http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

Written questions by Members of the European Parliament and their answers given by a European Union institution

(2013/C 211 E/01)

Contents

E-000325/12 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Damage caused by open-cast mining

Versión española

English version

E-000705/12 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Data protection for EU citizens and public health research

English version

P-000709/12 by Dominique Vlasto to the Commission

Subject: Classification of volunteer firefighters' activities as an occupation

Version française

English version

E-000729/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Financing of the Natura 2000 network

Versión española

English version

E-000731/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Financial assessment of the Natura 2000 network

Versión española

English version

E-000755/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Turkish retaliation against France

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-000925/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: EU‐Turkey bilateral relations

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-000761/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Measures to reduce suicides

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-000770/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Speculation in the cereals sector

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-000772/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Regulation governing the electronic identification of ovine animals

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-000785/12 by Elisabeth Köstinger to the Commission

Subject: Blocking of access by Internet providers

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-000786/12 by Roberta Angelilli, Gianni Pittella, Gabriele Albertini, Sonia Alfano, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Raffaele Baldassarre, Paolo Bartolozzi, Mario Borghezio, Frieda Brepoels, Antonio Cancian, Lara Comi, Leonidas Donskis, Kinga Gál, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Mikael Gustafsson, Salvatore Iacolino, Philippe Juvin, Filip Kaczmarek, Othmar Karas, Tunne Kelam, Seán Kelly, Giovanni La Via, Vytautas Landsbergis, Eva Lichtenberger, Monica Luisa Macovei, Thomas Mann, Erminia Mazzoni, Clemente Mastella, Claudio Morganti, Tiziano Motti, Cristiana Muscardini, Kristiina Ojuland, Mariya Nedelcheva, Alfredo Pallone, Aldo Patriciello, Mario Pirillo, Niccolò Rinaldi, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Licia Ronzulli, Anna Rosbach, Oreste Rossi, Matteo Salvini, Amalia Sartori, Giancarlo Scottà, Marco Scurria, Joanna Senyszyn, Debora Serracchiani, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska, Peter Šťastný, Gianluca Susta, Rui Tavares, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Giommaria Uggias, Manfred Weber, Andrea Zanoni, Keith Taylor, Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa and László Tőkés to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Tibet: violations of the Tibetan people's human rights and freedom of expression by the Chinese authorities

българска версия

Versión española

Dansk udgave

Deutsche Fassung

Eestikeelne versioon

Version française

Versione italiana

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

Magyar változat

Nederlandse versie

Wersja polska

Versão portuguesa

Versiunea în limba română

Slovenské znenie

Svensk version

English version

P-000810/12 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Future of adult and community education under the ‘Erasmus for All’ programme

English version

E-000815/12 by Robert Dušek to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Council Directive 1999/74/EC and sanctions for non-compliance

České znění

English version

E-000816/12 by Renate Sommer to the Commission

Subject: Defamation of Christian minorities in Turkish school textbooks

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-000817/12 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Airline consumers and ETS

English version

E-000819/12 by Lambert van Nistelrooij, Nuno Teixeira and Wim van de Camp to the Commission

Subject: Status of Aruba in the process of transformation to an outermost region and financial support from Pilot Project 13 03 32

Nederlandse versie

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-000820/12 by Jan Březina to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Response by the Vice-President/High Representative to the recent developments in Burma

České znění

English version

E-000841/12 by Daniel Caspary to the Commission

Subject: Labelling of ampere hours (Ah) on batteries

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-001504/12 by Carl Schlyter to the Commission

Subject: Capacity labelling of all portable batteries

Svensk version

English version

E-000852/12 by Liam Aylward and Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: Flexibility for young farmers under the CAP 2014-2020

English version

E-000870/12 by Saïd El Khadraoui to the Commission

Subject: Charging stations for electric vehicles

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-000929/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: State aid scheme for milk quality

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-000941/12 by Frieda Brepoels to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU report on East Jerusalem 2011, legislation against the settlement policy and black lists for settlers

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001493/12 by Marita Ulvskog to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Prevention of EU financial transactions in support of Israeli settlement activity

Svensk version

English version

E-000958/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: European Emissions Trading System

Slovenské znenie

English version

P-000961/12 by Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz to the Commission

Subject: The ongoing excessive deficit procedure against Hungary and its possible future impact

Magyar változat

English version

E-000966/12 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Proposed reorganisation of the distribution of funds in the new budget perspective for 2014-2020

Wersja polska

English version

E-001002/12 by Jens Rohde to the Commission

Subject: Youth unemployment in the EU

Dansk udgave

English version

E-001007/12 by Giovanni La Via to the Commission

Subject: Interreg III B Archimed programme: non-payment of final beneficiaries

Versione italiana

English version

E-001013/12 by Liam Aylward, Pat the Cope Gallagher and Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: Proposed revision of the European Good Distribution Practice Guidelines

English version

E-001026/12 by Georgios Koumoutsakos to the Commission

Subject: Mutation of the bird flu virus and pre-emptive action

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001071/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 and orphan diseases

English version

E-001087/12 by Charalampos Angourakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Torture of detainees in Libya

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001395/12 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Torture and killing of prisoners in Libya

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001094/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Palm oil

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-001884/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Biofuel emissions

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-001105/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Restriction of right to freedom of expression and information gathering

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001110/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner for Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001117/12 by Kartika Tamara Liotard to the Commission

Subject: ESBL bacteria in Dutch chicken meat

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001221/12 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Presence of dangerous ESBL enzyme in 99 % of chicken meat

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001133/12 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: European funds for the Belgian Railways

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001147/12 by Petru Constantin Luhan to the Commission

Subject: Regional statistics

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001208/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Campaigns to promote wine in third countries

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001230/12 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of years of service of the school guards under PD 164/2004 for insurance and pensions

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001243/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Chloramfenicol contamination of pig feed

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001274/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: New forms of assistance for farmers in 2012

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001275/12 by Carlo Fidanza to the Commission

Subject: Collapse of Spanair

Versione italiana

English version

E-001287/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Iratxe García Pérez, Alejandro Cercas, Carmen Romero López, Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García and Inés Ayala Sender to the Commission

Subject: Interoperability of electronic road toll systems in Europe

Versión española

English version

E-001293/12 by Piotr Borys to the Commission

Subject: Financing of culture in the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020

Wersja polska

English version

E-001297/12 by Pavel Poc, Karin Kadenbach, Kriton Arsenis, Janusz Wojciechowski, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Nikolaos Chountis, Giommaria Uggias, Bas Eickhout, Sabine Wils, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Marisa Matias, Andrea Zanoni, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris and Alojz Peterle to the Commission

Subject: Neonicotinoid insecticides and honey bee health

České znění

Deutsche Fassung

Ελληνική έκδοση

Versione italiana

Magyar változat

Nederlandse versie

Wersja polska

Versão portuguesa

Slovenska različica

English version

E-001332/12 by David Campbell Bannerman to the Commission

Subject: NGO activities — criteria

English version

E-001336/12 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Evaluation of the efficiency of judicial systems in the Member States

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001340/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Irregularities in EU projects in Greece

Dansk udgave

English version

E-001401/12 by Erminia Mazzoni, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Clemente Mastella, Cristiana Muscardini, Lara Comi, Carlo Fidanza, Raffaele Baldassarre, Crescenzio Rivellini, Marco Scurria, Elisabetta Gardini, Roberta Angelilli and Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Use of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Campania

Versione italiana

English version

E-001410/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The sites of final repositories for highly radioactive waste

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-001417/12 by Kyriakos Mavronikolas to the Commission

Subject: Allowances for former Commissioners

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001428/12 by Michael Cashman, Ulrike Lunacek, Sophia in 't Veld, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Kinga Göncz, Zita Gurmai, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi and Sarah Ludford to the Commission

Subject: New Hungarian law on religion and compatibility with EU equal treatment legislation

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Magyar változat

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-001438/12 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Metal artificial hips manufactured by Depuy — revision of the Medical Devices Directive

Dansk udgave

English version

E-001451/12 by Kinga Göncz to the Commission

Subject: Data collection on the Roma population of the EU

Magyar változat

English version

P-001502/12 by Francesco De Angelis to the Commission

Subject: Natural disaster in central Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-001507/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Greeks hire EU passports out to illegal immigrants

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001520/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Funding from the Marco Polo II programme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001529/12 by Alajos Mészáros to the Commission

Subject: Provision of financial assistance for decommissioning the Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant

Magyar változat

English version

E-001581/12 by Krišjānis Kariņš to the Commission

Subject: Divergent quality of goods sold under the same label in various Member States

Latviešu valodas versija

English version

E-001582/12 by Vital Moreira to the Commission

Subject: Implementing the Portuguese Language Orthographic Agreement in the Official Journal of the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001583/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Food-based fuel production

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001587/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Violation of data protection law

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001619/12 by Alajos Mészáros to the Commission

Subject: Limiting the freedom of employment

Magyar változat

English version

E-001627/12 by Ana Miranda, Frieda Brepoels and Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: Funding for Sahrawi refugee camps

Versión española

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001628/12 by Ana Miranda, Frieda Brepoels and Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: Funding for Sahrawi refugee camps

Versión española

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-001736/12 by Åsa Westlund to the Commission

Subject: Humanitarian situation in Saharawi refugee camps

Svensk version

English version

E-001660/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Market protection and job creation policies in the EU II

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-001679/12 by Marta Andreasen to the Commission

Subject: Cash shortfall for payments at the end of 2011 and effects on the 2012 budget

English version

P-002587/12 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Commission budget shortfall

English version

E-001681/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: China: airlines outside the ETS — violation of Directive 2008/101/EC

Versione italiana

English version

E-001699/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: ‘Social tailoring’ project

Versione italiana

English version

E-001712/12 by Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: Funds for environmental restoration

Versione italiana

English version

E-001721/12 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Centralised Temporary Storage (ATC) of nuclear waste in Villar de Cañas (Cuenca)

Versión española

English version

E-001738/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Aid to the Middle East and North Africa

English version

E-001745/12 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Cross-border partnerships — violence against women and children

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001759/12 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: House purchase by Commissioner De Gucht

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-001762/12 by Giovanni La Via to the Commission

Subject: Values to be adhered to for sugar-acid ratios of ‘Red orange of Sicily PGI’

Versione italiana

English version

E-001772/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Greek fence on the border with Turkey

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-001794/12 by Spyros Danellis to the Commission

Subject: Reliability of Corporate Social Responsibility data

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001835/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Undermining European solidarity

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-002139/12 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: The Schmallenberg virus

Version française

English version

E-001855/12 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Schmallenberg virus

English version

P-001867/12 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: Hydraulic fracturing

English version

E-001872/12 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: Hydraulic Fracturing

English version

E-001887/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Smuggling on the EU's eastern borders

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-001905/12 by Cătălin Sorin Ivan to the Commission

Subject: Discriminatory attitudes — PVV

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001931/12 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Volatile agricultural prices

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-001932/12 by Michael Cashman, Ulrike Lunacek, Sophia in 't Veld, Raül Romeva i Rueda and Sirpa Pietikäinen to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Discriminatory treatment of EU delegation staff in same-sex relationships

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-002000/12 by Michael Cashman, Ulrike Lunacek, Sophia in 't Veld, Raül Romeva i Rueda and Sirpa Pietikäinen to the Commission

Subject: Discriminatory treatment of EU delegation staff in same-sex relationships

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-001941/12 by Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against Poles in the Netherlands

Wersja polska

English version

E-001943/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Projects funded in Andalusia by the EIB

Versión española

English version

E-001944/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Pesticides

Versión española

English version

E-001945/12 by Markus Pieper to the Commission

Subject: Labour market participation among women — policies in Germany

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-001946/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: EU sport funding 2012-2013

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-001947/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Broadening of the tax base in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001948/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Motion to impose a special consumption tax on Greek wines

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001949/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: New Greek memorandum — provisions for cuts to supplementary pensions

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-001950/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Greek memorandum and critical network infrastructures

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000325/12

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(19 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Daños causados por explotaciones mineras a cielo abierto

Como consecuencia de una denuncia presentada por la Comisión Europea, el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea ha condenado al Reino de España por incumplir la normativa de protección ambiental y autorizar explotaciones mineras a cielo abierto, muy agresivas, en espacios catalogados como lugar de interés comunitario y zona de especial protección para las aves (sentencia del pasado 24 de noviembre de 2011).

Sin embargo, las primeras declaraciones de las autoridades competentes y de la empresa revelan los escasos efectos de la sentencia, pues pretenden tramitar un nuevo plan de explotaciones a cielo abierto 2010-2020, con una evaluación estratégica, a pesar de que los daños ya han sido causados y el plan contempla nuevas cortas adyacentes a las que han sido objeto de la sentencia.

1. ¿Qué medidas de vigilancia piensa adoptar la Comisión para garantizar el cumplimiento de la sentencia?

2. ¿Qué plazo va a otorgar la Comisión a la autoridad competente para que ordene la restauración ambiental del entorno dañado e imponga a la empresa la adopción de las medidas compensatorias que deberían haberse ejecutado desde 2004?

3. ¿Piensa la Comisión iniciar un procedimiento para determinar, además de la restauración, la cuantía de la indemnización de los daños y perjuicios que deberían satisfacer la Administración infractora y la empresa a los vecinos del entorno?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(24 de febrero de 2012)

La Comisión ha pedido a las autoridades españolas que la informen de las medidas adoptadas y aplicadas, o que tengan aún que adoptar y aplicar, a fin de dar cumplimiento al tenor de la sentencia (1).

La Comisión también ha preguntado a las autoridades sobre el calendario, los hitos y el coste presupuestario del plan de acción proyectado para ejecutar la sentencia del Tribunal.

La Comisión supervisará la plena ejecución de la sentencia del Tribunal y no dudará en tomar las medidas necesarias en caso de que se presenten pruebas relacionadas con el incumplimiento de la sentencia mencionada.

La Comisión recuerda que la duración orientativa de los procedimientos dirigidos a garantizar la ejecución de una sentencia anterior del Tribunal (incluida, cuando sea necesaria, una recuperación del medio ambiente proporcional a la pérdida o daños sufridos) debe oscilar, por término medio, entre 12 y 24 meses (2). Esto no excluye que circunstancias específicas (3) puedan justificar, en casos excepcionales, una duración de procedimiento más larga. Tampoco va en contra del deseo de la Comisión de que se proceda al pleno cumplimiento por parte de los Estados miembros lo más rápidamente posible.

La Comisión hace hincapié en que cada Estado miembro está obligado a reparar los daños causados a los particulares por las infracciones del Derecho comunitario que le sean imputables.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000325/12

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(19 January 2012)

Subject: Damage caused by open-cast mining

As a consequence of a report presented by the European Commission, the European Court of Justice has ruled against the Kingdom of Spain for not complying with environmental protection legislation and authorising open-cast mining, on a very large scale, in areas designated as sites of Community importance and special protection areas for birds (ruling of 24 November 2011).

Nonetheless, the first statements from the relevant authorities and the company show the weak effects of the ruling, since they have a new open-cast mining plan 2010-2020, with a strategic assessment, even though the damage has already been done and the plan contemplates new cuts adjacent to those that were the subject of the ruling.

1. What monitoring measures is the Commission considering adopting, in order to guarantee compliance with the ruling?

2. What deadline will the Commission set for the relevant authority to order the environmental restoration of the damaged area and force the company to adopt the compensatory measures that it should have carried out since 2004?

3. Is the Commission considering launching a procedure to determine, on top of the restoration, the amount of compensation for the damage and harm caused to be paid to local residents by the administration and company at fault?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(24 February 2012)

The Commission has asked the Spanish authorities to be informed of the measures taken or still to be taken and implemented in order to comply with the terms of the judgment (4).

The Commission has also enquired the authorities about the calendar, milestones and budgetary cost of the envisaged action plan to execute the Court ruling.

The Commission will monitor the full implementation of the Court judgment and will not hesitate to take the necessary steps should evidence be produced in relation to lack of compliance with the referred ruling.

The Commission recalls that the indicative duration in proceedings to ensure implementation (including, where necessary, proportionate environmental restoration with the loss or damage sustained) of an earlier judgment of the Court should be on average between 12 and 24 months (5). This does not exclude the possibility that a procedure might, exceptionally, take longer when warranted by specific circumstances (6). Nor does it stand in the way of the Commission's desire to seek the swiftest possible compliance by Member States.

The Commission underlines that the Member States are obliged to make good loss and damage caused to individuals by breaches of Community law for which they can be held responsible.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000705/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Data protection for EU citizens and public health research

‘Whereas Member States must also be authorised, when justified by grounds of important public interest, to derogate from the prohibition on processing sensitive categories of data where important reasons of public interest so justify in areas such as public health and social protection — especially in order to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of the procedures used for settling claims for benefits and services in the health insurance system — scientific research and government statistics; whereas it is incumbent on them, however, to provide specific and suitable safeguards so as to protect the fundamental rights and the privacy of individuals;’

1. Does the Commission have any measures in place to protect the rights of citizens concerning data sharing whilst also furthering the cause of European public health research?

2. Are there any further plans to provide Member States with funding concerning essential public health research programmes?

3. Is the Commission aware that a number of cancer organisations across Europe are concerned that increased harmonisation of data protection will prove counterproductive in the area of public health research?

4. Has the Commission considered the implications that further data protection measures will have regarding the implementation of research programmes whilst also complying with complex data protection procedures?

5. Does the Commission have any plans to propose further research programmes in the area of cancer research?

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

(2 March 2012)

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU recognises protection of personal data as a fundamental right of the citizen. The measures to protect the rights of the citizen regarding data protection are established by the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC (7). The Commission's proposal for Data Protection Reform, published on 25 January 2012 (8), clarifies the principles established in the current Directive 95/46/EC and underlines that privacy rights will be adequately protected in the future in view of rapid technological developments.

Member States have implemented the current Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC differently, resulting in divergences in enforcement which create complexity, legal uncertainty and administrative costs. The proposed regulation will decrease the fragmentation by establishing a single set of rules valid across the EU. The proposed regulation includes specific provisions for processing personal data for scientific research which will apply also in public health research. Increasing legal certainty and clarity on applicable rules are expected to have positive implications on public health and research.

Public health research is an integral part of the Commission's ongoing 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013). Likewise, cancer research has been a constant research priority throughout FP7. The Commission's proposal for Horizon 2020, presented on 30 November 2011, foresees continued support for both public health and cancer research.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-000709/12

à la Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(30 janvier 2012)

Objet: Assimilation de l'activité de sapeur-pompier volontaire à un travailleur

Parmi les 2,5 millions de pompiers en Europe, 2 millions sont des volontaires, ayant fait le choix, souvent en parallèle de leur métier, de se mettre à la disposition des forces de sécurité civile.

Les arrêts de la CJUE et le projet de révision de la directive de 2003 sur le temps de travail font toutefois planer une menace sur la possibilité pour les sapeurs-pompiers volontaires de concilier activité professionnelle et volontariat aux côtés des soldats du feu de métier.

En assimilant les pompiers volontaires à des travailleurs, la Commission reconnaît le rôle éminent qu'ils jouent dans la sécurité des Européens. Mais imposer des conditions excessives, notamment en termes de mobilisation des volontaires, représente un obstacle majeur à la bonne organisation des activités de secours et à la garantie de disposer d'effectifs suffisants pour intervenir en urgence.

Selon le programme de travail de la Commission, le projet de directive sur le temps de travail sera à nouveau discuté au sein du Parlement européen au cours du premier semestre 2012.

La Commission conditionne depuis plusieurs années l'assimilation des sapeurs-pompiers volontaires à des travailleurs à des études d'impact et à des consultations avec les partenaires sociaux. L'ensemble des sapeurs-pompiers professionnels et volontaires s'inquiète de ce qu'une assimilation marque la fin du volontariat et provoque une baisse significative et alarmante des effectifs des forces de protection civile et va à rebours des législations nationales en la matière.

1. À la lumière des études d'impact et des discussions menées par la Commission, cette dernière a-t-elle toujours l'intention d'intégrer dans sa proposition de directive une assimilation des sapeurs-pompiers volontaires à des travailleurs?

2. La Commission envisage-t-elle de proposer un régime spécifique ou dérogatoire au bénéfice des pompiers volontaires, afin de tenir compte des particularités évidentes de cette activité et du besoin du corps des sapeurs-pompiers de pouvoir compter sur des volontaires?

Réponse donnée par M. Andor au nom de la Commission

(21 février 2012)

La Commission est pleinement consciente de l'importance des pompiers volontaires, qui dans de nombreux États membres, et en particulier dans les zones rurales, assurent aux citoyens des services d'urgence étendus.

Comme il ressort de sa communication de 2010 (9) relative à la révision de la directive sur le temps de travail (10), la Commission estime qu'il faut accorder une attention particulière à la situation des pompiers volontaires. Les exclure du champ d'application de la réglementation européenne sur le temps de travail serait, selon elle, inapproprié au regard, notamment, de l'article 31 de la Charte des droits fondamentaux de l'Union européenne. Mais d'autres solutions, qui tiennent dûment compte de la spécificité de cette activité tout en assurant la sécurité et la protection de la santé des volontaires, sont envisageables.

La Commission tient à rappeler que le 15 novembre 2011, les principaux partenaires sociaux intersectoriels au niveau européen ont décidé d'engager des négociations sur cette révision, conformément à l'article 154, paragraphe 4, du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne. Leur objectif est de parvenir à un accord qui pourrait être mis en œuvre par une décision du Conseil en application de l'article 155 du traité. Pour ne pas s'ingérer dans les négociations des partenaires sociaux, la Commission s'abstiendra de présenter une proposition de modification de la réglementation pendant la durée prévue par le traité pour lesdites négociations.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-000709/12

to the Commission

Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Classification of volunteer firefighters' activities as an occupation

Of the 2.5 million firemen in Europe, 2 million are voluntary, having chosen to make themselves available to the public safety forces, often in parallel to their careers.

However, CJEU judgments and the draft revision of the 2003 Working Time Directive threaten the ability of volunteer firefighters to reconcile their working lives with the voluntary work they do alongside professional firefighters.

By classifying voluntary firefighters’ activities as an occupation, the Commission is acknowledging the important role they play in Europeans’ safety. However, imposing excessive conditions, particularly relating to the mobilisation of volunteers, represents a major obstacle to the sound organisation of rescue activities and to ensuring that there are enough firefighters to respond to emergencies.

According to the Commission’s timetable, the draft of the Working Time Directive will be debated again in the European Parliament during the first half of 2012.

For several years, the Commission has made the classification of voluntary firefighters’ activities as an occupation dependent on the outcome of impact assessments and consultations with social partners. Professional and voluntary firefighters are all concerned that such classification will spell an end to volunteering and lead to a significant and alarming drop in numbers in civil protection forces; it also runs counter to national legislation on this issue.

1. In light of the impact assessments and debates undertaken by the Commission, does it still intend to include the classification of voluntary firefighters’ activities as an occupation in its proposal for a directive?

2. Does the Commission envisage proposing a specific or opt-out scheme for the benefit of voluntary firemen in order to take account of the clear specificities of this activity and of the need for the fire service to be able to count on its volunteers?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 February 2012)

The Commission is fully aware of the importance of volunteer firefighters in providing comprehensive emergency services to citizens in many Member States, particularly in rural areas.

As it indicated in its 2010 communication (11) on the review of the Working Time Directive (12), the Commission sees a need to give particular consideration to the situation of volunteer firefighters. Excluding them from the scope of EU working-time rules would, in its view, be inappropriate, having regard in particular to Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. However, other solutions that both take the special characteristics of this activity suitably into account and ensure proper protection of volunteers' health and safety are possible.

The Commission would point out that the main cross-sectoral social partners at European level decided on 15 November 2011 to open negotiations on the review, as they are entitled to do under Article 154(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Their objective is to reach an agreement which could be implemented by means of a Council decision under Article 155 TFEU. Out of respect for the autonomy of the social partners' negotiations, the Commission will abstain from putting forward a proposal to amend the legislation during the period provided for under the Treaty for their negotiations.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000729/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(31 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Financiación de la Red Natura 2000

En virtud de la Directiva 1992/43/CEE, los Estados Miembros deben determinar los hábitats de especies que figuran en el Anexo II, a la vez que garantizar el mantenimiento o, en su caso, el restablecimiento, en un estado de conservación favorable, de los tipos de hábitats naturales y de los hábitats de las especies de que se trate en su área de distribución natural.

Teniendo en cuenta el artículo 192.4 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea —en su versión consolidada publicada en el Diario Oficial de la Unión Europea de 30 de marzo de 2010— que dice: «Sin perjuicio de determinadas medidas adoptadas por la Unión, los Estados miembros tendrán a su cargo la financiación y la ejecución de la política en materia de medio ambiente.»

Visto el artículo 8 de la Directiva Hábitats 1992/43, en particular los puntos 8.2 y 8.3,

A la luz de lo anterior,

¿Puede la Comisión indicar a quien corresponde hacerse cargo de la financiación necesaria para el mantenimiento de la Red Natura 2000, una vez que dicha financiación ha sido evaluada por la Comisión, habida cuenta del artículo 192.4 antes mencionado?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000731/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(31 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Evaluación financiación Red Natura 2000

La Directiva Hábitats 1992/43/CEE, de conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres, crea una red ecológica europea de zonas especiales de conservación, denominada «Red Natura 2000». En virtud de ella, los Estados miembros deben determinar los hábitats de especies que figuran en el Anexo II, a la vez que garantizar el mantenimiento o, en su caso, el restablecimiento, en un estado de conservación favorable, de los tipos de hábitats naturales y de los hábitats de las especies de que se trate en su área de distribución natural.

Visto el artículo 8 de la Directiva Hábitats 1992/43/CEE, en particular los puntos 8.2 y 8.3, y en el supuesto que un Estado miembro no haya propuesto la evaluación de la financiación de un espacio concreto de la Red Natura 2000,

Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de marzo de 2012)

La responsabilidad de la financiación de la Red Natura 2000 recae fundamentalmente en los Estados miembros. No obstante, el artículo 8 de la Directiva 92/43/CEE (13) contempla efectivamente la cofinanciación por parte de la Unión Europea de determinadas medidas, una vez los lugares han sido designados zonas especiales de conservación. Sobre la base de las propuestas de la Comisión, se han ofrecido posibilidades de cofinanciación en el marco de cada uno de los fondos de la UE pertinentes. Por lo tanto, corresponde a los Estados miembros hacer uso de estos fondos para llevar a cabo las medidas de conservación en las zonas Natura 2000. Las condiciones de admisibilidad para beneficiarse de los diferentes fondos son las que establecen las normas específicas de cada fondo y, en el caso de los grandes fondos sectoriales, los Estados miembros definen sus programas y, dentro de ellos, el apoyo que se da a Natura 2000.

La nueva estrategia de financiación para la Red Natura 2000 se recoge en un reciente documento de trabajo de los servicios de la Comisión (14) sobre la financiación de Natura 2000. Con vistas al próximo marco de financiación plurianual, la Comisión está colaborando estrechamente con los Estados miembros para desarrollar marcos de acción prioritaria, tal como prevé el artículo 8 de la Directiva 92/43/CEE. Su objetivo es actuar como instrumentos de planificación para reforzar la integración de la financiación de Natura 2000 en la utilización de los instrumentos financieros pertinentes de la UE.

El acceso a los distintos fondos está determinado por las normas que rigen cada uno de ellos. Los principales fondos sectoriales son gestionados a través de las autoridades competentes de los Estados miembros. Desde septiembre de 2007 está abierta la posibilidad de presentar solicitudes en relación con el Reglamento LIFE+. El hecho de que un Estado miembro no haya aprovechado las posibilidades de utilización de la cofinanciación de la UE en relación con Natura 2000 no puede aducirse como motivo para incumplir los objetivos de adopción de las necesarias medidas de conservación para las zonas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000729/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Financing of the Natura 2000 network

Under Directive 1992/43/EEC, Member States should determine the habitats of the species listed in Annex II while ensuring that natural habitats and species habitats are maintained or, where necessary, restored to a favourable conservation status in their natural range.

Article 192(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in its consolidated version as published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 30 March 2010 states:

‘Without prejudice to certain measures adopted by the Union, the Member States shall finance and implement the environment policy’.

Bearing in mind Article 8 of the Habitats Directive 1992/43/EEC, specifically paragraphs 2 and 3 and in the light of the above, can the Commission indicate who is responsible for ensuring the funding required to maintain the Natura 2000 network once that funding has been assessed by the Commission, taking into account Article 192(4) of the Treaty?

Question for written answer E-000731/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Financial assessment of the Natura 2000 network

The Habitats Directive 1992/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, created a European ecological network of special conservation areas known as the ‘Natura 2000 network’. Under it, Member States are to determine the habitats of species listed in Annex II, while ensuring the maintenance or, where appropriate, the restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of natural habitat types and habitats of the species concerned in their natural range.

In view of Article 8 of the Habitats Directive 1992/43/EEC, in particular paragraphs 2 and 3, and in the event that a Member State has not proposed a financial assessment of a specific Natura 2000 network area,

Joint answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

The main responsibility for financing Natura 2000 lies with the Member States. However, Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC (15) does provide for EU co-financing of certain measures once the sites have been designated as special areas of conservation. On the basis of Community proposals co‐financing opportunities have been provided under each of the relevant EU funds. It is for the Member States to fully avail themselves of these funds for delivering the conservation measures for the Natura 2000 sites. Eligibility for using different funds is governed by the specific rules of each fund and for the major sectoral funds, Member States define their programmes and within them how Natura 2000 is supported.

The new funding strategy for Natura 2000 is set out in a recent Commission staff working paper (16) on financing Natura 2000. For the next multiannual financial framework the Commission is working closely with the Member States on the development of prioritized action frameworks, foreseen under Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC. These are intended to act as planning tools to strengthen the integration of Natura 2000 financing into the use of relevant EU financial instruments.

Access to the relevant funds is determined by the rules governing each of the funds. The main sectoral funds are managed via competent authorities in the Member States. The LIFE+ Regulation has been open to applications since September 2007. A failure of a Member State to avail itself of the opportunities to use EU co-financing for Natura 2000 cannot be used as a basis for it not meeting the objectives of putting in place the necessary conservation measures for the sites.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000755/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αντίμετρα της Τουρκίας στη Γαλλία

Μετά την έγκριση από τη γαλλική γερουσία του νομοσχεδίου που ποινικοποιεί την αμφισβήτηση της γενοκτονίας των Αρμενίων στα πρότυπα της γενοκτονίας των Εβραίων, η Τουρκία, κατά δήλωση πολιτικών ηγετών της αναμένεται να θέσει αντίμετρα για «να τιμωρήσει τη Γαλλία».

Η τουρκική στάση προκαλεί την αντίδραση της αρμενικής διασποράς και όλων των υπεύθυνων κρατών που γνωρίζουν τα ιστορικά γεγονότα.

Επιπλέον, τα αντίμετρα πρόκειται να έχουν αρνητικά αποτελέσματα στα σύνολο της ευρωπαϊκής αγοράς με την οποία η Τουρκία ενώνεται τελωνειακά, δεσμευόμενη για την αποφυγή μέτρων εμπορικών διακρίσεων.

Παράλληλα, εξετάζεται η εξαίρεση των εταιρειών γαλλικών συμφερόντων από τα δημόσια έργα, σύμφωνα με την τουρκική εφημερίδα Zaman.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Κοινή απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Μαρτίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος στην απόφαση 2012-647 DC της 28ης Φεβρουαρίου 2012 του γαλλικού συνταγματικού δικαστηρίου, η οποία ακυρώνει το εν λόγω μέτρο.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000925/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(2 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Relația bilaterală Turcia — UE

În urma unei decizii adoptate de Parlamentul francez privind recunoașterea faptului că aproximativ 1,5 milioane de creștini armeni au fost uciși de turci în timpul Primului Război Mondial, Turcia a suspendat relațiile militare, economice și politice cu Franța, stat membru al UE, amenințând chiar cu „măsuri punitive”. Comisia este rugată să precizeze cum va aborda acest subiect în relația bilaterală cu Turcia, stat candidat la aderarea la UE.

Răspuns comun dat de dl Füle în numele Comisiei

(16 martie 2012)

Comisia face trimitere la Decizia 2012-647 DC din 28 februarie 2012 a Curții Constituționale, franceze, prin care se anulează măsura în cauză.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000755/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Turkish retaliation against France

The French Senate has passed a bill outlawing the denial of the Armenian genocide, along the lines of the Jewish Holocaust. Following this development, Turkey, according to a statement by its political leaders, is expected to take countermeasures ‘in order to punish France’.

The Turkish position invites a reaction from the Armenian diaspora and all responsible states that recognise the historical facts of the care.

In addition, such countermeasures would have an adverse effect on the entire European market, which has a customs union with Turkey and is committed to the prevention of trade discrimination.

Moreover, according to the Turkish newspaper Zaman, companies with French interests may be excluded from public contracts.

In view of this:

Question for written answer E-000925/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(2 February 2012)

Subject: EU‐Turkey bilateral relations

Following the decision adopted by the French parliament regarding the recognition of the fact that approximately 1.5 million Armenian Christians were killed by Turks during the First World War, Turkey has suspended military, economic and political relations with France, a Member State of the EU, even threatening ‘punitive measures’. Can the Commission specify how it will address this subject within the bilateral relationship with Turkey, an EU membership candidate?

Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2012)

The Commission refers the Honourable Members to Decision 2012-647 DC of 28 February 2012 of the French Constitutional Court, which annuls the measure in question.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000761/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Πολιτική για τη μείωση των αυτοκτονιών

Ανησυχητικά είναι τα στοιχεία που διαβιβάστηκαν σήμερα από την Ελληνική Αστυνομία στη Βουλή και αφορούν τις αυτοκτονίες (τετελεσμένες και απόπειρες), για την τριετία 2009-2011 (2009 έως και 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2011) στην Ελλάδα.

Συνολικά κατά την τριετία, οι τελεσθείσες αυτοκτονίες ή απόπειρες αυτοκτονίας ανήλθαν σε 1 727. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, το 2009 τα κρούσματα αυτοκτονιών (τετελεσμένες και απόπειρες) ανήλθαν σε 507, ενώ το 2010 παρουσίασαν σημαντική αύξηση, της τάξης του 22.5 %, φθάνοντας τις 622, για να παραμείνουν περίπου στο ίδιο επίπεδο το 2011, καθώς με βάση τα διαθέσιμα στοιχεία της Ελληνικής Αστυνομίας τα άτομα που έθεσαν ή αποπειράθηκαν να θέσουν τέλος στη ζωή τους είχαν ανέλθει, έως τις 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2011, σε 598.

Όπως επισημαίνεται, οι αυτοκτονίες μπορούν να αποφευχθούν και τονίζεται ότι δεν πρέπει να συνδέονται απόλυτα με την οικονομική κρίση. «Αν και οι αυξητικές τάσεις αυτοκτονίας σχετίζονται με την οικονομική κρίση, δεν πρέπει να ταυτιστούν με αυτή, γιατί τότε περισσότεροι άνθρωποι που αντιμετωπίζουν οικονομικά προβλήματα θα οδηγηθούν σε αυτοκτονία» και στη συνέχεια: «Η αυτοκτονία μπορεί να προληφθεί, δεν είναι μια μοιραία κατάληξη, αρκεί να ζητηθεί βοήθεια. Ο φόβος του να ζητήσεις βοήθεια είναι που σκοτώνει».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Dalli εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Μαρτίου 2012)

Τα στοιχεία σχετικά με τις αυτοκτονίες που συγκέντρωσε η Eurostat παρουσιάζουν αύξηση των αυτοκτονιών κατά 4,0 % στα 27 κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ μεταξύ του 2007 και του 2009 (το τελευταίο έτος για το οποίο διατίθενται στοιχεία για τα περισσότερα κράτη μέλη). Στη διάρκεια αυτής της περιόδου τα ποσοστά των αυτοκτονιών αυξήθηκαν κατά άνω του 10 % σε εννέα κράτη μέλη, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Ελλάδας, στην οποία σημειώθηκε αύξηση 15,4 %. Στην ίδια περίοδο το ποσοστό αυτοκτονιών μειώθηκε σε τρία κράτη μέλη (Bουλγαρία, Λουξεμβούργο και Αυστρία). Τα στοιχεία για το 2010 διατίθενται μέχρι σήμερα μόνον για πέντε κράτη μέλη. Τέσσερα από αυτά κοινοποίησαν ελαφρές μειώσεις.

Οι αυτοκτονίες οφείλονται σε μια σειρά διαφόρων αιτιών και οι κοινωνικοοικονομικές εξελίξεις εντοπίστηκαν από την έρευνα ως βασικός παράγοντας. Ενώ η πρόληψη της αυτοκτονίας είναι ένα θέμα που εμπίπτει στην αρμοδιότητα των κρατών μελών, οι εργασίες στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμφώνου για την Ψυχική Υγεία και την Ευημερία, ιδίως όσον αφορά την ανταλλαγή εμπειριών μεταξύ των κρατών μελών σχετικά με την κατάθλιψη, μπορούν να βοηθήσουν την εθνική δράση για την πρόληψη των αυτοκτονιών.

Επιπλέον, το πρόγραμμα υγείας συγχρηματοδοτεί το σχέδιο «Πρόληψη των αυτοκτονιών μέσω διαδικτύου και προώθηση της ψυχικής υγείας μέσω των μέσων μαζικής επικοινωνίας (SUPREME)» από το 2010 έως το 2013. Tο 7ο πρόγραμμα πλαίσιο για έρευνα και τεχνολογική ανάπτυξη (2007-2013) χρηματοδοτεί τρία σχέδια: «Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE)» (2009-2011) (Σωτηρία και υποστήριξη της ζωής των νέων στην Ευρώπη), «Optimising Suicide Prevention Programs and their Implementation (OSPI-Europe)» (2008-2012) (Βελτίωση των προγραμμάτων για την πρόληψη των αυτοκτονιών και της εκτέλεσής τους), και «Suicidality: Treatment Occurring in Paediatrics (STOP)» (2010-2014) (Τάση προς αυτοκτονία: θεραπεία που παρέχεται από την παιδιατρική).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000761/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Measures to reduce suicides

Worrying data has been released today by the Greek Police to the Parliament regarding suicides (and attempted suicides) for the 2009-2011 period (2009 until 10 December 2011) in Greece.

In total, over the three-year period, there were 1 727 suicides or attempted suicides. More specifically, in 2009, there were 507 suicides or attempted suicides, while in 2010 there was a significant increase by 22.5% to 622 cases. The figure remained more or less at the same level in 2011 — according to figures from the Greek Police recorded up to 10 December 2011, there were 598 cases of persons taking their own lives or attempting to do so.

The report points out that suicides can be prevented and emphasises that they should not be inseparably linked with the economic crisis. It goes on to say that ‘although the rising rates of suicides are related to the economic crisis, they should not be identified with it, since this could drive more people facing financial problems to suicide’ and that ‘suicide can be prevented, it is not an inevitable outcome — it is enough to ask for help. The fear of asking for help is what kills.’

I would like to ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2012)

Data on suicide collected by Eurostat indicates an increase of suicides by 4.0 % in the 27 EU Member States between 2007 and 2009 (the latest year for which data is available for most Member States). During this period, suicide rates increased by more than 10 % in nine Member States, including Greece, which registered an increase of 15.4 %. In the same period the suicide rate fell in three Member States (Bulgaria, Luxembourg and Austria). Data for 2010 is so far only available for five Member States. Four of these reported slight decreases.

Suicide is driven by a range of different causes, and socioeconomic developments were identified by research as a key factor. While preventing suicide is an issue falling under the responsibility of Member States, work under the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being in particular as regards exchange between Member States on depression can help support national action in suicide prevention.

Furthermore, the Health Programme is co-funding the project ‘Suicide Prevention by Internet and Media-based Mental Health Promotion (SUPREME)’ from 2010 to 2013. The 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological development (2007-2013) is funding three projects: ‘Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE)’ (2009-2011), ‘Optimising Suicide Prevention Programs and their Implementation (OSPI-Europe)’ (2008-2012), and ‘Suicidality: Treatment Occurring in Paediatrics (STOP)’ (2010-2014).

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000770/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(31 ianuarie 2012)

Subiect: Speculații cu cereale

Anul 2009 — 2010 a fost un an slab pentru producția de grâu, prețul a ajuns și la 1,1 Ron/ kg. Anul 2011 a adus o recoltă de grâu semnificativ mai bună, iar prețul la grâu a coborât până la 0,6 — 0,7 Ron/kg. Marii traderi de cereale au blocat piața grâului în așteptarea creșterii prețului grâului la nivelul anului 2010 — începutul anului 2011. Comisia este rugată să informeze Parlamentul care sunt strategiile avute în vedere pentru limitarea efectelor speculei în domeniul cerealelor.

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(28 februarie 2012)

Comisia Europeană monitorizează în permanență situația prețurilor la cereale atât pe piețele UE, cât și pe piețele internaționale. Buna funcționare a piețelor de mărfuri agricole și de instrumente derivate pe mărfuri este o prioritate pentru Comisia Europeană.

La nivel european, Comisia Europeană urmărește creșterea transparenței piețelor agricole prin publicarea următoarelor: prețurile principalelor mărfuri agricole și alimente în UE (17), perspectivele pe termen mediu pe piețele agricole ale UE (18), perspectivele pe termen scurt pentru principalele mărfuri (19) și, în fine, actualizări lunare ale bilanțului pentru cereale din anul de comercializare în curs și estimările privind producția (20). În plus, Comisia Europeană a adoptat o serie de propuneri legislative care vizează creșterea transparenței și integrității și îmbunătățirea funcționării piețelor de instrumente derivate pe mărfuri și a piețelor spot. Pentru informații suplimentare, distinsul membru poate consulta ultimele răspunsuri ale Comisiei la întrebările cu solicitare de răspuns scris (21).

La nivel internațional, UE s-a angajat să contribuie la procesul G20, convenit în cadrul summitului de la Pittsburgh, de a îmbunătăți reglementarea, funcționarea și transparența piețelor financiare și de mărfuri pentru a contracara volatilitatea excesivă a prețurilor mărfurilor (22). Acestei priorități i s-a dat deja curs prin lansarea sistemului de informații privind piața agricolă, UE fiind membru cu drepturi depline al acestui sistem, al cărui scop este publicarea periodică de informații de pe piețele de produse agricole (producție, consum, comerț, stocuri) pentru 4 produse — grâu, porumb, orez și soia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000770/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Speculation in the cereals sector

2009‐10 was a weak year for wheat production, the price of wheat in Romania reaching 1.1 RON/kg. 2011 brought a significantly improved wheat harvest, but the price of wheat was reduced to 0.6‐0.7 RON/kg. Large cereal traders have blocked the cereal market in the expectation that the price of wheat will rise to the level of 2010/early 2011. Can the Commission inform Parliament of the strategies that are envisaged in order to contain the effects of speculation in the cereal domain?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2012)

The European Commission constantly monitors the cereal price situation in both the EU and international markets. The good functioning of agricultural commodity and commodity derivatives markets is a priority for the European Commission.

At European level, the European Commission aims to enhance the transparency of agricultural markets by publishing the following: the main EU agricultural commodity and food prices (23), the medium-term prospects for EU agricultural markets (24), the short-term outlook for the main commodities (25), and finally the monthly updates of the current marketing year cereals balance sheet and production estimates (26). Moreover, the European Commission has adopted several legislative proposals meant to bring more transparency, enhance integrity and improve the functioning of both commodity derivatives markets and underlying spot markets. For further information, the Honourable Member is referred to recent Commission replies to Written Questions (27).

At international level, the EU has committed itself to the G20 process which agreed at the Pittsburgh summit ‘to improve the regulation, functioning and transparency of financial and commodity markets to address excessive commodity price volatility’ (28). This priority has already been taken forward by the launch of the Agricultural Market Information System of which EU is a full member and whose goal is the publication of agricultural market information (production, consumption, trade, stocks) of four crops — wheat, maize, rice and soybeans — on a regular basis.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000772/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(31 ianuarie 2012)

Subiect: Regulamentul privind identificarea electronică a ovinelor

Regulamentul privind identificarea electronică a ovinelor a intrat în vigoare la 1 ianuarie 2010. În luna iulie 2012 va intra în vigoare obligația de a monitoriza mișcările individuale ale animalelor. Ținând cont de costurile ridicate ale demersurilor necesare, în contextul situației economice existente la nivel mondial și în special la nivelul statelor nou intrate în UE, având în vedere necesitatea de a acorda posibilitatea de consolidare a organizațiilor profesionale din domeniu, având în vedere lipsa de fiabilitate a actualelor dispozitive de identificare, Comisia este rugată să prezinte un punct de vedere cu privire la o eventuală amânare a punerii în aplicare a regulamentului.

Răspuns dat de dl Dalli în numele Comisiei

(6 martie 2012)

Comisia recomandă distinsului membru să consulte răspunsul său la întrebările scrise E-008752/2010 — E-008764/2010 (29).

Pentru a facilita și mai mult implementarea progresivă a identificării electronice a ovinelor și pentru a reduce sarcina administrativă asupra agricultorilor, Comisia a adoptat Regulamentul de punere în aplicare (UE) nr. 45/2012 al Comisiei din 19 ianuarie 2012 de modificare a anexei la Regulamentul (CE) nr. 21/2004 al Consiliului în ceea ce privește conținutul documentelor de circulație (30).

Regulamentul de punere în aplicare menționat anterior prevede o amânare până la 31 decembrie 2014 a datei de intrare în vigoare a obligației de a înregistra codul individual de identificare în documentul de circulație pentru animalele născute înainte de 1 ianuarie 2010 și pentru deplasările altele decât către un abator. Noile dispoziții sunt aplicabile începând cu 1 ianuarie 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000772/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Regulation governing the electronic identification of ovine animals

The regulation governing the electronic identification of ovine animals came into force on 1 January 2010. In July 2012, the obligation to monitor the individual movement of animals will come into force. Taking into account the high cost of the necessary measures, in the context of the economic situation existing worldwide and particularly in the new Member States of the EU, as well as the need to offer the possibility of consolidating the professional organisations in this domain and the lack of viability of the current identification devices, can the Commission state its position with regard to a possible postponement of the application of the regulation?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written questions E‐008752/2010 to E‐008764/2010 (31).

In order to further facilitate the gradual implementation of electronic identification in sheep and to reduce the administrative burden on the farmers, the Commission adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 45/2012 of 19 January 2012 amending the annex to Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 as regards the content of the movement documents (32).

The abovementioned Implementing Regulation provides for a postponement until 31 December 2014 of the date of entry into force of the obligation to record the individual identification code in the movement document for animals born before 1 January 2010 and for movements other than to a slaughterhouse. The new provisions are applicable since 1 January 2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-000785/12

an die Kommission

Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE)

(31. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Zugangssperren durch Internetprovider

Internetprovider innerhalb des EU-Binnenmarktes können durch Unterlassungsansprüche von Rechtsinhabern zum Sperren von Internetzugängen sowie von Webseiten gedrängt werden.

Dies geht aus dem Beschluss C-557/07 des Gerichtshofs der Europäischen Union hervor, der Internetprovider als „Mittelspersonen/Vermittler“ bezeichnet und somit für gerichtliche Anordnungen angreifbar macht.

In der Richtlinie 2004/48/EG sowie in der Richtlinie 2001/29/EG ist normiert, dass gegen „Mittelspersonen/Vermittler“ gerichtliche Anordnungen beantragt werden können. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird die Kommission gebeten, folgende Fragen zu beantworten:

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(24. Februar 2012)

Gemäß der Richtlinie 2000/31/EG sind die Anbieter von Internetzugangsdiensten unter bestimmten Bedingungen von der Haftung freigestellt. Kürzlich hat die Kommission eine Mitteilung sowie eine Arbeitsunterlage der Kommissionsdienststellen angenommen, anhand derer die Frau Abgeordnete sich einen Überblick über die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen in den einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten verschaffen kann (33). Die Frage der generellen Regelung der Haftung der Diensteanbieter in der Informationsgesellschaft ist von der Frage gerichtlicher Anordnungen gegenüber Vermittlern zu trennen, deren Dienste von Dritten zur Verletzung von Rechten des geistigen Eigentums genutzt werden.

Die Bestimmungen der Richtlinien 2001/29/EG und 2004/48/EG in Bezug auf gerichtliche Anordnungen wurden von den Mitgliedstaaten in nationales Recht umgesetzt. Derzeit wird die Anwendung der Richtlinie 2004/48/EG, insbesondere die Frage der Anwendung und der Folgen gerichtlicher Anordnungen gegenüber Vermittlern, geprüft. Gegebenenfalls könnte noch 2012 ein Vorschlag für eine Änderung der Richtlinie 2004/48/EG vorgelegt werden. Zuvor würde jedoch in jedem Fall eine Folgenabschätzung vorgenommen. Hierbei wird die Kommission die Rechtsprechung des Gerichtshofes berücksichtigen, insbesondere das Erfordernis der Gewährleistung eines angemessenen Gleichgewichts zwischen dem Schutz der Rechte des geistigen Eigentums einerseits und dem Schutz der unternehmerischen Freiheit, des Rechts auf den Schutz personenbezogener Daten und des Rechts auf freien Empfang oder freie Sendung von Informationen andererseits (34).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-000785/12

to the Commission

Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Blocking of access by Internet providers

Internet providers within the single European market can be forced to block access to the Internet or to websites when a rightsholder applies for an injunction.

This is clear from the decision in Case C‐557/07 (35) of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which describes Internet providers as ‘intermediaries’, thus making them subject to injunctions.

Directive 2004/48 EC (36) and Directive 2001/29 (37) EC provide for the possibility of applying for an injunction against an ‘intermediary’. In view of this, I should like to ask the Commission the following questions:

(Version française)

En application de la directive 2000/31/CE, les fournisseurs d'accès à l'Internet bénéficient à certaines conditions d'une exemption de responsabilité. La Commission a récemment adopté une Communication ainsi qu'un document de travail de ses services, auxquels l'Honorable Parlementaire peut se référer pour obtenir un panorama des cadres juridiques existant dans les différents États membres (38). Cette question du régime général de responsabilité des fournisseurs de services de la société de l'information doit être distinguée de celle des injonctions prononcées par une autorité judiciaire à l'encontre des intermédiaires dont les services sont utilisés par un tiers pour porter atteinte à un droit de propriété intellectuelle.

S'agissant des injonctions, les dispositions pertinentes des directives 2001/29/CE et 2004/48/CE ont été transposées par les États membres. Une analyse de la mise en œuvre des dispositions de la directive 2004/48/CE, et notamment la question du fonctionnement et des conséquences des injonctions prononcées à l'encontre d'intermédiaires, est actuellement en cours. Le cas échéant, une proposition de modification de la directive 2004/48 pourrait être faite d'ici la fin de l'année 2012, laquelle serait en tout état de cause précédée d'une étude d'impact préalable. Pour mener à bien cet exercice, la Commission tiendra compte de la jurisprudence de la Cour de Justice, notamment de l'exigence d'assurer le juste équilibre entre, d'une part, le droit de propriété intellectuelle et, d'autre part, la liberté d'entreprise, le droit à la protection des données à caractère personnel et la liberté de recevoir ou de communiquer des informations (39).

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-000786/12

до Комисията (зам.-председател / върховeн представител)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) и László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 февруари 2012 г.)

Относно: VP/HR — Тибет: нарушаване от китайските власти на човешките права и свободата на изразяване на мнение спрямо народа на Тибет

Само за последните шест месеца не по-малко от 15 тибетски будисти, повечето от тях монаси, са се запалили на обществени места, като са си причинили ужасни наранявания или дори смърт при запалването, с цел да привлекат вниманието на световната общественост към агресивната политика на Китай спрямо Тибет и драматичните събития там.

По време на последния инцидент, четиридесетгодишен монах, който ръководел сиропиталище в Дарланг, се запалил след като се залял с керосин. Въпреки това, на подобни действия на отчаяние китайските власти отговарят чрез полицейски ограничения и засилен контрол, а в същото време самоубийствата и опитите за самоубийства се определят от китайските власти като актове на тероризъм, подбудени от Далай Лама. В допълнение към полицейските мерки за налагане на ограничения, китайските власти въвеждат ускорени задължителни програми за „патриотично допълнително обучение“ на монаси, т.е. принудително втълпяване на доктрини от китайската история, за да се изкорени тибетската култура и религиозна идентичност.

Във връзка с това, би ли съобщил заместник-председателят/върховният представител:

Отговор, даден от Върховния представител/Заместник-председателя Аштън от името на Комисията

(7 май 2012 г.)

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000786/12

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta / Alta Representante)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) y László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: VP/HR — Tíbet: violaciones de los derechos humanos y de la libertad de expresión del pueblo tibetano por parte de las autoridades chinas

Solo durante los últimos seis meses, al menos quince budistas tibetanos, la mayor parte de los cuales eran monjes, se han inmolado con fuego en público, hecho que les ha causado heridas graves o incluso la muerte, con el objetivo de sensibilizar a la opinión pública mundial sobre la política agresiva de China hacia el Tíbet y la dramática situación de dicha zona.

En el suceso más reciente, un monje de cuarenta años que dirigía un orfanato en Darlang se prendió fuego tras verter queroseno sobre su cuerpo. Sin embargo, ante semejantes actos de desesperación, las autoridades chinas han respondido imponiendo restricciones policiales y endureciendo los controles, y han calificado los suicidios y los intentos de suicidio como actos terroristas instigados por el Dalai Lama. Además de las medidas policiales represivas, las autoridades chinas han intensificado los programas de «reeducación patriótica» obligatorios para los monjes, es decir, un adoctrinamiento coercitivo sobre la historia de China con la finalidad de erradicar la identidad cultural y religiosa propia del Tíbet.

En este sentido, ¿puede la Vicepresidenta y Alta Representante dar respuesta a lo siguientes interrogantes?:

Respuesta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de mayo de 2012)

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-000786/12

til Kommissionen (Næstformand / højtstående repræsentant)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) og László Tőkés (PPE)

(1. februar 2012)

Om: VP/HR — Tibet: krænkelser af det tibetanske folks menneskerettigheder og ytringsfrihed fra de kinesiske myndigheders side

Alene i de seneste seks måneder har ikke mindre end 15 tibetanske buddhister, hvoraf de fleste var munke, offentligt sat ild til sig selv med frygtelige lidelser eller endda døden til følge for at gøre hele verdens befolkning opmærksom på Kinas aggressive politik over for Tibet og den dramatiske situation dér.

I det seneste tilfælde satte en 40‐årig munk, som var leder af et børnehjem i Darlang, ild til sig selv efter at have hældt petroleum ud over sig. De kinesiske myndigheder har imidlertid besvaret disse desperate aktioner med at indføre restriktioner af politimæssig karakter og strammere kontrolforanstaltninger, mens selvmord og selvmordsforsøg er blevet defineret af de kinesiske myndigheder som terrorhandlinger anstiftet af Dalai Lama. I tillæg til politiets hårde linje har de kinesiske myndigheder optrappet de tvungne programmer for »patriotisk omskoling« af munke, dvs. tvangsindoktrinering med kinesisk historie med henblik på at udrydde tibetansk kulturel og religiøs identitet.

Kan næstformanden/den højtstående repræsentant på denne baggrund oplyse følgende:

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af den højtstående repræsentant/næstformand Catherine Ashton

(7. maj 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000786/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) und László Tőkés (PPE)

(1. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Tibet: Verletzung der Menschenrechte und der Freiheit der Meinungsäußerung des tibetischen Volkes durch die chinesischen Behörden

Allein in den letzten sechs Monaten haben sich nicht weniger als 15 tibetische Buddhisten, die meisten davon Mönche, öffentlich selbst verbrannt und dabei schreckliche Verletzungen oder sogar den Tod erlitten, um die Weltöffentlichkeit auf die aggressive Politik Chinas gegenüber Tibet und die dramatische Situation dort aufmerksam zu machen.

Beim letzten Vorfall zündete sich ein 40-jähriger Mönch, der ein Waisenhaus in Darlang leitete, selbst an, nachdem er sich mit Kerosin überschüttet hatte. Die chinesischen Behörden haben angesichts derartiger Verzweiflungsakte jedoch mit Verhängung polizeilicher Restriktionen und verschärfter Kontrollen reagiert und definierten Selbstmorde und Selbstmordversuche als vom Dalai Lama angestiftete Terroranschläge. Zusätzlich zum polizeilichen Vorgehen haben die chinesischen Behörden obligatorische Programme zur „patriotischen Umerziehung“ für Mönche, d. h. Zwangsindoktrination in chinesischer Geschichte zur Ausmerzung der tibetischen kulturellen und religiösen Identität, intensiviert.

Wird die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin dementsprechend erklären:

1. wie sie das seit langem bestehende Problem wiederholter Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Tibet anzugehen gedenkt?

2. welche Maßnahmen im Namen des tibetischen Volkes ergriffen werden können, um seine Freiheit der Meinungsäußerung zu schützen?

3. welche Maßnahmen ergriffen werden können, um sicherzustellen, dass China die Allgemeine Erklärung der Menschenrechte einhält?

4. wie der Stand der Beziehungen zwischen der EU, China und Tibet ist?

5. ob es EU-Programme zur Unterstützung des tibetischen Volkes gibt?

Antwort von Frau Catherine Ashton — Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin im Namen der Kommission

(7. Mai 2012)

(Eestikeelne versioon)

Kirjalikult vastatav küsimus E-000786/12

komisjonile (Asepresident / kõrge esindaja)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) ja László Tőkés (PPE)

(1. veebruar 2012)

Teema: VP/HR — Hiina ametivõimud rikuvad Tiibeti elanike inimõigusi ja sõnavabadust

Ainuüksi viimase kuue kuu jooksul on vähemalt 15 Tiibeti budisti, enamik neist mungad, end avalikkuse ees põlema süüdanud. Üliraskete vigastuste või koguni oma elu hinnaga on nad püüdnud maailma üldsusele teadvustada Hiina agressiivset poliitikat Tiibeti suhtes ja Tiibetis valitsevat pingelist olukorda.

Seni viimane juhtum toimus läinud pühapäeval. Siis süütas end põlema Darlangi orbudekodu juhtinud 40-aastane munk, kes valas end üle petrooleumiga. Hiina ametivõimud on aga sellistele meeleheitest ajendatud tegudele reageerinud poliitiliste piirangute kehtestamise ja kontrolli tugevdamisega, lugedes enesetapud ja enesetapukatsed dalai-laama õhutatud terroriaktideks. Lisaks poliitilistele meetmetele on Hiina ametivõimud hakanud munkade kallal ulatuslikumalt rakendama ka kohustuslikke „patriootilise ümberkasvatamise” programme, millega surutakse peale Hiina ajalookäsitust, et Tiibeti kultuuriline ja usuline identiteet kustutada.

Sellest lähtuvalt küsime liidu välisasjade ja julgeolekupoliitika kõrgelt esindajalt ja komisjoni asepresidendilt järgmist:

Komisjoni nimel vastanud Euroopa Liidu välisasjade ja julgeolekupoliitika kõrge esindaja ning komisjoni asepresident Ashton

(7. mai 2012)

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-000786/12

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) et László Tőkés (PPE)

(1er février 2012)

Objet: VP/HR — Tibet: violation par les autorités chinoises des Droits de l'homme et de la liberté d'expression du peuple tibétain

Rien que ces six derniers moins, pas moins de 15 bouddhistes tibétains, dont la plupart des moines, se sont immolés par le feu en public, en souffrant de graves blessures ou même en trouvant la mort au cours de l'incident, afin de sensibiliser l'opinion publique mondiale à la politique agressive menée par la Chine à l'égard du Tibet ainsi qu'à la situation dramatique de cette région.

Lors du dernier incident, un moine âgé de 40 ans, qui gérait un orphelinat à Darlang, s'est immolé par le feu après s'être versé du kérosène sur le corps. Face à de tels actes de désespoir, les autorités chinoises ont réagi en imposant des restrictions policières et en renforçant les contrôles tout en définissant les suicides et les tentatives de suicides comme des actes de terrorisme incités par le dalaï-lama. Outre les mesures de répression, les autorités chinoises ont instauré des programmes obligatoires de «rééducation patriotique» pour les moines, à savoir des programmes coercitifs d'endoctrinement sur l'histoire chinoise destinés à éradiquer l'identité culturelle et religieuse tibétaine.

En conséquence, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante précisera-t-elle:

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

(7 mai 2012)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000786/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) e László Tőkés (PPE)

(1o febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Tibet: violazioni dei diritti umani e della libertà di espressione del popolo tibetano da parte delle autorità cinesi

Soltanto negli ultimi sei mesi, non meno di 15 buddisti tibetani, la maggior parte dei quali monaci, si sono dati fuoco pubblicamente provocando a se stessi terribili ferite o addirittura la morte, al fine di rendere note all'opinione pubblica mondiale la politica aggressiva della Cina nei confronti del Tibet e la drammatica situazione dei tibetani.

Nel caso più recente, un monaco quarantenne che gestiva un orfanotrofio a Darlang si è dato fuoco dopo essersi cosparso di cherosene. Tuttavia, di fronte a simili atti di disperazione, le autorità cinesi hanno reagito imponendo restrizioni di polizia e inasprendo i controlli, mentre il suicidio e il tentativo di suicidio sono stati definiti dalle autorità cinesi atti di terrorismo commessi su istigazione del Dalai Lama. Oltre alla repressione da parte delle forze di polizia, le autorità cinesi hanno intensificato i programmi obbligatori di «rieducazione patriottica» destinati ai monaci, cioè programmi di indottrinamento coercitivo sulla storia cinese volti a sradicare l'identità culturale e religiosa del Tibet.

Di conseguenza, può il Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

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

(7 maggio 2012)

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000786/12

Komisijai (Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotojai-vyriausiajai įgaliotinei)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) ir László Tőkés (PPE)

(2012 m. vasario 1 d.)

Tema: VP/HR – Kinijos valdžios institucijų pažeidžiamos Tibeto gyventojų žmogaus teisės ir saviraiškos laisvė

Vien per pastaruosius šešis mėnesius ne mažiau kaip 15 Tibeto budistų, daugelis kurių buvo vienuoliai, bandė viešai susideginti ir smarkiai susižalojo ar netgi mirė, siekdami pasaulio visuomenę informuoti apie agresyvią Kinijos politiką Tibeto atžvilgiu ir sukrečiančią padėtį Tibete.

Naujausio incidento metu keturiasdešimtmetis vienuolis, vadovavęs našlaičių prieglaudai Darlang vietovėje, bandė susideginti apsiliejęs visą kūną žibalu. Tačiau į tokius veiksmus iš nevilties Kinijos valdžios institucijos reagavo nustatydamos viešosios tvarkos apribojimus ir sugriežtindamos kontrolę, o savižudybę ir pasikėsinimą nusižudyti Kinijos valdžios institucijos apibūdino kaip Dalai Lamos pakurstytus terorizmo aktus. Be griežtų policijos priemonių, Kinijos valdžios institucijos paspartino privalomas „patriotinio perauklėjimo“ programas vienuoliams, t. y. priverstinai mokoma Kinijos istorijos siekiant išnaikinti Tibeto kultūrą ir religinę tapatybę.

Todėl ar galėtų Sąjungos vyriausioji įgaliotinė ir Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotoja atsakyti į šiuos klausimus:

Sąjungos vyriausiosios įgaliotinės ir Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotojos Catherine Ashton atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. gegužės 7 d.)

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-000786/12

a Bizottság számára (alelnök/főképviselő)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Gál Kinga (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) és Tőkés László (PPE)

(2012. február 1.)

Tárgy: Alelnök/főképviselő – Tibet: a tibeti nép emberi jogainak és véleménynyilvánítási szabadságának kínai hatóságok általi megsértése

Egyedül az elmúlt hat hónapban nem kevesebb mint 15 tibeti buddhista – közöttük túlnyomó részt szerzetesek – gyújtotta magát fel a nyilvánosság előtt, és szenvedett súlyos sérüléseket vagy halt bele e cselekménybe. A céljuk az volt, hogy felhívják a világ közvéleményének figyelmét Kína Tibettel szembeni agresszív politikájára, illetve a Tibetben kialakult drámai helyzetre.

A legújabb esetben egy darlangi árvaházat vezető 40 éves szerzetes gyújtotta fel magát, miután kerozinnal locsolta le a testét. Ezen elkeseredett cselekményekre a kínai hatóságok azonban rendőri korlátozások bevezetésével és az ellenőrzések szigorításával válaszoltak, az öngyilkosságot és annak kísérletét pedig a dalai láma által szított terrorista cselekménynek nyilvánították. A rendőrségi rajtaütéseken felül a kínai hatóságok fokozták a szerzeteseknek szóló kötelező „hazafias átnevelési” programokat, azaz a kínai történelem kényszerű, a tibeti kulturális és vallási önazonosság kiirtását célzó oktatását.

Ennek megfelelően választ adna az alelnök/főképviselő a következő kérdésekre?

Catherine Ashton alelnök/főképviselő válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. május 7.)

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-000786/12

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter/Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Tho.a. Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) en László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 februari 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — Tibet: schendingen van de mensenrechten en vrijheid van meningsuiting van het Tibetaanse volk door de Chinese autoriteiten

Tijdens de afgelopen zes maanden alleen al hebben 15 Tibetaanse boeddhisten, waarvan de meesten monniken waren, zichzelf in het openbaar in brand gestoken, waarbij ze verschrikkelijke verwondingen opliepen of zelfs om het leven kwamen, om de publieke opinie in de wereld bewust te maken van het agressieve beleid van China ten opzichte van Tibet en de dramatische toestand daar.

Bij een recent voorval stak een 40-jarige monnik, die de leiding had over een weeshuis in Darlang, zichzelf in brand nadat hij kerosine over zijn lichaam gegoten had. Wanneer de Chinese autoriteiten met dergelijke wanhoopsdaden geconfronteerd worden, antwoorden ze echter met een beperking van de bewegingsvrijheid door de politie en verscherpte controles, omdat zelfmoord en zelfmoordpogingen door de Chinese autoriteiten worden gezien als  terroristische daden waarvan de Dalai Lama de aanstichter is. Naast het harde politieoptreden hebben de Chinese autoriteiten de verplichte „patriottische heropvoedingsprogramma's” voor monniken opgevoerd, d.w.z. gedwongen indoctrinatie van de Chinese geschiedenis, om de Tibetaanse culturele en religieuze identiteit uit te roeien.

Kan de vicevoorzitter — hoge vertegenwoordiger zeggen:

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(7 mei 2012)

1.-2. De hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter is bezorgd om de recente, verontrustende gevallen van zelfverbranding van een dertigtal Tibetanen, alsook om de meldingen van de steeds gewelddadigere maatregelen die worden aangewend om de protesten in de Tibetaanse regio’s te onderdrukken en de duidelijke aanscherping van de controle van de regering over kloosters. De EU-delegatie in China heeft twee demarches ondernomen bij het ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken om uitdrukking te geven aan de bezorgdheid van de EU over deze zelfverbrandingen. De EU heeft ook haar verontrusting geuit over de situatie van de mensenrechten in Tibet tijdens de topontmoeting tussen de EU en China op 14 februari 2012 en in een verklaring tijdens de Raad voor de mensenrechten op 6 maart 2012. De EU heeft verzocht de regio’s die worden bewoond door Tibetanen te bezoeken, maar dit verzoek is afgewezen.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-000786/12

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej / Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) oraz László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Tybet: naruszenia praw człowieka i wolności wypowiedzi Tybetańczyków przez chińskie władze

Tylko w ciągu ostatnich sześciu miesięcy aż 15 tybetańskich buddystów, z czego większość to mnisi, dokonało publicznego samopodpalenia, w wyniku którego niektórzy odnieśli poważne rany a inni nawet zginęli. Celem tych działań było zwrócenie uwagi światowej opinii publicznej na agresywną politykę Chin wobec Tybetu oraz na dramatyczną sytuację, jaka panuje w tym regionie.

Ostatnio tego typu incydentem było oblanie się naftą i samopodpalenie przez czterdziestoletniego mnicha, który prowadził sierociniec w Darlang. Reakcją chińskich władz na takie akty desperacji było jednak nałożenie ograniczeń policyjnych i zaostrzenie kontroli, a samobójstwa i próby samobójcze zostały określone przez te władze jako akty terroryzmu, do których namawia Dalajlama. Oprócz przedsięwzięcia surowych środków policyjnych chińskie władze zwiększyły zakres obowiązkowych programów z zakresu „patriotycznej reedukacji” mnichów, tj. narzucania chińskiej wizji historii, których celem jest wyeliminowanie kulturowej i religijnej tożsamości Tybetańczyków.

W związku z tym czy Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel może powiedzieć:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel i Wiceprzewodniczącą Komisji Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(7 maja 2012 r.)

1.–2. Wysoka Przedstawiciel i Wiceprzewodnicząca Komisji jest zaniepokojona niedawnymi smutnymi doniesieniami o przypadkach samopodpalenia co najmniej 30 mnichów tybetańskich oraz o coraz brutalniejszych środkach stosowanych w celu stłumienia protestów w regionach Tybetu, a także o wzmożeniu przez rząd kontroli nad klasztorami. Delegacja Unii Europejskiej w Chinach dwukrotnie podejmowała kroki dyplomatyczne wobec Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych, wyrażając swoje obawy w związku z przypadkami samopodpalenia. Na szczycie UE-Chiny zorganizowanym dnia 14 lutego 2012 r. oraz w oświadczeniu zaprezentowanym podczas ostatniej rundy Rady Praw Człowieka dnia 6 marca 2012 r. Unia wyraziła także zaniepokojenie sytuacją w zakresie przestrzegania praw człowieka w Tybecie. Unia wystąpiła o zgodę na złożenie wizyty w regionach zamieszkanych przez Tybetańczyków, lecz jej wniosek został odrzucony.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-000786/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) e László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Tibete: violações dos direitos humanos e da liberdade de expressão do povo tibetano por parte das autoridades chinesas

Só nos últimos seis meses, pelo menos 15 budistas tibetanos, na sua maioria monges, atearam fogo a si próprios em público, sofrendo ferimentos terríveis ou até mesmo morrendo, para que a opinião pública mundial tomasse consciência das políticas agressivas da China relativamente ao Tibete e da situação dramática vivida neste país.

No incidente mais recente, um monge de 40 anos de idade, diretor de um orfanato em Darlang, ateou fogo a si próprio, derramando querosene sobre o corpo. No entanto, confrontadas com tais atos de desespero, as autoridades chinesas responderam com a imposição de restrições policiais e controlos apertados, enquanto o suicídio e as tentativas de suicídio foram definidos como atos de terrorismo instigados pelo Dalai Lama. Para além das medidas policiais repressivas, as autoridades chinesas reforçaram os programas de «reeducação» obrigatórios para os monges, isto é, a doutrinação coerciva da história chinesa, para erradicar a identidade cultural e religiosa do povo tibetano.

Atendendo ao exposto, pergunta-se à Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante da União para os Negócios Estrangeiros e a Política de Segurança:

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

(7 de maio de 2012)

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000786/12

adresată Comisiei (Vice-președinte / Înaltul Reprezentant)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) şi László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 februarie 2012)

Subiect: VP/HR — Tibet: încălcările drepturilor omului și ale libertății de exprimare ale poporului tibetan de către autoritățile chineze

Numai în ultimele șase luni, nu mai puțin de 15 budiști tibetani, cei mai mulți călugări, și-au dat foc în public, suferind leziuni grave sau chiar murind, pentru a face opinia publică mondială conștientă de politica agresivă a Chinei față de Tibet și de situația dramatică de acolo.

În cel mai recent incident, un călugăr în vârstă de 40 de ani, care administra un orfelinat din Darlang, și-a dat foc după ce și-a turnat kerosen pe corp. Cu toate acestea, confruntându-se cu astfel de acte de disperare, autoritățile chineze au răspuns prin impunerea de restricții polițienești și înăsprirea controalelor, în timp ce sinuciderile și tentativele de suicid au fost definite de către autoritățile chineze ca acte de terorism la care instigă Dalai Lama. Pe lângă impunerea de restricții polițienești, autoritățile chineze au intensificat programele obligatorii de „reeducare patriotică” pentru călugări, adică de îndoctrinare impusă cu istoria Chinei, în scopul eradicării identității culturale și religioase tibetane.

În consecință, va arăta Vicepreședintele/Înaltul Reprezentant:

Răspuns dat de dna Ashton în numele Comisiei

(7 mai 2012)

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-000786/12

Komisii (podpredsedníčka / vysoká predstaviteľka)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) a László Tőkés (PPE)

(1. februára 2012)

Vec: VP/HR — Tibet: porušovanie ľudských práv a slobody prejavu Tibeťanov čínskymi orgánmi

Len za posledných šesť mesiacov sa najmenej 15 tibetských budhistov, väčšinou mníchov, zapálilo na verejnosti, v dôsledku čoho utrpeli vážne zranenia alebo dokonca zomreli, aby upriamili pozornosť svetovej verejnej mienky na agresívnu čínsku politiku voči Tibetu a dramatickú situáciu v Tibete.

Pri najnovšom incidente 40-ročný mních, ktorý spravoval sirotinec v Darlangu, vylial na seba petrolej a zapálil sa. Čínske orgány konfrontované takýmito prejavmi zúfalstva však odpovedali uvalením policajných zákazov a sprísnením kontrol, pričom samovražda a pokus o samovraždu boli čínskymi orgánmi vymedzené ako teroristické činy podnecované dalajlámom. Okrem policajných zásahov čínske orgány zintenzívnili povinné „vlastenecké reedukačné“ programy pre mníchov, t. j. vynútené osvojovanie si čínskych dejín, s cieľom odstrániť tibetskú kultúrnu a náboženskú identitu.

Môže sa teda podpredsedníčka Komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka vyjadriť k tomu:

Odpoveď podpredsedníčky Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľky Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(7. mája 2012)

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-000786/12

till kommissionen (vice-ordföranden / höga representanten)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) och László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 februari 2012)

Angående: VP/HR‐ibet: kinesiska myndigheters kränkningar av det tibetanska folkets mänskliga rättigheter och yttrandefrihet

Bara under det senaste halvåret har inte mindre än 15 tibetanska Buddhister, de flesta munkar, satt eld på sig själva på offentliga platser, med fruktansvärda skador och till och med dödsfall som följd, för att göra den allmänna världsopinionen medveten om Kinas aggressiva politik mot Tibet och om den dramatiska situationen i landet.

I den senaste incidenten satte en 40-årig munk som drev ett barnhem i Darlang eld på sig själv efter att ha hällt fotogen over sig. Ställd inför sådana desperata handlingar har de kinesiska myndigheterna emellertid svarat med att låta polisen införa begränsningar och införa strängare kontroller, medan självmord och försök till självmord har definierats av de kinesiska myndigheterna som terroristhandlingar anstiftade av Dalai Lama. Förutom polisingripanden har de kinesiska myndigheterna utökat de obligatoriska programmen för ”patriotisk omskolning” för munkar, dvs. tvingande indoktrinering i kinesisk historia i syfte att utplåna tibetanernas kulturella och religiösa identitet.

Jag vill därför be vice ordföranden/höga representanten svara på följande:

Svar från den höga representanten/vice ordförande Catherine Ashton på kommissionens vägnar

(7 maj 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000786/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE), Kinga Gál (PPE), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D), Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Philippe Juvin (PPE), Filip Kaczmarek (PPE), Othmar Karas (PPE), Tunne Kelam (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Vytautas Landsbergis (PPE), Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE), Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), Thomas Mann (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Tiziano Motti (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE), Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Anna Rosbach (ECR), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE), Peter Šťastný (PPE), Gianluca Susta (S&D), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Manfred Weber (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE) and László Tőkés (PPE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Tibet: violations of the Tibetan people's human rights and freedom of expression by the Chinese authorities

In the last six months alone, no fewer than 15 Tibetan Buddhists, most of whom were monks, have set themselves on fire in public, suffering terrible injury or even dying in the process, to make world public opinion aware of China’s aggressive policy towards Tibet and the dramatic situation there.

In the most recent incident, a 40-year-old monk who ran an orphanage in Darlang set himself on fire after pouring kerosene over his body. However, faced with such acts of desperation, the Chinese authorities have responded by imposing police restrictions and tightening controls, while suicide and attempted suicide have been defined by the Chinese authorities as acts of terrorism instigated by the Dalai Lama. In addition to a police crack-down, the Chinese authorities have stepped up mandatory ‘patriotic re-education’ programmes for monks, i.e. coercive indoctrination of Chinese history in order to eradicate Tibetan cultural and religious identity.

Accordingly, will the Vice-President/High Representative say:

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

(7 May 2012)

1-2. The HR/VP is concerned about the recent distressing cases of self-immolation of some thirty Tibetans, as well as reports of increasingly violent measures used to suppress protests in the Tibetan regions and the apparent tightening of government control over monasteries. The EU Delegation to China has made two demarches to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing the EU’s concern at the self-immolations. The EU also raised its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Tibet at the EU‐China Summit on 14 February 2012 and in a statement at the last round of the Human Rights Council on 6 March 2012. The EU has asked to visit the regions inhabited by Tibetans but this request has been refused.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-000810/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(31 January 2012)

Subject: Future of adult and community education under the ‘Erasmus for All’ programme

Under the new ‘Erasmus for All’ programme, the European Commission has stated that ‘investing in education and training is the best investment we can make for Europe‘s future’. EUR 19 million has currently been allocated to this programme. It has been stated that ‘Erasmus for All’ will bring together all the current EU and international schemes for education, training, youth and sport, replacing seven existing programmes, including the Grundtvig adult education programme, with one combined programme from 2014 onwards.

How does the Commission plan to provide for non-formal and non-vocational education as part of this programme? Non-formal and non-vocational education are a vital part of the education system in terms of their ability to foster basic skills and competences and of supporting social inclusion for the most educationally disadvantaged individuals.

With the amalgamation of the Grundtvig programme into this newly combined ‘Erasmus for All’, how does the Commission plan to support the adult learners and adult learning organisations that had previously benefited from the Grundtvig programme?

Can the Commission give information regarding the heading in the ‘Erasmus for All’ programme under which adult education appears?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2012)

The Commission's proposal for the ‘Erasmus for All’ programme aims to increase coherence between the different sectors of education, and strengthen the lifelong learning approach, mainly by linking support to formal and non-formal learning throughout the education and training spectrum. All three of the programme's main actions — learning mobility, cooperation between institutions, and policy reform — will support non-formal learning.

Adult education will be covered under the heading ‘Erasmus training’. The programme as proposed will allow a significant increase in funds for non-vocational adult learning. The communication accompanying the Commission's draft Regulation puts forward an annual average of EUR 110 million for non-vocational adult learning, 80 % more than under the present programme.

Secondly, learning partnerships and joint projects among adult education providers will continue to be at the heart of activities supported in the adult learning sector. The programme will also provide for support for the development of IT platforms for the different educational sectors, including a new Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe.

Thirdly, support for policy reform will be enhanced within the new programme with a view to the achievement of the objectives of the Strategic Framework for European cooperation in education and training, ET2020, and the Europe 2020 strategy, including its headline targets in the field of education and human capital.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-000815/12

Komisi

Robert Dušek (S&D)

(1. února 2012)

Předmět: Implementace směrnice Rady 1999/74/ES a postih za její nedodržení

Směrnice Rady 1999/74/ES v kapitole II článku 5 zakazuje ve všech členských státech EU od 1. 1. 2012 chov nosnic v nezdokonalených klecích.

V řadě států EU však nebyl dosud obsah směrnice naplněn.

Táži se Komise, jakým způsobem budou potrestány členské státy, příp. jejich producenti, kteří svoji povinnost v termínu nesplnili?

Zdůrazňuji, že nedodržením uvedeného předpisu s nulovou penalizací ze strany Komise jsou trestáni odpovědní producenti, kteří předpis splnili řádně a v termínu.

Odpověď Johna Dalliho jménem Komise

(8. března 2012)

Komise přistupuje k této záležitosti velmi vážně a v souladu se svými pravomocemi podniká příslušné kroky, aby zajistila dodržování zákazu chovu nosnic v nezdokonalených klecích v rámci celé EU.

Komise proto oslovila členské státy, které podle údajů, jež byly k dispozici v listopadu 2011, nebudou pravděpodobně schopny plně ukončit chov nosnic v nezdokonalených klecích k datu 1. ledna 2012. ((NI)I)ěkolik členských států od té doby přijalo příslušná opatření a prohlásilo, že tato povinnost byla splněna. Komise bude ověřovat správné splnění těchto povinností. Přibližně polovina členských států však v řádném termínu chov nosnic v nezdokonalených klecích zcela neukončila. Komise zahájila dne 27. ledna 2012 řízení o nesplnění povinnosti zasláním výzvy Belgii, Bulharsku, Řecku, Španělsku, Francii, Itálii, Kypru, Lotyšsku, Maďarsku, ((NI)I)izozemsku, Polsku, Portugalsku a Rumunsku, v níž požaduje, aby uvedené členské státy přijaly opatření k řešení nedostatků v provádění právních předpisů EU týkajících se dobrých životních podmínek zvířat a zejména aby uplatnily zákaz chovu nosnic v nezdokonalených klecích.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000815/12

to the Commission

Robert Dušek (S&D)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Implementation of Council Directive 1999/74/EC and sanctions for non-compliance

Chapter II, Article 5 of Council Directive 1999/74/EC prohibits the keeping of laying hens in unenriched cages after 1 January 2012 in all EU Member States.

In many EU states, however, the directive has not yet been implemented.

I would like to ask the Commission how Member States or producers therein who fail to fulfil their obligations within the deadline will be punished?

I would like to emphasise that a failure on the part of the Commission to punish non‐compliance with the regulation would penalise responsible producers who have complied with the provisions of the directive properly and within the deadline.

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

The Commission is taking this issue seriously and is taking the appropriate steps in line with its legal powers to ensure compliance with the ban on unenriched cages for laying hens across the EU.

The Commission therefore initiated contacts with the Member States which, according to the data available in November 2011, would possibly not be able to fully phase out unenriched cages by 1 January 2012. Since then, a few Member States have taken action and declared to have achieved compliance. The Commission will verify the accuracy of that information. However, around half of the Member States did not fully phase out unenriched cages on time. On 27 January 2012 the Commission initiated infringement proceedings by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Romania requesting those Member States to take action to address deficiencies in the implementation of EU legislation concerning animal welfare, and specifically to implement the ban on unenriched cages for laying hens.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000816/12

an die Kommission

Renate Sommer (PPE)

(1. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Diffamierung christlicher Minderheiten in türkischen Schulbüchern

In der Neuauflage eines Geschichtsbuchs für den Schulunterricht in der Türkei werden Aramäer als Landesverräter und Wirtschaftsflüchtlinge diffamiert, die im Westen „zum Werkzeug der politischen und religiösen Interessen der dortigen Länder“ geworden seien. Dieser Angriff auf aramäische Christen in der Türkei ist nur ein Beispiel für die Hasspropaganda, die in türkischen Schulbüchern sowie in türkischen Medien gegen christliche Minderheiten verbreitet wird. Auch die Kommission erwähnt diese Hasspropaganda im jüngsten Fortschrittsbericht.

1. Ist der Kommission der jüngste Vorwurf der Volksverhetzung in der Neuauflage des Geschichtsbuchs bekannt?

2. Wenn ja: Hat die Kommission im Rahmen der Beitrittsverhandlungen eine Richtigstellung in den Schulbüchern gefordert?

3. Welche Sanktionen gedenkt die Kommission einzusetzen, wenn die türkische Regierung der Forderung nicht nachkommt?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(2. März 2012)

Der Kommission ist die Problematik der in türkischen Schulbüchern verwendeten Formulierungen bekannt und sie hat dieses Thema der Türkei gegenüber bereits angesprochen.

Die Türkei teilte mit, dass Schulbücher nach geltendem Recht keine Äußerungen enthalten dürfen, die gegen die Grundrechte verstoßen oder Diskriminierungen aufgrund des Geschlechts, der Rasse, der Religion, der Sprache, der Hautfarbe, der politischen Meinung oder weltanschaulicher Ansichten enthalten. Sie bestätigte ferner, dass das besagte, im Sekundarbereich (10. Klasse) verwendete Geschichtsbuch nach diesen gesetzlichen Vorgaben verfasst wurde. Zudem sei beabsichtigt, Abschnitte und Inhalte dieses Schulbuches, die zu Irritationen oder Missverständnissen führen könnten, bei der Aktualisierung des Buches für das Schuljahr 2012/2013 zu überarbeiten.

Die Kommission wird weiterhin überwachen, ob die Türkei als EU-Beitrittskandidat die Grundrechte und Grundfreiheiten ihrer Bürgerinnen und Bürger gemäß den Bestimmungen der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention und dem Fallrecht des Europäischen Menschenrechtsgerichtshofs garantiert.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000816/12

to the Commission

Renate Sommer (PPE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Defamation of Christian minorities in Turkish school textbooks

A new edition of a history textbook for Turkish schools defames Assyrians as traitors to their country and economic refugees who have become the ‘tools of political and religious interests in the West’. This attack on Assyrian Christians in Turkey is just one example of the propaganda of hatred being spread in Turkish schoolbooks and in the Turkish media against Christian minorities. The Commission also mentions this propaganda in its latest progress report.

1. Is the Commission aware of the latest accusation of incitement to racial hatred in the new edition of the history book?

2. If so, has the Commission demanded that the schoolbooks should be corrected as part of accession negotiations?

3. What sanctions is the Commission considering if the Turkish Government fails to meet this demand?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2012)

The Commission is aware of the language used in Turkish textbooks, and has raised the issue with the Turkish authorities.

The Turkish authorities responded that under current legislation school textbooks cannot contain language that contradicts fundamental rights or is discriminatory based on sex, race, religion, language, colour, political opinion, or philosophical views; and that the history textbook in question used at the secondary education level for the 10th grade was drafted based on this legislation; finally, sections and information of this textbook that may lead to confusion and misunderstandings will be reviewed in the updating of the book for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Commission will continue to monitor whether Turkey, as a country negotiating accession to the EU, guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens in line with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000817/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Airline consumers and ETS

Directive 2008/101/EC amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) came into effect on 1 January 2012. The Aviation Directive requires all (EU and non-EU) operators of fixed or rotary-wing aircraft over 5 700 kg (12 566 pounds) who fly to, from or within EU countries to participate in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. ETS charges are based on the emissions an airline will produce, in order to cope with aviation’s contribution to global warming.

There are now concerns as to how airlines will deal financially with this new charge, and the possibility that consumers may incur a further cost as a result of airlines trying to deal with the charge.

What is the Commission’s position in relation to concerns that consumers will be negatively affected by the ETS tax?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2012)

The EU has included aviation in its emissions trading system (EU ETS), a system which caps the total emissions of aviation. It is important to clarify that the EU ETS is not a tax or charge but rather a ‘pollution ceiling’ — if an airline can limit emissions below the ceiling it need not incur any costs at all.

The ceiling or ‘ cap ’ consists of an absolute number of emissions allowances being issued in respect of aviation activities. The majority of the allowances for aviation, 85 % in 2012 and 82 % starting from 2013, will be distributed to the aviation industry free of charge. The remainder will be auctioned by Member States. The extra cost of the EU ETS per passenger is therefore expected to be very low. By way of example, and assuming a carbon price of EUR 8 (the current level), if airlines pass through the full value of allowances, these costs will be less than EUR 3 each way on a typical flight between Dublin and New York. As most allowances are provided for free, the actual costs would typically be much lower and probably less than EUR 2 for the roundtrip. Either way, this is a modest cost and should not significantly impact the demand for air travel. The Commission believes it is consistent with the polluter-pays-principle that passengers bear the costs of the pollution associated with their flights.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-000819/12

aan de Commissie

Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE), Nuno Teixeira (PPE) en Wim van de Camp (PPE)

(1 februari 2012)

Betreft: Status van Aruba in het transformatieproces naar ultraperifere regio en financiële steun van proefproject 13 03 32

In 2011 heeft het Europees Parlement een proefproject (13 03 32) goedgekeurd en opgenomen in de begroting van 2012 om Mayotte of andere gebieden die mogelijk worden geraakt door de overgang naar de status van ultraperifere regio te steunen. Het beschikbare bedrag voor dit proefproject is 2 miljoen EUR. De regering van Aruba, een van de Nederlandse overzeese gebieden, heeft belangstelling getoond om ultraperifere regio te worden. In deze fase zal naar verwachting in 2012 een referendum voorbereid worden.

We willen onderzoeken of dit proefproject Aruba direct kan steunen in het overgangsproces om ultraperifere regio te worden. Naar aanleiding daarvan hebben we de volgende vragen:

Antwoord van de heer Hahn namens de Commissie

(12 maart 2012)

De voorbereidende actie „Begeleiding van Mayotte of eventuele andere gebieden bij het proces van verkrijging van de status van ultraperifere regio” is goedgekeurd in de EU-begroting voor 2012. Zoals vermeld in de titel, komt elk ander gebied dat zich in dezelfde positie bevindt als Mayotte voor deze actie in aanmerking. Bij de implementatie van dit begrotingsonderdeel worden dezelfde criteria toegepast op alle gebieden die zich in dezelfde situatie bevinden.

Voor Aruba, anders dan voor Mayotte, is bij de Europese Raad geen initiatief overeenkomstig artikel 355, lid 6, van het VWEU ingediend om de status te wijzigen. Er hebben informele contacten plaatsgevonden tussen de diensten van de Commissie en vertegenwoordigers van de Nederlandse nationale en de Arubaanse autoriteiten, die hoofdzakelijk tot doel hadden duidelijkheid te scheppen over aspecten van het proces voor en de gevolgen van de eventuele verkrijging van de status van ultraperifere regio.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-000819/12

à Comissão

Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE), Nuno Teixeira (PPE) e Wim van de Camp (PPE)

(1 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Estatuto de Aruba no processo de transformação numa região ultraperiférica e ajuda financeira a título do Projeto-Piloto 13 03 32

Em 2011, o Parlamento Europeu aprovou um projeto-piloto (13 03 32) no orçamento de 2012 para apoiar Mayotte ou qualquer outro território potencialmente afetado pela transição de estatuto para região ultraperiférica. O orçamento disponível para este projeto-piloto é de 2 milhões de euros. O governo de Aruba, um dos territórios ultramarinos dos Países Baixos, expressou o seu interesse em tornar-se numa região ultraperiférica. Nesta fase, está prevista a preparação de um referendo para 2012.

Gostaríamos de saber se este projeto-piloto pode ajudar diretamente Aruba no processo de transição para se tornar numa região ultraperiférica. Assim, pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(12 de março de 2012)

A ação preparatória intitulada «Assistência técnica para apoiar Mayotte ou qualquer outro território potencialmente afetado com a transição para o estatuto de região ultraperiférica» foi adotada na decisão relativa ao orçamento da UE para 2012. Em princípio, e como indicado no título, esta ação pode aplicar-se a qualquer outro território em situação idêntica à de Mayotte. Na execução desta rubrica orçamental, serão aplicados os mesmos critérios a todos os territórios em situação idêntica.

No que diz respeito à situação de Aruba, e contrariamente à posição existente em relação a Mayotte, ainda não foi apresentada nenhuma iniciativa ao Conselho Europeu para alterar o seu estatuto, em conformidade com o artigo 355.°, n.° 6, do TFUE. Verificaram-se alguns contactos informais entre os serviços da Comissão e representantes das autoridades nacionais dos Países Baixos e de Aruba, essencialmente com vista a clarificar questões relacionadas com o processo, bem como o impacto de qualquer alteração ao estatuto de região ultraperiférica.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000819/12

to the Commission

Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE), Nuno Teixeira (PPE) and Wim van de Camp (PPE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Status of Aruba in the process of transformation to an outermost region and financial support from Pilot Project 13 03 32

In 2011 the European Parliament adopted a Pilot Project (13 03 32) in the 2012 budget to support Mayotte or any other territory potentially affected by the switchover to outermost region status. The available budget for this pilot project is EUR 2 million. The government of Aruba, one of the Dutch overseas territories, has expressed interest in becoming an outermost region. In this phase the preparation of a referendum is foreseen in 2012.

We would like to find out whether this pilot project can directly support Aruba in the process of transition to becoming an outermost region. Therefore we have the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

The preparatory action titled ‘Technical assistance on supporting Mayotte, or any other territory potentially affected with the switchover to outermost-region status’ has been adopted in the 2012 EU budget decision. In principle, and as mentioned in the title, this action may apply to any other territory in a similar position to Mayotte. In the implementation of this budget line, the same criteria will apply to all territories in the same situation.

As regards the situation of Aruba, and contrary to the position obtaining for Mayotte, no initiative for its change of status has yet been presented to the European Council in accordance with Article 355(6) TFEU. There have been some informal contacts between the Commission services and representatives of the Dutch national and Aruban authorities essentially seeking clarification on issues relating to the process for, and the impact of, any change to outermost regions status.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-000820/12

Komisi (místopředsedkyně Komise / vysoká představitelka)

Jan Březina (PPE)

(1. února 2012)

Předmět: VP/HR – Reakce místopředsedkyně Komise / vysoké představitelky na nedávný vývoj situace v Barmě

Moje otázka se týká nedávného vývoje situace v Barmě a způsobu, jak na něj reaguje místopředsedkyně Komise / vysoká představitelka. Spojené státy reagovaly jako první, když ministryně zahraničí Hillary Clintonová během své návštěvy v Barmě v prosinci 2011 uvedla, že se zde objevují „náznaky pokroku“. Následovali představitelé z Evropy. Ministr zahraničí Spojeného království, William Hague, navštívil Barmu na začátku ledna a ujistil, že vláda bude souzena „podle svých činů“. Rovněž naznačil, že je zapotřebí provést „mnohem více“ reforem, než bude EU připravena zrušit sankce. Tento signál však byl významný kvůli tomu, jakou váhu má Spojené království v definování politik EU.

Barmu navštívil rovněž dánský ministr pro rozvoj, který nabídl dodatečné finanční prostředky na rozvoj rostoucí se občanské společnosti. Ministr čekal o jeden den déle na vhodné letecké spojení, aby se vyhnul cestování s leteckou společností barmského režimu, která stále podléhá sankcím.

Francouzský ministr zahraničí Alain Juppé se rovněž zapojil do diplomatických návštěv Barmy. Předal čestné vyznamenání Aun Schan Su Ťij a uvedl, že jeho srdce „bilo rychleji než obvykle“. V dohledné době budou pravděpodobně následovat představitelé z Německa.

Místopředsedkyně Komise / vysoká představitelka se však do této záležitosti zatím nezapojila činy, ale pouze slovy. V nedávném prohlášení uvítala „propuštění politických vězňů“ a dodala, že musí následovat další propouštění a že se zde objevila příležitost pro „nový vztah“ s EU. Nedomnívá se však, že to, že nenavštívila Barmu, je ostudné a představuje to ztracenou příležitost? Nemyslí si, že to postavení EU vůči Barmě oslabuje?

Odpověď vysoké představitelky a místopředsedkyně Komise Ashtonové jménem Komise

(16. dubna 2012)

Vysoká představitelka a místopředsedkyně Komise vede přezkum politiky EU vůči Barmě/Myanmaru od roku 2010, prodloužila mandát zvláštního vyslance EU Pietra Fassina (do srpna minulého roku) a pověřila diplomata Roberta Coopera, aby se spojil s Do Aun Schan Su Ťij po jejím propuštění z domácího vězení koncem roku 2010.

V dubnu 2011 se ministři zahraničí EU na podnět vysoké představitelky dohodli, že pozastaví uplatňování restriktivních opatření vůči téměř třetině vlády. Dali tak jasné znamení, že pozitivní změna ze strany této vlády vzbudí odpovídající reakci ze strany EU.

Návštěvy pánů Fassina a Coopera v červnu a prosinci minulého roku Evropské unii umožnily příznivě ovlivňovat vývoj událostí prostřednictvím tiché diplomacie.

Na zasedání ministrů zahraničí EU, které se konalo dne 23. ledna letošního roku, získala vysoká představitelka souhlas s pozastavením uplatňování restriktivních opatření pro celou vládu a vyzvala mezinárodní finanční instituce, aby postupně obnovily spolupráci s touto zemí. Evropská unie tak vždy působila v úzké koordinaci se stejně smýšlejícími partnery a stála v čele mezinárodního diplomatického úsilí o vyřešení situace v Barmě/Myanmaru.

Vysoká představitelka a místopředsedkyně Komise navíc intenzivně spolupracuje s komisařkou Georgievovou a komisařem Piebalgsem, kteří Barmu/Myanmar navštívili v září 2011, respektive v únoru 2012, čímž politické působení EU zahájili. Vysoká představitelka a místopředsedkyně Komise plánuje návštěvu země po přezkumu rozhodnutí Rady v dubnu, kdy budou možné další konkrétní diskuse o začátku nové kapitoly ve vztazích mezi EU a Barmou/Myanmarem.

Vysoká představitelka a místopředsedkyně Komise rovněž zanedlouho, po dohodě mezi Radou a Komisí, přijme formální rozhodnutí o otevření kanceláře EU v Yangonu. Oficiální zahájení provozu této kanceláře se plánuje na duben/květen tohoto roku.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000820/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Jan Březina (PPE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Response by the Vice-President/High Representative to the recent developments in Burma

My question concerns the recent developments in Burma and the response to it by the Vice-President/High Representative. The US responded first, citing ‘flickers of progress’, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit in December 2011. Representatives from Europe followed. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague visited Burma in early January and gave assurances that the government would be judged ‘by its actions’. He also signalled that ‘much more’ reform would be needed before the EU was ready to lift sanctions; but this was an important signal because of the weight which the UK carries in defining the EU's policies.

The Danish Minister for Development has also visited Burma, offering additional development funding for what is a growing civil society. The minister waited an extra day for the right flight connection out of the country so as to avoid flying with the regime’s airline, which is still subject to sanctions.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has also joined in the shuttle diplomacy involving Burma. He presented Aung San Suu Kyi with an honorary medal, reporting that his heart ‘beat faster than normal’. Representatives from Germany are likely to follow soon.

The Vice-President/High Representative, however, has so far only been present through words rather than actions. In a recent statement, she welcomed the ‘release of political prisoners,’ adding that more needed to follow and that there was opportunity for a ‘new relationship’ with the EU. Yet does she not consider it a shame and a missed opportunity not to visit Burma? Does she not think that this undermines the EU’s position in Burma?

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

(16 April 2012)

The High Representative/Vice-President has been guiding the review of EU policy towards Myanmar since 2010, extending the mandate of EU Special Envoy Piero Fassino (until August last year) and mandating Counsellor Robert Cooper to take contact with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she was released from house arrest in late 2010.

In April 2011, at her initiative, EU Foreign Ministers agreed to suspend the application of restrictive measures in respect of nearly a third of the government, sending a concrete signal that positive change on their part would meet a corresponding response from the EU.

Subsequent visits of Messrs. Fassino and Cooper in June and December last year enabled the EU, through quiet diplomacy, to influence the positive evolution of events.

At the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 23 January this year, the High Representative obtained agreement to suspend application of restrictive measures for the full Government and called for the International Financial Institutions to reengage progressively with the country. Thus, always coordinating closely with like minded partners, the EU has been well to the fore in international diplomatic efforts to advance the situation in Myanmar.

Furthermore, the High Representative/Vice-President has worked closely together with Commissioners Georgieva and Pieblags who visited the country, respectively in September 2011, and Piebalgs in February 2012, thereby launching EU political engagement. The HR/VP plans to visit after the review of the Council Decision in April, when it will be possible to have further concrete discussions about beginning a new chapter in relations between the EU and Burma/Myanmar.

The HR/VP will shortly adopt the formal Decision to open an EU Office in Yangon, in agreement with the Council and the Commission. Its official opening is foreseen in April/May this year.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000841/12

an die Kommission

Daniel Caspary (PPE)

(1. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Angabe von Amperestunden (Ah) auf Batterien

Trotz der Vielzahl an Batterien fehlt auf keiner Batterie die wichtige Angabe ihrer Spannung in Volt (V). Es fehlt allerdings die Angabe der gespeicherten elektrischen Ladung einer Batterie in Amperestunden (Ah), die nach Meinung des Fragestellers ein wesentliches Eigenschaftsmerkmal einer Batterie ist. Bei Autobatterien oder wiederaufladbaren Batterien ist diese Ladung in Ah angegeben, auf Batterien des Typs A, AA, AAA usw. allerdings nicht.

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(22. März 2012)

Da sich die Gestaltung einer einheitlichen und aussagekräftigen Kennzeichnung für nicht wiederaufladbare Gerätebatterien und ‐akkumulatoren als technisch schwierig erwiesen hat, hat die Kommission die Normungsgremien (CEN/Cenelec) beauftragt, zu prüfen, ob bis Juni 2012 eine Kennzeichnung zur Angabe der Kapazität eingeführt werden kann. Eine solche Kennzeichnung zur Angabe der Kapazität würde auch eine Angabe in Amperestunden (Ah) enthalten.

Bis zum Inkrafttreten EU-weit harmonisierter Rechtsvorschriften für nicht wiederaufladbare Gerätebatterien und ‐akkumulatoren sind die Mitgliedstaaten nicht verpflichtet, Kennzeichnungen zur Angabe der Kapazität einzuführen oder vorzuschreiben. Auch Batteriehersteller sind nicht verpflichtet, ihre Erzeugnisse mit einer Kapazitätskennzeichnung zu versehen, sofern dies nicht in den innerstaatlichen Rechtsvorschriften vorgesehen ist. Jegliche Kennzeichnungsvorschriften der einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten gelten nur bis zum Inkrafttreten von harmonisierten EU-Anforderungen (56). Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt müssen die EU-Mitgliedstaaten die Kommission im Einklang mit der Richtlinie 98/34/EG über ein Informationsverfahren auf dem Gebiet der Normen und technischen Vorschriften (57) über alle neuen technischen Durchführungsmaßnahmen unterrichten.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-001504/12

till kommissionen

Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE)

(8 februari 2012)

Angående: Kapacitetsmärkning av alla bärbara batterier

Enligt artikel 21.2 i batteridirektivet 2006/66/EG ska medlemsstaterna ”se till att kapaciteten hos alla bärbara batterier och bilbatterier anges på produkterna på ett synligt, lättläst och outplånligt sätt senast den 26 september 2009. Närmare föreskrifter för genomförandet av detta krav, däribland harmoniserade metoder för att fastställa kapacitet och lämplig användning, skall fastställas i enlighet med förfarandet i artikel 24.2 senast den 26 mars 2009”.

Kommissionen antog den 29 november 2010 förordning (EU) nr 1103/2010 vari det fastställdes regler för kapacitetsmärkning av laddningsbara batterier och ackumulatorer, men inte för icke-laddningsbara batterier. Det finns därför ännu inte någon ordentlig kapacitetsmärkning för icke-laddningsbara batterier i medlemsstaterna. Europaparlamentets huvudmotiv för att introducera märkningsbestämmelsen under medbeslutandeförfarandet var att ta itu med frågan om icke-laddningsbara batterier, vilkas kapacitet och pris skiljer sig mycket åt utan att någon ordentlig information ges. I stället för att konsumenter får objektiv information som skulle göra det möjligt för dem att göra ett välinformerat val utsätts de fortfarande för marknadsföring med påståenden som saknar vetenskaplig grund. Ett billigare batteri kan i själva verket bli dyrare på medellång sikt eftersom dess relativa kapacitet kan vara mycket lägre än kapaciteten hos ett annat märke, vilket gör att konsumenten måste köpa ett nytt batteri efter en kortare tid. Detta vilseleder konsumenterna och bidrar till att skapa fler förbrukade batterier vilket i sin tur kan leda till miljöföroreningar.

Samlat svar från Janez Potočnik på kommissionens vägnar

(22 mars 2012)

Med tanke på den tekniska komplexiteten när det gäller att utforma en enhetlig och meningsfull märkning för bärbara icke-laddningsbara batterier och ackumulatorer har kommissionen gett standardiseringsorganen (CEN/Cenelec) i uppdrag att undersöka möjligheterna att inrätta en standardiserad kapacitetsmärkning senast i juni 2012. En sådan kapacitetsmärkning skulle innehålla en uppgift om amperetimmar.

Fram till dess att harmoniserad EU-lagstiftning om bärbara icke-laddningsbara batterier och ackumulatorer har införts måste inte medlemsstaterna införa kapacitetsmärkning eller kräva att sådan används, och batteriproducenter måste inte kapacitetsmärka sina produkter, om inte detta krävs enligt nationell lagstiftning. Nationella märkningskrav kommer endast att gälla till dess att harmoniserade EU-krav införts (58). Fram till dess måste EU-medlemsstaterna till kommissionen anmäla eventuella nya tekniska genomförandebestämmelser i enlighet med direktiv 98/34/EG om standardisering och tekniska föreskrifter (59).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000841/12

to the Commission

Daniel Caspary (PPE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Labelling of ampere hours (Ah) on batteries

Despite the multitude of batteries available, every battery displays the important labelling of its potential in volts (V). However, there is no indication in ampere hours (Ah) of the electric charge stored in a battery, which in the opinion of the questioner is an essential feature of a battery. In automotive or rechargeable batteries this capacity is stated in Ah, but on batteries of types A, AA, AAA, etc. it is not.

1. To what extent is the Commission aware of these facts?

2. To what extent does the Commission consider the labelling of the electric charge on a battery to be an essential feature?

3. Does the Commission intend to make such labelling compulsory?

Question for written answer E-001504/12

to the Commission

Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Capacity labelling of all portable batteries

According to Article 21(2) of the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC, ‘Member States shall ensure that the capacity of all portable and automotive batteries and accumulators is indicated on them in a visible, legible and indelible form by 26 September 2009. Detailed rules for the implementation of this requirement, including harmonised methods for the determination of capacity and appropriate use, shall be laid down in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 24(2) no later than 26 March 2009’.

While the Commission adopted Regulation (EU) No 1103/2010 establishing rules as regards capacity labelling of rechargeable batteries and accumulators on 29 November 2010, it failed to do so for non-rechargeable batteries. As a result, there is still no proper capacity labelling for non-rechargeable batteries in Member States. However, the key motivation for the European Parliament to introduce the labelling provision during the co-decision procedure was to address non-rechargeable batteries, as capacities and costs differ widely without any proper information. Instead of receiving objective indications that would allow an informed choice, consumers are still confronted with all kinds of marketing claims without any scientific basis. As such, a cheaper battery may actually become more expensive in the medium-term, as its relative capacity may well be far lower than that of another brand, thus requiring the purchase of new batteries sooner. This misleads the consumer and contributes to creating more waste batteries, which in turn can lead to environmental pollution.

1. What measures are you going to take and when, given that you have so far not complied with your obligations as referred to above, pursuant to the Batteries Directive?

2. Are Member States that have not ensured the capacity indication pursuant to Article 21(2) violating the relevant provisions of this directive even if no guidelines exist? If so, what action will the Commission take to ensure full application of this provision by all Member States?

Joint answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

Given the technical complexity to design a single and meaningful label for portable non-rechargeable batteries and accumulators, the Commission has issued a mandate to the standardisation bodies (CEN/CENELEC) to study the feasibility of establishing a standardised capacity label by June 2012. Such capacity label would provide an indication in ampere hours (Ah).

Until EU harmonised legislation for portable non-rechargeable batteries and accumulators is in place, Member States are not obliged to introduce or require the use of capacity labels, and battery producers are not obliged to place capacity labels on them, unless required under national law. Any national labelling requirements will apply only until harmonised EU requirements are in place (60). Meanwhile, EU Member States must notify the Commission of any new technical implementing measure(s), in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC for standardisation and technical regulations (61).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000852/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE) and Brian Crowley (ALDE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Flexibility for young farmers under the CAP 2014-2020

In relation to the proposed single farm payment top-up for young farmers under CAP 2014-2020, can the Commission outline what degree of flexibility will be given to Member States in its implementation?

At present, Ireland has 6.9 % of farmers under 35 years of age, but for the Commission’s aims and objectives for young farmers under this top-up to be met, the full allocation of 2 % must be made available to young farmers. At present, Ireland does not have enough young farmers listed for this top-up to make any measurable impact.

In this regard, does the Commission anticipate giving flexibility to Member States to set the criteria for this measure in accordance with the profile and needs of young farmers in their respective countries?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2012)

The Commission proposal on direct payments to farmers after 2013 (62) includes a new payment scheme for young farmers, additional to the basic payment scheme, as a way of better targeting CAP first pillar support to farmers whose income is more fragile. Through this proposal the Commission acknowledges that generational renewal in agriculture is an issue throughout the EU, where only a limited percentage of farmers are under 40 years of age (approximately 14 % in EU‐27, according to the most recent statistics).

The young farmers scheme is compulsory to the Member States. The proposal provides that the Member States fix the budget allocation to the scheme depending on their national peculiarities, provided that the amount does not exceed 2 % of their national ceilings for direct payments. The chosen percentage could be reviewed by the Member States by 1 August 2016.

The possibility to set additional eligibility criteria for young farmers at the Member States level is not included in the proposal, in line with the generalized implementation of CAP first pillar. The eligibility criteria set in Article 36(1) and 36(2) of the proposal would apply. The proposal of CAP reform foresees that Member States can design more targeted measures addressing young farmers' needs under their rural development programmes.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-000870/12

aan de Commissie

Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D)

(2 februari 2012)

Betreft: Herlaadpalen elektrische voertuigen

De Europese Commissie stelt in haar witboek transport dat de uitstoot van ons transportsysteem tegen 2050 met 60 % gedaald moet zijn. Een zeer ambitieuze doelstelling die enkel bereikt kan worden via een mix van maatregelen. Een van de voorgestelde maatregelen is om de wagens met klassieke verbrandingsmotoren uit onze steden te weren en meer te investeren in andere brandstoffen. Steeds meer autofabrikanten brengen dan ook een elektrische of hybride wagen op de markt. Dit brengt natuurlijk de noodzaak aan het installeren van voldoende oplaadpunten voor deze wagens met zich mee.

Antwoord van de heer Kallas namens de Commissie

(12 maart 2012)

De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar haar antwoord op schriftelijke vragen E-008744/2011, E-000021/2012 en E-000671/2012 van de heer Jim Higgins (PPE), mevrouw Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D) en de heer Andreas Mölzer (NI) (63).

Wat de normen voor laadstations voor elektrische voertuigen betreft, heeft de Commissie het CEN, het CENELEC en het ETSI (Europese normalisatie-instellingen, ESO's) in juni 2010 opdracht gegeven nieuwe normen vast te stellen (of bestaande normen te herzien) om te zorgen voor interoperabiliteit en connectiviteit tussen oplaadpunten en laders van elektrische voertuigen.

Tegelijkertijd hebben stekkerproducenten op verzoek van de Commissie en in het kader van het CARS 21-proces de afgelopen maanden verdere besprekingen gevoerd. Bij de normalisering van de oplaadinterface moet rekening worden gehouden met de standpuntenvan de verschillende belanghebbenden en de activiteiten die ontplooid worden door internationale normalisatiefora. De Europese Commissie volgt de werkzaamheden van de ESO's op de voet en zal de meest geschikte maatregel nemen om tot een toereikende en aanvaardbare oplossing te komen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000870/12

to the Commission

Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D)

(2 February 2012)

Subject: Charging stations for electric vehicles

According to the European Commission’s White Paper on transport, we should achieve a 60 % reduction in emissions from our transport system by 2050. This is a very ambitious target, which can only be achieved through a mixture of measures. One of the proposed measures is to phase out cars with conventional internal combustion engines from our cities and to invest more in other fuels. This is why more and more car manufacturers are bringing electric or hybrid cars onto the market. This, of course, makes it necessary to install a sufficient number of charging stations for those cars.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Questions E‐008744/2011, E‐000021/2012 and E‐000671/2012 by Mr Jim Higgins (PPE), Ms Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D) and Andreas Mölzer (NI) (64).

On the standards of the electric vehicle charging stations, the Commission delivered a Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI (ESOs — European Standardisation Organisations) in June 2010 to adopt new standards (or revise existing ones) with the aim to ensure the interoperability and the connectivity between the electricity supply point and the charger of electric vehicles.

In parallel to the standardisation process, further discussions have also been held between plug producers in recent months at the request of the Commission and within the CARS 21 process. The standardisation of the recharging interface will need to take into account the positions of different stakeholders and the ongoing activities in international

standardisation fora. The European Commission follows closely the work of ESOs and will take the most appropriate solution to ensure a satisfactory and acceptable outcome on this issue.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000929/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(2 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Schemă de ajutor de stat pentru calitatea laptelui

Comisia a aprobat, pentru România, prelungirea până în 2013 a perioadei de tranziție pentru alinierea la cerințele comunitare de igienă a laptelui crud produs. Având în vedere solicitările producătorilor, Comisia este rugată să precizeze în ce condiții poate statul român să pună la dispoziția acestora o schemă de ajutor de stat pentru calitatea laptelui.

Răspuns dat de domnul Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(29 februarie 2012)

Ajutoarele care pot fi acordate pentru adaptarea exploatațiilor din sectorul laptelui la normele comunitare în vigoare sunt de două tipuri:

Ajutoarele menționate nu sunt accesibile întreprinderilor în dificultate, nici celor care ar avea de rambursat ajutoare declarate incompatibile cu piața internă, atâta vreme cât nu s-a efectuat rambursarea sau cât cuantumul acesteia nu a fost depus într-un cont blocat (cu dobânzile aferente în ambele cazuri).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000929/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(2 February 2012)

Subject: State aid scheme for milk quality

The Commission has approved the extension up to 2013 of the transition period for the alignment of Romanian raw milk production with Community hygiene standards. Taking into consideration the producers’ requests, can the Commission specify under what conditions the Romanian government can make a state aid scheme for milk quality available to them?

(Version française)

Les aides pouvant être accordées pour l'adaptation des exploitations laitières à des normes communautaires en vigueur sont de deux types:

Les aides précitées ne sont pas accessibles aux entreprises en difficulté ni à celles qui auraient des aides déclarées incompatibles avec le marché intérieur à rembourser, tant que le remboursement n'aura pas été effectué ou que le montant à rembourser n'aura pas été placé sur un compte bloqué (avec les intérêts dus dans les deux cas).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-000941/12

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(3 februari 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — EU rapport Oost Jeruzalem 2011, wetgeving tegen nederzettingenpolitiek en zwarte lijsten voor kolonisten

In het door de missieleiders van de EU in Tel Aviv en Ramallah opgemaakte en in de pers verschenen rapport over Oost-Jeruzalem van 2011 wordt vermeld dat de situatie in Oost-Jeruzalem erop achteruit gaat, en de systematische nederzettingentoename in toenemende mate de kans op een tweestatenoplossing ondermijnt. Volgens het rapport volgt Israel een beleid van het verplaatsen van de Joodse bevolking naar bezet Palestijns gebied in tegenspraak met de 4e Geneefse Conventie en internationaal humanitair recht. Israël ondermijnt ook systematisch de Palestijnse aanwezigheid in Oost-Jeruzalem, bv. door strikte bouwvoorschriften in Palestijnse buurten op te leggen, Palestijnse huizen te vernielen, en Palestijnse woonvergunningen in te trekken of te weigeren.

Het rapport roept op tot concrete actie om de nederzettingengroei van Israel een halt toe te roepen. Zo zou er wetgeving moeten komen om financiële transacties  ter ondersteuning van de nederzettingen te vermijden en Europese bedrijven te verhinderen of te ontmoedigen handelsactiviteiten te ontplooien die de illegale nederzettingenpolitiek van Israel zouden ondersteunen. Dit zou beter werken dan een politiek ingestelde boycot.

Een tweede suggestie in het rapport is dat gewelddadige kolonisten die zich in het door Israël bezette Oost-Jeruzalem hebben gevestigd, geïdentificeerd moeten worden en op een zwarte lijst van de EU zouden moeten komen te staan. Op die manier kan hen de toegang tot de EU worden ontzegd.

Dit rapport, dat de woordvoerder van het Israelisch Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken omschreef als „een onaangenaam geluid op de achtergrond” („an unpleasant background noise”), komt bovenop gelijkaardige EU-rapporten over Oost-Jeruzalem van vorige jaren, en een ander recent in de pers bekendgeraakt intern EU-rapport van juli 2011 over Area C, het gebied van de Westelijke Jordaanoever dat voor 62 % onder Israëlische controle staat. In dat rapport wordt gezegd dat ook de nederzettingen daar een tweestatenoplossing onmogelijk maken.

Zal de Hoge Vertegenwoordiger beide concrete suggesties van de missieleiders in Tel Aviv en Ramallah  ter harte nemen en ze actief bepleiten?

Hoe zal de EU concreet de Israëlische nederzettingproblematiek helpen doorbreken?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(23 april 2012)

Het rapport waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid in zijn vraag verwijst, wordt jaarlijks opgemaakt door de EU-missies in Jeruzalem en Ramallah om verslag uit te brengen over de ontwikkelingen  ter plaatse. Het gaat om een intern en periodiek verslag dat niet openbaar is, en dat gebruikt wordt als informatiebron en input voor discussies over het EU-beleid voor het Midden-Oosten en Oost-Jeruzalem. Om deze reden acht de hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter het niet opportuun opmerkingen te maken over de inhoud en aanbevelingen uit dit vertrouwelijke verslag.

Het officiële standpunt van de EU ten aanzien van Oost-Jeruzalem en het vredesproces in het Midden-Oosten is  terug te vinden in de conclusies van de Raad van december 2009 en 2010. Ook het oordeel van de EU over de nederzettingen komt duidelijk naar voren in bovengenoemde conclusies. De EU oefent voortdurend toezicht uit op de situatie  ter plaatse en betreurt geregeld uitdrukkelijk de uitbreiding van de nederzettingen op de Westelijke Jordaanoever (inclusief Oost-Jeruzalem), zowel in haar contacten met de regering van Israël als in haar publieke verklaringen. In samenwerking met het Midden-Oostenkwartet streeft de EU ook actief naar een alomvattende oplossing voor het Arabisch-Israëlische conflict, met name op grond van de resoluties van de Veiligheidsraad van de Verenigde Naties en de „Roadmap”, waarin ertoe wordt opgeroepen de nederzettingen niet verder uit te breiden.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-001493/12

till kommissionen (Vice-ordföranden/Höga representanten)

Marita Ulvskog (S&D)

(8 februari 2012)

Angående: VP/HR–örhindrande av finansiella transaktioner från EU till stöd för Israels bosättningsverksamhet

Det finns ett brådskande behov av att komma fram till en rättvis lösning på konflikten mellan Israel och Palestina under 2012 för att få slut på den ockupation som nu är inne på sitt 45:e år. Den systematiska utvidgningen av israeliska bosättningar är olaglig enligt folkrätten och utgör även det största hotet mot den tvåstatslösning som ni arbetar hårt för att få till stånd.

Vid tidpunkten för Venedigdeklarationen år 1980 fanns det uppskattningsvis 20 000 illegala bosättare på Västbanken. Nu finns det över 300 000 bosättare, och dessutom fler än 190 000 bosättare i östra Jerusalem. Om detta tillåts fortsätta kommer en tvåstatslösning inte att komma till stånd.

EU:s beskickningschefer rekommenderar i sin rapport från 2012 om östra Jerusalem kommissionen att ”överväga att lägga fram lämplig EU-lagstiftning för att förhindra/försvåra finansiella transaktioner till stöd för bosättningsverksamhet”.

Accepterar ni denna rekommendation, såsom jag hoppas och förväntar mig? Hur tänker ni genom EU-åtgärder, för vilka jag kan försäkra er om att ni skulle ha överväldigande stöd i parlamentet, genomföra denna rekommendation med tanke på ert mandat som fördragens väktare och upprätthållare av internationell humanitär rätt?

Samlat svar från den höga representanten/vice ordförande Catherine Ashton på kommissionens vägnar

(23 april 2012)

Den rapport som parlamentsledamoten nämner i sin fråga är en årlig rapport om utvecklingen i Jerusalem och Ramallah som utarbetas av EU:s beskickningar. Det är en intern, rutinmässig, faktabaserad rapport och inte en offentlig handling. Rapporten utgör en informationskälla och bidrar till diskussionerna om EU:s politik gentemot Mellanöstern och östra Jerusalem. Av denna anledning anser den höga representanten/vice ordföranden att det inte är lämpligt att yttra sig om innehållet i den konfidentiella rapporten eller de rekommendationer den innehåller.

EU:s officiella ståndpunkt om östra Jerusalem och fredsprocessen i Mellanöstern återspeglas i rådets slutsatser från december 2009 och 2010. EU:s ståndpunkt om bosättningar är också tydlig och anges i de ovannämnda slutsatserna. EU övervakar kontinuerligt läget på plats och beklagar regelbundet utvidgningen av bosättningar på Västbanken, inklusive i östra Jerusalem, både i sina kontakter med Israels regering och i sina offentliga uttalanden. Inom ramen för Mellanösternkvartetten söker EU också aktivt en övergripande lösning på den arabisk–israeliska konflikten, bland annat på grundval av relevanta resolutioner från Förenta nationernas säkerhetsråd och färdplanen där man efterlyser ett stopp för utvidgningen av bosättningar.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000941/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(3 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — EU report on East Jerusalem 2011, legislation against the settlement policy and black lists for settlers

The report on East Jerusalem (2011) by the EU heads of mission in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, which has appeared in the press, states that the situation in East Jerusalem is deteriorating and the systematic increase in settlement activity increasingly undermines a two-state solution. According to the report, Israel is pursuing a policy of relocating Jews to the occupied Palestinian territory in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law. Israel is also systematically undermining the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, for example by imposing restrictive planning regulations in Palestinian neighbourhoods, demolishing Palestinian houses and revoking or denying building permits to Palestinians.

The report calls for concrete action to put a stop to the expansion of Israeli settlements. Thus, it calls for legislation which would prevent financial transactions in support of settlement activities and prevent or discourage European companies from engaging in commercial activities supporting Israel’s illegal settlement policy. This would be more effective than a politically-driven motivated boycott.

The second recommendation in the report is that violent settlers who have moved to Israel-occupied East Jerusalem should be identified and included in an EU black list. This will ensure that they are denied entry to the EU.

This report, described by the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s spokesman as ‘an unpleasant background noise’ comes in the wake of similar EU reports on East Jerusalem from previous years and another internal EU report of July 2011, recently highlighted in the press, about Israeli-run Area C, which makes up 62 % of the West Bank. This report notes that the settlements are making a two-state solution impossible there too.

Will the High Representative heed the two concrete recommendations of the mission leaders in Tel Aviv and Ramallah and actively advocate them?

What concrete action will the EU take to help resolve the Israeli settlement problem?

Question for written answer E-001493/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Marita Ulvskog (S&D)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Prevention of EU financial transactions in support of Israeli settlement activity

A fair solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is urgently needed in 2012, in order to end an occupation that is now in its 45th year. The systematic expansion of Israeli settlement is illegal under international law, and is also the biggest threat to the two-state solution for which you are working so hard.

At the time of the EU’s Venice Declaration of 1980, there were approximately 20 000 illegal settlers on the West Bank. Now, there are over 300 000, plus more than 190 000 in East Jerusalem. If this is allowed to go on, there will be no two-state solution.

In their 2012 report on East Jerusalem, the EU heads of mission unanimously recommend that the Commission ‘consider proposing appropriate EU legislation to prevent/discourage financial transactions in support of settlement activity’.

Do you accept this recommendation, as I hope and expect? Under your mandate in terms of guardianship of the treaties and upholding international humanitarian law, how do you intend to implement this recommendation, through EU measures which I assure you will have the overwhelming support of this Parliament?

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

(23 April 2012)

The report referred to in the Honourable Member's question is an annual exercise by the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah reporting on developments on the ground. It is an internal, routine, factual report, and is not a public document. The report serves as a source of information and input into discussions surrounding EU policy towards the Middle East and East Jerusalem. For this reason, the High Representative/Vice-President does not consider it appropriate to comment on the contents of the confidential report or its recommendations.

The EU’s official position on East Jerusalem and the Middle East peace process is reflected in the Council conclusions from December 2009 and 2010. The EU’s position on settlements is also clear and outlined in the aforementioned conclusions. The EU is constantly monitoring the situation on the ground and regularly deplores settlement expansion in the West Bank including East Jerusalem both in its contacts with the Government of Israel and in its public statements. Through the Quartet it is also actively seeking a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of, inter alia, the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the roadmap which calls for a halt to settlement expansion.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-000958/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(3. februára 2012)

Vec: Európsky systém obchodovania s emisiami

Od 1. januára 2012 sú v Európe platné poplatky za prichádzajúce aj odchádzajúce lety. Európska únia sa týmto spôsobom snaží obmedziť skleníkové plyny v ovzduší. Aerolíniám, ktoré odmietnu platiť, hrozí pokuta či dokonca zákaz letov do krajín EÚ. Čínske aerolínie sa však do európskeho systému obchodovania s emisiami zapojiť odmietajú, pretože sa obávajú, že to spôsobí prekážku vo vzájomnom obchode, ktorú pocítia aj čínski turisti cestujúci do Európy. Čína vypočítala, že vstup do systému by stál čínske spoločnosti v prvom roku okolo 95 miliónov eur a do roku 2020 by sa tieto náklady strojnásobili. Zvažuje preto podanie žaloby. Platenie za emisie sa nepáči ani indickým, kanadským alebo austrálskym prepravcom. Americké aerolínie už na EÚ žalobu podali, Súdny dvor Európskej únie však rozhodol, že predmetná európska legislatíva je v súlade s medzinárodným právom.

Mieni Komisia medzinárodným leteckým spoločnostiam v určitom smere ustúpiť alebo bude na súčasne platnej legislatíve trvať aj naďalej?

Odpoveď pani Hedegaardovej v mene Komisie

(19. marca 2012)

Komisia si uvedomuje, že tretie krajiny hľadia na systém EÚ na obchodovanie s emisiami (ETS) s obavami, a aktívne sa zapája do diskusií na bilaterálnej aj medzinárodnej úrovni v rámci ICAO, aby tieto obavy odstránila.

EÚ sa pevne zasadzuje za vykonávanie svojich právnych predpisov týkajúcich sa ETS v oblasti leteckej dopravy a zároveň sa v rámci Medzinárodnej organizácie civilného letectva pozitívne zapája do zrýchlenej činnosti zameranej na trhové opatrenia. Komisia nemôže pozastaviť platnosť právnych predpisov Únie. Naše právne predpisy sú však pružné a v súvislosti s príletmi je možné udeliť výnimku na nediskriminačnom základe tak, aby sa zohľadnili opatrenia, ktoré prijímajú tretie krajiny. Okrem toho naše právne predpisy preskúmame a pravdepodobne navrhneme ich zmenu a doplnenie, ak a keď sa v ICAO dosiahne dohoda o trhových opatreniach.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000958/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(3 February 2012)

Subject: European Emissions Trading System

From 1 January 2012, charges have been imposed for both incoming and outgoing flights in Europe. In taking this step, the European Union seeks to limit the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Airlines which refuse to pay may be fined or even banned from flying to EU Member States. Chinese airlines have refused to participate in the European emissions trading scheme, however, fearing that it will cause a barrier to mutual trade, which will also affect Chinese tourists travelling to Europe. China has calculated that signing up to the system would cost Chinese companies around EUR 95 million in the first year, and by 2020 these costs would increase three‐fold. It is therefore considering legal action. Indian, Canadian and Australian carriers do not like paying for emissions either. American Airlines has already filed an action against the EU; however, the European Court of Justice has ruled that this piece of European legislation is in accordance with international law.

Does the Commission intend to make any concessions to international airlines, or will it persist with the current legislation?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2012)

The Commission recognises that third countries have concerns about the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and is engaging actively in discussions both bilaterally and internationally in ICAO in order to address these concerns.

The EU is firm on the implementation of its aviation ETS legislation, while engaging positively in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)'s accelerated work on market based measures. The Commission cannot suspend Union legislation. However, our legislation foresees flexibility to exempt incoming flights on a non-discriminatory basis to take into account action by third countries. Furthermore, we will review and possibly propose an amendment to our legislation if and when an agreement on market-based measures is found in ICAO.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés P-000961/12

a Bizottság számára

Gáll-Pelcz Ildikó (PPE)

(2012. február 3.)

Tárgy: A Magyarország elleni túlzott hiány miatt folyó eljárásról, és annak lehetséges további hatásairól

Tekintettel Olli Rehn január 24-i kijelentésére, miszerint Magyarországnak további lépéseket kell tennie a hiánycélok elérésében, különben a Bizottság szankciókat kezdeményezhet, kérdezem:

Olli Rehn válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. március 8.)

(English version)

Question for written answer P-000961/12

to the Commission

Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE)

(3 February 2012)

Subject: The ongoing excessive deficit procedure against Hungary and its possible future impact

With regard to the statement made on 24 January by Olli Rehn, according to which Hungary needs to take further steps in order to achieve its deficit targets, otherwise the Commission may initiate sanctions, I would like to ask the following:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-000966/12

do Komisji

Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(3 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Proponowana reorganizacja w zakresie dystrybucji środków w nowej perspektywie budżetowej na lata 2014-2020

Znaczenie wsparcia UE dla edukacji formalnej i nieformalnej oraz aktywizacji społecznej wymaga gruntownego przemyślenia i przeanalizowania wszelkich zmian, które mogą wpłynąć na efektywność, a więc w konsekwencji celowość prowadzonych działań. Dlatego w związku z proponowaną reorganizacją w zakresie dystrybucji środków w nowej perspektywie budżetowej na lata 2014-2020, która wiąże się z przekształceniem programów edukacyjnych takich jak „Młodzież w działaniu” i „Uczenie się przez całe życie” w program „Erasmus dla wszystkich”, zwracam się do Komisji z pytaniem o konsekwencje takich zmian.

W szczególności chciałbym wiedzieć, czy efektem wspomnianej reorganizacji nie będzie utrudnienie i zarazem ograniczenie możliwości korzystania ze wsparcia nieformalnym grupom młodzieżowym.

Dodatkowo mam wątpliwości w kwestii, czy proponowane zmiany nie będą wiązały się z uzyskiwaniem lepszych wyników ilościowych kosztem oferowanej jakości.

Równocześnie chciałbym uzyskać informację, w jaki sposób wprowadzenie programu „Erasmus dla wszystkich” wpłynie na realizację programów wspierających kształcenie pozaformalne.

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Androullę Vassiliou w imieniu Komisji

(17 kwietnia 2012 r.)

W przedstawionym przez Komisję wniosku w sprawie rozporządzenia sektor kształcenia pozaformalnego został jednoznacznie zaliczony do beneficjentów programu, w szczególności w ramach wspierania Strategii UE na rzecz młodzieży (2010-2018). Wszystkie trzy rodzaje zaproponowanych działań (mobilność edukacyjna, współpraca na rzecz innowacyjności i wymiany dobrych praktyk oraz wsparcie reform politycznych) są nakierowane zarówno na sektor kształcenia formalnego, jak i sektor kształcenia pozaformalnego. Ponadto program jako całość powinien dysponować budżetem większym niż suma budżetów obecnie funkcjonujących analogicznych programów; sektor kształcenia pozaformalnego skorzysta zatem ze zwiększenia środków finansowych.

W celu uproszczenia i racjonalizacji europejskich instrumentów wspierania kształcenia i szkolenia, przedstawiona przez Komisję w czerwcu 2011 r. propozycja wieloletnich ram finansowych przewiduje, że działania wspierane obecnie w ramach programów „Młodzież w działaniu” i „Uczenie się przez całe życie” zostaną w przyszłości zgrupowane w programie „Erasmus dla wszystkich”.

Propozycja połączenia tych programów stanowi realizację celu uproszczenia i harmonizacji zasad, z korzyścią także dla beneficjentów programów, nie wpływając znacznie na konkretną treść działań finansowanych w ramach programów.

Komisja nie zamierza również rezygnować z jakości prowadzonych działań na rzecz ich ilości. Wręcz przeciwnie, we wniosku dotyczącym rozporządzenia podkreśla się europejską wartość dodaną projektów, które będą wspierane dzięki programowi Erasmus dla wszystkich, niezależnie od sektora, którego dotyczą (kształcenie formalne lub pozaformalne).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000966/12

to the Commission

Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(3 February 2012)

Subject: Proposed reorganisation of the distribution of funds in the new budget perspective for 2014-2020

The significance of EU support for formal and informal education and social development requires thorough consideration and analysis of any changes that can have an impact on the effectiveness, and thus the efficiency of the activities being carried out. That is why in relation to the proposed reorganisation of the distribution of funds in the new budget perspective for 2014-2020, which includes the transformation of educational programmes such as ‘Youth in action’ and ‘Lifelong learning’ into the ‘Erasmus for everyone’ programme, I should like to ask the Commission about the consequences of such changes.

In particular, will the result of the said reorganisation not impede and at the same time limit the possibility of informal youth groups using this support?

Additionally, I have doubts as to whether the proposed changes would not involve obtaining better quantitative results at the cost of the quality offered.

What impact will the introduction of the ‘Erasmus for everyone’ programme have on the implementation of programmes supporting non-formal learning?

(Version française)

La proposition de règlement présentée par la Commission inclut explicitement le secteur de l'éducation non formel parmi les bénéficiaires du programme, notamment en soutien de la Stratégie européenne pour la jeunesse (2010-2018). Les trois types d'actions proposés (mobilité apprenante des individus, coopération pour l'innovation et l'échange de bonnes pratiques, soutien aux réformes politiques) visent autant le secteur non formel que le secteur formel. Enfin, l'ensemble du programme devrait bénéficier d'une enveloppe budgétaire en augmentation par rapport à la somme des budgets des programmes actuels correspondants et le secteur de l'éducation non formelle devrait bénéficier de cette augmentation des moyens financiers.

Afin de simplifier et rationaliser les instruments européens de soutien à l'éducation et à la formation, la proposition de Cadre financier pluriannuel présentée par la Commission en juin 2011 prévoit que les activités actuellement soutenues par les programmes Jeunesse en Action et Éducation et formation tout au long de la vie soient à l'avenir regroupées au sein du programme Erasmus pour tous.

La proposition de fusion de ces programmes répond à un objectif de simplification et d'harmonisation des règles également utiles pour les bénéficiaires de ces programmes, sans un impact majeur sur le contenu spécifique des actions financées par ces programmes.

De la même manière, la Commission n'entend pas sacrifier la qualité des actions soutenues à leur quantité. Au contraire, la proposition de règlement met l'accent sur la valeur ajoutée européenne des projets que le programme «Erasmus pour tous» permettra de subventionner, quel que soit le secteur (éducation formelle ou éducation non formelle) concerné.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-001002/12

til Kommissionen

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(6. februar 2012)

Om: Ungdomsarbejdsløshed i EU

Hver femte unge mellem 15‐29 år i Europa står hverken uden arbejde, praktikplads eller er under uddannelse. Det svarer til i alt 14 millioner mennesker, og ifølge en rapport fra Eurofond — Det Europæiske Institut til Forbedring af Leve‐ og Arbejdsvilkårene — anslås det at koste op mod 1 007 milliarder kroner om året. Ifølge rapporten er denne udgift beregnet ved at se på den tabte arbejdsfortjeneste og udgifter til overførselsindkomster.

En opgørelse fra Eurostat i 2010 viser at ungdomsarbejdsløsheden blandt EU's medlemslande er særlig stor i lande som Bulgarien (22 %), Irland (19 %) og Italien (18 %). Siden den globale finanskrise for alvor begyndte at tage fart i efteråret 2008, har især lande som Italien og Storbritannien haft en stor stigning i antallet af ungdomsarbejdsløse i aldersgruppen 15‐29 år.

En del af forklaringen for den høje ungdomsarbejdsløshed er naturligvis den økonomiske krise. Det gælder dog for de medlemslande, som er hårdest ramt, at selv i økonomiske højkonjunkturer, finder unge det svært at komme ind på arbejdsmarkedet. OECD’s analyser har gennem flere år påpeget ufleksible arbejdsmarkeder, som går det dyrt at hyre og fyre, som en del af årsagen til den høje ungdomsarbejdsløshed. I deres seneste analyse »Off to a good start? Jobs for youth« fra 2011 påpeges det eksempelvis, at regeringer i flere EU‐lande såsom Spanien, Frankrig og Polen mangler at etablere effektive jobaktiverings-programmer, som er rettet mod unge arbejdsløse.

Derudover har en række cheføkonomer fra tænketanken European Policy Center vurderet, at EU bør iværksætte tiltag, som vil skabe et stærkere fælleseuropæisk arbejdsmarked, hvilket vil gøre det nemmere for især unge at krydse deres landegrænse og få arbejde i andre EU‐lande.

Hvad vil Kommissionen gøre for at presse de enkelte medlemslande i EU til at iværksætte de nødvendige arbejdsmarkedsreformer samt fremlægge af EU‐initiativer, som kan være med til at mindske ledigheden blandt de unge i aldersgruppen 15‐29 år?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af László Andor

(14. marts 2012)

Med meddelelsen om initiativet for muligheder for unge (71), som blev vedtaget for nylig, har Kommissionen optrappet sin indsats for at støtte medlemsstaterne, når de sætter ind på at bekæmpe ungdomsarbejdsløshed. Initiativet fokuserer på at gøre større brug af Den Europæiske Socialfond til dette formål, og der foreslås en række EU‐finansierede innovative tilgange til at støtte unges overgang fra uddannelse til arbejde, f.eks. »ungdomsgarantien« og ordningen »Dit første EURES-job«. Ordningen er et pilotinitiativ for unge mobile arbejdstagere (18‐30). Den første gennemførelsesrunde skal begynde i foråret i samarbejde med arbejdsformidlinger i Tyskland, Spanien, Danmark og Italien. Denne og de følgende runder forventes at resultere i 5 000 jobformidlinger i 2012‐2013.

Efter erklæringen fra Det Europæiske Råds uformelle møde den 30. januar 2012, hvori denne tilgang godkendes, har Kommissionen oprettet udrykningshold, som i februar vil besøge de otte medlemsstater (72) med den højeste ungdomsarbejdsløshed. Målet er at fastlægge, hvorledes der kan gøres bedre brug af EU‐finansiering til bekæmpelse af ungdomsarbejdsløshed og udarbejdelse af nationale ungdomsbeskæftigelsesplaner, der bygger på foranstaltninger i initiativet for muligheder for unge og Rådets konklusioner vedrørende bekæmpelse af ungdomsarbejdsløshed fra juni 2011. Kommissionen har også etableret yderligere bilaterale kontakter med syv andre medlemsstater med en ungdomsarbejdsløshed, der ligger over gennemsnittet (73).

Kommissionen vil fremlægge en første evaluering af gennemførelsen af initiativet for muligheder for unge på Det Europæiske Råds uformelle møde (beskæftigelse og sociale anliggender) i april. Endvidere vil Kommissionen lægge særlig vægt på ungdomsbeskæftigelse og strukturelle arbejdsmarkedsreformer til fordel for unge ved fremlæggelsen af udkastet til de landespecifikke anbefalinger for 2012 under det europæiske semester.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001002/12

to the Commission

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(6 February 2012)

Subject: Youth unemployment in the EU

One in five young people in Europe aged 15-29 is either not in work or a work experience placement or is in training. This corresponds to 14 million people in total and a report from Eurofound — the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions — estimates that this costs up to DKK 1 007 billion per year. According to the report, this cost is calculated by considering loss of earnings and social security expenditure.

A report from Eurostat in 2010 indicates that youth unemployment in EU Member States is particularly high in countries such as Bulgaria (22 %), Ireland (19 %) and Italy (18 %). Since the global financial crisis began to really bite in the autumn of 2008, countries such as Italy and the UK in particular have experienced a significant increase in the number of young unemployed in the 15-29 year-old age group.

The economic crisis is of course one of the reasons for the high rate of youth unemployment. In the countries which have been hardest hit, however, young people find it difficult to enter the labour market, even when economic conditions are favourable. Analyses by the OECD over many years have suggested that inflexible labour markets, which make it difficult to hire and fire, are one of the reasons for the high rate of youth unemployment. Their latest analysis from 2011 ‘Off to a good start? Jobs for youth’ points out by way of example that governments in many EU countries, such as Spain, France and Poland, are failing to establish effective job activation programmes aimed at the young unemployed.

A number of senior economists at the European Policy Centre think-tank have also suggested that the EU should implement measures to create a stronger pan-European labour market which will make it easier for young people especially to cross national borders to find work in other EU countries.

What pressure will the Commission bring to bear on individual EU Member States to implement the necessary labour market reforms and put forward EU initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in the 15-29 year-old age group?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2012)

With the recently adopted communication on the Youth Opportunities Initiative (74) the Commission has stepped up its efforts to support Member States in taking action to fight youth unemployment. The Initiative focuses on making greater use of the European Social Fund to this end and proposes a set of EU‐financed innovative approaches to support young people's transition from education to work, such as the Youth Guarantee and the ‘Your first EURES job’ scheme. The scheme is a pilot initiative for young mobile workers (18-30). Its first implementation wave shall start this spring with the cooperation of employment services from Germany, Spain, Denmark and Italy. This and the following waves are expected to secure 5 000 job placements in 2012-2013.

Following the statement by the informal European Council of 30 January 2012 endorsing this approach, the Commission has set up action teams who in February will visit the eight Member States (75) with the highest youth unemployment rates. The aim is to find ways to make better use of EU funding to fight youth unemployment and to establish national youth employment plans building on the measures in the Youth Opportunities Initiative and the June 2011 Council conclusions on tackling youth employment. The Commission has also launched further bilateral contacts with seven other Member States with above-average youth unemployment rates (76).

The Commission will present a first assessment of the implementation of the Youth Opportunities Initiative to the informal Employment and Social Affairs Ministers' Council meeting in April. Furthermore, the Commission will pay special attention to youth employment and structural labour market reforms benefiting young people when presenting the draft 2012 country-specific recommendations under the European Semester.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001007/12

alla Commissione

Giovanni La Via (PPE)

(6 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Programma INTERREG III B ARCHIMED: mancato pagamento ai beneficiari finali

Il programma INTERREG III B ARCHIMED, che è stato approvato il 3 marzo 2003 con decisione della Commissione europea n. C(2003)117, modificata il 13 dicembre 2004 dalla decisione della Commissione europea n. C(2004)5056, ha come obiettivo generale quello di migliorare l’integrazione tra i paesi del sudest europeo ed il bacino del Mediterraneo.

Nel quadro del suddetto programma ARCHIMED sono stati finanziati i progetti ConACT e MedTourNet. Oggi, dopo 4 anni dalla certificazione delle spese, risulta rimborsato soltanto 1/3 delle somme anticipate per la realizzazione dei progetti.

Occorre rilevare che il versamento dell'importo residuo è subordinato al pagamento del saldo al programma, eseguito successivamente all'approvazione da parte della Commissione europea del rapporto finale di esecuzione del programma (entro cinque mesi dalla trasmissione della domanda di saldo).

Si consideri che la trasmissione della domanda di saldo è stata effettuata il 31 marzo 2011 e che, quindi, i previsti 5 mesi sono scaduti il 31 agosto 2011.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione far sapere a che punto si trova il procedimento di controllo sulla suddetta istanza di saldo e quali sono i tempi previsti per il concreto pagamento delle somme ai beneficiari?

Risposta data da Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(13 marzo 2012)

La Commissione è spiacente per la situazione dei beneficiari in attesa di pagamento delle spese relative a progetti selezionati nel quadro dei programmi Interreg.

La Commissione ha rimborsato alle autorità di pagamento dei programmi Interreg tutte le spese ammissibili e certificate, comprese quelle legate alle domande di pagamento intermedie presentate dal programma Interreg IIIB Archimed. L'ultima domanda di pagamento intermedia trattata dalla Commissione è stata inviata il 31 dicembre 2007 dall'autorità di pagamento di tale programma.

Tuttavia, in seguito a violazioni degli obblighi di cui agli articoli 10 e 12 del regolamento (CE) n. 438/2001 (77), la Commissione, con decisione C(2009)4426 del 12 giugno 2009, ha sospeso i pagamenti intermedi per il programma Archimed. Questa sospensione è stata abrogata con decisione C(2010)3583 del 31 marzo 2010. La Commissione ha ritenuto appropriata una correzione finanziaria forfettaria corrispondente al 5 % del FESR, pari cioè a 1 267 205,31 euro da detrarsi dal pagamento finale alla chiusura del programma.

Il 31 marzo 2011 le autorità del programma hanno presentato alla Commissione i documenti di chiusura. Il 28 agosto 2011 la Commissione ha informato l'autorità di gestione del programma del fatto che le relazioni nonché il pagamento finale non potevano essere perfezionati prima che la correzione delle irregolarità e delle comunicazioni fosse passata al vaglio dell'Ufficio europeo per la lotta antifrode. Nel frattempo, la Commissione ha chiesto alle autorità greche le informazioni complementari necessarie per procedere al pagamento finale del programma Interreg IIIB Archimed.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001007/12

to the Commission

Giovanni La Via (PPE)

(6 February 2012)

Subject: Interreg III B Archimed programme: non-payment of final beneficiaries

The global aim of the Interreg II B Archimed programme, adopted on 3 March 2003 by Commission Decision No C (2003) 117 and modified on 13 December 2004 by Commission Decision No C (2004) 5056, is to improve integration among the countries of south-eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

In the framework of the Archimed programme, the projects ConACT and MedTourNet have been financed. Today, after four years of certifying expenditure, it appears that only one-third of the sums advanced for carrying out the project have been repaid.

It should be noted that the remaining amount may only be released if the balance is paid to the programme after its final implementation report has been approved by the Commission (within five months of forwarding of the request for payment of the balance).

The payment request was sent on 31 March 2011 and, therefore, the five-month deadline expired on 31 August 2011.

In the light of this, can the Commission provide an update on the monitoring process regarding the aforementioned payment request, and also indicate the anticipated schedules for the actual payment of these sums to their beneficiaries?

(Version française)

La Commission regrette la situation des bénéficiaires qui sont en attente du paiement des dépenses relatives à des projets sélectionnés dans le cadre des programmes Interreg.

La Commission a remboursé aux autorités de paiement des programmes Interreg toutes les dépenses éligibles et certifiées, y compris les demandes de paiement intermédiaires présentées par le programme Interreg IIIB Archimed. La dernière demande de paiement intermédiaire traitée par la Commission a été envoyée le 31 décembre 2007 par l'autorité de paiement de ce programme.

Cependant, à la suite de manquements aux obligations découlant des articles 10 et 12 du Règlement (CE) no 38/2001 (78), la Commission, par décision C(2009)4426 du 12 juin 2009, a suspendu les paiements intermédiaires pour le programme Archimed. Cette suspension a été levée par décision C(2010)3583 du 31 mars 2010. La Commission a considéré appropriée une correction financière forfaitaire correspondant à 5 % du FEDER, à savoir 1 267 205,31 euros à déduire du paiement final à la clôture du programme.

Le 31 mars 2011, les autorités du programme ont présenté à la Commission les documents de clôture. Le 28 août 2011 la Commission a informé l'autorité de gestion du programme du fait que le rapport ainsi que le paiement final ne pouvaient pas être finalisés avant la réconciliation des irrégularités et communications à l'office européen de lutte antifraude. Entre-temps, la Commission a demandé aux autorités grecques les informations complémentaires nécessaires pour .procéder au paiement final du programme Interreg IIIB Archimed.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001013/12

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE), Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE) and Brian Crowley (ALDE)

(7 February 2012)

Subject: Proposed revision of the European Good Distribution Practice Guidelines

The recent Commission proposal concerning revision of the European Good Distribution Practice Guidelines states that:

‘The wholesale distribution of medicinal products is an important activity in the integrated supply chain management. Today’s distribution network for medicinal products is increasingly complex and involves many players. The quality and the integrity of medicinal products can be affected by a lack of adequate control over the numerous activities, which occur during distribution and it is also necessary to address the threat that falsified medicinal products pose to the distribution channel. It is necessary to exercise control over the entire chain of distribution objectives by observing good manufacturing practice of medicinal products. This policy ensures that products manufactured in, or imported into the European Union are of the appropriate quality. This level of quality should be maintained throughout the distribution network without any alteration.’

1. Could the Commission clarify its procedure as regards the process of consulting the relevant stakeholders concerning the revision of these guidelines?

2. How does it plan to implement further guidelines concerning the storage and transportation of essential medicinal products?

3. Has it carried out extensive feasibility studies regarding the proposed changes to the transportation and storage of medicinal products?

4. Does it plan to provide any assistance to wholesale distributors and pharmaceutical companies in connection with the proposed revision of these guidelines?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001026/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE)

(7 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Μετάλλαξη του ιού της γρίπης των πτηνών και προληπτική δράση

Σύμφωνα με δημοσιεύματα, ολλανδός ερευνητής του πανεπιστημίου Εράσμους στο Ρόντερνταμ παρασκεύασε σε συνθήκες εργαστηρίου ένα θανατηφόρο ιό, μετάλλαξη του ιού της γρίπης των πτηνών Η5Ν1. Ο ιός αυτός μπορεί να εξαπλωθεί γρήγορα ανάμεσα σε ζώα, ενώ θα μπορούσε να μεταφερθεί ακόμα και με τον αέρα μεταξύ των θηλαστικών. Σε περιπτώσεις μόλυνσης ανθρώπινου οργανισμού, το ποσοστό θνησιμότητας ξεπερνά το 50 %.

Η είδηση προκάλεσε έντονη ανησυχία κατά την ανακοίνωση της είδησης σε συνέδριο στη Μάλτα τον περασμένο Σεπτέμβριο. Ο ερευνητής υποστηρίζει ότι αν απελευθερωθεί ο ιός αυτός, είτε με φυσική μετάλλαξη, είτε διαφεύγοντας από το εργαστήριο, οι αρχές υγείας όλου του κόσμου θα πρέπει να είναι προετοιμασμένες να το αντιμετωπίσουν.

Επισημαίνεται ότι η δημοσίευση των λεπτομερειών του πειράματος έχει απαγορευθεί από την Αμερικανική Εθνική Επιτροπή Βιοασφάλειας.

Σε συνέχεια των ανωτέρω, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Dalli εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(28 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με το ερευνητικό σχέδιο που χρηματοδοτείται από τις ΗΠΑ και διεξάγεται στο Ιατρικό Κέντρο Erasmus του Ρότερνταμ. Ύστερα από έρευνες της Επιτροπής και ανταλλαγές πληροφοριών στο πλαίσιο της επιτροπής υγειονομικής ασφάλειας (80), οι ολλανδικές αρχές εξήγησαν ότι η νομοθεσία τους σχετικά με την εργαστηριακή ασφάλεια η οποία εφαρμόζεται στο εν λόγω σχέδιο ευθυγραμμίζεται με την αντίστοιχη νομοθεσία της ΕΕ (81)  (82). Επιπλέον, επισημάνθηκε ότι είχαν χορηγηθεί οι απαραίτητες άδειες πριν από την έναρξη του σχεδίου, το οποίο πληροί τις απαιτήσεις των ΗΠΑ για τη βιολογική ασφάλεια και τα διεθνή πρότυπα ISΟ.

Δεν έχουν επισήμως δημοσιευθεί επιστημονικά στοιχεία σχετικά με το εν λόγω γενετικά τροποποιημένο στέλεχος του ιού H5N1 και, συνεπώς, η Επιτροπή δεν είναι σε θέση να κάνει οποιοδήποτε σχόλιο σχετικά με τις πιθανές επιπτώσεις του συγκεκριμένου στελέχους. Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί στενά κάθε εξέλιξη στον τομέα αυτό λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη σχετική νομοθεσία της ΕΕ και σε συνεργασία με την επιτροπή υγειονομικής ασφάλειας και με την Παγκόσμια Οργάνωση Υγείας και με την υποστήριξη του Ευρωπαϊκού Κέντρου Πρόληψης και τον Ελέγχου των Νόσων.

Εφαρμόζεται ήδη η νομοθεσία της ΕΕ (2) (3) για τη μείωση τυχόν κινδύνων που συνδέονται με τον εργαστηριακό χειρισμό των ιών της γρίπης και για τη διασφάλιση της προστασίας των εργαζόμενων στα εργαστήρια. Επιπλέον, τα μέτρα για την πρόληψη και τον έλεγχο της γρίπης των πτηνών στα πουλερικά και στα πτηνά εναρμονίζονται και συντονίζονται σε επίπεδο ΕΕ (83). Αυτό περιλαμβάνει μέτρα για την πρόληψη της εξάπλωσης της γρίπης των πτηνών και την ενίσχυση των μηχανισμών εποπτείας τα οποία έχουν αποδειχθεί επιτυχή για τη μείωση του αντίκτυπου της νόσου στο ελάχιστο. Οι νομοθετικές διατάξεις ενημερώνονται συνεχώς για να αντιμετωπιστούν οι νέες εξελίξεις. Τέλος, μια νέα νομοθετική πρόταση της Επιτροπής για τις σοβαρές διασυνοριακές απειλές κατά της υγείας (84) αποσκοπεί να ενισχύσει την ικανότητα της ΕΕ να συντονίσει την απάντησή της στις έκτακτες ανάγκες στον τομέα της υγείας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001026/12

to the Commission

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE)

(7 February 2012)

Subject: Mutation of the bird flu virus and pre-emptive action

It has been reported that, a Dutch researcher at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam has manufactured, under laboratory conditions, a deadly virus that is a mutated form of the Η5Ν1 bird flu virus. The virus is able to spread very rapidly among animals and could even be communicated through airborne contamination to mammals. In cases of infection of the human organism the mortality rate is in excess of 50 %.

This news item aroused extreme concern when it was announced at a conference in Malta last September. The researcher maintains that if the virus is allowed to spread, either through natural mutation or through escaping from the laboratory, the health authorities of the entire world will have to be prepared to deal with it.

It should be noted that publication of the details of the experiment has been banned by the American National Committee on Biosecurity.

In view of this:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2012)

The Commission is aware of the US-funded research project carried out at the Rotterdam Erasmus Medical Centre. Further to enquiries from the Commission, and exchanges in the context of the Health Security Committee (85), the Dutch authorities clarified that their laboratory security legislation governing this project aligns with the EU legislation (86)  (87). In addition, it was indicated that the necessary permits had been granted prior to commencing this project and that the latter was in line with the US bio safety requirements and international ISO standards.

No scientific information has been formally published on this genetically altered H5N1 virus strain, and therefore the Commission is not in a position to comment on the potential effects of this particular strain. The Commission closely follows any developments on this matter in taking account of relevant EU legislation, and in cooperation with the Health Security Committee and the World Health Organisation with the support of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

EU legislation is already in place to reduce any risk related to laboratory handling of influenza viruses and to ensure the protection of laboratory workers. In addition, measures to prevent and control avian influenza in poultry and birds are harmonised and coordinated at EU level (88). This includes measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza and strengthened surveillance mechanisms which have proven successful in limiting the impact of the disease to a minimum. Legislative provisions are continually updated to address new developments. Finally, a new legal proposal from the Commission on serious cross border threats to health (89) intends to step up the EU capacity to coordinate response to health emergencies.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001071/12

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(7 February 2012)

Subject: Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 and orphan diseases

Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 was designed to encourage drug companies to conduct research into rare diseases and develop novel treatments for orphan diseases. Once a company has obtained a licence in a Member State, the legislation then gives the company sole rights to supply the drug across the EU, in part to allow it to recoup its development costs, however this also creates a monopoly for the company for it to market the drug.

In 2010 the US company BioMarin was awarded a European licence for amifampridine (Firdapse), a slightly modified version of 3,4-Diaminopyridine, which is unlicensed but has been used for more than 20 years to treat Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. Treatment with Diaminopyridine costs between EUR 940 and EUR 1 200, whereas the licensed amifampridine costs between EUR 47 000 and EUR 83 000.

I understand BioMarin were able to rely on existing evidence about the drug to help obtain the licence. This case highlights the fact that some drug companies are focusing their efforts on licensing orphan drugs at vastly inflated prices, rather than developing new treatments.

1. Is the Commission aware:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

The regulation on orphan medicinal products (90), in force since 2000, provides incentives for the research and development of medicinal products for patients suffering from rare diseases in the EU for which otherwise no medicine would be developed due to the small market size.

The incentives cover a period of market exclusivity. It is restricted to the therapeutic indication for which the orphan medicinal product has been authorised. There are also other restrictions and limitations and a possibility is given to Member States to request it's shortening including where it is shown on the basis of available evidence that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify the maintenance of market exclusivity.

The EU pharmaceutical legislation (91) requires that medicinal products receive a marketing authorisation before being placed on the market. This relates to the objective to ensure that medicinal products are safe, efficacious and of quality. The legislation allows certain, albeit limited, exceptions to the requirement of marketing authorisation. The implementation of this exception is left for the national laws of the Member States (92).

Firdapse — amifampridine, is authorised by the Commission, after a scientific assessment of the product at the European Medicines Agency, for the Symptomatic treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults.

Although the Commission fully agrees on the need for new medicines to address the vast area of un-met medical needs in rare diseases, it considers that the regulation on orphan medicinal products is an important and successful instrument in promoting the development of orphan medicinal products. The Commission does not consider it necessary to propose changes to this legislation.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001087/12

προς την Επιτροπή (Αντιπρόεδρος/Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος)

Charalampos Angourakis (GUE/NGL)

(7 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: VP/HR — Βασανιστήρια κρατουμένων στη Λιβύη

Πληθαίνουν οι καταγγελίες για βασανιστήρια και κακοποίηση μέχρι θανάτου κρατουμένων στη Λιβύη είτε από το στρατό της χώρας είτε από ένοπλες ομάδες. Ανακοινώθηκε ότι 115 ασθενείς στη Μισράτα έφεραν σοβαρές πληγές από βασανιστήρια. Παρόμοια κατάσταση έχει παρατηρηθεί στην Τρίπολη και αλλού.

Το φαινόμενο κατήγγειλε και η επικεφαλής της Ύπατης Αρμοστείας Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων του ΟΗΕ, υπογραμμίζοντας ότι, σε περίπου 60 κέντρα κράτησης, βρίσκονται περισσότεροι από 8 500 άνθρωποι που στην πλειοψηφία τους βασανίζονται. Παρά τις αλλεπάλληλες εκκλήσεις η κατάσταση επιδεινώνεται κάθε μέρα. Όπως κατήγγειλε ο ειδικός απεσταλμένος του ΟΗΕ στην Τρίπολη, οι διάφορες ένοπλες ομάδες των «απελευθερωτών», που έχουν την υποστήριξη του ΝΑΤΟ, της ΕΕ και Κυβερνήσεων χωρών μελών της ΕΕ, δρουν εντελώς ανεξέλεγκτες, συγκρούονται μεταξύ τους, συλλαμβάνουν, βασανίζουν και εκτελούν κατά το δοκούν.

Ερωτάται η Αντιπρόεδρος της Επιτροπής και Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος, κυρία Catherine Ashton, αν καταδικάζει την πρακτική αυτή αλλά και την άρνηση της νέας «ηγεσίας» της Λιβύης να λάβει μέτρα για τον τερματισμό των βασανισμών χιλιάδων κρατουμένων;

Κοινή απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(27 Μαρτίου 2012)

Στο πλαίσιο του διαλόγου της με τις λιβυκές αρχές, η ΕΕ έθιξε το ζήτημα της κακομεταχείρισης των κρατουμένων. Πολύ πρόσφατα η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος/Αντιπρόεδρος εξέδωσε δήλωση με την οποία ζητούσε τον σεβασμό όλων των κρατουμένων στη Λιβύη σύμφωνα με τα διεθνή πρότυπα. Η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος/Αντιπρόεδρος κάλεσε επίσης τις αρχές να επισπεύσουν τις διαδικασίες, ώστε να ελέγξουν όλους τους τόπους κράτησης και να διερευνήσουν τους ισχυρισμούς για παραβίαση των δικαιωμάτων των κρατουμένων. Η λιβυκή κυβέρνηση αντέδρασε θετικά σ’ αυτές τις εκκλήσεις και δήλωσε ότι έχουν ήδη ληφθεί μέτρα με στόχο τη μεταφορά του ελέγχου των εγκαταστάσεων κράτησης στα χέρια των αρχών. Η ΕΕ έχει προσφέρει επείγουσα ενίσχυση σε πρόσωπα που χρήζουν προστασίας λόγω της σύγκρουσης και είναι έτοιμη να προσφέρει κάθε δυνατή βοήθεια στις αρχές στην προσπάθεια τους να διασφαλίσουν τον σεβασμό για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, τις δημοκρατικές αρχές και το κράτος δικαίου.

Επιπλέον, επί του παρόντος, η ΕΕ χρηματοδοτεί ένα πρόγραμμα βάσει του θεματικού κονδυλίου του Ευρωπαϊκού Μέσου για τη Δημοκρατία και τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου στόχος του οποίου είναι η αποκατάσταση και παροχή υπηρεσιών υποστήριξης σε θύματα βασανιστηρίων, βίαιων εξαφανίσεων και βιαιοπραγιών στη Λιβύη, καθώς και η υποστήριξη ενός εθνικού νομικού και πολιτικού πλαισίου που προσπαθεί να επιλύσει το πρόβλημα των βασανιστηρίων και άλλων μορφών κακομεταχείρισης.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001395/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

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

(7 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Tortura e assassinato de prisioneiros na Líbia

Algumas organizações têm afirmado repetidamente que a tortura e o assassinato de prisioneiros são prática comum na Líbia depois do ataque das forças da NATO e no pós-Kahdafi, e que as novas autoridades ignoraram todas as denúncias feitas. Baseiam as suas conclusões em investigações e testemunhos recolhidos junto de familiares das vítimas e de prisioneiros, alguns dos quais haviam sido torturados há poucos dias.

A tortura e o assassinato de prisioneiros líbios e imigrantes oriundos da África subsaariana — suspeitos de serem defensores do anterior regime — constituem prática habitual nos centros de detenção à guarda das milícias, nomeadamente os situados na capital, Trípoli, e em Misrata. A barbárie é consentida pelos responsáveis do Conselho Nacional de Transição (CNT). Estas organizações afirmam ainda que, em Misrata, a tortura é praticada no quartel-general das milícias. A tortura da estátua e outras posições dolorosas, os espancamentos com objetos contundentes ou as descargas elétricas são algumas das torturas mais comuns. Os ferimentos observados nos cadáveres e nos prisioneiros auscultados assim o indicam.

Multiplicam-se as denúncias de casos de abusos e torturas às chamadas autoridades centrais e locais, mas, até agora, quem detém o poder nada fez para pôr fim à situação e punir os responsáveis. Os denominados comités judiciais continuam a realizar interrogatórios com total impunidade.

Em face do exposto, perguntamos à Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente da Comissão:

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

(27 de março de 2012)

A UE levantou a questão dos maus tratos infligidos aos detidos no seu diálogo com as autoridades líbias. Mais recentemente, a Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente emitiu um comunicado onde apelou ao respeito por todos os detidos na Líbia, em conformidade com as normas internacionais. A AR/VP pediu também que as autoridades acelerassem o processo de colocação de todos os locais de detenção sob o seu controlo e que investigassem as alegadas violações dos direitos dos detidos. O Governo Líbio reagiu de forma positiva a este pedido e declarou ter iniciado um processo de aplicação de medidas que tem como objetivo a transferência do controlo das instalações de detenção para as autoridades.

A UE tem prestado assistência de emergência a pessoas que carecem de proteção na sequência do conflito e está disposta a fornecer às autoridades todo o apoio de que necessitem para assegurar o respeito pelos direitos humanos, os valores democráticos e o Estado de direito.

Além disso, a UE financia atualmente um projeto no âmbito na linha temática do Instrumento Europeu para a Democracia e os Direitos Humanos, cujo objetivo é proporcionar reabilitação e serviços de apoio a vítimas de tortura, de desaparecimentos forçados e vítimas de traumatismos violentos na Líbia e preconizar um quadro jurídico e político a nível nacional que contemple o problema da tortura e outras formas de maus tratos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001087/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Charalampos Angourakis (GUE/NGL)

(7 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Torture of detainees in Libya

Accusations are growing of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Libya to the point of death, either by the Libyan army or armed groups. It has been reported that 115 patients in Misrata have suffered serious injuries from torture. A similar situation has occurred in Tripoli and elsewhere.

The phenomenon has been denounced by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who has stressed that, in around 60 detention centres, there are over 8 500 people , the majority of whom are being tortured. Despite repeated appeals, the situation is becoming worse by the day. As denounced by the UN Special Envoy to Tripoli, the various armed groups of ‘freedom fighters’, who have the support of NATO, the EU and the governments of EU Member States, are acting wholly uncontrollably, clashing with each other, taking prisoners, torturing and killing at will.

I would like to ask the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the EU, Ms Catherine Ashton, if she condemns this practice and rejects the new ‘leaders’ of Libya? Will she take action to put a stop to the torture of thousands of detainees?

Question for written answer E-001395/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

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

(7 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Torture and killing of prisoners in Libya

A number of organisations have stated repeatedly that the torture and killing of prisoners is common practice in Libya since the attack by NATO forces and overthrow of Gaddafi, and that the new authorities are ignoring all complaints. They base their conclusions on investigations and evidence gathered from the families of the victims and prisoners, some of whom had been tortured only a few days ago.

The torture and killing of Libyan prisoners and immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa — suspected of being supporters of the previous regime — are common practice in detention centres guarded by militias, particularly those in the capital, Tripoli, and in Misrata. Such brutal treatment is permitted by members of the National Transitional Council (NTC). These organisations also say that torture is carried out at the militias’ headquarters in Misrata. Torture by being forced to stand motionless or adopt other painful positions, and beatings with blunt objects and electric shocks are some of commonest tortures. The wounds on dead bodies and on the prisoners interviewed bear this out.

There are increasing numbers of complaints to the so-called central and local authorities of cases of abuse and torture, but up till now those who hold power are doing nothing to put a stop to this situation and punish those responsible. The ‘judicial committees’ continue to conduct interrogations with complete impunity.

In the light of this, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative is asked to answer the following:

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

(27 March 2012)

The EU has raised the issue of ill-treatment of detainee’s in its dialogue with the Libyan authorities. Most recently the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement where she called for the respect of all detainees in Libya in accordance with international standards. The HR/VP also called on the authorities to accelerate the process of bringing all places of detention under their control and to investigate allegations of violations of detainee’s rights. The Libyan government has reacted positively to these calls and has declared to be in the process of implementing measures aiming at transferring the control of detention facilities to the authorities.

The EU has provided emergency assistance to people in need of protection as a result of the conflict and stands ready to provide all assistance to the authorities in their efforts to ensure respect for human rights, democratic values and the rule of law.

Moreover, the EU is currently funding a project under the thematic line of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights whose objective is to provide victims of torture, enforced disappearances and victims of violent trauma in Libya with rehabilitation and support services and to advocate for a national legal and policy framework that addresses torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-001094/12

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(13 ta' Frar 2012)

Suġġett: Żejt tal-Palm

Il-Kummissjoni tikkonferma l-eżistenza ta' rapport kunfidenzjali dwar il-bijokarburanti li allegatament inħareġ b'mod mhux uffiċjali u li saret referenza għalih fuq websajts (93) tal-aħbarijiet tal-UE?

Il-Kummissjoni, f'każ li l-eżistenza tar-rapport tiġi konfermata, meta ser tippubblikah?

Kif stipulat fir-rapport tagħha ta' Diċembru 2010 dwar l-impatti tal-gassijiet serra minħabba bidla indiretta fl-użu tal-art assoċjata mal-produzzjoni tal-bijofjuwils (94), il-Kummissjoni bħalissa qed tiffinalizza l-valutazzjoni tal-impatt fuq għadd ta' għażliet tal-politika sabiex jonqsu dawn l-impatti. Nifhmu li dak li qiegħed jissemma fl-aħbarijiet riċenti dwar l-UE huwa abbozz ta’ din il-valutazzjoni tal-impatt , li dwaru l-Kummissjoni mhux se tikkumenta. Il-Kummissjoni biħsiebha tippubblika l-valutazzjoni tal-impatt tagħha hekk kif titlesta, flimkien mal-proposta/i leġiżlattiva/i biex temenda d-Direttivi dwar l-Enerġija Rinnovabbli u l-Kwalità tal-Fjuwil.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-001884/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(16. februára 2012)

Vec: Emisie z biopalív

V Európskej únii nedávno unikli údaje, ktoré vznikli po započítaní vplyvu nepriamej zmeny využívania pôdy, tzv. ILUC. Zatiaľ nezverejnené údaje potvrdzujú, že pridávanie biozložky do palív vedie k produkcii väčšieho množstva emisií skleníkových plynov ako v prípade čistých fosílnych palív. Emisné hodnoty, ktoré sa dosiaľ prisudzovali biopalivám, sa v dokumente porovnávali s údajmi pre ropné piesky v Kanade. Zdroje z priemyselného sektora i občianskej spoločnosti považujú dáta za dôveryhodné a v súlade s inými štúdiami. Nepriama zmena vo využívaní pôdy znamená, že produkcia biopalív nepriaznivo zasahuje do produkcie potravín. Mimovládny aj akademický sektor na tento problém upozorňuje už dlhodobo. Nezisková organizácia Wetlands International predpovedala, že kvôli ILUC sa do konca tohto desaťročia zničia všetky rašeliniská v tropických lesoch, čo bude mať alarmujúce dôsledky na emisie skleníkových plynov.

— Čo z týchto údajov vyplýva pre politiku Komisie v tejto oblasti?

— Plánuje na predmetné výsledky nejako reagovať?

— Ak áno, akým spôsobom?

Spoločná odpoveď predložená pani Hedegaardovou v mene Komisie

(14. marca 2012)

Ako sa stanovilo v správe z decembra 2010 o dosahu emisií skleníkových plynov v dôsledku nepriamej zmeny využívania pôdy v súvislosti s biopalivami (95) Komisia v súčasnosti dokončuje hodnotenie vplyvov viacerých politických možností minimalizovania uvedeného dosahu. Domnievame sa, že v nedávnych správach EÚ sa odkazuje na návrh tohto hodnotenia vplyvov, čo Komisia nebude komentovať. Komisia plánuje uverejniť svoje hodnotenie vplyvu hneď, ako ho dokončí, spolu s legislatívnymi návrhmi na zmenu a doplnenie smerníc o energii z obnoviteľných zdrojov a o kvalite palív.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001094/12

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(13 February 2012)

Subject: Palm oil

Can the Commission confirm the existence of the allegedly leaked report concerning biofuels referred to on EU news websites (96)?

Should the report’s existence be confirmed, when will the Commission publish it?

Question for written answer E-001884/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(16 February 2012)

Subject: Biofuel emissions

Data obtained following accounting for the effects of indirect land use change, or ILUC, have recently been leaked in the European Union. The data, as yet unpublished, confirm that the addition of bio-components to fuels leads to the production of higher volumes of greenhouse gases than is the case for clean fossil fuels. The document compared the emission values that have been attributed to biofuels until now with data for oil sands in Canada. Sources in industry and civil society regard the data as credible and in agreement with other studies. Indirect land use change means that the production of biofuels has an adverse effect on food production. The non‐governmental and academic sectors have long been drawing attention to this issue. The non‐profit organisation Wetlands International has predicted that all peat lands in tropical forests will have been destroyed as a result of ILUC by the end of this decade, which will have alarming consequences for greenhouse gas emissions.

— How do these data affect Commission policy in this area?

— Does it plan to respond to these results?

— If so, how?

Joint answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2012)

As set out in its December 2010 report on indirect land use change greenhouse gas impacts associated with the production of biofuels (97), the Commission is currently finalising an impact assessment on a number of policy options for minimising these impacts. We believe that it is a draft of this impact assessment that is being referred to in recent EU news, on which the Commission will not comment. The Commission plans to publish its impact assessment as soon as it is finalised, together with legislative proposal(s) to amend the Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directives.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001105/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Beperking van het recht op vrije meningsuiting en gegevensverzameling

De bescherming van intellectueel eigendom is een essentieel element om innovatie en creativiteit te bevorderen, maar ook om werkgelegenheid te ontwikkelen en het concurrentievermogen te verbeteren. De bescherming van intellectueel eigendom moet het voor de uitvinder of maker mogelijk maken zijn werken, ideeën en nieuwe kennis zo breed mogelijk te verspreiden. Tegelijkertijd mag het de vrije meningsuiting, het vrije verkeer van informatie of de bescherming van persoonsgegevens, onder andere op het internet, niet belemmeren.

Ondanks deze bepalingen en beginselen ben ik op de hoogte gebracht van verschillende gevallen waarin het recht op vrije meningsuiting en gegevensverzameling en het auteursrecht werd beperkt door GEMA, een particuliere auteursrechtenorganisatie voor opvoeringen uit Duitsland. Deze instantie heeft de toegang tot het werk van een uitvoerend kunstenaar beperkt door zijn video op videodeelsites te blokkeren binnen het grondgebied van Duitsland, omdat ze delen van de video bezit. De organisatie heeft dit gedaan zonder enig onderzoek om de maker van de video, die in een andere lidstaat woont en daar zijn video heeft geüpload, te identificeren. Dit wijst eveneens op de mogelijkheid van onbillijk nadeel en discriminatie.

1. Kan de Commissie bevestigen dat deze of gelijkaardige gevallen zich voordoen in de lidstaten?

2. Is de Commissie van mening dat een dergelijke procedure een onwettige beperking van het recht op vrije meningsuiting of gegevensverzameling zoals gewaarborgd ingevolge artikel 11 van het EVRM inhoudt?

3. Kan de Commissie meedelen of een particuliere organisatie het recht heeft de toegang tot een auteursrechtelijk beschermd werk te beperken of te verbieden? Mogen zij dit doen zonder enig onderzoek of zonder enige mogelijkheid van wederwoord te bieden?

4. Kan de Commissie bevestigen dat muziek of video's uploaden naar het internet auteursrechtelijk beschermd is? Welk artikel van de verdragen is hierop van toepassing?

5. Is de Commissie van plan actie te ondernemen tegen dit soort geconstateerd misbruik van auteursrechten? Indien nee, waarom niet?

Antwoord van de heer Barnier namens de Commissie

(25 april 2012)

Het geval waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst, lijkt betrekking te hebben op een meldings‐ en actieprocedure. Het is niet uitgesloten dat er zich in andere lidstaten vergelijkbare gevallen hebben voorgedaan.

Op basis van de verstrekte gegevens kan de Commissie zich echter niet uitspreken over de vraag of het beschreven geval indruist tegen het Europees Handvest van de grondrechten.

Krachtens de bij Richtlijn 2001/29/EG geharmoniseerde nationale voorschriften betreffende het auteursrecht wordt aan auteurs en houders van naburige rechten, die auteursrechtenorganisaties kunnen vragen om als hun vertegenwoordiger op te treden, het uitsluitende recht verleend om de mededeling van hun werken aan het publiek toe te staan of te verbieden. Houders van rechten die geen toestemming hebben verleend voor het downloaden en verspreiden van het werk of van een deel van het werk via videodeelsites, kunnen zich tegen een dergelijk gebruik van het werk verzetten.

Wanneer exploitanten van videodeelsites verzoeken tot verwijdering van inhoud ontvangen, moeten zij daarop reageren conform het toepasselijke nationale recht. Ingeval het illegale inhoud betreft, moeten zij  terstond optreden om het materiaal te verwijderen of ontoegankelijk te maken. Alle betrokken partijen kunnen daartegen beroep instellen bij de nationale rechterlijke instanties.

Momenteel zijn de meldings‐ en actieprocedures niet geharmoniseerd bij het Unierecht, maar de Commissie is de situatie thans aan het onderzoeken (98). Ook gaat zij voor het moment na of de intellectuele-eigendomsrechten in acht worden genomen (99). Zij zal erop toezien dat deze initiatieven in overeenstemming zijn met de in het Europees Handvest van de grondrechten van de EU vastgestelde rechten (100). Zij zal tevens onderzoeken of er mogelijk sprake is van misbruiken bij de toepassing van de procedures.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001105/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Restriction of right to freedom of expression and information gathering

The protection of intellectual property is an essential element for promoting innovation and creativity, but also for developing employment and improving competitiveness. The protection of intellectual property should allow the inventor or creator the widest possible dissemination of works, ideas and new know-how. At the same time, it should not hamper freedom of expression, the free movement of information or the protection of personal data, including on the Internet.

Despite these provisions and principles, I have been informed about several cases where the right to freedom of expression and information gathering and the copyright was restricted by GEMA, a private performance rights organisation from Germany. This institution has restricted access to a performer’s work by blocking his video on video-sharing websites within the territory of Germany, stating that it owns parts of the video. The organisation did so without any investigation to identify the creator of the video, who lives and uploaded his video in another Member State, which raises the possibility of unfair damage and discrimination too.

(Version française)

Il semble que la situation évoquée par l'Honorable parlementaire concerne une procédure de notification et action. Il est possible que des situations comparables aient pu voir le jour dans d'autres États membres.

Sur la base des informations fournies, la Commission n'est toutefois pas en mesure de se prononcer sur la compatibilité avec la Charte européenne des droits fondamentaux de la situation décrite.

Les réglementations nationales sur le droit d'auteur harmonisées par la Directive 2001/29/CE, accordent aux auteurs et détenteurs de droits voisins, qui peuvent demander aux sociétés de gestion collectives de les représenter, le droit exclusif d'autoriser ou d'interdire toute communication au public de leurs œuvres. Les détenteurs de droits n'ayant pas autorisé le téléchargement et la dissémination de l'œuvre ou d'une partie de l'œuvre sur de sites de partage de fichiers vidéo peuvent s'opposer à des telles utilisations.

Lorsqu'ils reçoivent des demandes de retrait de contenus, les opérateurs de sites de partage de fichiers vidéo doivent y répondre conformément à la loi nationale applicable, et en cas de contenu illicite, agir promptement pour retirer les informations ou rendre l'accès à celles-ci impossible. Toutes les parties concernées peuvent former un recours devant les juridictions nationales.

Si pour l'instant le droit de l'Union n'harmonise pas les procédures de notification et action, la Commission réexamine actuellement la situation (101) ainsi que le respect des droits de propriété intellectuelle (102). Elle veillera à ce que ces initiatives respectent tous les droits consacrés par la Charte européenne des droits fondamentaux (103) et examinera la question d'éventuels abus dans l'utilisation des procédures.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001110/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Επίτροπος για την Ελλάδα

Σύμφωνα με δημοσιεύματα στο Reuters και στους Financial times, η Γερμανία πιέζει ώστε να παραχωρήσει η Ελλάδα σε ευρωπαϊκά όργανα και επιτροπές τον έλεγχο των δημοσιονομικών της, ως μέρος των προϋποθέσεων για το δεύτερο πακέτο βοήθειας, των 130 δισ. ευρώ. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η Γερμανία πιέζει για τον διορισμό «Επιτρόπου Προϋπολογισμού» της ευρωζώνης με δικαίωμα αρνησικυρίας στις αποφάσεις της ελληνικής κυβέρνησης επί του προϋπολογισμού. Σύμφωνα με τα δημοσιεύματα, ο επίτροπος θα επιτηρεί όλες τις μεγάλες δαπάνες στην Ελλάδα και ταυτόχρονα θα μπορεί να ασκεί βέτο στις δημοσιονομικές αποφάσεις της κυβέρνησης σε περίπτωση που αυτές δεν συνάδουν με τους στόχους των δανειστών της.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(29 Μαρτίου 2012)

Στις 26 Οκτωβρίου 2011, τα κράτη μέλη της ευρωζώνης τόνισαν σε δήλωσή τους ότι «η κυριότητα του προγράμματος είναι ελληνική και η εφαρμογή του ευθύνη των ελληνικών αρχών», και πρόσθεσε: «Στο πλαίσιο του νέου προγράμματος, η Επιτροπή, σε συνεργασία με τα άλλα μέλη της τρόικας, θα δημιουργήσει, για το διάστημα εφαρμογής του προγράμματος, επιτόπια ικανότητα παρακολούθησης, με τη συμμετοχή εθνικών εμπειρογνωμόνων, ώστε να εργαστούν σε στενή και συνεχή συνεργασία με την ελληνική κυβέρνηση και την τρόικα στον τομέα της παροχής συμβουλευτικών υπηρεσιών και αρωγής, προκειμένου να εξασφαλιστεί η έγκαιρη και πλήρης εφαρμογή των μεταρρυθμίσεων. Θα συνδράμει την τρόικα στην εκτίμηση της συμμόρφωσης των μέτρων που θα ληφθούν από την ελληνική κυβέρνηση στο πλαίσιο των δεσμεύσεων του προγράμματος. Ο νέος αυτός ρόλος θα καθοριστεί στο μνημόνιο της συμφωνίας.»

Η δήλωση της ευρωζώνης εξακολουθεί να ισχύει και να είναι επίκαιρη. Η Επιτροπή έχει δεσμευθεί να ενισχύσει περαιτέρω την οικεία ικανότητα παρακολούθησης και αυτή τη στιγμή αναπτύσσει την επιτόπια ικανότητά της.

Αλλά τα εκτελεστικά καθήκοντα πρέπει να παραμείνουν υπό την πλήρη ευθύνη της ελληνικής κυβέρνησης, η οποία είναι υπόλογη απέναντι στους πολίτες και τα θεσμικά της όργανα. Την ευθύνη αυτή την επωμίζονται αυτά· έτσι πρέπει εξάλλου να παραμείνει η κατάσταση εν προκειμένω.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001110/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Commissioner for Greece

According to reports by Reuters and in the Financial Times, Germany is pushing for control over Greek finances to be given to European bodies and Commissioners as a precondition for the second aid package of EUR 130 billion. Specifically, Germany is pushing for the establishment of a ‘Budget Commissioner’ for the eurozone who will have the right to reject decisions made by the Greek Government on its budget. According to these reports, the Commissioner will oversee all the major expenditure in Greece and at the same time will be able to veto the government’s fiscal decisions where they are not aligned with the aims of the loans.

I would like to ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(29 March 2012)

On 26 October 2011, the euro area Member States stressed in their statement that ‘the ownership of the programme is Greek and its implementation is the responsibility of the Greek authorities’, and they added: " In the context of the new programme, the Commission, in cooperation with the other Troika partners, will establish for the duration of the programme a monitoring capacity on the ground, including with the involvement of national experts, to work in close and continuous cooperation with the Greek Government and the Troika to advise and offer assistance in order to ensure the timely and full implementation of the reforms. It will assist the Troika in assessing the conformity of measures which will be taken by the Greek Government within the commitments of the programme. This new role will be laid down in the memorandum of understanding."

That statement of the euro area remains valid and relevant. The Commission is committed to further reinforce its monitoring capacity and is currently developing its capacity on the ground.

But executive tasks must remain the full responsibility of the Greek Government, which is accountable before its citizens and its institutions. That responsibility lies on their shoulders and it must remain so.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001117/12

aan de Commissie

Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: ESBL-bacterie in Nederlands kippenvlees

1. Heeft de Commissie de berichten op de websites van De Telegraaf en van de Consumentenbond gelezen waaruit blijkt dat 99 % van het Nederlandse kippenvlees afkomstig uit de intensieve veehouderij besmet is met de ESBL-bacterie en 60 % besmet is met de campylobacter bacterie?

2. Volgens het Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM) is de ESBL-bacterie resistent tegen de meeste antibiotica en kostte hij volgens de berekeningen van het RIVM in 2007 in Nederland ongeveer honderd mensen het leven en eiste hij in 2010 één dodelijk slachtoffer. In hoeverre kan nu de veiligheid van de gezondheid van de Nederlandse consument gegarandeerd worden?

3. Welke stappen gaat de Commissie nemen om de bedreiging van de gezondheid van de consument door antibioticaresistentie van bacteriën in voedsel tegen te gaan?

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001221/12

aan de Commissie

Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

(9 februari 2012)

Betreft: Aanwezigheid gevaarlijk ESBL enzym in 99 % van het kippenvlees

Na een grootschalig onderzoek van 140 kippenstallen heeft de Nederlandse consumentenbond bekend gemaakt dat 139 (dus 99.3 %) van de kippenstallen besmet zijn met het ESBL (Extended Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase) enzym. Dit enzym wordt door darmbacteriën aangemaakt en leidt tot het immuun maken van die darmbacteriën tegen haast alle vormen van antibiotica.

In 99 % van de kipfilets die te koop zijn in de supermarkt zitten deze bacteriën. Wanneer personen er door besmet raken is een behandeling zeer moeilijk. Vaak is een ziekenhuisopname nodig aangezien enkel antibiotica die via een infuus worden toegediend nog soelaas kunnen bieden.

De oorzaak van het ontstaan van deze bacterie ligt bij de praktijken in de kippenkwekerijen. Er zitten te veel kippen bij elkaar op een kleine oppervlakte, waardoor bacteriën zich erg snel kunnen verspreiden. Om problemen te voorkomen wordt aan de kippen preventief antibiotica toegediend. Dit heeft er echter na verloop van tijd toe geleid dat ziektekiemen bestand zijn geworden tegen die antibiotica. Het probleem neemt ook steeds grotere proporties aan: tien jaar geleden was er haast geen sprake van ESBL, nu is de besmettingsgraad haast 100 %.

1. Is de Commissie op de hoogte van deze problematiek?

2. Welke Europese wetgeving is van toepassing op dit thema? Wordt deze wetgeving dan onvoldoende toegepast en gecontroleerd, of is deze ontoereikend om dit probleem op te lossen?

3. Welke acties gaat de Commissie ondernemen om deze kwestie aan te pakken?

4. Uit de studie blijkt dat ook 97 % van de stallen met biokippen besmet zijn. Kan de Commissie opleggen en voortaan garanderen dat minstens biokippen bacterievrij moeten zijn?

Antwoord van de heer Dalli namens de Commissie

(19 maart 2012)

De Commissie is op de hoogte van de door het geachte Parlementslid genoemde artikelen. De Commissie beschouwt antimicrobiële resistentie (AMR) als een zeer groot gevaar voor de volksgezondheid en heeft in de voorbije jaren reeds een aantal activiteiten tegen AMR ontplooid die zij heeft versterkt met de start van een specifiek vijfjarig actieplan in 2011 (104).

In dat vijfjarige actieplan is rekening gehouden met de aanbevelingen in een recent advies van de Europese Autoriteit voor voedselveiligheid (EFSA) over ESBL (105).

Bovendien zijn er verschillende Verordeningen van kracht om de blootstelling van de consument aan potentieel resistente, door voedsel overgedragen zoönoseverwekkers  terug te dringen. Het betreft met name Verordening (EG) nr. 2160/2003 inzake de bestrijding van salmonella en andere specifieke door voedsel overgedragen zoönoseverwekkers (106), de hygiëneverordeningen (107) en Verordening (EG) nr. 2073/2005 inzake microbiologische criteria (108). Deze wettelijke bepalingen zijn van toepassing op alle (conventionele en biologische) productiesystemen.

Verder verwijst de Commissie het geachte Parlementslid naar haar antwoorden op de schriftelijke vragen E-010443/2011 (109) en E-006000/20116(6).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001117/12

to the Commission

Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: ESBL bacteria in Dutch chicken meat

1. Has the Commission read the reports on the websites of and the Netherlands Consumer Association which say that 99 % of Dutch chicken meat produced using intensive livestock rearing methods is infected with ESBL bacteria and 60 % with the Campylobacter bacteria?

2. According to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the ESBL bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics, and claimed, according to the RIVM’s calculations, the lives of around 100 people in 2007 and one life in 2010. To what extent can the protection of Dutch consumers’ health be guaranteed?

3. What measures is the Commission going to take to counter the threat to consumers’ health posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food?

Question for written answer E-001221/12

to the Commission

Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Presence of dangerous ESBL enzyme in 99 % of chicken meat

Following a large-scale investigation at 140 chicken farms, the Dutch Consumer Association has announced that 139 of them (i.e. 99.3 %) are infected with the ESBL (extended spectrum beta-lactamase) enzyme. This enzyme is produced by intestinal bacteria and makes those bacteria immune to almost all forms of antibiotics.

These bacteria are present in 99 % of the chicken meat on sale in supermarkets. The treatment of an ESBL infection is very difficult. Hospitalisation is often necessary since only antibiotics administered through a drip are effective.

These bacteria develop because of the rearing methods practiced at chicken farms. Too many chickens are packed there into small spaces and this allows bacteria to spread very fast. The chickens are treated with preventive antibiotics in order to avoid problems. However, this has led over time to pathogenic organisms becoming resistant to those antibiotics. This problem is growing in scale. Whereas 10 years ago there was hardly any talk of ESBL, the infection rate has now reached almost 100 %.

1. Is the Commission aware of this problem?

2. Which European legislation is applicable in this case? Is this legislation insufficiently applied and monitored, or is it inadequate for this problem?

3. What action is the Commission going to take to solve this problem?

4. The investigation has shown that 97 % of organic chicken farms are also infected. Can the Commission impose measures and guarantee that in future at least organic chickens will be free of these bacteria?

Joint answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2012)

The Commission is aware of the articles to which the Honourable Member refers. The Commission considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to be a public health threat of particular importance and has already developed a series of activities over the past few years against AMR and strengthened these activities with the launch of a five-year specific action plan in 2011 (110).

The recommendations of recent advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regarding ESBL (111) have been taken on board in the five-year action plan.

In addition, different regulations are in force to reduce the exposure of potentially resistant food-borne zoonotic agents to consumers; in particular to Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (112), the Hygiene Regulations (113) and Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria (114). These legal provisions are applicable to all production systems i.e. conventional and organic.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to its answers to Written Questions E‐010443/2011 (115) and E‐006000/20116.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001133/12

aan de Commissie

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Europese middelen ten gunste van de Belgische spoorwegen

Mag ik van de Commissie vernemen welke financiële middelen sinds 2000  ter beschikking werden gesteld aan de Belgische spoorwegen, in al haar componenten?

Kan de Commissie tevens een overzicht verstrekken van de bestaande treinstations die in België gedurende de laatste twaalf jaar gecofinancierd werden, met vermelding van het bedrag per treinstation en vermelding vanuit welke budgetlijn dit gebeurde?

Onlangs besliste de leiding van de Belgische Spoorwegen ook een aantal treinstations te sluiten. Naar verluidt ontvingen een aantal van die stations recentelijk Europese steun.

Kan, in voorkomend geval, de Commissie aanvaarden dat onlangs gecofinancierde treinstations gesloten worden?

Wat denkt de Commissie eventueel te ondernemen, teneinde de investeringen die mede met Europese gelden werden gefinancierd, alsnog te valoriseren?

Antwoord van de heer Kallas namens de Commissie

(14 maart 2012)

Projecten op het gebied van vervoersinfrastructuur die in overeenstemming zijn met Besluit 661/2010/EU (116) van het Europees Parlement en de Raad van 7 juli 2010 betreffende uniale richtsnoeren voor de ontwikkeling van een trans-Europees vervoersnet komen in aanmerking voor financiering uit hoofde van het RTE-T-programma. In deze context heeft het RTE-T-programma in België bijgedragen aan de financiering van spoorwegprojecten. Voor de periode 2000-2011 bedroeg deze financiering 260,1 miljoen EUR. 95,8 miljoen EUR ging naar PBKAL, 30 miljoen EUR naar Eurocaprail, 6 miljoen EUR naar Diabolo, 2,8 miljoen EUR naar de IJzeren Rijn en 125,5 miljoen EUR naar ERTMS. Treinstations worden in de genoemde EU-richtsnoeren niet expliciet genoemd. Een onderdeel van de stationsinfrastructuur dat strookt met de vastgestelde prioriteiten en voldoet aan de in het vervoersbeleid van de EU vastgestelde voorwaarden en beginselen kan worden gefinancierd in het kader van de modernisering van de spoorwegen of van intermodale knooppunten.

Het financieringsproces van het cohesiebeleid is gebaseerd op een systeem van gedecentraliseerd beheer. Dit betekent dat het in het kader van de reglementering inzake de werking van het EFRO en volgens de procedures van het Cohesiefonds de taak is van de overheden van de lidstaten om projecten te selecteren en deze te financieren voor zover deze projecten voldoen aan de juridische bepalingen van het Cohesiefonds en de Structuurfondsen. De Commissie wordt alleen op de hoogte gebracht van de bijzonderheden van projecten wanneer de totale kosten meer dan 50 miljoen EUR bedragen.

De Commissie beschikt derhalve niet over een complete lijst van treinstations die medegefinancierd zijn door het cohesiebeleid en het RTE-T-programma.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001133/12

to the Commission

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: European funds for the Belgian Railways

Can the Commission inform me what funds have been provided to the Belgian Railways since 2000, and how these are broken down?

Can the Commission also provide an overview of train stations which have been co-financed in Belgium over the past 12 years, specifying the amount per train station and the budget line from which the funds were allocated?

The management of the Belgian Railways recently decided to close a number of train stations. It has been reported that a number of those stations recently received European support.

If so, can the Commission accept that recently co-financed train stations are being closed?

What is the Commission planning to do in order to derive further benefit from investments which were co-financed with European funds?

(Version française)

Les projets d'infrastructures de transport qui sont conformes à la décision 661/2010/UE (117) du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 7 juillet 2010 sur les orientations de l'Union pour le développement du réseau transeuropéen de transport bénéficient de financements au titre du programme RTE-T. Dans ce contexte des projets ferroviaires ont été cofinancé par le programme RTE-T en Belgique. Pour la période 2000-2011 les financements s'élèvent à 260,1 millions d'euros dont pour le projet PBKAL 95,8 millions d'euros, Eurocaprail 30 millions d'euros, Diabolo 6 millions d'euros, Iron Rhine 2,8 millions d'euros et ERTMS 125,5 millions d'euros. Les gares ferroviaires ne sont pas explicitement mentionnées dans lesdites orientations de l'Union. La partie des infrastructures des gares ferroviaires qui est conforme aux priorités définies et satisfait aux conditions et principes fixés par la politique des transports de l'UE peut être financée dans le cadre de la modernisation de voies ferrées ou de nœuds intermodaux.

Le processus de financement de la politique de cohésion est fondé sur un système de gestion décentralisé. En conséquence, dans le cadre des règles de fonctionnement du FEDER ainsi que dans les procédures du Fonds de cohésion, il incombe aux administrations des États membres de sélectionner les projets et de les financer pour autant que les projets retenus satisfassent aux dispositions juridiques du Fonds de cohésion et des Fonds structurels. La Commission n'est informée des détails des projets que lorsque leur coût total est supérieur à 50 millions d'euros.

En conséquence, la Commission ne dispose pas d'une liste exhaustive des gares ferroviaires cofinancées par la politique de cohésion et du programme RTE-T.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001147/12

adresată Comisiei

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(8 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Statistici regionale

În prezent, Comisia depune eforturi pentru realizarea unui management fiabil al calității pentru statisticile europene, comunicarea COM(2011)0211 fiind o dovadă în acest sens. Deși strategia propusă de Comisie implică o serie de măsuri, există nevoia ca la nivelul fiecărui stat membru recomandările Comisiei și codul de bune practici să fie respectate. Pentru politica de dezvoltare regională și mai ales pentru asigurarea complementarității intervențiilor la nivel local este necesar ca inclusiv statisticile de la acest nivel să respecte regulile.

Ce propune Comisia pentru a asigura calitatea statisticilor locale și regionale? Are Comisia în vedere acordarea unui sprijin financiar pentru acest lucru?

Răspuns dat de dl Šemeta în numele Comisiei

(22 martie 2012)

Comunicarea la care se face referire (118) defineşte standardele minime pentru consolidarea implementării codului de practică care se aplică la toate domeniile statistice, inclusiv statisticile regionale. Evaluarea calităţii statisticilor regionale generale este realizată de către Comisie, în mod regulat.

În domeniul PIB-ului regional, Comisia monitorizează calitatea producţiei de date a statelor membre din 1999. În 2006 s-a instituit raportarea calitativă periodică (119). În 2010 Comisia a lansat un program de asigurare a unei calităţi sporite în ceea ce priveşte compilarea datelor regionale privind valoarea adăugată brută (VAB) pentru a susţine lansarea PIB-ului regional din 2012. Acesta include, printre altele, verificări ale revizuirilor de date pentru toate statele membre şi vizite pentru unele dintre acestea. În cazul în care apar deficienţe în contextul acestui proces, Comisia şi statul membru implicat ajung la un consens cu privire la măsurile de corectare. De regulă, nu se acordă asistenţă financiară pentru asemenea îmbunătăţiri, pentru că datele sunt furnizate în baza unei obligaţii legale existente. Comisia poate susţine lucrări de pregătire pentru conformarea cu noi obligaţii legale, de exemplu compilarea ratelor de creştere a volumului VAB la nivel regional.

În domeniul demografiei regionale, datele sunt colectate în prezent pe bază de voluntariat. O propunere de regulament-cadru privind statisticile demografice a fost adoptată de către Comisie la 20 decembrie 2011 (120) şi va intra în discuţia Parlamentului şi a Consiliului pe parcursul anului 2012. Propunerea vizează şi statisticile demografice regionale. Obiectivul este de a produce la nivel naţional şi regional statistici demografice anuale de o calitate ridicată şi relevante la nivelul politicilor. Regulamentul nu va prevedea nicio asistenţă financiară pentru punerea la dispoziţia Comisiei a datelor solicitate.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001147/12

to the Commission

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Regional statistics

At present, the Commission is striving to achieve robust quality management for European statistics, with COM(2011)0211 being proof of this. The strategy proposed by the Commission involves a set of measures, but the Commission’s recommendations and the code of best practice also need to be respected at the level of each Member State. In the case of regional development policy, and especially to ensure the complementarity of interventions at a local level, it is essential that the rules also be respected for statistics at that level.

What does the Commission propose be done to ensure the quality of local and regional statistics? Does the Commission intend to grant financial assistance for this?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

The communication referred to (121) defines minimum standards to reinforce the implementation of the Code of Practice which shall apply to all statistical domains including regional statistics. The quality assessment of the general regional statistics is regularly carried out in the Commission.

In the area of regional GDP, the Commission has been monitoring the quality of Member States' data production since 1999. In 2006 regular quality reporting was established (122). In 2010 the Commission launched a programme of enhanced quality assurance as regards the compilation of regional gross value added (GVA) data to underpin the 2012 release of regional GDP. This includes, inter alia, checks on data revisions for all and country visits to some Member States. In cases where shortcomings become apparent in the context of this process the Commission and the Member State concerned agree on corrective actions. Financial assistance is usually not granted for such improvements, because the data is provided on the basis of an existing legal obligation. The Commission may support preparatory work to comply with new legal obligations, for instance the compilation of volume growth rates of GVA at regional level.

In the area of regional demography, data is collected at the moment on a voluntary basis. A proposal for a Framework Regulation on demographic statistics was adopted by the Commission on 20 December 2011 (123) and will be under discussion in the Parliament and Council during 2012. The proposal also covers regional demographic statistics. The objective is to produce high quality and policy relevant annual demographic statistics at national and regional level. The regulation will not foresee any financial assistance to provide the requested data to the Commission.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001208/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Προγράμματα προώθησης οίνων σε τρίτες χώρες

Στα πλαίσια των κανονισμών (ΕΚ) αριθ.479/2008 του Συμβουλίου και (EK) αριθ 555/2008 της Επιτροπής προβλέπονται μέτρα ενημέρωσης η προώθησης κοινοτικών οίνων σε τρίτες χώρες. Η υλοποίηση προγραμμάτων ενημέρωσης και προώθησης κοινοτικών οίνων από Ελληνικές εταιρείες θα δώσει ώθηση στις εξαγωγές Ελληνικού κρασιού σε τρίτες χώρες.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Cioloș εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Μαρτίου 2012)

1. Το Εθνικό Πρόγραμμα Στήριξης Οίνου για την Ελλάδα 2009-2013 περιλαμβάνει το μέτρο <QT.START>«</QT.START>προώθηση οίνων σε αγορές τρίτων χωρών<QT.END>»</QT.END>. Ο συνολικός προϋπολογισμός για την περίοδο προγραμματισμού για την Ελλάδα ανέρχεται σε 101,475 εκατ. ευρώ, εκ των οποίων διατέθηκε για την προώθηση σε αγορές τρίτων χωρών το ποσό των 18,167 εκατ. ευρώ, δηλαδή 18 %. Για την περίοδο 2009-2011, οι δαπάνες για αυτό το μέτρο ανέρχονται σε 8,5 εκατ. ευρώ.

Σαράντα δύο δικαιούχοι συμμετείχαν σε αυτό το μέτρο κατά το πρώτο έτος της εφαρμογής του στην Ελλάδα, δηλ. το 2010. Από αυτούς τους δικαιούχους, οι δεκαέξι ήταν ομάδες επιχειρήσεων παραγωγής οίνου (συνεταιρισμοί και ιδιωτικές εταιρίες) και είκοσι τέσσερεις δικαιούχοι ήταν μεμονωμένες εταιρίες παραγωγής οίνου.

2. Εκστρατείες ενημέρωσης και προώθησης προβλέπονται επίσης από τον κανονισμό για μέτρα ενημέρωσης και προώθησης σχετικά με τα γεωργικά προϊόντα στην εσωτερική αγορά και τις τρίτες χώρες. Ωστόσο, οι δικαιούχοι είναι επαγγελματικές ή διεπαγγελματικές οργανώσεις που αντιπροσωπεύουν τον σχετικό τομέα, αποκλείοντας τις ιδιωτικές επιχειρήσεις. Επιπρόσθετα, στο πλαίσιο αυτό, τα μέτρα ενημέρωσης και προώθησης πρέπει να είναι γενικά, χωρίς καμία αναφορά σε εμπορικές επωνυμίες ιδιωτικών επιχειρήσεων.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001208/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Campaigns to promote wine in third countries

Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 555/2008 make provision for information and promotion campaigns for Community wines in third countries. The implementation of information and promotion campaigns for Community wines by Greek companies will give momentum to Greek wine exports to third countries.

In view of this:

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2012)

1. The Wine National Support Programme for Greece 2009-2013 includes the measure ‘promotion of wines on third-country markets’. The total budget for programming period for Greece amounts to EUR 101.475 million, out of which it allocated for the promotion on third-country markets scheme EUR 18.167 million, i.e. 18 %. For the period 2009-2011, the expenses for this measure amount to EUR 8.5 million.

Forty-two beneficiaries participated in this measure in the first year of its implementation by Greece in 2010. Out of these beneficiaries, 16 were groups of winemaking enterprises (cooperatives and private companies) and 24 beneficiaries were individual winemaking companies.

2. Information and promotion campaigns are also provided for by regulation on information and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries. However, the beneficiaries are trade or intertrade organisations representing the sector concerned, which exclude private companies. Furthermore, under this framework information and promotion measures have to be generic without any reference to private brands.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001230/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ασφαλιστική και συνταξιοδοτική αναγνώριση του χρόνου προϋπηρεσίας των σχολικών φυλάκων του Π.Δ. 164/2004

Με την υπ’ αριθ. 34100/24.11.1999 απόφαση του Ελληνικού Υπουργείου Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων και θέμα « Πρόγραμμα για την απόκτηση εργασιακής εμπειρίας 2 700 ανέργων αποφοίτων Λυκείου, ηλικίας 25-64 ετών στη φύλαξη κτιρίων » καταρτίστηκε σχετικό πρόγραμμα «… με σκοπό την απόκτηση εργασιακής εμπειρίας από ανέργους …με πιθανότητα μόνιμης απασχόλησης …»(Εφημερίδα της Κυβερνήσεως αρ. Φύλλου 2131/8.12.1999). Οι συμμετέχοντες στο Πρόγραμμα -ως καταρτιζόμενοι- υπάγονταν στην ασφάλιση του ΙΚΑ-ΕΤΑΜ μόνο για τον κλάδο παροχών ασθένειας σε είδος (και αργότερα κατά του κινδύνου ατυχήματος). Μετά την επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση του προγράμματος ακολούθησαν και άλλες διαδοχικές προγραμματικές συμβάσεις με αποτέλεσμα οι εν λόγω εργαζόμενοι να παραμείνουν αδιαλείπτως στις θέσεις τους μέχρι και το 2006, οπότε και κατατάχθηκαν σε θέσεις ιδιωτικού δικαίου αορίστου χρόνου στους οικείους ΟΤΑ με βάση το Π.Δ. 164/2004, δηλαδή του ειδικού νομοθετήματος για την προσαρμογή της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας -όσον αφορά το προσωπικό με συμβάσεις ορισμένου χρόνου του Δημοσίου και του ευρύτερου Δημοσίου Τομέα- στις διατάξεις της οδηγίας 1999/70/ΕΚ του Συμβουλίου. Ταυτόχρονα η Ολομέλεια του ΑΣΕΠ είχε αποφανθεί ομόφωνα ότι οι συγκεκριμένοι απασχολούμενοι παρείχαν εξαρτημένη εργασία καλύπτοντας πάγιες και διαρκείς ανάγκες ενώ και η ίδια η Πολιτεία (ν.3320/2005) αναγνώρισε το συγκεκριμένο διάστημα (2001 έως 2006) ως χρόνο πραγματικής υπηρεσίας, κατ’ επίφαση «σύμβαση μαθητείας», προκειμένου να υπολογιστεί τόσο στη μισθολογική εξέλιξη όσο και στη χορήγηση διαφόρων επιδομάτων. Στα ίδια έγγραφα, όμως, αναφέρεται ότι η αναγνώριση αυτή δεν αφορά την κατοχύρωση ασφαλιστικών ή συνταξιοδοτικών δικαιωμάτων. Ο Συνήγορος του Πολίτη στη γνωμοδότησή του προτείνει τη συντομότερη δυνατή ρύθμιση του θέματος υποστηρίζοντας ρητά την ασφαλιστική και συνταξιοδοτική αναγνώριση της προϋπηρεσίας.

Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(20 Μαρτίου 2012)

Το πρόγραμμα στο οποίο αναφέρεται ο κ. βουλευτής φαίνεται να είναι πρόγραμμα εργασιακής ενσωμάτωσης ή ένταξης. Η ρήτρα 2 (2) (β) της συμφωνίας πλαισίου που επισυνάπτεται στην οδηγία 1999/70/ΕΚ (124) παρέχει ρητά στα κράτη μέλη τη δυνατότητα να εξαιρούν τέτοια συστήματα από τις απαιτήσεις της εν λόγω οδηγίας.

Η οδηγία 2000/78/ΕΚ (125) θεσπίζει ένα νομικό πλαίσιο για την καταπολέμηση των διακρίσεων λόγω θρησκείας ή πεποιθήσεων, αναπηρίας, ηλικίας ή γενετήσιου προσανατολισμού στην απασχόληση και την εργασία. Ωστόσο, με βάση τις διαθέσιμες πληροφορίες, δεν υπάρχει καμία ένδειξη διακρίσεων για οποιονδήποτε από τους λόγους αυτούς, στη συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση.

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 153 παράγραφος 4 της ΣΛΕΕ, τα κράτη μέλη καθορίζουν τις θεμελιώδεις αρχές του δικού τους συστήματος κοινωνικής ασφάλισης και είναι αρμόδια για την οργάνωση και τις μεθόδους χρηματοδότησης του εν λόγω συστήματος, υπό την προϋπόθεση ότι η νομοθεσία της ΕΕ τηρείται. Οι κανόνες της ΕΕ για την κοινωνική ασφάλιση περιορίζονται στο συντονισμό των νομοθεσιών των κρατών μελών (άρθρο 48 ΣΛΕΕ). Εφόσον δεν υπάρχει εναρμόνιση, οι διαφορές ουσίας και διαδικασίας μεταξύ των συστημάτων κοινωνικής ασφάλισης κάθε κράτους μέλους και, επομένως, τα δικαιώματα των ασφαλισμένων δεν εμπίπτουν στην εν λόγω διάταξη. Τα επιμέρους κράτη μέλη παραμένουν αρμόδια να καθορίζουν στη νομοθεσία τους, τηρώντας το δίκαιο της Ένωσης και ιδίως την αρχή της μη διάκρισης μεταξύ ημεδαπών και αλλοδαπών, τους όρους ασφάλισης και τις παροχές που χορηγούνται από ένα σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφάλισης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001230/12

to the Commission

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Recognition of years of service of the school guards under PD 164/2004 for insurance and pensions

Decision No 34100/24.11.1999 of the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance titled ‘Work experience programme for 2 700 unemployed high school graduates aged 25 to 64 years in guarding buildings’ established a program ‘… designed to provide work experience to the unemployed … with a probability of permanent employment …’ (Official Gazette, Sheet No 2131/8.12.1999). The trainees participating in the program were insured with the IKA-ETAM only for sickness benefits in kind (and later against the risk of accidents). The successful completion of the program was followed by further sequential program contracts, through which said employees remained at their posts continuously until 2006, when they were placed in private law open-ended posts in their respective local authorities, under the PD 164/2004, i.e. the special legislation for the adaptation of Greek legislation — regarding staff on fixed-term contracts in the public and broader public sector — to the provisions of Council Directive 1999/70/EC. Meanwhile, the Plenary of the ASEP has unanimously ruled that these employees provided dependent labour covering fixed and permanent needs, while the State too (L.3320/2005) recognised this period (2001 to 2006) as a time of actual service, in title only an ‘apprenticeship contract’ for the calculation of pay rises and the granting of various benefits. The same documents, however, state that this recognition does not concern the securing of insurance or pension rights. The Ombudsman in its opinion suggests the speediest possible settlement of the matter, expressly supporting the recognition of past service for insurance and pensions.

In this context, the Commission is asked:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2012)

The programme to which the Honourable Member refers appears to be a work insertion or integration programme. Clause 2(2)(b) of the framework Agreement annexed to Directive 1999/70/EC (126) explicitly offers Member States the option of excluding such schemes from the requirements of that directive.

Directive 2000/78/EC (127) lays down a legal framework for combating discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in employment and occupation. However, on the basis of the information available, there is no indication of discrimination on any of those grounds in the case in point.

In accordance with Article 153(4) TFEU, Member States define the fundamental principles of their social security systems and are responsible for the organisation and methods of financing such systems, provided that EC law is complied with.The EU rules on social security are confined to coordination of the laws of the Member States (Article 48 TFEU). Insofar as there is no harmonisation, material and procedural differences between the social security systems of each Member State, and thus the rights of the persons insured, are not affected by this provision. Each Member State remains competent to determine in its legislation, in compliance with EC law and in particular with the principle of non-discrimination between nationals and non-nationals, the conditions for membership of a social security scheme and the granting of benefits under the scheme.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001243/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(9 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Contaminarea cu cloramfenicol a hranei porcilor

Potrivit cotidianului Augsburger Allgemeine, în Germania au fost descoperite cazuri de contaminare cu cloramfenicol a hranei porcilor din 26 de ferme. Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă au fost realizate investigații cu privire la o eventuală ajungere pe piața de consum a cărnii provenite de la aceste ferme.

De asemenea, Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă există posibilitatea ca produsele întreprinderii Ehrmann, sursa contaminării, să fi ajuns în alte state membre ale UE.

Răspuns dat de dl Dalli în numele Comisiei

(14 martie 2012)

Investigaţiile autorităţilor de control competente din Germania au arătat că furajele pentru porci contaminate au fost livrate doar către ferme din Bavaria şi Baden-Wuerttemberg şi, prin urmare, nu au fost expediate în alte state membre.

Autorităţile competente din Germania au confirmat că nu a intrat în lanţul alimentar carnea de la fermele de porci cu rezultate pozitive de Cloramfenicol. De fapt, cele 26 de ferme din Bavaria şi cele şase ferme din Baden-Wuerttemburg au primit hrană pentru animale potenţial contaminată. Acestea au fost oprite de la sacrificarea animalelor, ceea ce înseamnă că nici un animal nu a putut părăsi fermele. Ulterior, au fost prelevate mostre de urină din aceste ferme. Dacă Cloramfenicolul a fost detectat în urina de la o anumită fermă, toate animalele de la acea fermă au fost declarate improprii pentru consumul uman şi au trebuit lichidate.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001243/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Chloramfenicol contamination of pig feed

According to the daily newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine, cases of pig feed contamination with chloramfenicol were discovered in 26 farms in Germany. Can the Commission say whether investigations were carried out to establish whether meat sourced from these farms reached the consumer market?

Can the Commission clarify whether the possibility exists that products from the Ehrmann firm, the source of the contamination, have reached other EU Member States?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2012)

The investigations of the competent control authorities in Germany showed that the contaminated pig feed was delivered solely to farms in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg and thus were not dispatched to other Member States.

The competent authorities in Germany confirmed that meat from pig farms with positive findings of chloramphenicol did not enter the food chain. In fact, the 26 farms in Bavaria and the six farms in Baden-Wuerttemberg received potentially contaminated feed. They were blocked for slaughtering, that means no animal could leave the farms. Then, urine samples were taken from all these farms. If chloramphenicol was detected in the urine of a certain farm, all the animals of that farm were declared unfit for human consumption and had to be disposed of.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001274/12

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(10 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Noi forme de sprijin pentru fermieri în anul 2012

Ministerul Agriculturii şi Dezvoltării Rurale din România a notificat Comisia cu privire la intenția de a lansa două noi forme de sprijin pentru anul 2012 în baza art. 68 din Regulamentul CE nr. 73/2009 şi anume: sprijin pentru crescătorii de bivoliţe din zonele defavorizate în valoare totală de 1,5 milioane de euro şi pentru crescătorii de bovine de carne şi metişi ai raselor de carne din zonele defavorizate în valoare de 6,5 milioane de euro.

Comisia este rugată să informeze care este stadiul analizei acestor notificări.

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(21 martie 2012)

Comisia poate confirma că, la data de 26 iulie 2011, România a comunicat măsurile de ajutor specific care urmau să fie puse în aplicare începând din 2012, în conformitate cu articolul 68 din Regulamentul (CE) nr. 73/2009 (128), inclusiv ajutorul acordat în sectoarele laptelui de bivoliță și cărnii de vită în zone defavorizate.

Procesul de evaluare s-a încheiat și măsurile de ajutor specific sunt puse în aplicare începând cu 1 ianuarie 2012, după cum fusese prevăzut în comunicarea menționată mai sus.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001274/12

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(10 February 2012)

Subject: New forms of assistance for farmers in 2012

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Romania notified the Commission regarding its intention to launch two new forms of assistance for 2012 on the basis of Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009, to be precise: assistance for breeders of buffalos in disadvantaged areas to the total value of EUR 1.5 million and for breeders of purebred and crossbred beef cattle in disadvantaged areas to the value of EUR 6.5 million.

Can the Commission say what stage has been reached in analysing this notification?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(21 March 2012)

The Commission can confirm that on 26 July 2011 Romania communicated specific support measures to be implemented from 2012 under Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (129), including support in buffalo milk and bovine meat sectors in less favoured areas.

The assessment process is now over and the specific support measures are being implemented since 1 January 2012 as foreseen in the abovementioned communication.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001275/12

alla Commissione

Carlo Fidanza (PPE)

(10 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Crollo Spanair

Spanair, orgoglio del governo regionale della Catalogna e quarta compagnia aerea della Spagna, ha sospeso le attività il 27 gennaio 2012, a causa della mancanza di prospettive di nuovi finanziamenti e della scarsa domanda di viaggi aerei in Spagna. Questo evento ha avuto serie conseguenze: più di 200 voli sono stati cancellati all'improvviso e 20 000 passeggeri sono rimasti a terra in tutta Europa e in altre destinazioni.

Alla luce di quanto sopra:

Risposta data da Siim Kallas a nome della Commissione

(7 marzo 2012)

Come indicato nella risposta della Commissione all’interrogazione scritta n. 12497/2011 (131), la Commissione sta esaminando la questione della protezione dei passeggeri in caso di insolvenza della compagnia aerea e le possibili opzioni per migliorare la situazione. Come in altri casi, la Commissione applicherà il principio di proporzionalità e relativamente a questo tema intende adottare una decisione nel 2012.

«tutto compreso» (90/314/CEE). Per tenere debitamente conto dei suddetti lavori in corso nel campo dell’insolvenza delle compagnie aeree in relazione ai viaggi «tutto compreso», è probabile che una proposta verrà presentata entro la fine del 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001275/12

to the Commission

Carlo Fidanza (PPE)

(10 February 2012)

Subject: Collapse of Spanair

Spanair, a flagship of the regional government of Cataluña, and Spain’s fourth-largest airline, collapsed on 27 January 2012, owing to the lack of prospects for new financing and to the weak demand for air travel in Spain. This event has caused serious consequences, with more than 200 flights suddenly cancelled and 20 000 passengers stranded across Europe and in other destinations.

For the abovementioned reasons:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2012)

As expressed in the Commission's reply to written question n° 12497/2011 (133), the Commission is working on the issue of passenger protection in case of airline insolvency and the possible options to improve the situation. As it always does, the Commission will apply the proportionality principle. The Commission intends to take a decision on this topic in 2012.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001287/12

a la Comisión

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Alejandro Cercas (S&D), Carmen Romero López (S&D), Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García (S&D) y Inés Ayala Sender (S&D)

(13 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Interoperabilidad de los sistemas de telepeaje en Europa

Según diversas fuentes el dispositivo de telepeaje con el que se cruza sin necesidad de parar en las cabinas de las autopistas españolas podría ser utilizado hoy mismo en las autovías de pago portuguesas. Toda vez que técnicamente es posible la interoperabilidad de sus dispositivos de telepeaje, hacerla efectiva requiere posibilitar la facturación entre las concesionarias en las infraestructuras y las entidades financieras encargadas del cobro en ambos países.

Aunque la patronal de las autopistas españolas y representantes portugueses han identificado las medidas necesarias para compatibilizar el funcionamiento de sus sistemas, no hay previsión alguna para oficializar un acuerdo y hacerlo efectivo.

La interoperabilidad de los sistemas de telepeaje no es un problema exclusivo de las relaciones entre España y Portugal. Afecta a infraestructuras situadas en otros Estados miembros de la Unión Europea financiadas en muchos casos con fondos comunitarios, e incluso a las conexiones con vecinos extracomunitarios como Suiza.

Esta situación afecta al ejercicio de las libertades fundamentales, la integración de los sistemas de pago y el funcionamiento del mercado interior en el ámbito de la UE así como a la movilidad europea. Por ello se pide a la Comisión que responda:

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de marzo de 2012)

En relación con el SET, la Comisión está instando a los Estados miembros y a las partes interesadas a intensificar sus esfuerzos a fin de que el SET funcione para los vehículos pesados para octubre de 2012 y para las demás categorías de vehículos para octubre de 2014, según lo previsto en los artículos 3 y 4 de la Directiva 2004/52/CE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001287/12

to the Commission

Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Alejandro Cercas (S&D), Carmen Romero López (S&D), Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García (S&D) and Inés Ayala Sender (S&D)

(13 February 2012)

Subject: Interoperability of electronic road toll systems in Europe

According to various sources, the electronic road toll device that is used to travel on Spanish motorways without the need to stop at tollbooths could also be used on Portuguese toll roads. Since interoperability of their electronic road toll devices is technically possible, making it a reality requires enabling invoicing between concession-holders in the infrastructure and the financial bodies that are responsible for toll collection in both countries.

Although the Spanish roadway authority and Portuguese representatives have identified the necessary steps to make their systems work compatibly, there are no plans to enter into an official agreement and make this a reality.

The interoperability of electronic road toll systems is a problem that is not unique to the relationship between Spain and Portugal. It affects infrastructures that are located in other Member States of the European Union and that are financed, in many cases, with Community funds, and it even affects the connections to neighbouring non-EU countries such as Switzerland.

This situation affects the exercise of fundamental freedoms, the integration of payment systems and the functioning of the internal market in the EU, as well as mobility in Europe. Therefore, the Commission is asked to respond to the following:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2012)

Regarding EETS, the Commission is currently strongly calling upon the Member States and stakeholders to intensify their efforts in view of EETS being available to heavier vehicles by October 2012, and to all other vehicle categories by October 2014, as foreseen in Article 3 § 4 of Directive 2004/52/EC.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-001293/12

do Komisji

Piotr Borys (PPE)

(10 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Finansowanie kultury w perspektywie finansowej 2014-2020

W projekcie rozporządzenia w sprawie ERDF na lata 2007-2013 kultura włączona była jako osobny obszar interwencji do Europejskiego Funduszu Rozwoju Regionalnego, gdzie do zadań Funduszu należą „inwestowanie w kulturę”, „rozwój infrastruktury kulturalnej” oraz „pomoc na rzecz zwiększenia podaży usług kulturalnych”. KE zwracała wielokrotnie uwagę na znaczenie projektów kulturalnych dla rozwoju Europy we wszystkich wymiarach. W przedstawionej 6 października 2011 r. przez Komisję Europejską propozycji pakietu legislacyjnego dot. polityki spójności na lata 2014-2020 w ramach Europejskiego Funduszu Rozwoju Regionalnego wsparcie dla sektora kultury zostało ograniczone do ochrony, rozwoju, promowania dziedzictwa kulturowego i znalazło się w celu dotyczącym ochrony środowiska i promocji efektywności zasobów. W ramach Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego zabrakło natomiast jakichkolwiek odniesień do kultury.

„Culture and Cultural heritage”?

„Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty: Promoting developement of social and cultural competences for combating exclusion and build open and tolerant European society”?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Johannesa Hahna w imieniu Komisji

(21 marca 2012 r.)

Wniosek Komisji w sprawie Europejskiego Funduszu Rozwoju Regionalnego (EFRR) na lata 2014-2020 jest obecnie przedmiotem dyskusji w Radzie i Parlamencie Europejskim. Komisja jest zdania, że inwestycje w kulturę powinny być bezpośrednio powiązane z priorytetami strategii „Europa 2020”, a mianowicie wzrostem gospodarczym, zatrudnieniem, innowacjami i włączeniem społecznym. W ramach proponowanego rozporządzenia w sprawie EFRR istnieje wiele możliwości wspierania kultury.

Ochrona i rozwój dziedzictwa kulturowego zostały włączone do celu tematycznego dotyczącego ochrony środowiska naturalnego i wspierania efektywności wykorzystania zasobów, ponieważ zarządzanie i utrzymanie obiektów dziedzictwa kulturalnego i naturalnego jest często elementem działań na rzecz wspierania zrównoważonego rozwoju. Kultura może być także wspierana na inne sposoby, na przykład przez pobudzanie przedsiębiorczości, propagowanie badań biznesowych i inwestycji w innowacje, transfer technologii, innowacje społeczne i aplikacje z dziedziny usług publicznych, pobudzanie popytu, budowanie sieci kontaktów, klastry i otwarty model innowacyjności poprzez inteligentną specjalizację lub wspieranie rewitalizacji obszarów miejskich.

W odniesieniu do wsparcia kompetencji kulturowych i społecznych z Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego (EFS) w latach 2014-2020 wniosek Komisji nie ogranicza zakresu działań kwalifikowalnych w zależności od różnych rodzajów kompetencji lub sektorów gospodarki. Wzmocnienie tego rodzaju umiejętności ma znaczenie dla wielu priorytetów inwestycyjnych EFS i w związku z tym może być wspierane przez Fundusz. Komisja nie zamierza ustanawiać specjalnego priorytetu inwestycyjnego EFS na rzecz kompetencji kulturowych i kompetencji społecznych.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001293/12

to the Commission

Piotr Borys (PPE)

(10 February 2012)

Subject: Financing of culture in the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020

In the draft regulation on the ERDF for 2007‐2013, culture was included as a separate area of intervention for the European Regional Development Fund, where the tasks of the Fund are ‘investing in culture’, ‘development of cultural infrastructure’ and ‘help to improve the supply of cultural services’. The Commission has repeatedly highlighted the importance of cultural projects for the development of Europe in all dimensions. In the proposed legislative package for Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020 under the European Regional Development Fund, presented on 6 October 2011 by the Commission, support for the cultural sector has been limited to the protection, development and promotion of cultural heritage and is intended for the protection of the environment and promotion of resource efficiency. Within the context of the European Social Fund, however, all references to culture were absent.

‘Culture and Cultural Heritage’?

‘Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty: Promoting development of social and cultural competences for combating exclusion and build open and tolerant European society’?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(21 March 2012)

The Commission’s proposal for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 2014-2020 is currently under discussion in the Council and the European Parliament. The Commission is of the view that investments in culture should be directly linked to the priorities of Europe 2020, namely growth, employment, innovation and social inclusion. There are many opportunities to support culture under the proposed ERDF regulation.

The protection and development of cultural heritage has been included as part of the thematic objective for protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency because the management and maintenance of cultural and natural heritage sites are often part of efforts to promote sustainable development. Culture can also be supported in other ways such as the strengthening of entrepreneurship, promoting business research and innovation investment, technology transfer, social innovation and public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation or support to urban regeneration.

In relation to European Social Fund (ESF) support for cultural and social competences in 2014-2020, the Commission's proposal does not limit the scope of eligible activities according to various types of competences or sectors. Enhancing such skills could be relevant under several ESF investment priorities and thus could be supported by the fund. The Commission does not intend to establish a dedicated ESF investment priority for cultural and social competences.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-001297/12

Komisi

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) a Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10. února 2012)

Předmět: Neonikotinoidní insekticidy a zdraví medonosných včel

Nedávno byla přijata směrnice 2010/21/EU, kterou se mění příloha I směrnice Rady 91/414/EHS, pokud jde o zvláštní ustanovení týkající se klothianidinu, thiamethoxamu, fipronilu a imidaklopridu, a jejímž účelem je vyřešit problém výrazného úbytku medonosných včel v důsledku vystavení neonikotinoidním pesticidům.

Odpověď pana Dalliho jménem Komise

(2. března 2012)

„klothianidin“.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001297/12

an die Kommission

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) und Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Neonicotinoid-Insektizide und Gesundheit von Honigbienen

Die Richtlinie 2010/21/EU zur Änderung von Anhang I der Richtlinie 91/414/EWG des Rates hinsichtlich Sonderbestimmungen zu Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Fipronil und Imidacloprid wurde kürzlich angenommen, um das Problem des Rückgangs von Honigbienen infolge der Einwirkung von Neonicotinoid-Pestiziden anzugehen.

1. Kann die Kommission angeben, ob die Mitgliedstaaten die erforderlichen Maßnahmen getroffen haben, um der Richtlinie 2010/21/EU nachzukommen?

2. Kann die Kommission spezifische Daten liefern, aus denen hervorgeht, ob die angenommenen Rechtsvorschriften (wie z. B. Richtlinie 2010/21/EU und Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1107/2009) ausreichend sind und dazu beitragen, dass der Rückgang von Honigbienen vermieden wird?

3. Welche anderen konkreten Maßnahmen sind von der Kommission geplant, um Honigbienen vor Neonicotinoiden zu schützen?

4. Kann die Kommission infolge der Veröffentlichung des pestizidbezogenen Informationsblatts über die bedingte Eintragung von Clothianidin („Pesticide Fact Sheet on Conditional Registration of Clothianidin“) vom 30. Mai 2003 durch die Environmental Protection Agency der USA angeben:

Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission

(2. März 2012)

„Clothianidin“ betreffen.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001297/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) και Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τα νεονικοτινοειδή εντομοκτόνα και η υγεία της μελιτοφόρου μέλισσας

Η οδηγία 2010/21/ΕΕ που τροποποιεί το παράρτημα I της οδηγίας 91/414/ΕΟΚ του Συμβουλίου όσον αφορά τις συγκεκριμένες διατάξεις για την κλοθειανιδίνη (clothianidin), την θειαμεθοξάμη (thiamethoxam), την φιπρονίλη (fipronil) και την ιμιδακλοπρίδη (imidacloprid) εγκρίθηκε πρόσφατα για την αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος της εξαφάνισης των μελιτοφόρων μελισσών λόγω της έκθεσής τους σε νεονικοτινοειδή εντομοκτόνα.

 1107/2009) επαρκούν και συμβάλλουν στην πρόληψη της εξαφάνισης των μελιτοφόρων μελισσών;

4. Μετά τη δημοσίευση του <QT.START>«</QT.START>ενημερωτικού δελτίου για τα εντομοκτόνα σχετικά με την υπό προϋποθέσεις καταχώρηση της κλοθειανιδίνης<QT.END>»</QT.END> (<QT.START>‘</QT.START>Pesticide Fact Sheet on Conditional Registration of Clothianidin<QT.END>’</QT.END>) στις 30 Μαΐου 2003 από την Υπηρεσία Προστασίας του Περιβάλλοντος των ΗΠΑ, μπορεί η Επιτροπή να αναφέρει:

Απάντηση του κ. Dalli εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(2 Μαρτίου 2012)

<QT.START>«</QT.START>κλοθειανιδίνη<QT.END>»</QT.END>, δεν είναι συγκρίσιμα.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001297/12

alla Commissione

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) e Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Insetticidi neonicotinoidi e salute delle api da miele

La direttiva 2010/21/UE, che modifica l'allegato I della direttiva 91/414/CEE del Consiglio per quanto riguarda le disposizioni specifiche relative a clothianidin, tiametoxam, fipronil e imidacloprid, è stata recentemente adottata per affrontare il problema della riduzione delle api da miele causato dall'esposizione a pesticidi neonicotinoidi.

«Pesticide Fact Sheet on Conditional Registration of Clothianidin» (Scheda informativa dei pesticidi sulla registrazione condizionata di clothianidin, può la Commissione precisare:

«studio sull'immunotossicità dello sviluppo, analisi complementari dei materiali di prova impiegati negli studi mutageni, prove in campo sui residui nelle colture a rotazione con semi di soia maturi, metabolismo acquatico aerobico, studio sulla lisciviazione da semi, tossicità acuta dell'intero sedimento per gli invertebrati di acqua dolce e prova in campo per gli impollinatori»);

«La sostanza clothianidin è altamente tossica per le api da miele in caso di contatto prolungato (LD50 > 0,0439 μg/ape). Ha il potenziale per un'esposizione a tossicità cronica per le api da miele, così come altri impollinatori non bersaglio, nonostante la traslocazione dei residui di clothianidin nel nettare e nel polline. Nelle api da miele, gli effetti di tale esposizione a tossicità cronica possono comprendere effetti letali e/o subletali nelle larve ed effetti riproduttivi nella regina»?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(2 marzo 2012)

nel quadro della legislazione UE sui pesticidi, e i dati contemplati dalla Environmental Protection Agency statunitense, pur riferendosi alla stessa sostanza attiva, il «clothianidin», non sono comparabili.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-001297/12

a Bizottság számára

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Tabajdi Csaba Sándor (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) és Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(2012. február 10.)

Tárgy: Neonikotinoid alapú rovarirtók és a mézelő méhek egészsége

A közelmúltban fogadták el a 91/414/EGK tanácsi irányelv I. mellékletének a klotianidinra, a tiametoxámra, a fipronilra és az imidaklopridra vonatkozó különös rendelkezések tekintetében történő módosításáról szóló 2010/21/EU irányelvet azon probléma kezelése érdekében, amelyet a mézelő méheknek a neonikotinoid alapú növényvédő szereknek való kitettség miatti fogyása jelent.

John Dalli válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. március 2.)

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001297/12

aan de Commissie

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) en Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 februari 2012)

Betreft: Neonicotinoïden en de gezondheid van honingbijen

Richtlijn 2010/21/EU tot wijziging van bijlage I bij Richtlijn 91/414/EEG van de Raad wat betreft de specifieke bepalingen voor clothianidin, thiamethoxam, fipronil en imidacloprid is onlangs vastgesteld om het probleem van de  terugloop van het honingbijenbestand als gevolg van blootstelling aan neonicotinoïde pesticiden aan te pakken.

Antwoord van de heer Dalli namens de Commissie

(2 maart 2012)

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-001297/12

do Komisji

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) oraz Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Insektycydy z grupy neonikotynoidów a zdrowie pszczół miodnych

Dyrektywa 2010/21/UE zmieniająca załącznik I do dyrektywy Rady 91/414/EWG w zakresie przepisów szczególnych dotyczących klotianidyny, tiametoksamu, fipronilu i imidachloprydu została przyjęta niedawno w celu zajęcia się problemem spadku populacji pszczół miodnych wynikającym z narażenia ich na działanie pestycydów z grupy neonikotynoidów.

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Johna Dallego w imieniu Komisji

(2 marca 2012 r.)

„klotianidyny”.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001297/12

à Comissão

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) e Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Inseticidas à base de neonicotinóides e saúde das abelhas produtoras de mel

A Diretiva 2010/21/UE, que altera o anexo I da Diretiva 91/414/CEE do Conselho no que se refere às disposições específicas relativas à clotianidina, ao tiametoxame, ao fipronil e ao imidaclopride, foi recentemente adotada com vista a abordar o problema da diminuição das abelhas produtoras de mel resultante da exposição a inseticidas à base de neonicotinóides.

4. No seguimento da publicação, a 30 de maio de 2003, pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos Estados Unidos, da «Pesticide Fact Sheet on Conditional Registration of Clothianidin» (ficha informativa sobre pesticidas relativa ao registo provisório da clotianidina), pode a Comissão indicar:

Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão

(2 de março de 2012)

«clotianidina», não são comparáveis.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-001297/12

za Komisijo

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) in Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10. februar 2012)

Zadeva: Neonikotinoidni insekticidi in zdravje medonosnih čebel

Nedavno je bila sprejeta Direktiva 2010/21/EU o spremembi Priloge I k Direktivi Sveta 91/414/EGS glede posebnih določb za klotianidin, tiametoksam, fipronil in imidakloprid, ki naj bi urejala problematiko izginjanja medonosnih čebel zaradi izpostavljenosti neonikotinoidnim pesticidom.

Odgovor komisarja Dallija v imenu Komisije

(2. marec 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001297/12

to the Commission

Pavel Poc (S&D), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D), Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE) and Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(10 February 2012)

Subject: Neonicotinoid insecticides and honey bee health

Directive 2010/21/EU amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC as regards the specific provisions relating to clothianidin, thiamethoxam, fipronil and imidacloprid was adopted recently in order to address the problem of depletion of honey bees arising from exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides.

4. Following the publication on 30 May 2003 by the US Environmental Protection Agency of the ‘Pesticide Fact Sheet on Conditional Registration of Clothianidin’, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2012)

‘clothianidin’, are not comparable.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001332/12

to the Commission

David Campbell Bannerman (ECR)

(13 February 2012)

Subject: NGO activities — criteria

What criteria does the Commission use for EU funding of NGO activities?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

The rules governing granting of EU funding by the Commission under centralised direct management do not ordinarily require the identification of the type of recipient. Under other management modes, criteria are defined by each management authority. NGOs are then in general treated no differently than other recipients (natural or legal persons).

Article 109 of the Financial Regulation sets out the basic principles of grant awards applicable to any organisation and body, including NGOs: transparency and equal treatment, non-cumulation, non-retroactivity, non-profit purpose or effect, and co-financing. All applicants are first assessed based on selection criteria regarding their financial and operational capacity. Their applications are then evaluated based on the award criteria defined in the call launched under a specific programme.

In addition, when NGO status is relevant for the eligibility of funding from certain programs, due to the absence of a formal definition of NGO at EU level, the Commission verifies in each case its NGO status in respect of the national law applicable or pre-defined eligibility criteria.

At the level of implementation, controls performed on grants aim at ascertaining legality, regularity and sound financial management. In case of non-respect of the rules, the competent authorising officer may, depending on the seriousness, suspend, reduce or terminate the grant, recover unduly paid amounts, and impose administrative or financial penalties, as for any other beneficiary.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001336/12

adresată Comisiei

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(13 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Evaluarea eficienței sistemelor judiciare din statele membre

Justiția trebuie să fie imparțială, independentă și eficientă. Vicepreședintele Comisiei, Viviane Reding, a afirmat că sistemele naționale nu ar trebui să ridice obstacole în calea accesului cetățenilor la justiție. Programul de la Stockholm și programele anterioare acestuia — Programul de la Tampere și Programul de la Haga — menționează accesul eficient al cetățenilor europeni la justiție ca una dintre prioritățile lor. Actuala criză a datoriilor suverane și provocările cu care se confruntă moneda euro au demonstrat încă o dată că principiul bunei guvernanțe se bazează pe punerea în aplicare eficientă, corectă și punctuală a legilor. Avem nevoie nu numai de legi bune, ci și de actori și sisteme judiciare imparțiale. Prin urmare, în sprijinul unui spațiu european de justiție, Uniunea ar trebui să își concentreze eforturile nu doar asupra elaborării de standarde și norme comune, dar și asupra evaluării eficienței cu care acestea sunt implementate de către sistemele judiciare naționale.

Ce măsuri intenționează Comisia să adopte în 2012 în vederea evaluării eficienței sistemelor judiciare din statele membre?

Răspuns dat de dna Reding în numele Comisiei

(2 aprilie 2012)

Comisia împărtășește opinia onorabilului membru potrivit căreia sistemele judiciare eficiente sunt esențiale în spațiul de justiție al UE pentru ca atât cetățenii, cât și întreprinderile să aibă acces la justiție. Comisia consideră, de asemenea, că sistemele judiciare eficiente sunt esențiale pentru existența unor economii funcționale, competitive și favorabile întreprinderilor, facilitându-se tranzacțiile civile și comerciale atât pentru cetățeni, cât și pentru întreprinderi. Cetățenii trebuie să aibă încredere că sistemul judiciar oferă soluții în cazul în care astfel de tranzacții se confruntă cu dificultăți sau nu mai au loc. O bună funcționare a sistemului judiciar creează, de asemenea, încredere în funcționarea statului și a instituțiilor sale.

Comisia dispune de multiple dovezi cu privire la importanța sistemelor de justiție și judiciare în actualul climat economic. Începând cu 2011, reforma sistemului judiciar a reprezentat o componentă importantă a reformelor structurale realizate în Grecia și Portugalia. În 2012, Comisia intenționează să evalueze, de asemenea, sistemele judiciare din țările care beneficiază de asistență pentru balanța de plăți. Acest proces de reformă este deosebit de important pentru statele membre în care există programe de reformă, sistemele judiciare eficiente contribuind la creșterea economică în toate statele membre. Fiecare stat membru poate beneficia de experiența celorlalte state membre în domeniul justiției, în special în ceea ce privește dreptul civil și dreptul comercial. Analizele anuale ale creșterii efectuate de Comisie acoperă, printre altele, și domeniul administrației publice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001336/12

to the Commission

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(13 February 2012)

Subject: Evaluation of the efficiency of judicial systems in the Member States

Justice must be impartial, independent, and effective. Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding has stated that national systems should not be barriers to citizens’ access to justice. The Stockholm Program and its predecessors — Tampere and Hague — list effective access to justice for European citizens as one of their priorities. The current sovereign debt crisis and the challenges facing the euro show once again that the principle of good governance relies on the efficient, fair and timely implementation of laws. In addition to good laws we need impartial judicial systems and actors. Therefore, in support of a European Area of Justice, the Union should focus its efforts not only on the development of common standards and rules, but also on evaluating the efficiency with which they are implemented by national judicial systems.

What measures does the Commission plan to take in 2012 in order to evaluate the efficiency of judicial systems in the Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2012)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s position that efficient judicial systems are essential in the EU's area of justice to ensure that both citizens and businesses have access to justice. The Commission also believes that efficient judicial systems are vital to well-functioning, competitive and business-friendly economies, making civil and commercial transactions easier for both individuals and businesses. People need to have confidence that the judicial system will provide solutions when such transactions run into difficulties or fail. A well-functioning judicial system also creates trust in the functioning of the State and its institutions.

The Commission has ample evidence of the importance of justice and legal systems in the current economic climate. Since 2011, judicial reform has been an important part of the wider structural reforms being carried out in Greece and Portugal. In 2012, the Commission intends to assess also the judicial systems of countries receiving balance-of-payments assistance. While this reform process is particularly important for Member States with existing reform programmes, efficient judicial systems help boost growth in all Member States. They can learn from one another’s experience in the justice area, and especially in civil and commercial law. The Commission's horizontal Annual Growth Surveys also cover public administration.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-001340/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(6. februar 2012)

Om: Uregelmæssigheder med EU‐projekter i Grækenland

Spørgeren har tidligere forelagt Kommissionen denne problematik (spørgsmål E‐010148/2011), som under henvisning til Kommissionens svar hermed uddybes: Spørgeren er blevet gjort opmærksom på nedenstående henvendelse, der er sendt til Kommissionen af en dansk statsborger, som tillige er EU‐projekt-koordinator (se uddrag herunder). Spørgeren er foruroliget over de betragtninger, som fremkommer om de omfattende uregelmæssigheder med EU‐projekter, og beder på den baggrund Kommissionen kommentere disse samt redegøre for, hvad man agter at foretage sig for at lade OLAF undersøge, om disse rygter er sande og — i bekræftende fald — retsforfølge de relevante aktører?

Uddrag af borgerhenvendelse:

»Til Hr. J. Lewandowski, EU‐Kommissionen.

… Igennem årene har jeg ofte hørt forlydender om snyd med EU‐tilskuddene. Vi taler om forkert opgivne tal på fåre‐ og gedehold, som har medført enorme, uretmæssige tilskud. Tilskud til oliventræer, som er fældet flere år tidligere! Dog har jeg ikke noget håndgribeligt; beviser at vise frem. For nylig var jeg igen på Kreta, og i den sammenhæng talte jeg igen med folk i landsbyer. Og måske på grund af krisen, var der pludselig mange der havde noget at »fortælle« …«

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Algirdas Šemeta

(2. april 2012)

Kommissionen deler fuldt ud det ærede medlems og den pågældende borgers bekymringer om uregelmæssigheder til skade for EU‐budgettet, uanset i hvilken medlemsstat det måtte forekomme.

Med hensyn til det rejste spørgsmål vil det ærede medlem være klar over, at i henhold til bestemmelserne om delt forvaltning, der er gældende for den fælles landbrugspolitik, er det medlemsstaterne, der i første instans er ansvarlige for gennemførelsen af landbrugsforanstaltningerne samt for revision og kontrol af disse. De nationale myndigheder er altså i første række ansvarlige for kontrollen med den form for landbrugsmidler, der kan være blevet givet som støtte i forbindelse med de forhold, som dette specifikke spørgsmål omhandler, og er herunder ansvarlige for inddrivelsen af uretmæssigt udbetalte beløb. Medlemsstaterne har inden for disse rammer også en lovforeskrevet forpligtelse til at fremsende detaljerede oplysninger om opdagede uregelmæssigheder til Kommissionen inden for en vis frist.

OLAF kan gribe ind i særlige tilfælde, når der er tilstrækkelig alvorlig mistanke om svig eller korruption eller alvorlige uregelmæssigheder, der skader EU's budget. Sådanne tilfælde eller sager skal midlertidig som nævnt være klart identificerbare. Kommissionen bemærker, at de oplysninger, som det ærede medlem giver, ikke er tilstrækkelig præcise til, at OLAF kan undersøge et specifikt forhold som sådan, og beder ham igen om at fremsende mere fyldige oplysninger, hvis disse forefindes, direkte til OLAF. OLAF vil herefter i henhold til sin politik om kriterier for undersøgelser træffe beslutning om, hvordan der sikres en hensigtsmæssig opfølgning på de givne oplysninger.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001340/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(6 February 2012)

Subject: Irregularities in EU projects in Greece

The questioner has previously raised this problem with the Commission (Question E‐010148/2011) and, with reference to the Commission’s response, adds the following information.

The letter below was brought to the attention of the questioner. It was sent to the Commission by a Danish citizen who is also an EU Project Coordinator (see extract below). The questioner is disturbed about the observations made on the extensive irregularities in EU projects and asks the Commission to comment on them, as well as to explain what it intends to do to allow OLAF to investigate the truth of these rumours and, if confirmed, prosecute the persons involved.

Extract from the letter from a member of the public to Mr J. Lewandowski, EU Commission

… Over the years I have often heard reports of cheating with regard to EU subsidies. For example, there are false figures on sheep and goat farming, which have resulted in enormous, unlawful subsidies. Subsidies for olive trees that were felled several years before! However I am not able to present tangible proof of this. Recently I was in Crete again and spoke to people in villages. Perhaps because of the crisis, there were suddenly many people who had ‘something to tell’ …

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2012)

The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member's and the citizen's concerns regarding possible irregularities against the EU budget in any Member State.

In response to the issues raised, the Honourable Member will be aware that, under the rules of shared management which govern the common agricultural policy, Member States are responsible in the first instance for the implementation of the agricultural measures, their audit and control. The national authorities are thus primarily responsible for the control of such agricultural funds which may have subsidised the matters mentioned in this particular question, including the recovery of any unduly paid amounts. In this framework the Member States also have a regulatory obligation to transmit detailed information on detected irregularities to the Commission within a certain time limit.

OLAF may intervene in specific cases whenever there are sufficiently serious suspicions of fraud or corruption or serious irregularities detrimental to the EU budget. However, as stated, such instances or cases must be clearly identifiable. The Commission notes that the information provided by the Honourable Member is not sufficiently specific to allow OLAF to enquire into any particular matter as such and would again ask him to provide more specific information, if available, directly to OLAF. OLAF will then decide, in accordance with its investigation policy criteria, how to ensure appropriate follow up to the information provided.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001401/12

alla Commissione

Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE), Marco Scurria (PPE), Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE) e Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Utilizzo del Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale (FESR) in Campania

Premesso che:

ritiene la Commissione che una simile iniziativa, per quanto temporanea, realizzi comunque la finalità della promozione del territorio, che l'utilizzo di fondi europei per tale opera sia in linea con le previsioni del regolamento (CE) n. 1080/2006 relativo al Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale, che prevede la possibilità di finanziamento di attività turistiche, affidando alle autorità nazionali e regionali la selezione dei singoli progetti e che il bando rispetti le prescrizioni normative europee?

Risposta data da Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(30 marzo 2012)

L'oggetto dell'intervento non verte sull'evento «American Cup» in quanto tale, bensì su un'infrastruttura necessaria ad assicurare la sicurezza dei diportisti. Il quadro di riferimento strategico nazionale permette il sostegno di azioni volte a promuovere eventi atti a mobilitare flussi importanti di visitatori e turisti. Questo sostegno si basa sull'obbligo di condurre uno studio previo in merito alla domanda potenziale.

Il progetto è stato oggetto dello studio previo obbligatorio per ottenere il sostegno del POR Campania 2007-2013 cofinanziato dal FESR.

I progetti cofinanziati a titolo dei fondi strutturali e di coesione sono gestiti, in virtù del principio di gestione condivisa e conformemente al regolamento (CE) n. 1083 del 5 luglio 2006, direttamente dalle autorità nazionali e regionali che ne assicurano la regolarità.

La Commissione, a stretto contatto con le autorità nazionali, vigilerà alla conformità delle procedure relative alle regole di attribuzione dei contratti pubblici e all'ammissibilità delle spese certificate alla luce della sostenibilità degli investimenti. A tutt'oggi la Commissione non ha conoscenza di eventuali irregolarità commesse dalla regione Campania per quanto concerne le procedure di attribuzione di appalti che sono state affidate dalla regione al Provveditorato Interregionale alle Opere Pubbliche, il che dovrebbe assicurare la regolarità delle procedure di attuazione dell'intervento menzionato dagli onorevoli deputati.

La Commissione chiederà inoltre alle autorità nazionali di verificare il rispetto dell'articolo 55 del regolamento summenzionato per quanto concerne gli introiti generati dall'operazione. Qualora le condizioni previste dai regolamenti comunitari e dai documenti di programmazione non fossero soddisfatte, la Commissione chiederà all'autorità di gestione di decertificare gli importi in questione e di ritirarli dalla prossima domanda di pagamento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001401/12

to the Commission

Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE), Marco Scurria (PPE), Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE) and Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: Use of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Campania

Given that:

does the Commission believe that such an initiative, albeit temporary, would achieve the purpose of promoting the region, that the use of European funds for such works is in line with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on the European Regional Development Fund, which establishes the possibility of financing tourism activities and entrusts the selection the individual projects to national and regional authorities, and that the tender complies with EU regulatory prescriptions?

(Version française)

L'objet de l'intervention ne porte pas sur l'événement «American Cup» en tant que tel mais sur une infrastructure nécessaire à assurer la sécurité des plaisanciers. Le cadre de référence stratégique national permet le soutien d'actions visant la promotion d'événements permettant de mobiliser des flux importants de visiteurs et touristes. Ce soutien se fonde sur l'obligation de mener une étude préalable sur la demande potentielle.

Le projet a fait l'objet de l'étude préalable obligatoire pour obtenir le soutien du POR Campanie 2007-2013 cofinancé par le FEDER.

Les projets cofinancés au titre des fonds structurels et de cohésion sont gérés, en vertu du principe de gestion partagée et conformément au règlement (CE) no 1083 du 5 juillet 2006, directement par les autorités nationales et régionales lesquelles en assurent la régularité.

La Commission, en étroit contact avec les autorités nationales, veillera à la conformité des procédures portant sur les règles de passation des marchés publics et à l'éligibilité des dépenses certifiées compte tenu de la durabilité des investissements. À ce jour, la Commission n'a pas eu connaissance d'irrégularités éventuelles commises par la région Campanie concernant les procédures de passation des marchés qui ont été confiées par la région au «Provveditorato Interregionale alle Opere Pubbliche», ce qui devrait assurer la régularité des procédures de mise en œuvre de l'intervention mentionnée par les Honorables Parlementaires.

De plus, la Commission demandera aux autorités nationales de vérifier le respect de l'article 55 du règlement précité, quant aux recettes générées par l'opération. Au cas où les conditions prévues par les règlements communautaires et les documents de programmation ne seraient pas remplies, la Commission demandera à l'autorité de gestion de dé-certifier les montants concernés et de les retirer de la prochaine demande de paiement.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001410/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(14. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Standorte von Endlagern für hoch radioaktiven Abfall

In seiner Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-012367/2011 von Hans-Peter Martin zur Suche nach einem Endlager für radioaktiven Atommüll schreibt Kommissionsmitglied Oettinger, dass „die für die Entsorgung radioaktiver Abfälle zuständigen Stellen eine Plattform […] gebildet [haben], um bis 2025 ein oder zwei Endlager für hoch radioaktiven Abfall verwirklichen zu können“.

1. Wie weit sind die Beratungen der auf europäischer Ebene eingerichteten Plattform hinsichtlich der Verwirklichung von ein oder zwei Endlagern für hoch radioaktiven Abfall vorangeschritten?

2. Gibt es bereits Vorschläge für Standorte der zu verwirklichenden Endlager für hoch radioaktiven Abfall? Wenn nicht, wann wird es erste Standortvorschläge geben? Wenn ja, welche konkreten Standorte wurden dafür vorgeschlagen?

3. Ist die auf europäischer Ebene eingerichtete Plattform einzig für die Unterstützung und Zusammenarbeit im Hinblick auf die Koordinierung von Forschung und Entwicklung für ein Endlager für hoch radioaktiven Abfall eingerichtet worden oder befasst sie sich auch mit der Suche nach Lagern für schwach und mittelradioaktiven Abfall?

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(28. März 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001410/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: The sites of final repositories for highly radioactive waste

In his answer to Written Question E‐012367/2011 by Hans-Peter Martin on the search for a permanent repository for radioactive nuclear waste, Commissioner Oettinger writes that the ‘waste management organisations have formed a platform […] so as to open one or two final repositories for highly radioactive waste by 2025’.

1. How far have the deliberations of the platform created at European level progressed about establishing one or two final repositories for highly radioactive waste?

2. Have proposals already been made for possible sites for the final repositories for highly radioactive waste that are to be established? If not, when will the first proposals for sites be made? If so, which specific sites have been proposed?

3. Was the platform at European level established solely for the purpose of support and cooperation in relation to the coordination of research and development for a final repository for highly radioactive waste, or is it also involved in the search for repositories for low— and medium-grade radioactive waste?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2012)

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001417/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Kyriakos Mavronikolas (S&D)

(14 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Απολαβές πρώην Επιτρόπων

Στις 13 Δεκεμβρίου 2011, η Επιτροπή ενέκρινε σειρά προτάσεων για αλλαγές στο καθεστώς απασχόλησης του προσωπικού, οι οποίες στοχεύουν στην εξοικονόμηση 1 δισεκατομμυρίου ευρώ ως το 2020. Οποιεσδήποτε ενέργειες οι οποίες συμβάλουν στην βιωσιμότητα της οικονομίας στην Ευρώπη και έχουν ως γνώμονα την διαφάνεια και την κοινωνική δικαιοσύνη, είναι προς την ορθή κατεύθυνση. Σε προηγούμενή μου ερώτηση είχα αναφερθεί στο ζήτημα των πρώην Επιτρόπων οι οποίοι λαμβάνουν πολύ υψηλές απολαβές μέχρι και τρία χρόνια μετά την ολοκλήρωση της θητείας τους.

Παρακαλώ όπως μας ενημερώσει η Επιτροπή εάν στο πλαίσιο των περικοπών του προσωπικού της ΕΕ σκοπεύει να σταματήσει να δίνει αυτές τις απολαβές στους πρώην Επιτρόπους.

Απάντηση του κ. Šefčovič εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Μαρτίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή δεν αναλαμβάνει δράση για την μεταρρύθμιση του συστήματος των προσωρινών αποζημιώσεων, διότι δεν έχει δικαίωμα πρωτοβουλίας στο συγκεκριμένο θέμα.Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 243 της ΣΛΕΕ, οι διατάξεις σχετικά με προσωρινές αποζημιώσεις υπόκεινται σε κανονισμό του Συμβουλίου επί του οποίου έχει δικαίωμα πρωτοβουλίας το Συμβούλιο.

Σύμφωνα με τον κανονισμό αριθ. 422/67/ΕΟΚ, αριθ. 5/67/Ευρατόμ του Συμβουλίου, της 25ης Ιουλίου 1967 κατόπιν μεταγενέστερων τροποποιήσεων (162), η προσωρινή αποζημίωση αποτελεί ποσοστό του τελευταίου βασικού μισθού, τον οποίο λάμβανε το πρώην μέλος της Επιτροπής κατά την παύση των καθηκόντων του σε συνάρτηση με τη διάρκεια της θητείας του. Η προσωρινή αποζημίωση υπόκειται σε κοινοτική φορολογία, καθώς και στον κανόνα απαγόρευσης της σώρευσης παροχών. Τα πρώην μέλη της Επιτροπής, συνεπώς, υποχρεούνται να δηλώνουν κάθε εισόδημα που λαμβάνουν από οποιουδήποτε άλλου είδους ασχολία. Το δικαίωμα σε προσωρινή αποζημίωση δεν είναι σωρευτικό με το δικαίωμα συνταξιοδότησης και παύει να ισχύει αν το πρώην μέλος της Επιτροπής αναλάβει άλλα καθήκοντα σε κάποιο από τα θεσμικά όργανα της Ένωσης.

Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι τα πρώην μέλη του Δικαστηρίου της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, του Γενικού Δικαστηρίου, του Δικαστηρίου Δημόσιας Διοίκησης, καθώς και τα πρώην μέλη του Ελεγκτικού Συνεδρίου, οι πρώην Γενικοί Γραμματείς και οι Ύπατοι Εκπρόσωποι του ΚΕΠΠΑ, όπως επίσης και οι πρώην Πρόεδροι του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου υπόκεινται στο ίδιο δημοσιονομικό καθεστώς και στις ίδιες αποζημιώσεις.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001417/12

to the Commission

Kyriakos Mavronikolas (S&D)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: Allowances for former Commissioners

On 13 December 2011 the Commission approved a series of staff reform proposals designed to save EUR 1 billion by 2020. Any action which contributes to the sustainability of the European economy and has transparency and social justice as its watchword is moving in the right direction. In my previous question, I referred to the matter of the very high allowances received by former Commissioners for three years after the end of their term of office.

Could the Commission please inform us whether, as part of EU staff salary cuts, it intends to terminate payment of these allowances these wages to former Commissioners?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(21 March 2012)

The Commission is not acting to reform the transitional allowances system, because it has no powers of initiative in the matter. In accordance with Article 243 of TFEU, the provisions on interim allowances are in a Council Regulation over which the Council has the right of initiative.

In accordance with Regulation No 422/67/EEC, 5/67/Euratom of the Council 25 July 1967 with subsequent amendments (163), the transitional allowance is a percentage of the last basic salary, which the former Member of the Commission was receiving when he ceased to hold office and with reference to the length of mandate. The transitional allowance is subject to Community tax and to the rule against overlapping benefits. Former Members of the Commission are therefore obliged to declare all income received from any other form of activity. The entitlement to transitional allowance is not cumulative with pension entitlements, and ceases if the former Member of the Commission takes up another post at one of the Union Institutions.

It is worth noting that former Members of the Court of Justice, of the General Court, of the European Union Civil Service Tribunal, and former Members of the Court of Auditors, former Secretary General and High Representative for the PESC and future former President of the European Council are subject to the same financial regime and allowances.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001428/12

a la Comisión

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Kinga Göncz (S&D), Zita Gurmai (S&D), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D) y Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(14 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Nueva ley húngara sobre religión y compatibilidad con la legislación de igualdad de trato de la UE

En Hungría, ha entrado en vigor recientemente la ley CCVI de 2011 relativa al derecho a la libertad de conciencia y religión y sobre la condición jurídica de las iglesias, confesiones religiosas y comunidades religiosas. Esta ley establece que «habida cuenta de que las instituciones eclesiásticas tienen un compromiso ideológico, estas pueden determinar las condiciones relativas a la contratación y al establecimiento, al mantenimiento y a la extinción de la relación jurídica de carácter laboral que resulten necesarias para preservar su identidad específica» (artículo 12, apartado 2).

Esta amplia disposición parece aumentar significativamente el margen de maniobra de algunos empleadores en términos de discriminación en comparación con el artículo 4, apartado 2 de la Directiva 2000/78/CE relativa al establecimiento de un marco general para la igualdad de trato en el empleo y la ocupación. En particular, la legislación mencionada anteriormente:

A la luz de lo anterior, ¿puede explicar la Comisión de forma detallada si la Ley CCVI de 2011 relativa al derecho a la libertad de conciencia y religión y sobre la condición jurídica de las iglesias, confesiones religiosas y comunidades religiosas es compatible con la legislación de la UE y, en particular, con la Directiva 2000/78/CE? De no ser así, ¿emprenderá la Comisión acciones legales para que estos textos sean compatibles con el acervo comunitario?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(2 de abril de 2012)

La Directiva 2000/78/CE (164) sobre igualdad en el empleo prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual en el empleo y la ocupación.

El artículo 4 de la Directiva contempla excepciones contadas en casos específicos. El artículo 4, apartado 1, permite, bajo condiciones estrictas, diferencias de trato cuando una determinada característica vinculada a una condición cubierta por la Directiva sea «un requisito profesional esencial y determinante» para el empleo en cuestión.

El artículo 4, apartado 2, permite a los Estados miembros disponer que las iglesias y las organizaciones religiosas pueden exigir que la persona empleada sea de la misma religión cuando esté justificado por la naturaleza del empleo en cuestión. La exención prevista en dicho apartado, se refiere únicamente a las diferencias de trato por organizaciones religiosas por motivos de religión o convicciones.

Según la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea, las excepciones al principio de igualdad de trato, como las del artículo 4 de la Directiva 2000/78/CE deben interpretarse de manera estricta.

La legislación de los Estados miembros en materia de condiciones de selección, conclusión de la relación laboral y otras condiciones de trabajo deben respetar el principio de igualdad de trato, establecido mediante la Directiva 2000/78/CE.

La Comisión se pondrá en contacto con las autoridades húngaras para solicitar más información y examinar si la legislación húngara se ajusta a la Directiva 2000/78/CE.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001428/12

an die Kommission

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Kinga Göncz (S&D), Zita Gurmai (S&D), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D) und Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(14. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Neues ungarisches Gesetz zur Religion und Vereinbarkeit mit Gleichbehandlungsrecht der EU

In Ungarn ist vor kurzem Gesetz CCVI von 2011 zum Recht auf Gewissens— und Religionsfreiheit und zur Rechtsstellung von Kirchen, Religionsbekenntnissen und religiösen Gemeinschaften in Kraft getreten. Dieses Gesetz sieht vor, dass, „da kirchliche Einrichtungen weltanschaulich ausgerichtet sind, sie Bedingungen in Bezug auf Einstellungen und die Einrichtung, Wahrung und Aufhebung von rechtlichen Beschäftigungsverhältnissen bestimmen können, wie sie zur Wahrung ihrer spezifischen Identität erforderlich sind“ (Artikel 12 Absatz 2).

Diese weitreichende Bestimmung scheint für manche Arbeitgeber im Vergleich zu Artikel 4 Absatz 2 der Richtlinie 2000/78/EG zur Festlegung eines allgemeinen Rahmens für die Verwirklichung der Gleichbehandlung in Beschäftigung und Beruf den Ermessensspielraum bei der Diskriminierung erheblich auszuweiten. Insbesondere hat es den Anschein, dass das oben genannte Gesetz:

Kann die Kommission angesichts oben genannter Punkte im Detail darlegen, ob das Gesetz CCVI von 2011 zum Recht auf Gewissens— und Religionsfreiheit und zur Rechtsstellung von Kirchen, Religionsbekenntnissen und religiösen Gemeinschaften mit EU-Recht und insbesondere mit Richtlinie 2000/78/EG vereinbar ist? Sofern dies nicht der Fall ist, wird die Kommission rechtliche Schritte einleiten, um diese Texte mit dem Besitzstand in Einklang zu bringen?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(2. April 2012)

Die Richtlinie 2000/78/EG  (165) zur Gleichbehandlung in Beschäftigung und Beruf untersagt Diskriminierungen wegen der Religion oder der Weltanschauung, einer Behinderung, des Alters oder der sexuellen Ausrichtung.

Artikel 4 der Richtlinie sieht für besondere Fälle begrenzte Ausnahmebestimmungen vor. Artikel 4 Absatz 1 der Richtlinie gestattet unter strengen Bedingungen eine Ungleichbehandlung wegen eines Merkmals, das im Zusammenhang mit einem in der Richtlinie genannten Diskriminierungsgrund steht, sofern dieses „eine wesentliche und entscheidende berufliche Anforderung darstellt“.

Gemäß Artikel 4 Absatz 2 der Richtlinie dürfen die Mitgliedstaaten vorsehen, dass Kirchen und religiöse Organisationen von einer für sie tätigen Person dieselbe Religionszugehörigkeit verlangen können, wenn die Art der betreffenden Tätigkeit dies rechtfertigt. Die Ausnahmeregelung nach Artikel 4 Absatz 2 betrifft ausschließlich Ungleichbehandlungen wegen der Religion oder der Weltanschauung durch religiöse Organisationen.

Nach der Rechtsprechung des Gerichtshofs der Europäischen Union müssen Abweichungen vom Grundsatz der Gleichbehandlung wie die in Artikel 4 der Richtlinie 2000/78/EG benannten eng ausgelegt werden.

Die Rechtsvorschriften der Mitgliedstaaten zu den Einstellungsbedingungen, der Beendigung eines Beschäftigungsverhältnisses und sonstigen Arbeitsbedingungen müssen im Einklang mit dem in der Richtlinie 2000/78/EG verankerten Grundsatz der Gleichbehandlung stehen.

Die Kommission wird bei den ungarischen Behörden nähere Informationen einholen und prüfen, ob das ungarische Gesetz mit der Richtlinie 2000/78/EG vereinbar ist.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-001428/12

a Bizottság számára

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Göncz Kinga (S&D), Gurmai Zita (S&D), Tabajdi Csaba Sándor (S&D) és Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(2012. február 14.)

Tárgy: Az új magyar egyházi törvény és annak összeegyeztethetősége az EU egyenlő bánásmódra vonatkozó jogszabályaival

Magyarországon a közelmúltban lépett hatályba a lelkiismereti és vallásszabadság jogáról, valamint az egyházak, vallásfelekezetek és vallási közösségek jogállásáról szóló 2011. évi CCVI. törvény, amely úgy rendelkezik, hogy „[a]z egyházi intézmény világnézeti szempontból elkötelezett, így a felvételnél és a foglalkoztatásra irányuló jogviszony létesítésénél, fenntartásánál és megszüntetésénél a sajátos identitás megőrzéséhez szükséges feltételek határozhatók meg” (12. § (2)).

A foglalkoztatás és a munkavégzés során alkalmazott egyenlő bánásmód általános kereteinek létrehozásáról szóló 2000/78/EK tanácsi irányelv 4. cikkének (2) bekezdésével összevetve úgy tűnik, hogy ez a széles hatáskörű rendelkezés jelentősen megnöveli bizonyos munkáltatók abbéli mozgásterét, hogy teret adhassanak a megkülönböztetésnek. Úgy tűnik, hogy a fent említett törvény különösen:

A fentiek fényében tud-e a Bizottság részletes magyarázattal szolgálni a tekintetben, hogy a lelkiismereti és vallásszabadság jogáról, valamint az egyházak, vallásfelekezetek és vallási közösségek jogállásáról szóló 2011. évi CCVI. törvény összhangban van-e az európai uniós joggal, és ezen belül is a 2000/78/EK irányelvvel? Amennyiben nincs összhangban, szándékában áll-e a Bizottságnak jogi eljárást kezdeményezni annak elérése érdekében, hogy e szöveg megfeleljen az uniós vívmányoknak?

Viviane Reding válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. április 2.)

A foglalkoztatás és a munkavégzés során alkalmazott egyenlő bánásmód általános kereteinek létrehozásáról szóló 2000/78/EK irányelv (166) tiltja a valláson, meggyőződésen, fogyatékosságon, életkoron vagy szexuális irányultságon alapuló hátrányos megkülönböztetést a foglalkoztatás és a munkavégzés során.

Az irányelv 4. cikke különleges esetekben korlátozott eltéréseket biztosít. Az irányelv 4. cikkének (1) bekezdése – szigorú feltételek mellett – az irányelvben említett okokkal kapcsolatos jellemző alapján történő megkülönböztetést engedélyez, ha az érintett foglalkozási tevékenység jellege miatt az ilyen jellemző „valódi és meghatározó foglalkozási követelményt” kíván meg.

Az irányelv 4. cikkének (2) bekezdése lehetővé tesz olyan tagállami rendelkezést, amely értelmében az egyházak és vallási szervezetek megkövetelhetik, hogy a foglalkoztatott személy azonos vallású legyen, amennyiben ezt a szóban forgó foglalkozási tevékenység természete indokolja. A 4. cikk (2) bekezdése szerinti mentesség csak a vallási vagy a meggyőződési alapon történő megkülönböztetést engedélyezi a vallási szervezetek számára.

Az Európai Unió Bíróságának ítélkezési gyakorlata szerint az egyenlő bánásmód elve alóli kivételeket – mint például a 2000/78/EK irányelv 4. cikkében is szereplő kivételeket – megszorítóan kell értelmezni.

A munkaerő felvételére, a foglalkoztatási jogviszony megszüntetésére és a munkaviszonnyal kapcsolatos egyéb feltételekre vonatkozó tagállami jogszabályoknak tiszteletben kell tartaniuk a 2000/78/EK irányelv értelmében vett egyenlő bánásmód elvét.

A Bizottság felveszi a kapcsolatot a magyar hatóságokkal további tájékoztatásért és annak vizsgálata céljából, hogy a magyar jogszabály összhangban van-e a 2000/78/EK irányelvvel.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001428/12

aan de Commissie

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Kinga Göncz (S&D), Zita Gurmai (S&D), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D) en Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(14 februari 2012)

Betreft: Nieuwe Hongaarse godsdienstwet en verenigbaarheid met de EU-wetgeving op het gebied van gelijke behandeling

In Hongarije is Wet CCVI van 2011 betreffende het recht op gewetens— en godsdienstvrijheid en betreffende de wettelijke status van kerken, religieuze denominaties en religieuze gemeenschappen onlangs in werking getreden. In deze wet wordt bepaald dat „kerkelijke instellingen gezien het feit dat zij ideologisch verbonden zijn, voorwaarden betreffende aanwerving en de vaststelling, het behoud en de beëindiging van het wettelijk dienstverband mogen bepalen om hun specifieke identiteit te kunnen behouden” (Artikel 2, lid 2).

Deze vergaande bepaling blijkt de beoordelingsmarge van sommige werkgevers voor discriminatie aanzienlijk te vergroten in vergelijking met artikel 4, lid 2, van Richtlijn 2000/78/EG tot instelling van een algemeen kader voor gelijke behandeling in arbeid en beroep. De bovengenoemde wet blijkt met name:

Kan de Commissie gelet op het voorgaande toelichten of Wet CCVI van 2011 betreffende het recht op gewetens— en godsdienstvrijheid en betreffende de wettelijke status van kerken, religieuze denominaties en religieuze gemeenschappen verenigbaar is met het recht van de Unie en met name met Richtlijn 2000/78/EG? Is de Commissie, zo dat niet het geval is, bereid gerechtelijke stappen te ondernemen om deze teksten in overeenstemming met het acquis te brengen?

Antwoord van mevrouw Reding namens de Commissie

(2 april 2012)

De Europese richtlijn inzake gelijke behandeling in arbeid en beroep (2000/78/EG) (167) verbiedt discriminatie op het gebied van arbeid en beroep op grond van godsdienst of overtuiging, handicap, leeftijd of seksuele geaardheid.

Artikel 4 van voornoemde richtlijn laat beperkte afwijkingen in specifieke gevallen toe. Krachtens artikel 4, lid 1, kan, onder strikte voorwaarden, een verschil in behandeling gerechtvaardigd zijn wanneer een bepaald kenmerk verband houdend met een  terrein waarop de richtlijn betrekking heeft, een „wezenlijke en bepalende beroepsvereiste” vormt voor de baan in kwestie.

Krachtens artikel 4, lid 2, mogen de lidstaten bepalen dat kerken en religieuze organisaties kunnen vereisen dat de werknemer van dezelfde godsdienst is wanneer dit gerechtvaardigd is door de aard van de beroepsactiviteiten in kwestie. De afwijking op grond van artikel 4, lid 2, betreft uitsluitend verschillen in behandeling door religieuze organisaties op grond van godsdienst of overtuiging.

Volgens de rechtspraak van het Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie moeten de uitzonderingen op het beginsel van gelijke behandeling, zoals de uitzonderingen waarop artikel 4 van Richtlijn 2000/78/EG betrekking heeft, restrictief worden uitgelegd.

De wetgeving van de lidstaten betreffende de voorwaarden voor de aanwerving, de beëindiging van het dienstverband en andere arbeidsvoorwaarden moet in overeenstemming zijn met het beginsel van gelijke behandeling, zoals vastgelegd in Richtlijn 2000/78/EG.

De Commissie zal de Hongaarse autoriteiten om aanvullende informatie verzoeken en onderzoeken of de Hongaarse wetgeving in overeenstemming is met Richtlijn 2000/78/EG.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-001428/12

komissiolle

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Kinga Göncz (S&D), Zita Gurmai (S&D), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D) ja Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(14. helmikuuta 2012)

Aihe: Unkarin uusi uskontoa koskeva laki ja yhteensopivuus yhtäläistä kohtelua koskevan EU:n lainsäädännön kanssa

Unkarissa tuli hiljattain voimaan vuoden 2011 laki CCVI oikeudesta uskonnonvapauteen ja omantunnonvapauteen sekä kirkkojen, uskontokuntien ja uskonnollisten yhteisöjen oikeudellisesta asemasta. Laissa säädetään, että koska uskonnolliset instituutiot ovat ideologisesti sitoutuneita, ne voivat määrittää palvelukseen ottoa sekä laillisen työsuhteen muodostumista, jatkumista ja päättämistä koskevat edellytykset niiden erityisen identiteetin säilyttämisen edellyttämällä tavalla (12 artiklan 2 kohta).

Hyvin laaja-alainen säännös vaikuttaa lisäävän merkittävästi tiettyjen työnantajien harkintavaltaa syrjinnän osalta verrattuna yhdenvertaista kohtelua työssä ja ammatissa koskevista yleisistä puitteista annetun direktiivin 2000/78/EY 4 artiklan 2 kohtaan. Erityisesti vaikuttaa siltä, että edellä mainitussa laissa

— rikotaan direktiivissä 2000/78/EY asetettua ”todellisen, perustellun ja oikeutetun vaatimuksen” kriteeriä

— laajennetaan poikkeusta muihin kuin uskontoon ja vakaumukseen liittyviin perusteisiin direktiivin 2000/78/EY vastaisesti.

Voiko komissio edellä esitetyn perusteella selittää yksityiskohtaisesti, onko vuoden 2011 laki CCVI oikeudesta uskonnonvapauteen ja omantunnonvapauteen sekä kirkkojen, uskontokuntien ja uskonnollisten yhteisöjen oikeudellisesta asemasta yhteensopiva EU:n lainsäädännön ja erityisesti direktiivin 2000/78/EY kanssa? Jos ei ole, aikooko komissio ryhtyä oikeudellisiin toimiin näiden tekstien saattamiseksi yhdenmukaisiksi yhteisön säännöstön kanssa?

Viviane Redingin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(2. huhtikuuta 2012)

Yhdenvertaista kohtelua työssä koskevassa direktiivissä 2000/78/EY (168) kielletään uskontoon tai vakaumukseen, vammaisuuteen, ikään tai sukupuoliseen suuntautumiseen perustuva syrjintä työssä ja ammatissa.

Direktiivin 4 artiklassa säädetään rajoitetuista poikkeuksista tietyissä tapauksissa. Kyseisen artiklan 1 kohdassa sallitaan tiukoin edellytyksin erilainen kohtelu, joka perustuu johonkin direktiivissä tarkoitettuun seikkaan liittyvään ominaisuuteen, jos kyseinen ominaisuus on ”todellinen ja ratkaiseva työhön liittyvä vaatimus”.

Direktiivin 4 artiklan 2 kohdassa annetaan jäsenvaltioille mahdollisuus säätää, että kirkot ja uskonnolliset organisaatiot voivat vaatia, että niiden palveluksessa olevan henkilön uskonto on sama kuin työnantajan, jos se on perusteltua työn luonteen perusteella. Kyseinen 4 artiklan 2 kohdan mukainen poikkeus koskee ainoastaan uskonnollisten järjestöjen harjoittamaa erilaista kohtelua uskonnon tai vakaumuksen perusteella.

Euroopan unionin tuomioistuimen oikeuskäytännön mukaisesti yhdenvertaisen kohtelun periaatetta koskevia poikkeuksia, kuten direktiivin 2000/78/EY 4 artiklassa mainittuja, on tulkittava suppeasti.

Jäsenvaltioiden lainsäädännössä, joka koskee palvelukseen ottamisen ja työsuhteen päättämisen ehtoja ja muita työoloja, on noudatettava yhdenvertaisen kohtelun periaatetta, sellaisena kuin se on pantu täytäntöön direktiivillä 2000/78/EY.

Komissio ottaa yhteyttä Unkarin viranomaisiin saadakseen lisätietoja ja tutkiakseen, onko Unkarin lainsäädäntö direktiivin 2000/78/EY mukainen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001428/12

to the Commission

Michael Cashman (S&D), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Kinga Göncz (S&D), Zita Gurmai (S&D), Csaba Sándor Tabajdi (S&D) and Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: New Hungarian law on religion and compatibility with EU equal treatment legislation

In Hungary, Act CCVI of 2011 on the Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion and on the Legal Status of Churches, Religious Denominations and Religious Communities came into force recently. This act provides that ‘since church institutions are ideologically committed, they may determine such conditions concerning recruitment and the establishment, maintenance and termination of the legal relationship of employment as are necessary to preserve their specific identity’ (Article 12(2)).

This wide-ranging provision appears to significantly increase some employers’ margin of appreciation for discrimination in comparison with Article 4(2) of Directive 2000/78/EC on establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. In particular, it appears that the aforementioned law:

In the light of the above, can the Commission explain in detail whether Act CCVI of 2011 on the Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion, and on the Legal Status of Churches, Religious Denominations and Religious Communities is compatible with EC law, and in particular with Directive 2000/78/EC? If it is not, will the Commission undertake legal action to bring these texts in line with the acquis?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2012)

The Employment Equality Directive 2000/78/EC (169) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation in employment and occupation.

Article 4 of the directive provides for limited derogations in specific cases. Article 4(1) of the directive allows, under strict conditions, differences of treatment where a particular characteristic related to a ground covered by the directive is a ‘genuine and determining occupational requirement’ for the job in question.

Article 4(2) of the directive allows Member States to provide that churches and religious organisations can require that the person employed is of the same religion where this is justified by the nature of the job in question. The exemption under Article 4(2) concerns only differences of treatment by religious organisations on grounds of religion or belief.

According to the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, exceptions to the principle of equal treatment, such as those in Article 4 of Directive 2000/78/EC, have to be interpreted narrowly.

Member States' legislation on conditions of recruitment, the termination of the employment relationship and other working conditions must comply with the principle of equal treatment, as put into effect by Directive 2000/78/EC.

The Commission will contact the Hungarian authorities for further information and to examine whether Hungarian law is in conformity with Directive 2000/78/EC.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse P-001438/12

til Kommissionen

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(10. februar 2012)

Om: Kunstige metalhofter produceret af Depuy — revision af direktivet om medicinsk udstyr

I Danmark kører for tiden en stor sag om de kunstige metalhofter, der er produceret af firmaet Depuy. Hofterne er nu kaldt tilbage af firmaet, da de har vist sig at være skadelige for patienterne. 600 danske patienter har fået hofterne indopereret.

Under afdækningen af sagen er det kommet frem, at læger i blandt andet Storbritannien i flere år — inden hofterne blev kaldt tilbage — har advaret om hofternes skadelige bivirkninger. Det har desuden vist sig, at flere danske læger har fået rejser og andre goder betalt af firmaet Depuy.

Vil det nærtforestående forslag til revision af direktivet om medicinsk udstyr tage højde for:

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af John Dalli

(13. marts 2012)

Fabrikanten DePuy underrettede ved meddelelse af 24. august 2010 de britiske myndigheder om, at firmaet ville kalde sine kunstige metal-mod-metal-hofter tilbage fra det britiske marked. Den 7. september 2010 rådede den britiske kompetente myndighed lægerne til at ophøre med at bruge de pågældende kunstige hofter, og myndigheden underrettede den 8. september 2010 de øvrige medlemsstater om fabrikantens tilbagekaldelse og om sit råd til lægerne i overensstemmelse med overvågningssystemet, der er oprettet ved direktiv 93/42/EØF (170).

I forbindelse med Kommissionens forslag om at ændre direktivet om medicinsk udstyr, der forventes at foreligge i 2012, overvejer man at styrke overvågningssystemet med henblik på i alle tilfælde at sikre hurtig informationsudveksling mellem medlemsstaterne og at forbedre dels koordineringen af analysen af visse overvågningssager, dels påvisningen af tendenser og signaler på EU‐plan. Desuden bør fabrikanternes pligt til at iværksætte procedurer for udveksling af erfaringer med brugen af medicinsk udstyr yderligere skærpes.

Det forventes ikke, at der i Kommissionens forslag indføres særlige bestemmelser vedrørende incitamenter fra fabrikanter til læger, fordi dette spørgsmål er knyttet til udøvelsen af lægefaget, som ikke er specifikt begrænset til medicinsk udstyr, og ville falde uden for anvendelsesområdet for bestemmelserne om medicinsk udstyr.

For så vidt angår klinisk evaluering, kræves det i henhold til afsnit 2.3.7. i bilag X til direktiv 93/42/EF, at alle data, der er indsamlet under en klinisk afprøvning, skal indgå i den endelige rapport. Det fastsættes i bilagets afsnit 2.2., at kliniske afprøvninger skal foretages i overensstemmelse med Verdenslægesammenslutningens Helsinkierklæring, der indeholder visse retningslinjer vedrørende interessekonflikter.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-001438/12

to the Commission

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(10 February 2012)

Subject: Metal artificial hips manufactured by Depuy — revision of the Medical Devices Directive

There is currently a major issue in Denmark concerning the metal artificial hips manufactured by the Depuy company. These hips have now been recalled by the company as they have proven to be harmful to patients. Six hundred Danish patients have received hip implants.

Investigations into the case have revealed that doctors in the United Kingdom, amongst other countries, had been warning of the harmful side effects of these hips for a number of years before they were recalled. It has also emerged that a number of Danish doctors received trips and other perks paid for by Depuy.

Will the forthcoming proposal on the revision of the Medical Devices Directive seek to:

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2012)

With its communication of 24 August 2010, the manufacturer DePuy informed the UK authorities of the recall of its metal-on-metal hip joint replacements in question from the UK market. On 7 September 2010, the UK competent authority advised clinicians to stop using those hip joint replacements and informed the competent authorities of the other Member States on 8 September 2010 of the manufacturer's recall and their advice to clinicians, in accordance with the vigilance system established by Directive 93/42/EEC (171).

In the context of the Commission's proposals to revise the medical devices directives, which are foreseen for 2012, a reinforcement of the vigilance system is under consideration in order to ensure in all cases rapid information exchange between Member States as well as an improved coordination of the analysis of certain vigilance cases and the identification of trends and signals at EU level. Moreover, the existing obligation of manufacturers to institute procedures to review experience gained from the use of devices should be further developed.

It is not foreseen to include specific provisions in the Commission's proposals which would address the issue of inducement of healthcare professionals by manufacturers because this is related to the exercise of the medical profession which is not specifically limited to medical devices and would fall outside the scope of the medical devices regulations.

As far as clinical investigations are concerned, Section 2.3.7 of Annex X of Directive 93/42/EEC requires that all data collected during an investigation are mentioned in the final report. Section 2.2 of this Annex stipulates that clinical investigations must be carried out in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association which contains some guidance on conflicts of interests.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-001451/12

a Bizottság számára

Göncz Kinga (S&D)

(2012. február 14.)

Tárgy: Adatgyűjtés az EU roma lakosságáról

Az Európai Parlament 2011-ben elfogadta a romák integrációjának európai uniós stratégiájáról szóló állásfoglalást (2010/2276(INI)), amelyben felhívja a Bizottságot, hogy állítson össze európai válságtérképet, amely bizonyos mutatók alapján azonosítja azokat az uniós mikrorégiókat, ahol a lakosokat a leginkább sújtja szegénység és társadalmi kirekesztés, így lehetővé teszi összetett fejlesztési programok indítását a tagállamokban.

Az Európai Bizottság „A nemzeti romaintegrációs stratégiák uniós keretrendszere 2020-ig” című közleményében azt is hangsúlyozza, hogy mindenekelőtt megbízható és részletes adatokat kell gyűjteni a tagállamok roma lakosságáról, és javasolja, hogy ez (a Világbankkal és az Alapjogi Ügynökséggel folytatott együttműködés keretében az Egyesült Nemzetek Fejlesztési Programja által) a roma háztartásokban végzett felmérést magában foglaló kísérleti programra alapuljon. Azt is kezdeményezi, hogy ezt a romákra irányuló felmérést terjesszék ki valamennyi tagállamra, és rendszeresen végezzék el a helyszíni előrelépés mérése érdekében.

Ezek az adatok nélkülözhetetlenek a tagállamok számára fejlesztési programjaik elindításához és működtetéséhez, ezért az adatokat sürgősen közölni kell. A rendelkezésünkre álló információk szerint az említett adatokat már részben összegyűjtötték.

A fentiek fényében, választ tud-e adni a Bizottság a következőkre:

Viviane Reding válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. március 28.)

2010 második felében az Alapjogi Ügynökség az Egyesült Nemzetek Fejlesztési Programjával (UNDP) és a Világbankkal együttműködve nagyszabású kísérleti háztartási felmérést indított 11 uniós tagállam hátrányos helyzetű roma lakossága körében. Ezzel a Regionális Politikai Főigazgatóság kiegészítő projekt elvégzésére adott megbízásának tett eleget. A háztartási felmérés eredményei pótolják a hiányzó adatokat, és lehetővé teszik, hogy az Európai Bizottság és az EU tagállamai a tények ismeretében alakítsák ki a romák integrációjára vonatkozó politikáikat.

Elkészült a szóban forgó felmérés első eredményeiről szóló jelentés, amelyet tavasszal, a nemzeti roma integrációs stratégiák értékeléséről szóló bizottsági jelentéssel egyidejűleg fogunk a tagállamok és az Európai Parlament, valamint a széles közvélemény elé tárni.

Annak érdekében, hogy az elkövetkező években is gondoskodjon az adatok összegyűjtéséről, az Alapjogi Ügynökség 2012-ben további tíz tagállamra terjeszti ki a kutatómunkát a romákra irányuló kíséreli felmérés keretében jelenleg vizsgált 11 tagállamról, a fennmaradó öt tagállamot pedig 2013-ban fogja abba bevonni. 2020-ig további felméréseket végeznek majd az uniós keretrendszer végrehajtása terén elért előrehaladás nyomon követése érdekében.

Ezzel egyidejűleg az Alapjogi Ügynökség a Bizottság felkérésére olyan ellenőrzési módszerek fejlesztése terén is együttműködik a tagállamokkal, amelyek segítségével összehasonlítható elemzés készíthető az Európai Unió területén élő roma közösségek helyzetéről.

Továbbá, az Európai Bizottság a Világbankkal együttműködve, az EPSON-nal (Európai Területrendezési Megfigyelő Hálózat) közös kísérleti projekt keretében feltérképezi a szegénységet és a társadalmi kirekesztést a legtöbb uniós tagállamban, hogy lehetőség szerint a leghátrányosabb helyzetű területekre irányíthassa a strukturális alapokat.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001451/12

to the Commission

Kinga Göncz (S&D)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: Data collection on the Roma population of the EU

In 2011, Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion (2010/2276(INI)), in which it called for the creation of an EU crisis map, to be based on a number of indicators in order to identify the microregions hardest hit by poverty and social exclusion, and thus make it possible to launch complex development-oriented programmes in Member States.

The Commission, in its communication on an EU framework for national Roma integration strategies up to 2020, also stresses the importance of collecting reliable and detailed data on the Roma population of the Member States in the forefront, and suggests building on the Roma household survey pilot project (carried out by the UNDP in cooperation with the World Bank and the FRA). It has also proposed expanding this survey on Roma to all Member States, and repeating it regularly to measure progress.

These figures are vital for Member States if they are set up and run their development programmes; they should therefore be communicated as a matter of urgency. According to our information, some of these data have already been collected.

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

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2012)

In the second half of 2010, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) launched a major pilot household survey of marginalised Roma in 11 EU Member States in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (WB), carrying out a complementary project commissioned by the Directorate General for Regional policy. The results of this household survey overcome the lack of data allowing the European Commission and EU Member States to develop evidence-based policies to address Roma integration.

The report on the first results of this survey is finalised and will be presented to the Member States and to the European Parliament as well as to the wider public in spring, concurrently with the Commission's report on the assessment of national Roma integration strategies.

In order to ensure data collection in the coming years, in 2012, the FRA will expand its research, currently covering 11 Member States under the Pilot Roma survey, to 10 additional Member States, while the five remaining Member States will be covered in 2013. Until 2020 there will be additional surveys carried out to measure progress in the implementation of the EU Framework.

At the same time, at the request of the Commission the FRA is also working with the Member States to develop monitoring methods which can provide a comparative analysis of the situation of Roma across the European Union.

Furthermore, the European Commission is collaborating with the World Bank and within the scope of a complementary project with ESPON (European Spatial Planning Observation Network) to map poverty and exclusion in most of the EU Member States with a view of the possible targeting of structural funds at the most deprived areas.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-001502/12

alla Commissione

Francesco De Angelis (S&D)

(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Catastrofe naturale nelle regioni del centro Italia

Premesso che:

l'eccezionalità del gelo che ha colpito le regioni del centro Italia ha già provocato ingenti danni e pesantissimi disagi alle popolazioni;

l'ampiezza del fenomeno ha determinato la totale distruzione delle colture, oltre all'interruzione della rete viaria, elettrica e idrica di molti comuni;

l'emergenza che tuttora costringe decine di migliaia di cittadini di queste regioni a vivere in una condizione di totale isolamento è lungi dall'essere stata superata, con gli effetti di una vera e propria catastrofe naturale;

quali misure urgenti, oltre all'auspicabile mobilitazione del Fondo di solidarietà dell'Unione europea, intende la Commissione europea assumere al fine di sostenere le popolazioni civili e provvedere al ristabilimento di condizioni minime di vivibilità in quei territori?

Risposta data da Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(8 marzo 2012)

La Commissione ha seguito con molta attenzione la situazione determinata dalle bufere di neve che hanno colpito diverse regioni italiane all'inizio del febbraio 2012.

In generale, oltre al Fondo di solidarietà che ha il compito, a determinate condizioni stabilite dal regolamento (CE) n. 2012/2002, di dare un sostegno finanziario immediato agli Stati membri colpiti da catastrofi, è sempre possibile attivare le misure previste dai programmi operativi 2007-2013 finanziati a titolo dei fondi europei FESR e FSE al fine di rispondere ai bisogni di coesione territoriale.

Di conseguenza la Commissione valuterà positivamente le proposte di revisione dei programmi che venissero eventualmente formulate dalle autorità italiane al fine di intervenire più efficacemente per assicurare una ripresa rapida delle attività economiche e umane che hanno subito pregiudizio in seguito alla calamità.

Per quanto concerne il Fondo europeo agricolo per lo sviluppo rurale, per il periodo 2007-2013 i programmi di sviluppo rurale prevedono, nell'ambito della misura 126, la possibilità di sostenere operazioni di investimento legate al ripristino del potenziale produttivo agricolo pregiudicato da catastrofi naturali.

La Commissione informa inoltre l'onorevole deputato che, per l'attuazione delle misure d'urgenza, gli Stati membri possono domandare l'attivazione del meccanismo europeo di protezione civile. Una volta attivato, il meccanismo facilita il coordinamento dell'inoltro degli aiuti e può contribuire al ripristino delle condizioni di vita minime per le popolazioni colpite.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-001502/12

to the Commission

Francesco De Angelis (S&D)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: Natural disaster in central Italy

The exceptional nature of the freezing weather which has struck central Italy has already caused considerable damage and very serious problems for local people. The scale of the phenomenon has led to the complete destruction of crops and the closure of the road, electricity and water networks in many areas. This emergency, which continues to leave tens of thousands of people completely isolated, is far from being resolved, and is taking on the dimensions of a genuine natural disaster.

What emergency measures, besides what would be a welcome decision to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund, does the Commission intend to take to help local people and to restore basic services in the parts of Italy affected?

(Version française)

La Commission a suivi avec beaucoup d'attention la situation créée par les tempêtes de neige qui ont frappé plusieurs régions d'Italie au début du mois de février 2012.

En général, outre le Fonds de solidarité qui est chargé à certaines conditions établies par le règlement (CE) no 2012/2002 d'accorder un soutien financier immédiat aux États membres frappés par des catastrophes, les mesures prévues par les programmes opérationnels 2007-2013 financés au titre des fonds européens FEDER et FSE peuvent toujours être activées pour répondre aux besoins de cohésion territoriale.

Par conséquent, la Commission évaluera positivement les propositions de révision des programmes qui seront éventuellement formulées par les autorités italiennes afin d'intervenir plus efficacement pour la reprise rapide des activités économiques et humaines qui ont subi des dégâts à la suite de la calamité.

En ce qui concerne le Fonds européen agricole pour le développement rural pour la période 2007-2013, les programmes de développement rural prévoient, dans le cadre de la mesure 126, la possibilité de soutenir des opérations d'investissement liées à la reconstitution du potentiel de production agricole endommagé par des catastrophes naturelles.

Enfin, la Commission informe l'Honorable Parlementaire que, pour la mise en œuvre des mesures d'urgence, les États membres peuvent demander l'activation du Mécanisme européen de protection civile. Lorsqu'il est activé, le mécanisme facilite la coordination de l'acheminement de l'aide et peut contribuer à la restauration des conditions de vie minimales de la population affectée.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001507/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Grieken verhuren EU-paspoorten aan illegale immigranten

Aangenomen wordt dat 90 procent van het (geschatte) half miljoen „illegale” immigranten die de EU elk jaar binnenkomen, waarschijnlijk aankomen via Turkije en Griekenland. Criminele bendes in Griekenland hebben een grote voorraad aan legale Europese identiteitsdocumenten. Zij verhuren dergelijke identiteitspapieren aan om het even wie de EU wil binnenkomen. Documenten die de houders ervan in staat stellen sociale-zekerheidsuitkeringen aan te vragen, zijn eveneens beschikbaar, net als documenten waaruit blijkt dat de persoon in kwestie jonger is dan 18, hetgeen een soepeler behandeling door de autoriteiten garandeert.

„Griekse route”? Zo ja, waarom? Zo niet, welke maatregelen gaat de Commissie nemen tegen Griekenland?

„Griekse route” — om Nederland en andere lidstaten toe te staan hun grenzen te sluiten voor migranten die de EU binnenkomen via de „Griekse route”? Zo niet, waarom niet?

„Griekse route”? Zo niet, waarom niet?

Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie

(28 maart 2012)

De Commissie heeft een allesomvattende strategie geformuleerd om illegale migratiestromen van Turkije naar Griekenland aan te pakken en heeft verschillende, onder andere operationele maatregelen getroffen die door Frontex zullen worden gecoördineerd. Om met deze strategie resultaten te behalen, is het belangrijk de huidige Frontex-activiteiten aan de Griekse-Turkse grens te intensiveren, de onderlinge samenwerking tussen instanties te versterken, met name tussen Frontex, Europol en EASO, en Griekenland te blijven helpen met de ontwikkeling van een efficiënt grensbeheersysteem, dat onder andere de  terugkeer van illegale migranten omvat.

De Commissie blijft erbij de Turkse autoriteiten op aandringen om de door onderhandelingen bereikte overnameovereenkomst te ondertekenen, de daarin geformuleerde overnameverplichtingen volledig na te komen, illegale migratie beter te voorkomen en samenwerking met Europol en Frontex aan te gaan op dit gebied. Op 15 maart 2012 werden deze kwesties in Ankara met de Turkse autoriteiten besproken.

Een eventuele sluiting van de binnengrenzen tussen lidstaten in het Schengengebied is alleen mogelijk bij wijze van uitzonderlijke en tijdelijke maatregel door een lidstaat in geval van ernstige bedreigingen van de openbare orde en de binnenlandse veiligheid.

De beveiliging van EU-paspoorten is sterk verbeterd door de opneming van twee biometrische identificatiemiddelen, namelijk een gezichtsopname en vingerafdrukken. Deze twee elementen zijn opgeslagen op de chip van het document. Daarmee wordt een betrouwbaar verband gelegd tussen de rechtmatige houder en het document wanneer de inhoud en de authenticiteit van de chip worden gecontroleerd door nationale rechtshandhavingsautoriteiten, met name bij grenspassages. Fraude zou bijgevolg gemakkelijker op te sporen moeten zijn.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001507/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(8 February 2012)

Subject: Greeks hire EU passports out to illegal immigrants

Out of (an estimated) half a million ‘illegal’ immigrants entering the EU every year, 90 % are thought to probably arrive through Turkey and Greece. Criminal gangs in Greece have a large supply of legal European identity documents. They offer to hire such identity documents out to anybody wishing to enter the EU. Documents enabling their holders to apply for social security benefits are also available, as are documents certifying that the person in question is under 18, ensuring that the authorities will be more lenient with them.

‘Greek route’? If so, why? If not, what measures will the Commission take against Greece?

‘Greek route’ — to allow the Netherlands and other Member States to close their borders to migrants who enter the EU by the ‘Greek route’? If not, why not?

‘Greek route’? If not, why not?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2012)

The Commission has put in place a comprehensive strategy to tackle irregular migration flows entering from Turkey into Greece and has adopted several measures, including some of operational nature to be coordinated by Frontex. For this strategy to achieve results, it is important to enhance the current Frontex operations at the Greek/Turkish border, to increase inter-agency cooperation, notably between Frontex, Europol and EASO, and to continue to assist Greece in building an efficient border management system, including the return of irregular migrants.

The Commission keeps on encouraging Turkish authorities to sign the negotiated readmission agreement, to fully implement its incumbent readmission obligations, to better prevent irregular migration, and to cooperate with Europol and Frontex on this endeavour. Discussion on these issues with Turkish authorities took place in Ankara on 15 March 2012.

As regards the possibility of the closure of internal borders between Member States in the Schengen area, this would only be possible — as an exceptional and temporary measure by a Member State — to the extent that it is considered necessary on account of a serious threat to public policy or internal security.

The security of EU passports has been substantially improved by the inclusion of two biometric identifiers: a facial image and fingerprints. These two elements are stored in a chip in the document. A reliable link between the genuine holder and the document is therefore established when the content and the authenticity of the chip are checked by national law enforcement authorities, in particular when borders are crossed. Fraud should therefore be more easily detectable.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001520/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(14 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Financiamento do Programa Marco Polo II

Considerando que:

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Siim Kallas em nome da Comissão

(12 de março de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001520/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(14 February 2012)

Subject: Funding from the Marco Polo II programme

The Spanish shipping company Naviera Armas was recently awarded the concession for a line between Melia, in southern Spain, Cartagena and the port of Sète, in southern France.

The same Spanish shipping company recently closed a ferry line that it had been operating between the ports of Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, Funchal, in Madeira, and Portimão, in southern Portugal, allegedly because its demands for total exemption from harbour dues in the port of Funchal had not been satisfied.

Maritime transport between two extremely remote regions like Madeira and the Canary Islands and their connection to the Portuguese mainland are of the greatest importance to the mobility of people and goods, particularly because of the characteristics and multi-purpose nature of the type of vessel in question.

Given the above, the Commission is asked to answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-001529/12

a Bizottság számára

Mészáros Alajos (PPE)

(2012. február 16.)

Tárgy: A Jaslovské Bohunice-i atomerőmű leállításához nyújtandó pénzügyi támogatásról

Az európai uniós csatlakozási tárgyalások során Bulgária, Litvánia és Szlovákia kötelezte magát, hogy leállítja, majd leszereli az országaikban működő atomerőművek egy részét. Szlovákia esetében ez a Jaslovské Bohunice-i V1 atomerőmű 1. és 2. reaktorára vonatkozik.

Az előrehozott leállítás rendkívüli terheit figyelembe véve, az Európai Unió kötelezettséget vállalt arra, hogy pénzügyi támogatást nyújt a leszereléséhez, ezért 2013 végéig 2847,8 millió euró pénzügyi támogatást különített el erre a célra (1367 millió euró Litvánia, 613 millió euró Szlovákia és 867,8 millió euró Bulgária részére).

A 2014–2020-as pénzügyi keret elkészítésekor Szlovákia további pénzügyi forrást igényelt. A Bizottság „Költségvetés Európának 2020” című jelentése alapján 553 millió eurót különítettek el a három tagállam részére. Ebből a keretből a szlovák fél számára szánt összeg 115 millió euró, amely határozottan nem elég a leszerelés költségeinek fedezésére, ugyanis a végleges költségek nagysága eléri az 1146 millió eurót. Tekintettel a Szlovák Nemzeti Nukleáris Alap elégtelen pénzügyi helyzetére további támogatásra van szükség, ezért a pénzügyi támogatás összegét 300 millió euróra kellene növelni.

— Milyen módszert alkalmaz a Bizottság a javaslatában (178) a pénzügyi támogatás szétosztásánál a három tagállam között?

— A 2014‐2020-as időszakra vonatkozó költségvetésből miért csak 553 millió eurót különített el erre a célra?

— A pénzügyi támogatást Szlovákia és Litvánia esetében miért 2017-ig határozta meg, ha a leszerelési munkálatok 2020-ig tartanak?

Günther Oettinger válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. március 12.)

„megfelelőnek” minősül. A pénzügyi támogatásnak a három tagállam közötti szétosztása az egyes országok által az erőművek leszerelése terén vállalt erőfeszítéseket tükrözi.

Az 553 millió EUR összegű javasolt uniós támogatás összhangban van „Az Európa 2020 stratégia költségvetése” című bizottsági közleményben foglaltakkal. A leszereléshez nyújtott pénzügyi támogatás fokozatos csökkentése azt a politikai szándékot tükrözi, hogy az egyes tagállamok vegyék át a leszereléssel kapcsolatos szerep— és felelősségvállalást, ideértve a pénzügyi felelősségvállalást is.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001529/12

to the Commission

Alajos Mészáros (PPE)

(16 February 2012)

Subject: Provision of financial assistance for decommissioning the Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant

In the context of the negotiations for accession to the European Union, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia undertook to close and subsequently decommission some of the nuclear power plants operating in their countries. In the case of Slovakia, this concerns reactor units 1 and 2 at the Jaslovské Bohunice V1 nuclear power plant.

Given the exceptional burden imposed by early closure, the European Union made the commitment to provide financial assistance for decommissioning. This is why it has earmarked EUR 2 847.8 million in financial assistance for this purpose until the end of 2013 (EUR 1 367 million for Lithuania, EUR 613 million for Slovakia and EUR 867.8 million for Bulgaria).

During the preparations for the 2014‐2020 financial framework, Slovakia has requested additional financial resources. Based on the Commission’s report entitled ‘A budget for Europe 2020’, EUR 553 million has been allocated to the three Member States. The amount earmarked for Slovakia from this envelope is EUR 115 million, which is definitely not sufficient to cover the decommissioning costs, as the final costs will amount to EUR 1 146 million. In view of the inadequate financial situation of the Slovak National Nuclear Fund, further assistance is required. This is why the amount of financial assistance should be increased to EUR 300 million.

— What method is the Commission using in its proposal (179) for distributing the financial assistance among the three Member States?

— Why has only EUR 553 million been earmarked for this purpose from the budget for the period 2014‐2020?

— Why has the financial assistance for Slovakia and Lithuania been specified until 2017 if the decommissioning work lasts until 2020?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

1. In accordance with the Accession Treaty, the European Union (EU) is committed to providing adequate financial support. Based on revised cost estimation, EU coverage exceeds 60 % of the decommissioning costs and such financial support is considered to be ‘adequate’. The distribution of the financial resources between the countries concerned reflects the decommissioning efforts to be undertaken.

2. It remains the ultimate responsibility of Member States to ensure safety as well as financing of decommissioning and waste management.

The proposed EU support of EUR 553 million is in accordance with the Commission's Communication ‘A Budget for Europe 2020’. It is the expression of the political intention to gradually phase out decommissioning financing in order for each Member State to take over its financial responsibility and ownership for decommissioning.

3. Taking into consideration the transition to full Member State financial ownership, support is limited to a period of 14 years following accession. Thus, to ensure equal treatment, EU decommissioning assistance for Lithuania and Slovakia would end in 2017, while for Bulgaria (having joined the EU in 2007) in 2020.

(Latviešu valodas versija)

Jautājums, uz kuru jāatbild rakstiski, E-001581/12

Komisijai

Krišjānis Kariņš (PPE)

(2012. gada 9. februāris)

Temats: Par viena zīmola preču atšķirīgo kvalitāti dažādās dalībvalstīs

Tā kā cilvēku mobilitāte ir izplatīta un viena zīmola preces ir nopērkamas dažādās dalībvalstīs, patērētājiem ir viegli novērtēt savus pirkumus.

Diemžēl bieži vien to pašu preču kvalitāte atšķiras atkarībā no iegādes vietas. Piemēram, iegādājoties preci Rietumeiropā un salīdzinot to ar tādu pašu preci, kas iegādāta Austrumeiropā, nākas secināt, ka Rietumeiropā iegādātā ir kvalitatīvāka. Izvērstu pētījumu šajā jomā ir veikusi Slovākijas Patērētāju asociācija, un tas apstiprina Austrumeiropas iedzīvotāju bažas.

Ko Komisija dara, lai kontrolētu kvalitāti ne tikai pārtikas produktiem, bet arī citām precēm, un panāktu, ka visā Eiropas Savienībā būtu nopērkamas vienādi kvalitatīvas preces?

Atbildi Komisijas vārdā sniedza Džons Dalli

(2012. gada 22. marts)

ES tiesību aktiem par pārtikas nekaitīgumu un citu ražojumu drošumu ir mērķis nodrošināt augstu cilvēka veselības aizsardzības līmeni, vienlaikus nodrošinot efektīvu iekšējā tirgus darbību. To īstenošanā ļoti svarīga loma ir dalībvalstīm. Vairākiem konkrētiem produktiem, piemēram, augļu sulām, ievārījumiem, ES papildu tiesību aktos noteiktas kvalitātes prasības.

ES noteikumi ne vien paredz nodrošināt Eiropā pārdoto produktu nekaitīgumu, bet to mērķis ir arī sniegt pienācīgu informāciju patērētājiem. Nosakot stingras prasības, piemēram, par pārtikas marķēšanu, tiesību akti nodrošina, ka patērētāji ir pilnībā informēti par lietotās pārtikas veidu un īpašībām. Pārtikas sastāvs ir skaidri jānorāda sastāvdaļu sarakstā un ar īpašu apzīmējumu jāraksturo produkta veids.

Ja vien produkti atbilst tiesību aktiem, to sastāvs vai kvalitāte var atšķirties atkarībā no patērētāju vēlmēm vai pirktspējas, ražošanas līniju tehniskajām specifikācijām un izejvielu pieejamības un piekļuves tām. Kā savus produktus pozicionēt katras valsts tirgū, izlemj uzņēmumi.

Pasākumi, kuru mērķis ir uzlabot tirgus pārskatāmību patērētājiem, izklāstīti arī divos Komisijas paziņojumos par labāku pārtikas apgādes ķēdes darbību (2009. gads) (180) un par e-tirdzniecību (2012. gads) (181).

Komisija aicina godāto Parlamenta deputātu ielūkoties atbildēs uz jautājumiem E‐04388/2011, E-05055/2011, E-05563/2011, E‐05756/2011, E-09773/2011, E-11053/2011 un E-11349/2011 (182).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001581/12

to the Commission

Krišjānis Kariņš (PPE)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Divergent quality of goods sold under the same label in various Member States

As people are now widely mobile and same-label goods may be purchased in various Member States, consumers can easily evaluate their purchases.

Unfortunately, the quality of the same goods all too often varies according to where they are obtained. For example, when comparing an item obtained in Western Europe with the same item obtained in Eastern Europe, the conclusion is that the one obtained in Western Europe is of a higher quality. A detailed survey in this area has been carried out by the Slovak Association of Consumers, which confirms Eastern Europeans’ concerns.

What is the Commission doing to check the quality of not only food products but also other goods in order to ensure that goods of the same quality can be purchased throughout the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2012)

EU food and non-food product safety legislations are designed to ensure a high level of protection for human health whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. Member States play a key role in their implementation. Additional EU legislation imposes quality requirements on a number of specific products, e.g. fruit juice or jam.

Besides ensuring safety of products sold in Europe, the EU rules also aim to provide consumers with appropriate information. Through stringent requirements on food labelling, for example, the legislation ensures that consumers are fully informed as to the nature and characteristics of the food they consume. The composition of foodstuffs has to be clearly indicated in the ingredients list and the nature of the product has to be specified by name.

As long as products comply with legislation, differences in composition or quality may occur due to consumer preferences or purchasing power, technical specifications of production lines as well as availability and access to raw materials. Businesses operators decide how to position their products on national markets.

Two Commission communications, on a better functioning food supply chain from 2009 (183) and on E-commerce from 2012 (184), also set out actions aimed at increasing market transparency for consumers.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to the replies to Questions E‐04388/2011, E‐05055/2011, E‐05563/2011, E‐05756/2011, E‐09773/2011, E‐11053/2011 and E‐11349/2011 (185).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001582/12

à Comissão

Vital Moreira (S&D)

(9 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Aplicação do Acordo Ortográfico da Língua Portuguesa no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

Tendo verificado que o Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, na versão de língua portuguesa, mantém a grafia anterior à entrada em vigor, em janeiro de 2009, do novo Acordo Ortográfico de Língua Portuguesa, pergunto se e quando pretende a Comissão adotar nos textos oficiais a grafia resultante do mencionado Acordo?

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(30 de Março de 2012)

Em sintonia com a adoção por parte do Diário da República (jornal oficial português) da nova ortografia portuguesa, as instituições, os órgãos e os organismos da União, incluindo o Serviço das Publicações da União Europeia (OPOCE), decidiram aplicar o «Acordo Ortográfico da Língua Portuguesa» a partir de 1 de janeiro de 2012.

De facto, desde 1 de janeiro de 2012, os serviços de correção linguística do OPOCE aplicam o novo acordo em todos os documentos produzidos. No entanto, e tendo em conta a duração inerente ao processo de produção de certos documentos, não pôde evitar-se a coexistência da antiga e da nova ortografia durante um período inicial, o que explica que alguns dos números do Jornal Oficial publicados após 1 de janeiro do corrente ano contivessem ainda textos redigidos com base na antiga ortografia.

Para assegurar a transparência junto dos leitores do Jornal Oficial, o OPOCE incluiu informações a esse propósito nos números publicados no final de 2011.

As restantes publicações do OPOCE respeitam também a nova ortografia da língua portuguesa. Os conteúdos dos sítios Web estão a ser revistos com vista a integrarem as correções necessárias. O Código de Redação Interinstitucional, coordenado pelo OPOCE, estará brevemente disponível em linha com uma nova versão que aplica os princípios do novo acordo ortográfico.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001582/12

to the Commission

Vital Moreira (S&D)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Implementing the Portuguese Language Orthographic Agreement in the Official Journal of the European Union

I have ascertained that the Portuguese edition of the Official Journal is continuing to use the spelling pre-dating the entry into force of the new Portuguese Language Orthographic Agreement in January 2009. Can the Commission therefore say whether and when it intends to adopt the spelling resulting from this Agreement for official texts?

(Version française)

S'alignant sur le passage par le Diário da República (journal officiel portugais) à la nouvelle orthographe portugaise, les institutions, organes et organismes de l'Union, y compris l'Office des publications de l'Union européenne (OP), ont décidé d'appliquer l'«Acordo Ortográfico da Língua Portuguesa» à partir du 1er janvier 2012.

De fait, depuis le 1er janvier 2012, les services de correction linguistique de l'OP appliquent le nouvel accord dans tous les documents produits. Cependant, et compte tenu de la durée du processus de production de certains de ces documents, la coexistence de l'ancienne et de la nouvelle orthographe pendant une période initiale n'a pu être évitée, ce qui explique que quelques éditions du Journal officiel publiées après le 1er janvier contiennent encore des textes rédigés selon l'ancienne orthographe.

Pour assurer la transparence auprès des lecteurs du Journal officiel, l'OP a inclus dans les éditions de la fin 2011 une information à ce sujet.

Les autres publications éditées par l'OP respectent la nouvelle orthographe de la langue portugaise. Les sites web sont en cours de révision en vue d'y intégrer les corrections nécessaires. Le Code de rédaction interinstitutionnel, coordonné par l'OP, sera bientôt disponible en ligne dans une version qui applique les principes du nouvel accord.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001583/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(9 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Produção de combustíveis a partir de alimentos

Numa entrevista à Agência Lusa, uma consultora da Organização das Nações Unidas para a Alimentação e Agricultura (FAO) afirmou que considera «ridícula» a produção de biocombustíveis a partir de alimentos e defende a retirada de subsídios a esta indústria.

«É um uso ridículo para os alimentos quando há pessoas a morrer de fome», afirmou a especialista em mercado e diretora da Bolsa de Chicago.

A representante da FAO disse ainda que a utilização de alimentos para produzir combustíveis tem um impacto enorme na disponibilidade e nos preços, apontando casos como o dos Estados Unidos da América, onde 40 por cento do milho cultivado é usado em biocombustíveis.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Que avaliação faz a Comissão acerca da produção de combustíveis a partir de alimentos?

Existem, ou estão previstos no espaço comunitário, subsídios afetos a este tipo de indústria? Qual ou quais?

Resposta dada por Günther Oettinger em nome da Comissão

(11 de abril de 2012)

A Comissão considera que os biocombustíveis podem contribuir positivamente para os objetivos climáticos e energéticos da UE, caso todas as questões da sustentabilidade sejam corretamente abordadas. Um relatório recente da Comissão concluiu que os aumentos dos preços dos alimentos podem ter sido causados por uma série de fatores, que não apenas o aumento da produção de combustíveis (186). A Comissão irá acompanhar um certo número de questões ambientais e sociais relacionadas com a produção de biocombustíveis, incluindo segurança alimentar, e apresentará um relatório sobre as mesmas de dois em dois anos. O primeiro relatório bienal será publicado antes do final de 2012.

Há várias formas de subvenções que se aplicam aos biocombustíveis a nível da UE. As principais fontes para projetos de energia renovável a nível da UE são o Sétimo Programa‐Quadro de Investigação e o programa Energia Inteligente — Europa.

Os Fundos Estruturais e de Coesão oferecem possibilidades de financiamento para investimentos, mas a seleção dos projetos é da responsabilidade do Estado-Membro.

Finalmente, após sucessivas reformas da Política Agrícola Comum, a UE alinhou uma vasta proporção dos seus pagamentos diretos com as normas «caixa verde» da OMC de modo que esses pagamentos foram dissociados de qualquer tipo de produção. Esta mudança significa que os agricultores são livres de escolher o seu mercado que, naturalmente, pode incluir produção de matérias-primas para os biocombustíveis. Tal apoio não pode, por conseguinte, ser considerado como uma subvenção específica para a indústria de biocombustíveis.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001583/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Food-based fuel production

In an interview with the Portuguese news agency Lusa, a UN adviser attached to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has stated that she believes food-based biofuel production is ‘ridiculous’, and is defending the withdrawal of subsidies to that industry.

The market specialist and director of the Chicago Board of Trade has stated that ‘this is a ridiculous way for food to be used when there are people dying of hunger’.

The FAO representative also said that food-based fuel production has an enormous impact on availability and prices, and gave examples of cases such as that of the US, where 40 % of the maize grown is used in biofuels.

In view of the above:

How does the Commission view food-based fuel production?

Are there currently EU subsidies available for this kind of industry, or are there plans for such subsidies? Which ones?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2012)

The Commission believes that biofuels can make a positive contribution toward the EU's climate and energy objectives, if all sustainability issues are properly addressed. A recent report from the Commission's concluded that the increase s in food prices were likely to have been caused by a number of factors other than just increasing biofuels production (187). The Commission will monitor a number of environmental and social issues related to the production of biofuels, including food security, and report on them every second year. The first biennial report will be published before the end of 2012.

Several forms of subsidies at EU level apply to biofuels. The main sources for renewable energy research projects at the EU level are the Seventh Framework Programme and the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.

The Structural and Cohesion Funds offer funding possibilities for investment, but the selection of projects is the responsibility of the Member State.

Finally, following successive reforms of the CAP, the EU has aligned the vast bulk of its direct payments with WTO ‘green box rules’ such that these payments have been de-linked from any type of production. This in turn means that farmers are free to choose their market outlet, which of course can include biofuel feedstock production. Hence such support cannot be considered as a specific subsidy to the biofuel industry.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001587/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(9 de Fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Violação da lei da proteção de dados

Segundo notícia publicada na imprensa espanhola, uma empresa de telecomunicações, através do seu site da internet, revela identidades introduzindo apenas um número de telefone fixo. Dados como a morada, o nome do proprietário e até contas do facebook passam a estar disponíveis a qualquer pessoa que aceda ao site da empresa.

A notícia acrescenta ainda que esta informação é disponibilizada sem o consentimento prévio dos visados.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(12 de abril de 2012)

A Comissão está consciente dos riscos relacionados com os serviços de pesquisa da morada a partir de um número de telefone. Tal como mencionado no artigo 6.° da Diretiva 95/46, os dados de caráter pessoal devem ser «Objeto de um tratamento leal e lícito», … «Recolhidos para finalidades determinadas, explícitas e legítimas», … «Adequados, pertinentes e não excessivos relativamente às finalidades para que são recolhidos e para que são tratados posteriormente».

A Diretiva 2002/58/CE (188) estabelece, no seu artigo 12.°, que o fornecedor de listas públicas deve informar os assinantes antes de serem nelas inscritos, em particular no que diz respeito à função de pesquisa inversa. O assinante tem o direito de decidir se os seus dados devem ou não constar de listas públicas. A não inscrição numa lista pública é gratuita. Os Estados-Membros podem exigir que seja solicitado o consentimento adicional dos assinantes para qualquer utilização de uma lista pública que não seja para a mera busca dos elementos de contacto das pessoas com base no nome e, quando necessário, num número limitado de outros dados.

Sem prejuízo dos poderes da Comissão enquanto guardiã dos tratados, a supervisão e a aplicação da legislação sobre a proteção de dados é da responsabilidade das autoridades competentes, em particular das autoridades de proteção de dados, que para Espanha é a «Agencia Española de Protección de Datos ». A Comissão não tem competência para verificar a conformidade do tratamento de dados, nem para investigar possíveis violações ou impor sanções.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-001587/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(9 February 2012)

Subject: Violation of data protection law

It has been reported in the Spanish press that a telecommunications company is revealing the identity of people using its website when their fixed telephone number is entered. Data including the address, the name of the owner and even Facebook accounts are available to anyone who accesses the company website.

It is further reported that this information is provided without the prior consent of those concerned.