipo. In Russia è apparsa quella che in gergo chiamano «coccodrillo», basata sulla desomorfina, un oppiaceo sintetico. È una sostanza micidiale per chi ne fa uso e comporta il rischio di morire nel giro di un anno. Si inietta e finisce per distruggere la pelle e le vene.

Il fatturato, che sfiora ormai i 300 miliardi di dollari, colloca il traffico clandestino di stupefacenti al secondo posto, dopo il turismo sessuale, nella scala dei grandi business mondiali. Più delle armi e del petrolio.

Alla luce di quanto precede, e considerando che oggi affrontare il grande tema della droga vuol dire anche registrare cambiamenti e umori e segnalare tendenze con cui il pianeta deve fare i conti, e che la stessa guerra al traffico degli stupefacenti, che impegna da mezzo secolo la comunità internazionale con ingenti quantità di denaro e migliaia di agenti e soldati, sta mostrando le sue crepe e solleva un ampio dibattito, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(3 agosto 2012)

Come annunciato nella sua comunicazione «Verso un’azione europea più incisiva nella lotta alla droga» (309), la Commissione intende presentare proposte per consentire di far fronte in modo più efficace e sostenibile alla comparsa e alla diffusione in tutta l’UE di nuove sostanze psicoattive nocive. L’obiettivo è migliorare il monitoraggio e la valutazione scientifica dei rischi connessi alle nuove sostanze al fine di informare i responsabili politici e consentire risposte rapide.

Gli Stati membri sono competenti per la definizione e la messa in atto di politiche volte a prevenire l’uso della droga adatte ai loro contesti socioeconomici e culturali. Possono avviare campagne di prevenzione per informare i cittadini dei potenziali rischi e scoraggiare l’uso di sostanze psicoattive. La Commissione sostiene e completa le attività degli Stati membri volte a ridurre la domanda di droghe promuovendo lo sviluppo di approcci efficaci e innovativi e la condivisione delle migliori pratiche, attraverso i programmi finanziari dell’UE, il programma Prevenzione e informazione in materia di droga (310) e il Programma in materia di salute pubblica (311).

La Commissione invita l’onorevole parlamentare a prendere visione di una recente valutazione esterna, effettuata su sua iniziativa, riguardante la messa in atto della strategia UE contro la droga 2005-2012 e dei suoi piani d’azione (312). Ha inviato il rapporto della valutazione ai segretariati delle commissioni Ambiente, sanità pubblica e sicurezza alimentare e Libertà civili, giustizia e affari interni. Gli Stati membri stanno discutendo la nuova strategia antidroga dell’UE (2013-2020) in base a un progetto presentato dalla Presidenza cipriota, con l’obiettivo di adottarla entro dicembre 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006565/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Drugs: polydrug users

Nowadays, people consume several drugs at once, many of which are made at home in ‘laboratory kitchens’. Even marijuana is now artificial. On the Internet, you can find and buy hundreds of types of seeds that affect the mind or stimulate the body. Biotechnology has even changed the world of drugs.

In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about ‘bath salts’, a drug that stimulates aggressive behaviour and triggers forms of cannibalism. However, it is not the only drug of its kind. In Russia, a drug has emerged with the street name ‘krokodil’, made from desomorphine, a synthetic opiate. It is lethal for users, who run the risk of dying within a year. It is injected and ends up destroying the skin and veins.

The turnover generated, now almost USD 300 billion, puts illegal drugs trafficking in second place, behind sex tourism, on the scale of major global businesses: a turnover higher than that of weapons and oil.

Given the above, and considering that today tackling the major issue of drugs also entails recording changes and moods and indicating trends with which the planet must get to grips, and considering that the war on drugs trafficking, which the international community has been fighting for half a century with sizeable sums of money and thousands of officers and soldiers, is showing some cracks and has sparked wide debate, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(3 August 2012)

As announced in its communication ‘Towards a stronger European response to drugs' (313),the Commission is planning to present legislative proposals to enable a more effective and sustainable response to the emergence and spread of harmful new psychoactive substances across the EU. Those proposals will seek to enhance monitoring and scientific risk assessment of new substances with an aim to inform policy‐makers and enable rapid responses.

Member States are competent for developing and implementing policies on drug prevention that work best in their socioeconomic and cultural contexts. They can deploy prevention campaigns to inform citizens of potential risks and to discourage the use of psychoactive substances. The Commission supports and complements Member States’ action on drug-demand reduction, by promoting the development of effective and innovative approaches and the sharing of best-practice, through the EU financial programmes, the Drug Prevention and Information Programme (314) and the Public Health Programme (315).

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to a recent external evaluation of the implementation of the EU Drug Strategy 2005-2012 and its Action Plans, which was initiated by the Commission (316). The Commission sent the evaluation report to the secretariats of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committees. Member States are in the process of discussing the new EU Drugs Strategy (2013-2020) based on a draft presented by the Cypriot Presidency, with the aim to adopt it by December 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006567/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Inquinamento indoor

L'inquinamento dell'aria degli ambienti indoor rappresenta un importante problema di sanità pubblica, con grandi implicazioni sociali ed economiche. In generale, negli ambienti confinati gli agenti inquinanti (ossido nitrico, ossidi di azoto, monossido di carbonio, anidride carbonica, anidride solforosa, formaldeide e sostanze di natura biologica come le endotossine) sono presenti in concentrazioni tali che, pur non determinando effetti acuti, sono tuttavia causa di effetti negativi sul benessere e sulla salute dell'uomo, soprattutto se legati a un elevato tempo di esposizione.

All'inquinamento atmosferico contribuiscono sia gli inquinanti degli ambienti esterni sia quelli degli ambienti interni; poiché i residenti dei paesi industrializzati trascorrono il 90-95 % del tempo in ambienti chiusi, è fondamentale considerare tale tipo di inquinamento. Studi recenti sembrano anzi indicare che, se l'inquinamento esterno è correlato ad esacerbazioni asmatiche, quello interno potrebbe essere implicato anche nell'aumento dell'incidenza della patologia.

Un aiuto insperato può arrivare dalle piante, alcune capaci di svolgere una funzione di purificazione dell'aria: sono le cosiddette piante «mangiaveleni». Come la felce di Boston, lo spatifillum o il ficus benjamina, capaci di contrastare le emissioni di formaldeide ed altri inquinanti, ad esempio, o l'anthurium efficace contro l'ammoniaca.

Alla luce di quanto precede, si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

Risposta di John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(22 agosto 2012)

La Commissione richiama l’attenzione dell’onorevole parlamentare sulla risposta da essa data all’interrogazione scritta E-006227/2012 (317) relativa alla prima domanda sulla qualità dell’aria negli ambienti indoor.

Riguardo alla domanda sulle «piante mangiaveleni», la Commissione non sta attualmente finanziando alcun progetto finalizzato alla valutazione delle capacità di alcune piante di ridurre l’inquinamento dell’aria in ambienti indoor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006567/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Indoor pollution

Indoor air pollution is a serious public health problem, with major social and economic implications. In confined spaces, pollutants (nitric oxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde and biological substances such as endotoxins) are generally present in concentrations which, while not producing any acute effects, nevertheless have a negative impact on human wellbeing and health, particularly with long exposure times.

Air pollution is fuelled by contaminants from both external and internal environments; since people in industrialised countries spend 90‐95% of their time indoors, it is essential to consider this type of pollution. Indeed, recent studies suggest that while outdoor pollution is linked to a worsening of asthmatic conditions, indoor pollution may also be implicated in the increased incidence of this disease.

Unexpected help may come from plants, some of which can serve as air purifiers. These are the so-called ‘poison-eating’ plants, such as Boston fern, Spathiphyllum and Ficus benjamina, which are capable of countering emissions of formaldehyde and other pollutants, or Anthurium, which is effective against ammonia.

In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2012)

The Commission would like to draw the Honourable Member's attention to its answer to Written Question E‐006227/2012 (318) regarding the first sub question on indoor air quality.

Regarding your second question on ‘poison-eating plants’, the Commission is currently not funding any projects that assess the potential of plants to reduce in-door air pollution.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006568/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Nuova minaccia terroristica

Un uomo norvegese ha ricevuto un addestramento terroristico in un campo di al‐Qaeda in Yemen e sta aspettando l'ordine di attaccare un obiettivo occidentale. I funzionari di tre agenzie di sicurezza europee hanno confermato oggi che il sospettato è «operativo», il che significa che ha completato il suo addestramento e sta per ricevere il suo obiettivo. Una fonte ha dichiarato che l'uomo è un norvegese intorno ai 30 anni divenuto un fondamentalista nel 2008 dopo la conversione all'islam.

Le agenzie di intelligence occidentali hanno temuto a lungo uno scenario simile: un convertito all'islam addestrato con metodi terroristici che può passare inosservato facilmente in Europa e negli Stati Uniti e viaggiare senza restrizioni sui visti.

Le autorità militari yemenite hanno dichiarato di sapere che alcuni europei si addestrano con al‐Qaeda nelle zone meridionali del paese, ma hanno aggiunto di non avere notizie di norvegesi tra loro. Hanno però citato un rapporto sulla sicurezza risalente a febbraio, in cui si evidenzia che «diversi» estremisti islamici sono partiti dalla Norvegia per andare in zone di conflitto per addestrarsi in campi di addestramento.

Alla luce di quanto precede, e considerando che i convertiti che abbracciano l'estremismo violento rappresentano una particolare sfida, in quanto godono di un diverso tipo di coperture, specialmente se hanno la fedina penale pulita, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(17 agosto 2012)

Come spiegato nella risposta alle interrogazioni scritte E-5469/2012, E-4276/12, E-3833/12, E-3294/12, E-11087/11 e E-9410/11 (319), l’Unione europea non dispone delle competenze né delle capacità operative per monitorare le attività di individui o gruppi specifici (ad esempio cellule terroristiche o «lupi solitari») sul suo territorio o al di fuori di esso. La Commissione non è dunque in grado di pronunciarsi sul sospetto terrorista cui fa riferimento l’onorevole parlamentare.

Parimenti, controllare le frontiere esterne degli Stati membri dell’Unione europea è competenza nazionale. Il mandato dell’Agenzia Frontex è limitato al coordinamento delle attività operative alle frontiere esterne. La recente revisione del quadro giuridico di Frontex (regolamento (UE) n. 1168/2011 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio del 25 ottobre 2011) ne ha rafforzato le capacità operative, disciplinandone per giunta (articolo 13) le modalità di cooperazione con agenzie, organi e organismi dell’Unione.

La Commissione, conformemente all’articolo 88 del TFUE, sta preparando una proposta di regolamento relativa a Europol che sostituirà la decisione 2009/371/GAI del Consiglio che istituisce Europol come agenzia dell’UE.

Obiettivo principale della revisione della base giuridica di Europol è migliorarne l’efficacia, l’efficienza e la capacità di rendere conto, al fine di dotare l’Ufficio di strumenti ancora migliori per coadiuvare gli Stati membri, nell’ambito della cooperazione transfrontaliera, nella prevenzione e lotta contro la criminalità organizzata e il terrorismo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006568/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: New terrorist threat

A Norwegian man has received terrorist training in an al‐Qaeda camp in Yemen, and is awaiting orders to carry out an attack on a Western target. Officials from three European security agencies confirmed today that the suspect is ‘operational’, meaning that he has completed his training and is about to receive his target. A source said that the Norwegian man, who is approximately 30 years old, became a fundamentalist in 2008 after converting to Islam.

Western intelligence agencies have long feared such a scenario: a convert to Islam who is trained in terrorist methods and can blend in easily in Europe and the United States, travelling without visa restrictions.

Yemeni military officials said that they knew that some Europeans were training with al‐Qaeda in the southern part of the country, but that they were not aware of any Norwegians among them. They did, however, refer to a security report written in February which highlighted that ‘several’ Islamic extremists had travelled from Norway to conflict zones to attend training camps.

Given the above, and in view of the fact that converts who turn to violent extremism pose a particular challenge since they have a different level of cover, especially if they have no criminal record, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(17 August 2012)

As explained in response to Written Questions E‐5469/2012, E‐4276/12, E‐3833/12, E‐3294/12, E‐11087/11, and E‐9410/11 (320), the European Union has neither the competence nor the operational capacities to monitor the activities of specific groups or individuals (e.g. terrorist cells or ‘lone actors’) on its territory and beyond. Therefore, the Commission is not in the position to comment on the terrorist suspect mentioned by Honourable Member.

Equally, border control at the external borders of the Member States of the Union is a national competence. The Frontex mandate is confined to the coordination of the operational activities at the external borders. The activities of the Agency have been recently strengthened by the revision of its legal framework (Regulation (EU) No 1168/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011). The aforementioned Regulation also includes modalities for cooperation with Union Agencies and bodies in its Article 13.

The Commission, in accordance with Article 88 of the TFEU, is working on the preparation of a proposal for a regulation governing Europol that will replace Council Decision 2009/371 /JHA establishing Europol as an EU Agency.

The main goal of the revision of this agency's legal basis is to enhance its efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in order for Europol to be even better equipped to support Member States' in their cross-border cooperation in the prevention and fight against organised crime and terrorism.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006570/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Tumore polmonare, una spia nel sangue predice lo sviluppo

Analizzare la quantità di DNA «libero» nel sangue per diagnosticare il grado di sviluppo del cancro ai polmoni. È questo l'obiettivo degli esperti di un'università di Valencia, in Spagna, che in uno studio hanno rilevato il legame tra l'avanzare della malattia e la presenza di acido desossiribonucleico nel flusso sanguigno.

Nel corso dell'esperimento, condotto su 446 soggetti affetti da tumore al polmone, gli studiosi hanno esaminato i livelli di trascrittasi inversa telomerica (hTERT) libera nel sangue — come indicatore del DNA circolante — prima e dopo la chemioterapia. Al termine, gli esperti hanno constatato l'esistenza di un'associazione tra la presenza dell'acido desossiribonucleico nel flusso sanguigno e la velocità di progressione del cancro polmonare, indicativa, inoltre, delle possibilità di sopravvivenza dei pazienti.

Dal momento che l'hTERT può essere misurato con una procedura semplice, non invasiva ed economica, esso potrebbe rappresentare un valido aiuto per diagnosticare e monitorare lo sviluppo del tumore ai polmoni.

Alla luce di quanto precede, si interroga la Commissione per sapere:

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(21 agosto 2012)

La Commissione è a conoscenza dello studio citato dall’onorevole parlamentare, che è stato coordinato dall’Università di Valencia (321) ,  (322).

La ricerca sul cancro ai polmoni è stata finanziata nell’ambito del Settimo programma quadro per la ricerca e lo sviluppo tecnologico (PQ7, 2007-2013). Ad oggi sono stati destinati 41 milioni di EUR alla ricerca di frontiera e translazionale sulla comprensione, la diagnosi, la prognosi e il trattamento del cancro ai polmoni. Le aree esaminate comprendono, ad esempio, la correlazione tra cancro ai polmoni e cellule ospiti, la diagnosi precoce, l’individuazione di farmaci, la resistenza ai farmaci e la pianificazione della sperimentazione clinica finalizzata a una maggiore efficacia delle terapie per il cancro ai polmoni.

Ulteriori opportunità di ricerca collaborative sul cancro ai polmoni sono date nell’ambito del bando per il PQ7 2013, tra l’altro nel contesto dei programmi di lavoro per la ricerca «FP7-HEALTH-2013-INNOVATION», pubblicati il 10 luglio 2012 (323). Le domande di ricerca collaborativa presentate in risposta ai suddetti inviti saranno selezionate attraverso una procedura di valutazione inter pares, in cui l’eccellenza scientifica sarà il criterio di selezione principale. Il finanziamento sarà concesso alle ricerche più valide.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006570/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: An indicator in the blood predicts the development of lung cancer

Experts at a university in Valencia, Spain are promoting the analysis of the amount of ‘free’ DNA in the blood to determine how far lung cancer has developed. They have published a study showing a link between the advancement of the disease and the presence of circulating deoxyribonucleic acid in the blood.

The study involved 446 patients with lung cancer and examined the levels of free human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the blood — as an indicator of circulating DNA — before and after chemotherapy. The researchers identified a link between the presence of circulating DNA in the blood and the rate of progression of lung cancer, which also indicates the patient’s chances of survival.

Since hTERT can be measured by a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure, this could be a useful aid for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of lung cancer.

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

(21 August 2012)

The Commission is aware of the publication mentioned by the Honourable Member, performed by the University of Valencia (324)  (325).

Research on lung cancer has been funded across the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007‐2013). So far, EUR 41 million have been devoted to frontier and translational research on the understanding, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer. Areas addressed include for instance interactions between lung cancer and host cells, early detection, drug discovery, drug resistance and the design of clinical trials to improve lung cancer therapies.

Further opportunities for collaborative research on lung cancer may be found in the FP7 2013 calls for proposals, amongst others under the FP7-HEALTH‐2013-INNOVATION Research Work Programmes, published on 10 July 2012 (326). Collaborative research applications submitted to these calls are selected through a peer-review evaluation procedure with scientific excellence as the overriding criterion and financial support awarded to the best applications.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006571/12

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(29 giugno 2012)

Oggetto: Riapertura delle indagini sulla malversazione dei fondi europei in Kosovo

Premesso che:

Il mandato di EULEX, la missione dell'Unione europea di assistenza alle istituzioni del Kosovo intrapresa nel 2008, è appena stato rinnovato di un anno con un nuovo stanziamento di 111 milioni di euro. La missione EULEX conta circa tremila impiegati, ma a distanza di quattro anni i progressi compiuti in tema di governance e di sicurezza non sono affatto soddisfacenti.

Soprattutto, non si è ancora fatta chiarezza sulla malversazione dei fondi europei elargiti per la ristrutturazione degli enti statali serbi, inizialmente gestiti dall'UNMIK, la missione speciale dell'Onu che ha amministrato il Kosovo fino al 2008.

Tra il 2002 e il 2006 l'OLAF, l'Ufficio europeo per la lotta antifrode, ha intrapreso 11 indagini che hanno coinvolto la Società elettrica del Kosovo e l'Aeroporto internazionale della capitale Pristina, i principali beneficiari dei fondi europei. Tuttavia, è risultata evidente la mancata collaborazione delle Nazioni Unite di fronte alle ripetute richieste di informazioni sul lavoro svolto dall'UNMIK.

Considerando i deludenti risultati della missione EULEX e le difficoltà riscontrate nel portare avanti le indagini sui casi di malversazione dei fondi europei ereditati dalla procura UNMIK, è necessario fare luce sull'indagine insabbiata.

Alla luce di quanto precede può la Commissione rispondere al seguente quesito:

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

(6 settembre 2012)

La missione EULEX Kosovo, che ha avuto inizio nel dicembre 2008, opera nel quadro generale della risoluzione 1244 del Consiglio di Sicurezza della Nazioni Unite.

La missione ha il compito di occuparsi soltanto dei casi più gravi di corruzione, della criminalità organizzata, dei crimini di guerra e di alcune controversie in materia di proprietà legate al conflitto. Il ruolo della missione non è quello di sostituirsi alle autorità del Kosovo, ma di rafforzarle. Le indagini e le decisioni su casi di questa gravità richiedono tempo, anche per garantire lo svolgimento delle procedure giudiziarie.

Dall’avvio della missione, i giudici EULEX hanno emesso più di 350 sentenze, e attualmente ci sono circa 320 indagini in corso condotte dai magistrati e dagli ufficiali di polizia EULEX. Sotto l’autorità esecutiva EULEX, più di 23 000 controversie in materia di proprietà sono state gestite dalla commissione per le controversie in tale materia. Inoltre, gli esperti forensi EULEX hanno identificato i resti di 308 vittime del conflitto e li hanno restituiti alle famiglie. L’operato di EULEX è stato fondamentale nella localizzazione di possibili siti di fosse comuni e nella raccolta di prove per ulteriori procedimenti. L’attività di EULEX Kosovo è ampiamente sostenuta dalla popolazione kosovara, come le campagne di opinione pubblica hanno confermato. Eventuali delusioni in connessione con le attività di EULEX Kosovo sono dovute ad aspettative troppo elevate e quindi irrealistiche: durante il suo mandato, la missione avrebbe dovuto risolvere la totalità o la maggior parte dei problemi legati a corruzione e criminalità organizzata. Il mandato esecutivo di EULEX Kosovo e i suoi compiti di monitoraggio, tutoraggio e consulenza contribuiscono significativamente agli sforzi globali messi in atto in Kosovo per combattere la corruzione, la criminalità organizzata, i crimini di guerra e le controversie in materia di proprietà legate al conflitto.

Riguardo al ruolo dell’OLAF nelle indagini menzionate, la Commissione rimanda alla sua risposta all’Interrogazione E-6496/12 (327).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006571/12

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Reopening investigations into the misappropriation of EU funds in Kosovo

EULEX, the EU mission to support Kosovan institutions launched in 2008, has just had its mandate renewed for one year with a new appropriation of EUR 111 million. The EULEX mission has around 3 000 employees but, four years on, the progress made in the areas of governance and security is not satisfactory by any means.

One particular question that remains to be clarified is the misappropriation of European funds paid out to rebuild Serbian state entities. These funds were initially managed by UNMIK, the United Nation’s special mission which administered Kosovo until 2008.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) carried out 11 investigations between 2002 and 2006 involving the main beneficiaries of EU funds: Kosovo Electricity Company and the international airport of Pristina, the capital city. Nevertheless, the UN failed to cooperate regarding repeated requests for information about the work carried out by UNMIK.

Considering the disappointing results of the EULEX mission and the difficulties experienced in conducting investigations into the cases of misappropriation of EU funds inherited from UNMIK prosecutors, we need to shed light on the shelved investigation.

Given the above, can the Commission state:

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

(6 September 2012)

EULEX Kosovo was launched in December 2008 and operates under the general framework of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

The Mission is mandated to handle only the most serious cases of corruption, organised crime and war crimes as well as certain conflict related property disputes. The Mission's role is not to substitute for the Kosovo authorities; but to strengthen them. Investigation and adjudication of such serious cases take time, not least also to ensure due judicial process.

Since the inception of the Mission, EULEX judges have delivered more than 350 verdicts; there are around 320 ongoing investigations conducted by EULEX prosecutors and police officers. Under EULEX executive authority more than 23 000 conflict related property claims have been dealt with by the Property Claims Commission. Besides, EULEX forensic experts have identified the remains of 308 victims of the conflict and returned them to their families. Work by EULEX has been fundamental in locating possible mass grave sites and securing evidence for further proceedings. The work of EULEX Kosovo is widely supported by the population in Kosovo, as has been confirmed in public opinion campaigns. Any disappointment with EULEX Kosovo is largely due to unrealistically high expectations; it was expected to solve all or most corruption and organised crime during its mandate. EULEX Kosovo's executive mandate and the mandate to monitor, mentor and advise, do significantly contribute to the overall efforts made in Kosovo in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as to addressing sensitive war crimes and conflict related property cases.

As regards the role of OLAF in the investigations mentioned, the Commission would refer to its reply to Question E‐6496/12 (328).

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-006572/12

do Komisji

Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR)

(29 czerwca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Konfiskata sprzętu Polaków na Białorusi

27 czerwca białoruska milicja przeprowadziła rewizję w grodzieńskiej siedzibie spółki Kresowia, stanowiącej zaplecze finansowe i organizacyjne nieuznawanego przez Mińsk Związku Polaków na Białorusi. Funkcjonariusze skonfiskowali wszystkie dziewięć komputerów, stanowiących własność Ambasady RP na Białorusi, drzwi spółki zostały zapieczętowane. Wcześniej skonfiskowano z sali wynajmowanej przez Andrzeja Poczobuta numery „Głosu znad Niemna na uchodźstwie”.

Konfiskata ma związek ze śledztwem prowadzonym w sprawie działacza ZPB i dziennikarza polskiej gazety, Andrzeja Poczobuta, który 21 czerwca został zatrzymany w związku z podejrzeniem o zniesławienie prezydenta Alaksandra Łukaszenki. Związek Polaków na Białorusi został pozbawiony sprzętu komputerowego, utrudniona została możliwość dalszej działalności organizacji.

Działanie białoruskich władz to kolejny przypadek prześladowania i represji wobec działaczy ZPB i próba uniemożliwienia organizacji prowadzenia dalszej działalności. Aktywiści ZPB są tłamszeni przez władze w Mińsku, wszczynane są przeciwko nim sprawy karne, często dochodzi do aresztowań członków tej polonijnej organizacji, nakłada się na nich kary finansowe, a pikiety organizacji są brutalnie rozgramiane przez milicję.

W związku z tym pragnę zapytać, czy Komisja ma zamiar podjąć interwencję w sprawie konfiskaty sprzętu komputerowego, będącego własnością Ambasady RP na Białorusi i wyrazić sprzeciw wobec oczywistych represji i prześladowań ZPB przez białoruskie władze?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącą Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(8 sierpnia 2012 r.)

UE jest nadal głęboko zaniepokojona sytuacją w zakresie poszanowania praw człowieka, praworządności i zasad demokratycznych na Białorusi.

UE posiada informacje, o których wspomina Szanowny Pan Poseł, dotyczące rewizji pomieszczeń i konfiskaty urządzeń, należących według doniesień do Związku Polaków na Białorusi.

Jak już wspomniano w odpowiedzi Komisji na pytanie pisemne Szanownego Pana Posła P-006206/2012 (329), w kontekście rosnącej w ostatnim czasie liczby doniesień o prześladowaniu przedstawicieli społeczeństwa obywatelskiego, opozycji politycznej i niezależnych mediów w dniu 28 czerwca 2012 r. rzecznik Wysokiej Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącej Komisji wyraził w jej imieniu głębokie zaniepokojenie istniejącą sytuacją, jak również oskarżeniami wniesionymi przeciwko dziennikarzowi Andrzejowi Poczobutowi w związku z domniemanym zniesławieniem prezydenta.

Unia Europejska wykorzystywała i będzie nadal wykorzystywać wszystkie możliwości, aby przedstawiać w rozmowach z władzami białoruskimi swoje zastrzeżenia dotyczące aktów prześladowania przedstawicieli społeczeństwa obywatelskiego, opozycji politycznej i niezależnych mediów, również w odniesieniu do kwestii, takich jak prawa mniejszości i wolność prasy.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006572/12

to the Commission

Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Confiscation of Poles' equipment in Belarus

On 27 June 2012, the Belarusian militia raided the Grodno headquarters of the company Kresovia, which provides financial and organisational backing for the Union of Poles in Belarus (ZPB), an organisation which is not recognised by the Minsk government. The officials confiscated all nine computers, which were the property of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Belarus, and the company’s doors were sealed. Previously, copies of the newspaper Głos znad Niemna na uchodźstwie (‘Voice from Over the Niemen in Exile’) were seized from a room rented by Andrzej Poczobut.

The seizure is linked to the investigation in the case against Andrzej Poczobut, a ZPB activist and journalist at a Polish newspaper, who was arrested on 21 June on suspicion of defaming President Alexander Lukashenko. The Union of Poles in Belarus has been deprived of its IT equipment, which will make it hard for the organisation to continue its activities.

The actions by the Belarusian authorities are a further example of persecution and repression against ZPB activists and an attempt to prevent the organisation from continuing its activities. ZPB activists are repressed by the Minsk authorities, criminal cases are opened against them, members of this Polish organisation are often arrested and have fines imposed on them, and the organisation’s picket lines are brutally broken up by the militia.

In view of this, will the Commission intervene in the confiscation of IT equipment owned by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Belarus, and will it voice its opposition to the obvious repression and persecution of the ZPB by the Belarusian authorities?

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

(8 August 2012)

The EU remains deeply concerned about the respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles in Belarus.

The EU is well aware of the reports referred to by the Honourable Member regarding the search and confiscation of equipment at facilities reportedly belonging to the Union of Poles in Belarus.

As already indicated in the Commission’s answer to the Honourable Member’s Written Question P‐006206/2012 (330), the Spokesperson of High Representatative Ashton, against the background of an increasing amount of recent reports of acts of harassement of representatives of civil society, the political opposition and independent media, on 28 June 2012 expressed the High Representative’s deep concern, including as regards the charges brought against journalist Andrzej Poczobut for alleged libel against the President.

The EU has used, and will continue to use, all available opportunities to raise its concerns as regards acts of harassment of representatives of civil society, the political opposition and the independent media, including the rights of minorities, with the Belarusian authorities.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-006573/12

do Komisji

Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR)

(29 czerwca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Mykoła Statkiewicz przeniesiony do karceru

27 czerwca więzień polityczny i były kandydat na prezydenta Białorusi, Mykoła Statkiewicz został przeniesiony do karceru w mohylewskim więzieniu nr 4, gdzie odsiaduje karę 6 lat pozbawienia wolności.

Przypominam, że to nie pierwszy przypadek prześladowania tego więźnia politycznego przez władze kolonii. Na początku stycznia tego roku Statkiewicz został przeniesiony na 3 lata do więzienia o jeszcze bardziej zaostrzonym rygorze. Opozycjoniście zarzucono wtedy, że „nie poddaje się resocjalizacji w kolonii” i dopuszcza się „złośliwych wykroczeń”. Media informowały również, że do celi Statkiewicza przeniesiono więźnia chorego na gruźlicę, a tydzień temu żona Statkiewicza, Marina Adamowicz oświadczyła, że współwięźniem jej męża został mężczyzna chory na AIDS.

Władze kolonii starają się wymóc na Statkiewiczu podpisanie prośby o ułaskawienie, wywierają na niego ogromną presję i prześladują go. Żona Statkiewicza obawia się, że władze starają się nadać jej mężowi status „więźnia złośliwie naruszającego reżim kolonii” i zwiększyć karę pozbawienia wolności o dodatkowy rok.

— W związku z tym zwracam się z zapytaniem, czy Komisja posiada informacje na temat represji stosowanych przez władze kolonii w stosunku do Mykoły Statkiewicza i ma zamiar podjąć interwencję w tej sprawie?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Štefana Fülego w imieniu Komisji

(8 sierpnia 2012 r.)

Unia Europejska jest nadal poważnie zaniepokojona ciągłym brakiem poszanowania praw człowieka, demokracji i praworządności na Białorusi.

UE zna doniesienia na temat niemożliwych do przyjęcia warunków przetrzymywania w więzieniu byłego kandydata na prezydenta Mikałaja Statkiewicza. UE wielokrotnie, zarówno w sferze publicznej, jak i przy okazji kontaktów z władzami Białorusi, wyrażała swoje głębokie zaniepokojenie doniesieniami o stosowaniu tortur i nieludzkich warunkach przetrzymywania więźniów politycznych, w tym Mikałaja Statkiewicza, i przypominała władzom Białorusi o ich zobowiązaniach na mocy prawa międzynarodowego dotyczących zagwarantowania przestrzegania zakazu stosowania tortur i okrutnego, nieludzkiego i poniżającego traktowania, oraz o ich obowiązku badania doniesień o takich przypadkach. Na niedawnym posiedzeniu ministrów Partnerstwa Wschodniego w dniu 23 lipca 2012 r. Wysoka Przedstawiciel i Wiceprzewodnicząca ponownie podkreśliła znaczenie natychmiastowego uwolnienia i rehabilitacji więźniów politycznych na Białorusi.

UE nie ma dostępu do białoruskich więzień, aby monitorować warunki przetrzymywania więźniów. Delegatura UE w Mińsku wielokrotnie zwracała się o prawo do odwiedzenia więźniów politycznych w miejscu ich przetrzymywania, ale jak dotąd bezskutecznie. Delegatura UE w Mińsku pozostaje w bliskim kontakcie z członkami rodzin więźniów politycznych.

UE będzie nadal dokładnie śledzić doniesienia na temat miejsc pobytu więźniów politycznych i dołoży wszelkich starań, aby doprowadzić do ich uwolnienia i rehabilitacji.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006573/12

to the Commission

Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR)

(29 June 2012)

Subject: Mykola Statkevich moved to solitary confinement

On 27 June 2012, the political prisoner and former presidential candidate in Belarus, Mykola Statkevich, was moved to solitary confinement in Prison No.4 in Mogilev, where he is serving a six year sentence.

I would remind you that this is not the first time that this political prisoner has been persecuted by the prison authorities. In early January 2012, Statkevich was transferred to serve three years in a prison with an even harsher regime. The dissident was then accused of ‘not submitting to rehabilitation at the prison’ and ‘malicious misconduct’. The media also reported that a prisoner suffering from tuberculosis was transferred to Statkevich’s cell, and a week ago Statkevich’s wife, Marina Adamovich, stated that her husband’s fellow prisoner was a man suffering from AIDS.

The prison authorities are trying to force Statkevich to sign a request for a pardon, they are exerting enormous pressure on him and are persecuting him. Statkevich’s wife is concerned that the authorities are trying to impose on her husband the status of a ‘prisoner who is maliciously violating the prison regime’ and then increase the prison sentence by an additional year.

— I would therefore ask whether the Commission knows about the repressive measures taken by the prison authorities against Mykola Statkevich and whether it intends to intervene in this matter?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2012)

The EU remains gravely concerned about the continued lack of respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Belarus.

The EU is aware of reports regarding the inacceptable prison conditions of former presidential candidate Statkevich. The EU has, on numerous occasions, both in public and in contacts with the Belarusian authorities, expressed deep concern about reports of torture and inhumane prison conditions of political prisoners, including of Mikalay Statkevich, and have reminded the Belarusian authorities of their obligation under international law to ensure the respect of the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and of their responsibility to investigate reports thereof. At the recent Eastern Partnership Ministerial on 23 July 2012, the HR/VP stressed again the importance of the immediate release and rehabilitation of the political prisoners in Belarus.

The EU has no access to Belarusian prisons to monitor the conditions of imprisonment. The EU Delegation in Minsk has on numerous occasions requested to visit political prisoners at their place of detention, so far to no avail. The EU Delegation in Minsk remains in close contact with family members of the political prisoners.

The EU will continue to follow reports about their whereabouts closely, and will make every possible effort to obtain their release and rehabilitation.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-006574/12

do Komisji

Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD)

(29 czerwca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Organizacja rynku cukru w Europie

W Polsce popyt na cukier przewyższył podaż, co przy jednoczesnym spadku produkcji z 2 mln ton do 1,5 mln ton doprowadziło do drastycznego wzrostu cen. Problem ten jest pochodną złej organizacji rynku cukru w Europie oraz limitacji produkcji poprzez decyzję Komisji Europejskiej z 2006 r. W Polsce, producenci mają obowiązek eksportować cukier z nadwyżek produkcyjnych do innych krajów, a krajowy niedobór cukru jest rekompensowany poprzez import z innych państw np. Niemiec. Mimo to cena cukru w Polsce jest o 60 % wyższa niż w Niemczech.

W związku z powyższym proszę o odpowiedź na następujące pytania:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Daciana Cioloşa w imieniu Komisji

(1 sierpnia 2012 r.)

Unijna produkcja cukru objętego kwotami pokrywa około 85 % zapotrzebowania UE na cukier. Przywóz w ramach różnych preferencyjnych umów handlowych pokrywa średnio 25 % tego zapotrzebowania. Jeżeli istnieje ryzyko niedoboru Komisja podejmuje działania, by zwiększyć dostępność cukru i zapobiec wzrostowi cen.

2-3. W kontekście reformy wspólnej polityki rolnej ogłoszonej dnia 12 października 2011 r., Komisja nie zaproponowała przedłużenia kwot produkcyjnych po dniu 1 października 2015 r.